CUDDLY bears brought Christmas cheer to the children who use Acorns Children’s Hospice thanks to a generous gift from a Worcestershire garden centre. Ed Webb, executive chairman of Webbs at Wychbold, near Droitwich, helped to put a smile on the face
A MAN stole his mother’s cheque book so he could buy a musical instrument before pawning it for cash, magistrates heard. Jamie Walker, of Linksview Crescent, Ronkswood, Worcester, entered the Music Plus store in Sidbury, Worcester, and paid for an alto-saxophone
READERS have been voting in their thousands for their favourite cat in this year’s fantastic Worcester News Pet Idol competition. Hundreds of proud pet-owners sent in their entries, which were printed in a special supplement in November.
WORCESTER Cricket Club’s youth section held their annual end-of-year presentations. They won sections at under 10s, 12s, 15s and 16s, while the under 17s claimed the Ryan Birt Memorial Trophy for the first time. The under 15s also won their national
CCTV cameras will be left unmonitored across Worcester and the city museum moved into the Guildhall under a programme of massive council cutbacks unveiled. Worcester City Council has announced more than 60 jobs – about 10 per cent of the entire Guildhall
FESTIVE entertainment will take place at historic Hanbury Hall this weekend. The Vernon family is inviting people to join them for a Christmas weekend, including a visit to Father Christmas. The 18th century National Trust house and gardens, near Droitwich
STUDENTS at Worcester Sixth Form College have again been successful in the West Mercia Cross Country League. Competing in four races at Callow End, Hereford Cathedral School, Worcester Sixth Form College and Malvern College, the boys’ and girls’ teams
STAFF from a Worcester company have helped to raise more than £100,000 for charity. There were celebrations in the offices of npower at Berkeley Business Park, Warndon, when staff heard that the company would be making its biggest donation to date –
HOSTS Samurai Judo Club won the toughest category at the Bev Price Memorial Team Championships. The Kidderminster club held the major team event for the 10th year at Walsall Campus Sports Centre. They celebrated by winning the men’s section, silvers
WARRIORS chief Mike Ruddock has bolstered his depleted back division by signing London Irish fly-half Eoghan Hickey on loan ahead of Saturday’s European Challenge Cup return against Bourgoin at Sixways. The Worcester director of rugby decided it was
WORCESTER Men’s Seconds paid for missing their chances in a 1-1 draw with Nottingham in BodyKraft Midlands Hockey Division One. The hosts started in determined fashion but failed to create many opportunities in the first-half. Nottingham scored from
SIX members of Droitwich’s air cadet squadron have obtained their gold Duke of Edinburgh’s award after successfully completing all sections including a four-day expedition in the Lake District. Cadet Sergeant Ashley Paul, former Cadet Sergeants Emma
DRUMMING workshops and performances will ensure the National Year of Reading celebrations reach an exciting conclusion this weekend. Drumlove will be at Worcester Library in Foregate Street between 1pm and 3pm on Saturday to see that the year-long event
MSS Colchester Kawasaki has signed Evesham’s Simon Andrews and Frenchman Julien Da Costa for the 2009 British Superbike Season. Both Andrews and Da Costa made the journey to the new MSS sponsor to pen their futures with Nick Morgan’s Kawasaki team.
SATURDAY BODYKRAFT MIDLANDS MEN’S LEAGUE West Midlands Premier Division: Kidderminster v Wednesbury. Division One: Bloxwich v Bromsgrove; Droitwich v Market Drayton; Newtown v Evesham; Old Silhillians v Pershore. Division Two: Rugeley v Chaddesley
BUSINESS leaders, civic figures and local politicians gathered in Worcester’s historic Guildhall this week for a Christmas celebration. The event saw more than 100 members of the community enjoy a Christmas carol service and drinks reception, courtesy
STRUGGLING Pershore upset the odds by holding physical Newtown to a 1-1 draw in BodyKraft West Midlands Hockey League Division One. In the opening exchanges, it was clear the hosts were more than a match for their opponents. Ali Sanderson held the ball
TERRY Jenkins will be first on stage on the second day of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship. The Ledbury player faces Dennis Smith on Saturday, December 20, at 12.40pm as he looks to banish memories of last year’s first-round exit to qualifier
THE experience of two frightened pensioners trapped in a lift while they were put through to a call centre in Lancashire has sparked anger from readers. We reported how Patricia and William Farquharson were trapped in a lift in St Martin’s Gate Car Park
RADFORD Autograss Club held their annual presentation evening at the Pear Tree, Smite. The various trophies were raced for at Radford and Evesham with points accumulated since the season started in March. The men’s club championship was won by Paul
QUEEN Victoria paid a special visit to a Worcester school as part of the pupils’ history topic. The imposing Queen spent time with the youngsters at Gorse Hill Community Primary School, who made cakes and flags especially for her arrival. Assistant
HANNAH Goss bagged a hat-trick for Stourport Women’s Seconds in a convincing 6-0 victory over King’s Heath in Worcestershire Hockey League Division One. Despite moving the ball around well in the first-half, Stourport could not put the ball into the
WESTFIELDS went out of the FA Carlsberg Vase after a 1-0 home defeat to Stratford Town in a third round replay last night. Fields, who did well to draw 1-1 at Stratford at the weekend, could not break down a well-organised defence in a game played at
COUNTY business leaders and charity workers met local council leaders in Worcester to discuss how they can better work together to cope with the current economic crisis. Worcestershire County Council organised the special event at County Hall
TRAINS between Hereford and Worcester were delayed earlier today. Commuters faced up delays of up to 50 minutes due to problems with equipment at Worcester Foregate Street. Trains from Foregate Street to Worcester Shrub Hill were suspended
A CORONER has recorded a verdict of suicide for a Worcester rugby player who travelled to Switzerland to kill himself in a euthanasia clinic. Worcestershire coroner Geraint Williams said he had no doubt that Daniel James, 23, of Sinton Green
DROITWICH Men’s Seconds go into the Christmas break on a high after thrashing Tamworth 6-2 in West Midlands Hockey League Division One. Pete Best scored two goals on his return but second-placed Droitwich twice had to equalise through Simon Baines and
MCKENZIENEE ORBELL Nicky and Brett Are proud to announce the arrival of a baby boy Billie Frank, on Sunday, December 7th. A grandson toLynne and Martin and a great grandson to Alma and the late Frank Weston, a nephew to Paul and Louise. Both doing well
JARMAN David Snowy Passed away at his home Sun City, California, on November 20th, 2008, aged 75 years. Beloved husband of Jane. Ex Metal Box Worcester. Remembered by many Friends. 'A light gone out.' Published in paper 10/12/2008
HORNBLOWER Joan Passed away peacefully on December 6th, 2008, aged 91 years. Sadly missed by her Family and many Friends. Service at Worcester Crematorium on Thursday, December 18th, at 12.30 p.m. Family flowers only please.Donations preferred for Acorns
HOSKINS Dorothy nee Williams Passed away peacefully at Pals Rest Home, on December 4th, 2008, aged 82 years. Dear wife of Roy, mother of Bryan, Nigel and Terry. Loving grandmother of Ella and Aaron, also dearly loved by all her Sisters and Brothers. Funeral
ANDREWS Stan Passed away suddenly, on December 7th, 2008, aged 72 years. Much loved father of Paul, Samantha and Ceri. Will also be sadly missed by sisters, Dorothy, Audrey and Joyce and the rest of the Family. Funeral service at Worcester Crematorium
HAYWARD Michael Peacefully at Gloucester Hospital, after a short illness. Cherished father of Susan, Simon, Mark and Clare, and grandfather of nine. Funeral service at Tewkesbury Abbey, on Monday, December 15th, at 11 a.m., followed by private cremation
CHALLACOMBE Alan Dearly missed and in our hearts, always. Love John and Gill. Published in paper 10/12/2008
BIBBY Joanne Two years ago you were taken away, but not the pain its with me every day. I miss our laughs,I miss our hugs,But Jo I do miss your love. Love always Mum. xxxxxx ---------- We remember you every day, and love is always sent your way. Mum,
BISHOP Colleen Rose On December 6th, 2008, suddenly, but peacefully in hospital, aged 80 years. Beloved sister of Jessie, Olive, Laddie, Sinclair and the late Frank and Peggy. Funeral service at St Peter and St Paul, Upton upon Severn, on Tuesday December
MASON Malcolm Tony George Died at home on Thursday, December 4th, aged 80. Funeral to be held at Great Malvern Cemetery Chapel, on Friday, December 12th, at 11 a.m. Donations to F W Spilsbury Funeral Director, Malvern, WR14 1TL, in aid of St Richard's
LANGFORD Roy Walter Sam Aged 92, of St Johns Worcester. Died suddenly at Regent House Care Home on December 3rd 2008, following a short illness. A much loved dad and grandad, who will be sadly missed by all his Family and Friends. A former Police Officer
DEELEY Deborah Passed away peacefully, on December 4th, 2008, aged 48 years, after a four year battle with illness. Wife of John. Mother of Lauren and Fern. Funeral service at Whittington Church, on Tuesday, December 16th, at 1 p.m., followed by private
PULLEN Michael Mick Passed peacefully away on December 4th 2008, aged 74 years. He will be greatly missed by all his Family and Friends. Funeral service will take place at Worcester Crematorium on Wednesday, December 17th at 2 p.m. Immediate family flowers
BIBBY Joanne Memories of you I will treasure forever. From your best friend Cher and Joanne Lily xx Published in paper 10/12/2008
A WORCESTER woman has been reunited with her family after she was trapped in Thailand on a holiday from hell. Marina Chadwick said she had to live off rations and sleep on suitcases for five nights in three different airports after anti-government
POWER cuts have temporarily closed the city’s magistrates court today. Many of the lights were out at the court building in Castle Street and all the morning’s hearings were being adjourned. People due before magistrates were left standing
A FEMALE High Court judge has been honoured after she presided at a Worcester court for the first time. Justice Julia Macur, who wore her distinctive red robes of office, was at the centre of the special service at Worcester Cathedral yesterday. Justice
MALVERN’S Samantha Conway has clinched her first dan karate black belt despite dislocating her knuckles during the exam. Conway, an assistant instructor with Ultimate Karate, completed the physical aspect and penned an essay on her experiences in the
A PROPOSED new £3.5 million bus lane system on the west side of Worcester would boost public transport without negatively impacting on car-users, highways chiefs believe. Details have been released of plans to construct a major priority bus
SIR – So a foul-mouthed chef gets a new girlfriend, What’s all the fuss? I had a lady friend who loved me swearing. MICK DINSDALE, Worcester.
SIR – Does Mark Starr get paid by some organisation to constantly criticise the EU or is he simply a fanatic? GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
WORCESTERSHIRE company Postcode Anywhere (Europe) has picked up an accolade at the Information and Communication Technology (ITC) Excellence Awards 2008. The data management company, which employs 16 people at its head office in Hallow, near
WORCESTER contract cleaning firm All Clean has received a major award for its commitment to workforce development by ensuring every member of its staff undergoes proper training. The company, of County House in St Mary’s Street, was named employer
SIR – Jean Jessop thinks I’m on cloud cuckoo land but I think she’s another little David Cameron and Mr Osborne. They haven’t got a clue what caused this credit crunch and with them not being able to understand what’s happened there’s not much
WILKOMMEN, bienvenue and welcome to early 1930s Berlin, the infamous Kit Kat Club and the start of what must be one of the greatest musicals of all time – Cabaret. Not only does it have stunning songs and fascinating characters, it also has a
Two Worcester schools are forging a link with schools in Tanzania. Dorothy Robinson, assistant headteacher at Bishop Perowne CE College, and Claire Davies, acting headteacher at St Barnabas CE Primary School, visited the African nation.
Youngsters from Three Bears Pre-School in Ombersley visited their local butchers to enjoy a warm snack. The children went to Checketts Butchers, Ombersley, as part of their topic learning about people who help the community. Chris Jordan, manager
SEVERAL motorists skidded off the road this morning as temperatures plummeted over night, leading to icy conditions. There were three separate incidents along the A4440 Swineherd Way in Worcester between 8am and 8.30am, plus an accident on
Two childhood friends from Worcester have been recognised after both scoring top grades in their health and social care exams. Ellie Hobday and Verity Gwilliam have been friends since they were toddlers. They attended Oldbury Park Primary School
SIR – May I say a heartfelt thank you to our supporters. Following the success of last year’s show on November 29, Pershore And District Canine Training Society held another companion dog show in order to raise funds for our chosen charities
A NAKED calendar has been made by friends and relatives of the former Worcester schoolgirl who drowned in New Zealand. It is now being sold to raise money for the Emily Jordan Foundation, which was set up in her memory after she died in April. Miss
WOULDN’T it be nice to wake up on Christmas morning having beaten Bognor Regis Town at home — our last match before the festive season. For some reason our home form hasn’t been great and on paper we all know that we should be beating a team
Pupils at King’s St Alban’s in Worcester have presented a cheque for more than £2,000 to help sick children. Children read more than 600 books during the week-long Readathon event to raise money. The school’s 180 girls and boys are now involved in
IF your children are cranky, suffering recurrent infections, or having trouble sleeping, the chances are you will not have considered osteopathy as a viable form of treatment. But experts say osteopathy – a complementary therapy that aims to treat
SIR – Having just been ripped off to the tune of £2.10 for one hour’s parking in Worcester city centre I’ve made an early new year’s resolution – never to shop in Worcester again. I’ll be sure to: a) visit more out-of-town shopping centres and
WORCESTER City Women’s manager Paul Hennessey says it will be hard to leave the club despite the exciting prospect of coaching in America. The 23-year-old is heading off to Baltimore, Maryland, in the new year to work for football schools company Challenger
SIR – Local councillors who voted to use council funds to set up regional offices in Brussels may be in for a shock – the money used may have to be repaid by the councillors themselves as the regional offices are self-made and have no legal entitlement
SIR – IT is appalling that fly-by-night outfits appear to be setting up so-called Lapland-style theme parks in a cynical ploy to hoodwink young families in order to make obscene profits. As responsible proprietors of an established Christmas
WE applaud the decision not to prosecute the parents of paralysed rugby player Dan James over his death at a Swiss assisted suicide clinic. In October this newspaper first reported the circumstances of Dan’s death and the ongoing police investigation
REVELLERS celebrating the festive period should make sure they have a night to remember for all the right reasons, say police. The emergency services and representatives from Worcester’s clubs and bars have been reminding people to enjoy a drink safely
Keeping yourself busy over Christmas and New Year Yes, it’s that time of year again! Christmas has come, meaning we can sit around pigging out on lots of chocolate and watching numerous Christmas specials and films, which are usually repeats anyway
THE man who was with a Droitwich mother in the moments before she fell to her death at a Worcester nightspot will not be charged by police. West Mercia Constabulary said there was not enough evidence available to charge Mark Heane with any offence relating
THE parents of a former rugby player who helped him travel to a Swiss clinic to take his own life will not be prosecuted. The director of public prosecutions Keir Starmer had been considering whether to bring charges against Dan James’ mother
WORCESTERSHIRE director of cricket Steve Rhodes is predicting a bright future for Imran Arif as he prepares for his first full season with the County. The Bradford League discovery made a huge impression in the six first-class games he played last season
CHILDREN at Westacre Middle School in Droitwich have been putting their efforts into supporting charities that help those who are less fortunate than themselves. They provided items to fill shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child organised
TWO Worcester schools are forging a link with schools in Tanzania. Dorothy Robinson, assistant headteacher at Bishop Perowne CE College, and Claire Davies, acting headteacher at St Barnabas CE Primary School, visited the African nation. They spent a week
WORCESTERSHIRE is the second worst county in the country when it comes to GPs offering extended hours to patients. The latest figures, published yesterday, show that only six out of 67 GP practices (nine per cent) in the county offered weekend and evening
YOUNGSTERS from Three Bears Pre-School in Ombersley visited their local butchers to enjoy a warm snack. The children went to Checketts Butchers, Ombersley, as part of their topic learning about people who help the community. Chris Jordan, manager of
PUPILS from Abbey Park Middle School in Pershore went to their local branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNA). Year six have been learning about life in the Second World War and enjoyed a visit to learn about Pershore during the war. RNA secretary
TWO childhood friends from Worcester have been recognised after both scoring top grades in their health and social care exams. Ellie Hobday and Verity Gwilliam have been friends since they were toddlers. They attended Oldbury Park Primary School
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers maintained their promotion push after eventually breaking down Mansfield Town 2-0 at Aggborough tonight. Harriers are now third in the Blue Square Premier, seven points behind leaders Burton Albion with a game in hand
