THE major blow of losing star batsman Phil Jaques has been countered by the return to fitness of two key players for Worcestershire's Liverpool Victoria County Champion-ship division two clash with Leicestershire at Grace Road today (11am). Jaques has
Tuesday, August 15, 2006 MIDFIELDER Russ Penn opened Kidderminster Harriers' Conference points account for the season with the equaliser at Burton Albion last night. Penn capped another impressive, competitive display in the Harriers engine room with
WORCESTER Warriors will assess the fitness of Marcel Garvey and Simon Whatling before deciding on their line-up for Saturday's friendly at Cardiff Blues. Winger Garvey picked up a calf injury late in Warriors' 35-15 victory against Viadana in the Sixways
ANDY Preece has heralded George Clegg's contribution to Worcester City's 3-3 thriller with Nuneaton Borough. Clegg set St George's Lane alight with two delightful left-foot free-kicks as the hosts came from behind twice for a point in Monday night's
BARROW was a difficult place to go and Nuneaton are one of the best teams in the league. It was a great result at Barrow and four points from the two games is a magnificent effort from the players. Two-nil down after 20 minutes on Monday we were struggling
SEVEN Kidderminster Sam-urai Judo Club youngsters have reached black belt status. Tom Walker, Kate Walker, Grant Jones, Phil Brick, Paul Clarke, Ben Dowling and Becky Holmes were all successful. Walker, aged 14, defeated three brown belt men in a
TEENAGER Dan Keen produced a magnificent display to win his age group at the Bredon Triathlon. The 17-year-old Worcester Triathlon Club member was a comfortable winner in two hours 22 minutes 50 seconds at Croft Leisure Park. Keen completed the 1,300
THIS weekend sees the British Hillclimb Championship make its second visit of the year to Shelsley Walsh -- the oldest racing track in the world. Ludlow's Scott Moran heads the championship table ahead of 2005 champion Martin Groves, with Roger Moran
WITH Worcestershire Bowling Association reaching the climax of its season, England international Grant Burgess has secured his 21st county championship final in his 24th year of playing bowls in Worcestershire. He beat club-mate Steve Parker 21-12
BURTON ALBION 1 KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS 1 MIDFIELDER Russ Penn opened Kidderminster Harriers' Conference points account for the season with the equaliser at Burton Albion last night. Penn capped another impressive, competitive display in the Harriers
WORCESTER Warriors will assess the fitness of Marcel Garvey and Simon Whatling before deciding on their line-up for Saturday's friendly at Cardiff Blues. Winger Garvey picked up a calf injury late in Warriors' 35-15 victory against Viadana in the Sixways
ANDY Preece has heralded George Clegg's contribution to Worcester City's 3-3 thriller with Nuneaton Borough. Clegg set St George's Lane alight with two delightful left-foot free-kicks as the hosts came from behind twice for a point in Monday night's
THE major blow of losing star batsman Phil Jaques has been countered by the return to fitness of two key players for Worcestershire's Liverpool Victoria County Champion-ship division two clash with Leicestershire at Grace Road today (11am). Jaques has
WORCESTER'S CrownGate-based store Roscoe and Crombie has reopened its doors following a ten-day refurb. The store, which celebrated its five-year anniversary in July, closed at the beginning of August to give the retail unit a makeover. Boasting
PERSHORE-based Chalcroft Food Projects, an industry leader in the field of cold storage projects, is set to complete the £2.8m expansion of a factory that makes a wide range of dips and spreads. Zorba Foods, part of the Entrepreneurial Food Group in
SIR - In reply to John Pratt (August 2) if citizens of Worcester can manage to shell out several thousand pounds for a polluting car, surely they can afford an extra couple of quid for a congestion charge? GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
SIR - Can anyone explain to me by what strange process of logic does Stephen Hodgson arrive at the conclusion that Warndon Parish Council will only be "apolitical" if Conservative members of the city council are elected to the parish council? ROB PEACHEY
SIR - "Deployment timeline of body armour had been severely compressed due to political sensitivities over military preparations." This is the current hypocritical rhetoric at an enquiry into the death of one British soldier in Iraq where 115 British
SIR - One line in Andrew Brown's letter (Worcester News, July 25) sums up Worcester's real traffic problem. "The school run involves travel through the centre." Add this to work, hospital and people using the trunk roads still passing through or near
SIR - If Paul Saunders and his associates disagree with "the official or majority opinion" they are indeed "dissident" or "dissentient" according to my dictionary. (Letters, August 3). The only opinion I have expressed on this issue is to urge people
SIR - L Spiteri seems to be one of those who seek to ignore the truth concerning the EU. I simply tried to explain the dangers of trusting a `partner' who would sell missiles to Great Britain's enemies in time of war. L Spiteri calls my efforts `pathetic
SIR - D E Margrett wrote in his letter of August 5 that he saw the EU flag flying next to the Italian flag on his recent visit to Italy and this "delighted" him. The fact is that this blue sheet with a ring of stars isn't actually a flag it's a banner
SIR - I read with interest that Robin Walker has been selected to fight the Worcester seat for the Conservatives at the next General Election. However, I was appalled by Mike Foster's reaction to the news. He referred to Robin Walker as a "Tory toff
FROM Bromwich Parade to the Watergate, from the Cathedral gardens to Angel Place, Worcester has become a city under siege. Once upon a time, it was Cromwell's ironsides hammering at the Faithful City's gates - now it's Sid Yobbo and his great army of
THE plaintive call of a lonely peacock has been disturbing the peace in a quiet Worcestershire village. The solitary bird has been driving residents of Old Road, Clifton upon Teme, potty as he visits each house in turn, looking for a mate. Some of
AN adventurer aiming to swim the distance of Peru's largest lake has had a setback after injuring her shoulder through over-exertion. Twenty-three-year-old Sarah Kelly is planning to visit Peru in January 2007 with the organisation Global Adventures
MORE than 280 people in Worcester have been caught watching TV without a valid licence in the first six months of 2006, according to figures released today. The total of 284 offenders in the city is an improvement on the previous six months, meaning
PERMISSION has been granted for another off-licence in Malven Link, a move which has angered local residents. More than 300 people had added their names to a petition and five people had logged their objections to Malvern Hills District Council about
A FATHER-and-son-in-law team planning to cycle across Peru to aid cancer relief have launched the first part of their fund-raising -- with a round of charity golf. David Derrett, of Powick, and Gregg Atkins, of Worcester, need to raise £3,000 each
A DECISION whether a £50,000 grant will be awarded to fund the redevelopment of a play area in Ronkswood, Worcester, will be made at the end of this month. The play area at the back of Ronkswood Community Centre, off Canterbury Road, is currently too
A NEW pre-school building proposed for a Worcester-shire village is likely to be turned down for the second time because it could harm an established lime tree. An application to extend Welland village hall to create the pre-school, together with improved
THE Malvern Hills will be welcoming special visitors from the Far East later this month when a group of Chinese students call in on the area. A total of 21 students from Wuhan City in central China are currently on a two month public administration
IN less than two years, another 65 community support officers will be walking the streets of Worcester. The extra officers are among an extra 301 earmarked for the West Mercia police area by April 2008 after a national recruitment drive was announced
THE sky is the limit at a kite flying festival. Visitors to Croome Park, near Pershore, on Wednesday-Friday, August 23-25, can try their hand at making their own colourful kite and then fly it from Church Hill at the top of the 18th Century park.
THE number of emergency calls made to Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service rose to 57,400 in 12 months - more than 4,000 higher than the previous year. National statistics from the Information Centre For Health And Social Care for 2005/6 show that
AUDIENCES will see amateur theatre coming into its own during this year's festival. A perfect example of the type of talent walking around Worcester can be found in One Fine Day, a thought-provoking and surprisingly funny play written by Dennis Lum-bord
ANGLERS keen to fish in the centre of Worcester have failed in their bid to get the city's swan sanctuary reduced. The fishing ban introduced 12 years ago to protect the swans after lengthy discussions between River Severn users and landowners will
A CONTEMPORARY novelist who grew up in Worcestershire has been tipped to win one of the world's most prestigious literary prizes. David Mitchell is one of 19 writers selected for the longlist of this year's Man Booker Prize with his fourth novel Black
THIS is the scene captured on CCTV when a gang of homeless people lit bonfires and caused damage at the back of shops in Worcester city centre. Furious shop workers in Mealcheapen Street, Worcester, are increasingly angry about the gang of up to 10
KEEN drinkers are in for a fun-packed few days with the start of the annual Worcester Beer and Cider Festival just 24 hours away. The event kicks off at Pitchcroft in Worcester from 7pm tommorow, with plenty of beer, cider and food to keep everyone
BRITISH rock music pioneer Spencer Davis brings his band to Worcester's Huntingdon Hall on August 23 (8pm start). The Spencer Davis Group was one of the most famous in the 1960s, notching up a dozen top ten songs and recording classics such as "Gimme
JIVE masters the Dr Teeth Big Band are bringing their mix of non-stop rhythm and boogie to the Artrix, Bromsgrove, on Saturday (8pm start). Fronted by an ex-Chicagoan the band effortlessly straddle genres and always supply tight grooves with individual
HAVING already completed two sold-out UK tours this year, Richard Ashcroft is set to end 2006 with a UK arena tour which will include a show at Birmingham's NIA on Sunday, December 3. This year is shaping up to be Richard Ashcroft's most successful year
A Midsummer Night's Dream at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glass Houses THERE really is a difference seeing the Bard's plays live that makes reading his works from a book seem so much duller. My only previous experience of Shakespeare's romantic comedy
THE annual Stage Experience at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre brings classic musical West Side Story to the stage next Wednesday. The modern Romeo and Juliet tale runs at the city venue until Saturday, August 26 and has been produced as part of the annual
WORCESTER'S Swan Theatre welcomes Gloucester-based Festival Players for a performance of Hamlet next Wednesday and Thursday. The group brings an exclusively male cast to the Worcester Festival performance of Hamlet. Award-winning Manchester actor Christopher
THE annual Stage Experience at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre brings classic musical West Side Story to the stage next Wednesday. The modern Romeo and Juliet tale runs at the city venue until Saturday, August 26 and has been produced as part of the annual
JAZZ fans can enjoy a whole weekend of entertainment at the Malvern Theatres as part of its Jazzamatazz event. The weekend opens on Friday with vocalist Elkie Brooks, who teams up with trumpeter Humphrey Lyttelton and The Humphrey Lyttelton Band. Humphrey
THE Dr Teeth Big Band is set to perform at Bromsgrove's Artrix on Saturday. The Stratford eight-piece band calls on a wide range of influences, playing non-stop rhythm and boogie numbers. Standing and seated tickets are available priced £12 (concessions
SURPRISES are in store if you go down to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses on Wednesday, August 30. On that day, from 12noon to 3pm the gardens will be host to a Teddy Bears Picnic. The event will include live music from the George Salter
COMEDY duo Humphrey and Renshaw bring their own unique comedy-take on the world to Huntingdon Hall as part of the Worcester Festival from tomorrow. The duo return to the festival with a lunch time comedy show, after a critically acclaimed performance
ANYONE who speculates Shakespeare or the theatre are not as popular as they once were would be proved wrong by this stunning performance. Perhaps it was the appearance of veteran Shakespeare actor Patrick Stewart, of X-Men fame, who drew in the crowds
MACDONALD. Ian. Passed away two years today. Remembered with love. Jackie. Published in paper 16/08/2006
CLEWER Kathleen Emily Treasured memories of a dear mother and grandmother, called to rest two years ago today. Forever in our thoughts. Val, Keith, Bob, Pauline, David and Jon. Published in paper 16/08/2006
HAMPTON Wally You closed your eyes and slipped away but in our hearts you will always stay. Love Barbara, Lesley and Nicola. xxx Published in paper 16/08/2006
HOPKINS Doris Fifteen years today. Thinking of you today as always. From Dad, Derek, Wendy. Allan and Grandchildren. Published in paper 16/08/2006
THE major blow of losing star batsman Phil Jaques has been countered by the return to fitness of two key players for Worcestershire's Liverpool Victoria County Champion-ship division two clash with Leicestershire at Grace Road today (11am). Jaques has
Bromsgrove Rovers 3 Barnt Green Spartak 0 BARNT Green enjoyed a baptism of fire in its first game at the Victoria Ground when they lost to a youthful Bromsgrove Rovers team on Saturday. Spartak, who have a three year deal to play at Bromsgrove Rovers'
ANDY Preece has heralded George Clegg's contribution to Worcester City's 3-3 thriller with Nuneaton Borough. Clegg set St George's Lane alight with two delightful left-foot free-kicks as the hosts came from behind twice for a point in Monday night's Nationwide
BURTON ALBION 1 KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS 1 MIDFIELDER Russ Penn opened Kidderminster Harriers' Conference points account for the season with the equaliser at Burton Albion last night. Penn capped another impressive, competitive display in the Harriers engine
A BIDFORD councillor has rubbished district council plans to scrap its refuse collection contractors. Councillor Peter Barnes spoke out following news that council leader Les Topham was considering not renewing several major contracts, including refuse
WITH his current album Surprise widely considered to be his best since the landmark Graceland, Paul Simon has announced his first full UK tour since 1991. He completes his UK tour with a date at The NEC Arena, Birmingham on November 11, and he will be
THIS weekend sees the British Hillclimb Championship make its second visit of the year to Shelsley Walsh -- the oldest racing track in the world. Ludlow's Scott Moran heads the championship table ahead of 2005 champion Martin Groves, with Roger Moran
TWO big names from the pop charts of yesteryear will be in Worcester later this month. Singer Vince Hill, instantly recognised as one of Britain's best known and most successful chart stars, will be on stage at the Huntingdon Hall on Thursday, August
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after masked youths brandishing sticks threatened residents in Alcester. Officers were called to Hopkins Precinct in Kinwarton Road last Wednesday evening following reports of a disturbance. It is believed some of the
HAVING already completed two sold-out UK tours this year, Richard Ashcroft is set to end 2006 with a UK arena tour which will include a show at Birmingham's NIA on Sunday, December 3. This year is shaping up to be Richard Ashcroft's most successful year
THE major blow of losing star batsman Phil Jaques has been countered by the return to fitness of two key players for Worcestershire's Liverpool Victoria County Champion-ship division two clash with Leicestershire at Grace Road today (11am). Jaques has
WORCESTER Warriors will assess the fitness of Marcel Garvey and Simon Whatling before deciding on their line-up for Saturday's friendly at Cardiff Blues. Winger Garvey picked up a calf injury late in Warriors' 35-15 victory against Viadana in the Sixways
ANDY Preece has heralded George Clegg's contribution to Worcester City's 3-3 thriller with Nuneaton Borough. Clegg set St George's Lane alight with two delightful left-foot free-kicks as the hosts came from behind twice for a point in Monday night's Nationwide
THE major blow of losing star batsman Phil Jaques has been countered by the return to fitness of two key players for Worcestershire's Liverpool Victoria County Champion-ship division two clash with Leicestershire at Grace Road today (11am). Jaques has
THERE will be three candidates contesting the Alcester seat at the district council's by-election next Thursday. The Stratford Council by-election follows the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Clifford Meade in June. Mr Meade represented the
WITH Worcestershire Bowling Association reaching the climax of its season, England international Grant Burgess has secured his 21st county championship final in his 24th year of playing bowls in Worcestershire. He beat club-mate Steve Parker 21-12 while
SEVEN Kidderminster Sam-urai Judo Club youngsters have reached black belt status. Tom Walker, Kate Walker, Grant Jones, Phil Brick, Paul Clarke, Ben Dowling and Becky Holmes were all successful. Walker, aged 14, defeated three brown belt men in a record
A TEACHER who grew up in Alcester was given a romantic surprise by her boyfriend. Kirsty Yearley, who has just completed her first term teaching at St Nicholas' Primary School in Alcester, was given a surprise proposal at the end of term when he turned
TOUGH tackling player/coach John Snape believes he has a lot to do win over Bromsgrove Rovers' fans. The player has endured some criticism from a small group of Rovers' supporters since coming on board as manager Rod Brown's right hand man. However, Snape
ANDY Preece has heralded George Clegg's contribution to Worcester City's 3-3 thriller with Nuneaton Borough. Clegg set St George's Lane alight with two delightful left-foot free-kicks as the hosts came from behind twice for a point in Monday night's Nationwide
KEEN drinkers are in for a fun-packed few days with the start of the annual Worcester Beer and Cider Festival just 24 hours away. The event kicks off at Pitchcroft in Worcester from 7pm tommorow, with plenty of beer, cider and food to keep everyone happy
THIS is the scene captured on CCTV when a gang of homeless people lit bonfires and caused damage at the back of shops in Worcester city centre. Furious shop workers in Mealcheapen Street, Worcester, are increasingly angry about the gang of up to 10 people
A CONTEMPORARY novelist who grew up in Worcestershire has been tipped to win one of the world's most prestigious literary prizes. David Mitchell is one of 19 writers selected for the longlist of this year's Man Booker Prize with his fourth novel Black
A FULL house at Cookhill Village Hall was treated to a superb concert by two of the club's youngest members, Alice Heming, 12, and Jonathan Wilson, 15. While nationally there are worries of clubs closing and a dearth of new young players, this concert
PRESIDENT Angela Stearn welcomed members to the meeting on July 6 and thanked them for providing items for sale on the stall at the Alexander Hospital fete. Speaker Linda Bain, a voluntary organiser for Traidcraft, explained this organisation fights poverty
THE anniversaries mentioned at the August meeting included the abolition of slavery in 1834 and the completion of Cologne Cathedral in 1880 - it was started in the 1300s and we complain about builders these days! Stratford-upon-Avon District Council has
WORCESTER'S CrownGate-based store Roscoe and Crombie has reopened its doors following a ten-day refurb. The store, which celebrated its five-year anniversary in July, closed at the beginning of August to give the retail unit a makeover. Boasting a new
PERSHORE-based Chalcroft Food Projects, an industry leader in the field of cold storage projects, is set to complete the £2.8m expansion of a factory that makes a wide range of dips and spreads. Zorba Foods, part of the Entrepreneurial Food Group in the
REDDITCH outfit Team Dynamics Halford stayed top of the British Touring Car Teams Champion-ship despite losing ground to second placed Seat after a dramatic weekend at Snetterton. The Redditch team saw their lead cut to just nine points after again falling
HEWELL Cricket Club's disastrous season took a new turn at the weekend with relegation to Division Five of the Worcestershire County League confirmed. The struggling side were again forced to cancel a home fixture, this time against visitors Cleobury,
REDDITCH Arrows secured the Division Two Central title in style at Ash Lane on Sunday, trouncing title rivals Chester Romans 34-6 to secure a home date in the promotion play-offs against Dundee Hurr-icanes on Sunday, September 3. And the Arrows complete
ITS failure to deliver good quality services - including one which can save lives - has resulted in Bromsgrove District Council losing two, and maybe three, lucrative contracts. Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (BDHT), which took control of 3,200 former
A NINETY-YEAR-OLD woman had a bag stolen from her car boot at a Rubery beauty spot. The woman parked her blue Chevrolet Matiz at Waseley Hills Country Park at 11.45am last Wednesday and put her handbag in the boot before taking her dog for a walk around
A YOUTH worker from a Bromsgrove community centre has been suspended after a teenage boy was left behind at a Midlands theme park following a group outing. The worker, from the Multi Agency Resource Centre in Charford, was supervising a group of youngsters
A SPECIAL meeting is set to be arranged to consider an alleged breach of conduct involving a Bromsgrove Tory district councillor. Tomorrow (Thursday) members of Bromsgrove District Council's standards committee are expected to set the date for a meeting
ON Friday last week, the sad intelligence was wired to Ragley that Major Hugh Carleton DSO had died suddenly at Sierra Leone on the previous day. No other particulars have yet been received and a fortnight must elapse before these can be obtained. The
CATERPILLARS are one of those creatures that, as a ranger, I seem most frequently presented with. I suppose they are easily captured and some are weird and fantastic shapes that attract and intrigue. To my shame, caterpillars are one of those creatures
A YOUTH who was described by a police inspector as "one of a party of men in Edwardian dress" who visited Alcester was fined £2 by Alcester magistrates. The man was also ordered to pay £2 damages for breaking the glass of a window in Henley Street. The
INKBERROW was the scene of a second roof fire within the space of two weeks - and both fires started the same way. Only eight days ago after a decorator accidentally set fire to a house in Tuer Way, the roof of a house in Pepper Street caught alight when
THE plaintive call of a lonely peacock has been disturbing the peace in a quiet Worcestershire village. The solitary bird has been driving residents of Old Road, Clifton upon Teme, potty as he visits each house in turn, looking for a mate. Some of his
AN adventurer aiming to swim the distance of Peru's largest lake has had a setback after injuring her shoulder through over-exertion. Twenty-three-year-old Sarah Kelly is planning to visit Peru in January 2007 with the organisation Global Adventures Project
THE annual Stage Experience at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre brings classic musical West Side Story to the stage next Wednesday. The modern Romeo and Juliet tale runs at the city venue until Saturday, August 26 and has been produced as part of the annual
A FATHER-and-son-in-law team planning to cycle across Peru to aid cancer relief have launched the first part of their fund-raising -- with a round of charity golf. David Derrett, of Powick, and Gregg Atkins, of Worcester, need to raise £3,000 each to
A DECISION whether a £50,000 grant will be awarded to fund the redevelopment of a play area in Ronkswood, Worcester, will be made at the end of this month. The play area at the back of Ronkswood Community Centre, off Canterbury Road, is currently too
THE Malvern Hills will be welcoming special visitors from the Far East later this month when a group of Chinese students call in on the area. A total of 21 students from Wuhan City in central China are currently on a two month public administration training
IN less than two years, another 65 community support officers will be walking the streets of Worcester. The extra officers are among an extra 301 earmarked for the West Mercia police area by April 2008 after a national recruitment drive was announced
THE future of Drotwich Spa's former Army Medals Office has been thrown into doubt after plans to develop the site were withdrawn. A scheme for a housing and office development at the site recently stalled because councillors needed more information before
a potentially life-saving defibrillator has been donated to a village medical centre. The special equipment will be based at the newly-opened Ombersley Medical Centre. It could give villagers a better chance of survival if they have a cardiac arrest.
by Chris Flavell THERE has been an angry backlash following complaints about noise levels at a newly-opened Spa attraction. People have now stepped forward in defence of the Lido facility following last week's front page story about a number of complaints
HIGHLY acclaimed Droitwich Spa firm Train4Security, which was started by Worcestershire's business woman of the year Esther Ruggiero, has gone into administration. However, despite creditors being owed money, Mrs Ruggiero has already started a new business
WORCESTER'S Swan Theatre welcomes Gloucester-based Festival Players for a performance of Hamlet next Wednesday and Thursday. The group brings an exclusively male cast to the Worcester Festival performance of Hamlet. Award-winning Manchester actor Christopher
THE annual Stage Experience at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre brings classic musical West Side Story to the stage next Wednesday. The modern Romeo and Juliet tale runs at the city venue until Saturday, August 26 and has been produced as part of the annual
FOR a rollercoaster of entertainment, go to the Palace Theatre and see The Chart Tribute Show on Tuesday. Billed as "the greatest pop musical for kids ever", The Chart Tribute Show story is based on a group of school friends who each have their own story
Shifnal 188 all out Bromsgrove 76 all out Bromsgrove lost by 112 runs BROMSGROVE'S unbeaten run came to a stuttering end as they were blown away by high-flying Shifnal in the Birmingham and District League Division One on Saturday. The Boars' batting
Coventry and North Warwickshire 232-7 Barnt 232 all out Barnt Green tied the match BARNT Green continued to climb up the Birmingham and District League Premier Division with a battling draw against Coventry and North Warwickshire on Saturday. Green been
Droitwich 281-6 Chaddesley Corbett 161-9 Droitwich grab a winning draw DROITWICH CC's hopes of winning the title were hit after they were held to a draw by defiant Chaddesley Corbett in the Worcestershire League Division One on Saturday. Spa were unable
Avoncroft 240-7 Coombs Wood 241-9 Avoncroft lost by just one wicket AVONCROFT suffered an agonising defeat as the team's relegation woes increased in the Worcestershire League Division One on Saturday. Croft had recorded 240 and good bowling by captain
THE Dr Teeth Big Band is set to perform at Bromsgrove's Artrix on Saturday. The Stratford eight-piece band calls on a wide range of influences, playing non-stop rhythm and boogie numbers. Standing and seated tickets are available priced £12 (concessions
Wednesday, August 16 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Until September 2. Tickets on 0870 730 1234 or www.birminghamhippodrome.com Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story, Festival Theatre, Malvern Theatres. Until August 19. Tickets
BUILDBASE Racing secured their best ever team performance at Croft in Round Ten of the British Superbike Championship. In the British Superstock class, Tristan Palmer (pictured below) ignored the wet conditions and continued his ever improving run of
THE annual 36-hole Redditch Golf Club Ladies' Championship was won by Janice Kerr, with 174, one shot ahead of Jayne Freeman and Belinda Rouse. Jenny Rolandi won the Brenda Holloway Trophy for the best gross in the Bronze Division (handicaps of 20+) with
MATCHBOROUGH West biker Andy Burbidge is urgently seeking a sponsor to prevent him having to pull out of his first meeting this season. The 27-year-old posted his first win of the CB500 season at Donington at the weekend and sits third in the riders'
WYTHALL were unable to take advantage of the favour extended them by Warwickshire Three neighbours Five Ways Old Edwardians at the weekend to stay mired in a relegation scrap. Five Ways banished their own relegation fears with victory over third-from-bottom
DEFEAT to Pelsall on Saturday dumped Studley to the foot of the Division Two table but skipper Richard Gregory is confident his side can beat the drop. "We know we've got the players to do it," he said, "and we have (opening bowler) Stuart Harris and
THOSE with an interest in poetry can join like-minded people in a group which meets at Redditch Library. The Library Poetry Group meets on the first Tuesday of every month from 2.30-3.30pm for an informal discussion about poetry. For more details, call
RESIDENTS belly danced their way to raising £300 for a cancer charity. A "Hafla", organised by teacher Georgia Finocchiaro, was held at Arrow Valley Social Club in aid of Cancer Research UK's Relay for Life being held in Redditch next month. Ms Finocchiaro's
FECKENHAM step into the great unknown when they kick off their Midland Combination campaign at home to newcomers Heath Hayes on Saturday (ko 3pm ). The Staffordshire side switched from the West Midlands League during the summer and Millers boss Lee Adams
WITH regards to the letter from Jack Francis of Droitwich last week and the courses at NEW College. I attend courses at the Multi-Agency Resource Centre at Charford for the cost of £2.50 per week and many learners are eligible for free courses. And there
A STUDLEY mum believes her child would have been killed had it not been for the quick-thinking actions of a complete stranger. Jennie Latham, 20, of Archer Close, was with boyfriend Craig Whitesy and 20-month-old son Aaron in the garden of the Jubilee
STUDLEY manager Kevin Rowlands has warned his players that there can be no more excuses this season after seeing his side go down 3-2 in their opening Polymac Services League clash at Barwell. A late own goal and an Andy Jones penalty gave the Bees hope
A NEW piece of equipment has been installed at Redditch Library to make it easier for partially sighted people to read. The library has installed a machine called the Aladdin CCTV Magnifier Rainbow Elite which was bought after the Redditch Association
STAFF from Southcrest Veterinary Centre went "walkies" for a good cause and raised £815. The employees at the Mount Pleasant surgery took part in a sponsored dog walk in aid of Sport Relief.
KEITH Rostill's second minute strike gave Alvechurch the perfect start to the season and fired a message to their Polymac Services League rivals. Church cruised to a 3-0 opening day victory over visitors Biddulph Victoria and boss Shaun Cunnington warned
A MAN tried to grope a 15-year-old girl near an Oakenshaw underpass. Police are appealing for help in catching the man, described as white and in his early to mid 20s, who tried to touch the teenager as she walked from the Oakenshaw Road underpass to
BIRMINGHAM City Ladies are preparing to go into the new season without the considerable talent of England ace Karen Carney. The teenage attacker was finally lured away from her home town club by top flight giants Arsenal and is understood to be on contract
Headless Cross Ladies 1 Dudley United 0 CROSS started in a positive mood and were awarded a free kick when Gemma Whitehead was pulled back in the third minute. Elaine Frampton took the free kick 25 yards out and hit a fine effort over the wall and into
A COUPLE of kind-hearted Redditch women have notched up more than 50 years' service as home care assistants. Marie Gregory and Theresa Barrett were rewarded for their long service to Worcestershire County Council at a special ceremony at Perdiswell Young
By Peter McKinney MANAGER Rod Brown believes his new look Bromsgrove Rovers FC side is in great shape to launch an assault on the Southern League Division One Midlands. The team face a tough start to the season when they take on Sutton Coldfield Town
FAIRFIELD Villa FC manager Paul Oakes is keeping his fingers crossed for some rain to make sure his team doesn't get anymore bumps or bruises. The joint manager is concerned that an exceptionally dry summer has left the pitch at the Recreation Ground
Waltham Abbey (0) 0 Bromsgrove Rovers (1) 2 Bromsgrove wrapped up their pre-season games with a comfortable 2-0 win over Waltham Abbey at the Ryman League side's Capershotts ground on Saturday. Rovers almost opened the scoring in the tenth minute, but
By Peter McKinney BROMSGROVE Rovers squad go into the 2006/2007 campaign looking in rude health after a summer where manager Rod Brown made radical changes and brought in ten players. Brown performed extensive surgery on the squad that finished mid-table
ABOUT 50 community-minded people turned up in the scorching weather to take part in Noise 06 in Woodrow. Many gardens were weeded and new plants bought for some of them. Fences were painted, cars washed and about 30 bags of rubbish and vegetation were
A TEENAGER'S mobile phone worth £100 was taken from him after he was assaulted. The 14-year-old was walking with another boy by a gate at the back of Oakenshaw Community Centre last Tuesday at 3.30pm. Two other teenagers, thought to be 16, asked if he
HAVE fun and be healthy is the message being promoted at a SureStart fun day taking place in Redditch this month. The free event will be held at Arrow Valley Park next Wednesday from 11am-3pm and promises a variety of entertainment for families plus advice
BAD weather did not dampen spirits at the annual Wythall Carnival on Sunday. Visitors enjoyed a day of entertainment and amusement, including Kings Norton Marching Band, a display by trained dogs, children's races and the village's Classic Car Show. The
THE Raven Hotel in Droitwich has been closed for a few weeks now and a notice at the entrance states that it will be open on September 4. It appears ominous, to me, that a hotel closes for restoration at the beginning of the summer when it is likely to
SIR - "Deployment timeline of body armour had been severely compressed due to political sensitivities over military preparations." This is the current hypocritical rhetoric at an enquiry into the death of one British soldier in Iraq where 115 British
SIR - One line in Andrew Brown's letter (Worcester News, July 25) sums up Worcester's real traffic problem. "The school run involves travel through the centre." Add this to work, hospital and people using the trunk roads still passing through or near
A MAN saved himself from going to prison by being a hard worker. Wedney White, of Aldington Close, Redditch, put in the maximum overtime at his firm to provide for his large family. But it meant missing probation service appointments to carry out unpaid
COOKHILL is one step closer to getting more villagers on the information superhighway, thanks to a grant from Wychavon District Council. The village hall committee has been trying to raise thousands of pounds to buy 10 laptops and a printer and to get
WHEN George Balls and Leah Lane met at a fishing line production factory in the early 1930s, they fell for each other hook, line and sinker and have just celebrated 70 years or marriage. The couple dated for nearly four years after meeting at Redditch's
Droylsden 2 Redditch United 1 TWO goals in five minutes just before half-time ensured Redditch returned home from Tameside empty-handed. And manager Gary Whild could have few complaints as their hosts dominated the second half and could have won by a
BUDDING fashion designers from an art school near Redditch will debut their work at the Clothes Show Live later this year. Michelle Turner and Lawrence Robinson, of Inkberrow Design Centre, are just two of 40 talented fashion students from across Britain
REDDITCH United manager Gary Whild paid tribute to the 'old heads' in his squad despite seeing his side lose their opening two games. Conference North newboys Blyth Spartans claimed a 2-0 win at the Valley Stadium on Saturday prompting the Reds' boss
Tuesday, August 15, 2006 MIDFIELDER Russ Penn opened Kidderminster Harriers' Conference points account for the season with the equaliser at Burton Albion last night. Penn capped another impressive, competitive display in the Harriers engine room with
SURPRISES are in store if you go down to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses on Wednesday, August 30. On that day, from 12noon to 3pm the gardens will be host to a Teddy Bears Picnic. The event will include live music from the George Salter
BARROW was a difficult place to go and Nuneaton are one of the best teams in the league. It was a great result at Barrow and four points from the two games is a magnificent effort from the players. Two-nil down after 20 minutes on Monday we were struggling
THE choir has been celebrating the summer in fine style. The annual summertime concert was a great success. Roger Powell, as master of ceremonies, was as entertaining as ever and the two young guest soloists, Maddy Glasbey and Dale Pearce, were remarkably
A HANBURY man has taken over the helm at North Worcestershire Rotary Club. Former president Brian Hall handed over to his successor Milton Bowers. Milton, married to Greta, is a retired headmaster and moved to Hanbury from Scarborough after taking early
THREE teenagers were arrested on Saturday over a series of robberies in Redditch at the weekend. A 15-year-old girl appeared at Redditch Youth Court on Monday charged with robbery while her two companions, boys aged 14 and 16, have been released on police
TOP model Flanagan will be searching for the next young Kate Moss at the Kingfisher Centre on Monday. The former Page Three girl (left) is one of the judges looking for youngsters with modelling potential as part of nationwide competition Model Idol.
AN employee from a prison near Redditch is in line for a top award for his work with offenders. Steve Perkins, who works at HMP Blakenhurst, is one of the finalists in the QIA Star Awards. The awards, worth £2,000 each, celebrate those making a difference
TODDLERS in Headless Cross are going to be super-safe in their car seats. A group of tots and their mums were visited by Redditch's area road safety officer Barbara Woods, who carried out car seat safety checks. She ensured all parents were aware of new
TOWNSWOMENS GUILD - In July, in a change to the advertised programme, Sue Longhurst gave a talk and presentation about patchwork and quilting, bringing with her many examples of her work. Sue had stepped in at short notice. The acting chairman gave a
BRIDGE CLUB - For the last two weeks a Mitchell movement has been played over six tables. The results for July 25 were as follows. East/West: a new partnership of Stella Read and Gerald Link were in first place with 62 per cent and Pat Smith and Julian
MRS Ena Bridgewater of The Cedars, Catshill, took part in an ITV show, 'Holiday Night'. She won an appearance on the show after she was voted third in a contest to find the most glamorous grandmother at a holiday camp in Clacton. She was the wife of the
SEVERN SIDE RAMBLERS - A walk of around eight miles around Wolverley and Cookley has been organised for Sunday. Ramblers are asked to meet at the Memorial Park gates, Park Avenue, Stourport, at 9am prompt. Transport can be arranged. New walkers will be
THE annual children's flower show was held by Lady Isobel Margesson at Foxlydiate House in Tardebigge. The children were kindly entertained to tea on the lawn while the entries were judged. Among the prize winners were Elsie Frazier in class one for under
THE same rules should be applied to viewing this film as going for a swim, make sure you don't eat your dinner within an hour of experiencing it. This is definitely one of those movies where partially digested meals may make a surprise comeback for the
ONE-TIME television reporter Cindy Campbell (Anna Faris) turns her back on the media to seek employment as a healthcare professional. She is hired to care for an old woman (Cloris Leachman) whose house is haunted by the ghost of a dead boy (Garrett Masuda
IF I hadn't listened to quite a few great albums by young men recently, I'd probably be raving about new talent James Morrison. Unfortunately for him, despite a quality debut album, Morrison has emerged amid a plethora of fellow thoughtful, talented male
A WYTHALL resident has branded organisers of this year's carnival "irresponsible" after an explosive stunt show was allowed to take place next to the dog display. Caroline Bedward, of Hounsfield Lane, claims dogs were sent into a frenzy and children were
IT was not supposed to start like this. An encouraging pre-season and a string of quality signings should have resulted in an opening day win against a Blyth Spartans side who had been pitting their wits against such non-league heavyweights as Ilkeston
LANDSCAPING work carried out in Winyates Green following a request by residents at a community policing meeting has been given the thumbs up. Ward councillor Nigel Hicks said efforts of Redditch Council's landscaping department on the area immediately
CONCERNS the Taxibus scheme could go bust have been allayed by Worcestershire County Council. Redditch Council Tory group leader Carole Gandy expressed her worries about the future of the scheme after she heard only 10 per cent of people using it were
CONTROVERSIAL plans for another takeaway in Lodge Park were set to be opposed by a Redditch councillor at a meeting last night. Ward representative Mark Shurmer is backing residents in the latest fight against plans to develop the former Lodge Park Service
PLANS for an exclusive £7.5million development in Inkberrow have been given the thumbs up by the village's parish council. Developer Laing Homes has been granted full planning permission for the 16 four and five-bedroom detached houses. Named Barley Meadows
A MAD Hatter's Tea Party is the theme of the Palace Theatre's open days this weekend. The newly refurbished theatre is opening its doors to visitors on Friday and Saturday from noon-5pm. Visitors are asked to wear any kind of mad hat and will be taken
THE phoenix could be rising from the ashes of a Hopwood cricket club whose headquarters were torn apart by fire. Organisers at Five Ways Old Edwardian's (FWOE) clubhouse were told the building would have to be pulled down and rebuilt after it was gutted
TOILETS were the hot topic at Redditch Council meeting last Monday. Former councillor Tom Wareing asked council leader Phil Mould what he was going to do about the problem of a lack of public toilets in the town. "Is he aware of the difficulties experienced
VANDALISM at a former Matchborough School could force the county council to bulldoze the buildings in a bid to stem rising security costs. The old Claybrook First School in Dilwyn Close was closed as part of the Redditch Review but vandalism forced Worcestershire
A DENTAL surgeon from Inkberrow put his body to the ultimate test to raise money for a friend crippled by Multiple Sclerosis. Andrew Stanley, known as Drew, took part in the Frankfurt European Iron Man competition last month in aid of Redditch man Gary
THE sky is the limit at a kite flying festival. Visitors to Croome Park, near Pershore, on Wednesday-Friday, August 23-25, can try their hand at making their own colourful kite and then fly it from Church Hill at the top of the 18th Century park. On Wednesday
THE number of emergency calls made to Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service rose to 57,400 in 12 months - more than 4,000 higher than the previous year. National statistics from the Information Centre For Health And Social Care for 2005/6 show that
THE problem of drug taking and begging on Droitwich Spa's Westlands estate has improved over recent months - according to the police and local community groups. The news of the improvement comes after concerned residents decided to start a joint drugs
AUDIENCES will see amateur theatre coming into its own during this year's festival. A perfect example of the type of talent walking around Worcester can be found in One Fine Day, a thought-provoking and surprisingly funny play written by Dennis Lum-bord
ANGLERS keen to fish in the centre of Worcester have failed in their bid to get the city's swan sanctuary reduced. The fishing ban introduced 12 years ago to protect the swans after lengthy discussions between River Severn users and landowners will not
JAZZ fans can enjoy a whole weekend of entertainment at the Malvern Theatres as part of its Jazzamatazz event. The weekend opens on Friday with vocalist Elkie Brooks, who teams up with trumpeter Humphrey Lyttelton and The Humphrey Lyttelton Band. Humphrey
BELBROUGHTON slipped to a losing draw at the hands of Hagley in the Worcestershire County League Division Two on Saturday. Bowler Andrew Mackenzie took five wickets as Hagley were kept to 159-9 but the Tons were restricted to 124-8. In the Division Three
RELEGATION threatened Ombersley took a big step towards safety in the Birmingham and District League Division Three by defeating high-flying St Georges. Victory made sure that Green leap-frogged Redditch to go third from bottom in the table. Duncan Catterall
WORCESTER Warriors will assess the fitness of Marcel Garvey and Simon Whatling before deciding on their line-up for Saturday's friendly at Cardiff Blues. Winger Garvey picked up a calf injury late in Warriors' 35-15 victory against Viadana in the Sixways
Redditch Arrows 34 Chester Romans 6 REDDITCH Arrows came out of the blocks fastest with the defense forcing a quick three-and-out to set the offense up. After driving down to the Romans' 20-yard line, the Arrows were then faced with a tough fourth and
ANGLING: Astwood Bank's Dark Lane Angling Club fished their Adrian Bayliss Trophy on the Arrow on Saturday. Martin Spencer romped to a comfortable win with a record-breaking 32lb 4oz haul off Bleachfield Meadow. Barry Feldhahn took second with 21lb 14
LUKE Hinton's weekend looked to be shaping into a good one after the 16-year-old took his best ever qualifying position, but his efforts went to waste. From the moment Hinton arrived at the Yorkshire track on Friday he was in good form and full of confidence
CHILDREN are climbing the walls during the summer holiday break- but it's not due to boredom. Youngsters are being given the chance to have a go at climbing, as well as a host of other activities, thanks to funds from the Positive about Young People group
A MAN with learning problems who became a burglar under the influence of others has been spared a jail sentence. Gary Horgan broke into a woman's house to retrieve goods for her ex-partner, Worcester Crown Court heard. He also burgled another home twice
ALVECHURCH'S desperate battle to beat the drop from Division One took a turn for the better at the weekend with victory against Pershore. Martin Curtice's side restricted their opponents to 268-8 before reaching their target for the loss of five wickets
I AM sure your readers will not want to read anything more about the apparent difference of opinion between myself and Cllr Geoff Hulett. Suffice to say, there will be district council elections next May and the Labour Party has obviously already started
TO the very kind gentleman who handed my wallet, complete with cash, in to the customer service desk at Morrissons, Bromsgrove, on Friday, August 4, may I say many, many thanks. You have restored my faith in humanity. Grateful Stoke Heath
WOULD it be possible for the lady or ladies who exercise their horses on a right of way for people walking from Golden Cross Lane bus stop to Woodrow Lane, Catshill, to please carry a bucket and spade with them to collect the deposits from their horses
THE two days in late July were gloriously fine, no sign of rain, floods or storms, so there was no need for a 'lifeboat call-out' in Bromsgrove, nevertheless the Asda shoppers gave very generously and raised a grand total of £318. Many thanks to them
THE staff of Sidemoor pre-school group in Bromsgrove would like to say a big thank you to all parents and children for the gifts and cards they received at the end of term. Special thanks to Carol for all her work in volunteering at the group over the
WE live on Victoria Road and it was here, on Friday, July 28, our much loved pet cat Felix was knocked down and killed instantly by a speeding car. This was witnessed by one of our neighbours, who saw the car turn up Victoria Road from the Stourbridge
OF course Rubery is part of Birmingham, and not ashamed of it in spite of what recent letters have said! It's full of people with jobs in Birmingham who couldn't afford houses nearer work. Nice surroundings, handy for the city, shame about the county
EXHALL and Wixford must win their championship clash at Bretforton on Saturday to recover the otherwise fatal blow dealt to their title hopes by Saturday's shock defeat to relegation-haunted Winchcombe. Winchcombe posted 254ao and that was enough for
A COURSE is being launched for people who care for someone with a long term illness, disability of frailty. The free, seven-week "Looking After Me" course runs at the Foxlyd-iate Hotel in Birchfield Road, Webheath, every Monday between 10.30am-1pm from
REDDITCH VC have appointed a new management team following Steve Sidwell's departure. Sidwell's number two Jerry Lawrence has taken the reins along with former Redditch United boys under 15s coach David Morgan. Lawrence has been coach and goalkeeping
CHAIRMAN Tom Herbert feels he's got the manager and the squad to bring back the glory days to Bromsgrove Rovers and he is looking for the final ingredient to make it perfect - the fans. Rovers' supremo feels that the club is gearing up for a better campaign
TOUGH tackling player/coach John Snape believes he has a lot to do win over Bromsgrove Rovers' fans. The player has endured some criticism from a small group of Rovers' supporters since coming on board as manager Rod Brown's right hand man. However, Snape
Bromsgrove Rovers 3 Barnt Green Spartak 0 BARNT Green enjoyed a baptism of fire in its first game at the Victoria Ground when they lost to a youthful Bromsgrove Rovers team on Saturday. Spartak, who have a three year deal to play at Bromsgrove Rovers'
Malvern Town 1 Studley WFC 1 RACHEL Hopkins had the first effort on goal for Studley but her long range shot was off target. Steph Jones had Studley's best chance of the half when she was played through by Sam Wilkinson and lifted the ball over the advancing
READ the letter by JW Nicholas in last week's Your View regarding 'crime figures - a conspiracy'. I agree and this does not solve the problem of the crime wave which I feel is totally out of control. To hide the problem of drugs they simply change the
DO our local councillors intend closing Droitwich Spa Bowls Club to sell it to developers? At a meeting earlier this month town and district councillors for Droitwich voted to fence off the Lido Park/bowls club car park and lock it at dusk each day, on
SIR - In reply to John Pratt (August 2) if citizens of Worcester can manage to shell out several thousand pounds for a polluting car, surely they can afford an extra couple of quid for a congestion charge? GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
A FORMER Redditch man, whose lifelong love of music was sparked as a choir boy at Tardebigge, has died aged 80. Morris Bray lived in Australia for the last 48 years but spent his youth in Redditch and still had friends and family in the area. Born on
SIR - Can anyone explain to me by what strange process of logic does Stephen Hodgson arrive at the conclusion that Warndon Parish Council will only be "apolitical" if Conservative members of the city council are elected to the parish council? ROB PEACHEY
AT this time of year flying ants become an irritation in many gardens. My guaranteed, yes guaranteed method of getting rid of this irritation is as follows:- Leave three inches of water in a washing up bowl, hot or cold water, add three squirts of washing
SIR - If Paul Saunders and his associates disagree with "the official or majority opinion" they are indeed "dissident" or "dissentient" according to my dictionary. (Letters, August 3). The only opinion I have expressed on this issue is to urge people
SIR - L Spiteri seems to be one of those who seek to ignore the truth concerning the EU. I simply tried to explain the dangers of trusting a 'partner' who would sell missiles to Great Britain's enemies in time of war. L Spiteri calls my efforts 'pathetic
SIR - D E Margrett wrote in his letter of August 5 that he saw the EU flag flying next to the Italian flag on his recent visit to Italy and this "delighted" him. The fact is that this blue sheet with a ring of stars isn't actually a flag it's a banner
SIR - I read with interest that Robin Walker has been selected to fight the Worcester seat for the Conservatives at the next General Election. However, I was appalled by Mike Foster's reaction to the news. He referred to Robin Walker as a "Tory toff".
ANOTHER town youngster has benefited from cash from the Craig Evans Appeal. Six-year-old Hannah Dodd, from Carthorse Lane, Brockhill, suffers from rare condition Trisomy No 9, which means she has an extra chromosome. Hannah cannot speak or walk and, although
FROM Bromwich Parade to the Watergate, from the Cathedral gardens to Angel Place, Worcester has become a city under siege. Once upon a time, it was Cromwell's ironsides hammering at the Faithful City's gates - now it's Sid Yobbo and his great army of
WYTHALL Parish Council has thanked a public-spirited man who caught a fly-tipper on his camera phone. Council clerk Pat Harrison said a man had reported seeing a van fly-tipping in Middle Lane and had taken some photographs. "The gentleman, who was going
THERE will be animal antics at Birmingham's Crescent Theatre when Troika Productions perform Toad of Toad Hall on September 1 and 2. This evergreen tale, beloved by countless generations of children and adults alike, transports theatre goers to another
LARGE amounts of alcohol were stolen during raids at two clubs. The first when thieves broke into Woodrush Rugby Club in Wythall. Cash totalling about £240, bottles of spirits and cigarettes were among items stolen and the value of goods taken was more
REDDITCH'S NEW College has welcomed a new addition to its languages department. Italian teacher Stella Standham, who is fluent in five languages including German and French, has Italian parents and Spanish relatives. Mrs Standham was born in the West
KINGFISHER Centre shoppers may soon see a new coffee shop in Worcester Square. Centre owners Scottish Widows have applied for permission to use part of the space for a coffee shop. Centre director Ian McLelland said: "We have told all the tenants what
THE benefactor of a charity skittles night was bowled over by the support from residents. The Lodge Park Social Club hosted the skittles and race event in aid of the Where Next Association's building appeal. It was organised by club member Brian Gardener
COMEDY duo Humphrey and Renshaw bring their own unique comedy-take on the world to Huntingdon Hall as part of the Worcester Festival from tomorrow. The duo return to the festival with a lunch time comedy show, after a critically acclaimed performance
MEMBERS did not get too terrified at the demonstration given by William Scott on tool sharpening. Meanwhile, Wednesday, August 23, welcomes back our old friends Toni and Ken Whittaker to take us on a trip around Cuba. The annual village show will be on
ONE visitor and one new member were welcomed to the August meeting at the parish hall. Irene Scott was thanked for organising a theatre outing to see Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang! which members agreed was a fantastic and brilliant show. Activities evenings
AT the July meeting we were greeted in Marion's absence by Greta. It was suggested that we send John get well wishes together with flowers for Marion. We were introduced to our speaker Barbara Charnock who has written an amusing collection of poetry.
THERE was some healthy sibling rivalry in the final of a school's draughts challenge. Jack and Joe Biddulph, 13 and 12 respectively, battled it out in the Birchensale Middle School draughts competition. The Batchley school holds the draughts challenge
ON a very warm evening the members were pleased to be welcomed by our president, Maureen. The vice-president, secretary and treasurer had sent apologies due to holiday absences, but a very good friend Janice Jones was with us to support Maureen. In her
A SPORTS club has benefited from a generous donation by Barclays Bank. Special Olympics Redditch Football was given a complete set of coaching kit and equipment including bibs, training tops, coaching jackets, cones, water bottles and stopwatches. The
Wednesday, August 16 John Emms will entertain Redditch's Darby and Joan Club at the Ecumenical Centre from 2-3.30pm. All members and friends are welcome. Thursday, August 17 A blood donor session will be held at Alvechurch Baptist Church Hall, Red Lion
GARDENING CLUB - At the July meeting, speaker Paul Allen from the Ranger Service was unable to give a talk on Habberley Valley, due to illness. Thankfully, Adrian James from Kidderminster stepped in at short notice. His talk was on exotics in the garden
HISTORY SOCIETY - The next meeting will be a Stourport walkabout led by Stourport Civic Society. Meet outside Stourport Civic Centre at 7pm tonight.
CYCLING CLUB - There are two rides this Sunday. The A ride starts at 8am and goes to Old Churchstoke with breakfast at Tesco's in Ludlow. The B ride starts at 9.30am and visits Ashford Carbonel near Ludow. Both rides leave from The Green, Blakebrook,
FLORAL ART CLUB - The club is celebrating its golden anniversary with a number of social events that included a visit to the national competitions at Telford on June 30 and a flower festival at the Methodist Church, High Street, Stourport on July 22 and
A QUIET Bromsgrove pensioner died just three weeks after winning a £110,000 fortune in a spot-the-ball competition. Len Wilkes, aged 74 who lived in Stratford Road was not able to enjoy the fruits of his unexpected windfall of cash, luxury goods and a
ANYONE who speculates Shakespeare or the theatre are not as popular as they once were would be proved wrong by this stunning performance. Perhaps it was the appearance of veteran Shakespeare actor Patrick Stewart, of X-Men fame, who drew in the crowds
HOME, away (Southern League Midlands Division fixtures unless stated) JULY Sat 15 HEDNESFORD TOWN 3-2 (Snape, Burgess, Francis) Thu 20 MOOR GREEN (friendly) 1-0 (Lamey) Sun 23 KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS 0-4 Sat 29 REDDITCH UNITED 0-2 AUGUST Tue 01 Alvechurch
NOMINATED for this year's Academy Award as Best Film In A Foreign Language, Hany Abu-Assad's slow-burning thriller is a provocative and unsettling portrait of two suicide bombers preparing for an attack on Tel Aviv. In the light of recent events, Paradise
MATCHBOROUGH'S new beat manager has thanked residents for the warm welcome he received while settling into the role. Pc Paul Downes, who took over following Pc Dave Wilkins' retirement, said the community had been extremely supportive. "I've been given
CLAYTON Wendy Elizabeth On August 12, 2006, aged 59 years. Much loved partner of John and loving mother of Mark, Wayne, Neil and Joanne. Forever in our thoughts. Funeral service at Drakes Broughton Church on Monday, August 21st at 1.30 p.m., followed
CHAPMAN Amy Of Homenash House, Worcester. Formerly of Collier Close, Eastbourne. Passed away peacefully on August 11th 2006 aged 77 years. Dearly loved mother to David and Martin, their Wives and loving grandma to Leanne. Will be sadly missed by all.
FERRIDAY Rebecca Happy birthday. Love Dad, Sam, Lara and Liam. Published in paper 16/08/2006
TRANTER Ken Left us eleven years ago today. Always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts. Loving wife Doreen, Karen, Nadine, Robin, Mark, grandchildren Jade and Ryan. xxx Published in paper 16/08/2006
WORCESTER Warriors will assess the fitness of Marcel Garvey and Simon Whatling before deciding on their line-up for Saturday's friendly at Cardiff Blues. Winger Garvey picked up a calf injury late in Warriors' 35-15 victory against Viadana in the Sixways
Waltham Abbey (0) 0 Bromsgrove Rovers (1) 2 Bromsgrove wrapped up their pre-season games with a comfortable 2-0 win over Waltham Abbey at the Ryman League side's Capershotts ground on Saturday. Rovers almost opened the scoring in the tenth minute, but
BRITISH rock music pioneer Spencer Davis brings his band to Worcester's Huntingdon Hall on August 23 (8pm start). The Spencer Davis Group was one of the most famous in the 1960s, notching up a dozen top ten songs and recording classics such as "Gimme
JIVE masters the Dr Teeth Big Band are bringing their mix of non-stop rhythm and boogie to the Artrix, Bromsgrove, on Saturday (8pm start). Fronted by an ex-Chicagoan the band effortlessly straddle genres and always supply tight grooves with individual
