HOMEOWNERS in Lydiate Ash have hit out at proposals to shatter the rural peace with the noise of motocross bikes. West Midlands Youth and Adult Motocross Club Ltd has applied to Bromsgrove District Council to build a track and car park on a former landfill
PLANS for a supermarket in the middle of St John's have been vetoed. Worcester city councillors from all parties ignored officers' advice when they voted last night to throw out proposals for a 46,000sq ft Sainsbury's store at Swanpool Walk. A special
FOOTPATHS and rights of way could be closed to protect farms from the spread of foot-and-mouth. Worried Worcestershire farmers had complained about a lack of powers to block access to their land. But yesterday Agriculture Minister Nick Brown announced
HUNDREDS of people are expected to throng the streets tomorrow for the Queen's first visit to the Faithful City for more than a decade. But royal watchers have been warned to wrap up warmly as temperatures may hover at the 4C mark and there could even
A COMMUNITY action group has lost its battle to save a medieval hamlet from development. Wychavon District Council's planning committee gave delegated approval subject to conditions on Thursday for 71 homes to be built at Hadzor Hall. Residents accused
A FORMER soldier had to be restrained by police using CS spray after attacking two men in Malvern, magistrates were told. Andrew Noon admitted assault causing actual bodily harm on the men - one a retired man who went to the aid of the first victim -
A SPATE of applications for locating telecommunication masts in Wyre Forest has sparked concern among district councillors. Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council John Gordon has asked for backing in sending a message to the Government to underline
Can't get to the away game at Blackpool on Saturday? Don't worry - the Kidderminster Shuttle sports team will bring the game to you!
SPORTY Spa youngsters will be in their element when the town plays host to this year's prestigious county youth games. More than 600 youngsters will join in Worcestershire Youth Games in May, and events will be split between Droitwich Leisure Centre,
WORCESTERSHIRE darters drew at the weekend against Breconshire. Another super Betty Sinnett performance opened the women's A match, as she won 3-0. Tracey Bishop won through in the fifth, followed by Beaty Powell,who won 3-1. Last on, Janet Hill, won
DROITWICH motorcyclist Andy Barwell is back where he belongs after ten-years out in the roadracing wilderness. The 34-year-old pipefitter was forced to hang up his racing leathers when financial circumstances made it impossible for him to compete at the
DROITWICH Spa's Robin Dale is confident he will emerge as a front-runner in this year's Elf Clio Renaultsport UK Cup. The 36-year-old, managing director of a motor insurance claims company, steadily improved with each round in last year's Clio Cup until
DROITWICH, needing a win to keep in the running for promotion, made a good start when Guy Sambrook scored from a penalty corner and Andy Harris netted from a Leon Walters cross before half time. Further second half goals came from Barry Williams (two)
COUNCIL tax payers face an average 9.17 per cent rise this year despite Redditch councillors' arguments that it should be increased by no more than the rate of inflation. The council has upped its rate by 7.44 per cent which, along with increases of 9.96
THE Civic Suite in the Town Hall will be under intense scrutiny over the next year as part of a major report. At the Policy and Resources meeting last Monday, councillors had concerns about plans put forward to make the Civic Suite a much more profitable
THE Shadow Foreign Secretary visited Redditch last Thursday to raise support for the Save The Pound campaign. Francis Maude visited the town centre with the Tory prospective Parliamentary candidate Karen Lumley after spending time with Howard Cooke and
REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith paid her first visit to a magistrates court on Monday when she was invited into a town courtroom to see for herself the workings of the court. Ms Smith met chairmen of the bench Pat Moore, Max Field, Gordon Reddish and Patricia
A MAJOR project to clean up the site of an ancient monument in Church Hill has been launched after complaints about its neglect, Becky Procter. Moons Moat Pool is set to undergo a transformation following moans from residents over litter and the stink
TOWNSPEOPLE have already submitted 2,000 completed questionnaires on the structure of the council, writes Melina Cannon. The form, sent out by Redditch Council, asked people to identify one of four preferred options for a new council structure. As part
WORK on creating 17 new bungalows for elderly people in the town will begin next month after Redditch Council gave plans the go-ahead. The project, which will cost more than £1 million, will be the fifth development to be built in the town by Redditch
CONCERNS over levels of nitrogen dioxide in the Alvechurch area have prompted parish councillors to demand explanations. In the face of figures which suggest that levels will exceed Government limits by 2005, councillors are approaching Bromsgrove Council's
KAREN Lumley, Redditch's Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate, visited Moatfield Middle School with Shadow Local Government Minister Nigel Waterson. Their mission was to see how much Worcestershire loses out with the current Standard Spending
THE adoption of a village design statement drawn up by residents in the Alvechurch area will be considered tomorrow. The three-year study was undertaken by Alvechurch, Hopwood, Bordesley, Weatheroak and Rowney Green residents. It includes, for example
REDDITCH RFC captain Andy Douglas remained defiant after his struggling side slipped to another defeat on Saturday. The Kingfishers lost 17-15 at home to Cleobury Mortimer and saw Wil Wilson's last minute kick bounce agonisingly off the woodwork. "Never
A BANK, which has branches in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa, is offering start-up cash for budding businessmen and women. Young unemployed people looking to start a business with the support of the Prince's Trust could benefit from a new loan from Barclays
FINAL rehearsals are under way for Astwood Bank Operatic Society as members prepare to perform La Vie Parisienne at the Palace Theatre next week. The comic light operetta by Jacques Offenbach takes place at the Alcester Street theatre from Tuesday until
A continued inquest into the death of a Southcrest woman who died after being discharged from hospital following a car crash, was adjourned amid confusion over when her fatal injury happened, writes Ben Lammas. Edna Lammas, 77, of Greenfields, died on
CROWDS of townsfolk clapped and cheered as two firemen on a hydraulic platform rescued a raven which became trapped in wire mesh in the town centre. Sub-officer Chris Churchill and fire-fighter Chris Verney were lifted into the air and rescued the bird
CHILDREN who took part in a half term play-scheme proved they were real animal lovers when they met up with some new little friends. A range of small animals, including spiders, cockroaches, stick insects and beetles were brought into Rosie's Holiday
A BBC film crew visited the Palace Theatre on Wednesday to shoot scenes for the television series Trading Places which is due to be screened at the end of July. The programme shows two of Youth FM Radio producers who swap roles with members of a pop band
Redditch Youth Service will be taking part in a revolutionary scheme for young people between the ages of eight and 25. The Enterprise Insight Forum, where young people will have the chance to voice their views about business, was launched by Prime Minister
A REDDITCH town centre pub currently undergoing a £1 million refurbishment will be open to the public in May, it has been announced. The Works, in Market Place, was closed down last month and its ownership has been transferred from Banks's Brewery to
A LUCKY group of children have been given new toys to play with from a popular toy company. The Treetops day nursery in Wythall has received five Beanie Baby lions all called Rory from the TY Company. The nursery whose logo is Rory the lion received the
FAIRFIELD entertained basement club Kenilworth Town and ran out easy winners in a one-sided affair. The game started with the home side doing the early pressing and the visitors' goalkeeper pulled off three good saves to keep his side in the game. After
FAIRFIELD were slow to get going and were soon being pushed back by Westbury, who were first to the ball and winning most of the challenges in the first half an hour. It was no surprise when they took the lead through David Horsfall. Fairfield picked
CHILDREN at a Droitwich Spa nursery are simply daft about daffs. Youngsters at Youth House Nursery, in Old Coach Road, have been learning about St David's Day in preparation for celebrations tomorrow. Children planted daffodil bulbs before Christmas and
WINNING prizes is a piece of cake for an icing sugar sculptor. Head chef at Rashwood Nursing Home Michael Meigh has won two prizes in two months with his sugary creations at national competitions. His two-foot high rendering of ancient Egyptian Pharaoh
SMART new bus shelters could soon be springing up around the Spa. Droitwich Spa Town Council is in talks with Adshel, a company which boasts many years of experience in supplying bus shelters. If a deal is struck, the firm will replace a number of older
PLEAS to build a skatepark in Droitwich Spa were expected to be made to community leaders last night. Marie Moule, of Highfield Close, has collected more than 750 signatures from people who want improved amenities for town youngsters. At a Wychavon District
MARK Owen's 23rd goal of the season was enough to lift Worcester City back into third place in the Dr Marten's League Premier Division last night. Owen's 47th minute strike -- his first since New Year's Day -- gave City a 1-0 success at bottom club Clevedon
A BUSY road leading into Droitwich Spa was blocked for two hours on Monday after an accident. The A442 at Elmley Lovett closed following a smash at 12.30pm when a black van was in collision with a lorry. The van driver was injured and was said to be comfortable
A FIFTH successive clean-sheet ensured a comfortable passage for Evesham United into the last 16 of the Birmingham Senior Cup at Common Road last night with a 1-0 win over Hednesford Town. The Nationwide Conference visitors rarely threatened the home
ATHLETIC youngsters will soon be in tip-top condition thanks to the development of a sports track. After years of planning, the eagerly awaited athletics track is now under construction at Droitwich Spa High School, in Briar Mill. It will also be used
MALVERN Town are expecting to complete the signing of striker Paul Ashby in time for Saturday's game at home to Causeway. The 22-year-old, who originally joined Town from Pershore at the halfway stage last season, went on to bag 13 goals, but felt that
AN expert on the history of the fire brigade is appealing for readers to share their stories. Clive Shearman, who is a paramedic based at Droitwich Spa's fire station, off Saltway, has published two books on specialist equipment used by firefighters.
A DROITWICH Spa couple charged with perverting the course of justice and theft will appear at Worcester Crown Court on Monday March 5. Alan Stevens, aged 54, and Theresa Stevens, 43, of Croft-ers Green, will app-ear for a plea and directions hearing.
NORTHERN Racing Limited have announced they have successfully bought Hereford racecourse. Sir Stanley Clarke's company made an offer of £285.10 per ordinary share of Hereford Racecourse Limited on January 31 and have received valid acceptances representing
THREE keen cyclists are hoping to fire up funds for an appeal to raise £35,000 to create a specialist playground at the Alexandra Hospital. Two Redditch and Bromsgrove police officers, Jason Wathes and Vince Hill, and businessman Paul Cope will be setting
IT goes without saying that one has to have a thick skin to stand for public office. However, the re-emergence of the Nellie Copson persecution fiasco now leads me to believe that the skin is now redundant. It is sufficient only for our representatives
A MAN who raised £9,000 to buy his wife a special wheelchair after a battle to get physiotherapy at the Alexandra Hospital failed has taken his case to a disability discrimination group. Steve Darling, of Headless Cross, fought to have his wife, Jenny
ALVECHURCH U9s 0 Callowbrook Swifts U9s 2. Lee Williamson and super-sub Leo Watkins were the men on target in a workmanlike win over much-improved Alvechurch. Grant Gardner just pipped Watkins to earn MoM. Callowbrook Swifts U10s A 2 Marston Green U10s
WORCESTER'S Nicky Crawford and Joanne Yapp have kept their places in the England ladies rugby union squad to face Scotland in the Six Nations Championship this weekend. Both players start in the international at Richmond on Sunday (2.30pm). Scrum-half
The Redditch Advertiser has teamed up with npower to give you the reader a chance to win a fantastic Daewoo microwave. See this week's Advertiser for details.
SUCCESSFUL fundraising means a Droitwich Spa surgery is now equipped with a lifesaving machine. The Corbett Medical Practice, in Corbett Avenue, has proudly unveiled its new £2,350 electrocardiograph (ECG) machine. The machine measures tiny electrical
Tuesday, February 27, 2001 HEREFORD United managed to keep their dream of an FA Umbro Trophy final appearance alive at Edgar Street last night -- but only just. After being outplayed for almost all of the 120 minutes, Graham Turner's men managed to get
REDDITCH Ladies Hockey Club are preparing for a make-or-break weekend of relegation battles. The Bromsgrove Road side are languishing just above the relegation zone and face two of the bottom three sides. Tamworth are the visitors on Saturday (3pm start
THE all-conquering Redditch Regals ladies basketball team are bidding for National League status. Unbeaten for 60 matches in an incredible run which saw them lift the West Midlands Premier title with a perfect record, the ladies want to step up to the
Alcester High School student Richard Brenda continued his promising season with victory in an under 15 league contest at Bristol. The 14-year-old made it two out of two this season, cruising through the preliminaries 15:1, 15:3, 15:4. And the reigning
REDDITCH Swimming Club took the prize at a gala at Bromsgrove's Dolphin Centre against Wyre Forest, Boldmere, Droitwich, Evesham and Bromsgrove. The gala got underway with the 10 years freestyle, Hayley Roberts came in second with Perry Derrick in action
Inkberrow and Littleton will enter B teams in Division Three of the South Warwickshire Summer Tennis League next season. The new campaign starts on Sunday, April 22. FISSC B have pulled out of the league.
THE importance of recycling will be highlighted during a tour of Redditch schools which begins tomorrow. Redditch Council has launched the scheme, which will give children the chance to learn how to treat rubbish properly. The council's Keep Redditch
A CHARITY gourmet dinner was hosted by NEW College hospitality and catering staff and students at The Old Library Restaurant last week with guest chef Chris Hudson. Mr Hudson is chairman of the Midland Association of Chef de Cuisine at Ettington Park
REDDITCH school children are to benefit from an introduction to architecture and design thanks to a grant of more than £100,000, writes Helen Clarke. The money has been given by the Regional Arts Lottery Programme in order to establish a regional centre
FINAL preparations are being made for tomorrow's historic visit to Bromsgrove by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. It is thought it will be the first time a reigning monarch has made an official visit to the town. The visit to North Bromsgrove High School
REGARDING the recent bombing of Baghdad, it seems to me that if America nods, Britain jumps. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
DOES George Cowley really exist? I have never read such crass comments as written by him (You Say, February 20). I refer to his statement "about most men believing in nothing but beer and football". PETER BURGESS, Worcester.
GIVEN the now known increase in council tax, and the RPI increase in pensions, I calculate that when I retire my state pension can be paid direct to those exponents of grand larceny at County Hall without the inconvenience of me having to have any contact
I WAS delighted to hear that Dr Taylor is to stand as a Parliamentary candidate in the coming election. He has never flagged in his fight against the unjustified downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital. I am sure that if elected to be an MP he will strive
REGARDING the recent proposed cut of a playworker, how can anyone be so shortsighted and short-change the most vulnerable and weakest members of our communities? (Evening News, February 19). Your editorial rightly said " the children are our future".
IT'S another big game for us this Saturday when Dr Martens League Premier Division leaders Burton Albion come to St George's Lane. I think in terms of the quality of football that has been played at this stage of the season, Nigel Clough's side deserve
A Batchley man has been banned from driving by Redditch magistrates for being almost three times over the limit. Jeffrey Fisher, 42, of Foxlydiate Crescent, had 103 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes
Computer software worth £6,000 was stolen from a South Moons Moat industrial premises last week. A £2,000 Dell laptop computer, £600 Kodak digital camera and £100 Bosch battery drill were also taken from the Pagetts Lane site.
About £2,000 cash was stolen from Newey and Eyre Ltd, Heming Road, after thieves threw a paving slab through a window to gain entry last Tuesday.
THE wind of change has swept through the Victoria Ground after Pat Bannister took control of Rovers last Tuesday. OUT go caretaker boss Eric McManus and fitness coach Paul Madders, who both worked voluntarily. IN come Steve Daniels in charge of team affairs
HOUSE burglaries in Church Hill have been reduced by 49 per cent after a police operation to combat the problem was launched. The news came during a Church Hill neighbourhood group meeting when residents were informed general crime in the area had also
POLICE are investigating an incident of alleged road rage after the drivers of two vehicles were in collision with each other several times. The incident happened at about 6.25pm on Thursday, February 22 on the A441 Alvechurch Highway, between the Coventry
A BEAT manager will be policing the streets of Wythall as early as next Saturday, it has been revealed, writes Matt Smith. The new beat manager will be Pc Paul Twentyman who will start back on the beat on March 3 covering Hopwood, Alvechurch, Rowney Green
IF EVER there was an incentive to take up rallying, then this is it! No, it's not Manchester United's trophy cabinet, it's the silverware accumulated by Bournheath rally star Nathan Crewe and his co-driver, Chris Clifford. The duo scooped an outstanding
POLICE are looking at CCTV footage to try and trace a robber, after a cashier was forced at knife-point to hand over a till at a Studley petrol station. The robbery took place at about 7.50pm on Friday, February 23 at Studley Self Serve Petrol Station
Co-ordinator for the Warwickshire Business Crime and Disorder Partnership Peter Guillaume will be the speaker at the next meeting of Studley Business Watch. The meeting will be on Wednesday, March 7 at Studley Sports and Social Club, Eldorado Close, from
SHOULD we pay £10-£15 per year? Why is it so wrong to improve our area? In November 1999, 140 residents attended a meeting at Lickey End so councillors would listen and take action. A group was set up to liaise with the powers that be on these issues,
RUMOURS were that in each of the last three years when council tax increases were under review that substantial increases were expected. This became true, with nine per cent rises each year. The rumours are for this year of massive increases. Anything
STUDLEY manager Mark Chambers wants to halt a mini-slump after his league leaders slipped to two consecutive defeats for the first time this season. The Bees lost a proud unbeaten home record at the weekend with a surprising 3-0 loss to Sutton Town. And
READING a letter from Cllr Russ Clayton about traffic calming in Broad Street and Crabtree Lane we felt we must mention that he and Trevor Porter (who was then a councillor) were contacted several years ago regarding road safety measures with respect
I HAVE received a letter from the Wildmoor Residents' Association asking for support in its campaign to stop a proposed motocross track in Wildmoor. I was appalled that people would think that noise levels would be high, because for many years the Stanley
FECKENHAM are gunning for a cup double at the weekend after a dramatic Challenge Cup win on Saturday. The Millers knocked out Division One outfit Thimblemill REC 6-5 on penalties to earn a tricky home tie against Premier rivals Marconi. And with cups
I WOULD like to thank all the people who phoned and wrote to me regarding the German bomber over Lickey Rock, near Bromsgrove, particularly the lady who remembered the attack because she had just had her banns read. Mr V Crawford's research proved invaluable
Thimblemill 0 Feckenham 0 (aet, Feckenham won 6-5 on penalties) Feckenham did well to make it to half-time against a lively Thimblemill side with Brown and Rai twice going close. The Millers' only chance fell to Richard Hadley who fired at keeper Williams
I WAS surprised to see the letter 'The path to a clearer future' on February 14 because having seen your article on February 7 in which Mr Ashman highlighted the problem of the rubbish and the fallen tree on the North Worcestershire Walk, off Whettybridge
I WISH to arrange a group of adults to help with disabled folk, those who are wheelchair-bound and in nursing homes. The volunteers would take them to Droitwich Spa's Lido Park on Sunday afternoons in the summer to enjoy the band concerts and the open
WHY have you downgraded Bromsgrove's river to a mere brook in the Advertiser/Messenger? I was born in Bromsgrove and lived there until 1962, and always understood from my father, Norman Gower, that the Spades-bourne was a river. I would love to hear other
THE future looks bleak for a battling Bromsgrove farmer who is being forced to destroy part of his herd of cows following the outbreak of the foot and mouth disease. John Hodgetts, who runs Battlefield Farm, in Kidderminster Road, as well as three others
March 2, 1901 Redditch Smallwood Hospital Annual Meeting - The sixth annual meeting of the governors and subscribers of the above institution was held in the Board Room of the hospital on Monday. Lord Windsor, the president, had been announced to preside
A POINT-TO-POINT club, which meets at Chaddesley Corbett, has cancelled its March event following the outbreak. Honorary secretary of Harkaway Club, Jenny Hancox, said: "With the current outbreak being no nearer containment and with the interest of the
March 3, 1951 Repairs to Studley Church Under Consideration - A hint that extensive repairs to the bells of Studley's ancient church would soon be necessary was given at the annual vestry and parochial meeting held at the Vicarage Hall on Thursday. The
February 27 1976 A REDDITCH high school will have to rely on 'sound barriers' to keep the noise of the £60 million Alvechurch Highway outside the classroom. A spokesman for the Hereford and Worcester County Council said that the 7ft earth embankments
A DEVELOPMENT firm offered £4.5m for Bromsgrove Rovers' Victoria Ground as a site for a supermarket as long ago as August 1999 -- it was revealed this week. But, according to the leader of the opposition Labour group on Bromsgrove District Council, Cllr
After lunch on Wednesday, February 14, the speaker was Alan Winterburn with a slide show on 'Cotswold Curiosities'. Alan, who lives in Leamington, is a retired bank manager and has been presenting these slide shows for about five years. The next meeting
A £1M project to transform one of the oldest buildings in Bromsgrove will be completed at the end of April, creating 20 new jobs for the area. The Hogshead Pub Company is knocking through and renovating three units, in High Street, commonly known as The
IN February, there was an open meeting with representatives of various village organisations and Feckenham WI. President Elaine Hodgkinson welcomed both visitors and regulars and said how encouraged she was to see so many present. The speaker for the
THE February Meeting was special. Missing were president Elizabeth Ostroumoff, who was in South Africa on motor racing business, and vice-president Valerie Pickering, who was in Scotland overseeing the birth of a new grandchild. So it was IPP Barbara
'DISAPPROVING' councillors are putting pen to paper over a £10,000 bill to pay for investigations called for by an 'arrogant' Labour group representative. At Thursday's special meeting of Bromsgrove District Council's policy and resources committee members
Rehearsals for Mozart and Vivaldi Requiems performance on April 28 are going well. There are still places for all voices who would like to join on Wednesdays at 7.45pm at Alcester Street Methodist Church. For more details, call 01527 528215.
EVESHAM is to be part of a new National Cycle Network route, with hopes high that it will bring in more tourists to the area. Route 41 will pass between Bristol and Stratford, coming to Evesham from Beckford and Elmley Castle and then the main A44 through
Two teenagers have been cleared of a street attack on a man who was injured after he left an engagement party. Michael Southall, who suffered a broken wrist, alleged he was deliberately knocked down and battered after one youth barged between him and
The first meeting of the year was opened by president Jennie Cox on February 14. She welcomed a visitor, Mrs Wallace, from Inkberrow. She then asked members to observe a minute's silence for Mrs Jean Vale, who died in December and had been a very able
Warwickshire received a welcome boost to the rural bus service this week following a Government hand out. The county is to get an additional £325,000 this year, on top of the £600,000 already allocated. With the promise of more cash next year it will
COUNCIL taxpayers in Bromsgrove will face a massive rise in their bills from April. The average Band D householder in the town will face an overall annual increase of 9.7 per cent -- £75.88 -- which will mean a total bill of £857.25. People living in
THE AGM was held on Monday, January 15, at the RBL Club in Easemore Road. The committee was re-elected and Mrs Joan Lanfearis the new chairman. Mrs Olive McHugh, who was a former chairman and one of the founders of the women's section, passed away in
WHAT is Conductive Education? Few members and probably few of the public have ever heard about it. Member Melanie Brown spoke of her job and the meeting was fascinated to hear she lectures nationally and internationally as well as working with the Foundation
ATTENTION was focussed on Birmingham Town Hall when Bob Houghton and John Cox came to speak about the history of the building and their fight to save it. Anyone interested in aspects of local history is invited to join the society's meetings, which are
A STAR-STRUCK Rubery nine-year-old has won VIP tickets to appear in the audience of a Saturday morning television programme. Ben Allsopp will be able to meet Ant, Dec and Cat, presenters of SM:TV Live after he picked a winning lid from a lucky dip. He
A VILLAGE church threatened with closure and which contains a renowned collection of paintings has been thrown a lifeline at the 11th hour -- but it may not be enough. Blackwell Methodist Church, affected by falling congregations, has been granted a Grade
DETECTIVE writer Colin Dexter, the man behind television's Inspector Morse, met his fans when he visited a Bromsgrove bookshop. He was at Ottakar's, in High Street, signing copies of his books for star-struck residents. Among the titles were special hardback
GEORGE Phillips, from Sidemoor, was brought in front of Bromsgrove magistrates charged with using foul language in his own home, but within earshot of the general public. 100 years ago March 2, 1901 GEORGE Phillips, from Sidemoor, was brought in front
Tuesday, February 27, 2001 MARK Owen's 23rd goal of the season was enough to lift Worcester City back into third place in the Dr Marten's League Premier Division last night. Owen's 47th minute strike -- his first since New Year's Day -- gave City a 1-
PROJECTS in Worcestershire are among 10 new orders totalling more than £4m for Tewkesbury-based construction company Interclass Plc. Interclass has started a £1.5m contract to refurbish 37 houses in Littledean for the Forest of Dean District Council.
A PASSION for training people led to Ian Smith setting up his own business from the back bedroom of his Worcester home. Four months after those beginnings, the Corporate Training Warehouse is climbing the ladder of success after attracting two major clients
FARMERS in and around Redditch have been left devastated and fearing for their livelihood as the foot and mouth crisis continues to spread, writes Becky Procter. No cases of the highly contagious disease have been confirmed in the area but farmers have
FOOT-and-mouth disease has decimated the busiest ever month in the history of Malvern's Three Counties Showground. Thousands of visitors had been expected to pour through the gates of the popular attraction to see a number of animal shows in March. The
THE foot-and-mouth threat was today hanging over a Worcester farm after a lorry from Northumberland pulled up outside its yard. Furious Trea Newell, who runs Mill Farm at Spetchley with her husband Alan, said their ewes were lambing. But just 50 yards
WORCESTER MP Mike Foster has written to the Deputy Prime Minister urging an inquiry into plans to put an industrial estate at Grove Farm. The city council has approved an application for business units on 12.5 acres towards the southern end of the site
THE Hunting Bill was finally passed by MPs last night, amid protests it was a waste of time. The Bill to outlaw fox-hunting was passed by 319 votes to 140 - but is almost certain to be blocked in the Lords. Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs criticised
HEALTH bosses in Worcestershire are celebrating after landing a £5m windfall from the Government. The cash bonanza was announced as part of a £36m nationwide package to improve and modernise health services. Money will be spent on new facilities at Worcester
YOUNGSTERS in care received the chance to air their views with Worcestershire councillors about issues surrounding their future. Six young people and five county councillors went head-to-head during the Perdiswell Young Person's Leisure Club informal
A CAR crash victim is not to face trial on a charge of intimidating a witness in an assault case. Dolphus Boswell, 36, of Lickhill Road, Stourport, pleaded not guilty last month to intimidating Stephen Scarrett by waving his fist at him. But prosecutor
SPA had to settle for a point after arriving with just enough players to make a full team. Injuries and non-availability of players meant Droitwich were always going to be up against it in a scrappy game. Spa's first half performance flattered their impressive
THE two top teams in the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League both had fairly easy wins last week, the Lickey Monarchs team of Eric Hardman, Steve Mullard and Ian Davis were much too strong for Droitwich A, winning 10-0. Newton Works A, the other
A CUTNALL Green man who has waited three-and-a-half years for a throat operation had it cancelled yet again with a call to his mobile phone - as he stood outside the hospital. Chris Barrett, from Kidderminster Road, has suffered from sleepless nights
A LAST ditch attempt was due to be made yesterday to save the town's historic Lido pool from closing this year. Wychavon District Council was expected last night to rubber-stamp a recommendation to close the 65-year-old pool. Councillors have proposed
A HANBURY farmer is exercising a virtual shutdown of his premises to thwart the devastating consequences of foot and mouth disease. David Ford, of Lower Goose Hill, has doused the premises with disinfectant and put straw drenched in germ killer in driveways
THE outbreak of foot and mouth disease has led to the cancellation of two conservation mornings in Redditch, due to take place on Sunday, writes Becky Procter. Townsfolk are being warned to stay off footpaths and reserves around Redditch in a desperate
THE way Redditch Council deals with dumped cars is being reviewed in an effort to combat the ongoing problem. Residents at a Church Hill Neighbourhood Group meeting were angry about the number of cars abandoned on the estate. They complained about the
A NEW park and ride system has been planned in Wythall by Birmingham City Council to reduce the levels of traffic going into the city. But the new system has angered residents and parish councillors because the proposed site, between the Hollywood Bypass
COUNCILLORS have finally reached a decision on the controversial Studley bypass after it was deferred following a heated debate at a previous meeting. Members unanimously voted to amend recommendations laid out in their report by insisting option 3a (
RESIDENTS have voiced further concerns over the Option 2 Western Bypass route favoured by the Studley By-pass Steering Group. In opposition, representatives from Winyates Green, Matchborough East, Wirehill and Sambourne recently formed the Studley Easterly
PLANS for a £50,000 recreational area for teenagers in Church Hill are gathering momentum after the announcement of three potential sites. Bomford Hill, the area between Paper Mill Drive and Offenham Close and the area at the end of Rush Lane have all
THE decision to veto plans for a Sainsbury's superstore in the heart of St John's is the best news the self-styled 'village in the city' has had since Old Labour's plans to wipe out Cripplegate Park imploded. Councillor David Bannister's view that it
ATTEMPTS are being made to secure cash-strapped Bromsgrove Council more Government funding, writes Melina Cannon. The move follows the shock news that the council will experience a £1 million shortfall when it receives only £22,000 more spending money
WE are now being told the council is to employ more people for cleaning up the litter left in our streets and parks. It is small wonder our council tax is rising year upon year. Everyone knows who the culprits are, those creating the mess in which we
STOURPORT Swifts triumphed 2-1 when they visited Willenhall Town for a Midland Alliance encounter last night. A goalline clearance prevented a more convincing scoreline in a game that saw the Swifts dominate for most of the time. Just three minutes into
THE captain's curse struck again at Alcester at the weekend when stand-in skipper Paul Clarke was ruled out by a knee injury. Hooker Dickie Moore took the armband, becoming the fourth Kings Coughton skipper this season. And Moore saw his side lose 13-
KINGS Norton recorded their first league win of the season on Saturday at the twelfth time of asking. And the Hopwood-based side went from minus six points to zero after league officials reduced a fine for fielding an ineligible player. Kings were fined
Earlsdon 13 Alcester 3 Alcester failed to upset the form book in South Coventry but gave a good account of themselves against the runaway leaders. Without inspirational stand-in skipper Paul Clarke, nursing a niggling knee injury, hooker Dickie Moore
A GENTLEMAN'S outfitters which was set up in the reign of King William IV celebrates its 170th birthday this year. Heaphys, which now has branches in Rugby, Sutton Coldfield and Warwick as well as the Church Green West store. In addition to selling off-the-peg
NEARLY £1 million has been allocated to improve county bus services. The money was won by the county council which was successful in securing a grant from the Government. The easyLINK project bid was made on behalf of the Worcestershire Health and Transport
A 12-year-old Batchley boy born with a rare kidney disease has been nominated for a Young Hero Award in recognition of his spirit and bravery in dealing with the condition. Vinay Ladwa, of Batchley Road, has haemolytic uraenaic syndrome and has had to
AN Inkberrow-based internet company has been set up to provide a comprehensive guide to make eating out much more interesting for the average food lover. www.dine4u.com ltd, based at High Street, was conceived by Phillip Millham and Richard Marsden who
A charitable Redditch nursery has already raised nearly £700 for the annual Red Nose Day appeal. First Steps Day Nursery in Batchley has raised the money through a sponsored walk, which they will be doing on Sunday, March 11. Staff and parents of the
A REDDITCH firefighter is hoping to win gold in America this summer as part of a mini Olympics. Brian Hughes will be competing against athletes from the police, fire service and customs office in the World Police and Firefighters Games in Indianapolis
A REDDITCH travel agency has won a Top Travel Shop award in recognition of its employees' hard work and commitment. Midlands Co-op Travel, New Walk, Kingfisher Centre, is part of Midlands Co-operative Society, the region's biggest independent travel chain
TRY picking a Rovers man of the match when no-one plays well. It's a tough task. On Saturday, Grant Beckett took the award for the second match running. Not because he actually played well, but because he was the best of a bad bunch. It was that depressing
CASTLE jump to the top of Division Two after trouncing Ringspanners 7-2 on Sunday. Matt Rees, Greg Thomas and Glen Mandry all struck twice as Jason Osbourne completed the rout. Ringspanners replied through Tommy Thompson's double. Woodbourne Sports went
REDDITCH and South Warwickshire Combination results for Sunday February 25: Steven Troth Cup semi final: Bromsgrove Athl-etico Reserves 0 HDA Reserves 2. Premier Division: Sherwood Rangers 1 HDA 1. Division One: Millfields OB 1 (R Lewis) BKL Sports 5.
THE top two teams of Division One fought out this ten-goal thriller in the semi final. RBL took the lead early in the game when Jason Harrison scored. Mayfly's John Ingram equalised just before the break. RBL then took a 3-1 lead in the second half with
SPARTAK earned three valuable points to take them up to tenth in the league. Three changes to the team saw Rees, Campbell and Richard Cameron recalled as Spartak looked to bounce back. The Police started the stronger and should have taken the lead as
A CONTROVERSIAL last minute penalty gave Merlin the spoils after a spirited Town fight back from 3-0 down in the last 20 minutes. Town edged the first half on possession, but gave away a goal right on the half time whistle and this spurred the home side
THE number of hoax emergency calls escalated last week and police believe the increase could be connected to the half-term school holidays. Last week in Droitwich Spa, officers received 15 nuisance calls in addition to 113 false 999 calls handled by Worcester
CHANGES are planned for a scheme caring for homeless, young people in Droit-wich Spa. Droitwich Single Homeless Project looks set to be taken over by an organisation called Step Out Drop In. The two groups are still in talks but homeless project chairman
COMMUNITY groups in Droitwich Spa have been given the opportunity to make dreams become reality. Organisations can apply for a community grant from Wychavon District Council. Last year, £170,000 was given out across the district. In 2001, 30 per cent
A YOUTH was arrested for allegedly shoplifting from a toy store in Droitwich High Street and was due to appear before Worcester magistrates yesterday. He was charged with a theft from Toy World on Monday February 19.
A GROUND-BREAKING project could open new roads for Droit-wich organisations and slash transport costs. The Vehicle Sharing Scheme encourages town groups to pool their resources. The Countryside Agency has stumped up two years of funding and the Community
THE mum of a brave Droitwich youngster who needed open-heart surgery has said that a balloon he let go which was found 40 miles away the day before his operation seemed like a lucky charm. Five-year-old Joshua Preece was waiting for the surgery when he
YEARS of campaigning to improve a neglected plot of land in Droitwich have paid off. Droitwich Spa Town Council is now responsible for land off Primsland Way after taking over the site from Barratt West Midlands. At a meeting on Monday, members agreed
HEREFORD United managed to keep their dream of an FA Umbro Trophy final appearance alive at Edgar Street last night -- but only just. After being outplayed for almost all of the 120 minutes, Graham Turner's men managed to get through the shoot-out with
STOURPORT Swifts trium-phed 2-1 when they visited Willenhall Town for a Mid-land Alliance encounter last night. A goalline clearance prevented a more convincing scoreline in a game that saw the Swifts dominate for most of the time. Just three minutes
THE foot-and-mouth outbreak was today threatening to tear up the sporting calender as horse racing was suspended for a week and Saturday's Ireland vs Wales Six Nations rugby game was postponed. The Jockey Club called off all racing from today until March
DROITWICH claimed two vital league points on Saturday with a fine display against their local rivals. This was a victory that keeps the Spa side's promotion hopes alive. In fine conditions both sides started well, although it was Droitwich who conceded
A SERVICE set up by the British Red Cross to help newly discharged hospital patients cope with independent living will be launched in Redditch on April 2. Home from Hospital is to be co-ordinated at the Alexandra Hospital but the charity is seeking volunteers
A HEALTH watchdog has called for a meeting with Alexandra Hospital chiefs to ensure its concerns over the state of the pathology department have been addressed, writes Becky Procter. The move comes after members of Redditch and Bromsgrove Community Health
HEALTH watchdogs will be visiting the Alexandra Hospital's special care baby unit after a number of complaints from patients. Redditch and Bromsgrove Community Health Council will be investigating the unit after concerns, including staffing levels, were
AN extra £5 million Government funding has been allocated to Worcestershire Health Authority, it was revealed on Monday. The county is one of 14 authorities to benefit from almost £36 million to help improve and modernise health services. Chief executive
A POPULAR Alexandra Hospital eye surgeon is back to work after five months off with a viral infection. Mr Das teamed up with the Redditch Advertiser to launch an appeal to raise money for an eye-laser last year. But shortly after the money was raised
HEWELL CC have started pre-season nets. The Worcestershire Clubs Division Six side hold practice on Fridays at 8.50pm until 10pm at St Augustine's Sports Centre. Anyone interested in joining can ring team secretary Malcolm Jones on 458674 or club secretary
Astwood Bank CC have started their winter nets on Sundays at St Augustine's Sports Centre from 9.40am. For details ring Alex Robinson on 894863.
TUESDAY was a good day for Quinton husband and wife duo Reg and Doreen Putnam at the latest Starlets Veterans contest, which was held at Moorlands Farm. Reg took first place by fishing a mini feeder at Bank Pool peg ten for 12-0-0. Peter Taylor (Redditch
EVENLY matched in the first half, Droitwich moved the ball round exceptionally well but lacked a certain aggression in attack which meant they never looked like scoring. Bromsgrove, needing the match practice to improve general morale after a series of
A PRESTIGIOUS safety mark is winging its way to a Midland tool and equipment hire company, which has a branch in Bromsgrove. Cox Hire has won Safe-hire accreditation after a rigorous examination of its operations by Hire Association Europe, the leading
A BROMSGROVE college has awarded its top computer whizzes. NEW College, which has a campus in Bromsgrove, handed out City and Guild Certificates in computer applications to more than 200 students on Thursday February 8. The computer application course
A FIFTH successive clean-sheet ensured a comfortable passage for Evesham United into the last 16 of the Birmingham Senior Cup at Common Road last night with a 1-0 win over Hednesford Town. The Nationwide Conference visitors rarely threatened the home
Adrian Cornwell triumphed in the Leys Sports Centre Winter Squash Handicap Tournament. Cornwell put paid to hopes of an upset by seeing off a jaded Darren Cox 25-8 in the final. Cox had caused the shock of the tournament by sending Graham Moore crashing
REDDITCH player-manager Rob Allen says his side can go on to win promotion - if they beat runaway leaders Stone on Saturday. The Bromsgrove Road side visit Staffordshire (2.30pm start) knowing they can gain ground on second placed Droitwich. And Allen
REDDITCH-born Geoff Maine, a former Leys High School pupil, has joined Liverpool's Triple T Rally Team. The team runs an Alfa Romeo engineered Talbot Sunbeam in the Association of Northwestern Car Clubs 2001 Stage Rally Championship. Geoff, of Aintree
REDDITCH Regents are enjoying a welcome break until their next fixture after an injury-hit squad pulled off a remarkable victory. A Regents side shorn of five regulars turned around a 21-5 first quarter deficit to beat Barton 70-61 and stay third. And
The top two in the Bromsgrove and Redditch League enjoyed comfortable wins with Lickey Monarchs seeing off Droitwich 10-0 and Newtown Works beating Himbleton 8-2. Newton Works B drew 5-5 at home to Astwood Bank for their best result of the season. And
PAST pupils of St Stephen's Girls and St Stephen's Boys Schools had the chance to renew old school ties on Friday when a mass reunion took place. Former students from the 1950s and after gathered at Studley Parish Centre for a buffet and drink, organised
ALTHOUGH they're unlikely to win it now, Worcester City could still have a major say in the destiny of this season's Dr Martens League Premier Division title. Everyone's accepted that the title now boils down to a two-horse race between Burton Albion,
SPECIAL boxes containing aid for disaster victims have been made up by a Redditch charity together with a town school, writes Becky Procter. The Rotary Club of Redditch and pupils from The Leys High School sixth form have made Aqua Boxes filled with a
MALVERN Town are expecting to complete the signing of striker Paul Ashby in time for Saturday's game at home to Causeway. The 22-year-old, who originally joined Town from Pershore at the halfway stage last season, went on to bag 13 goals, but felt that
THE Duke of Edinburgh will arrive at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Building, in Stoke Heath, at 2.45pm. He will be met by the vice-Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Sir Geoffrey Dear, who will introduce him to the museum's director, Dr Simon Penn. His
AGAIN the Government is urging people to save for their old age. A sound idea, indeed. But I can hear people saying "and have it taken off you". This is what has happened to millions of elderly folk. It all started with the inflation of the 1970s and
THE action taken by the European Commission against the Irish Republic for its tax policies and the criticism of Gordon Brown's budget plans underline the agenda of tax harmonisation in the Eurozone. The European Commission is already telling us what
REGARDING this call for a new Severn Bridge, it appears to me an entirely creditable suggestion by Prospective Parliamentary candidate Richard Adams. It deserves some serious consideration, rather than the usual somewhat derisory opinion expressed by
THE cynical campaign of misinformation, disinformation and the allegations of Tory u-turns and worse by some of your correspondents does them no credit. We remain committed to encouraging development on brownfield sits rather than on greenfield sites.
YEARS ago, while my fellow workers and I were leaning on our shovels in the blistering heat of the newly-laid M5 tarmac, we were all unanimous that the two lanes shimmering into the distance would not suffice for the amount of traffic that would soon
LAST May, the citizens of Worcester elected a Tory and Independent Party-controlled council after 20 years of successful Labour control. This year we are starting to see what that really means in cuts to services. Despite the Mad Hatter-like promises
SOCCER-MAD year seven girls at Witton Middle School almost brought back the silverware when they competed in a five-a-side football competition at Aston Villa Leisure Centre. The Droitwich Spa youngsters, aged 11 and 12, won three matches and drew one
A police officer who bought a car with 74,500 miles on the clock discovered its true mileage was over 193,000, Worcester Crown Court heard. Former motor trader Brian Vale insisted that neither he nor his staff at BP Motors in Crumpfields Lane, Webheath
A teenager who led police on a 100mph chase after taking a parked car has been sentenced to 16 months detention. Stuart Halliday, 18, went out of control in the Austin Metro on the Bromsgrove Highway at Headless Cross and crashed into the central reservation
FOUR new police projects costing almost £70,000 are to be funded by the Redditch force after proposals were given the go ahead at a Police Authority meeting last week, writes Melina Cannon. The force will provide a new £12,000 sector police station at
BROMSGROVE'S promotion challenge suffered a major setback at Luctonions on Saturday as the Hereford side beat them by a solitary point. In what was always going to be a very tough match with both teams going into the fixture showing good form of late,
DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club are only two matches away from a dream tip to Lords after an against all odds victory in the regional stages of the six-a-side national indoor league. Despite their two main bowlers being unavailable and two key batsmen suffering
DROITWICH U7s 40 Woodrush U7s 20. Quick passing was the key to this game with excellent support. Try scorers were Matt Wilkinson (three), Josh Skinner (two), Tom Poke, Ryan Booth and Andrew Bishop. Sophie Feek and Skinner tackled well. MoM was Matt Wilkinson
YOUR headlines 'Council may face auditors' take over' sent me spinning into a state of deja vu A couple of years ago Bromsgrove Tories got themselves into a right old pickle. The leader of the council was dumped less than a week after their election win
I READ the articles in the Advertiser/Messenger on February 14 about Bromsgrove District Council with increasing incredulity. Old folk, householders, council tenants, motorists, charity groups and concessionary fare passholders are all under the cosh
KINGS HEATH are still waiting to learn their reward for another Birmingham Senior Cup scalp. The Kingsmen shocked Midland Comb Premier leaders Studley 1-0 last week after knocking out higher league West Midlands Police and Stratford Town in earlier rounds
ALVECHURCH manager Mick Preece was still fuming after a last minute fixture change robbed him of a defence for last week's trip to Marconi. Church were set down to play Continental Star at home on Tuesday but Lye Meadow tenants Kings Heath had a Birmingham
I AM mystified by Wychavon District Council's decision not to open the Droitwich Lido this year. What will be left for youngsters in the school holidays? Is there a better place to find fresh air and fun with friends and families than at Droitwich Lido
SURELY the expense of making smart cards, distributing them and altering cash machines on car parks would be far in excess of any money gained by charging pensioners for extra parking time. It is also a complete mystery to me why Bromsgrove District Council
An understrength Headless Cross Ladies lost 2-1 in the League Cup to Bustleholme Ladies. Cross started well after a through ball found Beth Jarrett in space. The Bustleholme goalkeeper fumbled only for Jarrett to fire over when it was easier to score.
I AM writing about your coverage of the inspectors' report on Westlands First School. You failed to mention that the inspectors found that Westlands First School is very well managed by the headteacher and her committed and hard-working staff team, which
I WOULD like to express our thanks to the people of Droitwich Spa who contributed magnificently to our Christmas appeals - The Tree of Light, in aid of St Richard's Hospice, and the collection made inside Safeway in the run up to Christmas. We would like
THE seven-year lease for the Victoria Ground is the main priority for Bromsgrove Rovers after chief executive Pat Bannister became majority shareholder of the club last Tuesday. In the meantime, director of football and business consultant Steve Daniels
A VITAL service providing furniture for needy Bromsgrove residents is to close because of a lack of cash -- the Advertiser/Messenger can reveal. Attics, Bromsgrove and Redditch Furniture Recycling Project, on Sanders Road Industrial Estate, off Worcester
THE case against the former secretary of the Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger District Football League, Pete Townsend, who is accused of the attempted murder of two women, has been adjourned while psychiatric reports are prepared. The 46-year-old appeared
THIS week's Memory Lane photograph will bring back memories to residents living in Albert Street in the 1940s. The picture was taken on VE Day in 1945 and belonged to Lionel Harris, who lived in the street with his family for many years but has since
THE club held its AGM on January 6 at the Greig Hall. Chairman Joy Clarke gave her report for the year and said that after an active and successful year, the club had been able to donate £200 to the Acorn Children's Hospice. After 10 years, Joy is standing
THE Bonmarche chain of women's clothes shops, with 210 outlets nationwide, is to open in Bromsgrove. Its latest shop, at 76 High Street, in premises formerly occupied by Burtons, opens its doors for the first time on March 15. A spokeswoman for the Huddersfield-based
Despite torrential rain in the morning, members and visitors gathered for the 17th birthday party on February 12. The county chairman had accepted an invitation but unfortunately had to cancel as her area was cut off by floods. The contribution to the
ELDERLY and disabled folk can still park for free in Bromsgrove after district councillors had a change of heart. Plans to introduce a Smart Card scheme, which would place a limited time on when pensioners and disabled residents can park for free in the
BROMSGROVE'S rail service has been dubbed 'feeble' by the town's European Parliament member after complaints from commuters that the trains are dangerously overcrowded. Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne visited the town's station as part of a tour of her
A STRICT code of practice has been drawn up over who can listen to tape recordings of district council meetings. Although the new microphone system has been in operation for some weeks in the Chamber at Bromsgrove District Council, the recording facility
THE society will present Rhos Orpheus Male Choir on Saturday, March 24, at 7pm at the Palace Theatre. The guest soloist will be Val Burroughs and the musical director John Glyn Williams. Tickets cost £7.50, available from the theatre. The 2001 Gymanfa
A GOVERNMENT minister who visited a Bromsgrove special school left impressed with the work carried out for children with learning difficulties. School standards minister Jacqui Smith paid a visit to Rigby Hall Special School, in Rigby Lane, after an invitation
IT is double success for a Frankley school which is set to receive a slice of Government cash to help disadvantaged pupils and has scooped a cash prize for its truancy-busting efforts. Frankley Community High School, in New Street, has been selected to
THE last lecture was a 19th century train journey in the company of Ian Moss, an enthusiastic and expert guide. The route from the Euston Arch to the Carlisle Citadel included many diversions. What emerged was a complex picture. Planners, often at the
AN inquisitive Bromsgrove youngster has a whole new world of opportunities opening up to her after receiving a new computer. Ten-year-old Karis Lane, who has cerebral palsy and Turner's Syndrome, is currently being taught at home by her mum, Karen, following
CHAIRMAN Mel Matthews stood in at the last minute when the speaker was unable to attend. Mel was in good form and gave an entertaining talk on one of his many passions, lilies. He grows a wide variety and was able to pass on some useful tips on how to
RESIDENTS are urged to give their views on plans for a main road which runs through Bromsgrove, Rubery and Droitwich Spa to be placed under the control of the county council. The draft order for the proposals to make the changes to the A38 were published
THE annual six societies competition between Bromsgrove, Birmingham Kings Heath & Hall Green, Kings Norton, Northfield Phoenix, Redditch and Wythall was hosted by Northfield on February 14 at Dame Elizabeth Hall, Bournville. The judge was Dave McGuire
BROMSGROVE MP Julie Kirkbride is supporting a call in Parliament for the introduction of hearing screens for all new-born babies in the UK. The motion was tabled after research commissioned by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), found
FUN-LOVING town residents are being urged to widen their social circle by joining a new group. Bromsgrove 18 Plus is hosting its first meeting in town next Tuesday night, March 6, and is hoping scores of people will turn out to make sure it is a success
A COUPLE who tried to use forged Scottish banknotes to buy hundreds of pounds worth of sports clothes at shops in Bromsgrove were foiled by a suspicious assistant who tipped off the police. Twenty-two-year-old Johnny Doran, of Burtonwood Road, Perry Barr
MORE than 100 young people will take part in Herefordshire and Worcestershire's first young people's Enterprise Insight forum tomorrow. Youngsters aged between eight and 25 from across the area will join Prince's Trust Volunteers, Young Farmers, Modern
Astwood Bank Operatic Society members are preparing to tread the boards with another lavish production which begins a five-night run at the Palace Theatre from Tuesday. Jacques Offenbach's La Vie Parisienne is a satire on the social life of Paris and
THE mother of an eight-year-old boy who was diagnosed with a brain tumour four years ago is appealing for the safe return of her son's lost rabbit. Tracy Cook, of Bushley Close, returned home on Monday morning to find her son Shaun's white rabbit, named
