Archive

  • Results-day nerves for GCSE pupils

    Bishop Perowne School GCSE pupils Hannah Webb, Katy Flannigan and Alex Pritchard have been biting their nails in the run-up to results day today - but hopefully there will be tears of joy and sighs of relief when they open their envelopes. The girls,

  • Card fraud drinker broke both ankles in bid to dodge bar bill

    A MAN who was caught trying to dishonestly obtain alcohol from a city pub broke both of his ankles when he jumped from a bathroom window. Worcester Magistrates Court heard how Neil Dumford, aged 26, of the YMCA, Henwick Road, St John's, Worcester, had

  • One-stop shop for eco-warrior status

    A LEDBURY couple have launched a website to provide a one-stop shop for people who want advice and products to help them go green the easy way. The site - www.greenandeasy.co.uk - the brainchild of Jackie and David Smethurst of Rushall - aims to cut

  • Open-door policy unfolding disaster

    SIR - Your story about foreign workers being exploited may show that a minority are exploited. The item is surprising because it suggested there is an shameful epidemic of exploitation and yet the Citizens Advice Bureau claimed they were seeing "one to

  • Dogs should not suffer in the heat

    SIR - I visited the recent steam rally at Welland. It was a lovely day - the weather was fine and the show was excellent. But why do people drag dogs with them? It was such a hot day. I noticed a woman's dog had collapsed because of the heat. This

  • Marvellous music for a great cause

    SIR - ARCOS is grateful to your readers for their generosity when they came to the Lancashire Fusiliers concert in Priory Park, Malvern, on Sunday, July 30. A magnificent £275 was raised during the interval. Some members of the audience told us

  • Swan heroine is doing a fine job

    woman Jan Harrigan appears to be. Her Wychbold Swan Centre surely should be given council cash and lottery money. Her comments regarding reckless fishermen are spot on. They never alter their selfish ways and are not interested in the safety of the

  • Prom pictures are just dumbing-down

    SIR - It must be the silly or grumpy git season because I find it impossible to agree with Mr Parr (Letters, August 5) that the endless photographs of secondary and primary school pupils attending so-called prom parties are "delightful" or fill me with

  • Council is giving away the taxpayers' money

    SIR - So Worcester City Council is offering council tax rebates to people affected by flooding in July. Isn't that nice of them? But wait a minute, why are they using taxpayers' money to offer a rebate to compensate what was an `Act of God'? I have

  • It's time we mentioned the m-word

    WHEN a number of former Soviet Bloc countries joined the EU last year, the Government estimated that about 15,000 people would come to Britain looking for work. The reality is very different - more than half a million have arrived and no one can say for

  • Role of farmers in the spotlight

    THE NFU Food and Farming Roadshow visits Worcester today as part of its eighth annual tour of the country. Setting up in Angel Place market, roadshow presenter Johnny Ball will be promoting British food and farming and aiming to show how much farming

  • Boycie is in bother over bid to build fence

    BOYCIE is having a bit of bother. Actor John Challis made a special appearance at a Herefordshire Council planning meeting to try to stop "them next door" from building a fence. Mr Challis, from Wigmore Abbey, in the county, made Boycie an iconic

  • Pronuptia named sponsor of showpiece bridal event

    PLANNING for a new bridal show set to hit the county is well under way, and the sponsor for the event is named today. The Worcester News Three Counties Bridal Show on Sunday, October 22, is set to be the biggest wedding fair across Worcest-ershire,

  • Harry the spaniel is a real hit at home

    Cocker spaniel Harry has proved that every dog has its day. The four-legged friend has helped a Malvern nursing home win national recognition for the way it uses pets to brighten the lives of its residents. Because of Harry, Bupa's Court House Nursing

  • Short motorcycle ride that led to 60 years of marriage

    A SHARED passion for motorbikes proved the start of a 60-year journey of discovery for a Worcester couple who are celebrating their diamond wedding today. Frank Darke spotted his wife-to-be admiring his new bike outside his mother's home in Northwick

  • Migrant staff are a benefit to our society

    EASTERN Europeans who have come to work in Worcestershire and Herefordshire have been making a positive contribution to society and the economy, the Polish consul for the West Midlands has said. Mike Oborski's comments come as the Home Office revealed

  • Parsons: My life in showbusiness

    ANOTHER big name is preparing to entertain audiences at the Worcester Festival. Actor and comedian Ricky Tomlinson opened the fortnight of festivities and now, helping to close them in style, is veteran entertainer Nicholas Parsons. The 83-year-old

  • Chaos on the roads as crash shuts motorway

    THE closure of the M5 led to traffic chaos around Worcster as motorists looked for alternative routes through the county. Motorists faced delays of up to three hours, and there were tailbacks of four or five miles into the city for much of yesterday

  • M5 MELTDOWN

    A DRIVER was hauled from this lorry just moments before it exploded into flames. His life was saved by the driver of a second lorry whose parked vehicle he had crashed into on the M5 in the early hours of yesterday. Following the smash this lorry,

  • 24/8/06 - England axe County duo

    WORCESTERSHIRE duo Vik-ram Solanki and Kabir Ali have paid for their indifferent performances in England's 5-0 whitewash by Sri Lanka by being overlooked in England's 16-man squad for the one-day series against Pakistan. Kabir came in for fierce criticism

  • 24/8/06 - Eaton on mark for Harriers

    YOUNG striker Scott Eaton grabbed a goal as Kiddermin-ster Harriers drew 1-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Cheltenham Town. The former youth-teamer was joined in the Harriers team by midfielder Jamie McClen who returned after a lay-off with

  • 24/8/06 - Powell can stake first team claim

    RYAN Powell will make his first start for Worcester War-riors in their final pre-season game before the new campaign gets under way. The scrum-half will line up against Italian outfit Calvi-sano at Sixways tomorrow (8pm) as director of rugby John Brain

  • Martley youngsters step in to impress

    SEVERAL Martley first team regulars will be facing an uphill battle to win their places back after an under-strength team pulled off an excellent victory. Playing high-flying Wormelow in Crusader Worcestershire League division three south, Martley had

  • Price is right for dazzling Dominies

    NICK Price's self-confessed poor run of form for Worcester Dominies firsts was brought to an end in fine style at the weekend. Batsman Price had only managed to pass 50 once in his previous games this season. But when his side took on Birlingham in

  • WEBB DANIELS

    WEBB DANIELS Jo and Tim Have a wonderful day tomorrow. Lots of love from Both Families. xxxx Published in paper 24/08/2006

  • BIDDLE

    BIDDLE Daniel Happy 13th birthday. A Teenager at last! Love Mum, Dad and Charlotte. xxx Published in paper 24/08/2006

  • DAVIES

    DAVIES Gaynor Myfanwy Gay-Gail Of Evesham. Passed away on August 18th 2006, aged 80 years. Beloved wife of the late Penry Owen. Will be sadly missed by all Family and many Friends. The funeral service will take place at St Andrews Church, Hampton on Friday

  • RICE

    RICE Kelly My beautiful granddaughter. I don't know why you were taken from us so young. I will never forget you. Lots of love, Nan. xx ---------- Kelly, a precious niece and cousin whose smile brought joy to life, a pure angel. Love you always sweetheart

  • ANSLOW

    ANSLOW Richard Five years. Remembered today with love. Jean. ---------- Dad Your'e remembered everyday, You will stay in our hearts forever. Love Rachel and Mark. Published in paper 24/08/2006

  • RICE

    RICE Kelly On the day that you were born the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true! My beautiful daughter who achieved so much you make me so proud. With your love and enthusiam for life you give me so much inspiration, You will

  • Countryside: New varieties of flowers on way

    NEW flower and vegetable varieties have been examined by Derek Jarman, of Rous Lench, Evesham, in his capacity of a member of the Garden Writer's Guild. Mr Jarman visited Thompson & Morgan, which since 1855 has been breeding new varieties of garden

  • Bidford: Trust Opens New Conservatory

    A New conservatory has been officially opened at the Home Farm Trust's Arden Vale Resources Centre in Bidford. Staff and clients from the national charity for people with learning disabilities, gathered to thank their fundraisers at the event on Monday

  • Powell can stake first team claim

    RYAN Powell will make his first start for Worcester War-riors in their final pre-season game before the new campaign gets under way. The scrum-half will line up against Italian outfit Calvi-sano at Sixways tomorrow (8pm) as director of rugby John Brain

  • Bidford: Closure fear for post office

    IT could be the end of the road for the Broom postmistress awarded a certificate in May to mark ten years of service to the Royal Mail. This follows fears that the rural post office could be marked for closure. Postmistress Sue Betteridge said: "I've

  • Bidford: Blooms to mark 800 years

    A FLOWER festival will be held at St Laurence's Church in Bidford next month to celebrate the building's 800th anniversary. The event runs from Friday to Sunday, September 22 to 24. All flower arrangements will depict historical events through the 800

  • Broadway: Retailer is getting the best advice

    A RETAILER from Broadway has been awarded a £1,200 bursary to attend a retail summer school at Oxford University. Adrian Lockstone, director of Landmark Stores, was selected by joint bursary providers Skillsmart Retail, the sector skills council for the

  • Worcester at number one with double regatta glory

    WORCESTER Rowing Club followed up their success in winning the Victor Ludorum for the most successful club at Bewdley Regatta with another top club trophy at Peterbor-ough Regatta. This gave the Pitchcroft club a total of 24 wins in the two regattas.

  • Cricket: Kidderminster Victoria bowled over by Shelton

    KIDDERMINSTER Victoria are considering a fresh swoop for up-and-coming Staffordshire League paceman Ross Shelton. Head coach Ross Edwards has been tracking the Aldridge fast bowler for some time and is set to renew his interest in the summer. Shelton,

  • Cricket: KVCC reign after wet winning draw

    KIDDERMINSTER Victoria dumped Shrewsbury deeper into the Birmingham League premier division relegation mire and eased their own fears of the drop with a winning draw in wet conditions. The struggling Shropshire side, who are racing certainties for the

  • Beechey through to the semi-finals

    MATT BEECHEY got his World Rowing Championship medal hopes back on track at Eton's Dorney Lake with a stylish victory in the Great Britain lightweight four. The Worcester Rowing Club 28-year-old's crew stayed in the middle of the pack thr-ough the 1,000

  • Cricket: Crusader County League

    IT didn't rain but it poured for Bewdley as they lost their Division One clash to Bromyard on a wet wicket. Bewdley were skittled out for just 69 in 19 overs with Bromyard's overseas star Saeed claiming six scalps. Both openers went for ducks and were

  • Cricket: Results

    Birmingham League Premier Division KVCC v Shrewsbury. KVCC winning draw. Shrewsbury (5) 227-6, KVCC (11) 130-2. 2nd X1 Premier Division Leamington Spa v KVCC. Leamington winning draw. KVCC (6) 173, Leamington (13) 121-5. Crusader Worcestershire County

  • Showcase for acoustic talent

    COTSWOLDS musicians and songwriters are preparing for an acoustic show at Guiting Power Village Hall this Saturday. The Guiting Power Acoustic Festival has been organised to showcase local talent that exists in the field of acoustic music. Bob Middleton

  • Martley youngsters step in to impress

    SEVERAL Martley first team regulars will be facing an uphill battle to win their places back after an under-strength team pulled off an excellent victory. Playing high-flying Wormelow in Crusader Worcestershire League division three south, Martley had

  • Opera night a summer treat

    An event being held in Gloucestershire next month will aim to show people that opera has something to offer them. The It Ain't All Opera evening will also benefit St John Ambulance, with the county branch of the first aid charity likely to get £3,500

  • Football: Baker cooks up a Corbett treat

    CHADDESLEY Corbett opened their West Midlands Regional League Division Two campaign with an encouraging 2-0 away win at Gornal Athletic Reserves. With manager Gary Moore on a two-week family holiday, the reigns were handed over to assistant Matt Newkins

  • Stourport search for fresh firepower

    STOURPORT Swifts boss Roy Rencher has stepped up his search for a targetman after putting their dismal start down to a lack of firepower. Swifts kicked off their Southern Football League Division One Midlands campaign with a 1-0 home defeat to Spalding

  • Judo: Twins are over the Moon

    TWINS Sally and Rachel Moon are the new Samurai Judo Club kata queens after winning gold at the Midlands Kata Championships. The sisters won the top prize for their junior groundwork kata and also took bronze in the junior throwing kata. Kata is a non-contest

  • Stourport future is at their feet

    THE future is bright at Walshes Meadow as Stourport Swifts step up their bid to get the wider Wyre Forest community involved in the football club. Despite a stuttering start to the season, Roy Rencher's first team squad are hoping to make their mark in

  • Rugby: KCs warm up with friendlies

    KIDDERMINSTER Carolians Rugby Club will warm up for the new season when they face Pershore in friendlies this weekend. The firsts are at Marlpool Lane with the seconds travelling to Pershore. Both matches kick off at 3pm.

  • Cycling: Barnes makes hay again

    WYRE Forest Cycle Racing Club's Dave Barnes took another fine victory in the Veteran Time Trial Association 25-mile time trial at Burton-on-Trent. Barnes was in awesome form to power around the A38 course in 52 minutes 56 seconds for his third open win

  • Angling: Round-up

    Moorlands Farm The Moorlands Pairs Championship takes place at Moorlands Farm on Bank Holiday Monday. It will consist of two four-hour matches. The draw is at 8am with match one from 9.30am to 1.30pm and match two from 3.30pm to 7.30pm. The winning pair

  • Ben's love of science is paying off

    A KIDDERMINSTER whizz-kid's decision to concentrate his AS level efforts on the sciences has proved to be a wise decision, judging by his top mark exam performances. Wolverley High School student, Ben Powell, scooped A grades in physics, chemistry, biology

  • Training will aid visitors

    VISITORS to Bewdley's popular safari park can feel in safe hands after staff were given training on new lifesaving equipment. West Midlands Safari Park has received a portable defibrillator, which can be used to treat people who suffer cardiac arrest.

  • Bosom pals back unit

    WYRE Forest women who have made gruelling journeys to receive vital cancer treatment outside Worcestershire are backing a bid for a radiotherapy unit in the county. Bosom Friends, a support group for women who have experienced breast cancer, is getting

  • Mum and tot flung across room by strike

    A MOTHER and her young son were flung three metres across a room as lightning stuck their house in Kidderminster during an electrical storm. Kate Saunders was holding one-year-old Dylan when the bolt hit the roof of her home in Brinton Crescent last Thursday

  • Dismay at paper's tunnel prison call

    VILLAGE campaigners fighting to preserve Wolverley's Drakelow Tunnels have said a national newspaper campaign earmarking the site as a potential prison should act as a "wake-up call" to Wyre Forest residents. The Sun called for the Government to consider

  • M5 MELTDOWN

    A DRIVER was hauled from this lorry just moments before it exploded into flames. His life was saved by the driver of a second lorry whose parked vehicle he had crashed into on the M5 in the early hours of yesterday. Following the smash this lorry, carrying

  • Residents back play area facelift

    A BEWDLEY councillor is campaigning for a play area in the town to be given a facelift to help keep children off the streets. Paul Gittins, of Bewdley Town Council, and his wife Carol, a former member, have started a petition and already collected 300

  • Shoplifter who flees on bike is sought

    A STOURPORT shoplifter who made off with hundreds of pounds worth of spirits from a supermarket is being hunted by police after striking on three different occasions. The thief stole more than 20 bottles of whisky and Bacardi from the Co-op store, in

  • Chaos on the roads as crash shuts motorway

    THE closure of the M5 led to traffic chaos around Worcster as motorists looked for alternative routes through the county. Motorists faced delays of up to three hours, and there were tailbacks of four or five miles into the city for much of yesterday,

  • All the fun of the fete

    A KIDDERMINSTER father-of-four has been cleared of carrying out sex attacks on two children nearly 17 years ago. A jury of eight women and four men was out for less than two hours at Worcester Crown Court before recording not guilty verdicts against 35

  • Father cleared of sex attacks

    A KIDDERMINSTER father-of-four has been cleared of carrying out sex attacks on two children nearly 17 years ago. A jury of eight women and four men was out for less than two hours at Worcester Crown Court before recording not guilty verdicts against 35

  • Jessica's exam success came 'out of the blue'

    A SUCCESSFUL Areley Kings A level student is getting ready for life at a prestigious Oxford university college thanks to her impressive exam accomplishments. Stourport High School pupil, Jessica Keal, bagged A grades in history, psychology, English, general

  • School makes great strides

    KIDDERMINSTER'S Baxter College has continued its great strides of improvement after students and staff helped more than double A level scores. Champagne corks were popping last Thursday after results confirmed a massive 124 per cent increase in the average

  • Heads' joy at top class teens

    THERE were more tears of joy than sadness in Wyre Forest when the nervous wait was ended and A level results were handed out last week, with the vast majority of teenagers bagging the grades they wanted. Headteachers around the district have been quick

  • Wythall WI

    MEMBERS were able to hear reports on the Alcester town walk, the trips to Waddeston Manor and Windsor and a member's garden party, all of which had been very successful. Anne Thurrell, from Hopwood WI, was the delegate at the AGM in Cardiff and she gave

  • White Hart Inn Gardening Society

    THE next meeting on Monday, September 11 is to finalise arrangements for the fruit, flower and vegetable show on Saturday, September 16. Entry forms are available from the White Hart, Steps Bistro or secretary Steve Crane on 445248. All members are asked

  • GOLF Richard equals par to succeed

    CAPTAIN'S Day at Bro-adway saw some inte-resting pin positions that made for a testing morning round. The shotgun saw 80 members playing a singles stableford competition for 18 prizes for various achievements. Cool weather, fast greens and tricky pins

  • football FOOTBALL Owen brace lifts Robins

    Evesham Utd 4, Sutton Coldfield Tn 1 By Mervyn Collins MARK Owen enjoyed a dream return to St George's Lane when he netted twice in the opening 23 minutes of Tuesday night's clash against Bogey side Sutton. The former Worcester City favourite had strike

  • FOOTBALL Boss backs his players after opening day brawl

    Rothwell Town 1, Evesham United 1 PAUL West revealed that it wasn't his decision not to give the ball back to the home side after Saturday's Southern League Midlands Division One opener ended in a mass brawl, writes Mervyn Collins. "It was the player's

  • FOOTBALL Eight goal blast revival

    AFTER crashing 8-2 at Mile Oak on Saturday, Littleton responded in the best possible fashion on Tuesday night with a 7-0 drubbing of Archdales. Steven Dipple banged in a treble, Philip Waters netted twice while the other two goals came from old stagers

  • Studley Operatic Society

    FOLLOWING a well earned break after performing their very successful Centenary show, My Fair Lady, members will be attending the first rehearsal for next season's show on Wednesday, September 6 at 7.20pm. The chorus rehearsals will be held on every Wednesday

  • MOTOR SPORT Silverstone test for Cassey

    EVESHAM teenager Cassey Watson returns to the track on Saturday when she will be hoping to put the disappointment of Brands Hatch behind her. Watson will be in action at round seven of the Saxmax Championship at Silverstone. After qualifying fifth on

  • CRICKET Head for greens

    TEMPLE Grafton are hosting a golf day on September 1 at Bidford Grange Hotel & Country Club followed by a pig roast at the Golden Cross, Ardens Grafton. "The Hole Hog", has been introduced in an effort to raise money for the club's new changing facilities

  • CRICKET Ton Taylor-made!

    PERSHORE Cricket Club's youth policy in developing local talent was evident when 14-year-old Joseph Taylor scored his maiden century in a senior game for Pershore thirds against Worcester Nomads. The teenager, who has been coached at the club since he

  • CRICKET Swashbuckling skipper hails terrific teammates

    ALL talk of a one-man show was dismissed after Paul Jones had blasted Bretforton to the brink of the Cotswold Hills League crown, writes Mervyn Collins. "Every one says that we are a one-man team but that's just not the case," the big hitting all-rounder

  • CRICKET Sixes action set to thrill

    THERE'S a six-a-side tournament at Evesham on Sunday that will bring together some of the best young cricketers around in a day-long knockout tournament. Some of the top under-16 teams from Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Glouc-estershire and Oxfordshire

  • SHOOTING Stuart's a good sport!

    THROCKMORTON Shooting Ground witnessed a fair turnout of members and guests from neighbouring clubs for the first shoot of the month. The English Sporting layout proved to be particularly tough for competitors with few breaking the 50-bird mark. Jackie

  • BOWLS Steve and Colin pack a punch in Suffolk win!

    A FRIENDLY was the only game for Broadway last weekend when the club's men travelled to Suffolk Square in Cheltenham. The visitors were the winners by ten shots as Steve Aldren and Colin Cooper posted handsome victories. Peter Springell nearly pulled

  • ANGLING Gary grabs glory in Shield contest

    Evesham Jubilee Society THE latest Stillwater Shield match at the Jubilee Fishery produced a win for Gary Seadon with a net weighing 49.14.0. Second place went to Nick Green (44.9.0) while the section winners were Phil Seedhouse (41.3.0), Brian Bennett

  • ANGLING Rock the ruler

    LOCAL youngsters featured prominently in Saturday's Evesham and District Association Junior and Intermediate Champion- ships. Daniel Rock from Ab-bots Salford was crow-ned Intermediate cham- pion ahead of Evesham's Jonathan Baguley. Simon Pickering was

  • Location of centre is the real concern

    Although there is much debate about the inclusion or exclusion of squash courts at the proposed new leisure centre in Evesham, there should be more consideration about the proposed location. Currently the traffic situation in Evesham is chronic, particularly

  • ANGLING Avon festival set to attract crowds

    THIS year's Evesham Angling Festival on the Warwickshire Avon looks set to be a real thriller as all the country's top anglers go head-to-head in a three-day big money match fishing extravaganza. Bumper crowds are expected over the August Bank Holiday

  • One-stop shop for eco-warrior status

    A LEDBURY couple have launched a website to provide a one-stop shop for people who want advice and products to help them go green the easy way. The site - www.greenandeasy.co.uk - the brainchild of Jackie and David Smethurst of Rushall - aims to cut through

  • Would I vote the same again?

    I WAS saddened to read George Cowley's letter, headed Thank God I'm here, regarding my letter of the previous week, in which I criticised the government for the tax burden, including inheritance tax, and the way they are wasting this, to undeserved causes

  • Charges price us out

    I MUST register my strongest objection to the plans to charge for car parking at the new leisure centre. In other respects the plans look attractive, but no mention is made in the information displayed in the leisure centre about the parking, so the reply

  • Houses revamp

    PROPERTIES in Wyre Forest managed by a housing organisation are in line for refurbishment. West Mercia Housing Group, which has properties managed by Nexus Housing throughout Worcestershire, has chosen housing refurbishment specialist, Lovell, to carry

  • Home source of food

    THE temporary interruption to our food imports caused by the terrorist alert on the airways and affecting air freight, shows how vulnerable is our supply chain. What other factors could cause even greater disruption and perhaps at very short notice? A

  • Sporty tribute to popular PC

    POLICE colleagues and friends will be putting their best feet forward to raise money in memory of a popular Kidderminster beat bobby who lost his battle with leukaemia. PC Christopher Greaves, who came from the Marlpool area and was the local officer

  • Kingfisher Probus Club of Redditch

    THROUGHOUT the first half of the year, the regular monthly meetings at the Moat House, Coughton (second Thursday each month) have been well-attended and under the chairmanship of president Brian Hanson. The individual speaker's subjects have been informative

  • Man stole spray guns

    A STOURPORT man who was parts manager of a repair firm pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court to 11 charges of dishonesty involving £2,000. Julian Evans, 28, of Belle Vue Court, Lion Hill, Stourport, was remanded on bail for a pre-sentence report to

  • Rising to challenge for races

    MORE than a dozen wannabe road runners turned up for the first Shuttle Challenges at the Kingsway all-weather track in Stourport . Six weeks of challenges have been laid on by Kidderminster & Stourport Athletic Club in the build-up to the Shuttle/

  • The perfect match

    CHILDREN and staff from a Kidderminster school have said thank you to a dedicated parent who has had her hard work rewarded with a cash boost from a supermarket giant. Juliet Fox, whose seven-year-old son, Matthew, and daughter Katie, nine, attend St

  • Raising cash for Stevie's charity

    THE family of a bubbly 11-year-old from Kidderminster who lost her battle against a respiratory illness are planning to raise funds for a charity set up in her memory. Mum, Lesley Beard, of Queen Elizabeth Road, together with her daughter, Sheena Williams

  • Alcester Gardening Club

    A SMALL but select audience came to the August meeting to hear Daphne Everett talk on the story of heather. Daphne and her husband own the Garden at the Bannut, near Bringsty, on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border. Their place used to be a nursery

  • Swimmers splash cash

    SWIMMERS at Stourport Sports Centre have been able to splash the cash for a children's charity. They raised £1,056.55 for NCH during Swimathon 2006, a national event. The cash will help fund NCH centres across the UK, enabling them to continue supporting

  • Blaze causes road tailback

    BLACK smoke billowed across a busy main road in Kidder-minster when flames tore through a group of farm buildings. Firefighters from Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport were called out to tackle the blaze at Hodgehill Farm, off the A456 Birmingham Road

  • 'Selfish' smokers warned

    PATIENTS and staff at Kidder-minster Hospital are having to "run a toxic gauntlet" because of smokers lighting up outside the entrance doors. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust provides shelters for anyone wishing to smoke outside its three sites

  • Double celebration for happy diamond couple

    IT was a double celebration for a happy couple from Bewdley who have marked 60 years of marriage. Clifford and Elizabeth Harris, of The Lakes Road, celebrated their diamond wedding on the same day as Mr Harris's 81st birthday. The couple held a party

  • Murder charge

    A SECOND man charged with a murder in Stourport has appeared before a judge at Worcester Crown Court. Derek Jones is accused of killing 46-year-old Philip Green, who was found dead with head injuries near the Bird in Hand pub on June 16. Jones, 45, of

  • Respected policeman loses cancer fight

    A FORMER Kidderminster police inspector has died, aged 47, following a brave battle against cancer. Kevin Bentley died surrounded by his family at his Herefordshire home on Sunday, August 13. His life was due to be celebrated, with police honours, at

  • County visitor boost

    WYRE Forest tourism could get a boost from the improved status of a county-wide organisation promoting Worcestershire to visitors. Destination Worcestershire, which brings together district council tourism sections, with Worcestershire County Council's

  • Owen brace lifts Robins

    Evesham Utd 4, Sutton Coldfield Tn 1 By Mervyn Collins MARK Owen enjoyed a dream return to St George's Lane when he netted twice in the opening 23 minutes of Tuesday night's clash against Bogey side Sutton. The former Worcester City favourite had strike

  • Breathing new life into town

    THE latest landmark in Stourport has been opened as part of the historic canal basins regeneration work aiming to breathe new life into the town. Mayor, Mike Partridge, carried out the official unveiling ceremony for the new bridge over the reclaimed

  • Backing bid for political change

    A KIDDERMINSTER man is hoping to drum up support for a group aiming to change the face of English politics by giving the nation its own voice. Tony Trahearn, of Linden Grove, has been named the Worcester-shire county co-ordinator for the Campaign For

  • Saddling up to help horses

    AN animal charity is set to benefit when riders get their horses to put their best hooves forward in a fund-raising event. The 12-mile Wyre Forest Ride, organised by sisters, Cordelia and Elaine Noble, takes place in Far Forest on Sunday, September 3.

  • Jail for man in bayonet case

    A DRUNKEN mechanic swiped a man across the stomach with a bayonet after going to a house in Kidderminster. David Talbot wanted to speak to the householder about drugs and concerns over his young son but the man was out and, instead, a visitor came to

  • Luke puts the harrying into Harriers

    Northwich 0 Harriers 1. Mat Kendrick reports from Victoria Park IF Kidderminster continue to model themselves on the 100 per cent approach of Luke Reynolds they shouldn't go too far wrong this season. In the past two games Harriers have enjoyed success

  • Facilities get thumbs down

    DISABLED facilities across Kidderminster have been criticised by a campigner carrying out a national survey. David Hughes, known as Wheelchair Charlie, is travelling the country assessing attitudes to disabled people, parking and access. The 46-year-old

  • Strays in need of new loving homes

    KIND-hearted Wyre Forest residents are being urged to open their arms and their homes to some of the district's most needy animals. Staff at Forest Cat Welfare are searching for new families for a host of stray and abandoned cats and kittens in their

  • From the Archives

    100 Years Ago August 25, 1906 It was not generally expected that General Booth would make a call at Evesham when he passed through on Saturday on his journey from Stratford-on-Avon to Bath, but his supporters and admirers were present in such strong force

  • Parsons: My life in showbusiness

    ANOTHER big name is preparing to entertain audiences at the Worcester Festival. Actor and comedian Ricky Tomlinson opened the fortnight of festivities and now, helping to close them in style, is veteran entertainer Nicholas Parsons. The 83-year-old actor

  • 100 years ago - August 25, 1906

    A LOCAL lady of no fixed abode was brought up in custody charged with stealing a watch and chain, value 20s, at Bidford. A man said he went into a field with prisoner and, shortly after leaving, missed the watch and chain. He told prisoner she had taken

  • Short motorcycle ride that led to 60 years of marriage

    A SHARED passion for motorbikes proved the start of a 60-year journey of discovery for a Worcester couple who are celebrating their diamond wedding today. Frank Darke spotted his wife-to-be admiring his new bike outside his mother's home in Northwick

  • 25 years ago - August 21, 1981

    THE shoe - and not to mention the ball and chain -- will be on the other foot for a group of Redditch-based prison wardens. The four from Hewell Grange are to don traditional chain-gang clothing and hike the 20 miles from Evesham to Redditch tomorrow.

  • Pronuptia named sponsor of showpiece bridal event

    PLANNING for a new bridal show set to hit the county is well under way, and the sponsor for the event is named today. The Worcester News Three Counties Bridal Show on Sunday, October 22, is set to be the biggest wedding fair across Worcest-ershire, Herefordshire

  • Boycie is in bother over bid to build fence

    BOYCIE is having a bit of bother. Actor John Challis made a special appearance at a Herefordshire Council planning meeting to try to stop "them next door" from building a fence. Mr Challis, from Wigmore Abbey, in the county, made Boycie an iconic figure

  • Role of farmers in the spotlight

    THE NFU Food and Farming Roadshow visits Worcester today as part of its eighth annual tour of the country. Setting up in Angel Place market, roadshow presenter Johnny Ball will be promoting British food and farming and aiming to show how much farming

  • Famous tragedy

    SHAKESPEARE'S famous tragedy, Hamlet, is on offer at Worcester's Swan Theatre as part of the city's festival tonight and tomorrow night. The Festival Players present the well-known tale, boasting pageantry, swordplay, suspense, wit and comedy. The two-hour

  • Production sees poets exposed

    SOME of the UK's most talented poets will be exposing secrets, emotions and experiences at Birmingham Rep's The Door. Leading performance poetry organisation Apples & Snakes presents Exposed at The Door from next Wednesday to Friday, September 1.

  • Singers scoop sponsor

    ARROW Vale Singers have scooped another sponsor for their 30th Anniversary Concert in October. Hogan Brothers has joined up to support the Redditch choir's concert, planned as part of a year of celebrations. The Lakeside-based company was formed by three

  • What's On Guide

    Wednesday, August 23 The Swan Theatre Amateur Company presents April in Paris by John Godber, Swan Theatre, Worcester. Until August 26. Tickets on 01905 611427 or www.huntingdonarts.com Spencer Davis Group, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester. Tickets on 01905

  • Call for rethink on new officers

    A COMMUNITY leader is demanding West Mercia Constabulary rethinks plans to recruit more than 300 new community support officers (CSOs). Redditch councillor Juliet Brunner said the force would be better spending its funds recruiting full time police officers

  • Gossip and rivalry rife as village makes return

    AS the plums ripen in the orchards, the RGB Theatre Company is putting the finishing touches to its second annual outdoor theatre tour. Rites II - Insanity Fair takes us back to the unnamed Worcestershire village that saw last year's shenanigans with

  • Fairer sex set for pink shoe shuffle

    THE fairer sex will be in the pink at a unique charity walk this autumn. Women and girls are being rounded up to take part in The Pink Shoe Shuffle at Arrow Valley Country Park on Sunday, October 1. The fundraiser, in aid of Macmillan Nurses, the Primrose

  • 24/8/06 - Powell can stake first team claim

    RYAN Powell will make his first start for Worcester War-riors in their final pre-season game before the new campaign gets under way. The scrum-half will line up against Italian outfit Calvi-sano at Sixways tomorrow (8pm) as director of rugby John Brain

  • Vow to make rural roads safer

    TRANSPORT chiefs have assured Redditch motorists they will consider the Government's latest suggestions to cut speeds on rural roads in a bid to reduce accidents. Redditch Highways Partnership manager Jon Fraser said although they are already implementing

  • Rowlands refusing to panic

    AN FA Cup exit and back-to-back league defeats are not the perfect way to start the new season but Studley boss Kevin Rowlands won't be pushing any panic buttons just yet. The Bees crashed 4-0 at Coalville Town in the extra preliminary round of the FA

  • Church on the brink

    ALVECHURCH threw away the chance to banish their Division One relegation fears with a comprehensive defeat in their relegation scrap at Barnards Green. Martin Curtice's side could manage only 185-8 and saw their fellow strugglers bely their league position

  • Worry over broken lift

    THE daughter of a Winyates care home resident claims her mother and fellow tenants were stripped of their independence following the breakdown of the accommodation's lift. Anne Dearman says her 85-year-old mum and others at Ibstock House were left to

  • Trio's movie mission

    THREE Kidderminster actors will be mixing with Hollywood stars including Keira Knightley when they play their part in a big-budget war movie. Richard Bishop, Craig Leonard and Callum McArthur were due to arrive in Redcar, near Newcastle, on Monday where

  • Hunt for stories of mistletoe

    A NATIONWIDE short-story writing competition on a misteltoe theme has been launched in a Worcestershire town. Tenbury Wells, the town of English Mistletoe, has organised the contest as part of the annual winter festival. The competition is sponsored by

  • KODS put comedy play on Rose stage

    THEATREGOERS will be laughing in their seats when Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society presents its latest comedy next month. Pardon Me, Prime Minister will run from Wednesday, September 6 until Saturday, September 9 at the town's Rose Theatre.

  • Cross on top in derby clash

    HEADLESS Cross Ladies continued pre-season with a 2-1 win at Kidderminster League Redditch VC. The higher league visitors had a dream start, scoring after five minutes through Kirsty Robins, who fired in from 12 yards after an Elaine Frampton corner was

  • Evening buses make a return

    AN evening bus route that was stopped when a driver was assaulted is now back on the road. The 57/58 evening service, which follows the Matchborough Circular route, had to be stopped in July after a spate of antisocial behaviour towards drivers. But measures

  • Reds pointer

    Leigh RMI 0 Redditch United 0 THE second week of the season is, as one supporter noted, a little early for a big relegation six-pointer, but this game had all of the hallmarks of a must-win fixture between two clubs desperate to avoid being dragged into

  • Commitment wins fundraiser a cancer charity's top award

    A TENBURY Wells fundraiser has won a top charity award for her passion and commitment. Sue Medcalf, community fundraiser for Cancer Research UK, scooped one of the charity's Leadership Behaviour awards after helping develop what she hopes will become

  • Court in the act!

    RESIDENTS and staff from Terry Springs Court took to the town centre streets last week to raise money for Cancer Research UK. They took part in a sponsored walk, starting off from their Smallwood base and travelling into town, around Church Green and

  • Judo: Twins are over the Moon

    TWINS Sally and Rachel Moon are the new Samurai Judo Club kata queens after winning gold at the Midlands Kata Championships. The sisters won the top prize for their junior groundwork kata and also took bronze in the junior throwing kata. Kata is a non-contest

  • Cycling: Barnes makes hay again

    WYRE Forest Cycle Racing Club's Dave Barnes took another fine victory in the Veteran Time Trial Association 25-mile time trial at Burton-on-Trent. Barnes was in awesome form to power around the A38 course in 52 minutes 56 seconds for his third open win

  • £2m project in the pipeline

    SEVERN Trent is investing £2 million to provide Redditch residents with a more reliable water supply. Work to replace 16,260 metres of old water mains with new polyethylene pipes has begun in efforts to provide a better service. It is set to be completed

  • Open-door policy unfolding disaster

    SIR - Your story about foreign workers being exploited may show that a minority are exploited. The item is surprising because it suggested there is an shameful epidemic of exploitation and yet the Citizens Advice Bureau claimed they were seeing "one to

  • Dogs should not suffer in the heat

    SIR - I visited the recent steam rally at Welland. It was a lovely day - the weather was fine and the show was excellent. But why do people drag dogs with them? It was such a hot day. I noticed a woman's dog had collapsed because of the heat. This is

  • Marvellous music for a great cause

    SIR - ARCOS is grateful to your readers for their generosity when they came to the Lancashire Fusiliers concert in Priory Park, Malvern, on Sunday, July 30. A magnificent £275 was raised during the interval. Some members of the audience told us that they

  • Swan heroine is doing a fine job

    woman Jan Harrigan appears to be. Her Wychbold Swan Centre surely should be given council cash and lottery money. Her comments regarding reckless fishermen are spot on. They never alter their selfish ways and are not interested in the safety of the swans

  • Prom pictures are just dumbing-down

    SIR - It must be the silly or grumpy git season because I find it impossible to agree with Mr Parr (Letters, August 5) that the endless photographs of secondary and primary school pupils attending so-called prom parties are "delightful" or fill me with

  • Scan-tastic!

    A MUM-to-be from Studley got the shock of her life when a scan of her unborn child appeared to feature the face of Christ watching over him. Nursery nurse Laura Turner, 20, and her partner Dave Meikle, 31, went for a routine scan at the Alexandra Hospital

  • Mum's the word!

    NEW mums in Redditch now have the chance to learn everything they need to know about bringing up baby. A group of mums have got together to form the Redditch National Childbirth Trust (NCT) to write an informative book to help new parents. Based on personal

  • Manager up for award

    A HARD working Redditch man has been shortlisted for a prestigious award. Stuart Whalley, 24, is in line for the Young Broker of the Year Award, recognising his efforts as a line manager for Ladybird Insurance based at Bordesley Hall, Alvechurch. The

  • 'Madam Redditch' dies

    ONE of the Redditch's best-loved mayors and a town stalwart has died, aged 79. Pat Wilson, who served as a councillor in Redditch for more than 30 years, passed away yesterday morning, leaving behind husband Bob. Mrs Wilson was a councillor from May 1965

  • Big kick-off for fundraiser

    A FUNDRAISING day organised by women's team Redditch VC will be held on Sunday at the Valley Stadium. The day will include a friendly football match between Redditch VC and their supporters, kicking off at 3pm and anyone is welcome to come along to watch

  • Never Never Land is coming to town

    PREPARATIONS for the annual panto are in hand, with a big-name cast taking part in a production of classic children's tale Peter Pan. The Palace and panto specialists Paul Holman Associates, responsible for the last three pantomimes, have secured comedy

  • Tea at the village hall

    TEA and cakes will be available to visitors to Alvechurch village hall this weekend. To celebrate the refurbishment of their kitchen, organisers are inviting people to come along to see all they have done and enjoy a brew with them. Book and plant stalls

  • Issues raised on youths

    CONCERNED Matchborough residents met the estate's community support officer and new beat manager to discuss ongoing antisocial behaviour problems. Residents from Kenchester Close had reported their worries about by gangs of youths congregating on Arrow

  • Re-think on festive lights after safety test fails

    PERSHORE'S councillors have been forced to reconsider the placing and design of the town's Christmas lights this year. The annual health and safety check on the fixing points for the lights found that they needed replacing and to do that the council would

  • Emily has a 'hoot' designing her very own alien

    A YOUNG girl from Pershore is enjoying her 15 minutes of fame after having one of her designs put on show at Millennium Point in Birmingham. Emily Young, aged 15, entered a competition launched by BBC Midlands Today and Thinktank at the Birmingham Science

  • Full day of entertainment to leave you 'plum' tuckered out

    PERSHORE residents and visitors will be out in force in the town on Monday for a fruity festival of fun. The annual Pershore Plum Fayre returns to the town on Bank Holiday Monday, offering everything from a television gardener-lookalike to teddy bears

  • Project needs adult help

    ENTHUSIASTIC adult volunteers are desperately needed if a Crabbs Cross youth project is to get off the ground. In April, Crabbs Cross beat officer Pc Richard Waterhouse launched a scheme to give youngsters the chance to have their say on what facilities

  • Tory fears over plan to shut plant

    REDDITCH'S Conservative Parliamentary spokesman has voiced concerns over a company closure. Karen Lumley said many Redditch families would be counting the cost of a decision to close Moons Moat-based Hydro Aluminium Extrusion UK Ltd - with the loss of

  • Chance for closet singers to join impromptu choir

    CLOSET singers are being sought for an impromptu choir to perform over the Bank Holiday weekend at the Pershore Plum Festival. Director of music at Pershore Abbey, David Barclay is creating the Plum Fayre Festival Choir from August 25 to 28. Anyone can

  • Ray joins Peru trek

    A HOPWOOD man who suffered two heart attacks in one year is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for the British Heart Foundation by completing an ambitious trek in Peru. In October, Ray Harrison, 50, of Bittell Farm Road, will be travelling to the mountain

  • First look at new £10m showcase

    REDDITCH people will get their first look at a £10 million housing development in Hewell Road this weekend. Award-winning housebuilder KingsOak South Midlands will be opening up it's new show apartment at Windsor Court on Saturday and Sunday. The unveiling

  • Appeal on exposure

    POLICE are seeking witnesses after a man indecently exposed himself to a woman in Batchley on Thursday, August 10. The 18-year-old was walking near Hazel Road at about 11.40am when a man approached her and asked her the time. She answered him and carried

  • 24/8/06 - Eaton on mark for Harriers

    YOUNG striker Scott Eaton grabbed a goal as Kiddermin-ster Harriers drew 1-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Cheltenham Town. The former youth-teamer was joined in the Harriers team by midfielder Jamie McClen who returned after a lay-off with a

  • Town centre drinkers flout ban

    A TOWN centre resident claims "no drinking" signs in Market Place are useless as police are doing little to stop drinkers flouting the ban. Lynn MacDougall said on most evenings she sees gangs sitting on the steps between Three Cooks and the Oxfam shop

  • Berrington is new signing

    HARRIERS' latest signing, supporter Stuart Berrington, will be playing his part off the pitch after winning a competition to be the club's 12th man. As a player-sponsor, shareholder and programme-contributor, Berrington is used to having his name in the

  • Beer barrels stolen

    EMPTY beer barrels were stolen from outside a Studley pub. Fourteen aluminium barrels valued at £1,600 were taken from the car park of The Bell on Alcester Road last Wednesday. The thief would have needed a large vehicle to transport the barrels, which

  • Puppy walkers needed

    ANIMAL lovers in Redditch are being urged to become puppy walkers for a blind charity. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is looking for people to help care for and educate pooches in their home for six to 12 weeks before they start specialist training

  • Bills service call pays off

    A FACILITY for Alcester residents to pay their utility bills at their local shop is in the pipeline. Townsfolk will soon be able to pay for their phone, gas, electricity, TV licence and water bills in cash over the counter at a PayPoint thanks to a push

  • Peacocks to strut their stuff

    THERE will be a 12-hour musical extravganza in Alcester over the bank holiday weekend. The town's own band, Texan Peacocks, hope to attract the support of hundreds of fans at a fundraising gig at Longbarn Village on Sunday. Free camping will be available

  • A star performance again by students

    CELEBRATIONS were in full swing at Alcester Grammar School on Thursday as students collected long-awaited A-level results. The Birmingham Road school achieved a 99.9 per cent pass rate, with 60 per cent of students gaining grades A or B. Many pupils achieved

  • Back to nature for keen pupils

    PUPILS and staff from Alcester High School have taken time out of their summer holidays to study nature. A week-long summer school, supported by Lottery Grant for Local Groups, included a visit to a nursery, Alcester's award-winning nature reserve, Coughton

  • Going ape at charity ball

    THERE was lots of monkeying around in posh frocks - but all in the name of charity. The Monkey Ball, organised by Alcester residents David and Lynn Price, was held at the Moat House in Stratford for children's charity the NSPCC. The couple, from Cold

  • Christian's super strike is a winner

    Tenbury 1 Bridgnorth Town Res 0 TEENAGE striker Christian Bright struck with an overhead scissor kick in the 70th minute to give Tenbury all three points in their West Midlands Div 1 opener. His volley into the bottom left-hand corner of the net stunned

  • Sent home after heart op in taxi

    JUST days after undergoing heart surgery in a Midlands hospital, pensioner Margaret Hiden was told she could go home - but would have to pay the £71 taxi fare. Margaret, 68, of Oak Tree Close, Evesham, had originally been sent to Worcestershire Royal

  • Arson probe as straw stack goes up

    A FIRE which ripped through tonnes of straw in a Vale village on Tuesday evening is being treated as arson, police revealed this week. Detectives have issued an appeal for information about a car seen parked in the field in Buckle Street, where the straw

  • Man in hospital after tree fall

    AN Evesham man was admitted to Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Monday afternoon after falling ten feet from a plum tree. An ambulance was called to Lower Haselor at 4.15pm to treat a 62-year-old man who had been knocked unconscious and sustained chest

  • Don't miss the boat - sign up for league

    SCHOOLS in Evesham have been invited to join the 2006-7 Concept2 Schools Indoor Rowing League. The all-inclusive national tournament involves boys and girls racing for their schools in year group teams, in relay format, on one Concept2 Indoor Rower. The

  • Bus times are click away

    WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has issued a reminder to transport users of the best way to access bus timetables. Timetables which can be searched district by district are available at the touch of a button via the county council's website. Bus times,

  • Black tie ball for cancer charity

    A VALE woman is holding a black tie ball at the Evesham Public Hall in October with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK. Shirley Davies, a registered fundraiser for the charity, is hoping her 200 tickets costing £30 each, which can be purchased until

  • Act fails foxes and farmers

    THE Hunting Act has failed both foxes and farmers, claims Evesham MP Peter Luff. Mr Luff, joint chairman of the all-party Middle Way group, said: "That is the inescapable conclusion of the most extensive survey of farming across England and Wales since

  • DVD - Three (18)

    TEXAS businessman Jack Matson (Billy Zane) and his wife Jennifer (Kelly Brook) are enjoying a leisurely cruise aboard a luxury liner with their friends Bill (Todd Collins) and Gail (Gabrielle Jourdan) when the vessel catches fire. The lifeboats are no

  • Badsey: Peahens make home in village

    RESIDENTS in a quiet Basdey street have been entertained over the past few weeks by their new neighbours - two peahens which seem to have adopted the area. The birds had been daily visitors to Seward Road for almost a month, according to local resident

  • Warning over garage repairs

    DRIVERS in the Vale have been warned to be on their guard against unscrupulous garages carrying out work which isn't needed. The warning has come from Worcestershire County Council's trading standards department, which found nine out of ten garages surveyed

  • 'Oh, no' to TV ad filming in street

    PLANS to seal off an Evesham street to allow the shooting of a Churchill Insurance television advertisement received a blunt "Oh, no!" from Wychavon District Council. Now the location manager who selected Montfort Street, Bengeworth, for the advertisement

  • CD - Here come the drums - Rogue Traders

    APART from the lead singer being mildly famous for her role as Izzie in the television soap Neighbours (and a lot of men thinking she is quite hot) - coupled with the first single release Voodoo Child - there really isn't much else to shout about. The

  • Delight as club for children reopens

    A CHILDREN'S playgroup in Evesham, closed down in July when its parent charity pulled the plug, is set to rise from the ashes. But anxious parents are now seeking help from local businesses to ensure the smooth reopening of the club for children with

  • DVD - 16 Blocks (12)

    BARELY awake and desperate to go home and sleep off a hangover, grizzled NYPD detective Jack Mosley (Bruce Willis) is far from pleased when he is unexpectedly assigned babysitting duties. Petty criminal Eddie Bunker (Mos Def) is due to testify at 10am

  • Worcester ban Morrison

    HARRIERS are continuing to co-operate with the FA during the investigation into the abandoned friendly at Worcester City - who have subsequently suspended assistant Andy Morrison for three games. Morrison has been hit with the ban, a fine and a warning

  • Choir in bank holiday concert

    KIDDERMINSTER Male Choir will be the latest group to take to the stage in Bewdley's Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens on Sunday. The singers will be performing between 2pm and 4pm in the Green Theatre. The Wiskey Bandits will be entertaining visitors

  • Feckenham Forest History Society

    THE Programme of talks for the coming season has been announced. All meetings take place on the second Tuesday in the month at 7.30pm, alternating between the village halls at Feckenham and Webheath as indicated in the programme. September 12 - Feckenham

  • Studley are in the mire

    STUDLEY slipped further into the mire on a damp weekend which devastated the Birmingham League programme. Handed a golden opportunity to notch some much-needed league points against a Bridgnorth side immediately above them in the Division two table, Richard

  • Let's go to... Evesham

    How shops, history and the river made this pretty town the perfect place to visit Evesham has always had plenty of potential as a tourist attraction, but with regeneration projects proceeding apace, it's now really coming into its own, discovers Andrea

  • Let's go to... Pershore

    Place that brought art and a prince to Pershore The Duke of Edinburgh was impressed by an institution that has transformed a town's cultural landscape, as Andrea Calvesbert discovered For an amazing example of community spirit, look no further than Number

  • Let's go to... Malvern

    Who is this man and why is he sniffing around Malvern's flowers? Answer: He's the judge from Britain In Bloom and he's in Malvern to determine whether efforts to make the town even prettier by festooning it with flowers have been a success. Andrea Calvesbert

  • Who wears the trousers?

    You do--if you want a stylish look for autumn which will keep you covered up as the weather turns cooler but still show off your legs All items from the Michle Winter 2006 collection. Available from FL Cox, Newtown Road, Malvern. Tel: 01684 575949

  • Summer in Worcestershire

    Wish you were here? Andrea Calvesbert looks back on a season of flowers and festivals that made it well worth staying in Worcestershire this summer Summer is ending and soon holidays by the sea will be a distant memory, but for anyone who spent the lazy

  • A show with so much more than vegetables

    Malvern's Autumn Garden and Country Show wouldn't be the same without its giant pumpkins and marrows, but just look at what else is on offer, too, says Mike Pryce Husky racing, mangold hurling and Antony Worrall Thompson are just some of the attractions

  • Never too young to start learning

    Giving your kids a head start can make their lives easier when they start school, writes Andrea Calvesbert Education for children under five can often be controversial, but there is no doubt that young children soak up information like sponges and attending

  • White Cottage, Colwall

    What is it? Extended half-timbered cottage in the Malvern Hills with a history dating back to the 17th century Where is it? Off the A449 Malvern to Ledbury Road, on the border between Worcestershire and Herefordshire What's inside Downstairs *Side porch

  • How you can keep this lifeboat afloat

    The RNLI is a vital lifesaving service--and it's money from the public that keeps its boats in the water, writes Andrea Calvesbert The RNLI has 233 lifeboat stations in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and also operates seasonal beach lifeguards in

  • How the dolce vita returned to Rimini

    In recent years, this Italian resort has seemed more like Blackpool than the legendary playground of the rich and famous, but Rebecca Burgess finds the good times are back In the 1970s, Rimini on Italy's Adriatic coast was considered the seaside destination

  • Famous tragedy

    SHAKESPEARE'S famous tragedy, Hamlet, is on offer at Worcester's Swan Theatre as part of the city's festival tonight and tomorrow night. The Festival Players present the well-known tale, boasting pageantry, swordplay, suspense, wit and comedy. The two-hour

  • The Elms Recepie

    Seared scallops, sweet potato, pineapple, coconut and Asian spiced foam Ingredients * 12 large scallops * 25g unsalted butter * Juice of half a lemon * Fresh coconut shavings (keep the milk for the foam) * Olive oil * 175g cooked large leaf spinach *

  • Fun on the farm

    FARMING fun is coming to the Palace Theatre with the arrival of Tractor Tom & the Treasure Hunt on Saturday. Following last year's record-breaking tour, Tractor Tom and friends return to Redditch for a brand new adventure, with performances at 1pm

  • The Mayor's Banquet

    It was another glittering occasion at Worcester's spectacular Guildhall when the city's new Mayor Ian Imray welcomed dignitaries dressed in their finery from around the region to his first charity ball As always, the festivities take place under the stunning

  • Singers scoop sponsor

    ARROW Vale Singers have scooped another sponsor for their 30th Anniversary Concert in October. Hogan Brothers has joined up to support the Redditch choir's concert, planned as part of a year of celebrations. The Lakeside-based company was formed by three

  • Weddings

    Meet the couples who recently started their lives as Mr & Mrs Hornsey-Humphries Heatha Hornsey, youngest daughter of Valerie Hornsey, of Welshpool, Powys, and Harold Hornsey (deceased), married Ian Humphries, youngest son of Dorothy Humphries, of

  • Holly's foxy tale wins radio prize

    TEN-year-old Holly Chaplain let her imagination take flight to beat thousands of other entrants and win a national creative writing competition run on BBC Radio 4. The Great Witley CofE pupil was judged top in the Fox's Tale competition on the station's

  • CD - Here come the drums - Rogue Traders

    APART from the lead singer being mildly famous for her role as Izzie in the television soap Neighbours (and a lot of men thinking she is quite hot) - coupled with the first single release Voodoo Child - there really isn't much else to shout about. The

  • DVD - 16 Blocks (12)

    BARELY awake and desperate to go home and sleep off a hangover, grizzled NYPD detective Jack Mosley (Bruce Willis) is far from pleased when he is unexpectedly assigned babysitting duties. Petty criminal Eddie Bunker (Mos Def) is due to testify at 10am

  • Countryside: Bredon farm scoops range of awards

    FARMS on Bredon Hill and the North Cotswolds figure among the major award winners in the Gloucestershire Root, Fruit and Grain Society mid-term results. Overbury Farms, where Jake Freestone is the farm manager, which takes in a large chunk of Bredon Hill

  • Countryside: 'Help with seasonal menus

    CHRISTMAS is coming and Heart of England Fine Foods has organised specialised networking events to help buyers, chefs and proprietors from hotels, restaurants, tea rooms, delis, farm shops and village stores to prepare their seasonal menus. Dozens of

  • Arrows ready for home Hurricane

    REDDITCH Arrows' convincing 44-0 win over Reading Renegades ensured the Ash Lane-based side finished the regular season with a 10-0 record. The Arrows host Dundee Hurricanes at Kings Norton RFC a week on Sunday in the play-offs. In a perfect first quarter

  • Countryside: Land price rise

    THE latest RICS rural land market survey shows a rise in farmland values nationally of nine per cent over the year to June 2006. The main reason for this seems to be the continuation of strong economic growth and a buoyant housing market. Availability

  • Blues aiming for top

    BIRMINGHAM City Ladies manager Micky Moore says the sky is the limit for his young charges after kicking off the season with their fifth successive win on Sunday. After rubbishing predictions they would struggle to survive in the top flight last season

  • Broadway: Antiques dealer is forced out by theft

    A BROADWAY antiques dealer was left so devastated after a £12,000 raid she has decided to sell up. Cathy Turner, owner of Art Nouveau Originals at The Bindery in Broadway High Street, was targeted by thieves overnight on Saturday, August 12. After having

  • Broadway: All smiles for new scanner

    BROADWAY Dental Surgery is leading the way with the county's only oral £40,000 CT scanner. Dr Mark Howe has bought the Promax machine that allows the dentist to take a cross-sectional view of the teeth at 90 degrees - something that has to normally be

  • England axe County duo

    WORCESTERSHIRE duo Vik-ram Solanki and Kabir Ali have paid for their indifferent performances in England's 5-0 whitewash by Sri Lanka by being overlooked in England's 16-man squad for the one-day series against Pakistan. Kabir came in for fierce criticism

  • City players win praise from Preece

    ANDY Preece was full of pr-aise for his players after Worcester City recorded their second Nationwide North win of the season. The City boss had been at pains to describe the lack of commitment and desire that typified his side's 1-0 defeat to Moor Green

  • Eaton on mark for Harriers

    YOUNG striker Scott Eaton grabbed a goal as Kiddermin-ster Harriers drew 1-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Cheltenham Town. The former youth-teamer was joined in the Harriers team by midfielder Jamie McClen who returned after a lay-off with a

  • Golf: Ethan is getting in the swing

    KIDDERMINSTER golfer Ethan Davies is really getting into the swing of things after finishing runner-up at a Midlands competition. The eight-year-old St Ambrose RC pupil first picked up a plastic club when he was a toddler and has developed a real knack

  • Cricket: Wilden League

    WORTHS won the one point they needed to clinch the Sunday League title - despite losing to George. Simon Lee's knock of 40 was an important part of George's total of 165 before Mike Hopkins (4-38) and Chris Harley (5-25) helped skittle Worths out for

  • Price is right for dazzling Dominies

    NICK Price's self-confessed poor run of form for Worcester Dominies firsts was brought to an end in fine style at the weekend. Batsman Price had only managed to pass 50 once in his previous games this season. But when his side took on Birlingham in Crusader

  • First chance to enjoy passion of Tango Fire

    THE hottest tango show from the tango capital of the world, Buenos Aires, comes to Malvern Theatres on Sunday, September 10 for just one night. With a company of 10 dancers, a vocalist and four gifted musicians, the UK tour of Tango Fire features the

  • Cricket: Fixtures

    Saturday, August 26 Birmingham League Premier Division: Himley v KVCC (12.30pm). 2nd XI Premier Division: KVCC v Harborne (1pm). Crusader Worcestershire County League (1pm) First teams Division One: Astwood Bank v Bewdley, Kington v Chaddesley. Division

  • Football: Results and fixtures

    RESULTS Saturday, August 19 Nationwide Conference: Northwich 0 Harriers 1 Southern Football League, Division One Midlands: Stourport 0 Spalding 1 West Midlands Regional League Premier Division: Wednesfield 0 Bewdley 1. Division Two: Gornal Reserves 0

  • Football: Bewdley pleased with solid start

    BEWDLEY Town have issued a "so far, so good" progess report after taking four points from a possible six in West Midlands Regional League premier division. Craig Payton's men followed Saturday's 1-0 win at Wednesfield with a 1-1 draw at Wellington on

  • Football: Burlish Ladies on the up

    BURLISH Olympic Ladies will kick off the season in the West Midlands Regional Women's Football League after being handed a surprise promotion. The club expected to be in the Worcestershire County League again but have been elevated to a higher level after

  • Bowls: Plenty to play for

    A HOST of promotion and relegation issues have been settled but there is still plenty to play for as the Kidderminster and District Midweek Bowling League reaches its final week of fixtures. With some clubs still having games outstanding, the Division

  • Golf: Youngsters waiting on Dubai decision

    KIDDERMINSTER Golf Club young guns Craig Richardson and Anna Rock are in the frame for a trip to Dubai after impressing at a junior competition. Richardson, 15, and Rock, 17, shot 65 and 76 respectively in the qualifiers for the Daily Telegraph Junior

  • Two-defeat shock for Swifts

    A PRE-SEASON that offered so much has manifested itself into back-to-back defeats for Stourport Swifts. But manager Roy Rencher will have seen enough good work from his side to stop him reaching for the panic button just yet. The Walshes Meadow side battled

  • Motor-cycling: Nigel clinches Ivor award

    A LEADING Kidderminster grasstrack rider's memory lived on when a trophy was presented in his name at Bewdley Motor Cycle Club's blast from the past meeting. Ivor Lawrence, who died recently after a long illness, was one of the country's best ever grass

  • City players win praise from Preece

    ANDY Preece was full of pr-aise for his players after Worcester City recorded their second Nationwide North win of the season. The City boss had been at pains to describe the lack of commitment and desire that typified his side's 1-0 defeat to Moor Green

  • Results-day nerves for GCSE pupils

    Bishop Perowne School GCSE pupils Hannah Webb, Katy Flannigan and Alex Pritchard have been biting their nails in the run-up to results day today - but hopefully there will be tears of joy and sighs of relief when they open their envelopes. The girls,

  • Comberton misery will continue

    DRIVERS in Kidderminster are in for more misery with the announcement roadworks on Comberton Hill, due to finish this week, will continue for nearly two more months. Severn Trent Water confirmed the work was taking longer than expected due to the composition

  • Further setback for 'fresh start' family

    A DESPERATE mum, eager to be reunited with her family in Kidderminster, has been dealt another blow after learning her daughter will not be accepted back into her former school. Karen Lewis, who currently lives in Brittany, France, after a fresh start

  • Card fraud drinker broke both ankles in bid to dodge bar bill

    A MAN who was caught trying to dishonestly obtain alcohol from a city pub broke both of his ankles when he jumped from a bathroom window. Worcester Magistrates Court heard how Neil Dumford, aged 26, of the YMCA, Henwick Road, St John's, Worcester, had

  • HORSE RACING Soccer contest ends charity day

    SUNDAY, September 3 promises to be a fantastic day out for all the family at Worcester Racecourse! Following the six National Hunt races starting at 2.20pm, the Ladbrokes Northern Jump Jockeys will take on the Arena Leisure Southern lads at football.

  • GOLF Brothers impress

    MAJOR handicap reductions were needed after a couple of junior competitions at the The Vale Golf and Country Club. The Walters brothers - Martin and Robert - featured strongly in the final Junior Medal but they were pipped for first place by Nathan Ballard

  • FOOTBALL Late strike's a sickener

    A COUPLE of last-gasp goals thwarted Pershore Town's hopes of starting the new Midland Combination campaign in positive style. Steve Brown gave the King George's PF side the first half lead against Nuneaton Griff last Saturday but the visitors levelled

  • FOOTBALL Hospital Cup entries

    INTERESTED clubs are reminded that the closing date for entries for this season's Pershore Hospital Cup competition is Saturday, September 2. The Evesham Hospital Cup, meanwhile, is taking entries until September 10 and any club wishing to participate

  • CRICKET Badsey buoyed by George and Dave's starring efforts

    A WELCOME win lifted Badsey back up to third in Worcestershire County League Division Four. George Cowley and skipper Dave Powell were the architects with the ball while Adam Westmacott's half-century helped the Ballards Park side's cause in pursuit of

  • CRICKET Senior side hit by rain

    WHILE Evesham's senior side were being frustrated by the weather on their Birmingham League Division Two travels, the second string recorded an emphatic success at Avon Street. Luke Radford top scored with 66 as Evesham reached 189-9 from their 55 overs

  • EQUESTRIAN Hill horses on trial!

    THE 26th staging of the Spring Hill Horse Trials will take place on Monday at Spring Hill Estate, between Broadway and Moreton-in-- Marsh, by kind permission of Captain Lennox Hannay. There''s a full day's action from 8am with dressage followed by show

  • PIGEON RACING Latest times

    Evesham and District Flying Club NINE members sent 107 birds to Lulworth Castle on August 12, liberated at 8.30am in a strong west wind. 1 & 2 Mrs J Heckingbottom 1044.03, 1003.34; 3 G Carter 995.24; 4 H Taylor 986.81; 5 Mrs J Heckingbottom 974.76

  • Redditch Art Circle

    THE speaker and demonstrator for the August meeting was Ron Law, whose topic was pen and wash painting. Even though his paintings are widely exhibited and admired, John explained that because of his enthusiasm for drawing, he thought of himself primarily

  • RUGBY Juniors start season

    EVESHAM'S junior section get their new season under way on Sunday, September 3. There will be training for existing members between 10.30am and 12 noon followed by a funday until 4pm. New members will be made most welcome and players of all abilities