A MILLION-TO-ONE chance may have caused a blaze which severely damaged a bedroom at a house in Bromsgrove. The sun's rays playing on a dressing table mirror may have ignited fabric which caused the fire at the home of John and Ros Weston, at Breakback
MOTORISTS in Worcestershire will not be able to refuel their cars until Sunday at the earliest - but it may take three weeks before the country fully recovers from the petrol crisis. The news came on the day that Worcester MP Mike Foster warned that someone
THE organiser of a charity fun run is appealing for the people of Worcester to rally to the cause after fears numbers will be hit by the petrol crisis. Eve Martin is holding a half marathon and fun run for the Leukaemia Care Society this Sunday. She was
FAMILIES fighting to halt shops being built near their homes have been urged to work alongside developers. Primsland Estates Limited, from Stourbridge, won an appeal a fortnight ago to build two shops, including a convenience store, off Primsland Way.
PARENTS whose children attend Worcester's Elbury Mount Primary have been told for the first time in detail why the school was taken off Special Measures. In a report, Government inspectors say standards of learning, teaching, management and discipline
THE family of a Worcester teenager is threatening to sue programme makers after his correct answer on Who Wants to be a Millionaire was ruled to be wrong. Former King's School pupil Edward Oliver appeared on the hit show on Thursday when he was asked
A MAN accused of holding an imitation gun to the head of a six-year-old boy has told a court it was false. Steven Poggiani told a jury yesterday he never had a weapon but admitted he had twice been prosecuted for threatening behaviour. He said he had
THERE was an oil crisis of a different kind when a lorry spilled its load in Kidderminster causing traffic chaos. Four hundred gallons of lubricating oil flooded on to Kidderminster's ring road yesterday lunchtime. Firefighters from Kidderminster's White
I WRITE with reference to a recent letter which expressed concern regarding the lack of footpaths at Studley Road Park Farm (Advertiser, August 16). May I clarify a couple of points raised relating to Redditch Council's responsibility for footpaths? It
QUITE apart from the fuel crisis, there's a depressingly familiar ring to the difficulties exercising minds across Worcestershire today, as the county struggles to deal with its social services budget overspend. It's not our job to pre-empt the outcome
I WRITE in response to Redditch Council's ill-thought out plan to charge £1.75 per week for the warden service. Many pensioners are living on the bread line and will be unable to afford the extra expense. Elderly people living in sheltered housing rely
WITH reference to the letter from a correspondent concerning his shabby treatment by the health service (Advertiser, August 30), could I be given space to give credit where it is due. As with most men of my age, I began to have prostate problems, and
Further to the comments regarding misuse of parking spaces for the disabled (Advertiser, August 30). The spaces reserved for parents and toddlers at Sainsbury's and Tesco are also abused. These specifically marked spaces, with wide gaps either side, are
Redditch 46, Woodrush 20 REDDITCH Rugby Club took on Woodrush from a league higher in this intermediate first round cup match. Their superior fitness and collective teamwork paid off in the final 20 minutes. Redditch started playing up the slope, but
Lichfield Ladies 34 Alcester Ladies 10 ALCESTER RFC Ladies, in their first match of the season, struggled to get going in the first half and were hit with five tries and two conversions in 20 minutes before getting into gear. However, two tries before
ALCESTER Rugby Club fell at the first hurdle in the national junior club competition. But this was a much improved performance in a very closely-fought contest. Alcester made several changes to the side that disappointed last week. Amongst these were
QUICK-thinking nightclub staff averted a potential disaster after evacuating 400 revellers in the early hours of Saturday. Management and door staff at town centre club Odyssey took just four minutes to get everyone out after an electrical box began sparking
AN 86-year-old woman is refusing food and drink after being forced to stay at the Alexandra Hospital since March 17, despite being entitled to NHS funding for a care home. The Redditch Advertiser reported the plight of Gwendoline Wiltshire, of Matchborough
AN action group opposing housing development in Wythall has been formed as villagers strive to save the green belt. Last week, a 10-strong committee was established to fight Bromsgrove Council over its plan to include green belt land off Selsdon Close
THE town branch of Age Concern has nominated Redditch Council for a prestigious award in recognition of the support it has given the charity. The wife of founder Age Concern member Edgar Jones donated the J Edgar Jones award 10 years ago and the figurine
A WHEELCHAIR-bound Redditch man who suffered a stroke 18 months ago is being forced to sleep in his living room while he waits for alterations to his council home. Charles Taylor, 57, of Ashorne Close, Matchborough West, has also been unable to have a
STUDLEY Youth Centre is re-starting a junior youth club for youngsters aged eight-12. The club, which is funded by Warwickshire County Council's Community Education Service, will be open Wednesday evenings from 6.30-8.30pm at the High Street Youth and
A PROPOSAL to introduce new brown tourist signs around Redditch is to be resubmitted despite being turned down once before. Redditch Council identified 50 sites as needing new or improved signs and only seven were given the go-ahead by Worcestershire
RACIAL equality in Redditch has again been given a huge financial boost to continue its good work though the town and throughout the county. Worcestershire Racial Equality Council had to re-apply to the Lottery Charities Board after it changed from Worcester
PARENTS are upset about the way Worcestershire County Council plans to revise school catchment areas following the Redditch Review. Parents from Vaynor First School, in Headless Cross, and Harry Taylor First School, in Crabbs Cross, objected to plans
ABBEYDALE council tenants are being asked to attend a special meeting on Sunday. The aim is to form an action group which will take all urgent issues straight to Redditch Council. The new Tenant Participation Compact will enable tenants to have direct
A REDDITCH Tandoori restaurant has proved once again that it can compete on a national level when it comes to quality of food and service. Last week, Akash Tandoori Restaurant, in Unicorn Hill, scooped one of seven prestigious national awards from the
DROITWICH MP Peter Luff has called on a leading Spa councillor to resign over the social services financial crisis. It was revealed on Friday that Worcestershire County Council's spending on social services had spiralled out of control. Just five months
AN £800 health survey into a Droitwich Spa mobile phone tower has been labelled a waste of money. Wychavon district councillors decided to approve plans for three panel antennas and two microwave dishes on the Water Tower, in Newland Road, after the study
A FORMER Droitwich Spa resident is searching for her missing son - 32 years after he was taken into care. Mother-of-five Jennifer Burton last saw Adrian Richard Lamar Wheatley when he was nine months old. Mrs Burton, who lived in West Croft Street and
AN escape artist visiting Hanbury this weekend has a challenge for Droitwich Spa residents. The Great Kondini will give £1,000 to anyone who has a form of restraint which he cannot escape from. He will be at a steam rally being held at the Vernon Arms
GLENN McGrath made a quick- fire breakthrough when promotion-chasing Worcestershire launched their make-or-break County Championship Division Two match with champions Northamptonshire at New Road today. The Australian pace star struck with his second
WORCESTER City's hopes of bringing in a new midfielder on loan have been put on hold for another week. Manager John Barton had targeted an unnamed player from a Nationwide Conference club to bolster his injury-hit squad. But having been denied once before
WORCESTERSHIRE Saints have received a boost with the news that they have been given a grant by The Millennium Festival Awards For All programme at their awards ceremony that took place at the Edgbaston Indoor Cricket Centre last night. The scheme has
Hereford United climbed to second in the Nationwide Conference table as they clinched a 2-1 victory over Nuneaton Borough. But they had to hold out against some heavy pressure, particularly in the second half. The Bulls scored twice in five first half
PERSHORE Town boss Colin Shepherd says the next two games will determine how far his new-look side has come. Town tackle Feckenham at Redditch United's ground tonight (7.30) in the Midland Combination Premier Division, before tackling reigning champions
DRUNKEN Andrew Moseley smashed up his mum's wardrobe and battered a Land Rover with a wooden stake after a row with his new lover. But the jobless 21-year-old - who turned to drink and drugs after his previous girlfriend ditched him on Millennium night
THE Palace Theatre will be packing two musical genres into its programme this week with The Impostors' Ultimate 60s Show and Mid Wales Opera's presentation of Madame Butterfly. Playing music from the best loved era of popular music, The Impostors' material
THE Royal Shakespeare Company's 10th Fringe Festival began on Monday, with more than 40 actors, musicians, stage managers and directors from the Summer 2000 season taking part. The two-week festival features about 20 events such as short plays, new writing
IT is a great pity the Labour opposition cannot accept the successful outcome of the council's negotiations with ASDA regarding the extension to their store. The proposal has ensured the viability of the Rovers football ground. It will bring about additional
Worcester 1sts drawn match with Studley 1sts STUDLEY won the toss for a change! Worcester were put into bat and there were some good bowling performances, in particular from Richard Gregory who got five wickets and McDonough with four. In addition, Adey
HEWELL won the toss and elected to bat on a good wicket. Harvey rode his luck early on but went on to make 60, supported by J Hill with 47. A late flurry of runs saw Hewell post a total of 234-7. Paul Hedges with 3-38 and Lewis Clark 2-99, plus Geoff
Thursday September 14 l Children: Rosie and Jim, Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham. Until September 17. l Music: London Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 8pm. l Drama: Travels With My Aunt, Festival Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern
Redditch Sailing Club - The officer of the day set a shortened course in very light drifting conditions. Another good double win went to D Jackson, crewed by R and J Dowkes and second place in both the Pursuit and Handicap races went to R Little and G
Things seem a bit quiet this week, not many news items and only a few matches to tell you about. Don't forget if you have any bits of angling news, catches, results, fixtures or whatever, please let me know on 457485 or by e-mail on johnbushel1@netscape.net
HOW many other clubs would be able to attract the best crowds in their division - even though they hadn't won at home for six months? That's the peculiar equation that has applied to Worcester City this season. They are the only club in the Dr Martens
MUSIC-LOVERS can enjoy a fascinating talk on early musical instruments complete with slides and sounds. Given by Ray Heritage, the event will be held at Wythall Library, in May Lane, Hollywood, at 7.45pm, on Monday September 25. Admission is 75p.
THE sound of South American music will fill a Belbroughton pub this Monday. Otra Vez, one of Britain's top small Latin bands, will provide the music at The Talbot Inn, Hartle Lane, which will include a selection of Salsa, Merengue, Lambada and Samba-style
AZZ lovers will be treated to a night of entertainment by The Antique Six who play at The New Inn, Bournheath, this Sunday. The music begins at 8.30pm and everyone is welcome. Contact Val on (01527) 878611 or 07860 176375 for details.
GEORGE Cowley's argument (implicit or explicit) that true morality and virtue come only through Christianity is insulting to non-believers and those of other faiths alike. Yes - Christianity may provide some very good moral guidance. But true morality
WORCESTER City's hopes of bringing in a new midfielder on loan have been put on hold for another week. Manager John Barton had targeted an unnamed player from a Nationwide Conference club to bolster his injury-hit squad. But having been denied once before
IT was a big relief to finally get a home win under our belts against Moor Green on Saturday. I don't think going so long without a victory at home has been a burden to us mentally, because I don't think we have probably deserved too much from our recent
I WOULD like to support your appeal of September 6 to raise £5,000 to keep the 'Pamela May' continuing for the next season. I have, therefore, sent my donation. I was a personal friend of the late Bernard Clements, (a director of Clements Displays). I
BARGAIN hunters will be out in force on Sunday, October 1 when Redditch United hold a massive car-boot sale at the Valley Stadium in aid of football development for all ages. There will be space for 120 boots which will be admitted on a first come, first
Coventry Sphinx 0 Alvechurch 1 MICHAEL Campbell's solitary second half strike was enough to give Alvechurch all three points after they had survived a first half battering at the hands of their East Midlands rivals. It was the home side who made all the
Wednesday, September 13 MIDLAND FOOTBALL COMBINATION PREMIER DIVISION FECKENHAM v Pershore Town 7.30pm ko Saturday, September 16 FA CUP 1ST QUALIFYING ROUND REDDITCH UNITED v Belper Town 3pm ko MIDLAND FOOTBALL COMBINATION PREMIER DIVISION ALVECHURCH
Southcrest Celtic U13s 11 Lillington Rangers 3 CELTIC got off to a flying start with a great team performance. Goals came from Sean Ivory (3), Sean Convey (5), Ryan Gibson (2), and Lee James-Aldridge. Man of the match was Ross Millward. Feckenham U10s
THE ban on wooden crosses in Bromsgrove cemeteries will not be lifted despite a councillor's attempt to change the policy. The vote followed the Advertiser/Messenger's report on the plight of Eileen Mulhall, a Sidemoor woman who found the handcrafted
ANGRY Belbroughton villagers protesting against plans to build a house in the middle of a conservation area will be voting with their shoes on Thursday when councillors look set to visit the site. Last month more than 100 residents gathered to protest
BROMSGROVE council has been accused of reacting too slowly to the two chemical leaks at the Dolphin Centre. Bromsgrove District Council's recreation, amenities and tourism committee voted on Tuesday to implement safeguards to prevent further chlorine
CHARITY-MINDED cyclists crossed the finish line in Hanbury after completing a fundraising ride on Sunday which is believed to have scooped more than £21,000. More than 800 riders completed the ten or 26-mile course of the North Worcestershire Bikeathon
FUEL supplies in the Vale of Evesham and Broadway have now dried up. Shoppers have been panic buying creating a shortage of bread and milk. About a dozen HGV'S representing local haulage companies are staked out at Kingsbury in Warwickshire determined
THE petrol crisis gripping the nation shows no sign of easing this morning (Wednesday) in the Stratford area, despite nine tankers leaving the Kingsbury refinery, which supplies South Warwickshire, at 10am this morning. Petrol stations in the town have
PETROL supplies were virtually non-existent across the north Cotswolds today (Wednesday), causing concern for motorists and emergency services alike. East Gloucestershire NHS Trust, which runs hospitals in Winchombe, Moreton and Bourton, as well as Cheltenham
THERE were apologies from 10 members. The president gave best wishes to four members celebrating birthdays, especially the secretary on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Four visitors were welcomed. Guest speaker Hugh Thompson gave a talk entitled 'Under
GATHERING in the harvest in a field near Bromsgrove by a method which vanished from farms more than 50 years ago has enthralled dozens of sightseers who turned up to watch. Farmer Chris Cooke who has just finished cutting a seven-acre field of wheat,
HOMELESS folk in Bromsgrove are being given the chance to start again. Bromsgrove Youth Homelessness Forum is hoping to provide an easy access drop-in centre to prevent youngsters from becoming homeless and also to help those who are already. It was set
FOLLOWING the summer recess, regular monthly meetings resume on Wednesday, September 20, from 2-4pm, at Wythall Village Hall, Alcester Road. The demonstrator will be Mrs C Adams in a change from the programme and her chosen theme 'Flowers in Worship.'
SPORTS REPORTER REDDITCH Cricket Club's first team need just one point from their last match to clinch the championship. In an exciting climax to the season, Redditch are away against Old Elizabethans on Saturday and victory will mean they return to the
THE Studley Blue and White Skippers have returned from the European Championships in Denmark after proving they have come on leaps and bounds from last year. The 18-and-over team came fourth in their section, being robbed of the silver medal as this was
September 15, 1900 Beoley - St Leonard's Church. The annual harvest festival began on Friday evening, the collection which was in aid of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution - amounting to £1 11s 6d on Sunday. The Rev W R Probert of Birmingham
A REDDITCH-based dancing school is appealing for sponsorship to ensure its talented young dancers will be a step closer to securing the opportunity of a lifetime. A troupe of 24 dancers at the McCarthy-Felton School of Irish Dancing may perform on Broadway
WORCESTERSHIRE'S land-owners have launched a renewed attack on phone companies' failure to help struggling rural businesses. The Country Landowners Association hit out last week at British Telecom's plans to introduce new fast-track internet access lines
A WYTHALL family was subjected to a terrifying ordeal when gun-wielding masked raiders threatened them in their own home on Saturday night. The family, including a 15-year-old girl, all had their hands tied and were threatened with guns and bladed instruments
EMERGENCY services have described the situation in Worcestershire and Herefordshire - caused by the fuel blockade - as "acute". They met with local authorities and health chiefs in an emergency summit yesterday to draw up contingency plans to cope with
A SENIOR union member fears farmers in Herefordshire and Worcestershire will be hardest hit by the fuel crisis. Bob Forster, Regional Director at the National Farmers' Union, said many of the areas' farms concentrated on poultry. His comments came after
THE crisis is affecting shoppers as well as motorists. One shopper reported that stocks at Kidderminster supermarkets were "like Christmas". Bread and milk have been reported to be vanishing from the shelves as people panic-buy groceries, just as they
SOCIAL service chiefs will need to find savings of £600,000 a month to stave of a £4.6m cash crisis - and the figure is rising week-by-week. The dire financial situation was outlined to a county council scrutiny committee by chief executive Rob Sykes
A BROKEN-hearted mum caught driving while disqualified escaped another ban after magistrates heard her childhood sweetheart had been killed in a car crash. Stacey Novell panicked and gave false details to the police when they pulled her over on the A440
A FACTORY worker who let youngsters watch videos at his home mounted sex attacks on a 14-year-old girl, a court heard. John Gorman groped the victim on a sofa after locking the door and tried to remove her trousers. On other occasions, the 57-year-old
REDDITCH town centre rota chemist is Carrington and Turner, Church Green West, open every day except Saturday and Sunday until 7pm. Foxlydiate Chemist, Batchley Road, Batchley, is open on Sunday from 10-11am and weekdays from 6-7pm. Knights Chemist, Evesham
QUEUES of panic-stricken motorists have drained pumps at filling stations causing chaos across town. Sold out signs have been put up at Droitwich forecourts as drivers raced to fill tanks before the blockades at depots and refineries grind the country
A SEX pest who broke into a Droitwich Spa woman's house at midnight to rape has been jailed for six years. David Everitt climbed onto a roof and was halfway through a window when the 32-year-old victim confronted him in her pyjamas. She poked the agricultural
I attended a meeting, called by Diane Thomas, the Abbey ward councillor, on September 3. The meeting was to allow Diane Thomas to feed back on the progress of the action she has taken on various problems raised by the tenants and private houseowners of
I RARELY respond to comments from people who are party politically motivated as I find they are very selective in points they choose to answer and often answer points which have not even been made. They also seem incapable of conducting an argument without
MAY I clear up some confusion over responsibility for parking spaces and car clamping in the town (Letters, August 30)? Redditch Council agrees fully with your correspondent that it is very disrespectful of able-bodied people to take up spaces for disabled
SO a ban on smoking inside the Kingfisher Shopping Centre is proposed. About time too! Three years ago, Redditch Council's Town Centre Forum, of which I was chairman, asked management to find out shoppers' views on imposing such a ban. At the next meeting
I FOR one cannot wait for Redditch Council's survey form to be delivered to my house. I will definitely fill it in and so will most of the people I know. But it doesn't take a survey form to find out what this town needs: l Better street cleaning - this
THROUGH your columns, may I congratulate the young people of Alcester? My wife and I attended the opening of the skatepark and, later the same day, the evening event to celebrate their success and thank some of the adults who helped them to bring about
AFTER a 15-minute delay, the match began with Alcester putting the visitors under extreme pressure in the first quarter. Alcester opened their account when from some sterling work by the forwards the ball was passed along the three quarter line for full
ALCESTER travelled the short distance to Stratford and wished they had stayed at home. Shottery were in top form to totally outplay the visitors. There were good performances from Emo Morgan and Mick Russell. l ALCESTER Juniors are now in full swing.
TOWNSFOLK could soon be able to report racial abuse on the internet when Redditch police get on-line with the launch of their own website. The site is currently being developed by a specially formed committee of Redditch officers and should go live within
MORE Redditch men are taking up smoking despite it being one of the biggest killers in the town, it has been revealed. The news of the rise follows revelations that Redditch has the highest number of deaths from coronary heart disease and strokes in the
A VITAL town charity which helps homeless youngsters has been saved at the eleventh hour by a huge grant from the National Lottery Charities Board. Redditch Nightstop was set up in 1987 and had been funded by the charities board up until May, when the
TOWN centre residents are concerned their privacy will be invaded following the installation of CCTV cameras in December, it has been revealed. Councillor Jack Cookson said he had spoken to residents in Archer Road and Grove Street and some were worried
A NUMBER of neighbourhood watch schemes are to be launched around the town centre in a bid to reduce crime. The project will be the first of its kind in the centre, despite the successful operation of schemes across the borough. Watches are to be set
A PENSIONER needed hospital treatment after a frightening attack in which she had her shopping bag stolen. The theft happened at about 9.15am on Saturday in Shawhurst Lane, Hollywood. A 65-year-old woman was walking to the shops when a car containing
FOLLOWING an influx of new drivers, minibuses and customers, Redditch Community Transport is on the move. The organisation has relocated to new premises at Securehold Business Centre, Studley Road, which were officially opened by Redditch MP Jacqui Smith
THE fight to save a wild meadow near Winyates Green from development has stepped up a gear. The Council for the Protection of Rural England has joined the battle to preserve the 12-hectare site off Far Moor Lane, which is earmarked for 250 houses under
A sex pest who broke into a Droitwich woman's house at midnight has been jailed for six years. David Everitt climbed onto a roof and was halfway through a window when the 32-year-old victim confronted him. She poked the agricultural worker in the eyes
THE town's Pakistani community could be a step nearer its new mosque and community centre. Redditch Council and Redditch Community Forum are waiting for the results of a lottery bid which, if successful, could result in a £100,000 grant. This money would
THREE members of the same family were attacked by a Redditch man dressed as the Incredible Hulk outside a Halloween disco at a south Warwickshire social club. As a result, teenagers Lucy and Sam James both had bruising, but their father, Michael James
AN ambitious £500,000 scheme which will double the size of a hospice caring for cancer patients in Redditch and Bromsgrove has been unveiled. The Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre, which provides support and advice to cancer patients, their families
A POPULAR Redditch businesswoman, who started her first recruitment agency in 1979, has lost a six-month battle against cancer, aged 61. Anne Girling died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Birmingham, on Sunday, September 3, after developing thrombosis
A PILLAR of Redditch and Astwood Bank society died on Friday. Fred Tomlin, 86, of Evesham Road, was with his wife, Florence, when he collapsed in his kitchen and could not be resuscitated. Mr Tomlin, who was born in Mappleborough Green, was a well-known
TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known disabled Greenlands man who died from heart failure on August 14 at the Alexandra Hospital. Glyn Davies, 61, was chairman of Redditch Disabled Access Group for 10 years before stepping down due to ill health. The
PUPILS and staff at The Leys High School, which will become Kingsley College as part of the Redditch Review, are looking to the future as construction work on the post-16 centre nears completion. Star GCSE pupil Tim Allen joined site manager Stan Clark
WORK on a new Redditch high school is moving forward, with construction due to start on a new learning resource centre and refurbishments under way elsewhere. Trinity High School and Sixth Form Centre, which will serve pupils from north Redditch, is due
THE race is on at St Augustine's High School as governors try to secure £50,000 sponsorship as they apply to the Department for Education and Employment to become a technology college. Technology colleges are specialist schools which attract additional
THE run-up to Redditch Carnival day on Saturday has been a real knockout with townsfolk as they join in the fun and frivolity. Last Saturday, an It's a Knockout competition was held as teams dressed up and battled it out over a fun obstacle course. In
YOUNGSTERS in Redditch are set to benefit as the Redditch Millennium Volunteers (MV) project gets off the ground following a successful partnership bid for £225,000 to run the national youth volunteering scheme. The three-year project, operated by Redditch
VILLAGERS had a chance to view and make comment on plans for a new housing development in Feckenham at the village hall last Thursday. Parish councillors, Redditch council's planning officer and representatives from the developers were all present to
AN adventurous teenager is planning an intrepid trip to Central America and wants support from charitable Droitwich Spa residents. Kate Raine, of Broughton Green, must raise £3,500 to fund a five-month expedition to Belize. The 18-year-old, who completed
OUR exciting new appeal to Keep the Pamela May Afloat has caught readers' imagination. In just a week we have raised more than £1,600 towards our £5,000 target - but there's plenty of work still to do. The coffers were immediately swelled on the launch
STEWARDS escaped from the second blaze this year at the Royal British Legion Club in Droitwich. Married couple Sue and John Roberts fled after the fire started in the club's dance hall early on Saturday morning. Police later arrested a man who was released
DROITWICH Spa High School has the second highest number of permanent exclusions in Worcestershire. In the past 12 months, eight students have been permanently excluded from the school, in Briar Mill. The figures were published by Worcestershire County
FOUR workers from Upton Warren trekked 100 miles dressed as the Three Musketeers and D'Artagnan to raise money for needy children. Sporting employees from MCM Window World, in Worcester Road, took part in the Heart FM - Run for Home event on Sunday. They
OFFICIALS have blocked a Droitwich Spa farmer's bid to level his land. GH Burt and Sons wanted to dump 23,000 cubic metres of soil on a field next to Pulley Lane to level a ridge. But Worcestershire County Council rejected the application after opposition
Kidderminster Harriers were left kicking themselves all the way home after failing to cash in against a Southend side down to ten men for the final 39 minutes of last night's match. In the end they had to settle for a share of the points following their
EVESHAM United bowed out of the Dr Martens Cup following last night's 2-1 preliminary round defeat against Bilston Town at Common Road. Manager Phil Mullen rested several key players ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie at Gloucester City and, in turn, saw
Busy Lizzie relished the near two-mile trip at Chester last time and canfollow up over a similar trip on the opening day of the Western meeting at Ayr tomorrow. John Dunlop's progressive filly spread-eagled her field on the Roodee when coming home seven
REDDITCH gained 12 points from a winning draw over Pershore in a low-scoring match. Put into bat on a wicket with help to the bowlers, Redditch had a battle to finish at 149-7 from their 50 overs. Chris Gibson 22 and Don Protherough 14, put on 35 for
PUT into bat, Redditch lost two wickets for nine. Then Spencer Cox, with a superb 100 not out, plus excellent support from 14-year-olds Richard Young 32 and Alan White, helped by veteran Chris Taylor (26 not out), saw Redditch total 211-4 from their 50
FECKENHAM lost the toss and were put into bat on a pitch which had sweated heavily under the plastic covers. With the ball seaming about from the Brockhampton opening attack, runs were hard to come by. Opening batsman Ben Adshead coped better than most
FECKENHAM batted first and the innings got off to a good start with Simon Dunn scoring 44 and Steve Daniels 21 to put on 70 for the first wicket. Brockhampton then fought back to take three quick wickets and the scoring rate dropped. Chris Perry batted
GLENN McGrath made a quick- fire breakthrough when promotion-chasing Worcestershire launched their make-or-break County Championship Division Two match with champions Northamptonshire at New Road today. The Australian pace star struck with his second
BUDDING artists in Bromsgrove are putting their work together to create an exhibition in the town. The painting and drawing members of Avoncroft Arts Society asked headteachers at the town's high school how they could help identify the work of A-level
Tuesday, September 13, 2000. HEREFORD United climbed to second in the Nationwide Conference table as they clinched a 2-1 victory over Nuneaton Borough. But they had to hold out against some heavy pressure, particularly in the second half. The Bulls scored
RUBERY Youth Marching Band is putting on a charity concert. The event, in aid of the coronary unit, at Redditch's Alexandra Hospital, will be at Longbridge Social Club, Bristol Road, on Friday September 29, at 7.30pm and tickets are available on 0121
QUICK-THINKING Bromsgrove Guides involved in a head-on collision during a dream holiday have been praised for their actions. Members of the 5th Bromsgrove All Saints Guides and North Bromsgrove Young Leaders were in Switzerland to celebrate the Girl Guides
PETROL pumps were running dry in Bromsgrove as the Advertiser/Messenger went to press after panic buyers flocked to the forecourts to fill up their tanks. Queues began spilling onto the roads from garages across the town as early as Monday following news
THE Rev Denys Griffin claims (You Say, September 2) that Liberal Churches are man-centred, not God-centred. Yet Liberal churchmen read their Bibles, and pray to and worship God, just as often as Traditionalists. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
WITH former council leader David Barlow's desire for investigations into wasted public funds and councillors being judged financially incompetent (his words), does this now mean that any spending during the previous 20 years of council control will now
IN response to George Cowley's letter (You Say, August 15) concerning his questioning the existence of a devil, you can rest assured - there is a devil plus all his cohorts. Jesus not only cast demons out of people but was tempted by the Devil during
CLIVE Smith, (Evening News, September 4) referring to asylum seekers, takes us evocatively back to " Vietnamese Boat People" and erroneously compares their dispersal with that of the poor unfortunates now being shuttled around the UK by New Labour. They
WITH reference to the article regarding the Severn Trent Works, Bromwich Road, Worcester (Evening News, Saturday, September 2) can I just correct an impression you have conveyed that I am dissatisfied with the response from OFWAT. That is definitely not
FOLLOWING on from the ASDA fiasco, it appears to be the turn of NEW College to have their every wish granted by Bromsgrove Council. With the council's tunnel vision in developing the area into a 'Leisure Mecca,' Whitbread's plans for a restaurant and
With reference to your article in the September 6 issue relating to the dedication of the new war memorial in Rubery. I agree whole heartedly with your report about the good turnout of the local community of Rubery along with the Rubery Air Training Corp
I WOULD like to mention that as I was walking up Birmingham Road after coming from the council house last week, I was disgusted to see the brook full of weeds six feet tall. It's a total shame on the council's part after putting out a photograph a few
FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round Highfield Rangers 1 Studley BKL 1 THE Bees earned a deserved replay against a strong Highfield side who are champions of the Leicester Senior League and unbeaten so far this season. Studley started strongly and could have
Massey Ferguson 2 Feckenham 4 THE Millers gained their first win of the season. Feckenham were first on the attack when a Richard Jones through ball freed Andy Underwood, whose shot beat keeper Platt but missed the far post. Then, Smith's deep centre
Redditch & South Warwickshire Combination Terry Cup round 1 Longbridge Sports 2 Rubery RBL 3 NSI Celtic 2 Lakeside 5 Shenley Grasshoppers 3 Webheath 8 Hewell Rd Ath 1 Bell Sporting 4 Sherwood Rangers 4 Ivy Cottage Wanderers 0 Lodge Park 5 Rednal Social
Stratford Alliance Premier League Halfords 1 Studley FC 3 STUDLEY continued their winning ways with a well-deserved victory against local rivals Halfords. The game started well for the home side and chances went begging in the first 20 minutes, with only
BROMSGROVE man Andrew Essex is on Cloud Nine after he recently achieved one of his major ambitions -- gaining his helicopter pilot's licence. Proud of his new skills, Andrew's next ambition is to take his wife, Candia, up for a spin. He's confident she
DANCERS in Rubery have waltzed their way to raising more than £2,200 for charity. Students at the June Green Dance School, including one 88-year-old man, were sponsored to dance all day at the annual fundraiser. It was in aid of The Acorn Children's Hospice
POLICE and Trading Standards officers have warned about unscrupulous builders after two Bromsgrove pensioners paid cash for building work left half-finished or not done at all. In the first incident, an elderly woman in Stoke Heath was left with half-inch
MUSIC, dancing and drama will be on offer in Barnt Green this weekend as the village holds a special event to mark the new century. Barnt Green 2000 Millennium Festival takes place this Saturday and the centrepiece of the celebrations is the inauguration
THE autumn music season continues at the Old Chapel, with one of Zimbabwe's finest 'jit jive' dance bands taking to the stage. Four Brothers is stopping off at the Hollymoor Centre, Tessall Lane, Northfield, as part of their overseas tour. Music-lovers
A NEW £1m sheltered housing scheme was opened on Friday for elderly people in Bromsgrove. Bromsgrove District Council chairman Cllr Ann Doyle (Con, Barnt Green) officially opened the flats, at Oak Apple Court, Catshill, which is the second sheltered housing
ANGRY town Tory MP Julie Kirkbride fears Bromsgrove's elderly and disabled are paying for the "disgraceful" cash crisis at County Hall. Spending on social services by Worcestershire County Council is spiralling out of control and drastic cuts need to
A MUM-OF-ONE from Bromsgrove wants action to stop lorries reversing outside her home after one knocked her garden wall down. Tracy Foden, of Ford Road, has complained to tap manufacturers Howard Bird and Co, about the amount of heavy vehicles visiting
BROMSGROVE and Droitwich Spa children will learn more about consumer issues with the aid of a new CD-ROM called Watchdogs. The software, designed by three sixth formers from Prince Henry High School, Evesham, will help young children understand choices
TOWN planners are set to designate a conservation area in Barnt Green during talks on Monday. Officers will present a report to Bromsgrove District Council's planning and highways committee on the scheme set to protect the character of the picturesque
A FORWARD-THINKING police force, which covers Bromsgrove and Droit-wich Spa, is set to fight crime via the airwaves. West Mercia Constabulary will be one of the first in the country to introduce a state-of-the-art digital radio service. The BT Airwave
ON August 3, the club changed the venue of its Thursday evening meeting (temporarily) from the Baptist Church Hall, Alvechurch, to the Arrow Valley Countryside Centre in Redditch. The 36 members present were welcomed by Mr Steve Sullivan, Manager of the
MORE than 2,000 visitors enjoyed farming fun in the sun at an historic show in Upton Warren, on Saturday. The Bromsgrove and District Farmers' Club Annual Show dates back around 100 years and the Millennium event boasted more attractions than ever. Held
WAR veterans from Rubery have gone overseas to pay their respects to soldiers who lost their lives in battle. Members of the village's Royal British Legion went to Ypres, in Belgium, on Friday to take part in a memorial service. They planned to lay their
THE new president is Ian Stalker (above). Married with two daughters, Mr Stalker lives in Redditch and has been a member of the club since 1993. He has been on the committee for two years and the club unanimously elected him. Mr Stalker has great hopes
THE September meeting began on a sad note with the announcement of the death of Bill Greenaway. Mr Greenaway became a member in the early 1970s and worked on the committee for most of the 1980s. He supported many events, including the trip to the London
A BIG-hearted Bromsgrove businessman who wanted to enlighten the lives of the sick and elderly turned dreams into reality when he founded the Pamela May. Bernard Clements pulled out all the stops to build a canal boat for people whose horizons are limited
September 16, 1950 Following numerous requests from passenger-transport undertakings in London and the provinces, the firm of Dudley's, Arrow Road, Redditch, set out to devise a window screen wiper that would operate without attention for much longer
September 12, 1975 Redditch should take the lead in trying to change people's ideas about pets, especially dogs, according to a local councillor. "The whole attitude to dogs has got to be changed as far as the law is concerned and as far as health is
THE swarm of bees which had gathered inside the large lamp in front of the Bell Inn, in Bromsgrove, on Wednesday was still there on Friday. 100 years ago September 15, 1900 THE swarm of bees which had gathered inside the large lamp in front of the Bell
Thursday, September 14 The Impostors: The Ultimate 60s Show, Palace Theatre. Tickets from 65203. One Man Show: John Wayne, Mom, Apple Pie And Other Myths, The other Place, Stratford. And September 19. Tickets from 01789 412655. Friday, September 15 Dancing
FARMERS caught up in the collapse of electricity supply company Independent Energy will be kept up-to-date on the best course of action to take. The Farm Energy Centre based at the National Agricultural Centre in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, is offering
UNEMPLOYMENT has risen across Worcestershire for the second successive months. The number of jobless people in the county rose by 2.5 per cent, leaving 6,511 people claiming benefit in August compared with 6,352 in July. In July, the number of jobless
Tuesday, September 13, 2000. KIDDERMINSTER Harriers were left kicking themselves all the way home after failing to cash in against a Southend side down to ten men for the final 39 minutes of last night's match. In the end they had to settle for a share
REDDITCH has been thrown into chaos as the blockade of the town's main fuel supplier continues. The situation is reaching crisis point after most petrol stations announced they had run dry - with no indication of when the next fuel delivery will be. Hundreds
