Archive

  • 22/8/06 - Warriors suffer from fatigue

    WORCESTER'S director of rugby John Brain admits fat-igue contributed to his side's 41-19 defeat at Cardiff Blues on Saturday. The coaching staff have been conditioning the players right up to match-day for their first two pre-season games in a bid to

  • 22/8/06 - County decide to give Zaheer rest

    KEY performer Zaheer Khan has been rested for Worces-tershire's floodlit Pro40 Lea-gue clash with Yorkshire at Headingley today (4.40pm). The Indian paceman has bowled 584 overs this season in all forms of cricket and the decision has been made to give

  • 22/8/06 - Morrison handed double FA charge

    ANDY Morrison could face further punishment over his role in the abandoned pre-season friendly against Kidder-minster Harriers. City's assistant manager was handed a three-match ban and fined by the St George's Lane club following their internal inquiry

  • 22/8/06 - The good, the bad and the ugly City

    WHAT a difference a game makes. After the heroics of George Clegg in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Nuneaton, Worcester City came back down to earth with a bump in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Moor Green. The contrast could not have been much greater as

  • Bulls launch giant-killing cup mission

    HEREFORD United are aiming to get their season back on track with a mouth-watering Carling Cup clash against Coventry City at Edgar Street tonight (7.45). Graham Turner's side were beaten 3-0 at Barnet in Coca-Cola League Two on Saturday in one of the

  • 22/8/06 - Building the momentum in Pro40 bid

    OUR Pro40 win over Kent was enjoyed by a big crowd at New Road and the game swung in several different directions -- it was a classical one-day game, full of wondering about who would win. Thankfully we held our nerve at the end. There were plenty of

  • Grosvenor lead first division by ten points

    GROSVENOR `A' maintained their domination of the Worcester Friday Night Invi-tation Summer League with a 5-2 win over Crosskeys. Results: Prince of Wales 3 Crosskeys 4; Grosvenor B 1 New Inn 6; Lakes 0 Grosvenor A 7; Barbourne 6 Grosvenor B 1; New Inn

  • Purchase cruises into the semi-finals

    GREAT Britain sculling star Zac Purchase sent a warning shot across the bows of his single scull rivals at the world championships, going straight through to Thursday's semi-finals in the fastest qualifying time. The former King's, Worces-ter student

  • Westfields chasing win run after Rocester joy

    CONFIDENT Westfields search for a second win in a row at Oldbury United in the Midland Alliance tonight (7.45). The Hereford side chalked up their opening victory with a fine 3-0 beating of Rocester at allpay.park on Saturday. Despite torrential rain

  • Evesham look to transform Lane into their own fortress

    EVESHAM United will be looking to put the ugly scenes which marred their Southern League division one midlands opener at Rothwell behind them when they make a little bit of history tonight. Paul West's side host Sutton Coldfield Town (7.45) in the club's

  • Warriors suffer from fatigue

    WORCESTER'S director of rugby John Brain admits fat-igue contributed to his side's 41-19 defeat at Cardiff Blues on Saturday. The coaching staff have been conditioning the players right up to match-day for their first two pre-season games in a bid to

  • County decide to give Zaheer rest

    KEY performer Zaheer Khan has been rested for Worces-tershire's floodlit Pro40 Lea-gue clash with Yorkshire at Headingley today (4.40pm). The Indian paceman has bowled 584 overs this season in all forms of cricket and the decision has been made to give

  • Morrison handed double FA charge

    ANDY Morrison could face further punishment over his role in the abandoned pre-season friendly against Kidder-minster Harriers. City's assistant manager was handed a three-match ban and fined by the St George's Lane club following their internal inquiry

  • Music and dancing stops the shoppers

    SHOPPERS in the city will be strolling to a different beat this week when another batch of local talent takes to the CrownGate Live stage. The temporary stage in CrownGate's Bell Square has so far hosted jazz duos, string quartets, belly dancers and

  • Post changes go ahead smoothly

    POST offices in Worcestershire have reported a smooth transition to the new mailing charges despite fears of chaos. Yesterday, Royal Mail introduced a new pricing system, based on the size as well as weight of each item being sent. Many people had forecast

  • Delight as firm seals £37m deal

    A WORCESTER factory is celebrating clinching a multi-million pound deal to make mining equipment. The order will help selfguard the jobs of Joy Mining's 400-strong workforce at Bromyard Road in St John's. A spokesman for the firm, which also has sites

  • I came to open my shop up and found the front destroyed

    A WORCESTER shop owner spoke of her "complete devastation" after a glass display panel at the front of her store was shattered over the weekend - causing £1,000 of damage. Karen Turl, who owns memorabilia shop Retro in Lowesmoor, turned up on Saturday

  • Proud of peacock

    SIR - I loved Emma Attwood's photo of a peacock butterfly on a buddleia bush. I shall cut it out and stick it to my wall. GEORGE COWLEY, Warndon, Worcester.

  • Say no to anglers

    SIR - The anglers must be turned down. Worcester needs its swans for these birds and the River Severn make Worcester bearable. Otherwise it would be no different to any other city. MRS J EDWARDS, Cotheridge, Worcestershire.

  • Masters of war

    SIR - Why were readers faced with a half-page photograph of guns on the front of Monday's News (August 14)? Such weapons are causing death and destruction around the world. In complete contrast, I hope the Worcester Festival will be a successful, fun-loving

  • No more wars at whim of Israelis

    SIR - According to R G Spencer (Letters, August 8), there is a plan to equip the new battle groups of the British Army with new electronically-linked vehicles known collectively as the Future Rapid Effects System or FRES. Apparently, if our forces are

  • We need a better argument than this

    SIR - George Cowley says that foxes are bloodthirsty and viciously kill rabbits and hens. Therefore, he reasons, it is not objectionable for them to be killed. What - all of them? Shall we kill every animal that eats meat because they are bloodthirsty

  • I feel sympathy for young Asian men

    young Asian men SIR - I feel sympathy for young British Asian men and their rejection of western capitalism and decadence. All their lives they have been encouraged to see themselves as victims of racism and xenophobia while barmy multi culturalism

  • Grammatical errors are very frustrating

    SIR - John Phillpott in his article about the use of "pro-active" comments that people should use English properly. Could he now encourage Worcester News journalists and printsetters to use English properly. The necessity to repeat a story three times

  • Most English people want to be in the EU

    SIR - I am sorry to have to disabuse your correspondent Peter Alcock, but his assertion (Letters, August 14) about the English (sic) people not wanting to be in the European Union is, indeed, a lot of rot. A recent survey shows not only that public

  • It looks like we're back in business

    IT'S joy by name and joy by nature. If ever a business was aptly named then it must be a certain happy company in Bromyard Road that is rapidly making a very big name for itself. Joy Mining - one of Worcester's biggest employers - has landed a major

  • SUMMER IN THE CITY - WHAT'S ON GUIDE

    COUNTY MUSEUM, HARTLEBURY Youngsters can try their hand at a range of activities, including clay modelling, sand casting, card weaving, hat making and brass rubbing Tuesdays to Fridays all through August. They can also look around the

  • Emily's Day Spa is opened by mayor

    A NEW beauty experience opened in Bewdley with a champagne send-off. The studio, which lies in the heart of the town in Load Street, will also incorporate the Academy of Beauty, which offers two-day fast-track advanced courses for beauty therapists

  • Clinic dedicated to making you lovelier

    TO help you look a little lovelier each day, a new dedicated medical aesthetics clinic is opening in Malvern. Run by the husband and wife team of Andrew and Angela Rankin, Regenix in Church Road will hold a launch evening on Wednesday, September 6 with

  • People rush to get out of `jail'

    SCORES of adventurous people have been dashing to sign up for a hugely-successful fund-raising event which will see `prisoners' running free in Worcestershire. Jail-break ran for a total of 10 years until 2000 and, in that time, raised £1m for charity

  • Stitch show is great success

    A WIDE variety of needlework - including one dating back to 1883 - has been adorning Worcester Cathedral's Chapter House in a fund-raising exhibition of crafts by a city group. More than 600 people flocked to the Cathedral to see examples of quilting

  • Call to help save the planet

    GREEN campaigners in Worcester are lobbying for the Government to introduce a Bill setting a legal framework for a three per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Members of Worcester's Friends of the Earth group have been campaigning for the

  • Why we've got the best loos in the land

    NATIONAL newspapers have been going potty over a new Japanese, paper-free, high-tech bidet-toilet, but Wychavon has been highlighted as having the best loos in this country. Several articles have been written about the new space-age facility currently

  • Stars aim to raise cash for fine cause

    CELEBRITIES from Worc-estershire are hoping to catch a hatful of cash for St Richard's hospice when they pit their skills against a team of stars from a top television soap series. The St Richard's All Stars - including Worcestershire County Cricket

  • Firm considers running lorries on veggie power

    LORRIES run by an established Worcestershire haul-age company could soon switch to fuel made from vegetables in a bid to cope with rocketing petrol and diesel prices. Adam Purshall, fleet manager of Martley-based distribution service TM Logistics, part

  • Letter confirms Elgar's support for Cathedral

    A LETTER confirming Sir Edward Elgar's support for Worcester Cathedral has been unearthed by enthusiasts of the renowned Worcestershire composer. Catherine Sloan, director of the Elgar Birthplace Museum in Lower Broadheath, said the correspondence from

  • We need signs to stop the speeders

    ILLUMINATED signs telling people to slow down should be introduced in a Worcester road, according to a local councillor. Coun Mike Layland has challenged authorities to do something about racing cars in Canterbury Road, Ronkswood, following the removal

  • Parents warned after boat alert

    PARENTS living near the River Severn have been urged to keep a close eye on their children during the summer holidays after an empty inflatable boat sparked a full-scale alert. It was thought a child might have fallen into the water after the empty

  • Bench to be memorial to accident victim Kelly

    THE funeral of a young girl who was killed in a road accident on the way to collect her A-level results will take place a week to the day after her death, it has been revealed. The service, in memory of Kelly Rice, aged 18, will be held at Upton Parish

  • Morrison handed double FA charge

    ANDY Morrison could face further punishment over his role in the abandoned pre-season friendly against Kidder-minster Harriers. City's assistant manager was handed a three-match ban and fined by the St George's Lane club following their internal inquiry

  • County decide to give Zaheer rest

    KEY performer Zaheer Khan has been rested for Worces-tershire's floodlit Pro40 Lea-gue clash with Yorkshire at Headingley today (4.40pm). The Indian paceman has bowled 584 overs this season in all forms of cricket and the decision has been made to give

  • Bulls launch giant-killing cup mission

    HEREFORD United are aiming to get their season back on track with a mouth-watering Carling Cup clash against Coventry City at Edgar Street tonight (7.45). Graham Turner's side were beaten 3-0 at Barnet in Coca-Cola League Two on Saturday in one of the

  • Evesham look to transform Lane into their own fortress

    EVESHAM United will be looking to put the ugly scenes which marred their Southern League division one midlands opener at Rothwell behind them when they make a little bit of history tonight. Paul West's side host Sutton Coldfield Town (7.45) in the club's

  • Westfields chasing win run after Rocester joy

    CONFIDENT Westfields search for a second win in a row at Oldbury United in the Midland Alliance tonight (7.45). The Hereford side chalked up their opening victory with a fine 3-0 beating of Rocester at allpay.park on Saturday. Despite torrential rain,

  • Purchase cruises into the semi-finals

    GREAT Britain sculling star Zac Purchase sent a warning shot across the bows of his single scull rivals at the world championships, going straight through to Thursday's semi-finals in the fastest qualifying time. The former King's, Worces-ter student

  • 22/8/06 - Morrison handed double FA charge

    ANDY Morrison could face further punishment over his role in the abandoned pre-season friendly against Kidder-minster Harriers. City's assistant manager was handed a three-match ban and fined by the St George's Lane club following their internal inquiry

  • I came to open my shop up and found the front destroyed

    A WORCESTER shop owner spoke of her "complete devastation" after a glass display panel at the front of her store was shattered over the weekend - causing £1,000 of damage. Karen Turl, who owns memorabilia shop Retro in Lowesmoor, turned up on Saturday

  • Music and dancing stops the shoppers

    SHOPPERS in the city will be strolling to a different beat this week when another batch of local talent takes to the CrownGate Live stage. The temporary stage in CrownGate's Bell Square has so far hosted jazz duos, string quartets, belly dancers and puppet

  • 22/8/06 - The good, the bad and the ugly City

    WHAT a difference a game makes. After the heroics of George Clegg in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Nuneaton, Worcester City came back down to earth with a bump in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Moor Green. The contrast could not have been much greater as the

  • Emily's Day Spa is opened by mayor

    A NEW beauty experience opened in Bewdley with a champagne send-off. The studio, which lies in the heart of the town in Load Street, will also incorporate the Academy of Beauty, which offers two-day fast-track advanced courses for beauty therapists that

  • Clinic dedicated to making you lovelier

    TO help you look a little lovelier each day, a new dedicated medical aesthetics clinic is opening in Malvern. Run by the husband and wife team of Andrew and Angela Rankin, Regenix in Church Road will hold a launch evening on Wednesday, September 6 with

  • We need signs to stop the speeders

    ILLUMINATED signs telling people to slow down should be introduced in a Worcester road, according to a local councillor. Coun Mike Layland has challenged authorities to do something about racing cars in Canterbury Road, Ronkswood, following the removal

  • Letter confirms Elgar's support for Cathedral

    A LETTER confirming Sir Edward Elgar's support for Worcester Cathedral has been unearthed by enthusiasts of the renowned Worcestershire composer. Catherine Sloan, director of the Elgar Birthplace Museum in Lower Broadheath, said the correspondence from

  • Firm considers running lorries on veggie power

    LORRIES run by an established Worcestershire haul-age company could soon switch to fuel made from vegetables in a bid to cope with rocketing petrol and diesel prices. Adam Purshall, fleet manager of Martley-based distribution service TM Logistics, part

  • Why we've got the best loos in the land

    NATIONAL newspapers have been going potty over a new Japanese, paper-free, high-tech bidet-toilet, but Wychavon has been highlighted as having the best loos in this country. Several articles have been written about the new space-age facility currently

  • Stars aim to raise cash for fine cause

    CELEBRITIES from Worc-estershire are hoping to catch a hatful of cash for St Richard's hospice when they pit their skills against a team of stars from a top television soap series. The St Richard's All Stars - including Worcestershire County Cricket coach

  • Call to help save the planet

    GREEN campaigners in Worcester are lobbying for the Government to introduce a Bill setting a legal framework for a three per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Members of Worcester's Friends of the Earth group have been campaigning for the move

  • Stitch show is great success

    A WIDE variety of needlework - including one dating back to 1883 - has been adorning Worcester Cathedral's Chapter House in a fund-raising exhibition of crafts by a city group. More than 600 people flocked to the Cathedral to see examples of quilting,

  • Masters of war

    SIR - Why were readers faced with a half-page photograph of guns on the front of Monday's News (August 14)? Such weapons are causing death and destruction around the world. In complete contrast, I hope the Worcester Festival will be a successful, fun-loving

  • Malvern Town FC - Fixtures/Results - 2006/07 Season

    SOUTHERN LEAGUE Division One Midlands Tuesday, August 22: Chasetown v Malvern Town, 7.45. Saturday, August 26: Spalding United v Malvern Town, 3.00. Monday, August 28: Malvern Town v Evesham United, 3.00. Saturday, September 2: FA Cup, Quorn v Malvern

  • HART

    HART Donald August 22nd, 2005 Gentle father re-united with his dear wife, Vera. Miss you dad and grandad. Always in our thoughts. Will and Family. Published in paper 22/08/2006

  • SHARP

    SHARP Bernard Treasured memories of a dearest brother. Forever in our hearts and thoughts. Love Mike and Hazel Published in paper 22/08/2006

  • WATKINS

    WATKINS Peter Pembridge Passed away in Worcestershire Royal Hospital on July 19th, 2006, aged 75 years. Funeral Service will take place at Llanfihangel Crucorny Church, Abergavenny on Wednesday, August 23rd at 2 p.m. Flowers may be sent to Philip

  • JONES

    JONES Robin Rob Passed peacefully away on August 17th, at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, aged 45 years. A much loved husband to Sarah and a dearly loved dad to Lisa, Adam and Carl, son of Tom and June and son in law of Pat and Bob, grandson of nanny Cox

  • LEEMING

    LEEMING. Patricia Pat. Peacefully on August 14th, 2006 at Welland. Widow to Jack, mother to Nigel and Charlotte. Funeral at Worcester Crematorium August 29th at 2.30 p.m. No flowers, donations please to Cancer Research UK, c/o Funeralcare, 105 Barnards

  • HARRISON

    HARRISON Keith Of Lineholt. Peacefully on August 16th, 2006, aged 79 years. Beloved brother of Gordon, Betty, Hazel, Donald, Audrey, Paul, Rosemary and the late John. Sadly missed by all the Family. Funeral Service at Ombersley Church on Thursday, August

  • Early-bird bathing

    My redundancy had neatly eliminated the excuse that I was always too busy to take regular exercise and it was now time to dip my toe in the water. Housework completed, I set out on my quest. Twenty-one pounds and forty-five pence buys monthly admission

  • Seminar to show exporting made easy

    A seminar called Taking the Hurdles out of Exporting is to be held at Worcester Racecourse on Satur-day, June 13 It is part of a drive to help companies export and is among an extravaganza that could make all the difference to companies throughout the

  • Education Special Education Centres

    St Owen's Centre, Hereford: 01432 355005. Manager: Sarala Woodward. The Marshfields Centre: Ryelands Road, Leominster. 01568 614772. Resource Manager: Laura Fergusson. Workshop Unit: Bamley Business Park, Waterworks Lane, Leominster. 01568 614444. Resource

  • The ceremony: Venues

    Whitney Court is an Edwardian country mansion, with views of the Wye Valley and licensed for civil weddings. It boasts large, furnished reception areas and public rooms with overnight accommodation for up to 14 people. Its capacity for a civil wedding

  • Spa Decorators

    Founded in 1993 by Gary Rogers and Alan Gandy, Spa Decorators of Droitwich is a thriving business with many satisfied customers in this region and the company is frequently contracted to carry out work across the whole of the UK as well. The full range

  • Exciting times for Jaguar

    Jaguar has recently launched the new XK model, described as a new era in the firm's sports car lineage and available as either a coup or convertible. Whilst the car acknowledges the marque's rich history with classic styling inspired by legendary Jaguars

  • Skilled in bathroom design

    DECADES of experience together with unique product knowledge have helped bathroom company Orillo celebrate 28 years of successful business. The team at the Foundry Street headquarters has the specialist skills necessary to help homeowners make the most

  • Razors

    It's now almost two years since Neville Grantham took over at Razors on Worcester Road he admits that the re-fit of the shop has made it difficult to balance family and work, but says the encouragement from his clients has made it all worthwhile. As well

  • First editions

    Book reviews are written by Sarah Broadhurst exclusively for www.lovereading.co.uk, the UK's newest and most exciting online book shop, helping you choose your next book. Download and print off opening extracts, be guided by the exclusive author 'like

  • Lobbying the Government with an online think tank

    Businesses in Hereford-shire and Worcestershire are to benefit from a new cutting-edge way of getting their views heard by Government and other policy makers. The Chamber of Commerce has set up a Virtual Think Tank, which allows businesses in the two

  • Lets's go to... The Slaughters

    Welcome to England's most beautiful village If there's a more perfect little place than Lower Slaughter and its equally grisly-sounding twin Upper Slaughter, Zeena Lemon would be surprised How refreshing in this age of manufactured tourist attractions

  • The Royal Oak

    The Royal Oak is now celebrating its first successful year with the new owners, the Pigott family. There have been major changes with a total refurbishment inside, but the reputation for excellent home-cooked food has continued to go from strength to

  • Happy customers

    ROGERS General Store in Bromwich Road, St John's, Worcester, has a reputation for keeping customers satisfied. In his latest venture, owner Trevor Rogers has unveiled a unique bird stand with its own nesting box which takes pride of place in the pet department

  • The reception: Speeches

    LADIES and gentlemen, pray silence for the . . . Words to strike a chill into any father, groom, best man's heart. Unaccustomed as you may be to speaking in public, there's no getting away from the fact that no matter how unconventional the wedding, the

  • Let's go to... Ledbury

    With its beautiful black-and-white buildings, Ledbury is the classic English market town--but continental cuisine and bohemian boutiques make it hip as well as historic. Zeena Lemon just can't help coming back. Let me describe Ledbury to you. It is a

  • The Health and Safety Practice Limited

    Struggling to get your health and safety documents up to date? Or don't know where to start? We are a local business offering a low, fixed fee service for small companies comprising of: * An initial visit * Completion of a Health and Safety audit and

  • Awards night's sporting talker

    A RENOWNED speaker and comic who has performed for Rod Stewart and the royal family is to speak at the prestigious awards ceremony being organised by the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Bob 'The Cat' Bevan is one of the most in-demand

  • County Health Facilities

    Hereford City Locality Manager: Sue Doheny. 01432 378910. Child & Adolescent Mental Health: 01432 378940. Child Development Centre: 01432 356438. Children's Hearing Service: 01432 356438. Child Protection Nurse: 01432 344344. Community Paediatric

  • Real life wedding

    A CROSS between Moulin Rouge and Jack the Ripper, that was how Daniel Sockett and Becka Mason describe their wedding - and it was just how they wanted it. With the overall theme of Moulin Rouge meets the Wizard of Oz, the couple certainly turned heads

  • Bromsgrove and Redditch Roofing Services

    A family business offering three generations of experience, Bromsgrove & Redditch Roofing is dedicated to the highest standards of customer satisfaction and care, with many of the qualified tradesmen having been employed by the company for many years

  • House of history will host big night

    Things are hotting up for the Chamber Awards 2006. More than 60 entries have been received for the prestigious annual awards ceremony which is due to take place at Birtsmorton Court, the moated manor house near Malvern, on Thursday, June 8. Pictured above

  • Company's organic growth

    IN a world of uncertainty over ingredients, GM-foods and ethical trading values, as well as an increasing awareness of environmental issues, a local firm is providing people with good, honest, fresh food. And with Flights Orchard Organics now rapidly

  • The second time

    It is all too easy when we think of weddings to think of the bride as a blushing young girl in the bloom of her youth and the groom as an equally inexperienced young man. Of course, a great many couples about to be married fall into this category but

  • Let's go to... Brockhampton

    Get ready to leave the 21st century Who needs the Tardis when you can go back in time just by going up the road? Zeena Lemon steps into the past The peace and tranquillity is the first thing that hits you as you get out of the car at the 1700 acres of

  • Free Prize Draw Competition

    The Bromsgrove & Droitwich Advertiser/Messenger has teamed up with our very generous exhibitiors to be able to offer a host of goodies for you to enjoy ! John Lewis Department Store of Solihull - £50 gift voucher Annaliza Bridal, Bromsgrove &

  • Advanced Heating Services

    After trading as Advanced Maintenance Services for over 11 years, the Redditch-based heating design and installation firm now has a new look and a new name to better reflect its professional credentials. "As of April 1, we will be known as Advanced Heating

  • Girls go crazy for a Looopy hairband

    HEREFORD businesswoman Fiona Mundell is hoping she has started a new hair accessory craze with the launch of Looopy, a clever hair band that can style mid to long hair and, is now being sold through national fashion chain, Claire's Accessories. Mrs Mundell

  • Store has designs on living

    Established more than 20 years ago by furniture designer Jonathan Macmillan, the Insitu store in Friar Street, Worcester, has become synonymous with the very best in affordable, contemporary furniture design, accessories and lighting. Since the store's

  • Jenny's home job

    Premier Places has appointed Jenny Sitch as it new homes manager. Jenny, who has a wealth of estate agency experience - specifically working in new homes - will oversee the running of the department and liaise directly with private clients and local and

  • The transport

    LOVE and marriage certainly go together like a horse and carriage - but that's not the only way of getting to the church on time. Like any other aspect of a wedding, your chosen method of transport is one where you can have just about anything you like

  • The flowers

    WHAT is a wedding without flowers? They're about as integral to the occasion as the bride and groom themselves. But where to begin? It's not just the bride's bouquet. There's the bridesmaids, buttonholes, decorating the church, decorating the reception

  • The cake and favours

    Essentially, the wedding cake is a fertility symbol though, fortunately, the Roman tradition of breaking the cake over the bride's head has now fallen by the wayside. The traditional British wedding cake is a fruitcake, with the top tier representing

  • Learning together beside the hills

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

  • Calendar 2006/7

    PLANNING a wedding is not something you can leave until the last minute! The following countdown should give you a good idea to what needs to be done when and the next few pages give you a chance to schedule in your own notes. UP TO 24 MONTHS TO GO Decide

  • Who to see

    Exhibitors A-Z Wedding Services - Bridal Wear/Menswear Annaliza - Bridal Wear/Menswear Barbarallen - Photography Barker Bakers - Cakemaker/Decorator Bridal Gowns of Droitwich - Bridal Wear Bromsgrove Hotel - Venue Cake Magic - Cakes Cupitt Jewellers -

  • Home ideas: Extras

    1. From left: Glow gold lustre glass bouquet vase, £8. Glow amber finish bamboo vase, £15. Abaca pendant light, £12. Glow bronze effect foot bowl, £8. Mono mosaic bowl, £5. Glow large mirror reactive, £15. From Matalan. 2. Wooden figurines - Hawaiian

  • Come along and cheer us on!

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

  • Home ideas: Bedroom

    1. Turin bedstead from £399. Chocolate faux suede cushion, £9.99. Chocolate faux suede throw, from £34.99. Chocolate faux suede table lamp, £34.99. Large figurative framed print £99.99. Chocolate Berber-style rug, from £69.99. From Next. 2. Ivory Andorra

  • Wychbold Court, Wychbold

    What is it? Refurbished half-timbered Grade II-listed Tudor mansion set back from the road in formal grounds Where is it? In a secluded rural location in Wychbold, near Droitwich What's inside Downstairs * Reception hall * Drawing room * Dining room *

  • Home ideas: Bathroom/garden

    1. Reveal square display cabinet £29.99. Mondo mirror cabinet £39.99. Oslo cabinet £39.99. Medic cabinet £24.99. Vector small stainless steel cabinet £39.99. Vector tall stainless steel cabinet £64.99. Oslo double door mirror cabinet £59.99. Reveal tall

  • Real beauty experience

    The largest most luxurious hair and beauty experience in the midlands is here. Opening in March, Vida is the ultimate beauty and hair salon; it has to be seen to be believed. The whole concept of Vida is based on the jet-set lifestyle enjoyed by few,

  • Sew Fab

    A BUSINESS that started with clothes alternations has blossomed into an Aladdin's Cave of haberdashery. Sew-Fab in Alcester Street (opposite the main Redditch Post Office) is the Place to go for clothes alternations, curtain making, tapestry work and

  • Great choice under one roof

    Blackheath Market is a bustling, traditional covered market located in the heart of the town. Loyal customers come back week after week attracted by the huge number of stalls and the sheer variety of goods on offer. With over sixty stalls to choose from

  • Tony's love is for two ladies

    Tony Matthews has been in the motor trade for a long time and he's been interested in cars since the early 50s. He has his own garage and he's a man with two special ladies in his life - his wife Shirley and his much loved Austin Healey 3000, which is

  • Bell cottage, winchcombe

    What is it? A period stone cottage on three floors converted from a former coaching house and inn. Where is it? In the pretty Cotswold market town of Winchcombe, famous for historic Sudeley Castle. It lies eight miles from Cheltenham and 11 miles from

  • Lofty ideas

    Sometimes in life the only way to go is up - and that's certainly true if you feel your home is bursting at the seams. Perhaps there's been a new addition to the family, or maybe you've started working from home but converting a loft or attic into a room

  • Pay rises at their lowest for 3 years

    Pay rises are at their lowest level for three years, with latest increases running at an average of 2.8 per cent, according to a report published this week. A study of 150 deals in the three months to February showed the lowest figure since March 2003

  • How to beat the hosepipe ban

    No, we're not advocating sneaking out in the middle of the night with a sprinkler--just go for a garden that doesn't need a lot of water. Millions of householders are likely to be hit with hosepipe bans this summer, thanks to lower rainfall in the past

  • Style and service

    HUMPHRIES Shoes started business in 1862 when Walter Humphries opened a shop in Evesham Street, Redditch. He and an assistant made boots and shoes by hand on the premises. Four generations later the business is still going strong and also has a second

  • New plan from Mike

    WORCESTERSHIRE garden and landscape timber specialist M&M Timber has appointed Mike Dyer as its business development manager. The company based at Clows Top, near Bewdley, employs around 80 people. Mr Dyer has 25 years of sales and marketing experience

  • The right moves

    AN EXPANDING Redditch business is combining its window fitting service with the installation of state-of-the-art fitted kitchens. Three moves in 18 months from Headless Cross to Studley and now to a permanent home in Howard Road with their office open

  • Hay day

    Julie Harries looks ahead to this year's Hay Festival in the company of director Peter Florence. Hay Festival enters its 19th year this May ) but it's no longer a small town industry -- now it has sister events in Cartagena, Colombia and Segovia, Spain

  • A warm welcome to Evesham...

    EVESHAM'S origins, as we know, are lost in the mists of time and legend. The town has survived the rigours of battles and plagues and it saw the destruction of its Abbey long ago - one of the most important Abbeys of its time. Evesham's hills and meadows

  • Getting away - Mauritius

    Snorkelling is one of the activities that will keep youngsters entertained--there's certainly plenty to see under the surface. And after this, you can choose from sea fishing, sailing, golf, windsurfing... Idyllic Mauritius is no longer just for newlyweds

  • Family firm expands further

    of the family to join father Malcolm and brother, also named Malcolm, in the expanding Studley-based heating and plumbing business M&M Heating. After several years touring the country as a trainer for Ferroli Boilers, Jason is joining the family firm

  • It's the deal for you

    Value, choice and outstanding customer service is what makes All Electric Garages in Halesowen the place to go when buying a used car. Over 150 quality used vehicles are currently on show on the large forecourt of the garage which has been situated in

  • The Elms recipe

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

  • Come into the garden

    THE picturesque Vale of Evesham is often referred to as the fruit basket of England due to its rich and fertile farmlands. The area is traditionally a centre for growing fruit and veg, in particular the famous Vale as-paragus, known to be the best in

  • Bransons - can and conservatory furniture

    Bransons is a family-run business and has been established for fourteen years. They specialise in cane and conservatory furniture with exclusive designs, quality and style. They have recently introduced a replacement cushion service giving customers an

  • Tasting the difference

    IN a world of uncertainty over ingredients, GM-foods and ethical trading values, as well as an increasing awareness of environmental issues an organic vegetable boxscheme firm is providing people with good honest fresh food. And with Flights Orchard Organics

  • Job losses in finance?

    Finance jobs are set to be lost because of a fresh wave of mergers and work being switched overseas, a leading union has warned Amicus urged companies in the sector to consult with staff over any changes and said offshoring should not be used as an excuse

  • What's on...

    MARCH End March - Mid May: Spring Blossom Trail. A carefully planned signposted route around the Vale of Evesham, outstanding scenery and blossom 'at its best'. There is also a cycle route that you can enjoy. For more information, contact Angela Tidmarsh

  • Helen Elvins - Stop smoking now

    Redundant in Spring 2005, Helen Elvins looked at her career and decided that the best way forward would be a complete change of direction. The Advanced School of Hypnotherapy provided that change, allowing her to train as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and

  • Going creative

    Not everybody expects to change their life just by going on holiday. However, a Herefordshire group is providing breaks which can do just that. SOMETIMES a holiday can change your life - and it's not unknown for those on a Creative Breaks holiday to find

  • Bredon Hill - Great for cyclists and walkers

    IF you take a look across the horizon on a clear day in the Vale it is more than likely that you will see the wonderful colours on Bredon Hill which dominates the local landscape. The hill is actually classed as being in the Cotswolds but that does not

  • Vive la evolution!

    Thirty years of improvement have produced the ultimate Porsche 911 Turbo CHARLES Darwin probably wasn't thinking of supercars when he came up with his theory of evolution. But what worked for the apes has done the job for Porsche, too. Since 1974, the

  • Picture This

    "Picture This" on Unicorn Hill (behind Hemming's Estate Agents) is a family run photography & framing business. Abby & Ken Stonehall are a husband & wife team that have found a special way of combining their skills. Whilst Abby has established

  • Living in a box

    TO see one of the model bookshops, tiny comics or cigarette packets created by Derek Kent is to marvel at the astonishing accuracy, the level of skill and the sheer talent which goes into their creation. PHILIPPA MAY talks to the Hereford man who has

  • Halls of fame

    Skinny, narrow, short or square - like figures, hallways come in all shapes and sizes and all too often seem to be a problem. They're the first impression anyone has of your home, but their decoration is often an afterthought when the rest of the home

  • Dairy date

    AN open day is being organised on Thursday, April 6, at the Stourport-on-Severn offices of Conveyor Units. Hosted by Welconstruct Customer Solutions it will aim to show the latest developments in conveying and automation. For details contact Heather Rook

  • The world's first ever hybrid luxury saloon

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

  • Go Western young rider

    WESTERN riding is one of the oldest surviving forms of equitation and is popular with riders of all levels. Although it requires great skill to compete at a high level, it is accessible to everyone - from novice level upwards. It is a style of riding

  • A little slice of Vale life

    WELCOME to the latest edition of Discovering Evesham Magazine. Summer's here, the town is bustling and in our magazine this time, we'll be looking at the food and fayre of the bounteous Evesham Vale, new plans for making use of the River Avon and learning

  • Secondhand style

    At first sight, the current fashion for picking up other people's old furniture, fabrics and bric-a-brac at markets and using them to decorate your rooms is, frankly, fraught with danger. In inexperienced hands your home can end up looking like the jumbled

  • Magical makeovers

    CUPBOARD Love, the country's leading kitchen and bedroom refurbishing company, recently opened its ninth branch, in Halesowen. The owners, Trevor Grimley, and his partner Karen Williams, are the latest franchisees to open their own business under the

  • It's just for you

    This Halesowen furniture manufacturer has more than 30 years experience. Bob Cutler Furniture in park lane offers an on-site bespoke manufacturing service to customer's requirements, as well as selling a large range of three-piece suites form-leading

  • Celebrating a year of growth - Advertising feature

    THE Market Link Group is Worcestershire's leading marketing consultancy and it's celebrating its best ever year. Launched in 1981, Market Link has grown steadily, and now employs 20 people at its attractive base in Barbourne. Last year it had a turnover

  • Cotswolds - No mistaking the beauty

    THERE is no mistaking the beautiful scenery that makes up the typically English area of Britain that is The Cotswolds. The famous drystone walls that stretch as far as the eye can see over fields and the classic workmanship that has gone into many of

  • The Vale - a great place to live now and in the future!

    A few words about Evesham from Chris Brooks, Regeneration Manager at Wychavon District Council: THE Vale of Evesham is a fantastic place to live, work or visit! Those of us whose job it is to promote the Wychavon District tend to say this all the time

  • The mayor's banquet

    It was party time again at the Guildhall when Mayor of Worcester Aubrey Tarbuck welcomed the great and the good from around the region to his latest charity ball Frank Southam wields the ceremonial sword alongside mayor and mayoress Aubrey and Anne Tarbuck

  • CK Autos

    Since setting up this business in September 2005, Rover-trained Chaz Kyle and his partner Sally Huebner have gone from strength to strength by developing sincere relationships with their customers and offering a professional and affordable auto service

  • Institute boasts a world of data

    THE Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) has more than 50,000 members worldwide all of whom have immediate access to an unrivalled set of resources. These include expertson the end of the phone, the most comprehensive archive of marketing intelligence

  • Weddings - Droitwich/Tewkesbury

    Meet the happy couples who said "I do" recently and started their new lives together as husband and wife WILD-LONGWORTH Peter Longworth, son of John and Hazel Longworth, of Marton, near Blackpool, married Nicola Jane Wild, daughter of Mr and Mrs Nigel

  • Cooking up a classic

    High quality bespoke design and installation at affordable prices. That is the straightforward claim a Kidderminster kitchen company is offering potential customers. K.A.W opened for business last month and the message of owner Kevin Walsh is clear: "

  • Stratford - Shakespeare country

    WHEN the name Stratford is mentioned, most people think of one thing, Shakespeare, but one visit to the place will let anyone know that there is a lot more than just the famous playwright. Millions of visitors flock to Stratford every year to experience

  • Water way could be the new way to head on into town

    WITH footpaths, railway and roads already being drawn together into a unified service to open up Evesham for visitors, town promoters are working towards their long-held goal of a water taxi service. The water taxi would run between the town and Evesham

  • A fresh start at home

    Now is the time to make sure your rooms follow at least some of the themes that will be fashionable this year so that rooms look zingily up-to-date. And don't be down if money's tight - we've asked the experts for easy and affordable ways to achieve the

  • Within a stone's throw

    WORCESTER The city of Worcester is one that is on the up and recent work carried out on the High Street and riverside has turned it into a breathtaking spectacle at night. During the day visitors can sample the many shops and restaurants in the area as

  • Success clear to see

    Hayley Windows really are the exact opposite of what you expect. They are laid-back with no hard sell. More than 75 per cent of their customers are recommendations from some of the 4,000 plus delighted clients. Recently they have been awarded almost 100

  • Energie sets the pace

    ENERGIE Fitness is the new name for Club Ventura, the Redditch health and fitness club - and members can now look forward to extra benefits and improved facilities as well as the usual friendly atmosphere. "The club is still owned independently, but becoming

  • Setting the standards

    THE Chartered Institute of Marketing has a lead role in developing national marketing standards through its involvement with the Government funded Marketing & Sales Standards Setting Body (MSSSB). In advance of the findings of the MSSSB, The Chartered

  • Cautious welcome from river folk

    TOM Sandham, owner of the Handsam Boat Company welcomed plans for a water taxi but said promoting the service would be crucial. "It would be a great idea to link the Country Park, which attracts so many visitors, to the river," said the owner of the Handsam

  • Weddings - Crowle/Chaddesley Corbett

    LANE-HELENO The wedding of Marcel Heleno, only son of Mr and Mrs Heleno, of Portugal, and Victoria Lane, only daughter of Mr and Mrs William Lane, of Upton Snodsbury, took place at St John the Baptist Church, Crowle. The reception was held at the bride's

  • Design tips for spring

    Andrew McIndoe knows a thing or two about design. In fact, he has designed the Hillier Chelsea Flower Show garden since 1989, has an unbroken record of 15 gold medals and is hoping to clinch his 16th this year. McIndoe, managing director of Hillier Nurseries

  • Weddings - Moreton-in-Marsh/Droitwich

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

  • Full 10-year guarantee

    "ALWAYS happy to quote." That is the message from KW Installations - a Kiddermin-ster-based building company specialising in UPVC window and conservatory installation. Whether it is new doors, windows, conservatories, soffits, guttering, extensions, loft

  • Beat a path to the Vale for a hiker's heaven

    AMIDST continuing concern over the state of the nation's fitness and particular concerns about obesity in the young, walking - or rambling - is one of many activities enjoying a resurgence. The Vale of Evesham can boast some of the finest walks on offer

  • Easton promise

    Property: Easton House 53 Bodenham Road, Hereford Price: £750,000 Agent: Andrew Grant Contact: 01432 355292. hereford@andrew-grant.co.uk Built in Victorian times, this substantial home is one full of promise for any family. With six bedrooms and four

  • Orchid fever is starting to grow

    Orchids - they always seem such fragile, delicate plants and are expensive to buy, so if you make a mistake it's likely to be a costly one. Yet these elegant beauties, which originate from South East Asia, are not as fragile as they may seem. In fact,

  • Hunt for hidden gems

    FANCY something a bit different for house and home? Then why not pay a visit to Wigley, a rare family-owned DIY shop in Stourport. "An Aladdin's cave of household products," is how Wigley buyer, Roger Ireson, describes the store, "We're a one-stop shop

  • First person in business

    Leading people talk about their work and their lifestyle. Celinda Huband is the director of the Worcester-based recruitment agency Indigo Pink. Where were you born? Texas, US. What was your first job? Proof-reading and advertising layout in an American

  • Weddings - Worcester/Cradley

    CHANCE-TOOKE Rachel Cynthia Chance, second daughter of Nicholas and Kathleen Chance, of Severn Stoke, married Mark Francis Leonard Tooke, eldest son of Graham and Frances Tooke, of Tunbridge Wells, Kent, at St George's Church, Worcester. The reception

  • House proud

    Blow the cobwebs away with a traditional Spring clean - but do it in style with funky accessories, then give yourself a lift with some brand new treats for those brighter rooms. Forget about the Cinderella connotations - housework has come out of the

  • You too could win the ceremony's top award

    AS the preparations for this year's Chamber of Commerce Awards progress, companies across Worcestershire and Herefordshire are reminiscing about their past success at the ceremony. And Droitwich-based Hotelshop UK is certainly no exception. The company

  • Saddle sore

    BUYING a saddle is probably one of the biggest investments a horse owner will have to make - second only to buying the horse itself. As with any big investment, it pays to get the best advice from an expert - in this case a Society of Master Saddlers

  • Planning to perfection

    Marriages might be made in heaven but organising a wedding requires a far more down-to-earth approach. Everyone naturally wants their special day to be memorable for the things that went right - not for shoes that pinched, the caterers that added an extra

  • Vale views

    Some views of Vale countryside, captured this summer in the Lenches, near Evesham, by Evesham Journal photographer Paul Jackson.

  • Pool room

    Property: Newcroft Farm, Much Birch, Herefordshire. Price: £725, 000. Agents: Knight Frank, Hereford, Morris Bricknell, Ross-on-Wye. Contact: 01989 768320. www.morrisbricknell.com. 01432 273087. www.knightfrank.co.uk. A lily pool and a wildlife pool are

  • Getting help with your homework

    Do you want to give up commuting and go to work in your pyjamas - or are you worried about being buried alive under that avalanche of bills and documents that have piled up over the holidays? Either way a home office could be the answer. New technology

  • How Evesham town came into bloom

    VISITORS to Evesham cannot fail to be impressed by the many hanging baskets around the centre coming gloriously into bloom. After a succession of accolades in the Britain in Bloom competition, the hard work of people like co-ordinator Diana Raphael is

  • A touch of luxury in your bathroom

    This year, House and Garden 2004 saw the launch of the latest additions to the Lemongrass Home Spa range - a unique range of handmade, stainless steel wash basins that promise to create the mood of serene luxury within all bathrooms. Exclusive to Lemongrass

  • Pair aiming for stars

    A KIDDERMINSTER father and son business is in the front line of the huge changes taking place in the security industry. Cyril and Scott Kirby set up Apollo Security eight years ago and the business has gone from strength to strength with the company leading

  • Budget was neutral but highly political - Advertising feature

    Hazlewoods LLP is a leading firm of business advisers and chartered accountants in the three counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. Melanie Maycroft, tax manager, provides an overview of the Chancellor's Budget on Wednesday, March

  • Firm takes a pride in recycling - Advertising feature

    Specialist skip hire company, Blackpole Recycling has been in the business of waste management and recycling for six years and in that time the family-run company has gained a reputation for a friendly and efficient service. It also has an environmental

  • Society news

    1 & 2. Artists from Russia and Hretton Sugwas. Left is exhibition organiser and representative of the Formula Tanden Art Foundation Svetlana Tevor (Chudakova) and (right) Herefordshire artist Peter Manders. 3. Hereford Cathedral organist and director

  • Society news - Cathedral choir

    Each year on the Tuesday in Holy Week the cathedral choir, along with guest soloists and orchestra, give a performance of one of JS Bach's Passions. This year it was the turn of the St John Passion. 1. Many of the members of the orchestra have local connections

  • Just another Saturday afternoon at the shops

    The 130 acres of the Evesham Country Park Shopping and Garden Centre offers something for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest visitor. A huge local success story, the park and shopping village, which opened seven years ago, is becoming ever more

  • Revive-a-Drive

    Former teacher Tony Swain spotted a business opportunity when, while walking round his neighbourhood, he noticed how many drives were overdue a makeover. He set up Revive-A-Drive and with a specialist rota brush machine is making his mark as a top class

  • Fresh and funky food

    "Light, fresh and funky." That's how chef, Josh Ready, describes the menu he has created at Stourport's Bar St Martin. With its clever use of red and blue, glass and chrome dcor - and with the volume pumped up at night giving it a nightclub come sports

  • What's On

    MARCH 18 Hartpury College unaffiliated dressage. www.hartpury.ac.uk 19 Highgrove House, Craven Arms, 01588 672765 SJ CR 19 Pauntley Cross Country, 01531 820812 19 Oxford Clinic, Arrow Equestrian Centre, 01544 388 321 26 M&DRC Novice 2 phase Houghton

  • Office Party

    AFTER moving from their former site on Evesham High Street, solicitors Parkinson Wright are now reaping the benefits of using the new Vale Park business centre. The firm moved into its new home in Suite 2 at the business centre in December last year and

  • Wedding fair delights brides and their mums

    BRIDES-to-be flocked to the Fownes Hotel yesterday for the fifth Worcester News wedding fair. The venue in Worcester's City Walls Road was packed full of everything needed to ensure the perfect wedding day. Beautiful string music from the Wigornia Quartet

  • Pedmore Plumbing, Heating and Gas Fitting

    Pedmore Plumbing, Heating and Gas Fitting have more than 20 years experience and a wealth of happy, satisfied customers. They can overhaul your existing heating or gas system and carry out safety checks or totally install a new modern system for you.

  • Journal Jobs and Careers Fair

    JOB seekers in Evesham flocked to The Journal Series Jobs and Careers Fair to learn how to create the perfect CV and learn valuable interview tips. More than 300 people attended the fair at the Public Hall in Evesham in March to find their ideal career

  • Society news - Fund-raising

    FUND-RAISING for Macmillan Cancer Support continues apace throughout Herefordshire. 1. A clothes sale was held at the Shire Hall in Hereford, organised by Rosanna Bulmer, the chairwoman of Herefordshire Macmillan, and raised more than £7,000. Pictured

  • Ruiton Caravan Services

    Paul Timperley has more than 20 years experience as a professional caravan engineer and is launching Ruiton Caravan Services as a new and independent service. Every make and model of caravan and motor home, both old and new from the smallest tourer to

  • Bright future ahead

    Kidderminster and Wyre Forest are on the move and looking to the future with increased confidence. Wyre Forest District Council is driving forward Kidderminster's economic development and regeneration strategy to bring about sustainable economic growth

  • Homer's odyssey

    WHEN the BBC's Animal Hospital featured Homer, whose ill-treatment and neglect had led to a head collar becoming embedded in his face and other wounds, the nation took him to its heart. Homer became a celebrity as the programme followed his recovery.

  • Events around Evesham

    July 14-16 Music Theatre Workshop Farncombe Estate, contact Annette Morris 01386 854100 farncimbeestate.co.uk. July 22 Badsey Flower Show and Fete The Recreation Ground, Sands Lane. Annual flower and craft show. 1pm-5.30pm. Contact Pat Sparrow 01386 830985

  • Society news - Hereford Amateur Operatic Society

    MEMBERS of Hereford Amateur Operatic Society gathered for a post-show reception to mark the first night of their latest production, The Boyfriend at Hereford's The Courtyard Theatre. 1. The stage crew. 2. Front of house staff. From left to right: Bill

  • Boffins at QinetiQ are still on track with racing certs

    MALVERN-based QinetiQ, the leading defence and technology solutions company, is in the fast lane in more ways than one. It has just announced it is extending its technical partnership with Williams F1, the top Grand Prix motor racing team. The existing

  • Building self-esteem

    Fewer things give children more self-confidence than an ability to look after themselves. That is where Young Gloves, a karate club for children, can help. "Our aim is to produce students with the right attitude towards sport and everyday life," says

  • Society news - St George's Day

    HEREFORD people turned out in force to mark England's national day -- St George's Day. About 1,500 young people marched through the city centre for the annual parade to the Cathedral for a service and even the saint himself put in an appearance. 1. The

  • Markhams Garage Limited

    A MARRIAGE of traditional family values to the very latest technical advances provides the key to the enduring - and increasing - success of one family-run Herefordshire business. Appearances can be deceptive, and none more so than the building housing

  • Making sure hairstyle will be crowning glory

    BRIDES may be lucky enough to have a hairstylist who they trust completely, who knows their hair better than anyone else and can create their dream hairdo on their wedding day. If they don't, they will simply need to do some research by asking other brides

  • White Hall - Fabrics and interiors

    WHITE Hall Fabrics has come a long way since its launch two years ago, after partners Coralie and Jamie Rogers identified a gap in the local fabric market which allowed them to turn a small idea into a thriving soft furnishings business, now located in

  • Saxtys - Bar Restaurant Club

    WHATEVER the occasion, there's one Hereford venue that aims to hit the spot every time for everyone, offering versatility, flexibility and above all, quality, to its discerning customers. Saxtys in Widemarsh Street is one of the very few family owned

  • Tread carefully when writing your guest list

    It's a simple fact: people cost money, and venues hold only a certain amount of people. Combine the money-space issue with parental input, and the scene is set for an explosive engagement. Tread carefully - the field is strewn with landmines. Calling

  • Cadbury is biggest

    Chocolate maker Cadbury Schweppes says it has overtaken Mars for the first time to become the world's biggest selling confectioner. Its best sales performance in a decade meant it had secured a 9.9 per cent global market share, the Bournville, Birmingham-based

  • Wild at heart

    Worcestershire Wildlife Trust was founded in 1968 to conserve, protect and restore the country's wildlife. From its headquarters at Lower Smite Farm in Hindlip, the Trust runs and manages over 70 nature reserves and more than 2,000 acres of important

  • Floral tributes

    With spring in the air, it's hardly surprising that floral designs have started to make an appearance - and this year the trend has really taken off, with most fashion houses offering floral prints and embroidery in a vast array of colours and fabrics

  • Here's looking at you kid

    Contrary to popular belief, goats will not eat any old rubbish. In fact they're particularly choosy, preferring the best quality hay. Just one of the myths debunked by top Herefordshire goat keeper Maggi Franklin in her new book. ROY Lewis finds out more

  • Wake up to dormice

    THE dormouse, made famous through children's stories such as Alice in Wonderland, is a declining species in the UK. However, in Herefordshire the dormouse has found itself an ideal place to live. Lynne Roscrow reports. THE dormouse has a stronghold in

  • Cool suggestions for a hen night to remember

    STILL stuck for hen party ideas? Here are some cool suggestions... Roll with it Let's face it, marriage is a gamble. So why not hold your hen night at a casino or race track? Most have a nice restaurant, and you might want to see a show or book rooms

  • Making perry - while the sun shines

    Like Hereford cattle, cider and perry-making are synonymous with Herefordshire and their origins are so old they breathe history. Roy Lewis raises his glass . . . The county's soil and climatic conditions have always been ideal for growing apples and

  • Focus on the future

    Agriculture, while it feeds us all, its practices in the rural area have come in for careful scrutiny in recent years. Ian Howie, a leading voice in farming in the West Midlands, explains how one interactive meeting attempted to bring all sides of this

  • Plough factor - A hand to the plough

    A farmer's vision for the twenty-first century ONE of the underlying themes in Patrick Evans's new book is that the answer to poverty in Britain and other parts of the world is to make farming work. "If farming is encouraged and made profitable and the

  • Backing for EU's bid to cut red tape for services

    The single market in the European Union is a major and growing source of trade in goods. However, the single market for services in the EU has been declining, largely as a result of regulations in each member state. It was this that prompted the development

  • Hot chocolate

    With Easter on the horizon, certain amounts of the sweet stuff are at the forefront of every chocaholic's mind. Herefordshire has its own independent chocolate makers and it was no trouble encouraging Julie Harries to visit one of them . . . It's impossible

  • Making history

    Carole Kent's passion for smocking is not so much about making a name for herself, more about keeping an age-old tradition alive. Philippa May finds out why. YOU won't find one of Carole Kent's exquisitely smocked christening gowns in a shop, however

  • Legal division is a huge success - Advertising feature

    Peach opened its specialist legal division almost a year ago and has been overwhelmed with its success. The division has gone from strength to strength over the year responding to the high demand from local firms for qualified and experienced legal support

  • Something special

    Our party of four had all visited the Four Stones on several occasions, though not for a year or so, and we wondered if anything would have changed. But happily, the Clent restaurant knows there is no point in changing a winning formula, and the fact

  • Society news

    Fund-raisers gathered in Hereford Town Hall at a dinner and auction in aid of CLIC Sargent and the Barrs Court Hydrosense Appeal and the St Michael's Hospice. Pictures by Russell Lewis of Photgenix.

  • Society news

    Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust's 10th anniversary celebrations reached a climax just before Christmas with a concert and dinner hosted by The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at St James's Palace.More than 140 invited guests and close supporters

  • A tough job to fill

    Sales assistants, chefs, drivers and cleaners are among the jobs firms find it hardest to fill, according to new research published this week. A survey of 2,000 businesses showed that companies also have problems finding engineers, restaurant staff and

  • A world apart

    Just off Four Ashes Road, Dorridge, a hidden treasure is waiting to be discovered. Hogarths Hotel and Restaurant is a privately owned establishment situated in 23 acres of secluded and picturesque woodland. Formerly known as Moat Manor, the hotel was

  • Comic possibilities

    There's a good chance that most people, even if they don't realise it, will have seen an example of Geoff Tristram's work at some point in the last two decades. The Black Country illustrator, artist, cartoonist and now comedy writer has variously been

  • Society news

    The county branch of the British Red Cross held its Volunteers Christmas party as a 'thank-you to the helpers.

  • Fall in price of houses

    HOUSE prices in the Worcester area fell back slightly during January, as agreed sales suffered their largest fall in six months. According to the latest housing market survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, buyer enquiries levelled

  • Solid gold

    As the founder of Ann Summers, Jacqueline Gold is credited with making the once-seedy sex-shop concept acceptable and accessible to high-street shoppers. Sally Oldaker asked her how changes in lifestyle and society have contributed to the company's phenomenal

  • Andrew's day in the driving seat

    ANDREW Drew, fourth from left, of Bobcat Midlands, which is based in Little Witley, near Worcester, recently attended the Siromer Tractors dealer conference, held at Myerscough College, Preston, Lancashire. Company director Jeff Howard welcomed both UK

  • The DIY man

    Before his redundancy Lee Hanson was an international Human Resources Director. Now, in addition to occasional writing and his househusband duties, he works part-time as a Human Resources consultant. Dad, when you've got a spare five minutes..." One of

  • Bless this house

    The Old Rectory Old Ross Road Whitchurch Price guide: £595,000 A GRAND electronically gated entrance marks the approach of The Old Rectory, an impressive family home which also has a sweeping gravelled driveway and stone steps leading to the front door

  • BT forcing its staff to stub it out

    Phone giant BT is to ban its workers from smoking in all offices and even vans from next month, in a move which could set new standards across British industry. The company is introducing the ban more than a year before new legislation comes into force

  • Facelift for the Weston's label

    HEREFORDSHIRE cider maker Westons has given its premium quality Oak Conditioned range of drinks a facelift. The company, which is based at Much Marcle, felt that although its red, white and blue labels are instantly recognisable by consumers, after 13

  • More than just kitchens

    Tucked away in the beautiful village of Kinver is a kitchen studio with a reputation for value for money and great designs - a company that reflects service from a bygone age and passion for design, coupled with good honest advice. It's somewhat unusual

  • Spring things

    SPRING is here - and in the high street which is bursting with clothes for the warmer weather. This season sees the ladylike look staying strong. THE dress continues to reign supreme and any feminine shape goes. Delicate babydoll dresses are popular,

  • Security system is new 'must-have gadget'

    Omnipresent i-pods, video-mobile phones and ever-popular digital cameras are being challenged for the 2005 title of 'must-have gadget' by a high-tech home security system. Defence Homelink is a state-of-the-art, wireless, home security package with direct

  • Events booker Katy's spot-on, survey shows

    A WORCESTERSHIRE hotel offers near perfect service to businesses booking conferences and meetings, according to an international research agency. Business Development Research Consultants carry out test calls on venues around the world and mark the performance

  • Spa quality

    If you didn't quite manage a visit to a luxurious resort this winter, you can always create part of the experience in your own back yard, by installing an outdoor spa to enjoy all year round. With such a wide variety of sizes and styles to choose from

  • And then there's the bag . . .

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