JOHN Brain has tipped Worcester skipper Pat Sanderson to prosper under new England head coach Brian Ashton. Ashton was named as Andy Robinson's successor yesterday and Brain believes his methods will suit Sanderson's style of play. "Brian Ashton likes
NONE of us can wait until Friday night's game against London Irish and hopefully we can give everybody an early Christmas present with a victory. I took a nasty knock in the game against Albi on Saturday but I think I was quite lucky because it was the
ANDY Preece insists Worcester City will not get carried away with their five-star FA Trophy result. City won 5-2 at Barrow on Tuesday night with two goals from Mark Danks and one each for Graham Ward, George Clegg and Craig Wilding. Three of the goals
DETECTIVES have yet to decide whether to search a Worcestershire rubbish tip - where it is suspected a baby's body might have been dumped. Officers have spent two days consulting forensic experts to determine if they should launch a search of the Hill
Worcester MP Mike Foster has welcomed the news that Worcestershire County Council will receive an allocation of £14.1m for 2007/8 to spend on its local transport plans. Part of the £4.399m settlement for transport schemes included £1m for the multi-million
WORCESTER City women ended their 2006 fixture programme with a commanding 6-0 victory at Headless Cross. April Seers and Annie Highway both scored twice as Paul Hennessey's side climbed to third in the West Midlands Regional League Division One South
A RACE ace has won 18 trophies in autograss on the way to becoming a national champion. Laura Morgan, of Red Marley, only took up the sport last year at the age of 27 and bought her own car - a class two Nova - at the end of 2005. She went on to finish
SATURDAY WORCESTER & DISTRICT LEAGUE Hallow WMC v Martley Spurs (D Taverner); Pershore Manor v Upton Town (R Storr); Powick v The Talbot (M Francois); VBL Sports v Bedwardine (B Nyatanga). KIDDERMINSTER LEAGUE Premier Division: Albron v Areley Kings
RUSTY Ledbury Town slumped 5-1 at Dudley Town in their return to West Midlands League Premier Division action. They started brightly against impressive opponents, despite their weather-enforced lay-off, and were unlucky not to take the lead. Duncan
A new mobile safety camera site on Habberley Lane in Kidderminster is set to go live after Christmas. The West Mercia Safety Camera Partnership said during the three year period from October 1, 2003, to September 30, 2006, there were seven recorded
A WELL-known Worces-ter celebrity is joining efforts to carry on a fund-raising challenge started by the late Howard Peters. Howard, who died in October, was aiming to complete 70 sports be-fore his 70th birthday to raise at least £7,000 for St Richard's
LOTS of fun, foam and large inflatables have been promised for a crazy competition that will take place at a college in Worcester next year. It's A Knockout will be making a comeback at the Worcester Sixth Form College to help raise money for Acorns
A HOTEL in a 19th-century building in the conservation area in Great Malvern could be converted into an apartment block if planners give the go-ahead. The owners of Walmer Lodge Hotel in Abbey Road have applied to Malvern Hills District Council to convert
FESTIVE revellers leaving clubs and pubs over Christmas will have something sweet to suck on as they make their way home. Lollipops will be handed out to people as they make their way home as part of West Mercia Constabulary's campaign to target alcohol-related
A WELL-known Worces-ter celebrity is joining efforts to carry on a fund-raising challenge started by the late Howard Peters. Howard, who died in October, was aiming to complete 70 sports be-fore his 70th birthday to raise at least £7,000 for St Richard's
A fund-raising appeal us-ing specially-designed beer mats to urge drinkers to donate to a children's charity this Christmas is not going as well as expected. Since Acorns launched the appeal in October, only a few hundred pounds have been raised for
It sounds like something dreamed up by Lewis Carroll. This Christmas, police officers and doormen will hand out lollipops to drinkers emerging from pubs and clubs in a bid to stop them causing trouble in the streets. Surreal it may be, but this is no
ANDREA Halford probably wears more hats than the regular racegoers at Ascot. She is a highly skilled administrator, diplomat, legal and financial adviser, property inspector, guardian angel and comic. But most of all she's a true professional. She has
SIR - I am writing in regards to the recent article on Miss Wendy Herron of Swallowfields (Worcester News, December 2). In the article she was asking the housing association for a bigger house. I am sick of hearing people making pleas for bigger houses
SIR - First of all we have far too many MPs. Per head of population, when you compare with America, we have many more. And now they want an increase in their salary because they say it's failed to keep up with the price index. So now they know how
SIR - What crass hypocrisy with Gen Sir Mike Jackson now defending our troops in Iraq over inferior equipment. When he was still a serving soldier he was unrealistically criticising our troops for not frequently cleaning their Sam automatic rifles -
TAYLOR-WALLACE BEARD Jodie and Danny Congratulations on the Birth of your daughter Meisha Nicole, arrived December 18th, 2006 weighing8lb 5ozs. Thank you for a beautiful granddaughter. Love you millions,Mum, Pete and Jack. Published in paper 20/12/2006
PETTIT DAVIS Robert and Sarah are proud to announce the safe arrival of Abigail Pamela, weighing 9lbs ½ oz, on December 9th 2006. Sister for Stacie and Thea. Many thanks to Specialist and Staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. Published in paper 20/
O'BRIEN Hollie Happy 9th Birthday.Miss you all the stars in the sky. Love from Mummy and Daddy. xx Published in paper 20/12/2006
THOMAS Neil Kendrick Of Bevere Drive, Worcester, on December 17th, suddenly,aged 54 years. Dearly loved and devoted son of the late Alfred and Edith, and beloved brother of Ann and brother in law of Freddie. Funeral service at Worcester Crematorium on
MCNELIS John Passed away peacefully on December 18th, 2006, after a short illness, aged 58 years. Dearly loved husband of Jan, much loved father to Matt, Mike and Mark, father in law of Julie and Andrea and grandad to Olivia. Funeral service at St Stephens
CONN Florence Loving memories of you mum. You are always in our thoughts.Also remembering Dad. We love and miss you.From all your Children, In Laws and Grandchildren. xxx Published in paper 20/12/2006
HANLEY Vicky Treasured memories of a mother and grandmother, who passed away one year ago today.Remembering you with love.Tony, Lorraine, Erica and Victoria.x Published in paper 20/12/2006
SCHOTTLER Martha December 20th, 1974. Your memory grandmother, is like a thread of gold, It will not tarnish or grow old. Loved and remembered always. God bless. Barbara and Ted. Published in paper 20/12/2006
HANLEY Vicky Happy memories of my dear sister Vicky.Loved and remembered always by her sister Jennie and niece Jane.xxx Published in paper 20/12/2006
SIR - With reference to H Davies' recent letter regarding a pedestrian crossing outside Sainsbury's (Letters, December 6). I live about 75 yards from where this crossing is supposed to be installed and I have lived here since 1976, at just about the
Ambulance, Fire, Police: Dial 999. Bromsgrove District Council: 01527 873232. Wychavon District Council: 01386 565400. Bromsgrove Social Services: County Council Building 01527 575855. Emergency/Out of Hours 01905 748033. Electricity: Bromsgrove, Droitwich
ST John's Parish Church in Bromsgrove marked the official end of its ambitious restoration scheme by staging a weekend of celebrations in October. The attractions included tours of the ancient and now restored church and the chance to view the vast expanse
Animal Clubs/Societies Bromsgrove & District Canine Society: Mrs D Morgan, Oak Tree House, 504 Birmingham Road, Marlbrook, Bromsgrove (0121 445 3595). Bromsgrove & District Canine Society (Ringcraft Section): Di Morgan (0121 445 3595). Bromsgrove
Business Bromsgrove Junior Chamber: Kathryn Gee (01527 576500). Bromsgrove Probus Club: Mr Bob Black (0121 445 3699). Chamber of Commerce and Business Link Herefordshire and Worcestershire: Chamber Court, Castle Street, Worcester WR1 3EN (01905 723200
Angling Broad Acres Fishery, Hanbury: Dave Broadbent (01527 821880). Catfish Conservation Group: Ron Griffiths (Northern Region), 22 Cooper Close, The Heathlands, Bromsgrove (01527 835534). County Youth Sailing Centre Angling Section: The Secretary, County
BOWER Gladys Passed away peacefully in hospital on December 16th, 2006, aged 94 years. Beloved wife of the late Frederick, dearly loved mother to David, loving grandma to Andrea and great grandmother to Paul. Funeral service at St Andrews Methodist Church
O'BRIEN Hollie Happy 9th birthday. Miss you loads.Love nanny Mary.x Published in paper 20/12/2006
CORBETT Lee In loving memory of our only son. Your resting place we visit, There we stand and pray, But no one knows the pain, As we turn and walk away, If tears could build a stairway, And memories a lane, We would walk our way to heaven Lee, And bring
HANLEY Vicky Treasured memories of a dear sister. Remembered always. Pat and Family. Published in paper 20/12/2006
PLANS have been announced to improve all the watercourses in the district into areas people can enjoy visiting and be proud of while protecting the environment and local wildlife. One of these is the Spadesbourne Brook, which for decades has been used
National Farmers' Union Bromsgrove: First Floor, Grosvenor House, Market Street, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA (01527 873083). Young Farmers' Clubs Young Farmers' Clubs County Federation: County Chairperson, Worcestershire Young Farmers' Clubs, County Office, Shires
After School Clubs Cadbury Time After School and Holiday Club: Longbridge Methodist Church, Bristol Road South, Rednal (0121 453 4365). Happy Days Playscheme: The Barn, New Chawson Lane, Droitwich Spa. Lickey Hills Primary School: Mrs Leslie, 8 Lickey
Bands Rubery Youth Marching Band: Jane Cotterill 43 Hazel Road, Rednal (07879 462370). The VIPs: Andy Findon (01527 871197). Choirs Barnt Green Choral Society: Brian Jones, 104 New Road, Aston Fields, Bromsgrove (01527 873164). Bromsgrove Choral Society
Farmhouses The Durrance: Berry Lane, Upton Warren (01562 777533). Lower Bentley Farm: Lower Bentley Lane, Lower Bentley, Bromsgrove (01527 821286). The Old Farm House: Hadley Heath, nr Droitwich (01905 620837). Phepson Farm: Himbleton, nr Droitwich (01905
THE search is now on for the Worcestershire Woman of the Year 2007. Organisers are currently looking to find four special women who in their own way have made a difference to life in the area. The results will be announced and the women honoured at a
SEVERN Trent water company is continuing its efforts to stop county pipes leaking. The firm revealed it had fixed 2,885 leaks from April 2006 up until the end of November. But bosses have vowed to keep up the fight and an early new year's resol-ution
AN average shopping trip turned to a festive treat for people who visited a supermarket in St John's, Worcester at the weekend. Talented young musicians Sam Pagett and Ben Payne performed a mini-Christmas concert in the Bull Ring Co-op on Saturday afternoon
THE union representing healthcare chaplains has condemned plans which will see the proceeds of jumble sales and village fetes go to pay for the ministering to the sick and the dying in Worcestershire hospitals. The College of Healthcare Chaplains (CHCC
For the first time, the covenant service held by Methodists on the first Sunday in January each year is to be held in Worcester Cathedral. St Andrew's Methodist Church in Worcester will close for the occasion, enabling its congregation to share their
HAVE-A-GO heroines have been caught on camera tackling a fugitive who was being chased by police officers in Worcester. Police want to trace, and thank the three, whose actions helped officers arrest the man, wanted on a warrant issued by Cheltenham
THOUSANDS of older drivers in Worcester may be paying over the odds for their car insurance, Age Concern has said. With many older people unable to pay the annual premium up front, they could be forking out for expensive instalment deals to keep themselves
THE St Richard's Hospice lights of love are shining across Malvern following a special service and switch on ceremony attended by 80 people at Christ Church. Rod Waugh, senior chaplain at St Richard's, led the event with the Rev Peter Furber of Christ
FOUR executive homes are to built on part of the garden of a Grade II listed house in Malvern which was once the home of one of the most influential figures in British medicine. The new properties are to go up at Barnards Green House, which was once
SIR - Is there anyone on Worcestershire County Council with the slightest interest in preserving the environment and village life? Coun Derek Prodger, council cabinet member for environmental services, says a waste sorting centre at Woodbury Lane, Norton
A 58-year-old man from Knightwick, near Worcester, is hoping to inspire others who think they are too old to find employment. Richard Knight had been jobless for six months before seeing a New Deal 50+ adviser at Malvern JobCentre. New Deal 50+ advisers
SIR - I am appalled at the county council's decision to withdraw financial support for its outdoor education centres at West Malvern and Llanrug in Snowdonia. The Worcestershire centres are better than others as they are staffed by highly qualified,
MUSICAL maestros from Warndon Primary School entertained members of the nearby Cranham Care Home. A group of 18 children from the school's music club visited the home to perform for elderly residents, something they do every term. Lynda Morgan, from
A PRIMARY school which was saved from closure at the 11th hour earlier this year is facing a fresh threat. Worcestershire County Council is starting a consultation on plans to close Malvern Hills Primary School's nursery class. The news comes just
HOUSE prices in the Faithful City rose again in November - for the third month running. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) said 25 per cent - one in four - of chartered surveyors in the region reported a rise in prices in November, compared
A TRAIN driver is in a critical condition after bricks smashed through his windscreen, leaving him with serious head and face injuries. Police have not ruled out the possibility that yobs may have hurled the masonry off a bridge. British Transport Police
Online book of condolances MOURNERS filled the chapel at Worcester Crematorium for the funeral of a "gentle giant" who died after a car he was travelling in hit a tree. Kyle Gadsby, aged 18, died at Worcestershire Royal Hospital following the crash
THE Worcester News will be holding its own festive celebration tonight. All seats have been taken for the annual traditional Christmas carol service at Worcester Cathedral. The packed congregation will sing a host of festive favourites including Once
ESTATE agents Nigel Poole & McGinn has appointed a new lettings manager to run its recently-launched service across its branches in mid-Worcestershire. Christine Jenkinson, who lives in Redditch, joins the firm after working for four years at a leading
A WORCESTER-based permanent recruitment business has trebled its profits in just two years thanks to a major efficiency drive and an innovative partnership scheme in which recruiters set up their own consultancy from home. AES (www.aesco.co.uk), in Park
THE Green Dragon at Bish-ops Frome has been named Herefordshire's country pub of the year by the local branch of CAMRA. Members felt the pub fully merited the award, its first, and said that since new owners Simon and Alison Durrant took over in 2005
WORCESTER Warriors captain Pat Sanderson has declared himself 100 per cent fit for the club's festive programme. The flanker came off in the first-half of Saturday's European Challenge Cup clash with Albi after suffering a dead leg but will be available
OVER the pond in North America there are hundreds of women, paddle in hand, making waves in the world of dragon boat racing. They are members of 100 dragon boat teams made up of breast cancer survivors, which are so established they even have their own
Worcester's Quayhead fountain celebrates its fifth birthday on Monday - but few of the thousands of people who have visited it in the last five years will have seen it from the perspective shown in this distinctive photograph. The award-winning attraction
If you want to believe there has been a conspiracy, your belief will be very hard to dislodge. The lesson of the report into the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, confirms that truth. You can involve one of the most experienced police officers in the
A crook filmed on television in Monty Don's farm project has been jailed for 18 months at Worcester Crown Court. Christopher Smith carried out a raid on the city's university to steal computers and projectors. He also stole toys from Woolworths in Malvern
BUDDING bellringers at St George's CofE Primary School have been honing their talents thanks to a visiting expert. Youngsters at the school have been spending one afternoon a week with Colin Shepherd, leader of a team of hand bellringers based in Kingswinford
Hard-working paper deliverers from the Worcester News enjoyed a Christmas treat as a thank you for all their efforts. A 40-strong crowd of people were taken to Worcester's Odeon cinema to watch festive film Deck the Halls, as well as walking away with
ANDY Preece wants to see the use of the elbow in football punished by more than a standard three-match ban. Dennis Pearce suffered a broken nose after being caught off the ball by Ryan Zico Black in Worcester City's 5-2 FA Trophy victory at Barrow last
A DECISION by the Government not to hold a public inquiry into controversial plans to build a recycling centre near Worcester has been met with dismay. Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff said he was disappointed that the Secretary of State for Communities
