Archive

  • A window of opportunity opens for working mum

    FORMER Worcester News journalist and sub-editor Jackie Harris has put down her pen, logged out of her computer and taken up glass cutting after 16 years of working for newspapers. The 43-year-old mother of two has set up a new business called Art of

  • Cheese firm sees benefit of scheme

    WORCESTERSHIRE and Herefordshire traditional cheese and cider makers are being urged to make sure their specialities are kept special with new European regulations. Euro MPs recently voted to streamline the rules protecting the status of regional specialities

  • Jayne really does have plenty of beauty skills

    aJAYNE Plenty is really sitting pretty because she has reached the finals of the 2006 British Beauty & Spa Awards. The owner of JP UK in The Tything, Worcester, Jayne is one of only six to make it through to the final round in the Salon Director of

  • 26/7/06 - Yates unleashing McGrath's magic

    MARK Yates is hoping to get the best out of talented midfielder Michael McGrath. The Kidderminster Harriers boss surprised many by signing McGrath who struggled to break into the first teams at lower-ranked Redditch United and Bromsgrove Rovers. But

  • 26/7/06 - Great to see City strikers on target

    OUR 2-1 victory over Evesham United on Saturday was pleasing and shows that we have made progress during the pre-season campaign. It was a good performance and we played some good football. Our passing and movement was good and we scored two good

  • Gloucester 0 City 0

    Tuesday, July 25, 2006 WORCESTER City could not find the inspiration to overcome a stubborn Gloucester City side and only managed a goalless draw on a sticky night at Meadow Park. Andy Preece's team started the match brightly and, on another night

  • Come and visit us all in Belarus say guides

    TRAVEL consultants from the Republic of Belarus in Eastern Europe have made the long journey to Kidderminster to learn how best to promote tourism in their own country. Tatiana Paramonova, aged 42, and Olga Novikova, 22, are being mentored by staff

  • 26/7/06 - Kabir told to rest his injury woe

    KABIR Ali has lost his race to be fit for today's Liverpool Victoria County Championship division two game against Derbyshire at Chesterfield (11am). The England paceman has been struggling with a side strain, affecting his intercostal muscle. As

  • Scottish bronze for pupils

    ROYAL Grammar School Worcester's rowers experienced mixed fortunes at the National Championships in Glasgow. Six of the 10 boats entered reached the finals but three of them were thwarted in their medal ambitions by mishaps. The first final was the

  • Webley close to Cheltenham derby double

    CAROLINE Webley came close to a derby double at the Cheltenham Horse Show, one of the Midlands and South West's leading one-day shows. The show jumper, from Bradley Green near Droitwich Spa, is a past winner of the open derby there and nearly regained

  • Duo play massive roles in success

    KEYSTONES' Pippa Curtis and Diny Harwood inspired them to a 52-32 win over Abbot in the Worcester City Summer Netball League. Curtis was excellent in defence and Harwood provided accurate shooting in the division three encounter. But Abbot battled

  • Freke dazzles

    KIDDERMINSTER driver Nathan Freke scored another UK Formula Ford Championship race victory to further extend his overall series lead. The 22-year-old triumphed in the eighth round of the championship at Brands Hatch, Kent, beating his team-mate, South

  • Questions ignored

    SIR - I agree with Vera Powell (July 11), that worship in schools gives pupils moral fibre. Three questions secularists ignore are 1) Where did the Universe come from? 2) What are we all doing here? 3) And what happens after physical death? There

  • Victims of terror

    SIR - Vivienne Westwood being paraded on national TV as Liberty's (or as I see them, Liabilities) flagship supporter, during the recent TV interview with Andrew Marr, never once mentioned the victims of those suspected terrorists she wishes to release

  • Wonderful reminder of Roman heritage

    SIR - Last week's picture of Vines Park new mosaic is a wonderful reminder of our Roman heritage. Passers by may remember a Governor's palace at Bays Meadow, villa bath house in Friar Street, and World Heritage Site behind High Street. Like others, all

  • Ex-midfielder sends Bulls packing

    RELEASED Hereford United midfielder Jamie Pitman came back to haunt them in last night's friendly at Forest Green Rovers. The experienced midfielder played like a man with something to prove for his new side as the Conference outfit surprised promoted

  • Yates unleashing McGrath's magic

    MARK Yates is hoping to get the best out of talented midfielder Michael McGrath. The Kidderminster Harriers boss surprised many by signing McGrath who struggled to break into the first teams at lower-ranked Redditch United and Bromsgrove Rovers. But

  • Like it or not, Ken made a difference

    perhaps the pioneer who dared not only to think but do the unthinkable, levying the motorists of London with a congestion charge. Like it or not, it made a huge difference. Now, the county council has suggested the idea for Worcester. One wonders if

  • The monstrosity that is Elgar House

    SIR - By all means let us give due publicity to the name of Elgar but perhaps we could be a little more discreet than has hitherto been the case. I cannot help thinking that new arrivals to the Faithul City at Shrub Hill Station must feel aghast at

  • Trying to contact old college friend

    SIR - I am trying to contact someone I first met 40 years ago - another World Cup year, 1966. She lived in the Warley area and I am wondering if any of your readers would be able to help me? Her name was June Eley (not sure of the spelling) and I

  • Kabir told to rest his injury woe

    KABIR Ali has lost his race to be fit for today's Liverpool Victoria County Championship division two game against Derbyshire at Chesterfield (11am). The England paceman has been struggling with a side strain, affecting his intercostal muscle. As

  • Preece's men wilt in heat at Meadow Park

    WORCESTER City could not find the inspiration to overcome a stubborn Gloucester City side and only managed a goalless draw on a sticky night at Meadow Park. Andy Preece's team started the match brightly and, on another night, may well have had a pair

  • Courageous Katie, curse of criminals

    TO look at her, you would think that Katie Curtis was just a mere slip of a girl. But no one - particularly wrongdoers - should be under any illusions. Behind the smiling face there lies an inner strength and determination that can only be described as

  • Why isn't he opposed to all these buildings?

    SIR - Councillor Simon Geraghty's recent pledge not to put new homes on the Green Belt can be taken as an admission that building another 10,000 homes in Worcester has already been agreed. Why is this councillor not purple with anger over such a proposition

  • Sport centre nears reality

    THE first phase in a scheme for a new £1.3m sports centre at Malvern's Dyson Perrins CE High School is just over a month away from completion, it has been revealed. Work began at Malvern's Dyson Perrins CE High School, in Yates Hay Road, in January

  • Homeless Honey's a sweet cat

    HONEY is homeless and in need of loving new owners to ease her into retirement. She was taken to a foster home five weeks ago after sitting on someone's doorstep, near Stourport-on-Severn for five days, in a poor condition. Honey, who is believed

  • Union Jack theme for the best festival yet

    THE town of Upton-upon-Severn is gearing up for the biggest and best Water Festival yet, during the August Bank Holiday weekend. The theme for the free three-day event will be the Queen's 80th birthday and the founding of the Union Flag, so red, white

  • Leisure centre's sensory garden explodes into life

    YOUNGSTERS caused a splash at a leisure centre in Worcester for people with disabilities as it officially opened its £15,000 sensory garden complete with water feature. The Snoezelen Centre in Turnpike Close, off Oldbury Road, has been open since September

  • You hurt the swans, so pay for their treatment

    ANGLERS are killing and maiming swans throughout the county because of `total recklessness' and they should dip into their pockets to help fund their recovery, says the woman who runs Wychwold Swan Rescue Centre. Jan Harrigan said she is exasperated

  • Tens of thousands want to keep our post offices open

    TENS of thousands of defiant people in Worcestershire have added their support to a campaign to keep post offices open. Pensioners, teenagers, and businesses have all signed a national petition urging the Government not to end the Post Office Card Account

  • CATCH THEM, KATIE!

    CRIMINALS in Worcester had better watch out because Katie Curtis is about! After just 10 weeks on the job as a police officer, the 24-year-old has already set a new record for the number of arrests. And it would seem not even drunken football fans

  • Grimy Queen Victoria statue needs cleaning

    A DESCENDANT of the sculptor who created Worcester's Queen Victoria statue outside the city's Crown Court has joined calls for it to be cleaned. Consultant engineer Ian Thompson - Sir Thomas Brock's great great nephew - was alerted to the state of

  • Abortion numbers lower by just one

    THE number of women who terminated pregnancies in South Worcestershire fell by just one last year, after a big fall the year before. The latest figures released by the Department of Health showed there were 659 abortions in 2005 compared to 660 in 2004

  • I'm hooked on leaping out of planes for charity

    A HAIRDRESSER has taken the plunge for charity and is now hooked on parachute jumping. Kelly Hall raised more than £500 for Marshall Gormley, who is recovering from a perforated bowel after getting cancer, by completing her first jump. The 26-year-old

  • SAMARITANS RAISE MONEY FOR 24HR SERVICE

    VOLUNTEERS for the Worcester branch of the Samaritans, including Jill, above, came out from behind their phones to meet people in the city centre and raise funds for their service. They set up a bric-a-brac and book stall in the Angel Place market to

  • Islands together

    THE beats of two contrasting islands are tied together by band Ska Cubano when they play at the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) as part of the venue's summer-long Sounds in the Round music festival this Friday. Ska Cubano combine the traditional ska music

  • This band is bootleg

    ONE of the most popular Abba tribute acts in the world will be playing perfect Swedish pop music at the Artrix this Saturday (8pm start). Bootleg Abba has toured its show all over the world to places as varied as Singapore, Kazakhstan, the Middle East

  • Havana good time

    THE Swan Theatre will be packed with fast talking wise guys and their molls when Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society performs Guys and Dolls between August 1 and 5. The show is one of the funniest and most romantic around and takes theatre goers from

  • SAMARITANS RAISE MONEY FOR 24HR SERVICE

    VOLUNTEERS for the Worcester branch of the Samaritans, including Jill, above, came out from behind their phones to meet people in the city centre and raise funds for their service. They set up a bric-a-brac and book stall in the Angel Place market to

  • Where to go

    Wednesday, July 26 CINEMA: Tristan and Isolde, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. THEATRE: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Thursday, July 27 MUSIC: Chris Aronsten, Hop Pole Inn, Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove. CINEMA

  • It's the best ever!

    THE fight against cancer was given a huge boost when 2,500 women donned their running shoes for Cancer Research UK's 'Race For Life'. Women aged seven to 70 took part in the event on Sunday, running and walking the five kilometre course, which started

  • Flagging up park life

    BROMSGROVE'S Sanders Park is officially one of the best in England and Wales. The picturesque 40-acre park, off Kidderminster Road, has been awarded a prestigious Green Flag by the Civic Trust. Meanwhile Worcestershire County Council's Waseley Hills Country

  • Help pets to beat the heat

    A TOP locally based animal charity is warning residents of the effects of the hot weather on pets this summer. The Blue Cross animal adoption centre, in Wildmoor Lane, keeps animals cool with fans, paddling pools and good ventilation and animals have

  • Crime figures are at lowest for six years

    OVERALL crime across the West Mercia force area, which covers Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa, is at its lowest for six years - according to the latest Home Office figures. The British Crime Survey statistics show that ten per cent fewer crimes were reported

  • Kabir told to rest his injury woe

    KABIR Ali has lost his race to be fit for today's Liverpool Victoria County Championship division two game against Derbyshire at Chesterfield (11am). The England paceman has been struggling with a side strain, affecting his intercostal muscle. As it is

  • Preece's men wilt in heat at Meadow Park

    WORCESTER City could not find the inspiration to overcome a stubborn Gloucester City side and only managed a goalless draw on a sticky night at Meadow Park. Andy Preece's team started the match brightly and, on another night, may well have had a pair

  • Scottish bronze for pupils

    ROYAL Grammar School Worcester's rowers experienced mixed fortunes at the National Championships in Glasgow. Six of the 10 boats entered reached the finals but three of them were thwarted in their medal ambitions by mishaps. The first final was the junior

  • Webley close to Cheltenham derby double

    CAROLINE Webley came close to a derby double at the Cheltenham Horse Show, one of the Midlands and South West's leading one-day shows. The show jumper, from Bradley Green near Droitwich Spa, is a past winner of the open derby there and nearly regained

  • Freke dazzles

    KIDDERMINSTER driver Nathan Freke scored another UK Formula Ford Championship race victory to further extend his overall series lead. The 22-year-old triumphed in the eighth round of the championship at Brands Hatch, Kent, beating his team-mate, South

  • Never take summer visitors for granted

    PERHAPS one of the most pleasurable aspects of working on the district's nature reserves, despite the uncomfortably hot weather, is coming across some of the scarcer species to occur. Recent sightings include a summer visitor which has suffered significant

  • CATCH THEM, KATIE!

    CRIMINALS in Worcester had better watch out because Katie Curtis is about! After just 10 weeks on the job as a police officer, the 24-year-old has already set a new record for the number of arrests. And it would seem not even drunken football fans or

  • Tens of thousands want to keep our post offices open

    TENS of thousands of defiant people in Worcestershire have added their support to a campaign to keep post offices open. Pensioners, teenagers, and businesses have all signed a national petition urging the Government not to end the Post Office Card Account

  • You hurt the swans, so pay for their treatment

    ANGLERS are killing and maiming swans throughout the county because of 'total recklessness' and they should dip into their pockets to help fund their recovery, says the woman who runs Wychwold Swan Rescue Centre. Jan Harrigan said she is exasperated by

  • Abortion numbers lower by just one

    THE number of women who terminated pregnancies in South Worcestershire fell by just one last year, after a big fall the year before. The latest figures released by the Department of Health showed there were 659 abortions in 2005 compared to 660 in 2004

  • Union Jack theme for the best festival yet

    THE town of Upton-upon-Severn is gearing up for the biggest and best Water Festival yet, during the August Bank Holiday weekend. The theme for the free three-day event will be the Queen's 80th birthday and the founding of the Union Flag, so red, white

  • I'm hooked on leaping out of planes for charity

    A HAIRDRESSER has taken the plunge for charity and is now hooked on parachute jumping. Kelly Hall raised more than £500 for Marshall Gormley, who is recovering from a perforated bowel after getting cancer, by completing her first jump. The 26-year-old

  • Homeless Honey's a sweet cat

    HONEY is homeless and in need of loving new owners to ease her into retirement. She was taken to a foster home five weeks ago after sitting on someone's doorstep, near Stourport-on-Severn for five days, in a poor condition. Honey, who is believed to be

  • 26/7/06 - Yates unleashing McGrath's magic

    MARK Yates is hoping to get the best out of talented midfielder Michael McGrath. The Kidderminster Harriers boss surprised many by signing McGrath who struggled to break into the first teams at lower-ranked Redditch United and Bromsgrove Rovers. But he

  • Cheese firm sees benefit of scheme

    WORCESTERSHIRE and Herefordshire traditional cheese and cider makers are being urged to make sure their specialities are kept special with new European regulations. Euro MPs recently voted to streamline the rules protecting the status of regional specialities

  • Come and visit us all in Belarus say guides

    TRAVEL consultants from the Republic of Belarus in Eastern Europe have made the long journey to Kidderminster to learn how best to promote tourism in their own country. Tatiana Paramonova, aged 42, and Olga Novikova, 22, are being mentored by staff at

  • The sting came with the bill!

    I WAS rather unfortunate to acquire two wasps' nests over the previous hot spell. Both were close to the house and one nest was rather nicely placed over my back door and under my daughter's bedroom window, and the other was in the air vent in my daughter's

  • Dangerous parking

    I WOULD highlight even further Janet Carpenter's letter regarding the dangerous parking along the Old Birmingham Road between Cottage Lane and Braces Lane. Not only as a pedestrian but also as a driver I condemn these thoughtless motorists in the way

  • 'Ringmaster'responds

    I AM grateful to Cllr Geoffrey Hulet for calling me a ringmaster - at least that implies that I possess some administrative and organisational abilities. Seriously though - perhaps Cllr Hulet can offer an alternative epithet for an administratiion that

  • Reminder

    LAST week's picture of new mosaic in Droitwich's Vines Park is a wonderful reminder of our Roman heritage. Passers-by may remember a Governor's palace at Bays Meadow, villa bath house in Friar Street, and World Heritage Site behind High Street. Like others

  • Wyre Forest

    WYRE FOREST RAMBLERS - On Sunday there will be a 4.5 mile in the Ribbesford area, starting from the Blackstone car park near Bewdley (A456) at 10am. Contact Ray on 01299 827883 for details.

  • Clows Top

    GARDENING CLUB - On May 24, speaker John Snocken from Bridgnorth gave a talk on 'Florists' Flowers'. On June 28, speaker Linda Eggins from Clent gave a talk with plants on ivies in the garden. It was also the club's rose and sweet pea show. There was

  • Chaddesley Corbett

    GARDENERS CLUB - Digital photography was the subject of the talk at the July 12 meeting. Jim Almond, who is the joint holder with Kew Gardens of the national Juno Iris collection, gave an presentation on how useful a digital camera can be to gardeners

  • Bewdley

    ROTARY CLUB - For the past 12 months, Alan Wood has presided over a rewarding year with a record-breaking £9,000 being raised for local, national and international good causes. Mr Wood said: "We have significantly raised the profile of our club within

  • 25 years ago July 24,1981

    PUPILS from Blackwell's Linthurst First School made a giant sized tribute to royal couple Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer on the eve of their wedding. Hours of work went into the ten feet high paintings of the couple against a background of St Paul's

  • Wonderful reminder of Roman heritage

    SIR - Last week's picture of Vines Park new mosaic is a wonderful reminder of our Roman heritage. Passers by may remember a Governor's palace at Bays Meadow, villa bath house in Friar Street, and World Heritage Site behind High Street. Like others, all

  • Like it or not, Ken made a difference

    perhaps the pioneer who dared not only to think but do the unthinkable, levying the motorists of London with a congestion charge. Like it or not, it made a huge difference. Now, the county council has suggested the idea for Worcester. One wonders if the

  • The monstrosity that is Elgar House

    SIR - By all means let us give due publicity to the name of Elgar but perhaps we could be a little more discreet than has hitherto been the case. I cannot help thinking that new arrivals to the Faithul City at Shrub Hill Station must feel aghast at being

  • Trying to contact old college friend

    SIR - I am trying to contact someone I first met 40 years ago - another World Cup year, 1966. She lived in the Warley area and I am wondering if any of your readers would be able to help me? Her name was June Eley (not sure of the spelling) and I believe

  • Islands together

    THE beats of two contrasting islands are tied together by band Ska Cubano when they play at the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) as part of the venue's summer-long Sounds in the Round music festival this Friday. Ska Cubano combine the traditional ska music

  • This band is bootleg

    ONE of the most popular Abba tribute acts in the world will be playing perfect Swedish pop music at the Artrix this Saturday (8pm start). Bootleg Abba has toured its show all over the world to places as varied as Singapore, Kazakhstan, the Middle East

  • Havana good time

    THE Swan Theatre will be packed with fast talking wise guys and their molls when Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society performs Guys and Dolls between August 1 and 5. The show is one of the funniest and most romantic around and takes theatre goers from

  • Night to celebrate famous writer

    FANS of Oscar Wilde are in for a treat when an evening of comedy and music rolls into Droitwich Spa. Two of Wilde's best-loved characters - Miss Laetitia Prism and Canon Frederick Chasuble - will be in reminiscent mood for their one-night show A Wilde

  • DAVIS

    DAVIS Fred Treasured memories of a dear brother and uncle. Loved and missed by Joan, Mark, David and Traci. Published in paper 26/07/2006

  • WILCOX

    WILCOX Ron Forever in my thoughts. Love Marie. Published in paper 26/07/2006

  • DEE

    DEE Norman Henry July comes round with much regret, It brings back a day we'll never forget. From loving wife Joyce and Family. Published in paper 26/07/2006

  • BEDFORD

    BEDFORD Jessie Beloved wife of the late Jack and mother of Roger. Died peacefully at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, after a short illness on July 21st, 2006. Funeral Service at St Barnabas Church on Monday, July 31st at 12 noon, followed by Cremation

  • CAINES

    CAINES George William Of Wychbold, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving Family, on July 20th 2006 aged 73 years. Beloved husband of Bet, dear father of Carol, Julie, Barry, David and Martin and a much loved father in law and grandad. Funeral service

  • CARMICHAEL

    CARMICHAEL Alice Muriel Died peacefully on July 20th aged 93 years. Widow of Henry Carmichael and loved mother of Ian, Graham and John, grandmother and great grandmother. Funeral service at St John the Baptist, Claines on Friday, July 28th at 1.30

  • OPENSHAW

    OPENSHAW Daphne Passed away peacefully in Hospital on July 21st, 2006, aged 79 years. She will be sadly missed by all her Family and Friends. Funeral Service at Worcester Crematorium on Wednesday, August 2nd, at 1.30 p.m. Flowers or donations for

  • MCGUINNESS

    MCGUINNESS Joy nee Derry formerly Stokes Peacefully on July 21st, aged 81 years. Funeral service to be held on Wednesday, August 2nd at 10.30 a.m., at Aldershot Crematorium. All flowers welcome. All enquiries c/o E Finch & Sons, 123 High Street

  • MADDOCKS TEAR

    MADDOCKS Joseph Passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Saviour on July 23rd 2006, aged 92 years. Beloved husband of his late wife Hazel and much loved father, grandfather and great grandfather. Funeral Service at Woodgreen Evangelical Church

  • COMPTON

    COMPTON Ivy Birthday memories of mum, a grand lady loved by all. God bless. Pauline and Tony. Published in paper 26/07/2006

  • BOND

    DE BOND Mick Thinking of you always, but especially today on your 65th Birthday. Sending you all our love as always. Your loving children Debbie, Sean, Michele, Linda and Michael and all your Grandchildren. xxx Published in paper 26/07/2006

  • BOND

    DE BOND Mick Thinking of you on your special day. Miss you so much darling. All my love forever, Chris. xxx Published in paper 26/07/2006

  • REDDING

    REDDING George Died July 26th, 1978. Years have gone since that sad day, We miss you more than words can say, Mom's with you now. Goodnight, God Bless. Brothers Cyril and John Published in paper 26/07/2006

  • Roy's in groove

    POP superstar Roy G Hemmings is set to have the Artrix in the groove when he brings his Soul Show to the venue in 2006. Roy is the longest serving member of legendary band The Drifters, which has been topping the charts worldwide for the last 50-years

  • Cash available to help get your ideas started

    CASH grants could help city youngsters get great ideas off the ground. The Prince's Trust is ready and waiting to give Worcester youngsters a big boost. The charity, that celebrates its 30th birthday this year, is offering money to people, aged between

  • 26/7/06 - Kabir told to rest his injury woe

    KABIR Ali has lost his race to be fit for today's Liverpool Victoria County Championship division two game against Derbyshire at Chesterfield (11am). The England paceman has been struggling with a side strain, affecting his intercostal muscle. As it is

  • Family claim heat may have led to mother's death

    by Pete Lammas HIGH temperatures in an elderly Bromsgrove woman's flat, coupled with a lack of ventilation, may have contributed to her collapse and subsequent death, her family claims. Registered blind Doreen Ward, 86, formerly of Charford, a tenant

  • Thanks for donations

    by Sarah Mawhinney THE grateful owner of an animal sanctuary near Bromsgrove, which had its fundraising stock destroyed by fire, has thanked kindhearted Advertiser/Messenger readers for their donations. Maureen Lawless, from the Farm Animal Sanctuary

  • Anger after plan goes to appeal

    RESIDENTS and district councillors have reacted angrily after Gallaghers Estates said it is to appeal against a decision not to allow a further 58 houses to be built on Bromsgrove's Oakalls estate. The long-running saga erupted after the promise of a

  • Rallying round anti-cancer bid

    GROUPS representing cancer patients and their carers have joined forces to back a bid to bring radiotherapy services into the county. The Arden Cancer Network User Group - Redditch and Bromsgrove branch - is among those who have pledged to work together

  • Parking report slams council

    BROMSGROVE residents are being failed by their district council when it comes to parking, according to a new hard-hitting report. Councillor Peter McDonald (Waseley), who is leader of the opposition Labour group on Bromsgrove District Council, has drawn

  • Ex-midfielder sends Bulls packing

    RELEASED Hereford United midfielder Jamie Pitman came back to haunt them in last night's friendly at Forest Green Rovers. The experienced midfielder played like a man with something to prove for his new side as the Conference outfit surprised promoted

  • Yates unleashing McGrath's magic

    MARK Yates is hoping to get the best out of talented midfielder Michael McGrath. The Kidderminster Harriers boss surprised many by signing McGrath who struggled to break into the first teams at lower-ranked Redditch United and Bromsgrove Rovers. But he

  • Duo play massive roles in success

    KEYSTONES' Pippa Curtis and Diny Harwood inspired them to a 52-32 win over Abbot in the Worcester City Summer Netball League. Curtis was excellent in defence and Harwood provided accurate shooting in the division three encounter. But Abbot battled well

  • Medal site plan stalls

    PLANS to build a housing and office development on the site of Droitwich Spa's former medals office have stalled because councillors need more information before making a final decision. The only surviving pill box of its type in Worcestershire could

  • Warning over lease

    TOWNSFOLK need to act now if they want to help secure the future of the Norbury Theatre, which could be in danger in only five years - according to the venue's chairman. After recently being awarded a huge boost for the future in the form of a £3,000

  • Spa man stole savings stamps

    A worker at a national secure shredding centre stole more than £6,000 worth of Post Office savings stamps which should have been destroyed, Worcester Crown Court was told. The savings stamps were found at Matthew Capewell's home in Hipkiss Gardens, Droitwich

  • Praise for two good samaritans

    A VISITOR to Droitwich has praised the actions of two young lads who returned her lost handbag after she left it at a town park. Denise Tandy, who was visiting the Spa from Torquay, decided to take advantage of the good weather to eat fish and chips in

  • Celebrating a job well done

    by Chris Flavell MEMBERS of Droitwich Spa's Rotary Club are celebrating after the town's Rotary House was successfully converted for disabled use. A ramp at the front of the building will now allow easier access for the disabled with improvements also

  • Grimy Queen Victoria statue needs cleaning

    A DESCENDANT of the sculptor who created Worcester's Queen Victoria statue outside the city's Crown Court has joined calls for it to be cleaned. Consultant engineer Ian Thompson - Sir Thomas Brock's great great nephew - was alerted to the state of the

  • Leisure centre's sensory garden explodes into life

    YOUNGSTERS caused a splash at a leisure centre in Worcester for people with disabilities as it officially opened its £15,000 sensory garden complete with water feature. The Snoezelen Centre in Turnpike Close, off Oldbury Road, has been open since September

  • Sport centre nears reality

    THE first phase in a scheme for a new £1.3m sports centre at Malvern's Dyson Perrins CE High School is just over a month away from completion, it has been revealed. Work began at Malvern's Dyson Perrins CE High School, in Yates Hay Road, in January and

  • A window of opportunity opens for working mum

    FORMER Worcester News journalist and sub-editor Jackie Harris has put down her pen, logged out of her computer and taken up glass cutting after 16 years of working for newspapers. The 43-year-old mother of two has set up a new business called Art of Glass

  • Jayne really does have plenty of beauty skills

    aJAYNE Plenty is really sitting pretty because she has reached the finals of the 2006 British Beauty & Spa Awards. The owner of JP UK in The Tything, Worcester, Jayne is one of only six to make it through to the final round in the Salon Director of

  • Racing cert!

    A BIG thank you to everyone who attended the Race Night at the Bromsgrove Hotel in aid of Multiple Sclerosis. We raised a grand total of £1,012.80 towards research and local specialist nurses. We would like to pass on our thanks to Graham and all the

  • Losing our prosperity

    HERE we go again. The renegade Tories who claim to now be Independents, whilst on the national scene still are faithful to their 'Thatcherite roots'. On the local scene they act like some protector of the Bromsgrovian faith. Last week, although I have

  • Ready to take to the streets

    I CAN only conclude from the numerous letters from members of Bromsgrove Labour Party in the last few weeks that the Independents are causing them a lot of grief. Also at the most recent council meeting, when we were not allowed by the "new rules" to

  • Failing to manage

    I WRITE regarding the current state of affairs at the multi-storey car park. Considering that Bromsgrove District Council has received adequate and deserved bad press regarding parking facilities and the hike in charges, one would think an effort would

  • Great display

    AS a visitor to the forgotten Upton Warren weekend on July 8-9 may I congratulate Mrs Joan Moore and her many helpers on the fantastic display of historical pictures, note, maps, registers, etc. The meeting of many fellow visitors with which to reminisce

  • 26/7/06 - Great to see City strikers on target

    OUR 2-1 victory over Evesham United on Saturday was pleasing and shows that we have made progress during the pre-season campaign. It was a good performance and we played some good football. Our passing and movement was good and we scored two good goals

  • Night to celebrate famous writer

    FANS of Oscar Wilde are in for a treat when an evening of comedy and music rolls into Droitwich Spa. Two of Wilde's best-loved characters - Miss Laetitia Prism and Canon Frederick Chasuble - will be in reminiscent mood for their one-night show A Wilde

  • Weird world

    THE confusing nature of the modern world is examined by Redditch theatre group Bridging the Gap at the Artrix tomorrow (Thursday) and this Friday. The show, called 4:48, is a wry dark comedy that explores what it is to be a human in an increasingly hectic

  • Mamble

    MAMBLE CUM BAYTON WI - Lynn Bowen, president, thanked Ella Grinnall for hosting a coffee morning. The raffle proceeds are being donated to County Air Ambulance. Several members and friends visited David Austen Roses at Albrighton and the Cosford Aerospace

  • Kidderminster

    SOMERLEYTON WI - A week after the May meeting a tea party was held at the home of Angie McCarthy with party games to raise funds. The June meeting was the summer outing to the Dower House Garden, Morville Hall. Since 1988 Dr Katherine Swift has transformed

  • Astley

    HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - The society opened seven country gardens for the National Garden Scheme on June 18. The following Wednesday members visited the garden at Gladderbrook Farm, High Oak and on June 23 a big band summer ball was held in aid of the

  • Areley Kings

    WIVES - The July evening outing was to Westons Cider, Much Marcle. Members were given a tour of the Mill by a member of staff. This was followed by a ploughman's supper in The Bottle Museum Tea Rooms. The church fete is at Walshes Meadow on Saturday between

  • 50 years ago July 28,1956

    THE dance hall at the Harris Brush Works in Stoke Prior was severely damaged by fire. A dance in aid of the firm's cricket club had been held in the room the previous night and around 300 people were present. When personnel manager Mr LR Eveson made an

  • 100 years ago July 28,1906

    TWO boatmen from Stoke Prior were charged with cruelly treating a dog. John Wright snr and John Wright jnr appeared at Worcester County Court petty sessions charged with ill treating the dog belonging to Mr and Mrs Walter Whitehouse. Mrs Whitehouse said

  • Questions ignored

    SIR - I agree with Vera Powell (July 11), that worship in schools gives pupils moral fibre. Three questions secularists ignore are 1) Where did the Universe come from? 2) What are we all doing here? 3) And what happens after physical death? There is much

  • Victims of terror

    SIR - Vivienne Westwood being paraded on national TV as Liberty's (or as I see them, Liabilities) flagship supporter, during the recent TV interview with Andrew Marr, never once mentioned the victims of those suspected terrorists she wishes to release

  • Why isn't he opposed to all these buildings?

    SIR - Councillor Simon Geraghty's recent pledge not to put new homes on the Green Belt can be taken as an admission that building another 10,000 homes in Worcester has already been agreed. Why is this councillor not purple with anger over such a proposition

  • Courageous Katie, curse of criminals

    TO look at her, you would think that Katie Curtis was just a mere slip of a girl. But no one - particularly wrongdoers - should be under any illusions. Behind the smiling face there lies an inner strength and determination that can only be described as

  • Gloucester 0 City 0

    Tuesday, July 25, 2006 WORCESTER City could not find the inspiration to overcome a stubborn Gloucester City side and only managed a goalless draw on a sticky night at Meadow Park. Andy Preece's team started the match brightly and, on another night, may

  • Roy's in groove

    POP superstar Roy G Hemmings is set to have the Artrix in the groove when he brings his Soul Show to the venue in 2006. Roy is the longest serving member of legendary band The Drifters, which has been topping the charts worldwide for the last 50-years

  • Where to go

    Wednesday, July 26 CINEMA: Tristan and Isolde, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. THEATRE: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Thursday, July 27 MUSIC: Chris Aronsten, Hop Pole Inn, Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove. CINEMA

  • Never take summer visitors for granted

    PERHAPS one of the most pleasurable aspects of working on the district's nature reserves, despite the uncomfortably hot weather, is coming across some of the scarcer species to occur. Recent sightings include a summer visitor which has suffered significant

  • Weird world

    THE confusing nature of the modern world is examined by Redditch theatre group Bridging the Gap at the Artrix tomorrow (Thursday) and this Friday. The show, called 4:48, is a wry dark comedy that explores what it is to be a human in an increasingly hectic