GRAEME Hick insisted he is putting no date on his retirement from first-class cricket after his 40th birthday yesterday. The Worcestershire run machine and former England player is a few weeks into his 23rd season as a first-teamer at New Road. He
MATT Mason is confident he can still pick up more than 60 wickets this season, despite an injury-plagued start to the 2006 campaign. The paceman recovered from a shoulder problem in time to play for Worcestershire in their Liverpool Victoria County
NEIGHBOURING giants West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers will both provide Kidderminster Harriers with pre-season friendly tests. The Championship sides are the only two teams visiting Aggborough before the new Nationwide Conference campaign
WORCESTER City's academy stars showed their Catalan counterparts a trick or two during a trip of Spain. A youth development squad of 15 took to the resort of Lloret de Mar, near Barcelona, for their week-long end-of-season trip. And it was City offering
WORCESTER City have eased the burden on their St George's Lane surface by switching the club's youth team's games. Next season, the youth development side will stage home Midland Floodlit Youth League fixtures at Bromyard Town's Delahay Meadow ground
MATT Mason is confident he can still pick up more than 60 wickets this season, despite an injury-plagued start to the 2006 campaign. The paceman recovered from a shoulder problem in time to play for Worcestershire in their Liverpool Victoria County
WORCESTERSHIRE'S bowlers gave the County a ray of light on a mainly gloomy first day of their Liverpool Victoria County Championship match with Glamorgan at New Road. Only 44 overs were bowled yesterday due to rain, but Aussie import Mark Cosgrove managed
YESTERDAY I gazed across those green acres between Hallow and Grimley, wondering how much time they've got left before the Tories have their way and the western orbital road is completed. Yet the true blues now say they are green. What happens if you
MY friend the kingfisher shot past me as I sat on the bench near the old Dog and Duck ferry one day this week. I make no apology for eulogising this dramatically tinted bird. The poet W H Davies memorably recorded that such a creature could only
I'VE spent several hours this month watching the salmon leap in the pool under the weir at Diglis. As it will soon be June, I fancy I'll find myself watching out for the ocean lamprey migration. These primitive fish struggle endlessly to ascend the
MP Peter Luff and I have got on better of late. We had a little row a few weeks ago, but proffered olive branches can work wonders. At one time though, we were arch foes. It occurred to me more than once that had we lived prior to 1830, I would probably
THE issue of affordable housing has become a major political issue. This is one of the few `them and us' type of battlegrounds left, so it's no wonder New Labour's going for it like a ferret down a rabbit hole. The Tories are being accused of championing
lI WAS brought up in a small village populated, in the main, by farm labourers and factory workers. The former walked just a few yards to their work, while the latter cycled four miles to the nearby town. My father was a schoolteacher, which undoubtedly
WALKING over Worcester bridge last Saturday, I observed the most wonderful apparition from the past. Festooned in headlamps, stickers and a tank aerial, this was of course that machine so beloved of old mods everywhere, the legendary Vespa in full battle
SIR - I was surprised to learn that more people go to plays than watch football matches. GEORGE COWLEY, Warndon, Worcester.
SIR - We always visit the Malvern Spring Show. Why do people take their dogs to these shows and leave them in their cars? They are not allowed to take them onto the showground, as guide dogs only are allowed. On Sunday, there were six to eight loudspeaker
SIR - Your story headlined "Cabbies kidnap fare dodgers" describes how drivers have ended up in fights or locking the passengers in their cars until they pay. Taxi drivers feel the police have shown little interest in their plight. And although it
SIR - As city councillor for St John's, I am obviously very concerned that Shop Direct is closing, leaving hundreds of my constituents out of work. I worked at Kays in Bromyard Road (Pierau warehouse) in the 70s and remember the three-day week. Although
SIR - I can understand why Mike Foster wrote his angry letter (May 18) on my apparent claim that he had failed to ask a single written parliamentary question in the last year. The only problem is that I made no such claim - the report in the Worcester
SIR - There must have been a vast change in the NHS if it can fairly accuse us patients of wasting staff time by not turning up for appointments. In my experience, it was almost always the patients who spent days sitting in bemused circles trying to
As plans are submitted to build 27 office blocks and industrial units at Grove Farm, on the outskirts of Worcester, the area has emerged as the city council's latest candidate for a park-and-ride site. Now, there are arguments for and against building
A NEW attempt to win posthumous pardons for British soldiers executed during the First World War has been welcomed by a relative of an executed Worcestershire soldier. Labour MP Andrew MacKinlay has tabled an amendment to the Armed Forces Bill, which
ORGANISERS of a campaign to encourage more foster parents to come forward say it has been a massive success and will make a huge difference to children. Enquiries into fostering have more than doubled since the Fostering Fortnight Campaign, when social
A TOTAL of 23 children's centres are to be created in Worcestershire schools in the next two years at a cost of more than £4.5m. The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) is to provide £3.5m to ensure the centres are opened by 2008. It is also
FOND memories of a city golf club have come flooding back for many people following its sudden closure. As reported in the Worcester News, Tolladine Golf Club closed on Sunday, May 14, after racking up debts of more than £125,000. Former members
THE number of pensioners using bus services in Worcestershire has trebled since free journeys were introduced for the elderly and infirm, it has been revealed. Figures released by Worcestershire County Council show that the area's main operator, First
MENTAL health service users have expressed their disappointment over new proposals regarding their city hostel. The Worcester News reported last week how Worcestershire County Council has proposed closing 2 Stanley Road, but is willing to compromise
A FATHER-and-son cycling duo from Worcester are putting their feet up after peddling the length of Britain - in less than three weeks. Forty-two-year old John Smith, and his father Alan, aged 66, of Ribston Close off Hallow Road have now arrived back
TWO years' of hard work has paid off for a group of Bewdley campaigners committed to tackling poverty of in developing countries. It has been awarded Fairtrade status after awareness of the cause was raised throughout the town. The Fairtrade Foundation
A BEATLES concert programme signed by the Fab Four when they performed in Worcester more than 40 years ago is expected to fetch up to £6,000 when it is auctioned tomorrow. The illustrated souvenir up for grabs at Christie's in London was signed by
A SHOPPER got the shock of his life when he found a live maggot at the bottom of a bag of bread. Bruce Bishop, aged 28, was one of four people to make complaints to environmental health officials after making the disgusting discovery as he took the
CIVIC dignitaries and VIP guests gathered at Malvern Library to mark its reopening after a £1.5m refurbishment. One hundred people were at the extended Graham Road building to hear chairman of the Worcestershire County Council Maurice Broomfield declare
Trust's hit list to save £13m includes: l Reducing sexual health clinics l Changing podiatry services l Fewer home visits for elderly l Altering health visitors' work l Relocating district nursing l Closing Pershore Cottage Hospital before
A PARK-and-ride facility is the latest plan for a piece of land that has already attracted controversy and much speculation. Grove Farm, a 19-hectare green field site on the outskirts of St John's, Worcester, could be the location for the interchange
THE Worcester Sea Cadets are looking for more youngsters to join them. The cadets are part of the nationwide Sea Cadet Corps, a voluntary organisation open to people aged from 12 to 18, with a junior section for those aged 10 to 12. The main aim of
WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club is urging people to pull their socks up and raise money for charity. The New Road team is backing Sport Relief's charity bonanza on Saturday, July 15, which will see thousands of people run a mile at hundreds of different
AN England women's footballer is making a guest appearance at a grass-roots football tournament in Worcester on Sunday. Leeds United FC and England midfielder Sue Smith will be the main guest of honour when 12 teams from across the county meet in the
GRAEME Hick insisted he is putting no date on his retirement from first-class cricket after his 40th birthday yesterday. The Worcestershire run machine and former England player is a few weeks into his 23rd season as a first-teamer at New Road. He
WORCESTER City's academy stars showed their Catalan counterparts a trick or two during a trip of Spain. A youth development squad of 15 took to the resort of Lloret de Mar, near Barcelona, for their week-long end-of-season trip. And it was City offering
NEIGHBOURING giants West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers will both provide Kidderminster Harriers with pre-season friendly tests. The Championship sides are the only two teams visiting Aggborough before the new Nationwide Conference campaign
WORCESTER Wolves are on the verge of signing a new American forward who will lead the line for the forthcoming season. Director of basketball Mick Donovan believes the deal to bring Tom Peekes, a 6ft 7in forward, to Wolves can come to a successfukl
MATT Mason is confident he can still pick up more than 60 wickets this season, despite an injury-plagued start to the 2006 campaign. The paceman recovered from a shoulder problem in time to play for Worcestershire in their Liverpool Victoria County
WORCESTERSHIRE'S bowlers gave the County a ray of light on a mainly gloomy first day of their Liverpool Victoria County Championship match with Glamorgan at New Road. Only 44 overs were bowled yesterday due to rain, but Aussie import Mark Cosgrove managed
WORCESTER City have eased the burden on their St George's Lane surface by switching the club's youth team's games. Next season, the youth development side will stage home Midland Floodlit Youth League fixtures at Bromyard Town's Delahay Meadow ground
WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club is urging people to pull their socks up and raise money for charity. The New Road team is backing Sport Relief's charity bonanza on Saturday, July 15, which will see thousands of people run a mile at hundreds of different
"I WANT us to have the best academy ... I want us to continue bringing the best players through and I want the club to grow." These words from Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd could well have come from Redditch United's new youth development director
AMERICAN FOOTBALL - Chester Romans 14 Redditch Arrows 22 THE Arrows top the Division Two Central table following this hard-fought victory. But they did it the hard way, clawing their way back into the game after conceding an early score. Running back
IT has been a solid silver season for the Energie Fitness squash team. Not only did the Battens Drive club clinch the Worcestershire County League title but they also finished runners-up in the League's Knockout Cup. Now captain Stuart Harris hopes the
A POOR turnout at Monday night's Save the Alex protest has led campaign organisers to believe residents think their health services are safe. However, campaign leader Neal Stote said some of the Redditch's key services including A&E, maternity and
DARTS - CHURCH Hill A powered into a four-point lead at the top of Division A following their crushing 6-3 win over rivals Nomads in this top of the table clash. Basement boys Seven Stars finally picked up their first win of the campaign, beating the
TENNIS - STUDLEY climbed back to second in the Premier Division of the Prudden Road Surfacing Tennis League following their 4-0 whitewash of Littleton. And Inkberrow's thrilling 3-1 defeat of basement side FISSC took them into the top four. Studley played
SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Redditch took part in the West Midlands Ability Counts Festival at Aston Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground at the weekend. And it was a successful afternoon with Matthew Daykin, Robert Page, Matthew Page, Tim Craythorne, Carl Gayle
MARTIAL ARTS: A Wythall taekwon-do club is celebrating an impressive medal haul at a national championship held at Stratford. Competitors from all over the UK took part in the event including 17 from the Wythall club, which trains at the Coppice School
NETBALL: Enfield Eagles soared to the top of Redditch Council Action Sport's Little League, stretching their unbeaten start to six games. Palace Parrots are hot on their heels with some excellent play, fine teamwork helping them to three victories. Players
SAVE the Alex campaigners are concerned the abolition of Redditch and Bromsgrove Primary Care Trust (PCT) will weaken their fight. Neal Stote, who is spearheading the battle to save the Alexandra Hospital, hit out after the Government announced its plans
THE £700,000 refurbishment of the Alexandra Hospital's Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Centre was officially opened by Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride. Miss Kirkbride visited the new ENT and Audiology Centre, spoke to staff and unveiled a commemorative plaque
THE wife of Reverend Depard, curate of Arrow, was summoned for riding a bicycle on the footpath in Arrow Road, Alcester. Police Constable Watts stated he saw defendant ride some distance on the path. In reply to a question, witness said the road was in
THE last of the great road works has been completed in Redditch - with the Alvechurch Highway island open at the start of this week. The scheme cost £1.4 million and took 19 months to complete. Part of the project involved squeezing water out of the old
A TEAM of Alcester girls are celebrating after clinching a league and cup double in their first season. The Alcester 2000 footballers clinched league honours when they cruised through the season unbeaten - dropping just two points along the way. And earlier
SCHOOLS FOOTBALL: Alcester's St Benedicts RC High maintained their unbeaten record as they beat Myton School 5-0 to lift the South Warwickshire High School Shield. In a repeat of last year's final, goals from Charlie Burn (2), Anthony Kirk, Joe Knight
AGATHA Christie's classic thriller The Hollow comes to Malvern Theatres from Monday. Featuring an all-star cast including Kate O'Mara, of Dynasty fame, Howard's Way star Tracey Childs and celebrated actor Tony Britton, the play, which runs until June
REDDITCH rock band Keiko will play at a national festival in June. The three-piece rock band have been confirmed to appear at this year's Download Festival at Donnington Park. The band - Tom Lynam, Nick Ebanks and Mark Stevenson - will appear on the Snickers
MATT Mason is confident he can still pick up more than 60 wickets this season, despite an injury-plagued start to the 2006 campaign. The paceman recovered from a shoulder problem in time to play for Worcestershire in their Liverpool Victoria County Championship
GRAEME Hick insisted he is putting no date on his retirement from first-class cricket after his 40th birthday yesterday. The Worcestershire run machine and former England player is a few weeks into his 23rd season as a first-teamer at New Road. He is
WORCESTERSHIRE'S bowlers gave the County a ray of light on a mainly gloomy first day of their Liverpool Victoria County Championship match with Glamorgan at New Road. Only 44 overs were bowled yesterday due to rain, but Aussie import Mark Cosgrove managed
MATT Mason is confident he can still pick up more than 60 wickets this season, despite an injury-plagued start to the 2006 campaign. The paceman recovered from a shoulder problem in time to play for Worcestershire in their Liverpool Victoria County Championship
GRAEME Hick insisted he is putting no date on his retirement from first-class cricket after his 40th birthday yesterday. The Worcestershire run machine and former England player is a few weeks into his 23rd season as a first-teamer at New Road. He is
WORCESTERSHIRE'S bowlers gave the County a ray of light on a mainly gloomy first day of their Liverpool Victoria County Championship match with Glamorgan at New Road. Only 44 overs were bowled yesterday due to rain, but Aussie import Mark Cosgrove managed
WORCESTER City's academy stars showed their Catalan counterparts a trick or two during a trip of Spain. A youth development squad of 15 took to the resort of Lloret de Mar, near Barcelona, for their week-long end-of-season trip. And it was City offering
NEIGHBOURING giants West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers will both provide Kidderminster Harriers with pre-season friendly tests. The Championship sides are the only two teams visiting Aggborough before the new Nationwide Conference campaign
YESTERDAY I gazed across those green acres between Hallow and Grimley, wondering how much time they've got left before the Tories have their way and the western orbital road is completed. Yet the true blues now say they are green. What happens if you
MY friend the kingfisher shot past me as I sat on the bench near the old Dog and Duck ferry one day this week. I make no apology for eulogising this dramatically tinted bird. The poet W H Davies memorably recorded that such a creature could only have
I'VE spent several hours this month watching the salmon leap in the pool under the weir at Diglis. As it will soon be June, I fancy I'll find myself watching out for the ocean lamprey migration. These primitive fish struggle endlessly to ascend the weir
MP Peter Luff and I have got on better of late. We had a little row a few weeks ago, but proffered olive branches can work wonders. At one time though, we were arch foes. It occurred to me more than once that had we lived prior to 1830, I would probably
THE issue of affordable housing has become a major political issue. This is one of the few 'them and us' type of battlegrounds left, so it's no wonder New Labour's going for it like a ferret down a rabbit hole. The Tories are being accused of championing
THE cricket season and bad weather have always gone hand in hand down the years in England and this summer is no different as rain decimated last weekend's fixtures in Bromsgrove and Droitwich. Almost all the games that involved local sides fell foul
BROMSGROVE secured their first league win of the season on Saturday by comfortably overcoming Aston Unity by 96 runs. The Boars catapulted off the bottom of the Birmingham and District League Division One into the top half after a fine all round display
Trust's hit list to save £13m includes: l Reducing sexual health clinics l Changing podiatry services l Fewer home visits for elderly l Altering health visitors' work l Relocating district nursing l Closing Pershore Cottage Hospital before new one opens
Belbroughton 201-8 Luctonians 149-7 BELBROUGHTON defied the bad weather to gain a winning draw in the Worcester League Division Two on Saturday. Geoff Day (65) and Will Pardoe (78) guided the Tons to 201-8. Andy Farmer then took 4-64 as Luctonians were
TWO years' of hard work has paid off for a group of Bewdley campaigners committed to tackling poverty of in developing countries. It has been awarded Fairtrade status after awareness of the cause was raised throughout the town. The Fairtrade Foundation
A FATHER-and-son cycling duo from Worcester are putting their feet up after peddling the length of Britain - in less than three weeks. Forty-two-year old John Smith, and his father Alan, aged 66, of Ribston Close off Hallow Road have now arrived back
ORGANISERS of a campaign to encourage more foster parents to come forward say it has been a massive success and will make a huge difference to children. Enquiries into fostering have more than doubled since the Fostering Fortnight Campaign, when social
FORMER West Indian Test batsman Ron Hea-dley is available at Dum-bleton for one-to-one coaching sessions with budding young players aged between ten and 15. The ex-Worcestershire opener's first coaching surgery will take place on Tuesday, June 6 and sessions
"I WANT us to have the best academy ... I want us to continue bringing the best players through and I want the club to grow." These words from Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd could well have come from Redditch United's new youth development director
JIM McKinley won the annual Roger Knight Trophy Medal competition at Eve-sham last Saturday. Tricky conditions didn't deter the winner who shot an excellent net 67, playing off 14, that edged out Paul Sha-rpe on countback over the back nine holes. Third
THE top eight pairs in Broadway's Joe Ste-ward Trophy betterball competition booked places in the knockout tournament for the Savery Cup. Nigel Bird and Robert Lord topped the points standings with 48 to take top spot from Pete Hands and Danny Taylor.
EVESHAM Rugby Club's title triumph last season has earned them a place in Midlands Four West (South) next season. The new Midlands League structure will see the Avon Street side in a 12-strong league that includes many old foes from Worcestershire and
RESIDENTS and commuters are giving Bromsgrove's bus services a wide berth according to new figures. The latest statistics released by Worcestershire County Council showed that bus passenger numbers had increased in four of the county's six districts over
A FEMALE driver suffered whiplash injuries after a three-car pile-up. The collision took place on last Saturday in Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, outside Altered Images Leisure Club, at around 12.20pm. One woman driving a Fiat Punto was taken to the Alexandra
FOLLOWING a recent plea in the Advertiser/Messenger, All Saints' Church in Bromsgrove has appointed a new organist. David Morgan, aged 24, has been singing in the choir at St George's Church in his home town of Kidderminster. Now, instead of being a chorister
A BATTLING Bromsgrove girl who has just finished treatment for leukaemia is saddling up for a charity cycle challenge in the town in support of Leukaemia Research. Abbie Burford, aged ten, of Ascot Way, Catshill, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic
THE going is good at the Primrose Hospice as the charity gears up to hold its race day.ODDS ON FOR A GOOD TIME: Lyn Winters and Gill Dawson, from the Primrose Hospice fundraising team, get set for the charity's race night. The annual fundraiser will be
ARTY Hanbury First School pupils put their skills on display with the help of Telford artist David Gunning.ON DISPLAY: Artist David Gunning with Hanbury First School's Lucy Vivian, Abigail Trice, Alastair Witshire and Tom Chatterley-Cox and the sculpture
THE Bishop of Dudley preached the sermon when the Friends of St Godwald's Church, Finstall celebrated their 50th anniversary thanksgiving service last Thursday. The group was formed in June 1956 to 'beautify and assist' in the maintenance of the church
PUPILS and staff are celebrating after a Spa school was given an award for promoting healthy eating.HEALTH SUCCESS: pupils Chip Duggan, Debbie Wilson, Demi-Lee Hartley and Alex Archer celebrate with teacher Sara Nicholls. Westacre Middle School, in Ombersley
MUSICAL pupils hit the right note during a choral day at Bromsgrove Preparatory School.Hitting the right note: Lewis Turner, Jessica Whealan, Olivia Law and George Fisher at the choral day. Pupils from Hagley primary and Dodford and Tardebigge first schools
A NUMBER of big sides could go out of the National Village Knockout this weekend. That's the prediction of Exhall & Wixford captain Simon Hollands whose side must head to Leicestershire for a re-arranged third round tie with Cropston on Sunday. "With
HEALTH chiefs were grilled on the state of the financial crisis across the county's hospitals, including the Alexandra. Bosses from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust - which announced 720 job cuts in April in a bid to stop debts spiralling to £60m
by Sarah Mawhinney A NEW chairman has taken over the reins at Bromsgrove District Council. Stoke Heath councillor Craig Lanham (Con) was handed the chains of office from retiring chairman Jill Dyer (Con-Drakes Cross and Walkers Heath) at a ceremony held
BASEMENT boys Alvechurch will be hoping for a change in the weather in their bid to claw their way off the foot of Division One. Torrential rain wiped out the bulk of the league programme including the Hopwood-based side's match with Bromyard. Now skipper
CONCERNED residents could meet with police and highways chiefs in the hope of making much-needed safety improvements to a Westlands roundabout. After calls from people living in Droitwich Spa and on the town's Westlands estate, Peter Pinfield, the county
DEMI and Ashton, Cameron and Justin, Kate Moss and Potty Pete - they are all at it. I'm talking "boy-toys", of course. Gone are the days when it was only the done thing for men to date a younger woman. Now, the hippiest thing for a girl to have hanging
DESPITE her recent Oscar success, Reese Witherspoon is here doing what she does best - playing a fluffy character that all us girls both love and loathe. Witherspoon plays Dr Elizabeth Sanderson, who is shocked to find David (Mark Ruffalo) has moved into
COMPETITORS in last Sunday's Tewkesbury Sprint Triathlon were pleased the event didn't start until 4pm because by then the almost constant rain which fell last weekend had all but finished! Although the roads and paths were still wet it made for a much
MARK Owen and Nathan Jukes will be on familiar territory when they step out for their opening league games for Evesham United next season. The pair have long-standing links with Worcester City and the Conference North club's St George's Lane ground will
CHRIS Pennell's rugby career has received another boost after the 18-year-old was offered a full-time contract with Worcester Warriors. The teenager from Pershore was an integral part of England's squad that claimed third place at the Under-19 World Cup
LAST weekend's awful weather took a heavy toll on the local cricket programme. Bretforton, Pershore and Evesham's second string were the only sides to defy the elements with the former the solitary club to record a victory in the Cotswold Hills League
THERE was a double dose of mixed match action for Vale Golf and Country Club members who recorded a brace of victories. Brailes was the initial venue where the visitors' success saw them return home with a 5-3 win and the Gibbs Mitchell Plate. Cleobury
Prudden Road Surfacing League STUDLEY moved up to second spot in the Premier Division after with a 4-0 victory over Littleton. This result, together with Shipston losing by the same scoreline at Stratford, pushed the former down to third place and left
AN official from the Standards Boards of England will investigate whether former Redditch Council Leader David Cartwright brought the local authority into disrepute as director of a collapsed town charity. Conservative group leader Carole Gandy, who filed
CINEMA fans can soon look forward to the return of the silver screen to Redditch town centre. Work on the new seven-screen multiplex in the Kingfisher Centre is expected to start in the next couple of weeks. And centre manager Ian McLelland said the plan
A MOTORCYCLING duo from Redditch are revving up to raise cash for an animal rescue charity. Allan Williams, 25, and Barry Drew, 34, plan to ride to John O'Groats and then down to Land's End , starting from Beoley on Thursday, June 1, and getting back
AN Oakenshaw woman is "disgusted" with BT after her elderly mother-in-law was left without a telephone line, including the emergency Lifeline, for nearly two weeks. Denise Forgie said 83-year-old Helen Forgie had a fall at her Yarnigdale Close home but
A LACK of activities for youths in rural areas is the root cause of a number of problems in Alvechurch, claims the chairman of the village's parish council. Councillor John Puckering said with better activities for certain groups of youngsters, he thought
A FISHING permit for Arrow Valley Lake early last year cost £11, then later in the year it went up to £30, nearly a 200 per cent rise. But the problem is there have been no changes made for this increase for the anglers. The sailing club is taking control
I WAS interested to read the letter from Michael Bligh concerning the unsolicited letter from Jacqui Smith, as well as the letter from Albert Wharrad concerning the ills of the Labour Party (Advertiser, May 17). In both cases, I find that again the actions
AS a new mum, I am absolutely appalled at the lack of baby feeding areas in Redditch. I don't know about other mums but personally, I don't wish to breastfeed my baby in a toilet. It's not hygienic and it's not acceptable. The only place I have found
SIR - I was surprised to learn that more people go to plays than watch football matches. GEORGE COWLEY, Warndon, Worcester.
WHAT a magnificent job has been made of the Palace Theatre. It is difficult to single out any particular feature but the spacious foyer and the gorgeous stage curtains must be mentioned. My Fair Lady, performed by Studley Operatic Society, certainly did
POLICE are warning the youngsters responsible for a spate of arson attacks in the south west areas of Redditch that they will not be treated lightly. Pc Richard Waterhouse, from south west sector, is asking parents to remind their children they face having
SIR - We always visit the Malvern Spring Show. Why do people take their dogs to these shows and leave them in their cars? They are not allowed to take them onto the showground, as guide dogs only are allowed. On Sunday, there were six to eight loudspeaker
THE newly refurbished Plymouth Road Memorial Gardens have been officially opened. Redditch Mayor Diane Thomas was guest of honour at the ceremony - one of her final civic duties before handing over her mayoral chains. The council has carried out extensive
SIR - Your story headlined "Cabbies kidnap fare dodgers" describes how drivers have ended up in fights or locking the passengers in their cars until they pay. Taxi drivers feel the police have shown little interest in their plight. And although it is
SIR - As city councillor for St John's, I am obviously very concerned that Shop Direct is closing, leaving hundreds of my constituents out of work. I worked at Kays in Bromyard Road (Pierau warehouse) in the 70s and remember the three-day week. Although
AN MP who represented Redditch for more than a decade has died in hospital, aged 61. Conservative Eric Forth, who was suffering from cancer, died in London last Wednesday. Mr Forth was mid-Worcestershire MP - which included Redditch - between 1983-97
SIR - There must have been a vast change in the NHS if it can fairly accuse us patients of wasting staff time by not turning up for appointments. In my experience, it was almost always the patients who spent days sitting in bemused circles trying to keep
A JOURNEY detailing the course of the River Avon is the subject of a new book by a prolific Redditch writer and photographer. Following on from the success of his book about the River Severn, John Bradford has now focused on walking and photographing
A FOOTBALL-mad dad from Redditch braved a full leg wax to raise cash for a boys' soccer team. Mark Aaron endured the gruelling treatment at the hands of his 16-year-old daughter Antonia, a beauty student at NEW College in Peakman Street. The stunt raised
SUGGESTIONS for improvements in Feckenham were revealed at a recent community meeting. Last Sunday, parish residents were given the chance to look at results from a survey carried out over December and January. The results, along with conclusions from
KILVERT'S Diary was an entertaining talk by local historian Ralph Richardson. Mr Richardson described how the Rev Francis Kilvert was a Victorian country parson of Clyro on the Welsh borders. Kilvert began to keep a diary in 1870 in which he described
A MUSICAL group has benefited from a generous donation from its founder. Indigo Musicmaker founder workshop member Emma Hipkin donated £856.70 to the group, which she has been a member of for five years. Emma, 20, raised the money with an X-Factor-style
TWO residents have been convicted by Redditch magistrates of fly-tipping on town streets. Stuart Ingram, of Mainstone Close, Winyates East, was fined £150 and ordered to pay £150 costs after pleading guilty to dumping a large amount of hedge cuttings
A KIND-hearted Webheath man will soon be taking the first steps to raising vital funds for three charities. Tony Fallon, 35, will be joined by companions Mike Fallon, Anthony Walke and John Dixon in a 115-mile walk from Land's End to Boscastle in Cornwall
A COUPLE of specialist schools in Redditch have been given the thumbs up by education chiefs. Ofsted inspectors rated the Pupil Referral Units (PRU) at Holyoakes Field First and Ipsley Middle Schools as ''good'' during recent inspections. PRUs play a
ROWNEY Green residents are celebrating after a grant for £2,555 was secured to help modernise the village hall. The hall's refurbishment sub-committee applied for a grant from Awards for All to help pay for the architect's feasibility study. Rowney Green
EFFORTS to stop the merger of West Mercia police force into a regional superforce were renewed by Redditch Council on Monday night. Councillors unanimously supported a motion to "call upon all Worcestershire councils and Members of Parliament for the
WI adviser Christine Hickman Smith was wlcomed to the meeting. She presented the two resolutions. The first was on renewable energy, urging the Government to look at encouraging the use of long-term renewable energy in all future developments. Solar,
A DEBT-ridden security manager who forged his wife's signature on a document giving him ownership of their home has been jailed for nine months at Worcester Crown Court. The property in Greenfields, Southcrest, Redditch, was about to be re-possessed when
MEMBERS were well aware of the National Trust, many being members, but not so the Woodland Trust. That was until Margaret Anderson gave an inside view. The Woodland Trust was started in 1971 by volunteer groups for the conservation of woodlands and within
TWO "metal detectives" gave an illustrated talk in May. Bob Baldock and Mick Thompson, from the Coventry Heritage Detective Society, spoke about their fascinating hobby. They brought with them a collection of artefacts which had been found with metal
THE May meeting started with the resolutions discussion, presented by president Margaret Aldridge, who used a laptop and visual display on a screen, which made it more interesting and easier to follow. After business, there was a game of kurling. A collection
THE May meeting was to discuss resolutions to be voted upon at the forthcoming national AGM. Members agreed the delegate to the AGM support both motions. There was a silent auction and plant sale. The hiring out of the kurling stones is also proving a
PRESIDENT Judith Scott welcomed 39 members and WI advisor Christine Hickman-Smith. Since the previous meeting, there had been a superb coach outing to Kew Gardens on a beautiful sunny day. Some members had also attended the Lenchton, Redditch and Saltways
MAY is one of the most beautiful months of the gardening year and the ideal time to take soft wood cuttings from new growth on plants and shrubs. In the autumn, there are semi-ripe cuttings to be taken and in winter, hardwood cuttings. Mark Skelding,
A NEW innovation was introduced at the May meeting - a five inch pot plant competition highlighting leaf count and root growth. A good plant at this stage is the way forward to a winning bloom. On a second vote, Syd Webb was the declared winner. The next
ON Saturday, May 6, the guest was Colin Clay, who gave an excellent talk and slide show on hardy orchids. The slides were lovely and it was a pleasure to see how many orchids grow in the wild in this country. On June 3, Mick Bee will be giving a talk
SCULPTOR John Letts demonstrated his talents at the April meeting. He moulded a man's head from clay. He said he had had a commission to mould the Queen's head and had spent four hours in her company. The annual ramble is on the May 17, a short walk along
THE death of the newborn baby girl found on a pathway in Great Alne is being treated as an unlawful killing. Baby ''Lily'', as police have named her, was discovered inside a white plastic bag by a family walking along a path by the River Alne off Wood
A MALE playschool supervisor found out what life was like as an expectant mum and raised more than £200 for his Greenlands nursery. Scott Lloyd, assistant supervisor at the Sunny Days Nursery, spent a day wearing a false baby bump to raise cash for the
A MUSICAL extravaganza is to be held in memory of a much loved Redditch organist. St Stephen's Church in Church Green will host a concert to mark the life of former organist Harvey Morris, who died last year. Mr Morris was one of the leading figures in
HEAD coach Richard Crabtree and his team will be running tennis camps next week at Pershore Tennis Centre. They will run from Tuesday until Friday and consist of two sessions. Under-9s will be on court between 10am and 12 noon and older youngsters for
TOWN teens are invited to get involved in a community project this summer. Events including litter picking, car washes and barbecues are being planned as part of The Noise 2006. The weekend will run from July 14-16. To become involved, call Stu Avis on
ROUND five of the 2006 British Superbikes at Mond-elo Park in Ireland was abandoned without a race taking place. Early indications that the Sunday morning rain would soon disappear were dispelled with near monsoon prevailing conditions. Many teams elected
Prudden Road Surfacing League STUDLEY moved up to second spot in the Premier Division after with a 4-0 victory over Littleton. This result, together with Shipston losing by the same scoreline at Stratford, pushed the former down to third place and left
FIREFIGHTERS were called to Tylers Lock, Tardebigge, on Sunday to reports of a cow in the canal. They arrived at the London Lane wharf at 10.15am but the cow had managed to get itself out of the water.
REDDITCH people make up almost a third of the total number of county bus passengers. According to Worcestershire County Council's transport department, Redditch residents make up 31 per cent of the total number of bus passengers across six districts.
MEMBERS of Arden Sailing Club in Defford continued their programme of events with the first of the season's ladies' races. There was an enthusiastic turnout for a closely-fought contest that saw positions changing several times. Val Jolly (Top-per) took
A REDDITCH band has made it to the third round of a Birmingham competition. Page 44 has scooped a place in the next stage of the Emergenza contest after taking on rival groups at Digbeth-based venue Birmingham Barfly. Band members Adam Stanford, 21, Adam
THIS weekend's two-day race meeting at Stratford will receive the backing of new sponsor Pertemps. The Pertemps Champion Hunter Chase Meeting is the premier fixture at Luddin-gton and features 13 races over two nights starting at 6.15pm tomorrow. Saturday
Evesham and District Flying Club NINE members sent 99 birds to East Prawle on May 20 liberated at 10am into a south west wind. 1 & 2 G Carter 1777.06, 1767.71; 3 & 5 H Heckingbottom 1731.76, 1723.04; 4 & 6 H Taylor 1729.87, 1681.99; 7 M Kinchin
VOLUNTEERS are needed to give blood in Studley. The National Blood Service is appealing for people to help the region meet the demand for blood from local hospitals. The sessions on Friday, June 2 will be held at Studley Village Hall in High Street from
Evesham and District League A CRIB drive took place at Hampton WMC in aid of the League Cup Fund. Almost 40 members took part in Monday's entertaining event that, helped by a raffle, raised £87. Winners of the highest score prize were Offen-ham pair Cyril
FASHION with a conscience will be on sale and display in Alcester. A garden party and fashion show with a difference will be held on Saturday to showcase the fair trade clothes and crafts of third world countries. Organiser Elizabeth Davey said: "I want
ALCESTER High and Grammar schools are set to receive almost £10,000 in grants for improving their cycle and storage facilities. The Government-led strategy is to get schools to tackle congestion problems and encourage pupils to walk, cycle or use public
A £2 million road resurfacing programme has started on Warwickshire roads. The Warwickshire County Council project, which is due to be completed by September, involves more than 320 sites - from A-roads to residential cul-de-sacs. Drivers are being warned
AN Alcester author and keen rambler has just penned another book to help readers explore the countryside. Roger Noyce, of Horton Close, has just had his new guidebook Pocket Pub Walks in Staffordshire published. The footpath guide has 15 walks ranging
THE year is 2415 and disease has ravaged most of the Earth's population. The walled state of Bregna is one of the last strongholds of humanity, ruled by an elected body of scientists under the command of the mercurial Trevor Goodchild (Marton Csokas)
SAMPSON INGRAM Congratulations Shelly and Jake on the birth of our beautiful Grandaughter Torri Lea, born 23 May, a sister for Demi. Love Nanny and Grandad Ingram,Nanny and Grandad Sampson, Cheryl, Sandy, Shellby, Rosie,Liza, Megan, Isabel, Neil xxxxxx
GIBBS Edna Sylvia and John would like to thank Family, Friends and Neighbours, for their kind support, messages and donations to the British Heart Foundation, in memory of a dear mum. We would also like to thank Reverend Olwen Woolcock of Claines Church
ROPER Edna Passed away peacefully at home after a short illness on May 21st, 2006, aged 87 years. Much loved mother of Hilary, devoted grandmother to Caroline, Alan, Katherine and Gary. Also a loving great grandmother. She will be sadly missed, but never
PITT Dorothy On May 21st, 2006, at Willow Bank Rest Home, aged 99 years. Much loved mum of Mavis, dear nan to Kevin, Michael, J.J and Jane. She will be sadly missed by all her Family and Friends. Funeral service at Worcester Crematorium on Friday, May
POYNER Ken On May 18th 2006, suddenly in hospital aged 71 years. Devoted partner of Ruby, loved brother of Jeannette and Iris. He will be sadly missed by all his Family and Friends. Funeral service at Upton Snodsbury Church on Tuesday, May 30th, at 2.
MANAGER Simon Eustace was full of praise for his Bretforton Old Boys side that only lost one game all season on their way to picking up four trophies. "To win the County Cup a second time was some achievement and then to beat Moreton Wanderers to win
WORCESTER Wolves are on the verge of signing a new American forward who will lead the line for the forthcoming season. Director of basketball Mick Donovan believes the deal to bring Tom Peekes, a 6ft 7in forward, to Wolves can come to a successfukl conclusion
FORMER Arsenal and England striker Alan Smith was guest of honour when Alvechurch held their annual presentation evening last week. Smith, who began his career with the Lye Meadow club before moving on to Leicester City, made the end of season awards
GOLF: YOUNG golf ace Tom Warbrick faces a hectic summer with county call-ups for both Worcestershire's u18s and u16s. And it means the 14-year-old Alcester schoolboy is one of the youngest in the county's history to represent the u18 side. Warbrick, a
ATHLETICS: Racewalker Sharon Tonks retained her Midlands 5km title with victory at a rain-drenched Tamworth Stadium on Sunday. The Bromsgrove & Redditch athlete was short on training before the event but led from the gun on the 12 lap event. Tonks
RACE ace John Laverty suffered another frustrating weekend when heavy rain forced organisers to abandon the Irish leg of the British Superbike Championship. And the disappointment comes on the back of the Irishman's crash with just a lap to go when leading
Wednesday, May 24 Tonight's The Night, Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Until May 27. Tickets on 0870 730 1234 or www.birminghamhippodrome.com Present Laughter, Repertory Theatre, Broad Street, Birmingham. Until May 27. Tickets on 0121 236 4455 or
A PRESENTATION cigarette lighter picked up in South Harrow, near Wendover, Buckinghamshire, in April, handed to the police, bore the inscription D Horwood, Redditch Round Table 1948 - 51. The was no other clue to the owner and no-one came forward to claim
ALCESTER Amateur Operatic Society (AAOS) will perform its next extravaganza at the Palace Theatre this summer. After more than 40 years entertaining audiences at Alcester's Greig Hall, the group is moving to Redditch's newly-refurbished theatre to perform
WORCESTER Wolves are on the verge of signing a new American forward who will lead the line for the forthcoming season. Director of basketball Mick Donovan believes the deal to bring Tom Peekes, a 6ft 7in forward, to Wolves can come to a successfukl conclusion
WORCESTER City have eased the burden on their St George's Lane surface by switching the club's youth team's games. Next season, the youth development side will stage home Midland Floodlit Youth League fixtures at Bromyard Town's Delahay Meadow ground
AN England women's footballer is making a guest appearance at a grass-roots football tournament in Worcester on Sunday. Leeds United FC and England midfielder Sue Smith will be the main guest of honour when 12 teams from across the county meet in the
lI WAS brought up in a small village populated, in the main, by farm labourers and factory workers. The former walked just a few yards to their work, while the latter cycled four miles to the nearby town. My father was a schoolteacher, which undoubtedly
WALKING over Worcester bridge last Saturday, I observed the most wonderful apparition from the past. Festooned in headlamps, stickers and a tank aerial, this was of course that machine so beloved of old mods everywhere, the legendary Vespa in full battle
CAPTAIN Nick Davies has backed teenage duo Zafran and Omar Ali to make a big impact for Bromsgrove CC this season. The teenagers have already shown signs of maturity beyond their years as they played an integral part in the Boars' 96 run win over Aston
Chaddesley Corbett 123-8 Pershore 124-3 CHADDESLEY Corbett were probably left thinking it was better if their match had been rained off like all the other fixtures in the Worcestershire League Division One, after losing by seven wickets to Pershore on
A PARK-and-ride facility is the latest plan for a piece of land that has already attracted controversy and much speculation. Grove Farm, a 19-hectare green field site on the outskirts of St John's, Worcester, could be the location for the interchange
CIVIC dignitaries and VIP guests gathered at Malvern Library to mark its reopening after a £1.5m refurbishment. One hundred people were at the extended Graham Road building to hear chairman of the Worcestershire County Council Maurice Broomfield declare
A SHOPPER got the shock of his life when he found a live maggot at the bottom of a bag of bread. Bruce Bishop, aged 28, was one of four people to make complaints to environmental health officials after making the disgusting discovery as he took the last
THE Worcester Sea Cadets are looking for more youngsters to join them. The cadets are part of the nationwide Sea Cadet Corps, a voluntary organisation open to people aged from 12 to 18, with a junior section for those aged 10 to 12. The main aim of the
A BEATLES concert programme signed by the Fab Four when they performed in Worcester more than 40 years ago is expected to fetch up to £6,000 when it is auctioned tomorrow. The illustrated souvenir up for grabs at Christie's in London was signed by Paul
MENTAL health service users have expressed their disappointment over new proposals regarding their city hostel. The Worcester News reported last week how Worcestershire County Council has proposed closing 2 Stanley Road, but is willing to compromise and
FOND memories of a city golf club have come flooding back for many people following its sudden closure. As reported in the Worcester News, Tolladine Golf Club closed on Sunday, May 14, after racking up debts of more than £125,000. Former members of the
THE number of pensioners using bus services in Worcestershire has trebled since free journeys were introduced for the elderly and infirm, it has been revealed. Figures released by Worcestershire County Council show that the area's main operator, First
A TOTAL of 23 children's centres are to be created in Worcestershire schools in the next two years at a cost of more than £4.5m. The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) is to provide £3.5m to ensure the centres are opened by 2008. It is also giving
A NEW attempt to win posthumous pardons for British soldiers executed during the First World War has been welcomed by a relative of an executed Worcestershire soldier. Labour MP Andrew MacKinlay has tabled an amendment to the Armed Forces Bill, which
LAST weekend's awful weather took a heavy toll on the local cricket programme. Bretforton, Pershore and Evesham's second string were the only sides to defy the elements with the former the solitary club to record a victory in the Cotswold Hills League
NEIGHBOURING giants West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers will both provide Kidderminster Harriers with pre-season friendly tests. The Championship sides are the only two teams visiting Aggborough before the new Nationwide Conference campaign
Redditch Ravens 38 Coventry Bears 50 ROBBIE Parker made a dream debut for the Ravens but could not stop his new side from slumping to defeat. And coach Jason Spafford is hoping the new recruit become a regular in a Ravens shirt. Parker, a rugby union
THERE was a double dose of mixed match action for Vale Golf and Country Club members who recorded a brace of victories. Brailes was the initial venue where the visitors' success saw them return home with a 5-3 win and the Gibbs Mitchell Plate. Cleobury
CHRIS Pennell's rugby career has received another boost after the 18-year-old was offered a full-time contract with Worcester Warriors. The teenager from Pershore was an integral part of England's squad that claimed third place at the Under-19 World Cup
Evesham Youth AC FIFTH round action in the Townsend Series took place at Willow Farm Fishery last Saturday when Mathew Kinnersley, Dave Beasley and Mark Malin topped their respective sections. The next matches will take place in the river when the season
THE numbers of patients using the minor injuries unit at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove has more than doubled over the past couple of months. This massive increase has coincided with the nine signs put up in and around the town
A FEMALE doctor had to be rescued by firefighters after being trapped in a ford during treacherous weather conditions. The woman was travelling through the ford in Houndsfield Lane, Wythall, at around 8.45pm on Monday morning, during a heavy downpour
STUDLEY drew their third consecutive game in Division Two when they shared the spoils at Wolverhampton-based Fordhouses. In one of the few league games to reach a result, Studley batted first and posted a respectable 137-5 from 37 overs. Adie Smith (31
BROMSGROVE ambulance crew member Dawn Wilbraham has been named Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service NHS Trust employee of the year. Dawn (left), who works with the Trust's High Dependency Service in Bromsgrove, was presented with her award at a ceremony
THIS year's Bromsgrove Festival has been hailed a huge success by its organisers, who have now embarked on their plans for next year's event. The 2006 festival came to a grand finale with a performance from opera star Sir Willard White at St John's Church
THE proposed £1million regeneration of Charford has moved a step forward following work to appoint an architect to draw up the area's future. Following a period of consultation, Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (BDHT) has joined up with tenants and local
THERE will be fun for all the family during a host of attractions at a Bromsgrove museum.IN THE PICTURE:Julie Rogers prepares for the Tudor weekend and Kidderminster Arts Society exhibittion. A three-week extravaganza celebrating the world of local art
A NEW organisation is to be set up following the demise of a charity that helps bereaved children overcome their grief. The Brambles Trust, set up in the wake of the Hagley RC High School mini-bus crash on the M40 in 1993, is set to go into voluntary
WHEN legendary country singer Johnny Cash died on September 12, 2003, the music world lost one of its most glittering stars. Known affectionately as The Man In Black, Cash used his songwriting as a means to exorcise his demons. He barely survived the
A COUPLE were taunted by a group of men as they walked home from a Worcester nightclub in the early hours, a court was told. Adam Bant and his girlfriend had been to Tramps but were accosted when they passed TJs Bar at 1.15am on February 11 last year,
DROITWICH Spa's "vision for the future" is set to take another step forward this week as the town plan process reaches a critical stage. Members of the group, which is responsible for forming the plan, are set to meet tonight (Wednesday). Group secretary
PRIDE and precious league points will be at stake when neighbours Wythall and Five Ways OEs meet in a Division Three clash this weekend. Neither side has tasted victory yet this season and Wythall will be hoping home advantage could swing things for the
A FORMER MP for Droitwich Spa has died in hospital after a long battle with cancer. Eric Forth, aged 61, served as a trade and education minister when the Tories were last in power and has been described as "one of the greatest parliamentarians of his
EXHALL & Wixford will be looking for a vital victory when they travel to Stratford Bards in the Premier Division. Simon Hollands' side remain unbeaten this season but two abandoned games, including Saturday's match with Shipston, leave them in third
A COMPILATION of music from bands across the area has been put together to raise funds for Droitwich's Ferret Welfare. Spa-based volunteer Ian Kearns has organised the project and put the CD together in the hope of selling copies to raise much needed
VILLAGERS in Ombersley have been busy preparing for summer celebrations that will mark its 1,300th anniversary.Well framed: The village's beautiful parish church. A number of events are planned across June and August to mark Ombersley's history and give
A SPA veterinary practice is backing a campaign to help animal lovers guard against losing their pets.CHIPS AREN'T DOWN:Staff at the Townsend Veterinary Practice are supporting national microchipping month in June. Staff at the Townsend Veterinary Practice
ICE cream producers from Salwarpe have appeared on national television showcasing their goods. BBC cameras filmed father and daughter Michael Davies and Gillian Kerton from the village near Droitwich during their first visit to a Worcestershire farmers
DROITWICH Spa's Norbury Theatre has announced the exciting line-up for its spring and summer season of films. After the success of its autumn cinema season, the Friar Street venue hopes the coming films will entertain both young and old alike. Every film
MEMBERS met to celebrate Droitwich Spa Stroke Club's 20th birthday. The club, which was founded in 1986 by Alec Little, Ted Gough and their wives, met at Copcut Court, off Celvestune Way, to mark the milestone. The deputy mayor, Councillor John Cook,
THE year is 2415 and disease has ravaged most of the Earth's population. The walled state of Bregna is one of the last strongholds of humanity, ruled by an elected body of scientists under the command of the mercurial Trevor Goodchild (Marton Csokas)
I HAVE to say that Imogen Heap came as something of a surprise to me. As part of the duo Frou Frou, she was responsible for a string of forgettable Euro pop tracks leaning more on electronic hardware than musical talent. And while she has not turned her
WORCESTER City have eased the burden on their St George's Lane surface by switching the club's youth team's games. Next season, the youth development side will stage home Midland Floodlit Youth League fixtures at Bromyard Town's Delahay Meadow ground
WORCESTER City's academy stars showed their Catalan counterparts a trick or two during a trip of Spain. A youth development squad of 15 took to the resort of Lloret de Mar, near Barcelona, for their week-long end-of-season trip. And it was City offering
A REDDITCH man who sexually molested four young girls has been sentenced to nine years in prison. Michael Gallen, of South Street, Smallwood, pleaded guilty to nine counts of indecent assault, four of possession of indecent pseudo photographs of children
EVESHAM Rugby Club's title triumph last season has earned them a place in Midlands Four West (South) next season. The new Midlands League structure will see the Avon Street side in a 12-strong league that includes many old foes from Worcestershire and
Evesham Youth AC FIFTH round action in the Townsend Series took place at Willow Farm Fishery last Saturday when Mathew Kinnersley, Dave Beasley and Mark Malin topped their respective sections. The next matches will take place in the river when the season
SURPRISE, surprise. Despite the empty promises from the esteemed leaders of Redditch Council, yet again a big fat nothing has been delivered for the long suffering local population, especially the young people. The real surprise is it has taken an impartial
JUNIOR members of Pershore Kick-Boxing Club have been displaying their talents inside the ring. Gordon Hill won his first fight with a narrow points verdict, while Chloe Buller had an easier route on her way to a healthy points triumph over her opponent
MEMBERS of Arden Sailing Club in Defford continued their programme of events with the first of the season's ladies' races. There was an enthusiastic turnout for a closely-fought contest that saw positions changing several times. Val Jolly (Top-per) took
HEAD coach Richard Crabtree and his team will be running tennis camps next week at Pershore Tennis Centre. They will run from Tuesday until Friday and consist of two sessions. Under-9s will be on court between 10am and 12 noon and older youngsters for
WET weather did not deter keen Redditch runners at the weekend for the town's third annual fun run and 10k race. Organised by retired policeman Dave Wilkins, Saturday's event at Arrow Valley Park attracted hoardes of participants. Mr Wilkins said: "Despite
AN aspiring Hunt End actor has clinched a place at a top American drama academy. Chris Barley, from Claverdon Close, has been offered a place at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York - the training ground of actors including Danny Devito and
I READ recently Albert Wharrad had served 40 years representing Winyates ward. Most commendable. But life and times move on and eventually someone would have to take his place. That place has now been taken by David Enderby, representing the British National
LABOUR councillor Phil Mould will continue as leader of Redditch Council after being appointed at its Annual General Meeting on Monday. He first filled the post when David Cartwright stood down during an investigation into charity Step Out Drop In (SODI
WE are on the move! The Redditch Advertiser & Alcester Chronicle will be relocating its Church Green East reception to prestigious new offices from Friday. Our reception will join the sales and editorial teams at our modern offices in Grosvenor House
WHILE the people of Redditch will no doubt want to congratulate Jacqui Smith on her promotion to the Cabinet, they will also be asking themselves whether this promotion was the result of: a natural progression based on competence and ability, or a reward
THIS year's Battle of the Bands contest starts this week at Kingsley Theatre. The 2006 Redditch competition opens on Friday and Saturday with six bands fightings against each other on each night for a place in the second heat. A panel of judges will pick
SIR - I can understand why Mike Foster wrote his angry letter (May 18) on my apparent claim that he had failed to ask a single written parliamentary question in the last year. The only problem is that I made no such claim - the report in the Worcester
A REDDITCH roofer who waylaid his brother and bit him on the nose has been jailed for eight months at Worcester Crown Court. Judge David McEvoy QC said 24-year-old Dean Ellis had carried out a revenge attack after an argument in a cafe on October 18,
PREPARATIONS are under way at Arrow Valley Country Park for an international birdwatching event. The Birdwatchers Summer Fair 2006 arrives for the weekend of June 3 and 4 and will bring birdwatching demonstrations and guided walks and talks by top wildlife
A BRAVE Moons Moat worker agreed to lose his locks for charity. Greg O'Reilly, who works at AMS Retail Interiors, had his head shaved to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Relief. Watched by fellow staff, including his mum Margaret O'Reilly who also works
As plans are submitted to build 27 office blocks and industrial units at Grove Farm, on the outskirts of Worcester, the area has emerged as the city council's latest candidate for a park-and-ride site. Now, there are arguments for and against building
A CHURCH Hill dad got more than he bargained for when he decided to dig out a small fishpond for his children. But Craig Snow, of Upperfield Close, didn't strike gold when he shoved in his spade. Instead, he uncovered an old washing machine, a roll of
A REDDITCH teenager has been praised for the hard work she committed to raising the £6,500 needed to buy herself a new wheelchair. Staff at Arrow Vale High School have said how proud they are of Leanna Page, who took centre stage on her state-of-the-art
REDDITCH parishioners could face the cold shoulder this winter unless their church can raise the £3,000 needed to pay for a new heating system. St George's Church is launching an emergency appeal after a routine check of the building revealed the oil
