OUTRAGED councillors are putting pen to paper following news that plans to relieve the flooding problem in Rubery have been scuppered because of lack of cash. At last Wednesday's meeting of Bromsgrove District Council's policy and resources committee,
MOTORISTS were left fuming for a second time today after a decision to close Worcester's main road bridge caused rush-hour traffic gridlock. Commuters faced hours of delays last night as city centre streets ground to a halt. Shops and businesses urged
A FORMER Worcester mayor believes traffic chaos could have been avoided if council officers had monitored New Road rather than closing it. Councillor Derek Prodger spoke to David Wareing, chief executive of the city council, this morning urging him to
A FURIOUS city man claims water giant Severn Trent left him in the deep end after refusing to remove raw sewage flushed into his home by the floods. David Morgan said condoms and nappies were washed into his garden when a man hole cover in his road was
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. Knights Chemist, Evesham Road, Crabbs Cross
DROITWICH Seconds continued their winning streak this season to remain top of DTZ Seconds Division Two West. Spa applied pressure on West Brom right from the word go, leading to Wayne Brown scoring the first goal of the match. A second soon followed with
WORCESTERSHIRE County Darts Squad were top of their division at the start of their match against Avon, but talent and commitment were not enough to pull off the win. Vital missed doubles, mostly on the final legs, saw them lose 14-22. The Women's B lost
GARRINGTONS settled the quicker and took the lead through Richard Pincher. Fairfield came back into the game and ten minutes before the break scored when a move by Richard Hammond and Waine Devey ended with Luke Thomas driving the ball home from 18 yards
TOWNSFOLK can shine a light for a loved one this Christmas as part of a new charity venture. Victoria Square will be home to the Tree of Light this year. Residents are being invited to sponsor lights on the cedar tree in memory of a relative or friend
CHAPTER One Badminton Club is eager to recruit new members to their friendly set-up. The club, based at Bromsgrove School sports hall, Worcester Road, meet every Saturday between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Each session costs £3. For more information, contact
THE gridlock which caused Worcester to grind to a halt yesterday afternoon and evening - and lead to all manner of problems for commuters trying to reach work today - has created fury in many quarters. Take last night's city environmental health committee
SCUMBAGS are operating in the Redditch area, using sometimes leaflets on which only telephone numbers appear, arriving in vans similarly adorned offering "building services/repairs," tree-pruning services and tarmac drives, preying on old and vulnerable
WHILE not wishing to involve myself in the democratic process of Alvechurch, I must comment on the letter of Morris Jephcott (Advertiser, November 1). His summary of William Hague's vision of Britain seems to me to be a little bit too brief - he seems
IN reply to Councillor Gavin Smithers' letter ''Labour must listen harder'' (Advertiser, November 1), it was good to hear the council can apply for Government help to make Redditch a better place to live. However, I do not think councillors need a lesson
COUNTY Councillor Tom Wareing was quoted in the Redditch Advertiser (November 1) as saying: "I would say that it's very important that we support the original route planned in the nineties and anything less is folly." The councillor is, of course, referring
ALCESTER skipper Andy Flynn has admitted it's win or bust time for his beleaguered charges as they visit bottom club Pinley on Saturday (ko 2.30pm). The Coventry-based side are the only team below Alcester in the Warwickshire One after losing all six
WOODRUSH were left kicking their heels at the weekend after traffic problems put an end to the planned first team fixture at Midlands Three West North side Old Halesonians. And to complete a disappointing day for the club the seconds were well-beaten
THE number of violent crimes committed in the town during October was well below the target for Redditch and Bromsgrove, it has been revealed. Redditch police have just released their latest crime figures which show there have only been 0.53 incidents
K Norton 21 Pershore 29 The visitors who steered a close game in their favour in a frantic last five minutes. Kings Norton had their team sheet dictated by an ongoing injury crisis. Poor conditions detracted from the game as a spectacle. The hosts's only
A REDDITCH Funeral Directors is warning residents to be on their guard from bogus callers after an incident. Two smartly dressed men called on a house in Woodrow claiming they were from Huntleys Ltd, Ipsley Street, Smallwood. They referred to the cost
PEOPLE from across the town proved helping youngsters throughout the country could be real fun as their toe-tapping antics brought in handfuls of cash. About 140 people ranging in age from seven to 70 took part in a 12-hour sponsored line dancing session
SCORES of residents have spoken out against plans to create a new £1 million state-of-the-art nightclub in the former Gala Bingo Hall in the town centre. A letter with 38 signatures has been sent to Redditch Council over an application for a public entertainment
REDDITCH councillors finally agreed to adopt a system to allow the public their say at planning meetings after debating the subject at length for the second time. The proposal to let people speak for three minutes on planning issues had already been passed
A POPULAR Redditch police officer has been nominated to take the prestigious title of Britain's community constable of the year. Pc Robin White was chosen by the West Mercia Force to compete against officers from across the country and will attend the
MANAGERS and volunteers at Redditch's first Credit Union Shop are toasting 12 months of successful business as they celebrate their first anniversary. The shop was opened by Jacqui Smith MP in November 1999 and has gone from strength to strength. Since
A REDDITCH father of three has voiced his concern over the lack of facilities for youngsters in the town after his election as the Liberal Democrat prospective Parliamentary candidate. Mike Ashall, who has lived in Redditch for more than 20 years, takes
RESIDENTS in the Foxcote Close area of Winyates have called for immediate action to stop corrosive materials landing on their houses. They have appealed yet again to the Environment Agency over the long-running problem of corrosive material floating in
A STUDLEY firefighter was commended for good conduct and 20 years' service to Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service at a recent annual county medal and awards ceremony. Leading firefighter Kevan Skidmore was also presented with the Retained Availability
RESIDENTS are being called on to brave the elements and help save lives. The National Blood Service has reported a 10 per cent drop in attendance at donor sessions recently in the area. And organisers believe this decrease has come as a result of flu
KIND-hearted townsfolk have been sending their good wishes to a consultant at the Alexandra Hospital who has septicaemia. Eye specialist Mr Bichitra Das has received more than 50 get well cards from his patients in Redditch. And the consultant, who has
THE first Remembrance Day of the new millennium will see scores of services being held across the area this weekend in honour of our fallen war heroes. Many churches are holding Remembrance Day services at 10.30am on Sunday including St Leonard's, Beoley
THERE'S a group of enthusiasts in Redditch who regularly have that sinking feeling but never worry about getting out of their depth. The Redditch Sub Aqua Club meets every Tuesday evening at Hewell Road swimming pool in Batchley. The club was formed in
A COUNTY councillor has spoken of his delight that a promise made to young people in Crabbs Cross and Astwood Bank has been kept. Councillor Tom Wareing has been actively seeking financial support from Worcestershire Youth Services for several years,
Sir - I have been out here nearly six months and next to my letters from home, I look forward with pleasure to the arrival of the Indicator, which is forwarded to me regularly each week. Although newspapers take rather longer to get here than letters,
FLANDERS and Picardy in Northern France saw some of the bloodiest fighting of the First World War. There was complete devastation. Buildings, roads, trees and natural life disintegrated into seas of mud - graves for the dead while still more men fought
THE Royal British Legion is Britain's leading charity protecting the interests, welfare and memory of ex-British servicepeople and their families and dependants. Anyone who has been in the British armed forces for seven days or more - and their families
Neil Culley carried his friend's dog Girlie who is 18 years-old, blind and deaf, through the floodwater at Upton-upon-Severn. The dog's owner, Peter Emms, follows behind.
HISTORY was brought to life for Droitwich Spa pupils studying the Romans. The Onatti Theatre Group performed The Roman Way, at Chawson First School, in Wych Road. Ninety children, aged eight and nine, watched the hour-long production. It featured two
A BUSY town road is being given a smart new appearance costing £11,500. Wychavon District Council will fit a 55-metre stretch of railings in Queen Street. Galvanised iron railings were put up two years ago, along with decorative bollards, hanging basket
DROITWICH Spa will be twinkling brightly this Christmas thanks to new decorations worth £14,000. The decorations and light display were fitted on Monday, ready for the switching on event on Saturday November 25. Droitwich Spa's Festival of Music and Light
A DEFIANT Droitwich pensioner has lost a battle with Wychavon District Council over her business rate debts. Nellie Copson, who lives above her shop in High Street, applied to the council's planning committee to change the use of her home from retail
A HANBURY sheep farmer fears there will be a serious road accident if a tank flooding a country lane with water is not repaired. Wally Pugh lives in Holmes Lane where there has been a steady flow of water for the past ten weeks because of a leaking booster
A BLOCK of flats in Droitwich Spa which has been targeted by vandals needs urgent renovation work, a councillor claims. Charland Court, in Westlands, is blighted by vandals who have smashed windows, daubed graffiti on walls and tampered with electricity
POLICE caught two men who stole 46 bottles of whisky from a Droitwich Spa supermarket when they stopped them for speeding. Wesley Stockley and Andrew Leary caused £100 worth of damage when they broke into Kwik Save, in Saltway, and stole the alcohol on
SARACENS' chief executive Francois Pienaar believes Worcester Rugby Club will prove to be a tough nut to crack in the Tetley Bitter Cup fifth round tie on Sunday. The former South African skipper, who lifted the World Cup back in 1995, knows the Premiership
IAN Hurdman is still waiting for his first win in the Benson and Hedges Snooker Championship since the tournament switched from Scotland to Malvern in 1997. The Droitwich-based professional suffered again at the Willie Thorne Snooker Club last night,
WORCESTER City's star striker Mark Owen and goalkeeper Danny McDonnell have both earned call-ups to the Dr Martens League representative squad. Owen, who has 14 goals this season, and McDonnell, who has been in fine form since his summer arrival from
FORMER Worcester Rugby Club centre John Devereux has been called up for the Wales Rugby League World Cup squad. The 34-year-old, who spent the 1998-99 season at Sixways has been included in the squad for Sunday's quarter-final against Papua New Guinea
OUTSTANDING. That's the only way to describe Broms-grove Rovers' 1-0 triumph over Droylsden in last night's FA Umbro Trophy first round replay at the Victoria Ground. From goalkeeper Nore Gabbi-don to striker Richard Burgess, each Rovers man was desperate
STOURPORT Swifts hope to have Tim Nicholls back from injury for tonight's Midland Alliance game at Bloxwich Town (7.45). The game was put back from last night and switched to Blox-wich as Swifts' Walshes Meadow ground is affected by the floods. Swifts
Something Dandy merits an interest in the Skylark Novices' Hurdle at Taunton tomorrow. Jim Old's seven-year-old has not been seen out since May when he showed improved form to finish an 11-length second to Wild Spice over three and a quarter miles at
BROMSGROVE'S progress through to the fourth round of the trophy for English junior rugby football clubs has been anything but convincing. A bye in round one, a win by a single point at home to Cleobury Mortimer in round two and on Saturday, progress on
THE Royal Shakespeare Company's winter season kicks off on Monday with a musical production of The Secret Garden, based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. In a lonely manor house on the Yorkshire Moors, Archibald Craven's yearning for his late wife
THE Chancellor's pre-Budget speech got cautious approval from the head of Warwickshire Age Concern yesterday (Wednesday). Elizabeth Phillips, director, said she was pleased with the minimum income guarantee of £92.15 per pensioner from next year but the
HANDBAGS at ten paces, fireworks and a disallowed winner from striker Richard Burgess --- they were all included in Rovers' stalemate on Saturday. And in truth, it was no more than the Greens deserved after their second half performance, rubbishing the
WITH the whole of the country awash with water many contests have had to be cancelled or transferred from swollen rivers to canals and pools. And with the record flood levels it will be some time before they recede to safe fishing conditions. One club
AN experienced Bromsgrove cobbler put his best foot forward at a prestigious competition for shoe repairers and stamped his quality mark. Martin Connellan scooped joint runner-up at the Shoe Repairer of the Year contest which attracted more than 3,000
FREE computer training is up for grabs in Droitwich Spa. NEW College, which hosts classes at The Furlong, in Berry Hill Industrial Estate, is looking for retired residents, the unemployed or full-time workers to take part in the scheme. Anyone aged 16
PREMIER leaders Redditch Regals whitewashed West Midlands Police 111-24. Corrine Stone returned after starring for Great Britain Police to score a season high 40 points after lining up alongside clubmate Becky Nicholson for Coventry Quality Cats a day
REDDITCH paralympian Richard White is aiming to repeat his medal-winning heroics at the World Championships in Paris next year. The 18-year-old NEW College student won bronze in the 200m and 100m at Sydney and wants to go one better in the 100m, 200m
Redditch Ladies 1 Bridgnorth 1 Redditch Ladies halted the visitors' perfect start to the season with a tenacious display. Player of the Match Emma Manders slotted in impressively at left back and Redditch worked the ball well out of defence. After 20
Market Drayton 5 Redditch 0 A Weakened Redditch started strongly but eight minutes into the game lively Andrew Preston had a knock on the ankle from a poor tackle and had to sit out the game. The visitors changed had to reorganise but shipped a deflected
Redditch 3 Stafford 2 THE first half saw Redditch spring to life with the new midfield of Kimbles and Allen on the mark and keeping possession. Keeper Shute had little to do against the league leaders and the deadlock was broken in the 12th minute as
REDDITCH skipper Jason Spyer backed the club decision to field a weakened side in the HA Cup on Sunday despite seeing his young charges crash 5-0 to Market Drayton. Redditch visit Market Drayton in the DTZ Debenham Thorpe League on Saturday (3pm start
A BROMSGROVE father-of-three faces weeks of pain because he cannot leave his disabled son to have a vital operation. Fred Rawlings went to County Hall, in Worcester, on Monday to protest at cuts in social services that mean they cannot provide five days
THE Government will soon have troops trained as petrol tanker drivers. Will they be paid in cash, or rifles that would be reliable on active service, plus the ammunition that is in desperate short supply due to the present Government's defence cuts? BRIAN
DEAR old George Cowley has missed the point again. I know we swear when under stress but the actor's lines in plays and films is nothing to do with stress. The use of the "F" word today is an easy way to fill out a script. I maintain it does nothing to
I BET there was an extra loud cheer on Mr P Hughes' night shift on Monday, October 30, when they read his reply to me. As I've said before, if the Editor stopped printing my "commonsense" and sometimes "interesting" letters (to quote Mr Hughes) then I'd
ON page 19 of the Evening News (Tuesday, October 31) I read the story headlined A Trail of Death and Destruction and Michael Meacher saying that the storms are evidence of a change in our climate as a result of pumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere
Tuesday, November 7, 2000 TONY Bird finally broke his duck by hitting two dramatic last-gasp goals in Kidderminster Harriers 2-1 win over Kingstonian in last night's JC Thompson Champion-ship Shield clash at Aggborough. After failing to find the net in
WE averted the possibility of another major cup exit with a 3-0 win over Mangotsfield United in the FA Umbro Trophy on Saturday. It was an unspectacular performance but at the end we were pleased to go through with a 3-0 scoreline. At kick-off time it
BROMSGROVE took the lead through a converted Steve Gauder try after seven minutes. Following some good work from the forwards the ball was made quickly available for Tim Hall to score an unconverted try on 26 minutes. It was all Bromsgrove now and on
RE Memory Lane of October 25, 50 years ago, and the plan to build a bungalow at the bottom of a deep disused quarry at Hill Top, Bromsgrove. The plan presented to the council showed the bungalow to be on the unquarried part, between the Old Quarry and
I was very concerned to read in the Advertiser/Messenger about the recent ferry delays. I was a courier on the Harris Travel coach returning from Italy and the reality was that we were not given a choice to travel. When we arrive at the docks in Calais
Alvechurch manager Mick Preece has completed the signing of Northfield Town striker Adam Ryder. The former Barnt Green forward is expected to be available for Saturday's trip to Massey Ferguson (ko 2.45pm). And Preece has spoken to Redditch United about
Wednesday, November 8 MIDLAND FOOTBALL COMBINATION PREMIER DIVISION FECKENHAM v Nuneaton Griff 7.30pm ko Saturday, November 11 DR MARTENS LEAGUE WESTERN DIVISION RC Warwick v REDDITCH UNITED 3pm ko MIDLAND FOOTBALL COMBINATION PREMIER DIVISION FECKENHAM
KINGS Heath manager Sean Lawless is trying to bolster his squad ahead of the visit of struggling Bolehall Swifts on Saturday (ko 2.45pm). Lawless is trying to bring in forwards after suffering a striker shortage at the weekend. Midfielders Vinny Rattrey
SOMETHING to shout about at last! That's the message bellowing from the Victoria Ground after Bromsgrove Rovers won the delayed Worcester Royal Infirmary Cup Final from last season. Managerless Rovers lifted the cup with a 5-3 extra time triumph over
STAFF at Bromsgrove's Woolworths store took part in national Loud Tie Day. They were helping raise awareness of a disease which kills thousands every year yet which, if detected early, can be successfully treated. For staff at the High Street store who
PLANS for a much-needed waste reclamation centre at Aston Road is in the pipeline -- the Advertiser Messenger can exclusively reveal. Presently, the only local facility at Money Lane, in Romsley, becomes very congested at peak times, serving as it does
THE flags will be flying later this month and organisers of a popular charity fundraising evening are hoping it will be a glorious event. The Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre is hosting its annual Last Night of the Proms celebration on Saturday
LONG-SUFFERING town centre residents are being given the chance to have their say on a new scheme designed to cut problems caused by speeding motorists using roads as 'rat runs'. Worcestershire Highways Partnership in Bromsgrove is proposing to close
OCTOBER saw the return of Dr Bob Bushaway, of Birmingham University, who spoke last year on the subject of the First World War as it had been portrayed by various artists. His subject was "The English Harvest" and again it was viewed through descriptive
FOR the October meeting, a skittles evening and meal was held at the Mother Huff Cap. The skittles cup was won by Helen Winder and the raffle by Christine Pugh. The November meeting will be a Christmas flower demonstration by Fran Hales.
THE president warmly welcomed members to the October meeting, the last in the current venue. Speaker Pat Hoare gave a talk entitled "Life in Japan as she knew it". She stressed that her talk was about Japan 52 years ago. She went out as a 22-year-old
BROMSGROVE'S ancient Court Leet has chosen its new bailiff for the next 12 months. He is chartered surveyor and estate agent Adrian Powell, a partner in the St John Street family firm established in 1946 by his late father, A Victor Powell, who was bailiff
AT the meeting on October 27, Angela Lanyon talked to members about her career as an in-house theatre manager. She has now retired to Worcester, writing for radio and working with children's theatre. Her talk commenced with her early experiences when
THOUSANDS of determined Bromsgrove residents who turned out to enjoy the town's bonfire night celebrations despite the wet weather have been praised for their support. It is estimated around 5,000 people poured into Sanders Park, off Kidderminster Road
THE AGM proceeded smoothly, helped along by VCO Iris Montgomery, who had only returned from America hours before. Brenda Dainty agreed to continue as president. Members were reminded of the group craft fair on November 11, at Wythall Institute and were
TWO men arrested on suspicion of the murder of a man whose decapitated body was discovered in a Rednal park have been released on bail while inquires continue. A man walking his dog in Cofton Park discovered Julian Sanders's body in May. His head was
Elaine Frampton gave a delightful demonstration at the October meeting and entertained members with snippets from Charles Dickens' books which were very appropriate to the various arrangements she produced during her very enjoyable two-hour session. The
A drunken night out ended with a Bromsgrove man launching an attack with a butcher's sharpening steel on another man, Worcester Crown Court was told. In a fight, 33-year-old Dale Hobbis stabbed Phillip Lyall in the neck with the steel, which had snapped
RESIDENTS are being urged to check up on Bromsgrove District Council's plans for the future to ensure their voices have been heard. The district's first draft Local Agenda 21 Plan has been published and is on display for a month at various venues in the
THE owner of Bromsgrove's Euphoria nightclub will have to wait to hear whether his application to extend the latest time for admission from 11pm to midnight is given the go-ahead. Members of Bromsgrove District Council's licensing sub-committee were set
A HARD-WORKING group of fundraisers at Westlands First School organises money-spinning events to boost pupils. The Friends of Westlands group is made up of parents, governors and teachers. It collects around £1,000 each year and buys the Droitwich Spa
ACCESS to dental services for people in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa is set to receive a £50,000 cash boost. The money will be used to enable local dentists to treat hundreds more people on the NHS. Worcestershire Health Authority will get the money from
Two burglars terrified a woman alone in bed in the early hours at her home, Worcester Crown Court was told. She was woken by the sound of breaking glass and heard voices. She screamed, banged on the wall and telephoned 999, said Tim Hannam, prosecuting
BROMSGROVE'S Liberal Democrats have selected Margaret Rowley (pictured right) to fight the seat at the next General Election. She lives in Tibberton, near Droitwich Spa, and is leader of the Opposition on Wychavon District Council. She has lived in the
November 11, 1950 Nearly 200 parishoners and friends assembled in the village hall in Feckenham on Monday night to bid farewell to The Reverend A E L Walker, vicar of Feckenham and former rural dean, who has resigned the living and who will be leaving
November 7, 1975 Beer shortages caused by a drayman's dispute at Ansell's Brewery have led to the closure of some Redditch public houses. The town centre pubs have been forced to put the towels up indefinitely and many face imminent closure as the inter-union
Thursday, November 9 Yeomen of the Guard, Festival Theatre, Malvern. Until November 11. Tickets from 01684 892277. Crafts for Christmas and Hobbycrafts, Birmingham NEC. Until November 12. Tickets from 0121 780 4133. Bizet: Carmen, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
THE company which has salvaged charity work carried out by the Droitwich Furniture Recycling Project is to extend its service in Worcestershire. Roundabout will continue to distribute second-hand furniture to needy residents in south Worcestershire, Warwickshire
THE workplace death toll in Herefordshire and Worcestershire is still too high, the Health & Safety Commission warns. New figures released by the watchdog revealed just two fatalities between April 1999 and March this year. But despite falling numbers
POLICE are appealing for help to find robbers who threatened two teenagers in the street and made off with one of their wallets. The teenage youths were walking home in Stourport at about 2.10am on Sunday when they were accosted by three men in their
HOT curry was followed by warm words at an outdoor birthday party in August, Kidderminster magistrates heard. Blows were exchanged after Charles Owen, who was celebrating his 40th birthday, fell out with his neighbours, takeaway owners from whom he had
BUSES across Worcestershire were today suffering long delays built up after the closure of Worcester Bridge. Austin Birks, spokesman of First Midland Red, said while as many services as possible were running as normal, vehicles were being delayed because
A FLOOD-hit businessman has been left devastated after thieves stole £5,000 worth of ornate mirrors from a lock-up unit. Gordon Hansford, who has been running Colourflair for more than 40 years, said he could not believe thieves were so heartless as to
A RETIRED vicar from Droitwich Spa is confident he can halt development work near his home despite disappointment in the High Court in London on Wednesday. An application by the Rev Ronald Waters to stop work at Yew Tree Hill was thrown out, pending a
WORCESTER MP Mike Foster has demanded assurances from a county health chief about Worcester Royal Infirmary's ability to cope with winter pressures. The MP held talks with Harold Musgrove, chairman of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, where he
HEALTH chiefs are sticking to their guns in a row over whistleblowing in the NHS. The British Medical Association told Worcestershire Trust boss Ruth Harrison she was wrong to write a letter to senior staff stopping them from contacting the media without
AS Worcester struggles to cope with the rising floodwaters, one city housing estate has been left dry. People living in Lower Wick have been forced to rely on water bowsers for their supply this week, as Severn Trent Water carries out essential work.
AN inquest into the death of a Worcester teenager who was killed in a head-on smash has been opened and adjourned. Phillip Allen, of Isaac Walk, St John's, died on Sunday night when his silver Citroen AX was in collision with a Ford Fiesta on the A38.
WORCESTER'S new groundbreaking cinema was given the celebrity treatment with film star Jenny Agutter opening the complex. The star of the 1970s adaptation of The Railway Children and American Werewolf in London officially opened the six-screen complex
WITH a side containing three Under 15s and two more players who had only played a dozen games between them, Town soon found themselves 3-0 down, although on possession they more than held the balance. Both Nick Frizzell and Carl Mason could have reduced
BROMSGROVE'S poor run of form continued with this defeat against a mediocre Stratford outfit. Town started brightly and Matt Russell had chances to score before Stratford scored from open play and then quickly despatched another from a penalty corner.
CATSHILL U8s 1 Crusaders U8s 2. A closely fought contest saw Catshill take the lead with a goal from James Lund, but an equaliser left thehalf time score at 1-1. Crusaders took the edge late in the second half. MoM was Andrew Turnbull. Callowbrook Swifts
FAIRFIELD travelled to Smethwick based side Thimblemill and came away with a draw after fielding a depleted side. The game started with the youthful home side causing Villa problems with their fast direct approach. Bu it was Villa who took the lead after
TOWN cruised into the last eight without ever extending themselves. James Harris opened the scoring with a left-foot drive and Duncan McLeod added the second five minutes later. Carl Gray headed number three and Stuart Eades bagged the fourth with a left-foot
THE Big Crown Bowling League have announced two new websites. For league information: http://www.snyde.com/leagues/league_616_1.shtml For league news: http://www.communigate.co.uk/worcs/bigcrownbowlingleague/index.phtml
A TEENAGER who sought salvation at the Droitwich Single Homeless Project claims her life was made a misery and wants action to prevent others suffering. Michelle Evans moved into the Ombersley Road base in February after an argument with her family. During
DROITWICH maintained their unbeaten league record despite last minute changes due to sweeper Sue Williams' injury. The game went to plan for Spa when Gemma Richards converted in the opening minutes. With ongoing pressure and good team work, Kate Rodgman
DROITWICH & District Snooker League results, October 31 2000. Division One: BUC A 2 AFSC C 3; MILL B 5 BPC A 0; CWMC A 5 DRBL B 0; AFSC A 1 DSC A 4; DGC A 3 CWMC C 2. Division Two: BRBL B 3 CWMC B 2; DRBL A BUC C (Result not in); BPC B 3 BUC D 2;
A CONVICTED sex offender living in Droitwich Spa has escaped eviction despite the appeals of residents. On Friday, Redditch County Court suspended Spa Housing Association's bid to evict tenant Kevin Milton, of Bourne Close. Court action began following
FLOODS hampered the efforts of emergency services on Monday following the discovery of a small gas leak near Droitwich Spa High School. The leak was reported at noon, in Briar Mill. Access was blocked because the River Salwarpe has burst its banks and
May I, through your newspaper, express the gratitude of Astwood Bank carnival committee to all of those folk who made the effort to attend this year's bonfire and fireworks display at the premises of SE Davis and Son Ltd in Edgeoake Lane. Many, many people
THINGS can only get better. Nice song, shame it did not happen. But when we join Europe as a full equal partner, things will get better. Since New Labour (old Tory) took over, our rights have been stripped even more. For example I have been promoted to
ON television a day or so ago I heard the Prime Minister say fuel prices must remain high to allow the Government to have more money for hospitals etc. What got up my nose was it was also for the benefit of pensioners. How could he be so two faced when
I HAVE just read your article ''Language barrier to health care'' (Advertiser, November 1). Difficulty communicating between two parties because of a language barrier is a two-sided coin. Betty Passingham's efforts to overcome these difficulties at our
REMEMBRANCE Day is Saturday, November 11 and Remembrance Sunday this year will be November 12, with services in Redditch at St Stephen's Church (town centre), St Matthias and St George Church (Astwood Bank) and Webheath Village Hall. May I take the opportunity
THE new Human Rights Act is now law and a Bromsgrove solicitor expects it will cause many problems in court. Norman Robertson Smith is a partner at Morton Fisher Solicitors, in St John Street. He is one of 27 solicitors in the UK listed by the Law Society
REDDITCH made it two wins on the trot on Saturday for the first time this season with a 13-5 friendly win over Evesham. The Midlands Four West South side upset the form book against a side who play a division higher. But Saturday's win and last week's
A REDDITCH baby who was born 14 weeks prematurely defied doctors by reaching his first birthday on Sunday. Brandon Stokes weighed just 1lb 15oz when he was born and spent 10 weeks on ventilation at Wolverhampton New Cross Hospital before being transferred
Redditch 13 Evesham 5 Evesham started strongly with their big pack looking to intimidate Redditch from the kick off. The hosts held their discipline and began to overcome their aggressive opponents. Gareth Davies and Mark Broom came close on the Evesham
Alcester 12 Birmingham University Medics 15 ALCESTER were consigned to a fourth successive defeat by their student visitors in an evenly matched game at Kings Coughton. Both sides opened brightly, but although the Alcester forwards held the early advantage
PETROL stations across Redditch have seen business increase dramatically as townsfolk rush to fill their tanks before any possible fuel blockades next week. Back in the middle of September, the Redditch Advertiser reported how the town had been thrown
Tuesday, November 7, 2000 OUTSTANDING. That's the only way to describe Bromsgrove Rovers' 1-0 triumph over Droylsden in last night's FA Umbro Trophy first round replay at the Victoria Ground. From goalkeeper Nore Gabbi-don to striker Richard Burgess,
TWO parishioners of Headless Cross Methodist Church have vowed to try to save their unique church from demolition. Church members were recently asked to vote on options concerning the building's future. These consisted of doing nothing and facing its
A judge has promised a 33-year-old crook a chance to go straight after he served a number of jail terms over the past 12 years. Graham Smith, of Bushley Close, had 77 offences of thefts from vehicles on his police record, Worcester Crown Court heard.
ABOUT 200 buses an hour will be going through the newly opened up underpass at the bottom of Bates Hill in the town centre, it has been announced. The move comes as part of the temporary bus re-routing while work on rebuilding a new bus station and revamping
EXTRA staff had to be drafted in to take calls from thousands of townsfolk who were left without electricity for up to three days last week. GPU Power had to deal with scores of small faults following severe rain and gales last week. But The Slough resident
MEMORIES of Alvechurch from 1920-1960 have been captured in a book compiled over an 18-month period by three village women. The Snapshot of Village Life in Words and Pictures will be given an official launch in Alvechurch Baptist Church hall on Saturday
WORK on a £2 million project to refurbish a Redditch middle school will begin in three weeks, it has been announced. Final proposals to transform Lodge Farm Middle School came before Worcestershire County Councillors on Monday during an executive committee
REDDITCH Citizens Advice Bureau is always thinking carefully about how best to provide the service. Apart from being confidential, independent and impartial, the service is also free. This is an important principle and we would not want it any other way
A BIZARRE feud which saw The Royal British Legion banned from Remembrance Day services in one Redditch church is set to come to an end after 16 years. The Webheath branch of the legion has been holding its own services in the village hall since 1984 after
A REDDITCH man who decided he wanted to branch out and start his own business has seen his dream come true. Roy Brooks now has his own reproduction furniture business thanks to a £10,000 grant from The Prince's Trust and the county council. Mr Brooks
HUNDREDS of townsfolk braved fierce winds and torrential rain to support Redditch Fire Station's annual bonfire and fireworks display on Sunday. The event was hailed a success, despite a drop in visitors due to appalling weather conditions. But station
CALLS are being made to see the derelict former ABC Cinema on Unicorn Hill transformed into something useful for Redditch. The venue has been boarded up for more than 18 months. Plans to turn it into a multiplex were submitted to Redditch Council but
A BLIND and deaf Redditch man who left school with no qualifications has defied his disability by beginning his second computer course at college. Kevin Richardson, of Winyates West, recently gained a distinction and a recognised qualification in computer
WAR veteran's will be gathering in Redditch on Remembrance Sunday to mark Armistice Day and pay homage to their fallen comrades. And this year there will be added interest as St Stephen's Church hosts a special exhibition entitled Redditch at War. Organisers
MORE than three-quarters of the population are expected to pause for the Two Minute Silence at 11am on Saturday to mark the moment the guns fell silent at the end of the First World War. The Royal British Legion, which has campaigned since 1995 for the
A view of the Severn Bridge in the city centre from the cathedral tower. The bridge was once again closed yesterday (Monday) at 3.30pm and remains closed today.
Traffic warden Sharon Webb still reported for duty despite conditions being somewhat challenging. But if these scenes near Brown's Restaurant in Worcester, are anything to go by, she surely must have found herself putting in a shorter working day!
A POPULAR charity bonfire bash in Droitwich Spa was sacrificed to help emergency services keep residents safe in flood-stricken parts of the county. Droitwich Lions had planned a fireworks display at The Castle pub, in Worcester Road. But the event was
A FIRE safety officer from Droitwich has voiced concerns about a firework display near his home. Alan Vernalls, of Hampton Road, said his family were prisoners in their own home because of the event at the canal basin on Saturday. The bonfire bash organised
FAMILIES will honour wartime veterans and the soldiers who paid the ultimate price for freedom during this Sunday's Remembrance Parade. Residents can join in the procession which starts in Station Street at 10.15am. It makes its way to Victoria Square
A TRIAL scheme in Droitwich Spa in which a nurse attended emergency incidents has come to a close. The nurse responder scheme started in May and he answered 77 life-threatening calls. He was on the scene within eight minutes of 53 per cent of calls, providing
TONY Bird finally broke his duck by hitting two dramatic last-gasp goals in Kidderminster Harriers 2-1 win over Kingstonian in last night's JC Thompson Champion-ship Shield clash at Aggborough. After failing to find the net in 16 appearances since joining
REDDITCH Operatic Society returns to the Palace Theatre this month with its autumn production, a romantic comedy featuring a feast of stylish dance from the swinging sixties. Following the huge success of Annie Get Your Gun last year, this year's show
THE glitz and glamour of London's West End comes to the Palace Theatre on Saturday in the form of an evening's entertainment featuring hit numbers from current smash-hit musicals. The Wonderful West End includes songs from shows such as Phantom of the
SOME interesting points were raised by the Bromsgrove Society in the Advertiser/Messenger with their call to improve parking at Bromsgrove railway stations. We can only hope that the society does have some influence with district council members in the
PENSIONERS in Evesham are claiming victory this week with the news of significant rises in pensions next year, and a £200 fuel allowance set to drop through their doors next week. But Vale hauliers are not so happy and plan to join any planned national
A TOP award is winging its way to a Bromsgrove pet shop in recognition of its caring attitude towards animals. Wilsons Pet Centre, in Market Street, has been selected as a centre of excellence by Supreme Petfoods. The coveted title recognises the company's
REDDITCH Road & Path Cycling Club is mourning the death of member John Daffern, aged 75. John was a keen competitor from his earliest years, recording some exceptional times in time-trials in the early 1940s before war service interrupted his activities
Redditch Regents 84 Barton Colts 51 REDDITCH'S hopes of fielding the twin peaks of Andy Swift and Lee Dowling were dashed by illness with the latter suffering from flu. But Bromsgrove and Birmingham Bullets forward Swift did a great job scoring ten on
REDDITCH Regents coach Dave Bradshaw is hoping to have flu-hit forward Lee Dowling available for the visit of Old Sils on Sunday (tip-off 8.15pm). The 6ft 6ins forward was bed-ridden for the 84-51 rout of Barton Colts at the weekend but hopes to link
WYTHALL crashed 4-0 at home to Littleton A in Division Two of the Stratford Winter League. Captain Colin Capper lined up with Pete Turner, Paul Foster and Dave Taylor. Wythall B beat Morton-in-the-Marsh 3-1 in Division Three. Wythall's first pairing of
SARACENS' chief executive Francois Pienaar believes Worcester Rugby Club will prove to be a tough nut to crack in the Tetley Bitter Cup fifth round tie on Sunday. The former South African skipper, who lifted the World Cup back in 1995, knows the Premiership
TOUGH -- that's the one word Worcester City boss John Barton uses to sum up his first year in charge. Saturday marks the first anniversary of Barton succeeding Graham Allner in the St George's Lane hot-seat. Bearing in mind City's dire position when he
THE post of chief executive of Bromsgrove District Council, which carries a salary package of £90,000 plus, is a casualty of a major restructuring programme at Burcot Lane, the Advertiser/Messenger can exclusively reveal. It is understood that David Bryant
WORCESTER City's star striker Mark Owen and goalkeeper Danny McDonnell have both earned call-ups to the Dr Martens League representative squad. Owen, who has 14 goals this season, and McDonnell, who has been in fine form since his summer arrival from
DURING Remembrance week, as we think of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, Evening News readers may be interested in finding out more about a loved one who fought and died on a foreign field. The War Research Society is run mainly
CONGRATULATIONS to P Hughes (You Say, Monday, October 30) highlighting the sanctimonious comments we have to read nearly every evening from George Cowley. If George does not stop pontificating about something or other I will have to cancel my order for
I AM sorry P Hughes must write so emotionally about the frequency of George Cowley's letters to the Evening News. After all, people do reply to those short letters - I was just about to reply to one myself. ANNE PAKINGTON, Worcester.
TOWN'S forwards were cracking in goals with satisfying regularity as Pam Wood notched up a hat trick and Kelly Evenson bagged a brace in the first half. Most of the game was played in Stourport's half and any ventures by the opposition into Bromsgrove's
OUTSTANDING. That's the only way to describe Bromsgrove Rovers 1-0 triumph over Droylsden in last night's FA Umbro Trophy round one replay at the Victoria Ground. From goalkeeper Nore Gabbidon through to striker Richard Burgess, each Rovers man was desperate
IN the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League Division One the top two teams are both undefeated and recorded two easy victories last week. Lickey Monarchs beat Astwood Bank 10-0 and the Newton Works A team of Mick Fiddian, Chris Maiden and Michael
DROITWICH rugby ace Nicky Crawford trained with England Ladies at the weekend following her selection to the national set-up. The 28-year-old, who plays for Worcester Ladies, is part of the provisional 43-strong England squad for the 2000/2001 season.
SOCCER stars from Rigby Hall Special School stole the show in a tournament at Villa Park. Eight footballers from the upper school shone in the Footballers with Special Learning Needs tournament, beating Calthorpe and Fox Hollies Special Schools to top
RUBERY Social extended their lead at the top of Division One to six points with a 5-1 romp over Mappleborough Green. Sight & Sound are still propping up Division Two following their 3-2 defeat to New Olympic while Kimal Athletic enjoyed only their
BROMSGROVE U10s acquitted themselves well at the Kidderminster Carolians tournament, reaching the quarter final. Their results are as follows: Bromsgrove U10s 10 Kidderminster U10s 0. The forwards ensured good possession to enable Joseph Garner to score
Forgive me if I sound rather cynical about Peter Luff's statements regarding Droitwich Spa's post office, and Cllr Pinfield's response. When the post office decided to close High Street post office, in Evesham, and transfer its services to the Co-op,
I would like to thank everyone who attended the bonfire and fireworks at The Canals Trust Basin on Saturday. To say that we were amazed is an understatement. There were more than 80 volunteers from across the country working on the canal at the weekend
STUDLEY BKL's Birmingham Senior Cup clash against Dr Martens outfit Atherstone was postponed last night (Tuesday) because of a waterlogged pitch.
ALVECHURCH manager Mick Preece is sweating on the fitness of injured midfielder Christian Townsend. Townsend suffered the recurrence of a dislocated big toe in the 2-2 draw with Alveston last week and is doubtful for the trip to Massey Ferguson on Saturday
STUDLEY hitman Brian Powell has been ruled out for six weeks after a recurrence of the hamstring injury which forced him to miss the start of the season. Powell, Bees' leading scorer for the past four seasons, smashed five goals in a 7-2 demolition of
FECKENHAM manager Clive Campion said he was happy with four points after grinding out results against Highgate and Alveston. The Millers boss praised his players after four-goal Andy Underwood fired them to a 5-2 win over basement boys Highgate before
Studley BKL 1 Kings Heath 1 AFTER their thrashing of Blackheath in midweek more fireworks were expected at the Beehive on Saturday. But the Bees had to settle for one point as Kings Heath secured the draw with a very late strike. Steve Hands appeared
IN THE Bromsgrove & Redditch Table Tennis League Division One the two top stayed undefeated and recorded two easy victories. Lickey Monarchs beat Astwood Bank 10-0 and the Newton Works A beat Newton Works B by the same scoreline. SPSP went down 6-
A SUPERB end to the season at St Augustine's School saw Goodfellas take the Leisure Leagues Premiership title and Gash win Division One. In the Premier, Exel Recon were runners-up and at the other end of the division Inter and The Spillanes were both
Cup Competitions: Bromsgrove Town U11 2 Redditch 2 (aet) Redditch won 20 on penalties (goals from Sean Fay two, Nathan Wilkes, Gary Simpson); Leamington Jnrs 2 Southcrest Celtic 8 (Lee J Aldridge, four, Ryan Gibson, two, Sean Convey, two); Hunt End Rangers
Redditch & South Warks Combination BSA Cup round 2: Kings FC 1 The Swan Alvechurch 2. Premier Division: Black Horse 6 South Redditch 0; HDA 3 Fordrough 2. Division 1: Millfield OB 0 Thorn 3. Division 3: Hewell Grange 2 Washford Mill 1. Worcester Prem
THE race to be the next Bromsgrove Rovers boss is thundering along at a frenetic pace. Early contender Paul Madders, a former manager of Bloxwich Town and Paget Rangers and current fitness coach at Rovers, has maintained his form to stay in the running
COMMUNITY figures have paid tribute to a popular villager who died after collapsing at a Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council meeting on Monday night. Pensioner Barry Kelkin, of Old Birmingham Road, collapsed at Lickey Parish Hall, during public question
THE victims of two world wars, and other conflicts since, will be remembered at services in and around Bromsgrove this Sunday. On Poppy Day, Saturday November 11, at 11am, in High Street, members of the Bromsgrove branch of the Royal British Legion, and
COUNCIL taxpayers in Bromsgrove are not being sold short over a £2.5m deal between Bromsgrove District Council and ASDA -- an independent valuer has concluded. The deal involves the supermarket buying land from the council to enlarge its Market Street
PLANS have been submitted to build a private nursery in a Rubery road which a leading Labour councillor fears could cost lives. The proposed facility has been earmarked for Gunner Lane which was the centre of a debate when Holywell Primary School was
A BROMSGROVE woman had a "lucky escape" after her car was involved in an horrific crash which killed another driver. Janet Crowe, who lives and works in the town, was travelling home from Worcester along the A38 on Sunday night when a Citroen AX was involved
A MASSIVE £320,000 grant has been awarded to a Bromsgrove charity to help it buy and refurbish new premises in the town and give disabled residents more opportunities. Bromsgrove and District Citizens' Advice Bureau, in Worcester Road, was given the windfall
A THIEF tricked his way into a 92-year-old man's Catshill home and stole cash and his pension book. The victim saw the offender skulking in his garden last Tuesday afternoon and opened the door to see what he wanted. The thief pushed past him and went
GEORGE Davis told members about his hairdressing business, Anja, at the Beauty Cellar, at the foot of Bear Hill. When he left his former premises at West Heath this is where he came and he has made many friends, including some in rival businesses! He
A REDNAL woman who won compensation for her daughter after she was left seriously brain damaged has urged other parents to carry on taking their children to be vaccinated. Olivia Price's daughter, Melissa, was so badly damaged by vaccines that, 25 years
A REDNAL mum fears for her young son's safety if his free bus travel is withdrawn and he is forced to walk the three miles to and from school each day. The 11-year old's twice daily journey to Waseley Hills High School would mean him having to negotiate
IN October, members welcomed Joyce Carroll who took them on a nostalgic journey of her life. Joyce, with her parents, left her roots in Ireland at an early age and travelled to South Wales where her father was employed in the mines. She trained at a nursery
ON October 26, Mrs Pauline Wesley welcomed members to the meeting. The future programme was discussed, the minutes of the last meeting read and approved. Speaker Ken Hughes, who works for the tourist board, gave a talk and slide show about the Jewellery
TALENTED art students in the Bromsgrove area have been praised for achieving "exceptional" grades in exams. Pupils at North Bromsgrove High, South Bromsgrove High and Waseley Hills High Schools have contributed to a 13 per cent rise in A* to C grades
HINTS, surprises and tips flowed from horticultural expert Howard Drury at the last meeting. This was an evening that put plants ahead of gravel, decking and water features. Questions and queries were answered in great depth, often with an instant computer
BRIGHT sparks have already joined our appeal to light up Bromsgrove in memory of loved ones. The first donations have rolled in to the Lights of Love Appeal, and each one will help illuminate a Christmas tree in the town centre. Organisers hope the appeal
A MUSICAL 95-year-old Barnt Green man is stepping down after 80 years of playing the church organ. A special service is being held on Sunday November 19 for Eric Smith, of Hewell Road, who began tinkling the ivories when he started piano tuition at the
THE legacy of a committed Bromsgrove Rotarian will live on aboard the Pamela May thanks to a tremendous £1,000 donation from his trust. Our appeal has been taken to another level following a generous pledge from the Len Giles Trust. Len was a Bromsgrove
A SUPPORT group has been launched in Bromsgrove to offer help and hope to people suffering from depression. The Depression Recovery Group offers the chance to explore the underlying reasons for the illness and to express emotions about it in a confidential
A GUIDE pack in Bromsgrove could be forced to close if a new leader cannot be found. Phil Dolphin, who has led 8th Bromsgrove Guides for the last four years, is leaving at Christmas because of work commitments. The unit, which provides activities for
THE Vicar of Bromsgrove said the conditions working men lived in were an obstacle to religion. 100 years ago November 10, 1900 THE Vicar of Bromsgrove said the conditions working men lived in were an obstacle to religion. "There are cottages in Bromsgrove
November 10, 1900 BEN Jones, labourer, and Arthur Williams, blacksmith, both of Hopwood, Alvechurch, were charged with being drunk in the Birmingham Road on October 28. The case was proved by Pc Haines who stated that the defendant Williams gave a wrong
A singer/songwriter is on the lookout for musicians to help put music to her lyrics. Claire Barrett, 26, of Bromsgrove, has been writing and performing for seven years and is looking to form a band, preferably incorporating a full spectrum of instruments
OUTSTANDING. That's the only way to describe Broms-grove Rovers' 1-0 triumph over Droylsden in last night's FA Umbro Trophy first round replay at the Victoria Ground. From goalkeeper Nore Gabbi-don to striker Richard Burgess, each Rovers man was desperate
BUSINESS is blooming for a Hereford company which sold its botanical extracts division for a whopping £1.5m. Now Birmingham-based Quest Vitamins is hoping its new acquisition, Flavex International, will help its presence in the alternative medicine market
THE mother of a fatal stabbing victim has called for calm following a spate of violent clashes between gangs of white and Asian youths in Redditch. Her plea comes as police are growing increasingly concerned over the number of confrontations since Liam
THE Alexandra Hospital has been under increased pressure over the last few days following an influx of trauma patients who were transferred from a flooded hospital in Worcester. And all non-emergency elective surgery had to be cancelled as it received
