Archive

  • Now they're recycling roads

    REUSING the gravel scraped off road surfaces during repaving work could save taxpayers more than £1m over the next five years. Worcestershire County Council highways department and highways maintenance contractor Ringways want to set up waste recycling

  • Single lane on bypass could be permanent

    MAJOR safety works are to be carried out on a stretch of the Droitwich bypass after separate crashes at the same spot inside two hours which left one man dead and another injured. The A38 has been the focus of a major road safety investigation since the

  • Tell police if you're offered bacon

    FOOD outlets are being warned to be on the alert for offers of 'back bacon' after a £30,000 insulated van containing meat valued at thousands of pounds was stolen from Evesham. Thieves loaded bacon from a second vehicle, a red Mercedes, into a white Scania

  • Wanted: Barking dogs for TV show

    HELP is at hand for pet-owners being driven mad by their out-of-control, barking dogs as producers of a programme on canine obedience look for animals to take part. Hot on the heels of the Channel Four hit series It's Me Or The Dog, a second series of

  • Bid to beat vandals and save play area

    ANGRY Droitwich residents are campaigning to save a town play area which has become an occasional haunt for vandals and drug users. Residents have been left saddened by the news that Spa Housing Association plans to demolish the rundown equipment in Vines

  • Holiday that ended with death of a motorcyclist

    A FOREIGN holiday had a horrible ending for a man who was driving home from the airport when he was in a head-on collision with a motorcyclist who later died. Martin Lewis, of Acorn Cottage, Bircher, near Leominster, told a Hereford inquest."I was driving

  • What's On

    l TONIGHT: Kidderminster: Library - Simon Deeley Trio with Trevor Emeny. Birmingham: Marriott Hotel - Lupa. Worcester: Huntington Hall - Juan Martin. Stourbridge: Broadway Inn - Whole Lotta DC. Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2 - The Really Hot Chilli Peppers

  • Dive in to raise cash

    WYRE Forest swimmers have been invited to exert some energy in a bid to boost the funds of a children's charity. People of all abilities can take the plunge and add their support to Swimathon 2006, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, at Stourport

  • Shop's future unclear

    THE future of Kidderminster's Scope shop is uncertain following the announcement that 50 of the charity's 300 shops are set to close, due to a predicted £10 million deficit. It is yet to be decided which stores will close but a spokesman for the disability

  • Son tells inquest of dad's depression after job loss

    AN inquest has been opened into the death of a 54-year-old man found hanging at his home in Far Forest. Kelvin Cockram, of Oakleaf Rise, was thought to have spiralled into a state of depression after he lost his job as an alarm engineer for Romec, an

  • 19/1/06 - Trueman returns to Warriors team

    GARY Trueman will make his first appearance in a Warriors shirt for 12 weeks tomorrow in a game the club must win to guarantee progress in Europe. Trueman has not played since the end of October but has recovered from ankle surgery and will start on the

  • 19/1/06 - England calling for duo

    WARRIORS skipper Pat Sanderson has been named in a 36-man training squad for England's Six Nations campaign. The 28-year-old flanker was one of the stars of England's autumn Test Series but has not played since before Christmas because of a back injury

  • Family link to clock

    A KIDDERMINSTER man belie-ves his great-great-grandfather made a 19th century clock, which is going on show at Bewdley Museum. The timepiece, featured in the Shuttle/Times & News, was made by Joseph Young, who had premises in High Street, Load Street

  • Estate plans turned down

    CHADDESLEY Corbett residents have spoken of their relief at the rejection of plans for an affordable housing estate in the village. The proposal by Nexus Midlands H.A., for 15 residential units, a new road and parking at the Allotment Gardens site, was

  • Have a say on heritage sites

    STOURPORT residents are being given the chance to have their say on what buildings should make it on to a list aimed at safeguarding the town's heritage. Wyre Forest District Council placed around 200 structures, including pubs, churches and houses, on

  • It's a coming of age for the baby boomers

    AS TIFFANY was belting out her latest hit, new romantics were making way for the acid house revolution and women were desperate for the latest poodle perm and ra-ra skirt, a bumper crop of babies were being born across Worcestershire in what was the baby

  • Dairy man's prize is the seeds of success

    DAIRY farmer Tony Reed's long term aim of increasing the value of his South Warwickshire Withycombe Holstein herd received an unexpected boost when he won £1,000 of semen selected from any of the North American and European sire breeding programmes available

  • Greased Lightnin'

    FAST cars, hot girls and blistering rock and roll. No it's not the latest edition of Max Power magazine, it's the brilliant production of Grease which is currently packing them in at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre. The show starts off in top gear and

  • School test we should all be sitting

    TODAY'S school results make interesting reading but also pose some fundamental questions about our society. While it gives us great pleasure to announce the incredible achievements of teachers and pupils at private schools across the two counties, we

  • House of Cards star Ian in tense drama

    ACTOR Ian Richardson is perhaps best known for his sinister and stunning portrayal of Machiavellian politician Francis Urquhart in the House Of Cards trilogy for the BBC. He comes to Malvern Theatres next month with The Creeper, a tense and dangerous

  • A funny thing happened on the way...

    A FUNNY Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum is a truly hilarious farce, partly scripted by one of the writers for MASH and the inspiration for the wonderful TV series Up Pompeii. It is set in Rome in 200 BC and boasts a host of colourful characters

  • Celebrations at historic 30-acre park

    THIS year marks the 400th anniversary of Spetchley Park's ownership by the Berkeley family. It was first purchased by Rowland Berkeley in 1606 and much of the landscape today - including parts of the garden and the magnificent deer park, which has its

  • Motor-racing

    KIDDERMINSTER'S Nathan Freke has cranked his motor-racing career into overdrive by securing the top drive in the new National Formula Ford Duratec series for 2006. Negotiations for Freke to drive for the Jamun Racing Team, the 2005 British Formula Ford

  • Holders make a McLean getaway

    ANOTHER injury time gut-wrencher from Grays Athletic wrecked Mark Yates's Harriers homecoming as Kidderminster crashed out of the FA Trophy. Having held the holders for 90 minutes the Aggborough men looked to be heading for a replay down in Essex on Tuesday

  • Basketball

    KIDDERMINSTER Cobras overcame Great Barr Lasers in an unusually low-scoring Midlands Premier Division 53-29 victory after racing into an early lead. Some brilliant baseline passing from man of the match Martin Usherwood, who combined well with Mark Bonshor

  • Trivia

    THE Trivia League saw Woodcolliers keep up their 100 per cent record in the Bewdley section, while Wyre Forest leaders Hare and Hounds pulled clear after beating nearest rivals Black Boy. Rose and Crown maintained a slender lead at the top of the Stourport

  • Yates issues a stern warning

    KIDDERMINSTER boss Mark Yates has settled into the Harriers hotseat by issuing a stern warning to managers trying to poach his best players. Much of the new manager's first week in the job has been spent trying to fend off suitors for Mark Jackson, Iyseden

  • Badminton

    WORCESTERSHIRE Schools Badminton Association is holding its Under 17s Championships on January 29 at Droitwich High School. The event will include girls and boys singles and doubles and is open to players aged 14-16. For more information phone Derinda

  • Table tennis

    ENGLAND starlet Gemma Chapman won her three games to help second-placed Harriers A force a draw against leaders Jims Gym A in Division One of the Kidderminster Table Tennis League. Division One: Jims Gym B 7, Franche 3; R.B Iron 6, Harriers 4; Harriers

  • "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

  • Bike stolen

    A QUAD bike, worth £3,000, was stolen from a Stourport car park on Sunday. The black SMC Quadzilla Stinger 250cc was taken from outside the Old Crown Inn, Bridge Street between 5pm and 5.50pm. Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact

  • Drink driving figures gloom

    THE police force covering Wyre Forest has stressed too many people were still drink driving after announcing the number of people caught during the festive period remained about the same as the previous year. West Mercia Constabulary concentrated on the

  • Moorlands Farm

    Wednesday Open, 14 fished, rover, all pools: Nigel Anderson, Gloucester, 60-4-0 (Middle 2), Andy Newton, Shimanu Tipton, 56-0-0 (Island 13), Jon Cook, Angling 2000, 35-8-0 (Meadow 59). Thursday Cost Cutter, 14 fished, rover, all pools: Mal Watson, Daiwa

  • Two jailed for fight in street

    TWO Kidderminster men who took part in a fight outside a takeaway food outlet have been jailed. Judge John Cavell told the pair at Worcester Crown Court that the public were "fed up" with young men getting the worse for drink and indulging in street violence

  • False imprisonment charge

    TWO women have appeared at Worcester Crown Court on a charge of falsely imprisoning a man. Stacey Stoten, 21, of Derwent House, Hurcott Road, Kidderminster, and Gemma Peach, 19, of Little Hill, Droitwich, were remanded on bail. They will return to court

  • Mixed afternoon for two-goal top scorer

    Aylesbury Utd 2, Evesham Utd 2 RICHARD Ball was back to his brilliant best - and his worrying worst - last Saturday, writes Mervyn Collins. Evesham's chief goal getter banged in a couple of beauties, had another wiped out for offside, missed a penalty

  • Dog mess plea

    PLEASE, could all dog walkers do the responsible thing and tidy up after their pooches' poopies. It is not only an offence to let them foul the pavement and not clear up, but it is also disgusting, unsightly and unhealthy. On the short walk to school

  • Willis Bund AC

    The annual general meeting will be held on Wednesday at the Eagles Nest 8pm

  • Pair on the move after shoot-out

    A TRIO of Stratford and District Alliance knockout matches ended in draws with two of them being decided from the penalty spot. Halfords and Quinton shared six goals in the Aquaid Division One League Cup before the latter progressed after a 3-2 shoot-out

  • Cinema staff praise

    I WOULD like to express my appreciation to the staff of Kidderminster's Warehouse Cinema on December 27. They stopped the film (The Chronicles of Narnia) and removed about six trouble-makers, who were doing their best to spoil the film for the rest of

  • Tomkinsons AC

    Results from contest fished on Lyttelton Waters (54-79): Ralph Harris 1-1-0, M Carey 0-8-0, E McKeown 0-7-8, R. Bastable 0-7-0). Next contest Sunday February 5 on Canal at Caunsall, Bridges 26 -27.

  • Keeper stars in Littleton win

    Littleton 3, Northfield Tn 0 IN FRONT of a good-sized crowd, Littleton kept their recent good run going when they beat Saturday's second in the table visitors. Town had only lost two league games prior to this defeat but on the day the hosts were worthy

  • Marks Tackle

    Stourport, River Severn, 34 pegs: M Nicholls 3-9-0 - (PGO Marks Tackle), M Stybol 3-0-0 - (P47 Good Intent), S Braithwaite 2-15-0 (PGI Bromsgrove), D Weir 2-8-0 (Gloucs P83), P Cook 2-2-8 - (P86 Marks Tackle).

  • Hugs after taking case to tribunal

    AN Evesham horticultural nursery owner has successfully opposed compensation claims by his former general manager after they fell out following a clash over holidays. Mr Steven Jacobs of The Elms, Throckmorton, told a Birmingham employment tribunal he

  • Black Boy AC

    The first match of 2006 is at Woodside Top Pool. Meet at Strawberry Pool 8am on Sunday February 22.

  • Laura has story to tell

    A TEENAGER from Ashton-under-Hill has scooped a prestigious literary prize with a gripping short story. Laura Cottrell won the Susie Frearson prize for 2005/2006 given by the Rank Foundation for her story, The Voyage. The student from Malvern Girls' College

  • Thanks - children enjoyed their gifts

    I AM writing on behalf of all the children who received an extra gift at Christmas as a result of the Shuttle/Times and News Christmas Tree Appeal. More than 400 children received gifts, which were distributed by Home-Start Wyre Forest and other local

  • Falling numbers see WIs reunited after 60 years

    TWO Women's' Institutes which went their separate ways at the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 have reunited after more than 60 years. With both the Hill and Moor and Fladbury WIs losing members, officials decided it was time to reunite. The new

  • Having your say on health issues

    WORCESTERSHIRE residents are invited to have their say on health issues. Worcestershire County Council's Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee, are drawing up new plans for 2006, to help make improvements in the health service where needed and are asking

  • Seeing red over those blue lights

    SIR - How pathetic are the police? Instead of going after the criminals they hound the motorists. I've got two small blue sidelights on my car, bought from a motorist shop nearly three years ago. The other day at 4.10pm I was followed into a car park.

  • Residents want gipsies moved

    WYCHAVON District Council is dragging its heels over a group of gipsies who have been occupying a layby in Cropthorne - according to residents. A site off the Pershore to Evesham Road, has been occupied by two caravans since early November. Residents

  • Lining up the Race for Life

    CANCER Research UK's Race for Life, supported by Tesco, will be arriving in Evesham in June. This year will be the fourth time Evesham will host the event and Cancer Research UK has been delighted by the support and commitment in the past, with Evesham

  • Kidderminster Carolians

    KIDDERMINSTER Carolians showed their best form for a while in the first half of their 38-12 friendly win over Dudley Kingswinford seconds. Despite fielding a fairly strong side including ex-Marlpool Lane men Neil Shillingford and Leyton Wilkinson, DKs

  • Preece bags slick striker

    WORCESTER City have strengthened their artillery with the signing of Forest Green Rovers striker Mark Danks. Stourbridge-based Danks checked in at St George's Lane after scoring five goals in seven games during a month's loan spell at Cirencester Town

  • Trueman returns to Warriors team

    GARY Trueman will make his first appearance in a Warriors shirt for 12 weeks tomorrow in a game the club must win to guarantee progress in Europe. Trueman has not played since the end of October but has recovered from ankle surgery and will start on the

  • Award for Neil

    FORMER Worcester prop Neil Lyman was honoured at the annual Rugby Writers' Dinner. The ex-fireman was given a services to rugby award for his contribution to the game which he retired from last season. Lyman also played for Moseley and Kidderminster before

  • Worcester start second half in style

    WORCESTER Ladies began the second round of league fixtures with an emphatic 38-5 win at Henley. The result leaves them in third position in the Premier League table. Last time the two teams met, in the opening game of the season, Worcester dominated Henley

  • Worcester pipped to post in home thriller

    A GOAL in the last seconds of their game against North Stafford snatched a well-deserved point from Worcester Men's Firsts' grasp. The Coaching Solutions League Midlands Division One game, which was long-serving captain Ian Ewers' last for the club, ended

  • Joinery firm joins in with donation

    IT's hats off to a Kidderminster joinery and carpentry firm which has dipped into its charity coffers to help Operation Covert. Howden's Joinery Limited, based in Worcester Road, has pledged £300 after reading about the appeal in the Shuttle/Times &

  • Wyre Forest

    OPEN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ASSOCIATION - It is hoped to re-start the Kidderminster branch of this association, so all current and potential Open University students are invited to a meeting at the Corn Exchange public house, Kidderminster, on Saturday,

  • Wyre Forest

    WEST MIDLAND BIRD CLUB - The arranged speaker for the Kidderminster branch's Christmas social was unable to attend due to illness, but wildlife photographer Mike Wilkes stepped in to give an insight into the lengths he would go to, and the patience required

  • Hartlebury

    HARTLEBURY HISTORY SOCIETY - John Pinnick will give a talk on "The History of Royal Worcester Porcelain" tonight at 7.30pm, at Hartlebury village hall.

  • Chaddesley

    CHADDESLEY CORBETT WI - Sheila Spence was the January speaker, on "Mushroom Magic - The Toadstool Trail". She illustrated many types of fungi, relating the myths and legends surrounding them. Mrs Spence said many mushrooms and other fungi found in Britain

  • And all that jazz

    COME and join the journey through jazz as interpreted by this stunning team of singers and dancers. Lead by the versatile vocal talent of Mark Rattray, the cast will razzle dazzle with their exciting renditions of jazz and popular favourites. And That's

  • Tribute to U2

    FORGET about seeing your rock idols as tiny specks on an arena stage or outside the studios of Top of The Pops! U2UK have heart, passion, drive, excitement and charisma by the bucket load. Those are just some of the qualities that are helping them to

  • Bewdley

    BEWDLEY AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - On Wednesday, February 1, John and Linda Iles will give at talk on "Living at Unclly's Farm - an experiment in sustainable living and farming". The annual meeting will precede the talk, which will start at

  • Astley

    ASTLEY WI - At the first meeting of the new year, Mike Jones gave a talk on "Beekeeping and Honey", assisted by his wife, Olga. The next meeting will be on February 1 at 7.30pm in Astley village hall, when there will be a talk on traditional acupuncture

  • Wren is one of Britain's unsung hedgerow heroes

    January is a good time to take a look at our native resident birds. Nature reserves like Burlish Top can be a great place to go. The open heathland surrounded by dense scrub and woodland is excellent habitat. Keep an eye out for the various members of

  • Dairy farmers are going solo

    MORE dairy farmers than ever are considering processing their own milk, judging by a spate of inquiries received by the Milk Development Council. In response to the interest in marketing added-value produce such as locally/regionally branded milk, dairy

  • Vandals put club off road

    VANDALS branded as "despicable" have forced a Kidderminster disabled people's club's ambulance - used for emergencies and to transport wheelchair users to meetings - off the road after smashing its lights. The charitable group, Kidderminster and District

  • Villager angry at 'unfair' funding

    A CONCERNED Wolverley resident is pressing for better funding for rural communities. Villager, Nigel Addison, is calling for Wyre Forest District Council to revise its proposed plans for 2006/07, to include greater financial support for small parish projects

  • Help to cope with teenage troubles

    PARENTS are being offered advice on how to meet the challenge of dealing with their teenage children's growing pains. Relate - the relationship support organisation - is running a course called "Riding the Storm", covering the subject, in Kidderminster

  • Parking plans backed

    BEWDLEY's Dog Lane car park is to be extended after plans were approved by a Wyre Forest District Council committee. The proposal, considered by the planning (development control) committee on Tuesday last week, was to increase the number of car parking

  • January 19, 2006

    JUST after the Health Committee report and amendment to the Health Bill, which have achieved a free vote for Government MPs on a total ban on smoking in public places, the optimism for success has received a setback. There is a risk that an amendment

  • Car parks revamped

    CAR parks at Blackstone Picnic Place and Blackstone Riverside Park, near Bewdley, have been upgraded. Potholes have been filled in by Worcestershire County Council's countryside service, with the riverside park car park also given a new layout.

  • Hidden town garden set to be extended

    COUNCILLORS are looking to extend the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens in Bewdley. Wyre Forest District Council leader and Bewdley town councillor, Stephen Clee, is working with Worcestershire county councillor, John Campion, to explore the possibility

  • Scheme to benefit schools

    IT might be bleak midwinter but a host of cricket clubs are already preparing for a challenging summer. One hundred clubs throughout England and Wales have been selected to carry forward the Chance to Shine project, which aims to rejuvenate competitive

  • One short

    ASHTON are looking for one more team to make up this year's entries for their midweek Jack Grove Mem-orial League. Interested teams are asked to contact Jason Haines on 01242 700 016 or e-mail hainesjason-@yahoo.com Matches are played on Wednesday evenings

  • Rise in tax on second homes

    THE council tax discounts received by second homeowners in Warwickshire could be slashed from 50 per cent to 10. Bidford and county councillors Peter Barnes and Daren Pemberton for the Liberal Democrats attended a meeting at Stratford District Council

  • 19/1/06 - Comeback is not too far away now

    ONE more week of hard training and I should be ready to play again! I might have gone to Montpellier but I think another full week of training will put me in a better state than just playing 20 minutes rugby over there. I am pretty much pain-free now

  • Author Marion's love affair with town

    WRITER Marion Freeman has lived in Pershore for 33 years but is still, in her own words, "very much a foreigner". However, her arrival in the town in 1972 signalled the start of a love affair which has seen her serve as town mayor during a brief career

  • 999 wasters put lives in danger

    THERE was no doubting the panic in the voice of the caller who had dialled 999 for the ambulance control room. But his "plight" staggered the normally unflappable staff at the headquarters of the Hereford and Worcester service - he wanted an ambulance

  • Golf results

    Chipping Norton Results - Ladies Committee Cup: 1 Jenny Reynolds 34pts; 2 Thelma Mawle 33; 3 Pauline Walker 29. Men's Winter League: 1 Phil Roberts & Trevor Eastabrook 43pts; 2 Frank Eden & Gary Bennet 42 (cb); 3 Matt Johnson & Tim Reynolds

  • Friends help Tenbury hospital

    TENBURY League of Friends has been so successful in its fund-raising efforts that state-of-the-art equipment has been bought to benefit patients at the town's Community Hospital. A new bladder scanner was presented to Dr Angus Thomson, consultant in obstetrics

  • Theatre offers something for all tastes

    THE new season at Kidderminster's Rose Theatre will kick off on Monday, January 30 promising plenty of comedy, drama and music. Resident theatre company, The Nonentities, will present Billy Liar, by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall, which charts Billy's

  • Jack the lad to land a leveller

    Shipston 12, Evesham U-11 12pts THE opening quarter belonged to Shipston attack as Evesham's backs displayed great determination to keep out the opposition. Evesham went on to compete well around the field but they continued to struggle in the line-outs

  • Early scores set tone for loss

    Evesham U12 0, Shipston 56pts A COUPLE of early converted tries sent a clear message to the Evesham team that they were in a for a difficult morning. However, they started to get into the game although Andrew Toms, Scott Coulson, Tristan Walsh, Edward

  • Youngsters reeling after a Shipston second half salvo

    Evesham U-14 19pts, Shipston 39 SUNDAY saw a meeting of two evenly matched teams but a strong start by the home side took the visitors by surprise as they spread the ball out wide at the earliest opportunity to put Matt Phillips through on the wing to

  • Railways a mess

    SIR - What a mess the railways are in. The Government keeps telling us how much money they've spent on them on our behalf but the railway companies have put up their prices way beyond inflation. JOHN SHEARON, Worcester.

  • Dougie's delight after switch

    Evesham Jubilee Society LAST weekend's Severn match was transferred to The Fishery when the banks were declared unsafe although the river was in good condition. Dougie Smith emerged the winner to lift the Charles Thom-pson Cup after netting chub, carp

  • Hospital attackers should be birched

    SIR - It seems our hospital staff have to suffer at least four attacks a week by louts. Every one caught should have their name and photograph published. If staff are injured, the miscreants should be birched R PARTRIDGE, Worcester.

  • Alcoholic punched man in face

    AN alcoholic hit a man walking home in Pershore before apologising and then punching him again, attacking another passer-by shortly afterwards. Thirty-three-year-old Peter Swinbourne punched Peter Thoms in the face in an unprovoked attack as he was walking

  • Mystery over store

    MYSTERY surrounds the closure of a Kidderminster furniture store, owned by former Harriers footballer, Richie Appleby. Applebee Interiors, based in Green Street, opened in February last year but, less than a year later, it has closed its doors to the

  • Closure brought forward

    ONE of Kidderminster's largest stores has closed its doors to the public - two months earlier than planned. Littlewoods, in Worcester Street, closed on Saturday, January 7 after selling off fixtures and fittings and other retail equipment as part of a

  • Unsafe 'eyesore' repaired

    FOLLOWING months of tireless campaigning, a dilapidated wall and much-criticised "eyesore" in Kidderminster is being repaired. Wyre Forest district Conservative councillor, Arthur Buckley, responsible for Habberley and Blakebrook, had been inundated with

  • Villages prepare for Sully's return

    CLUBS competing in this summer's npower Village Cup will have to overcome former winners Sully Centurions if they are to taste success at Lord's in September, writes Mervyn Collins. The Welsh club who defeated Exhall and Wixford in 2004 have been allowed

  • Talented Cali lines up Oxbridge place

    TWO talented students from a Kidderminster school are geared up to attend Oxbridge colleges this autumn. Cali Taylor, 17, has been offered a place to study natural sciences at Churchill College in Cambridge after she completes her A-levels. John Haycock

  • League holds AGM

    THERE promises to be a lengthy night of discussion when the Cotswold Hills Cricket League stages its annual general meeting at Harvington CC on Wednesday, February 22. Proposed changes in rules affecting league constitution, playing regulations, child

  • Scheme to benefit schools

    IT might be bleak midwinter but a host of cricket clubs are already preparing for a challenging summer. One hundred clubs throughout England and Wales have been selected to carry forward the Chance to Shine project, which aims to rejuvenate competitive

  • Motorbike rider's death an accident

    A BEWDLEY motorcyclist who died following a head-on collision with a car was in "the wrong place at the wrong time", an inquest heard. Dean Peplow, 38, of Load Street, was involved in the accident with a Volvo being driven by Martin Lewis, on the A456

  • Woeful Workies weary after Bear's barrage

    THE Bear moved back into Division One title contention in the Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League with an emphatic triumph at Evesham WMC. The Workies scored through David Thomas but the visitors responded with trebles from Greenwood and Sollis and

  • Early goal sparks rout

    Pershore 9, Aston University 1 A LATE start to Saturday's Coaching Solutions Division Two clash necessitated a shortened game but this seemed to inspire Pershore to a quick start. Within 90 seconds, a well-worked short corner between James Hughes, Rob

  • Smith strikes to claim win

    Bloxwich II 1, Pershore II 2 THE visitors came out of the blocks with a bang and displayed a determination and fluency in their play that shows they are eager to push for a promotion place. Pershore passed the ball at pace and used their wingers to great

  • D-day for farm pair

    D-DAY has arrived for two battling Pensax farmers who have refused to allow their cattle to be slaughtered after they tested positive for bovine TB. Margaret Booton and Samantha Qureshi were due in court today to plead for the eight cows - six of which

  • Snell pulls strings

    Pershore III 57, Evesham IV 10pts PERSHORE eventually ran away with Sat-urday's game against a spirited Evesham side who kept going right to the final whistle. The first half was a close-fought affair with both sides scoring early Pershore through an

  • Think before 999 calls

    WYRE Forest residents have been urged to think before they call 999 after the ambulance service covering the district announced a record number of calls last month. Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service made the plea after recording its busiest ever

  • Largest field set for national event

    BRITAIN'S leading skittles event, the Blackthorn British Championships, promises to be bigger and better this year. In its third year, the BBSC, organised by the Shoot Out Club, is likely to attract its lar-gest entry yet and, with a first prize of £1000

  • Schools boost performance

    ALMOST all of Wyre Forest's state schools boosted aspects of their performances in the last round of GCSE or A-level exams, according to official figures published today. Kidderminster's Baxter College and Stourport High School made the biggest improvement

  • College chief slams tables

    KIDDERMINSTER College's principal has slammed the Government and claimed the information in the league tables is "misleading". Andrew Miller criticised Westminster's decision to delay including figures that show how well students' education improved when

  • Tenbury overcome a poor start to secure Vase victory

    Tenbury 44 pts Stourport 16 AFTER a poor start, Tenbury gradually improved and eventually ran in seven tries to record a comfortable win over local rivals Stourport in the first round of the North Midlands Vase at Palmer's Meadow. The home side was punished

  • Air your views on budget

    WYRE Forest residents are being invited to have their say on this year's district budget plans. Each year, Wyre Forest District Council sets its budget, taking into account Government grant and requirements for council tax levels. The cabinet, responsible

  • Comic Jim promises plenty of laughs

    COMEDIAN Jim Davidson will present his adult stand-up show Full On Live at the Glades Arena on Tuesday. He recently received the Showbusiness Personality of the Year Award from the Variety Club of Great Britain, the Grand Order of Water Rats and Comic

  • Feast of jazz

    TRADITIONAL live jazz at the Aggborough Suite is now entering its 11th year and the spring season is under way. Aggborough Jazz Club will welcome a host of bands, beginning with the Old Fashioned Love Band, on Monday, January 30. It will be followed by

  • Painter gets first home exhibition

    A KIDDERMINSTER artist who has gathered inspiration from local scenery and mountains in the Lake District will be displaying his work in the town's library next month. James Hall's exhibition - A Love of Lakes and Landscapes - will be open on Saturday

  • Concert to help tsunami survivors

    A CONCERT to raise money to help children in Sri Lanka who were caught up in the Asian tsunami disaster will be staged at Kidderminster Town Hall. The Band of the West Mercia Constabulary, the Kidderminster Valentines and the Kidderminster Male Choir

  • 19/1/06 - Preece bags slick striker

    WORCESTER City have strengthened their artillery with the signing of Forest Green Rovers striker Mark Danks. Stourbridge-based Danks checked in at St George's Lane after scoring five goals in seven games during a month's loan spell at Cirencester Town

  • Darts results

    Birdseye Sports Evesham and District Ladies League Division One: Long Lartin B 5, Evesham WMC 5; Golden Cross 5, Horse & Hounds 5; Coach & Horses 6, New Inn 4; Littleton BC 3, Sun Nomads 8. Division Two: Corner Cupboard 5, Avon SC 5; Beckford

  • Tougher on return

    MEMBERS of Evesham Whe-elers rode out to Wootton Wa-wen last Sunday aided by a stiff tailwind. The riders passed through Bid-ford, Long Marston and Welford before heading out to through Wilmcote, Bearley Cross and on to Wootton for coffee. The return

  • Latest crib league news

    Evesham and District League Results - Division One: Bretforton RBL 8 (2), Coach & Horses 1 (1). Division Two: Masons Arms 8 (1), Angel Vaults B 1 (2). Secretary's results in brackets. Knockout Cup semi-finals: Crown & Trumpet 4, Bridge Inn 5;

  • Dominoes details

    Vale of Evesham League Results - Division One: Ivy 3, Talbot 6; Queens Head 4, Swan 5; Evesham WMC 4, Angel B 5; Ambassador 4, Bretforton RBL 5. Division Two: Golden Cross 9, Dug Out 0; Angel 6, Railway Club 3; Horse & Hounds 7, Chestnut Club 2; Cider

  • Largest field set for national event

    BRITAIN'S leading skittles event, the Blackthorn British Championships, promises to be bigger and better this year. In its third year, the BBSC, organised by the Shoot Out Club, is likely to attract its lar-gest entry yet and, with a first prize of £1000

  • Your boss is to blame for work stress

    DESPITE heavy workloads, unreasonable clients and high pressure environments, bad bosses and colleagues have been cited as the main cause of stress at work. According to a recent survey from Monster UK, almost 50 per cent of Brits blame their bosses for

  • Brick firm is helping environment

    BAGGERIDGE'S brick factory in Hartlebury has received national recognition for improving its business performance while aiding the environment It has been re-accredited to the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), the only brick manufacturer in the

  • The godfather of British jazz

    INTERNATIONALLY renowned jazz pianist, composer and arranger, Stan Tracey is generally regarded as one of Britain's greatest living jazz musicians. His career spans over 40 years, and entrenches back to the formative days of modern jazz in this country

  • 19/1/06 - Weekend county football fixtures

    SATURDAY WORCESTER & DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division: Hallow WMC v Lamb & Flag (M Bullock); Hanley Swan v Tolladine Sports (N Canning); Pershore Manor Rovers v Martley Spurs (J Williams); Powick v Welland Athletic (N Jeynes). Division One: Goodrest

  • £100 for finding the Mayor's pet duck

    THE MAYOR of Worcester has offered a £100 reward to anyone who knows where his beloved pet duck may be - despite initial fears his feathered friend had fallen victim to a fox. Coun Aubrey Tarbuck now believes his pet drake Henry could have been duck-napped

  • Wonderful news about schools

    RE: Alderman Knight and Belmont Schools. Having a grandson at Alderman Knight School in Tewkesbury and the wonderful news that our special needs are safe now that Gloucestershire County Council's Schools Organisation Committee sat on January 10, I want

  • New centre for the new century

    A NEW Leisure Centre provides a wonderful opportunity for Evesham to acquire an outstanding 21st Century asset for the area. I hope that a cross party consensus of local councillors will make sure of that, right from the start of planning. I envisage

  • Award for community-minded youths

    A GROUP of young people in a Vale village has won a prestigious award for its attempts to improve life for all youngsters in the village. Its efforts are due to be recognised tonight with the presentation of a Tryangle Award from Worcestershire County

  • Pianist's work from the era of Elizabeth I

    SHARONA Joshua will perform an evening of Queen Elizabeth I virginals tomorrow (Friday) evening at Leominster's Lion Ballroom. Sharona was born in Haifa, Israel and began playing the piano at the age of five. She won the Haifa Conservatory piano competition

  • Theatre

    Swan, Worcester - Mother Goose, until Saturday. The Wild Party, until Saturday. Alexandra, Birmingham - Grease, until January 28. MAC, Birmingham - Tartuffe, Wednesday until January 28. Hippodrome, Birmingham - Peter Pan, until January 29. Grand, Wolverhampton

  • Dairy man's prize is the seeds of success

    DAIRY farmer Tony Reed's long term aim of increasing the value of his South Warwickshire Withycombe Holstein herd received an unexpected boost when he won £1,000 of semen selected from any of the North American and European sire breeding programmes available

  • Magical show for all the family

    A FAMILY show is being brought to the Vale by NTC Touring Company. The group is visiting Ashton-under-Hill on Friday, January 27, with its family show Alex, The Warrior and the Winter Star, written by Ann Coburn. The show is part of Worcestershire's acclaimed

  • House of Cards star Ian in tense drama

    ACTOR Ian Richardson is perhaps best known for his sinister and stunning portrayal of Machiavellian politician Francis Urquhart in the House Of Cards trilogy for the BBC. He comes to Malvern Theatres next month with The Creeper, a tense and dangerous

  • Wealth of winter warmers at hall

    THIS winter's entertainment programme is sure to set temperatures soaring as some of the country's finest performers come to Cheltenham. Amongst this season's stellar line-up are the world's biggest tribute act - The Bootleg Beatles, comedic star of The

  • Tribute to U2

    FORGET about seeing your rock idols as tiny specks on an arena stage or outside the studios of Top of The Pops! U2UK have heart, passion, drive, excitement and charisma by the bucket load. Those are just some of the qualities that are helping them to

  • Dairy farmers are going solo

    MORE dairy farmers than ever are considering processing their own milk, judging by a spate of inquiries received by the Milk Development Council. In response to the interest in marketing added-value produce such as locally/regionally branded milk, dairy

  • Theatre offers something for all tastes

    THE new season at Kidderminster's Rose Theatre will kick off on Monday, January 30 promising plenty of comedy, drama and music. Resident theatre company, The Nonentities, will present Billy Liar, by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall, which charts Billy's

  • Comic Jim promises plenty of laughs

    COMEDIAN Jim Davidson will present his adult stand-up show Full On Live at the Glades Arena on Tuesday. He recently received the Showbusiness Personality of the Year Award from the Variety Club of Great Britain, the Grand Order of Water Rats and Comic

  • Painter gets first home exhibition

    A KIDDERMINSTER artist who has gathered inspiration from local scenery and mountains in the Lake District will be displaying his work in the town's library next month. James Hall's exhibition - A Love of Lakes and Landscapes - will be open on Saturday

  • Concert to help tsunami survivors

    A CONCERT to raise money to help children in Sri Lanka who were caught up in the Asian tsunami disaster will be staged at Kidderminster Town Hall. The Band of the West Mercia Constabulary, the Kidderminster Valentines and the Kidderminster Male Choir

  • Get Carter on stage

    A SHOCKING tale of 20th century sin, revenge and redemption comes to the Courtyard stage on Tuesday in the form of cult classic Get Carter. The story, which centres on the dark criminal underworld of a Northern steel town, was made famous by the 1971

  • End of long and hard campaign...

    THE emotional scenes at Gloucestershire's School Organisation Committee meeting on January 10 brought to an end a very long and hard campaign to retain Alderman Knight School. As chairman of the Alderman Knight Action Group and chairman of governors of

  • New centre for the new century

    A NEW Leisure Centre provides a wonderful opportunity for Evesham to acquire an outstanding 21st Century asset for the area. I hope that a cross party consensus of local councillors will make sure of that, right from the start of planning. I envisage

  • Keeping up the good work...

    I SHOULD like to express my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful work the nurses to in Worcester Royal Hospital. The dedication is beyond words especially in the Stroke Unit where I had a short stay. Keep up the good work girls. May the new year bring you

  • Residents to keep tabs on pub-goers

    LICENSEES in the Salford Priors area will need to be on their toes or they could find themselves in a little black book. Residents with concerns about activities at their local pubs are being offered a simple complaints service by Salford Priors Parish

  • UNDERWOOD

    UNDERWOOD Thomas and Jenny Are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter Ameila Mia. Born on Saturday, January 14th, 2006. Published in paper 19/01/2006

  • WARREN

    WARREN George Of Cropthorne, formerly of Kemspey on January 14th 2006, passed away peacefully, aged 88 years. Dearly loved husband of Betty, much loved father of Roger and Karen and a dearly loved grandad. Funeral service at Cropthorne Church on Tuesday

  • LAKEY

    LAKEY David Treasured memories of a dear brother. Time may pass and fade away, But you are with me everyday. Derek Published in paper 19/01/2006

  • BOWDLER

    BOWDLER Elsie Peggy Formerly of Wakeman Street and Noele Court, Worcester. Passed away in Brookdale Care Home, Kidderminster on January 14th, aged 86 years. Beloved wife of the late Frank, much loved mother of Terry and daughter in law Joan and loving

  • HADLEY

    HADLEY Lynda Passed away suddenly on January 14th, 2006. Wife of Michael, mother to Donna, Rebecca and Lisa and nanny to Samantha and Joshua. Funeral Service at Worcester Crematorium on Friday, January 27th at 12.30 p.m. Family flowers only please

  • HAYDEN

    HAYDEN Shirley Eujeanie Peacefully on January 16th, 2006 at Bricklehampton Hall Nursing Home after 4½ months of wonderful care, aged 85 years. Widow of Richard and darling mother of Elizabeth and Jane, mother in law of Robert and Michael, "granshirl

  • MCLAREN

    MCLAREN Sylvia Peacefully in Cheltenham General Hospital on January 17th, aged 86 years. Cremation will take place at Hereford Crematorium on Friday, January 27th at 10.40 a.m., followed by a Service of Thanksgiving at St Michael & All Angel's

  • CAVE

    CAVE Michael Barry Bishop Perowne. Passed away peacefully at home on January 11th, 2006, after a long illness bravely borne. A precious husband, dad, father in law and brother, who was adored by all his Grandchildren. Requiem Mass at Our Lady Queen of

  • FARRELL NEE FUTRILL

    FARRELL NEE FUTRILL Ursula Joyce Derek and Family wish to thank Friends and Neighbours for their kind messages of sympathy, support and attendance at the Funeral Service also for the generous donations give to Acorn's Childrens Hospice in memory

  • BODILY EVANS

    BODILY EVANS Simon and Becky Thank you for our first grandson Edward Craig Philip, born on January 12th. We are extremely proud. Lots of love Mum, Dad, Torsie and Jack. Published in paper 19/01/2006

  • CAMBRIDGE

    CAMBRIDGE Debbie and Robin Congratulations on the Birth of your beautiful daughter, Ruby Grace. All our love Mum and Dad and Uncle Martin. Published in paper 19/01/2006

  • UNDERWOOD

    UNDERWOOD Debbie and Brian Are pleased to annouce the birth of their grandaughter Ameila Mia. Born Saturday, January 14th, 2006. Published in paper 19/01/2006

  • FINBOW

    FINBOW. Carlie and Tim. Congratulations on the birth of your son Bailey on January 15th. Love from Mum and all the Family Published in paper 19/01/2006

  • LEDBURY

    LEDBURY Edward Ted Passed away on January 19th, 2004 Gone from our home but not our hearts. God bless. Your loving family Barbara, Alison, Brian, Tim, Luke, Justin, Emma and Stewart. xxx Published in paper 19/01/2006

  • MALIN

    MALIN. William Bill. Loving uncle passed away one year today. Always in our thoughts. Love Joyce, Roger, Sarah and David. Published in paper 19/01/2006

  • Early goal sparks rout

    Pershore 9, Aston University 1 A LATE start to Saturday's Coaching Solutions Division Two clash necessitated a shortened game but this seemed to inspire Pershore to a quick start. Within 90 seconds, a well-worked short corner between James Hughes, Rob

  • Smith strikes to claim win

    Bloxwich II 1, Pershore II 2 THE visitors came out of the blocks with a bang and displayed a determination and fluency in their play that shows they are eager to push for a promotion place. Pershore passed the ball at pace and used their wingers to great

  • Treasure trove of yesterday's papers

    MYSTERY surrounds a box full of newspaper cuttings found in a Worcester man's spare bedroom. Hundreds of articles from the Worcester News and national newspapers were discovered by Anthony Ryland, aged 70, when he was clearing out his late uncle's flat

  • What you told Alan about car found in barn

    PEOPLE from Worcester have helped the owner of an 80-year-old classic car begin to piece together its history. Alan Smith, from Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, bought the 1926 Buick open tourer from an auction after it had stood decaying in a barn for more

  • we're putting wildlife on the map

    Four artists and a storyteller are working with schools to create four parish maps showing the area's wildlife and biodiversity. Children at Himbleton First School, Hanbury First School, Stoke Prior First School and Feckenham First School are taking part

  • MP WELCOMES WORK ON NEW SCHOOL

    MP for Worcester Mike Foster has welcomed the progress made on rebuilding Red Hill Primary School in the city. The old Red Hill Primary on Midhurst Close has been demolished and work is under way constructing under-soil heating and foundations on the

  • Falling numbers see WIs reunited after 60 years

    TWO Women's' Institutes which went their separate ways at the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 have reunited after more than 60 years. With both the Hill and Moor and Fladbury WIs losing members, officials decided it was time to reunite. The new

  • Exhibitions

    Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham - Art and the 60s, until April 3. MAC, Birmingham - Counterpoint by James Lumsden, until March 19. Walker Evans Photographs from 1935-36, until March 19. Depth of Field, Saturday until March 19. Botanical Gardens Gallery

  • Theatre

    Swan, Worcester - Mother Goose, until Saturday. The Wild Party, until Saturday. Alexandra, Birmingham - Grease, until January 28. MAC, Birmingham - Tartuffe, Wednesday until January 28. Hippodrome, Birmingham - Peter Pan, until January 29. Grand, Wolverhampton

  • Sir wants to be lord of the ring

    A KIDDERMINSTER teac-her will be swapping the classroom for a wrestling ring when he competes to become a tag champion next month. Chris Barth, of George Street, who works at Wolverley High School and has been wrestling for five years, will be stepping

  • War hero helped keep Russian campaign afloat

    A SECOND World War hero, who finally received a medal for his contribution to the fight against fascism more than half a century later, has died aged 85. Retired businessman and former county councillor, Donald Harman, from Kidderminster, spent two years

  • Dog shot in field

    A DOG that had attacked sheep in a field in Wolverley was shot dead by a farmer on Tuesday. The incident prompted police to warn dog owners farmers have the right to shoot any dog worrying their livestock. A second dog ran off. A police spokesman said

  • Dad on course to beat bullies

    A FATHER was so disturbed by the plight of his daughter who was bullied at school that he has helped devise a new training programme for headteachers. Experienced health and safety consultant, Lyndon Shearman, who works for a Kidderminster company, helped

  • 19/1/06 - Award for Neil

    FORMER Worcester prop Neil Lyman was honoured at the annual Rugby Writers' Dinner. The ex-fireman was given a services to rugby award for his contribution to the game which he retired from last season. Lyman also played for Moseley and Kidderminster before

  • 19/1/06 - Worcester start second half in style

    WORCESTER Ladies began the second round of league fixtures with an emphatic 38-5 win at Henley. The result leaves them in third position in the Premier League table. Last time the two teams met, in the opening game of the season, Worcester dominated Henley

  • Charities up for generous cup handouts

    FOOTBALLERS have hit the target with donations totalling £2,700 to six good causes. The money was raised through seven knockout competitions organised by Kidderminster Charity Cups Committee. A total of 166 teams - mainly from the Kidderminster League

  • Steve's third red part of a long list

    STEVE Duncan's red card at Grantham on Tuesday was his third in his last 22 matches. However, Evesham United manager Dave Busst was quick to defend the midfielder who was also dismissed in the play-off final against Bromsgrove last May and in the FA Cup

  • Magical show for all the family

    A FAMILY show is being brought to the Vale by NTC Touring Company. The group is visiting Ashton-under-Hill on Friday, January 27, with its family show Alex, The Warrior and the Winter Star, written by Ann Coburn. The show is part of Worcestershire's acclaimed

  • Christie's auction could set a series of deals in motion

    ROCHDALE have made a bid for Harriers top scorer Iyseden Christie, potentially triggering a flurry of transfer activity at Aggborough. Wayne Hatswell is also on the verge of returning to the Football League with a move to Rushden and Diamonds. The left-sided

  • Swimming

    WATERBABES from Kiddermi-nster's Holy Trinity School are celebrating after taking the top girls prize at Wyre Forest Swimming Club's first ever Junior School Swimming Gala at Stourport Leisure Centre. Making up the Holy Trinity squad were Alexa Wittkop

  • Running

    MEMBERS of Amazing Feet Running Club enjoyed success at the Worcestershire County Cross Country Championships at Droitwich last Saturday with both the club's male and female athletes finishing fifth overall. In the ladies event, captain Sarah Lewis was

  • Chess

    KIDDERMINSTER Chess Club took full advantage of a weakened visiting Redditch side to win 5.5-0.5 in division one of the Worcestershire League, much to the delight of new captain Frank Pickett. Individual results (Kidderminster names first): John Wrench

  • Darts

    LEAGUE action took a back seat as the remaining 69 of the area's top darters fought it out to reach the quarter finals of the Banks's Bewdley darts singles knockout. Eight pubs were chosen for the mini knockout stage of the competition finishing with

  • Athletics

    THE fifth annual meeting of Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club will take place on Tuesday, February 21 at the clubhouse, Stourport Sports Club, Kingsway, starting at 7.30pm. All members, and parents, are asked to make every effort to attend this

  • Mum stamped on man's ankle

    A MOTHER-of-four broke a company director's ankle by stamping on him a number of times inside a Kiddermin-ster nightclub. Former pub licensee, Belinda Matthews, attacked Sean Trow as he lay helpless on the floor during a fight with her husband. Mr Trow

  • League should rethink whole youth concept

    AS both a parent and regular spectator for many years at matches played within the Stourport and District Youth League, I read with interest your article explaining why the league's weekend match results are no longer to be reported by your paper. Although

  • Steve's third red part of a long list

    STEVE Duncan's red card at Grantham on Tuesday was his third in his last 22 matches. However, Evesham United manager Dave Busst was quick to defend the midfielder who was also dismissed in the play-off final against Bromsgrove last May and in the FA Cup

  • Poole Hall

    Wednesday Open, Moat: Alan Espney 25-4-0 (Peg 67), Bill Hodget 22-8-0 (Peg 19), Ivan Laight - 16-0-0 (Peg 12). Saturday Open, Heron: Laight 56-2-0 (Peg 44), Dean Puplet 34-13-0 (Peg 25), Dave Wigell 6-0-0 (Peg 17). Rover Match: Brian Wakley - 28-14-0

  • Grant funded rise low

    IT was stated in your January 5 edition that the Tory district council had announced a 2.5 per cent increase in the district's element of the Council Tax for the coming year. Cabinet member, Councillor John Campion, said: "We pledged to curb the irresponsible

  • Park Inn

    Valley Pool results: Paul Hobbis, Alex Cohen, Barry Chesson, Roy Weaver, Terry Pool. There is a contest this Sunday on Haye Farm. Meet at venue at 8am.

  • Woeful Workies weary after Bear's barrage

    THE Bear moved back into Division One title contention in the Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League with an emphatic triumph at Evesham WMC. The Workies scored through David Thomas but the visitors responded with trebles from Greenwood and Sollis and

  • Simon makes it simple!

    THREE second half goals ensured Pershore Town made comfortable progress in the Midland Combination League Cup after Saturday's 4-0 defeat of Mile Oak Rovers. Mark Bellamy's strike separated the sides at King George's Playing Fields but there was only

  • Defeat local rivals

    Pershore Town Ladies 1, Evesham Utd 4 UNITED dominated Sunday's one-sided first half but, for all their endeavours, they went into the break with a slender one-goal advantage. It took them until five minutes before the break to breach a stubborn home

  • Calling for action

    PLEASE could someone advise the residents of Birchen Coppice when the following items will be actioned? 1 Speed humps in Whittall Drive East/Whittall Drive West. 2 The safety crossing on Walter Nash Road. 3 Commencement of the big clean- up to get rid

  • Junior round-up . . . Junior round-up . . . Junior round-up

    Harvington 3, Evesham Utd U-13 B 3 ELLIOT Grady opened the scoring after a fine through ball from Tom Evans. Harvington were soon level when a fine strike beat player of the match Leon Ballard who then saw a second flash past him before twice keeping

  • Chase national glory

    EVESHAM College has reached the fourth round of the BCS National College Cup for the first time after a 3-0 defeat of Hartpury. Will Gayton's astute lob gave Evesham the lead after 14 minutes and the hosts then went out in search of a second and Mark

  • Making light work

    FOLLOWING my comments on the Letters Page on November 3, I am happy to report that just prior to Christmas I noticed that the lights on Stourport Bridge had been cleaned. Thanks to all concerned, especially those who carried out the task in the middle

  • Radio grateful for backing of community

    MAY I take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the rock 'n' roll evening which was part of Kidderminster Hospital Radio's 30th birthday celebrations. Thanks also to the Stourport branch of the Royal British Legion and for the use of their

  • Haul of bacon taken in £60,000 firm raid

    THIEVES made off with 20,000 packs of back bacon and a Scania van in a £60,000 raid on an Evesham firm. The owners of Cotswold Provisions, a company that sources and distributes foods from its base in Briar Close industrial estate came in to work at 6am

  • Fleece among the top pubs

    A VALE pub has added to its list of accolades as it is named in a new guide as one of the top destinations in the country. The National Trust-owned Fleece in Bretforton is named by writer Jane Peyton as one of the best one-of-a-kind pubs in Britain in

  • Bronx AC

    Bronx Match fished on River Severn: M Fletcher 7-8-0, P Sawyer 7-7-8, D Cole 6-4-0. Thorns Match fished at Sion Hill: P Davies 32-6-0, M Fletcher 23-0-0, G Priest 22-0-0.

  • Police in manhunt after vicious attack

    POLICE have launched a manhunt for a burglar who dragged a Bretforton man from his bed and severely beat him, leaving him seriously injured. Detectives this week released a photograph of Gordon Kenneth How who has been charged in connection with the incident

  • Equal rights for celebrating faith

    I AM writing to express my concern at the continuing negation of recognition of Christmas as a Christian festival. Why were there no coloured lights when the Christmas lights went up in Kidderminster last year? Why was there nothing that used the word

  • MP to chair inquiry into Rover crisis

    A POWERFUL House of Commons committee chaired by Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff has announced an inquiry into the role of the government in the struggle to save the ailing MG Rover giant as an independent volume car maker. The Trade and Industry Committee

  • Going Stateside

    A TRIO of promising students from Pershore have been offered the chance to visit the White House, but only if they can find more than £1,000 in sponsorship. Katherine Gullick, Sam Fowles and Pete Everitt have been invited to Washington for the 2006 Global

  • Mum is ready to face court over £800 fines

    A PERSHORE mother-of-three who is demanding a residents-only parking scheme outside her house says she is prepared to go to court after amassing £800 of parking fines in six months. Amy Chambers, of Bridge Street, says her life has been made impossible

  • Pensioner handed £16,000 water bill

    AN Evesham pensioner was given an unpleasant surprise when she was presented with a £16,000 water bill. Elaine Aoslin, of Saxonbury, was expecting a revised bill after suppliers Severn Trent had handed her a £300 bill for her two-bedroomed flat, around

  • Cleobury More-to-come

    CLEOBURY Mortimer have put themselves firmly on the rugby map after sending their Powergen Junior Vase bandwagon steaming into the quarter finals. Sunderland were the latest victims of all-conquering Cleobury, making the long journey home empty-handed

  • County rugby

    STOURPORT High School prop Wayne Cooper was in the Midlands under-16 side that drew 10-0 with the South West and 15-15 with London and the South East at the Divisional Festival at Castlecroft in Wolverhampton. Cooper missed out on selection for the 40

  • Junior rugby

    KIDDERMINSTER Carolians under-14s stormed into the quarter finals of the North Midlands Cup Plate with a 62-0 mauling of Malvern. Tom Leach claimed four tries with Will Short grabbing a hat-trick and six conversions. Josh Bennett, Artium Enkov and Harry

  • England calling for duo

    WARRIORS skipper Pat Sanderson has been named in a 36-man training squad for England's Six Nations campaign. The 28-year-old flanker was one of the stars of England's autumn Test Series but has not played since before Christmas because of a back injury

  • Harkness is Yates signing number two

    MARK Yates swooped to make his second signing since being appointed Harriers boss by completing the capture of former Northern Ireland youth international Jonny Harkness. Left-footed full-back Harkness, 20, who had his contract at Walsall terminated by

  • Oliver earns call-up

    BISHOP of Hereford Bluecoat student Oliver Frost has been included in the provisional England Under 16 squad for a training session at Castlecroft in Wolverhampton on January 27 and 28. The scrum-half, who also plays for Herefordshire, is joined in the

  • Concert set to hit right note

    MUSIC students in Kidderminster will be performing a feast of music in aid of Operation Covert. The concert has been organised by music teacher, Freya Randle, of Findon Street, and will take place at the New Meeting House in Church Street on Saturday,

  • Wealth of winter warmers at hall

    THIS winter's entertainment programme is sure to set temperatures soaring as some of the country's finest performers come to Cheltenham. Amongst this season's stellar line-up are the world's biggest tribute act - The Bootleg Beatles, comedic star of The

  • Town pub regulars say thanks for fireworks

    REGULARS at a Bewdley pub celebrated the new year in style - and helped swell the fund to replace the Rhydd Covert activity centre burned down by vandals 14 months ago. The Mug House on Severnside North laid on a free fireworks display on the opposite

  • Link boosts business

    TRADITIONAL farming might be in decline but many rural businesses are thriving and there are pockets of quite fervent economic activity in Worcestershire. Now, in a unique move, a consortium of agencies have come together and pooled the many different

  • Wyre Forest

    RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION - The Wyre Forest group has organised a family walk of around 3.5 miles, starting at Astley village hall, grid reference SO 802687, at 2.15pm on Sunday. Ramblers are reminded to wear suitable clothing and footwear. Dogs are only allowed

  • Wyre Forest

    SEVERNSIDE RAMBLERS - A walk of around eight miles from Stoke Wharf, along the St Kenelm Way stage three, has been organised for Sunday. Ramblers are asked to meet at Stoke Wharf caf car park at 9.30am prompt. Transport can be arranged for anyone needing

  • Stourport

    STOURPORT FLORAL ART CLUB - The club celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The group is a registered charity, belonging to the National Association of Flower Arrangers, and hopes to enlarge its usual contributions, with an auction after the annual

  • Kidderminster

    KIDDERMINSTER CYCLING CLUB - On Sunday, two rides have been organised, both starting from The Green, Blakebrook, Kidderminster. The A ride, starting at 9am, is to a surprise destination. The B ride starts at 9.30am and will visit Peopleton, near Pershore

  • Kidderminster

    KIDDERMINSTER AND DISTRICT ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY - On Wednesday, Robin Hill will talk about "A Lifetime Through the Lens". The meeting, at St George's Church annexe, Kidderminster, will start at 7.30pm, and visitors will be welcome. For

  • Bewdley

    BEWDLEY TG - At the Christmas party, entertainment was provided by The Susaphonics. A collection was made towards a second defibrillator for the town. On Tuesday at the community centre, Shaw Hedge Road, Wribbenhall, George Gladden, assistant librarian

  • Bewdley

    WRIBBENHALL WI - A questionnaire was distributed at the January meeting, to ask if members have any preference for daytime instead of evening meetings. Members were informed of events organised by Worcester, such as the lunch on April 28, when Bernard

  • Jali brings African music and culture to Cotswolds

    Anyone with an interest in African music and culture is in for a treat as renowned musician and praise singer Jali Fily Cissokho will be performing a Kora recital in the bar of the Theatre, Chipping Norton. Originally from the Casamance region of southern

  • Bewdley

    Bewdley Mountain-eering Club - This year there will be five weekend meets in North Wales, four in the Lake District and one each in mid-Wales and the Peak District. The club's most recent meet was at Clapham in the popular Yorkshire Dales, when successful

  • Warning on new rules for waste

    FARMERS have been warned they need to start considering the effect of imminent changes to agricultural waste regulations. The new waste management regulations are expected to come into force shortly as a result of the UK's legal obligation under the EU

  • Villager angry at 'unfair' funding

    A CONCERNED Wolverley resident is pressing for better funding for rural communities. Villager, Nigel Addison, is calling for Wyre Forest District Council to revise its proposed plans for 2006/07, to include greater financial support for small parish projects

  • Mum waits months for new false teeth

    THE son of an elderly Bewdley woman suffering because of ill-fitting dentures is outraged that she has been waiting months for a new set. Colin Ashmore said his 90-year-old mother, Bess, who lives in Hales Park, desperately needed the new teeth as her

  • League holds AGM

    THERE promises to be a lengthy night of discussion when the Cotswold Hills Cricket League stages its annual general meeting at Harvington CC on Wednesday, February 22. Proposed changes in rules affecting league constitution, playing regulations, child

  • MCC back at Evesham

    EVESHAM have received another accolade with the news from Lord's following news that the Birmingham Premier League club has been awarded an ongoing bi-annual fixture against the MCC. "Evesham were first awarded the fixture in 2004 to mark its 150th anniversary

  • Opening night thrills

    THERE were thrills galore when the 2006 Worcester-shire Cricket Board Indoor League got under way at Pri-nce Henry's Sports Centre last week. Both matches produced nail-biting climaxes with Ashton scraping through against the Boxmen in the last over,

  • Grease Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

    HIT musical, Grease, was back by popular demand at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre and the audience loved it. The fast-paced show delivered all that it promised with back-to-back toe-tapping songs and impressive dance routines. Full of favourite tunes,

  • 19/1/06 - Harkness is Yates signing number two

    MARK Yates swooped to make his second signing since being appointed Harriers boss by completing the capture of former Northern Ireland youth international Jonny Harkness. Left-footed full-back Harkness, 20, who had his contract at Walsall terminated by

  • New store serves up local food

    BROADWAY'S first supermarket will open its doors to the public next month - and it will be good news for local producers. The new Budgens store has linked up with more than 30 of them to help supply a wide range of food and drink to the local community

  • Kicking king Dan

    DAN Antonelli kicked all the points as Bredon Star booked a place in the second round of the North Midlands Vase. Hereford Greyhounds proved tough opposition in what was a forwards dominated contest that ended 12-3 in the home side's favour with Antonelli

  • Snell pulls strings

    Pershore III 57, Evesham IV 10pts PERSHORE eventually ran away with Sat-urday's game against a spirited Evesham side who kept going right to the final whistle. The first half was a close-fought affair with both sides scoring early Pershore through an

  • First half deficit too large to claw back

    Harborne 27pts, Evesham 15 BUOYANT Evesham hit the road to face higher graded opposition for a friendly last Saturday. Playing down the significant slope, the hosts launched attack after attack in the opening exchanges but the Evesham defence held firm

  • Great team effort leads to a big win

    Evesham II 68pts, Harborne 7 BIG tackles and slick handling was the order of the day as Evesham's second string put in a massive team performance to post a convincing win on Saturday. Scrum- half Richard Moger went crashing over from short-range after

  • Concept of release is deeply offensive

    SIR - It's no surprise that Worcester is shaken by the news that the Gillam Street killer is to be freed. The families and neighbours remain haunted by the terrible memories even after 30 years. McGreavy is infamous and any concept of release is deeply

  • Dad was racially abusive to staff

    A FATHER-of-one hurled a barrage of abuse at staff from an Indian restaurant and smashed a window at the premises, believing a friend was assaulted by one of them. Drink-fuelled Mark Gilbert, of Meadow Walk, in Pershore, was one of a gang of about 15

  • We need realism about homeless

    SIR - Although I agree with the letters of Andrew Brown published in the Worcester News, I can't help but wonder how much another factor effects the amount of housing stock. What is the effect of asylum seekers and illegal immigrants on available social

  • Phone bill enough to contend with

    SIR - We hear a lot about discrimination these days. The worst case at the moment is computer online discrimination against those of us who do not have computers. People can save 10 per cent on their shopping with online - and there are competitions you

  • Cause no longer fashionable, Paul

    SIR - Paul Denham is wasting his time appealing on behalf of the homeless - it's no longer a fashionable cause now that London politicians and media types believe we need more immigration to solve the nanny shortage or the need for Polish plumbers and

  • Government criticism of schools is a bit rich

    SIR - Bearing in mind that Worcestershire children receive £840 each per year less than any Birmingham child, and £420 each less per year than the national average payment in terms of school funding, I find it a bit rich for the Government to criticise

  • 'Health Service 2006? Then God help us all!'

    TWO Vale families hit out this week as the lack of GP cover in Evesham was highlighted in dramatic fashion. The parents of a toddler who developed breathing difficulties were told to take him to a hospital in Worcester, Redditch or Kidderminister. And

  • Villages prepare for Sully's return

    CLUBS competing in this summer's npower Village Cup will have to overcome former winners Sully Centurions if they are to taste success at Lord's in September, writes Mervyn Collins. The Welsh club who defeated Exhall and Wixford in 2004 have been allowed