Archive

  • 7/6/06 - Wedge called up for Somerset tie

    WORCESTERSHIRE will take the same 12-man squad that drew with Gloucestershire at Bristol into their Liverpool Victoria County Champion-ship clash with Somerset at Taunton today (11am). The pace bowling burden will once again rest on Zaheer Khan and

  • Taking Mickey

    SIR - I always thought, Stanley Parr (May 10), that Wayne Rooney was a short tough little film star of the 1940s. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.

  • Corrupt Leaders

    SIR - Bono the pop singer seems to think some corruption has crept into some of the African states. I wonder if Robert Mugabe, the president of Zimbabwe, would agree? JOHN SHEARON, Worcester.

  • Saddened by end of Tolladine club

    SIR - I was saddened to read of the demise of Tolladine Golf Club after such a long history. However, there is perhaps a silver lining. If the city council was to take over the course and move the municipal course from Perdiswell to Tolladine, then

  • Great Britain is being destroyed

    SIR - Columnist Peter Hitchens writes "if we are not careful, our grandchildren will soon be shining the shoes of Indian tourists in London." UK unemployment is now 1.59 million and our work is out-sourced to India and the EU. With the voters'support

  • Ban parking one mile from school

    SIR - Safer routes to school? First, I would ban parking within one mile of a school entrance and make a 20mph limit when lights flash, most typically between 8am and 9am in the morning and 3pm and 4pm in an afternoon during term time. JOHN NORWOOD,

  • Compare his way of life with mine

    SIR - I find it quite strange that the Deputy Prime Minister had been able to keep two grace-and- favour houses and a £600,000 annual salary and a guaranteed large pension. This is obscene when you consider that two months ago, I was advised by the

  • Markets help to make cities thrive

    SIR - We read a lot about town and city redevelopment with internet shopping and are told that in a few decades, our high streets could be turned into flats and our out-of-town stores to distribution centres. However, many people like to browse and

  • Busy right up to the last moment

    SIR - Our final two days as mayor and mayoress of this great city of ours was very busy with four engagements on Monday, May 15, and one big one the next day with Gary Lineker. Then it was full council in the evening when the new mayor was elected. I

  • Accountability has been long gone

    SIR - During the days of the county police force, villages like Great Witley had their own police station with a permanent allocation of a sergeant and several constables. There was even a local magistrates court held monthly. When West Mercia was

  • Everything shipshape and Worcester fashion

    SIR - They all believed bigger was better. I'll never forget being in my first class of newly-qualified sick-berth attendants awaiting allocation of our new drafts at Plymouth's Royal Naval Hospital. Our names were called in alphabetical order followed

  • A greenfield armageddon is looming

    THERE was a time when land classed as Green Belt was deemed to be safe from development. Now, such designation is merely regarded by governments and developers as being just one more hurdle to cross before they obtain the desired result. Our main

  • Report points to a healthy economy

    BUSINESS experts at County Hall Worcester will this month launch their annual report on Worcestershire's commercial property market - a key indicator of the region's economic success. The report compares the sales, supply and demand for premises by

  • Tom all set to push himself to the limit

    PROPERTY developer Tom Forrester will be pitting his physical prowess against hundreds of other competitors in an Ironman challenge later this month. Tom, from Tibberton, near Droitwich, will be heading to Exmoor in Devon on Sunday, June 18 to push

  • Profits up as bills for water rise

    WATER restrictions for the people of Worcestershire this summer are unlikely, Severn Trent Water has announced. In unveiling its latest figures, the company said reservoirs were currently more than 97 per cent full and that it did not envisage any restrictions

  • Malvern media centre is all set to rock and roll

    THE champagne is set to flow at a new media centre for the community in Malvern this summer, as work finishes on the ambitious project. Paul Farrer, owner of West-Malvern-based company Music Mint, was granted planning permission in 2004 to convert Raglan

  • 200 jobs saves as US buys into City

    MORE than 200 jobs have been saved at one of Worcester's best-known companies after a buy-out by a New York firm. Metal Castings, a car parts company, which has traded from the Droitwich Road site for 85 years, went into administration at the end of

  • Meet Roger, England's ingredient for success

    A TOP Worcestershire chef is helping the England squad's bid to win the World Cup by providing plenty of Jaffa Cakes and shepherd's pie. Roger Narbett, head chef for the England football team is the owner of the Chequers Inn, Cutnall Green, near Droitwich

  • Special award for James, the 100-pint man

    JAMES Parker may have started giving blood for a lie-down and a free cup of tea - but, 100 donations later, his reward was a little more impressive. Mr Parker was among 10 Worcester blood donors recognised for reaching donation milestones. The 60-

  • I enjoyed being in Iraq - but I'm glad I'm back

    soldiers from a Territorial Army unit based in Worcester have returned home for the summer after serving their country in Iraq. The 18 troops from B Company, The West Midlands Regiment, based at Dancox House, Silver Street, were part of a force numbering

  • Children raise cash as they learn music

    MORE than 250,000 children are aiming to raise £1m by taking part in a unique musical project uniting children of all races and backgrounds. The Romany Wood Sing for Children project is a national event based in and organised from Worcester that gets

  • Got MS? Then get this

    MULTIPLE sclerosis sufferers in Worcestershire are benefiting from a new directory listing services that can ease their condition. The new booklet has been produced by the county's MS steering group, made up of patients and professionals, including

  • 10,000 Homes on City's Green Belt

    ALMOST 10,000 homes could be built on greenfield sites around the edge of Worcester over the next 15 years, completely transforming the face of the city. Plans have also been put forward to create a north west link road stretching through Broadheath

  • Wedge called up for Somerset tie

    WORCESTERSHIRE will take the same 12-man squad that drew with Gloucestershire at Bristol into their Liverpool Victoria County Championship clash with Somerset at Taunton today (11am). The pace bowling burden will once again rest on Zaheer Khan and Kabir

  • Bike crash fails to stop Parsons clinching gold

    MICHELLE Parsons returned from the Elite World Long Distance Duathlon Championships in Frederica, Denmark, with a team gold medal. Parsons was battered and bruised but managed an individual seventh place finish for her efforts. The Worcester Triathlon

  • Smith off the mark with fight win

    WORCESTER City ABC's Sean Smith recorded his first fight win with victory over Lye's Alan Whittington. Boxing in his third contest, Smith started the stronger, firing stiff jabs to halt the oncoming Whittington. Double jabs and straight rights from

  • Williams in first place for college sport prize

    DAMON Williams won Wor-cester Sixth Form College's top sports award at their presentation evening at Worcestershire County Cricket Club. The full list of sports prize winners are: Victor Ludorum Award -- Damon Williams; Ryan Birt Award -- Dominic

  • Double triumph for Thompson in schools cup

    WORCESTER'S Zoe Thompson secured two medals at the National Schools Regatta in Nottingham. The Royal Grammar School pupil came away with a silver from the girls' junior 15 single sculls over 1,000 metres. Despite a large entry of 31 boats, Thompson

  • OEs cricketers given big net boost

    CRICKETERS of all ages who play for Old Elizabethans can now hone their skills in the club's new two-bay practice nets, thanks to a grant from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The club, based at the Memorial Ground in Perdiswell, was awarded

  • It's a family affair at Santa Pod Raceway

    FATHER-and-son drag racing team, Brian and Lee Huxley, bagged two trophies at Santa Pod Raceway in Northampton-shire on the bank holiday weekend. The duo, who were runners-up in the National Trophy last year, also finished second in the recent meeting

  • Host of awards for Boughton Park Tennis Club

    THERE was success all round for Boughton Park Tenis Club's men's section in the Hereford and Worcester winter league. The men's `A' team came top of division three west and the men's `B' team won division five west. The men's `C' team triumphed in

  • Green book place in next round of the cup

    Himley 234-8 Barnt Green 237-7 Barnt Green win by three wickets BARNT Green CC took another step towards glory by defeating Himley to reach the regional semi-finals of the Cockspur National Knockout Cup on Sunday. Last season's finalists edged closer

  • Ladies collect two awards

    EVESHAM Ladies Hockey Club celebrated winning promotion at the Worcestershire HA's annual general meeting when they were presented with the league trophy and an award for boasting the best defensive record in the league - they conceded just seven goals

  • A folk fusion

    FANS of the delicate sounds of the flute and modern folk music should look no further than Worcester's Huntingdon Hall when Michael McGoldrick performs on Friday, June 9. The winner of BBC Radio 2's Folk Awards the artist combines traditional music with

  • Surprise appearance

    AN Alvechurch woman will ensure the high notes are hit when she conducts Birmingham Symphonic Winds this Saturday. The Shaken Not Stirred! film-themed concert will see music director Keith Allen hand over his baton to a new talent, Elizabeth Price, who

  • Four fixed up for friendlies

    TWO Midland Alliance sides and two from the Conference North have agreed to play warm-up matches against Eve-sham United. Common Road will host three of the friendly games with the opener at Alve-church on Tuesday, July 18 (7.30). Worcester City are the

  • Sex attacker used sign language

    A HEALTH or social care worker could hold clues to the identity of a man who committed a serious sexual assault on a young woman in Batchley. The Bromsgrove woman, who was in her early 20s, was waiting at a bus stop in Poplar Road on Tuesday, May 16 at

  • Woman hurt in sat-nav snatch

    A WOMAN was pushed by a man who stole her car satellite navigation system in Wythall. She was returning to her car, which was parked outside the Londis store in Station Road on Friday, May 26 at about 6.45pm when the white man aged 18-25 approached her

  • Lion statues stolen off wall

    A PAIR of ornamental stone lions were stolen from a close off Nine Days Lane. The lions were taken from a wall outside the front of the Wire Hill home overnight on Monday, May 29. They are described as crouching lions, 2ft long and 1ft high and one has

  • Comical capers as the CIA consider Castro

    Review: Killing Castro at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, until Saturday. FRESH talent, a new play and a quartet of some of our most accomplished actors provided a more than satisfying evening's entertainment. Brian Stewart is to be warmly congratulated

  • Four fixed up for friendlies

    TWO Midland Alliance sides and two from the Conference North have agreed to play warm-up matches against Eve-sham United. Common Road will host three of the friendly games with the opener at Alve-church on Tuesday, July 18 (7.30). Worcester City are the

  • Defense on top for Arrows

    Redditch Arrows 52 Merseyside Nighthawks 8 THE Arrows maintained their place at the top of Division Two Central with this emphatic victory over their Ash Lane visitors. And it was an excellent all-round display for the Hopwood-based side with the points

  • Ladies see off rivals

    GOLF: Redditch Ladies beat Wharton Park Ladies 4-1 when the teams met at Redditch Golf Club in the Droitwich League. And there was success for Redditch Juniors who won their Junior West Midland League match against visitors Gay Hill 3-1. Redditch Seniors

  • Ravens slump to Warriors

    Gloucester Warriors 104 Redditch Ravens 8 A POWERFUL Warriors side proved far too strong for the Ravens who managed just a single try in each half. The home side had too much and experience, taking advantage of a Redditch side wilting in the heat in the

  • Andy's aim

    ANDY 'The Pie Man' Smith heads to Bolton's Reebok Stadium this weekend with his sights set on the Budweiser UK Open's £15,000 first prize. The Studley darts ace hits the oche for the first time on Saturday evening and his game is likely to be shown live

  • Teen pair lead the way

    TENNIS: Wythall A continued their unbeaten run in Division Six of the Birmingham League with a resounding 4-0 whitewash over visitors Hall Green III. The result follows a 3-1 victory over Circle and a 2-2 draw with Moseley. Teenage pair Mathew Fellows

  • Search for future stars

    TRIALS are being held by the Worcestershire Schools Badminton Association to help them select next season's county squads. The trials take the form of tournaments for u13s, u15s and u17s to be staged at Worcester's Elgar Technology College on Sunday,

  • What's On Guide

    Wednesday, June 7 Welsh National Opera presents Don Giovanni, Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Also June 9. Tickets on www.birminghamhippodrome.com or 0870 730 1234 Go and Play Further up your Own End, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingam. Until June 11.

  • 100 years ago - June 9, 1906

    THE delightful weather which prevailed during the Whitsuntide holidays spelt success for one outdoor gathering and the hearts of all sports and show promoters are light, while their money bags are heavy. At Alvechurch Horse Show, at Studley picnic and

  • Where to go

    Wednesday, June 7 MUSIC: Time Enough, Hop Pole Inn, Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove. DANCE: Don Giovanni, Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham. CINEMA: Transamerica, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. MUSIC: Show of Hands, Midlands Arts Centre,

  • 25 years ago - June 5, 1981

    A FAMOUS Redditch rock musician left a fortune of £856,498, it was discovered this week. John Bonham, drummer of the leading rock band Led Zeppelin, died last September after a 12-hour drinking session at the home of the group's guitarist, Jimmy Page.

  • Player call for team

    JUNIOR FOOTBALL: Church Hill FC are looking for players for their u7s and u9s sides next season. Anyone interested should call Matt Hartles on 61643 or go along to one of the team's training sessions at Church Hill Middle School each Saturday morning

  • Mad for great musical magic

    THE magic of the great musicals comes to the Palace Theatre next Friday. Mad About The Musicals is a two-hour extravaganza of West End hits from musical favourites including Les Miserables, Chicago, We Will Rock You, Starlight Express and many more. The

  • College football champs discuss Reds link

    STUDENTS at NEW College could be in line for a double celebration. For not only have the college bagged the honours in the Worcestershire FA's Colleges league but could soon benefit from a new deal with neighbours Redditch United. Lecturer Scott Birnie

  • Tale of Brummie life

    BRUMMIE extravaganza Go And Play Further has arrived at the Alexandra Theatre. Following the success of Go and Play Up Your Own End, the show takes a real look at life in Birmingham in the 1960s, telling a touching tale of friendship and Brummie warmth

  • Sweet show

    SOAPSTARS Samantha Giles and Bruno Langley will take to the stage at Malvern Theatres from Monday. The pair are set to star in the national tour of the award-winning classic A Taste of Honey. The play hinges on the relationship between working-class girl

  • Band set for TV debut

    ENERGETIC Redditch rock band Page 44 will take centre stage on a national television programme. The four-piece act has hit the big time and will appear on prime time Saturday morning music show Popworld on Channel 4. The appearance was secured after the

  • Choral works at city venue

    A PROFESSIONAL production of great choral works descends on Birmingham this weekend, including singers from Redditch. Matthew Jones Productions presents a performance of Vivaldi's Gloria and other works at the Adrian Boult Hall on Sunday. The exciting

  • Wedge called up for Somerset tie

    WORCESTERSHIRE will take the same 12-man squad that drew with Gloucestershire at Bristol into their Liverpool Victoria County Championship clash with Somerset at Taunton today (11am). The pace bowling burden will once again rest on Zaheer Khan and Kabir

  • Williams in first place for college sport prize

    DAMON Williams won Wor-cester Sixth Form College's top sports award at their presentation evening at Worcestershire County Cricket Club. The full list of sports prize winners are: Victor Ludorum Award -- Damon Williams; Ryan Birt Award -- Dominic D'Oliveira

  • Double triumph for Thompson in schools cup

    WORCESTER'S Zoe Thompson secured two medals at the National Schools Regatta in Nottingham. The Royal Grammar School pupil came away with a silver from the girls' junior 15 single sculls over 1,000 metres. Despite a large entry of 31 boats, Thompson improved

  • OEs cricketers given big net boost

    CRICKETERS of all ages who play for Old Elizabethans can now hone their skills in the club's new two-bay practice nets, thanks to a grant from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The club, based at the Memorial Ground in Perdiswell, was awarded

  • Droitwich aiming to bounce back in style

    DROITWICH Spa CC will be aiming to bounce back in style from last Saturday's demoralising defeat when they take on Pershore this Saturday in the Worcestershire League Division One. Spa slumped to their worst defeat in 20 years at the hands of Brockhampton

  • Bromsgrove go down fighting to Harborne

    Bromsgrove 207 all out Harborne 210-5 Bromsgrove lost by five wickets RUNS were hard to come by for Bromsgrove as the batsmen failed to take advantage of a good wicket in Saturday's defeat at the hands of Harborne in the Birmingham and District League

  • 03/06/06 - Bowden's knock spurs sets up Astwood cup clash

    Harborne 265-8 Avoncroft 202 all out Avoncroft lost by 63 runs NEWLY promoted Avoncroft's survival hopes suffered a set back as they were out gunned by Harborne in the Worcestershire County League Division Two on Saturday in Birmingham. 'Croft had no

  • 04/06/06 - Bowden's knock spurs sets up Astwood cup clash

    Chaddesley Corbett 296-5 Belbroughton 134-8 Chaddesley Corbett won by 63 runs CHADDESLEY Corbett reached the regional final of the npower Village Cup when a powerful batting display set them up for a 63-run verdict over neighbours Belbroughton on Sunday

  • 03/06/06 - Corbett savour a seven wicket victory

    CHADDESLEY Corbett defeated Astwood Bank by seven wickets in the Worcestershire League Division One on Saturday. Astwood were dismissed for 107 and Corbett made 108-3 in reply. In Division Two Belbroughton went down to Worcester Nomads by three wickets

  • Meet Roger, England's ingredient for success

    A TOP Worcestershire chef is helping the England squad's bid to win the World Cup by providing plenty of Jaffa Cakes and shepherd's pie. Roger Narbett, head chef for the England football team is the owner of the Chequers Inn, Cutnall Green, near Droitwich

  • Special award for James, the 100-pint man

    JAMES Parker may have started giving blood for a lie-down and a free cup of tea - but, 100 donations later, his reward was a little more impressive. Mr Parker was among 10 Worcester blood donors recognised for reaching donation milestones. The 60-year-old

  • In final after last ball win

    EXHALL and Wixford, who have a habit of taking their npower Village Cup games down to the wire, surpassed themselves to earn a place in the Leicestershire and Warwickshire group final. Last Sunday's thrilling clash at Fillongley ended with the scores

  • Children raise cash as they learn music

    MORE than 250,000 children are aiming to raise £1m by taking part in a unique musical project uniting children of all races and backgrounds. The Romany Wood Sing for Children project is a national event based in and organised from Worcester that gets

  • Trio in the runs as Exhall make intentions clear

    WHILE Paul Jones was blasting Bretforton 17 points clear at the top of the Cotswold Hills League, Exhall and Wixford again displayed their intentions to defend their Premier Division title. Early pacesetters Tanworth were the visitors and they were quickly

  • Tom all set to push himself to the limit

    PROPERTY developer Tom Forrester will be pitting his physical prowess against hundreds of other competitors in an Ironman challenge later this month. Tom, from Tibberton, near Droitwich, will be heading to Exmoor in Devon on Sunday, June 18 to push himself

  • Profits up as bills for water rise

    WATER restrictions for the people of Worcestershire this summer are unlikely, Severn Trent Water has announced. In unveiling its latest figures, the company said reservoirs were currently more than 97 per cent full and that it did not envisage any restrictions

  • Cup tie success

    A MAKESHIFT Pershore side reached the third round of the Worcester-shire County League Kno-ckout Cup last Wednesday with an eight-wicket win at Droitwich. Fielding four regular second-teamers, the visitors were in control throughout after Martin Johnson

  • Report points to a healthy economy

    BUSINESS experts at County Hall Worcester will this month launch their annual report on Worcestershire's commercial property market - a key indicator of the region's economic success. The report compares the sales, supply and demand for premises by Worcestershire's

  • Sorting out how to recycle...

    VISITORS to my home from other UK regions and abroad have been surprised at our still limited scope for recycling. Why is thick cardboard excluded when it can be recycled at local paper banks? Why include only certain types of plastic? Why not dry small

  • Arrogance

    OF all the reports and information in your paper dated May 24, the one stated by Councillor Roger Hollingworth - when referring to the charge of car parking for the elderly and disabled, is surely one of the most arrogant. How dare he suggest that the

  • Drinks ban

    A NUMBER of areas in Bromsgrove have large signs forbidding the consumption of alcohol, however these orders are not enforced as I and many residents know only too well. What is the point of putting up these signs, at some expense, for individuals to

  • Flag fund

    MANY thanks to the people of Bromsgrove who so generously supported our Annual Flag Day. In spite of the wet weather a grand total of £921was donated. The RNLI is a registered charity that relies on voluntary contributions and legacies for its income

  • Pub grub!

    WITH reference to Mr Evers' letter in the May edition, it is a good summary of the situation at the Dodford Inn and his praise of the pub is appreciated. A major 'plus point' for the Dodford is the food - not just bar snacks, but a range of starters,

  • Rovers increase season prices

    FOOTBALL: Bromsgrove Rovers have announced their season tickets prices for the 2006/2007 season. If you buy before July 1, 2006, a standing season ticket for an adult costs £120, £60 for a pensioner, £40 for a child under-16-years-old, while a family

  • Impressed with theatre

    CONGRATULATIONS once again to the Norbury Theatre for a very enjoyable evening. Word is obviously getting round because every seat was taken for the evening I attended for Mrs Henderson Presents. Keep up the good work. Red Fox Droitwich Spa

  • Shabby welcome

    I CONGRATULATE W Groves for voicing the opinion of many local residents regarding the shabby welcome that Droitwich extends to visitors approaching the town via the Hanbury Road junction. It is a sad and depressing entrance to the town and completely

  • Hooray for Henry!

    HENRY Burling added another trophy to his collection when he won the Junior Open at Redditch last Wed-nesday. The 15-year-old is one of the Vale Golf and Country Club's talented young players and that was seen to the fore as the teenager's gross round

  • Don't forget this play

    HAGLEY Theatre Group delves into the wrong side of the law for its new show, Forget-Me-Knot, between June 8 and 10. The play centres on police officer Robert Morley, who is found staggering around at 4am in the morning suffering from amnesia. But is it

  • Writing for the stage

    PLAYWRIGHT April de Angelis will give a talk and advice on writing for the stage this Friday, June 9. The playwright has written Playhouse Creatures, A Laughing Matter and Wild East for theatres in the past. She will be at LG Harris and Co Ltd in Stoke

  • School fete

    A VILLAGE school's summer fete is taking place this Sunday. Dodford First School is holding the event from 12noon-2pm. Children will be opening the fete with country dancing and the school's brass group will also be performing a piece. Other attractions

  • Rubery WI

    THE May meeting was the institute's 73rd birthday and we held a party to celebrate. Nearly all the members were present and the room looked very pretty with pansies on each table. Following a short business session from the president and secretary, a

  • Stoke Prior WI

    PRESIDENT Betty Wolsey welcomed 15 members to the May meeting and voiced everyone's thoughts for member Freda Perry, who had been admitted to hospital. WI representative Christine Hickman-Smith was introduced to outline the proposed resolutions to be

  • Witton WI

    AT our meeting to discuss the resolutions, Jenny Kerridge was in the chair. Jo Butcher first dealt with correspondence in the absence of our secretary, on holiday. Jenny and Gladys Cullom reported on the enjoyable courses recently attended at Denman College

  • Town backs Sven's men

    WITH just a couple of days to go before England's big kick-off against Paraguay, World Cup fever is sweeping through Bromsgrove and surrounding areas. Residents, landlords and shopkeepers around the town have thrown their support behind Beckham and the

  • Police assaults man gets ASBO

    A 39-YEAR-OLD Bromsgrove man has been given a two year Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Order following assaults on a police officer. John Rae, known locally as 'Jock', was given the order at a hearing at Redditch Magistrates Court last month following

  • A shady character

    BROMSGROVE'S first citizen is donning his shades to promote the work of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Councillor Craig Lanham, who is chairman of Bromsgrove District Council, is appealing to as many people as possible to join him in supporting

  • Call for more carnival stalls

    A RALLYING call has gone out to groups to have stalls at this year's Bromsgrove Carnival fundraising gala. The event, held at Sanders Park on Saturday, July 1, will be the last one organised by the Friends of the Princess of Wales Community Hospital,

  • England beaten

    ENGLAND'S blind cricketers crashed to defeat against Pakistan at Redditch Cricket Club -- the second game in a four-match tour of the county. Pakistan won the toss and opted to field on a damp wicket, restricting the English batsmen to singles early on

  • Tributes for ex-UEF boss

    FRANK Baldrey, a former managing director and chairman of Garringtons, has died at the age of 85. Frank died at his home in Rous Lench after a four month battle with cancer. He leaves behind a wife, Pat, four children and five grandchildren. He joined

  • Redditch collapse

    FRUSTRATED Redditch skipper Nev Mason saw his side crash to a seven- wicket defeat at home to Wombourne in this Division Three clash. And he knows his team will have to show plenty more guile this weekend when they head for league leaders St Georges.Redditch

  • Praise after a rapid response

    A GROUP of Stoke Heath residents were full of praise for an electricity company after a recent power cut. Residents of Cooper Close contacted Central Networks following a power cut last Thursday at around 6pm. Four properties in the close lost all their

  • Fixtures

    THERE are tricky Birmingham League tests for both Studley and Redditch on Saturday. Studley play host to high-flying Aston Manor (1pm) in Division Two while Redditch head to Division Three leaders St Georges (1pm). Other fixtures: Worcestershire League

  • Coming to terms with dog's death

    A SPA family is coming to terms with the loss of their much-loved pet terrier who was killed by a larger dog at the same place as a young girl was attacked a few months before. Teddy, a lovable 11-year-old Yorkshire terrier, didn't stand a chance as the

  • Cause of fatal accident may never be known

    THE exact cause of an accident, which left a Spa man dead and sparked a road safety investigation, may never be known - according to a coroner's report. There have been major changes at the scene of the accident after father-of-three Brian Peckham, from

  • DVD - Life On Mars Series 1 (12)

    WHOEVER came up with the idea of a 70s cop show with an almost Back to the Future feel to it is a genius. Those who caught the TV series will know how good and original it is - keeping your interest to the very end with enough twists to the plot that

  • Health protest

    A Spa-based nurse has hit out at changes in the National Health Service by handing a 1,000 signature petition to town MP Peter Luff. Hansa Norman, who lives in Primsland Drive, works as a staff nurse at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester.

  • Six batsmen on their bikes as Paul strikes

    AN AMAZING spell of bowling from Paul Jones saw him take six wickets for no runs in the space of 13 balls, writes Mervyn Collins. Bretforton's captain brought himself into the attack midway through Shipston's pursuit of 245 for victory at Station Road

  • Fifth place finish after Simon's Mallory magic

    HOT sunshine and a dry track led to fifth place and points for Simon Andrews and the Piranha Racing team at Sunday's British Supersports Championship meeting at Mallory Park. The team continues to work on the chassis set-up that required the sacrifice

  • Radfords tie up a thriller

    AN AMAZING finish at Avon Street on Saturday saw Evesham take the last four Fordhouses wickets for just two runs as the Birmingham League second division clash ended in a tie. Neal and Luke Radford were the perpetrators of the tremendous escape act that

  • Bosses blast graffiti vandals

    TOWN centre business owners have hit out at vandals who are daubing their Church Green premises with graffiti. Westgrove owner Affy Qadeer said businesses had suffered recurring problems of graffiti for several months and a recent attack had hit offices

  • Val's in top spot

    FRESH from a full week at the Saundersfoot Coppet Regatta, members of Arden Sailing Club gathered for more competitive racing on Sunday. The second race in the Ladies' Series was contested in a rather fickle south westerly breeze and, after a busy start

  • Sisters in Italy

    PERSHORE High School pupils Jessica and Rebecca Hawkes, are competing in next month's Topper Dinghy World Champion-ships. The sisters will be taking to the water at Lake Garda where they will be hoping to sail to success.

  • Pair tie at top of DTL list

    KEEN members of Throck-morton CPS braved the wind and rain to produce some fine scores for last month's final shoot. On the English Sporting layout, Les Smith, A Groves and Paul Muzyka got the competition rolling with 33/60, 33/60 and 35/60 resp-ectively

  • Jerry's Windmill top spot after claiming Middle third

    Evesham and District Disabled AC ELEVEN members and guests contested the fourth match in the Fiesta Cake Summer Evening League at Manor Farm in Harvington. The Middle Pool was fished and it was Wayne Panting who came out on top with a winning weight of

  • Town needs quality leadership

    AS a family, we moved to Redditch from the North West in 1986. We were struck by the high quality of Redditch's road system, the amazing number of trees, very good shopping centre, new hospital, apparently a number of good schools, excellent access to

  • Cup tie success

    A MAKESHIFT Pershore side reached the third round of the Worcester-shire County League Knockout Cup last Wednesday with an eight-wicket win at Droitwich. Fielding four regular second-teamers, the visitors were in control throughout after Martin Johnson

  • Vale pair at top of rankings

    BRITISH Triathlon has just published its Duat-hlon National Rankings for the 2006 season and three members of Worc-ester Triathlon are top of the respective age group rankings. The rankings are based on the best three results taken from the National Ranking

  • Gareth in the hunt!

    PERSHORE High School student, Gareth Hunt, has been selected to race for Great Britain at this month's Marathon World Cup 1 Canoeing Event in Spain. The GB team comprises of ten senior men/women and seven juniors, all kayakers, except for Gareth who is

  • New booze ban plan for green

    A NEW-style drinking ban could be slapped on Church Green in a drastic bid to clean up the area. Police officers and community support officers could be given the powers to confiscate alcohol from anyone seen drinking around St Stephen's Church and the

  • Penalties for footie boozers

    POLICE have reinforced their message of zero tolerance on antisocial behaviour after the weekend's football fever saw two fixed penalty notices issued for boozing in the town. Sgt Julian Smith, of Redditch police, said: "Last weekend we saw a rise in

  • Radio date for health debate

    ADVERTISER readers are being given the chance to have their say in a major debate on the state of the National Health Service in Worcestershire. We have teamed up with our sister papers and BBC Hereford and Worcester to stage Your Health Your Future,

  • New homes set for planning ban

    APPLICATIONS for new houses in the borough could soon be turned down as part of new planning rules. At its recent AGM, Redditch councillors agreed to put a moratorium on building new homes when its housing requirement is filled. As part of its Local Plan

  • Corrupt Leaders

    SIR - Bono the pop singer seems to think some corruption has crept into some of the African states. I wonder if Robert Mugabe, the president of Zimbabwe, would agree? JOHN SHEARON, Worcester.

  • Group's joy at housing block

    WEBHEATH campaigners fighting plans to extend the village are delighted Redditch Council has implemented a ban on new housing developments. The Webheath Action Group (WAG) was celebrating after the authority announced a block on all housing developments

  • A far better life after 20 years of Labour control

    REDDITCH is a far better place now than it was before Labour took control in 1983. At that time, the Thatcher era was at its peak. Unemployment and crime in Redditch were horribly high and repossessions were commonplace. Interest rates soared and inflation

  • Family fun day to aid Craig appeal

    A GIANT inflatable slide will be just one of the attractions at a family fun day being held in aid of the Craig Evans Appeal. Lead organiser Helen Curtis said plans for the fun day at Arrow Valley Park on Saturday, July 22 were now in full swing. Residents

  • Great Britain is being destroyed

    SIR - Columnist Peter Hitchens writes "if we are not careful, our grandchildren will soon be shining the shoes of Indian tourists in London." UK unemployment is now 1.59 million and our work is out-sourced to India and the EU. With the voters'support,

  • Ban parking one mile from school

    SIR - Safer routes to school? First, I would ban parking within one mile of a school entrance and make a 20mph limit when lights flash, most typically between 8am and 9am in the morning and 3pm and 4pm in an afternoon during term time. JOHN NORWOOD, Kidderminster

  • Compare his way of life with mine

    SIR - I find it quite strange that the Deputy Prime Minister had been able to keep two grace-and- favour houses and a £600,000 annual salary and a guaranteed large pension. This is obscene when you consider that two months ago, I was advised by the pensions

  • Markets help to make cities thrive

    SIR - We read a lot about town and city redevelopment with internet shopping and are told that in a few decades, our high streets could be turned into flats and our out-of-town stores to distribution centres. However, many people like to browse and examine

  • Market move tempts traders

    NEW traders are being enticed back to Redditch Market as it prepares to return to its former location in Church Green. National Market Traders Federation chairman for Redditch Chris Sutton told the Advertiser they were looking forward to the move, which

  • Knife man spared jail

    A MAN who stormed round to his neighbour's home with a knife because his girlfriend was there has been given a suspended prison sentence. John Dance, aged 41, of Market Place, High Street, Alcester, had pleaded not guilty at Warwick Crown Court to charges

  • Accountability has been long gone

    SIR - During the days of the county police force, villages like Great Witley had their own police station with a permanent allocation of a sergeant and several constables. There was even a local magistrates court held monthly. When West Mercia was created

  • Back in court

    A CHINESE man arrested in Redditch and charged with offences relating to the management of brothels will appear before Fenton Magistrates on June 23 along with five other accused. Arrests were made at addresses throughout the country last month as part

  • Everything shipshape and Worcester fashion

    SIR - They all believed bigger was better. I'll never forget being in my first class of newly-qualified sick-berth attendants awaiting allocation of our new drafts at Plymouth's Royal Naval Hospital. Our names were called in alphabetical order followed

  • Open day is hot stuff

    REDDITCH Fire Station opened its doors to residents and visitors on Saturday. The Birmingham Road station held firefighting and car cutting demonstrations as well as an array of fun activities including a bouncy castle and children's rides. Station manager

  • Soldiers shape up for contest

    A PAIR of Redditch Territorial Army (TA) soldiers were pushed to the limit at a recent competition. Craftsman Adam Hodgetts, 25, and Lance Corporal David Wilson, 23, pitted their wits against competitors from other TA units at Western Approaches 2006,

  • Band is ready to rock

    AN energetic Redditch band will be rockin' around the clock at a forthcoming gig. Fifties band The Starlites will bring jive, swing and a bit of rock 'n' roll to the Hop Pole Inn in Bromgrove on Saturday. The gig will feature classic hits from the era

  • A greenfield armageddon is looming

    THERE was a time when land classed as Green Belt was deemed to be safe from development. Now, such designation is merely regarded by governments and developers as being just one more hurdle to cross before they obtain the desired result. Our main story

  • Ex-DJ cuts CD

    FORMER radio DJ and Redditch man Norman Wheatley has released a CD to raise money for a charity close to his heart. The 55-year-old guitarist, who used to work for BRMB, has produced Jury of the Skies, proceeds of which will go to research into the auto-immune

  • Mentors wanted

    VOLUNTEERS are needed to offer guidance and advice to some of the town's teenagers. Worcestershire County Council is setting up a bank of mentors to help young people aged 14-19 make the most of their opportunities in life. The scheme is looking for people

  • Triple joy for fencer

    A ST Bede's Middle School pupil has shown his sword is as mighty as his pen by winning a top fencing contest. Richard Vernon, 11, a member of Redditch Youth Fencing Club, collected three top prizes at the recent Jubilee Foil Competition. He said: "Although

  • Island shoot for model CC

    THE luscious legs of a Redditch glamour model have secured her a photo shoot on the sunshine island of Tenerife. Twenty-one-year-old CC will jet off to the Canaries for a week where she will model for a hosiery catalogue. "I will be making use of my long

  • Alcester WI

    THE president, Pauline Vining, welcomed members and our guest, Sue Coates, who described herself as an almost fully fledged WI advisor and whose job it was to lead our discussion of the resolutions for the 2006 AGM. Carole Pigeon's cat also decided to

  • Officer gets to know residents

    A NEW Community Support Officer (CS0) has joined the beat in Wythall and Alvechurch. Halesowen-born Wayne Turley, 46, who started last Tuesday, said 70 per cent of his time will be spent in the community, getting to know residents. And Pc Lucy Thornton

  • Cymdeithas Gymraeg

    FOR the speaker at her President's Evening, Phylis McCann chose Richard Westcott - the pantomime dame - who held us all in thrall. He arrived wearing a "city" suit, shirt and tie. Through the evening he transformed himself - make up, wigs and all! He

  • Claim against firm

    A REDDITCH mobile phones firm faces paying a former employee compensation for unfair dismissal after accusing him of being involved in discrepancies totalling £190. Phonebox Communications Ltd, of the Kingfisher Centre, failed to carry out the correct

  • Pullan rides the wave to success

    JOHN Pullan won all three sailboards events on Upper Bittell Reservoir at Barnt Green Sailing Club's Sunday races. Jeff Nancarrow was runner-up in the first two races, while Robin Brown was second in the final. Richard Wallace won the first enterprise

  • Teams book place in next round

    THERE was double success for Bromsgrove Golf Club's A and B teams as they qualified for the next rounds of the NAPGCC Hawtree Trophy . The A team took on Leicestershire based Western Park GC in the second round and comfortably overcame them 3 1/2-1 1/

  • Fighters in thick of action

    MARTIAL artists from Bromsgrove showed off their high-kicking skills at the ITS British Taekwondo Championships at the Forest Glades Leisure Centre. Fighters from all over the country descended on Kidderminster to take part in the competitive divisions

  • Ladies Probus Club of Alcester

    AFTER an excellent lunch on May 10, we were entertained with a talk on Constabulary Tales by Alan Benjamin. Alan, or Benji as he is known, was a community policeman at Henley-in-Arden, is married and has two sons, was involved in children's activities

  • Accolades for Zoe

    ZOE Wenham set the pace at last weekend's National Kart Racing Association's Southern area race meeting at the Rye House track in Essex. On her first visit to the circuit in her Minimax class kart, the 12-year-old pupil of Bredon Hill Middle School recorded

  • Gareth in the hunt!

    PERSHORE High School student, Gareth Hunt, has been selected to race for Great Britain at this month's Marathon World Cup 1 Canoeing Event in Spain. The GB team comprises of ten senior men/women and seven juniors, all kayakers, except for Gareth who is

  • Adam's title

    ADAM Styles, a member of Evesham Sailing Club was in action at the National Championships last weekend. THe 14-year-old was in action over two days in the Lightning class at West Oxford SC. This was the teenager's first ever championship event and, competing

  • Broadway ladies facing a county final cruncher

    BROADWAY'S ladies are in fine form having qualified for the National Championships in two disciplines. At the County Two-Wood Singles in Worcester last Wednesday, Di Jackson and Sue Davies fought through their early rounds to reach the semi-finals, where

  • Travels triumphs for on song men

    BROADWAY achieved two excellent away victories at Droitwich Spa in the EBA Top Club competition and then at Gilt Edge in the Vernon Turner Cup. In what was always going to be a difficult fixture, they travelled to old rivals Spa last Friday when Phil

  • Winds of change

    SUNDAY'S two races at Eve-sham were contested in vastly different conditions. The first was a contest of guile and concentration in a light fickle wind with Ian Haywood leading from the start chased by John Pickford and Peter Green. The leader wasn't

  • Brian's win bonus

    BRIAN Quarterman's rink win at Bredon proved a crucial triumph as Evesham ove-rcame the home side by 16 shots in last Fri-day's Willersey Provi-sions Cup. The Evesham skip recorded a 28-16 win but that was the visiting side's solitary success on the road

  • Loft times

    Evesham and District Flying Club SIXTEEN members sent 176 birds to Poole on June 3 liberated at 10am into no wind. 1, 5, 8 & 10 H Taylor 1214.47, 1188.86, 1169.42, 1163.55; 2 & 4 G Carter 1210.26, 1196.04; 3 & 7 B Young 1206.42, 1175.83; 6

  • Lord Hertford backs cash-strapped group

    LORD Hertford will attend a fundraising cheese and wine evening to support a local community group. As Alcester Opportunities patron, he will be helping the group, based in the Pavilion on Conway Fields, celebrate its third birthday on Friday. Speaking

  • Six-race card on Sunday

    SUNDAY'S Allens Caravans & Avon Estates race day at Stratford on Sunday boasts a competitive six-race card starting at 2.30pm. The feature race of the afternoon is the Allens Caravans 50th Anniversary Novices' Steeple Chase at 4.30pm with £10,000

  • Making town look its best

    A TEAM of Alcester helpers are busy getting the town ready for this summer's season of bloom. Shops, offices and pubs in the area are going to be pulling together to make sure Alcester looks its best. Last year, Heart of England judges awarded the town

  • Expert on baby Lilly case

    POLICE are stepping up investigations into the death of baby Lilly, found dead in Great Alne nearly three weeks ago. About 100 people have come forward offering information and a 14 year old girl and 44 year old man, both from the Stratford area, were

  • Pupils skip to fitness

    COUGHTON Primary School pupils got to grips with a healthy lifestyle by skipping their way to fitness. The sponsored skip-a-thon for the British Heart Foundation was part of the school's Fit for Learning week which taught the children the importance of

  • Estate farm is first in county

    RAGLEY Home Farms has celebrated being selected as the first Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) demonstration farm in Warwickshire. Jim Doherty, of BBC2's Jimmy's Farm, officially launched the event on May 28 at Ragley Hall. Ragley Home Farms lies

  • GEORGE

    GEORGE David The Family would like to thank all Relatives, Friends and Neighbours for their condolences and messages of sympathy and support, they were truly overwhelmed by the attendance at the Church Service and the generosity of donations for St Michael's

  • GRAHAM

    GRAHAM Sandra Passed away nineteen years ago today. Forever in our thoughts. Love always Husband Mick, children Lee and Sarah. Published in paper 07/06/2006

  • GRAHAM

    GRAHAM. Sandra. Who left us this day in 1987. Our lives still go on, but with an emptiness that only Sandra can fill. Published in paper 07/06/2006

  • LAMB

    LAMB Barbara Formerly of Kempsey and Upton upon Severn, passed peacefully away at St Clouds Nursing Home on June 2nd 2006 aged 83 years. The funeral service will take place at Worcester Crematorium Chapel on Friday, June 9th at 10 a.m. Family flowers

  • Let's go to... The Dover Olympicks

    Let the sack racing begin! When London hosts the Olympics in 2012, a small Cotswold town will be celebrating the 400th birthday of its own unique version of the games. Zeena Lemon pays it a visit In 1612, Robert Dover initiated the Cotswold Olimpick Games

  • Let's go to... Upton-on-Severn

    Umbrella group With three great festivals every summer, you're bound to have a brolly good time in Upton whatever kind of music you're into, reckons Zeena Lemon Folk April 28-may, 1 2006 The folk dance and song society that organises the Riverside Folk

  • Learning together beside the hills

    Two girls' schools in Malvern have joined forces, reports Zeena Lemon From September, two Malvern schools that have been at the forefront of education for over a century will join forces. Malvern Girls' College and St James's School will amalgamate to

  • Come along and cheer us on!

    Every woman is a winner in a unique race for which the only prize is life. Zeena Lemon will be among the thousands putting on their running shoes this month On Sunday, June 11, at 11am. I and thousands of other women will meet on Worcester's Pitchcroft

  • The Elms recipe

    Coconut and lime tart with white peach sorbet Ingredients For the pastry * 220g unsalted butter * 160g sugar * Seeds from 1 vanilla pod * 2 eggs, beaten * 470g plain flour For the filling * 2 eggs * Zest and juice of 3 lemons * 200g caster sugar * 375ml

  • The world's first ever hybrid luxury saloon

    Government ministers facing the dilemma of choosing between a diesel Jaguar XJ and a Toyota Prius may be glad to hear that Lexus have launched the world's first hybrid luxury saloon, the Lexus GS 450h, which is faster and cleaner than the oil-burning

  • Weddings - Moreton-in-Marsh/Droitwich

    COWLEY-CLARK Lois May Cowley, daughter of Colin and Judith Cowley, of Moreton-in-Marsh, married Richard Cowley, youngest son of Ken and Kay Clarke, of Moreton-in-Marsh, at Cheltenham Park Hotel, where the reception was also held. The honeymoon was spent

  • Where to go

    Wednesday, June 7 MUSIC: Time Enough, Hop Pole Inn, Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove. DANCE: Don Giovanni, Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham. CINEMA: Transamerica, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. MUSIC: Show of Hands, Midlands Arts Centre,

  • Tale of Brummie life

    BRUMMIE extravaganza Go And Play Further has arrived at the Alexandra Theatre. Following the success of Go and Play Up Your Own End, the show takes a real look at life in Birmingham in the 1960s, telling a touching tale of friendship and Brummie warmth

  • Sweet show

    SOAPSTARS Samantha Giles and Bruno Langley will take to the stage at Malvern Theatres from Monday. The pair are set to star in the national tour of the award-winning classic A Taste of Honey. The play hinges on the relationship between working-class girl

  • School fete

    A VILLAGE school's summer fete is taking place this Sunday. Dodford First School is holding the event from 12noon-2pm. Children will be opening the fete with country dancing and the school's brass group will also be performing a piece. Other attractions

  • Offering food for thought

    ORGANISERS of a local food fair have had such a tremendous response they've been forced to order larger marquees to house everyone who wants to exhibit. Now more local food producers are being invited to snap up the last few pitches available at Hanbury

  • DVD - Fun with Dick and Jane (12)

    DICK (Jim Carrey) and wife Jane (Tea Leoni) have a wonderful life. They're madly in love, have a beautiful home, a delightful son and Dick earns a good wage. When he is promoted to vice president of communications at the huge corporation he works for,

  • Information service has the answers

    Worcestershire County Council's Children's Information Service (CIS) provides information and advice to people wishing to work with children, young people and their families. A jobseekers service is offered and people who are seeking work in this sector

  • Your chance to work with children

    IF you have ever wanted to work with children, young people and their families but are not sure where to start, the Every Child Matters Careers Fair to be held on Thursday, June 8, at the Fownes Hotel, Worcester, from 10am - 4pm could be just the place

  • Mark is Taylor made for Rovers

    MANAGER Rod Brown has swooped for tried and trusted players to turn Bromsgrove Rovers into promotion contenders in the Southern League Midlands Division next season.The Rovers boss completed a hectic week behind the scenes at the Victoria Ground by bringing

  • Neal ends circuit curse

    DRIVING ace Matt Neal ended a 15-year curse at Thruxton Park by winning round 11 of the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) to tighten his grip at the top of the drivers' table.The Droitwich driver has endured fruitless races over the last decade

  • Jazzing it up

    JAZZ musician Terry Lightfoot and his band pay tribute to the legendary Louis Armstrong at the Artrix on Friday, June 9 (7.30pm start). Lightfoot has been one of the leading lights of British Jazz for the past over fifty years. He was one of few British

  • Mark is Taylor made for Rovers

    MANAGER Rod Brown has swooped for tried and trusted players to turn Bromsgrove Rovers into promotion contenders in the Southern League Midlands Division next season.The Rovers boss completed a hectic week behind the scenes at the Victoria Ground by bringing

  • Rovers increase season prices

    FOOTBALL: Bromsgrove Rovers have announced their season tickets prices for the 2006/2007 season. If you buy before July 1, 2006, a standing season ticket for an adult costs £120, £60 for a pensioner, £40 for a child under-16-years-old, while a family

  • Bag snatch attempt

    A MAN wearing a black balaclava escaped empty-handed after he tried to snatch a woman's bag at the weekend. The victim was walking along Holloway Lane towards Studley Road on Saturday at about 7.10pm when she felt someone tugging at her handbag. She held

  • Punched and robbed

    A 19-YEAR old man was punched in the face and robbed of his bag in Crabbs Cross on Friday. The victim was walking along Walkwood Road with three friends at about 7.30pm when they were approached by a group of seven or eight youths who called them names

  • Got MS? Then get this

    MULTIPLE sclerosis sufferers in Worcestershire are benefiting from a new directory listing services that can ease their condition. The new booklet has been produced by the county's MS steering group, made up of patients and professionals, including south

  • Junior league's AGM

    THE annual general meeting of the Mercian Festival Junior Football League will be held at the Bell Inn, St Johns, Worcester on Sunday, June 18 at 8pm. The AGM will be followed by a league meeting when only teams that have paid their subscriptions for

  • Village sides marching on

    ASTWOOD Bank and Exhall are through to the regional finals of cricket's National Village Knockout competition. And each side had their skipper playing a captain's innings to keep them in the hunt for a place in the national final later this year. Astwood

  • Church Hill keep top spot

    DARTS: Church Hill maintained their four-point cushion at the top of Division A thanks to their 6-3 victory at home to Arrow Valley. The Nomads beat Lodge Park by the dsame scoreline so failed to close the gap. Biggest shock of the day came in Division

  • Emma's delight

    REDDITCH gymnast Emma Stockton has been crowned National All Round Champion following her success at the National Gymnastics competition at Cocks Moors, Birmingham. And there were further golds for her in the vault and floor competitions. Other Redditch

  • Premier performance

    RIDERS from the Redditch Premiers club took part in the third round of the Midland BMX Summer Race Series at Bulwell, near Nottingham. And the star performer was Tim Print who took the honours in the Cruiser Class after moving from third to first with

  • PB trio for super Sam

    SAM Carter produced three personal bests when he competed in the Midland Men's TRF meeting in Yate. The Bromsgrove & Redditch athlete threw 55.70m in the javelin, 35.06 in the discus and 35.09 in the hammer while taking second place in the shot with

  • 50 years ago - June 8, 1956

    A REDDITCH factory worker whose occupation was said to be a slinger was summoned at Redditch Magistrates Court on Wednesday for depositing litter on the highway. "What is a slinger?" aked Mrs H Houfton, the chairman of the bench. "One who throws litter

  • Millers saved

    FECKENHAM have shelved plans for a potential groundshare with Midland Combination rivals Alveston and Pershore after negotiating a new deal with long-time landlords Redditch United. The Millers feared they would have to look elsewhere but have found the

  • Leisure Leagues

    TEAM Extreme maintained their four-point lead at the top of the Premier Division ahead of ABFC in the Wednesday League after both sides picked up maximum points. Team Extreme thrashed Broadfern FC 18-2, whilst ABFC hammered Key Systems United 9-2 in the

  • 7/6/06 - Wedge called up for Somerset tie

    WORCESTERSHIRE will take the same 12-man squad that drew with Gloucestershire at Bristol into their Liverpool Victoria County Champion-ship clash with Somerset at Taunton today (11am). The pace bowling burden will once again rest on Zaheer Khan and Kabir

  • Bike crash fails to stop Parsons clinching gold

    MICHELLE Parsons returned from the Elite World Long Distance Duathlon Championships in Frederica, Denmark, with a team gold medal. Parsons was battered and bruised but managed an individual seventh place finish for her efforts. The Worcester Triathlon

  • Smith off the mark with fight win

    WORCESTER City ABC's Sean Smith recorded his first fight win with victory over Lye's Alan Whittington. Boxing in his third contest, Smith started the stronger, firing stiff jabs to halt the oncoming Whittington. Double jabs and straight rights from Smith

  • It's a family affair at Santa Pod Raceway

    FATHER-and-son drag racing team, Brian and Lee Huxley, bagged two trophies at Santa Pod Raceway in Northampton-shire on the bank holiday weekend. The duo, who were runners-up in the National Trophy last year, also finished second in the recent meeting

  • Host of awards for Boughton Park Tennis Club

    THERE was success all round for Boughton Park Tenis Club's men's section in the Hereford and Worcester winter league. The men's 'A' team came top of division three west and the men's 'B' team won division five west. The men's 'C' team triumphed in division

  • 04/06/06 - Green book place in next round of the cup

    Himley 234-8 Barnt Green 237-7 Barnt Green win by three wickets BARNT Green CC took another step towards glory by defeating Himley to reach the regional semi-finals of the Cockspur National Knockout Cup on Sunday. Last season's finalists edged closer

  • 03/06/06 - Run-shy Barnt Green mauled by Moseley

    Moseley 169 all out Barnt Green 137 all outBarnt Green lost by 32 runsDEFENDING champions Barnt Green struggled to stake a claim for the Birmingham and District League Premier Division title as they slipped to a narrow defeat on Saturday.Green failed

  • 03/06/06 - Droitwich blown away

    Droitwich 68 all out Brockhampton 69-5 Droitwich lost by five wickets DROITWICH suffered their worst defeat in 20 years as they crumbled to Brockhampton at St Peter's Field in the Worcestershire League Division One on Saturday. Spa had no answer to Brockhampton

  • 03/06/06 - Duncan's destructive knock seals first win

    Kings Heath 164 all out Ombersley 168-5 Ombersley won by five wickets DUNCAN Catterall smashed 93 runs as Ombersley romped to a five wicket victory over Kings Heath in the Birmingham and District League Division Three on Saturday. The experienced player

  • 04/06/06 - Rose century puts poor Bewdley to the sword

    Bromsgrove 311-3 Bewdley 231 all out Bromsgrove won by 80 runs A POWERFUL century by Jordan Rose blasted Bromsgrove to an 80 run victory over Bewdley in the Worcestershire Sunday League. Rose's impressive 134 not out guided the boars to an impressive

  • 10,000 Homes on City's Green Belt

    ALMOST 10,000 homes could be built on greenfield sites around the edge of Worcester over the next 15 years, completely transforming the face of the city. Plans have also been put forward to create a north west link road stretching through Broadheath,

  • 31/05/06 - Spa taste defeat in cup

    Droitwich Spa 86 all out Pershore 87-3 Droitwich lost by seven wickets DEFENDING champions Droitwich crashed out of the Worcestershire League Cup last week after a batting collapse. Spa's batsmen were unable to make to an impact as Pershore's bowlers

  • 200 jobs saves as US buys into City

    MORE than 200 jobs have been saved at one of Worcester's best-known companies after a buy-out by a New York firm. Metal Castings, a car parts company, which has traded from the Droitwich Road site for 85 years, went into administration at the end of April

  • Six batsmen on their bikes as Paul strikes

    AN AMAZING spell of bowling from Paul Jones saw him take six wickets for no runs in the space of 13 balls, writes Mervyn Collins. Bretforton's captain brought himself into the attack midway through Shipston's pursuit of 245 for victory at Station Road

  • Badsey denied

    BADSEY'S Saturday score of 275-8 proved too many for Highley to chase as they settled for a losing draw at Ballards Park. Tim Evans top scored with 91 and shared stands of 88 and 57 with Nick Powell (31) and George Cowley (60) before being caught in the

  • Radfords tie up a thriller

    AN AMAZING finish at Avon Street on Saturday saw Evesham take the last four Fordhouses wickets for just two runs as the Birmingham League second division clash ended in a tie. Neal and Luke Radford were the perpetrators of the tremendous escape act that

  • I enjoyed being in Iraq - but I'm glad I'm back

    soldiers from a Territorial Army unit based in Worcester have returned home for the summer after serving their country in Iraq. The 18 troops from B Company, The West Midlands Regiment, based at Dancox House, Silver Street, were part of a force numbering

  • Cotswold Hills League results and fixtures

    Cotswold Hills League Results Premier Division: Bretforton 244, Shipston 73; Earlswood 174, Moreton-in-Marsh 211-7; Exhall & Wixford 225-1, Tanworth 224-7; Overbury 304-5, Broadway 212-9; Stratford Bards 156-3, Win- chcombe 155. Division One: Alcester

  • Torment on a tricky track

    IN FORM Kington inflicted a heavy defeat on a weakened Pershore side that could only manage to set a target of 186 in Saturday's Worcestershire County Lea-gue first division clash. The visitors were asked to take first knock on a newly laid wicket that

  • Clasens celebrate

    THE success of the youth policy at Pershore was illustrated again last week when Alex and Katie Clasen showed their talents. Ten-year-old Alex took five wickets for eight runs in an Under-13s match against Worcester Dominies at Peopleton last Wednesday

  • Malvern media centre is all set to rock and roll

    THE champagne is set to flow at a new media centre for the community in Malvern this summer, as work finishes on the ambitious project. Paul Farrer, owner of West-Malvern-based company Music Mint, was granted planning permission in 2004 to convert Raglan

  • Lost spaces

    FOLLOWING a recent visit to Bromsgrove town centre, I am writing with my concerns about the reduction of parent and baby/toddler parking spaces. It appears that three parent car parking spaces have been converted into disabled car parking spaces. Whilst

  • Stop cyclists

    I WISH to thank those people who came to my rescue on May 26 at about 5pm after a young lad on a BMX bike rode in to me and knocked me completely off my feet as I walked along Bromsgrove High Street. I thought I was safe strolling along the pedestian

  • No permit

    IN my opinion Bromsgrove District Council is contravening the Disability Discrimination Act 2005. My mother, who is 87 years old, disabled and has lived in Bromsgrove for 50 years, cannot purchase a parking permit because she does not own her own vehicle

  • Lost services

    HAVING seen the front page story on May 24 - 'Off The Buses' - I have thought of a couple of reasons why our so called bus service is losing passengers. 1) Being the fares - if you travel only four stops in the Bromsgrove area you are charged £1.35 compared

  • Bus profits

    IT was no surprise to read in the Advertiser/Messenger that bus use in the Bromsgrove area has reduced by 26 per cent in the last year. It doesn't take a genius to see why. First Group, which operates most of the buses within Bromsgrove, has systematically

  • Great venue

    SOME time ago, I wrote a letter to Your View, in part criticising The Artrix, the new arts centre in Bromsgrove. At the time, I felt it offered a very limited and conservative set of events and had been badly managed. Having since this time attended a

  • Alcester expand

    LORD Hertford cut the ribbon when Alcester Rugby Club threw open the doors of their new clubhouse extension. The improved facilities include revamped toilets, an enlarged lobby and better disabled facilities. Lord Hertford is pictured at the opening ceremony

  • Valuable contribution

    THE Rotary Club of Droitwich Spa Charitable Trust would like to thank all those who contributed to the street collection held within Droitwich on Saturday, May 20, for their kindness and generosity. A valuable £338.10 was raised for the trust, which supports

  • It's going well in Oz

    I HAVE recently moved to Australia and I am living in Melbourne. I lived in Droitwich for about seven years and I have to say it is great to be able to go on the internet and get all the local news from Droitwich even though I'm not living there anymore

  • Better than an eyesore

    I PITY the person who thinks that the junction of Hanbury Road and Worcester Road is the gateway to Droitwich Spa - that's their view, but let's look further into the criticism. The crossroads is a major accident waiting to happen and it has been like

  • Trying to make a living

    WHAT nonsense in W Grove's recent letter. Surely the writer can appreciate these local business people are merely trying to make an honest living? Not everyone can afford to drive a BMW or a Mercedes straight from the showroom. I notice that the writer

  • Magic in Mixed

    LAST Sunday's Evesham Mixed Open - the popular Greensome Stableford competition - ended in victory for men's vice-captain, Stewart Ridley and Kirsty Law (Kings Norton) who amassed 38 points. Other scores: 2 Phil Wheeler & Josie Witts 37; 3 Eric &

  • Acting studies

    STUDENT Rob Beddall will be following the same path as screen legends Robert Redford and Lauren Bacall after being selected for a place in one of America's most famous acting schools. The 21-year-old has been accepted to study an Associated Arts degree

  • Rik's Labour pains

    WITH politicians currently less welcome than something that's found on the bottom of a shoe by the public, Rik Mayall makes a timely return as the ultimate embodiment of a corrupt MP. The popular comedy actor returns to his most controversial part as

  • Students to show off

    GIFTED students from the area will get a chance to show off their varied talents at the Artrix next week with two exhibitions from NEW College's art and design faculty. Pupils from NEW College will show off their cinematic masterpieces in the First Student

  • Jerry's Windmill top spot after claiming Middle third

    Evesham and District Disabled AC ELEVEN members and guests contested the fourth match in the Fiesta Cake Summer Evening League at Manor Farm in Harvington. The Middle Pool was fished and it was Wayne Panting who came out on top with a winning weight of

  • Wychbold Women's Fellowship

    The annual gathering of church fellowships in this diocese was hosted by our fellowship this year and so we welcomed 86 ladies to St Mary de Wyche Church for a simple service conducted by the Rector, the Rev Roger Antell, followed by tea and a seemingly

  • "Grand" prize offered

    THE Tunnel Barn Farms Masters will take place on Wednesday, June 21 at the Shrewley venue. Sponsored by Tek-Nek Trabucco, there is a top prize of £1,000 on offer together with various minor and section cash prizes. Payout is based on 100 anglers entering

  • Chaddesley Corbett Gardeners

    we visited Meadow Farm Nursery where our hosts were Rob and Diane Cole, who were our guest speakers last August. They told us about the establishment of their hardy plant nursery at Meadow Farm. It was a treat for us to see the results of their perseverance

  • Hadzor & Oddingley WI

    WHAT heady perfume floated in the air of our meeting hall. There were rhododendron, apple blossom cowslip, wisteria and many bluebells and a display of lilac. No, it was not Gardeners Question Time, the blooms made up our flower competition. It was a

  • Offering food for thought

    ORGANISERS of a local food fair have had such a tremendous response they've been forced to order larger marquees to house everyone who wants to exhibit. Now more local food producers are being invited to snap up the last few pitches available at Hanbury

  • Spadesbourne Ladies Club

    CHEERFUL chairman Betty Long welcomed 70 members and guests to the May meeting, commenting how nice it was to see so many members on such a lovely warm evening. Joan English reminded the ladies of the forthcoming trip to the Hampton Court Gardens and

  • St Catherine's Blackwell WI

    The president, Maureen, welcomed all members, together with Anne Smith, of the executive, who had been invited to discuss the resolutions. Anne began by explaining how the two chosen resolutions had finally been chosen from approximately 100 originally

  • Wychbold WI

    THE club held its May meeting in Wychbold village hall with president Dot Waldron in the chair. During business matters, Jeanne Lewis was thanked for hosting the successful coffee morning the previous month. Joyce Parkes has invited us to her home, Wychwood

  • Alvechurch fail to kill off visitors

    ALVECHURCH will have to wait another week before tasting victory for the first time this season. The Hopwood side looked to have broken their duck on Saturday when their 245 looked beyond the reach of visitors Barnards Green. But Alvechurch were denied

  • Danger in play areas

    CHILDRENS' safety is being put at risk by the state of Bromsgrove's play areas. That is the view of a highly critical report from the district council's Culture and Community Task Group, which has condemned the safety and security of playing facilities

  • Walking on the moon

    by Sarah Mawhinney A TOWN mum, who took part in a special marathon for charity, has thanked the Advertiser/Messenger for putting her in touch with fellow walkers. Pip Everard, of Greyfriars Drive, took part in the Playtex Moonwalk in London covering more