Archive

NEW College students are entering into the Comic Relief spirit this year as they kidnap teachers to raise money. The unidentified kidnappers will be around campus on Friday holding teachers at ransom to raise money for the charity. But other students

EIGHT years of debate in Salford Priors has finally been resolved by means of a survey. The parish council agreed at a recent meeting to question families and businesses in Rushford and Pitchill about the 'correctness' of a signpost erected on the Birmingham

Rochdale 0 Harriers 0 JAN Molby had taken his players back to basics during the week in a bid to shake off a couple of rotten displays. The end result on Saturday left him understandably delighted as Harriers could even have snatched an unlikely victory

A GARDEN timber product manufacturer has welcomed a new marketing manager to its team. Vicky Barker joins Forest Garden plc from Marley Building Materials where she gained a wealth of experience working on the Marley roofing products and Thermalite brands

Evesham C 29, Campbells 23 EVESHAM were back in action last weekend and immediately ran into trouble as they took their time to get into the match and were three goals down in the opening few minutes. After the immediate shock of they battled back and

ONCE again three swimmers from the Evesham area, members of the Tewkesbury Club, excelled at the Gloucestershire County Championships. Tom Arrowsmith (15) gave all he could muster in a very close 100m breaststroke final to take the silver medal. He then

Evesham and District Association LITTLETON Athletic's Martin Brown, Andrew Taylor and Reb-ecca Talbot are the new champions of the H20 Plumbing and Heating Division. Despite having two matches left, Athletic cannot be caught as they secured the title

THE Stratford-upon-Avon Motor Cycle Club wasn't able to stage the famous Colmore Cup Trial last weekend due to the Foot and Mouth crisis. Due to be held in the Moreton-in- Marsh/Broad-way area, the event was a round of the British Clubman Championship

MARTIN Pipe added two more winners to his ever-increasing tally but even the Wellington-based champion trainer will have been surprised at the way Ashley Muck strode to victory at Stratford on Monday. A good crowd descended on Luddington Road and it was

Pinvin and District League THE three competitions that are currently receiving the undivided attention of the teams are now coming to their final stages. The Harwood Cup, sponsored by Rick White, has now rea-ched the semi-final stage with Bell (Ecki-ngton

FIVE teenagers tried to rob a woman in her Stratford shop after their appetite had been whetted by two of them successfully carrying out a violent handbag snatch. They fled after their victim pressed a panic button but were caught when the police stopped

MPS IN the Vale of Evesham and the Cotswolds have called for Government action to help stop the spread of foot and mouth disease. Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown has called for a national state of emergency to be introduced with the army being brought

A STRATFORD primary school has a sharp new look, thanks to the efforts of art students from Stratford College. Students linked up with pupils at the Willows to produce a series of work which will go on permanent display at the school. The work is part

AFTER years of arduous drives, discomfort and plain inconvenience, a group of South Warwickshire renal patients have got together to build a kidney unit in Stratford. The group all have, or used to have, regular dialysis and for many of them this means

COACH Bill Athey is urging his Worcestershire players to shake off yesterday's NatWest Trophy defeat against Surrey and step up their bid to move into the top half of the County Championship table. "It's the end of the NatWest Trophy for us, but it's

YESTERDAY was National No Smoking Day when smokers were encouraged to put down their cigarettes and think a little about just what smoking really means, writes Carolyn Morris. Almost a million smokers give quitting a go on No Smoking Day and 40,000 of

FINDING somebody in a job which they never wish to retire from is something of a rarity but it is the "great" situation animal lover Phil Rudlin finds himself in. The Wyre Forest wildlife ranger is still "relishing every day" of his work in the woodland

COMPUTER learning will be available across Wyre Forest with more than £300,000 of Government money. The Worcestershire Learning Partnership has secured the cash to develop a range of mobile computer learning centres. The county-wide project will meet

A HEADTEACHER is calling for more direct funding after last week's Budget provoked a mixed response in Wyre Forest. A £200 million national education boost will mean £2 million for education for Worcestershire County Council, while cash has also been

KINGS Heath were handed a potentially money-spinning Birmingham Senior Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion after Evesham were dramatically thrown out of the competition. United were expelled after failing to meet an extended deadline to stage the match

PHIL Weston's first one-day century and a stand of 149 with Paul Pollard gave Worcestershire Royals an impressive start in the re-vamped National League at a grey and gloomy Edgbaston yesterday. The County stacked up a formidable 287-4 over the new distance

A BATTLING bowling display and a century stand between David Leatherdale and Gavin Haynes failed to save Worcestershire Royals from a three wicket defeat in yesterday's National League Division One clash against Yorkshire Phoenix at New Road. Yorkshire

WORCESTERSHIRE left-arm spinner Mathew Rawnsley is getting a liking for the National League and earned an early birthday present in the shape of career-best figures in the 67-run win over Kent at Tunbridge Wells. Rawnsley, who celebrates his 23rd birthday

UP and coming Kidderminster band Weak13 are gunning for success - and hoping to put their home town on the map at the same time. Weak 13 band members - Jack Skilton, Dan Hinton, Tom Araya, Nick Townsend and Cob. The five-piece group, who specialise in

GRAEME Hick illuminated floodlit New Road with a dazzling century to power Worcestershire Royals to the top of the National League Division One thanks to a nerve-jangling two-run win over Leicestershire Foxes last night. Hero Hick blasted an undefeated

TOM Moody's cherished ambition to leave behind a trophy in the Worcestershire cabinet before departing for Western Australia was left in tatters in the gathering gloom at Southampton last night. With leaders Lancashire Lightning defeating Kent at Old

WYRE Forest Council leaders have called on the Government to help all businesses hit by the foot and mouth disease crisis. Councillor Mike Oborski said a letter to the Prime Minister expressed concern the impact would have wider and far more serious economic

"MINDLESS idiots" destroying foot and mouth disease signs on footpaths and failing to keep away from open land will no longer be tolerated. Sheep destroyed at Sparum Farm, Stone, are bundled up in plastics sacks ready to be incinerated. Wyre Forest District

I KNOW that Tory MP Peter Luff is opposed to regional government, but in calling for the West Midlands Constitutional Convention to be scrapped (by whom?) he reveals a desire to suppress open debate that I find both disturbing and significant. If Mr Luff

THERE is something S Blight and R Lea (You Say, March 3) seem to have forgotten and yet it only happened about a couple of months ago. Worcester Bridge was closed and St John's isolated because of floods.This is why any new bridge should be as near the

Evesham Jubilee AS PAUL Law, famous for his choice of bait, caught carp on strawberry flavour sherbet to comfortably take top spot in the Last Chance Cup fished at Island Pool, Broadheath. The majority of fish netted were carp between eight ounces and

REGARDING Colin Cook's supportive letter (You Say, March 7), I loved "anodyne" (soothing) but wasn't so sure about "platitudinous" (trite remark; dull truism). And there was I, kidding myself that my letters were highly original. GEORGE COWLEY, Warndon

A FRUSTRATED mother has hit out at the lack of provision in the town for mentally disabled children and wants to set up a support group, writes Becky Procter. Alison Davies, of Hunt End, has a two-and-a-half year old son with severe learning difficulties

Stoke Old Boys II 7, Evesham IV 56 pts STOKE took an early lead with a converted try which gave them a false sense of security and galvanised the visitors who took their hosts apart. Props Rob Young and Dominic Capaldi both went over for tries as did

Kings Norton 0, Evesham II 58 pts EVESHAM were on song again on Saturday when they annihilated their league counterparts Kings Norton with a fine display of running rugby. A scrummage in the Kings' 22 led to the first try with scrum half Frazer Colley

Pershore 53pts, Trinity Guild 7 PERSHORE returned to winning ways in a convincing fashion. They controlled the game from start to finish and if only a few passes were kept to hand, another 20 points went begging. Pershore notched up 37 unanswered points

Evesham 5pt, Kings Norton 7 EVESHAM suffered an injury time defeat at the hands of relegation rivals Kings Norton at home on Saturday. Having led the whole of the game to lose in the last minute of a 47-minute second half was devastating blow to the side

FOOTBALL: Top goalscorer and player of the year for the Kidderminster and District Cub Scout Seven-a-side Football League is Chris Seekings, who plays for league leaders KD7. Final positions: KD7 23 points, DK6 22, KD8 21, KD9 13, KD1/21 6, KD10/14 3.

EVESHAM Golf Club staged the traditional Drive In for incoming captain Gary Bristow last Saturday. Choosing to take three drives off the third tee, the winning trio who correctly guessed where the drives would finish were Dave Portman, Dave Hartland and

VILLAGE SOCIETY: Attendance was good for the AGM of the Local History Group of the Village Society at their February meeting at the village hall. Lady Hamilton spoke of the most successful event of the year, the 'Wellesbourne Past and Present' exhibition

MICKLETON SOCIETY: President John Atherton welcomed Marian Canning, Lady Toastmaster, who spoke of her duties and experiences in 'An unusual job for a Lady'. Marian had a strong speaking voice as a child, and encouraged by her mother, gained a diploma

SPRING SHOW: Mrs Wynne Betteridge swept the board at the Inkberrow and District Horticultural Society's Spring Show which was held at Inkberrow Village Hall on March 3 winning not only the Society Challenge Cup for most points in the show, the Ansell

PARISH COUNCIL: Minutes of meeting held in Lower Moor Village Hall on March 1. Parish Statement: Mr Andrew Ford, of The Midlands Planning Aid Service, gave a presentation to the parish council on the concept of producing a parish mission statement. He

Evesham Wednesday CABBAGE Spring £5.50 to £6 20lb, savoy £2.20 to £3 20lb, tundra £2 to £3 20lb, dutch white £1.80 to £2 net, purple sprouting 70p to £1 lb, sprouts £3 to £6 net, spinach £2.50 to £2.70 5lb, radish £2.05 doz, spring onion 20p bunch, leeks

PHOTOGRAPHY: Next Monday The Vale of Evesham Camera Club will be showing 'Members Slides', bring slides along for showing and discussion, at The Friends Meeting House, Cowl Street, Evesham, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.

THURSDAY CLUB: At the meeting of the Thursday Club, held at the village hall on March 8, Mr J Mole, chairman, welcomed members and welcomed Mrs B Price, a visitor from Yorkshire. Members enjoyed a musical afternoon organised by Mr J Mole, who played a

NEW Road spectators saw ton-up Graeme Hick at his best when he blasted Worcestershire to a seven-wicket win in their County Championship Division Two match against Middlesex. The County skipper was in magnificent form plundering 115 not out to record

GRAEME Hick rapidly began to make up for lost time when Worcestershire's rain-ravaged County Championship match against Glamorgan finally got under way at New Road yesterday. And if his eye-catching 76 off 80 balls is anything to go by then England can

WORCESTERSHIRE lost their the top of the table spot in the County Championship Division Two after going down by 81 runs to Glamorgan at Swansea. While Glamorgan were elated at their first win of the season, Worcestershire made a valiant effort to pull

GLENN McGrath powered Worcestershire back into the County Championship Division Two promotion race with a magical match-winning performance against Gloucestershire at New Road. The Aussie pace ace claimed a career-best match haul of 10-69 as the County

WORCESTERSHIRE'S County Championship Division Two promotion hopes are sinking fast following their ten wicket mauling against Essex at Kidderminster. Although still holding on to third place in the table, they are 17 points behind leaders Northamptonshire

LONG-serving paceman Stuart Lampitt claimed a career-best 7-45 as promotion-chasing Worcestershire moved into second place in the County Championship Division Two table with a well-earned nine-wicket victory over rivals Warwickshire at New Road. The '

VIKRAM Solanki again confirmed his rich potential with another masterly unbeaten 57 in the rain-affected Championship draw against Warwickshire at Edgbaston. In a game in which almost a days play was lost because of rain, Worcestershire were never in

THE tremendous efforts of Glenn McGrath have failed to secure Worcestershire promotion from the County Championship Division Two. In the end they had to settle for fifth place in the table after their rain-ravaged match with champions Northamptonshire

Coming soon........

A CAVALCADE of arts and theatre events are lined up for this year across Wychavon. Members of the district council's community partnership committee were presented with a report on the forthcoming events and those which had taken place over the previous

jester evening WHERE'S the craic in Stratford for St Patrick's Day? At Cox's Yard! The attraction's Jester Pub is hosting an evening of live Irish music, featuring music students from Stratford College, Chris Long and ex-Pogue David Coulter. Admission

BROADWAY quarry will be operating from the top of Fish Hill for a further seven years now Worcestershire county councillors have approved plans for expansion. The applicant, Smith and Sons (Bletchington) Ltd, has been granted permission to extract more

A NEW path could provide the solution to a long-running planning row involving a Cotswold hotel. The dispute over plans for extra staff accommodation for the Dormy House Hotel near Broadway has rumbled on for many months and district councillors actually

TWO men and a woman were arrested after Evesham police were involved in investigating the theft of a bracelet from a Broadway shop. The bracelet was stolen from Howards Jewellery at 4.15pm on Tuesday. Evesham police liaised with their counterparts in

A GLIMPSE of country life in Britain, 120 years ago, is being offered in Evesham tomorrow courtesy of a visiting theatre company. Theatre Roundabout is performing Lark Rise, a version of Flora Thompson's unforgettable picture of rural life captured in

MATHEW Back has been bit by a 'substantial fine' after throwing his Worcester jersey to the floor in anger. The former Welsh international's frustration got the better of him at Bedford on Saturday when he threw his shirt on the ground after being substituted

NORTH Cotswolds Young Cricketers Club are running weekly indoor coaching sessions designed for youngsters to learn and improve their skills. The courses, at Campden Sports Centre, will run on a progressive basis to cover all aspects of batting, bowling

AN EXTRAORDINARY general meeting of the 3D Cotswold Hills Cricket League has been called to discuss the new season's proposed fixtures. The summer programme of matches - available to clubs only on the Internet at present - was met with some disdain by

A SURVEY of Bewdley houses affected by last autumn's floods has taken place this week. The Environment Agency is collecting information to help design a range of options for a flood alleviation scheme for the town. They have asked people to share their

A BOILER weighing 17.5 tons was hoisted up in the air by a crane in Bewdley as part of plans to speed up the overhaul of a locomotive. A 17.5 ton boiler being lifted off a locomotive at Bewdley Station. Picture - JO BLIZZARD The boiler, including firebox

STAFF at the Alexandra Hospital are struggling to make work on time due to an increasing parking problem, writes Becky Procter. Urgent action is being called for to ease the situation, which has meant staff having to wait up to an hour to park. The Redditch

WORCESTERSHIRE are today reflecting on the plus points which emerged from their drawn game against the West Indies at New Road. A number of County players impressed during the three days, but it was the tourists who produced the man-of-the match in Shivnarine

A CENTURY stand between Graeme Hick and Stuart Lampitt failed to save Worcestershire from a three-wicket defeat in the one-day clash against a World XI at New Road. They put on 103 in 22 overs for the sixth wicket to enable the County to leave the international

A FREE service aimed at helping community groups organise events has been announced by Wyre Forest District Council. Loans of equipment such as display boards and bunting as well as advice on venues, advertising and fund-raising are on offer to groups

A PENSIONER who had her winter fuel payment delayed was "reassured" she would receive it - by June! However, after intervention by Wyre Forest MP David Lock, Gwendolyne Wood will now receive her sum by the end of the month. Mr Lock wrote to the Benefits

100 years ago March 9, 1901 Evesham: AT Evesham Borough Petty Sessions, Ernest Wells of North Terrace, Evesham, was charged with riding on the footpath at Bengeworth. The defendant admitted the offence but pleaded in extenuation the bad state of the roads

A HOST of activities have been arranged across Wyre Forest to raise funds for Comic Relief tomorrow. Sainsbury's in Carpet Trades Way is hosting a fun day at its petrol station, which will see Kidderminster Harriers staff set up a stall selling merchandise

MARTIN Horton has been re-elected to the Worcestershire committee for three years. He is joined by Dave Broughall, Mike Gilhooly and former New Road bowler John Inchmore following a postal ballot of County members. Horton, the current chairman of Worcestershire's

COMMUNITY leaders at Cutnall Green are pressing for action over an accident blackspot. They recorded 10 crashes last year at the village and two last month alone. Now villagers are hoping engineers can find a solution to stop the rate of accidents. Fresh

A GAME in which drivers dice with death was avoided at the last minute after police drafted in extra officers to halt plans for a speed-demon car event. About 70 speed-loving drivers from across the Midlands converged on Kidd- erminster's Crossley Park

A FARMER was to blame when an employee lost part of a finger in a sugar beet machine, a court heard. Frederick Tyler, of Tennyson Way, Kidderminster, had a finger severed at the knuckle when he reached onto a moving conveyor belt to remove large stones

WORCESTERSHIRE paceman Alamgir Sheriyar is likely to escape punishment after clashing with an umpire during England's 'A' tour of Bangladesh. Sheriyar remonstrated with umpire B.S. Chowdhury after an lbw appeal was turned down on the final day of their

ENGLAND 'A' must follow the example of Vikram Solanki as they seek to deal with the oppressive heat of Dhaka and come up with the goods in Friday's day-night match against Bangladesh. Solanki, who made an eye-catching 185 in the tourists' drawn three-day

SCHOOLCHILDREN will soon be able to step back in time into a Saxon-style hall nearing completion at Bishopswood Environmental Centre. Bishopswood deputy head Bob Green working on the Saxon hall. Picture - JO BLIZZARD The reproduction hall will be the

A WOMAN died after being cut free from her car by firefighters following a crash at on the A456 road at Clows Top, Rock, on Monday. Georgina Hubble, 57, from Stechford, Birmingham, was travelling in a Ford Orion which was in collision with a Volkswagen

ENGLAND 'A' and North Island played out their expected draw in freezing conditions in Christ-church today but not before Worcestershire's Vikram Solanki turned in another fine batting performance. Set a token 267 to win in a minimum 43 overs, the hosts

WORCESTERSHIRE are hoping to return to Kidderminster's Chester Road ground for a County Championship fixture next season. The Essex game, starting on Wednesday, August 9, is favourite to be played at the town ground but talks are still going on. "We have

WORCESTERSHIRE'S cricket committee chairman Martin Horton today tipped England A star Vikram Solanki as a top quality batsman destined for Test recognition. The County stroke-maker gave selectors another nudge yesterday when he scored an undefeated 52

THE first phase of the much-delayed multi-million pound KTC1 Kidderminster town centre development is now scheduled to be up and running between Christmas and next Easter. The development, a waterfront leisure and shopping complex providing about 1,000

WORCESTERSHIRE'S Vikram Solanki completed a fine half-century against New Zealand 'A' today. He helped put England 'A' in a strong position when rain brought a premature end to the second day of the second Test against the Kiwiws in Wellington -- but

WORCESTER NORTON 1 WOLVERHAMPTON 2 WORCESTER secured promotion to the Midlands Regional League despite losing to leaders Wolverhampton. Worcester dominated the first half, outplaying their opponents with fluent passing, excellent tackling and plenty of

In Touch with Mark Dobson IT WOULD be nice just once if we heard an ounce of sense from officials in rugby. The game cannot seem to get from one week to the next without slumping into a new crisis. We hear that the game has never had it so good with the

WORCESTERSHIRE snooker ace Dave Finbow today bids to reach his first major semi-final in 10 years on the professional circuit. The Alfrick-based player, now ranked 39 in the world, has won his way through to the quarter-finals of the Thailand Masters

England capped a superb fightback in the deciding Test at Colombo today by claiming four wickets in the final 13 overs. The tourists' late rally reduced Sri Lanka to 221 for seven at the close of the opening day after the hosts had won their third toss

Under-dogs Bewdley Town put in their best performance to date in falling 67-3 to a strong Worcester Wanderers line-up. They played a fantastic attacking game and defended well, managing to scrape three points through a Lloyd James penalty. James later

STOURPORT are back on top of North Midlands One on points difference after coming from behind to beat Upton 19-11 on Saturday. The visitors gave coach Ronnie Hobbs' men a good run for their money in the early part of the match at Walshes Meadow. And Stourport

A REJUVENATED Kidderminster Carolians inflicted Aston Old Edwardians' first home Midlands Three West (North) defeat with a superb 23-17 victory. The result made up for KCs losing 14-33 at home in September but this is a different team. Gone is the long

A teenager carried out a burglary on a flat while he was waiting for a lift from a probation officer, a court heard. Matthew Schramm, who had been released on licence from a robbery sentence, carried out the £1,935 raid in Bridge Street, Pershore, with

RESIDENTS alarmed by the dangers posed by heavy lorries rumbling through villages in the Vale of Evesham are being given the chance to have their say about ways to tackle the problem. Businesses will also be asked for their views about the long running

DAN Lavender and Mark Phillips scored four goals each as Mostyn Rangers U-17s thrashed Bewdley FC 16-0 in Stourport and District Boys Football League. Alex Taffe added a hat-trick, Gary Bruford two goals and there was one each for Rob Shaw, Nathan Warrington

TRANSPORT Minister Lord Whitty dropped in on Wyre Piddle during his visit to the Vale of Evesham last Friday. The minister stood on a narrow footway in the village with heavy goods vehicles passing in order to see for himself problems villagers have had

Chaddesley Corbett are enjoying one of their best spells in the club's history. The first team is on an 11-game unbeaten run and are poised for a top four finish in Banks's Brewery League Division One South. They have also reached the final of the Worcester

Battling Bewdley Town twice fought back from behind to claim a Banks's Brewery League Division One point from a 2-2 draw at Hinton. But it could have been so different as Bewdley had two great early chances to go ahead in a goal-less first half. First

A CAMPAIGN to get a sub-post office opened in Evesham's High Street has been launched. Since the former old office relocated to the Riverside Shopping Centre before Christmas, town councillors have been inundated with complaints. They say customers visiting

Stourport Swifts 3 Pelsall Villa 2 Rod Brown's men made hard work of defeating third-from-bottom Pelsall in the Midland Alliance on Saturday. Matt Cartwright opened the scoring for the visitors from the penalty spot after he had been held by Mulders.

Oldbury United 0 Stourport Swifts 0 THE Midland Alliance promotion push took a blow when Stourport Swifts dropped two points in a lacklustre 0-0 home draw with Oldbury United on Tuesday night. The visitors were the closest to hitting the target, striking

STOURPORT angler Malcolm Parsons landed nine trout to 2lb using a montana on the Masters Lake at Shatterford Lakes Fishery. One angler landed 10 to 2.5lb using a cats whisker and another caught seven to 2lb with a white fritz, both on the Masters. On

KIDDERMINSTER and District Football League chiefs are awaiting a report from the Birmingham FA after a referee was allegedly assaulted in a match. The Sunday morning clash between AFC Borgfeld and Yew Tree had to be abandoned in the second half because

WHAT does David Lock mean by his warning of damage to future investment in Wyre Forest? (Shuttle, March 1). Does he mean that unless the people of Wyre Forest elect an MP who is acceptable to the Government they will be punished by receiving less investment

IN the final paragraph of the report "Win could hit district future" (Shuttle, March 1), David Lock MP made my case for me very well. It is my belief that the public are being misled when they are told the changes at Kidderminster General Hospital are

THE three away teams involved in matches in the Journal Premier Division of the Stratford Alliance couldn't manage a goal between them last weekend. Bidford BC, though, at least managed to avoid the hammering their away counterparts suffered when they

DIVISION Four Ambassador continued their good Evesham Sunday League form to move within two points of the summit with games in hand. Goals from Grove, Emms and Crawford helped them to their latest victory over Bretforton Old Boys. The top two, Broadway

Droitwich 1, Bishampton 4 BISHAMPTON cruised to a surprisingly easy victory in a game in which the Droitwich defence will want to quickly forget quickly. In fact, with better finishing the scoreline could have been doubled. The visitors took the initiative

IN answer to the letter by G Williams in the Stourport News on March 1, regarding the nomination of Dr Richard Taylor as a General Election candidate, we have constantly been reminded by Government ministers that the place to make one's point is at the

Badsey Rgrs U-13 0, Pittville Utd 6 REIGNING champions and current league leaders Pittville proved too strong for error-stricken Badsey on Sunday. The hosts held their own for 15 minutes until the first of three defensive blunders allowed United to seize

THE town council's views against a flood defence system in Bewdley is a vote for no flood insurance, depreciating house values and increased flood damage to listed buildings in years to come. The upside is an increase in winter tourists gloating at those

POLICE in Stourport town centre at midnight were threatened by a group of youths who were shouting and swearing, Kidderminster magistrates heard. They were trying to release a man who was in custody, said prosecutor Lynn Swain. Robert Drysdale, 18, of

I AM appalled that the Government is all geared up for a General Election in the spring when this tragic business with the foot and mouth virus is still rampant and ongoing. I personally think it is now time to vaccinate the remaining livestock for meat

THE Birmingham County FA have thrown Evesham United out of the Birmingham Senior Cup. A meeting on Wednesday evening decided to award the third round tie to West Bromwich Albion as a satisfactory date for the tie couldn't be agreed between the two clubs

HAVING driven up Bewdley Hill recently I see we have a surplus of red paint/tar. I would just like to ask - how many people actually ride a bicycle up the hill? I would have thought the money would have been better spent filling in the potholes in the

I BELIEVE God created everything and must have had good reasons, and put a lot of thought, effort, love and care into his creations. All living things have unique purposes, roles, tasks, talents - otherwise there would be no reason for their existence

TOWNSPEOPLE and visitors alike have enjoyed the beautiful floral decoration of our town for many years, with awards in various National and Regional In-Bloom competitions. This has been achieved with co-operation between the Stratford-in-Bloom Committee

Now that the arguments about the proposed new football facility have re-surfaced, I can only look on amazed at the attitudes of those people who object to the idea. If anything I would like to see the idea expanded as it is an opportunity for the town

WHAT is happening to Bewdley? First there was the traumatic time around November, with the floods, roads closed, the bridge closed and many homes flooded, and no delivery vehicles allowed into the town. Then the footpath in front of many shops was re-laid

I HAVE just been reading a selection of 'papers' circulated by 'authorities' other than or extensions of, those elected. I find it astonishing that so many people are found employment in these activities known as... Actions, Agencies, Associations, Boards

AS part of the national Defence of Britain project we are recording 20th Century military and civil defence sites. One of the subjects in which we are interested is the location of Royal Observer Corps in this county. One of these posts was located in

Police searching a Kidderminster home for drugs heard the voice of their own control room. A radio scanner was illegally tuned to their network, Kidderminster magistrates heard. Wayne Cleavely, 25, of Jubilee Drive, admitted possession of the radio equipment

AN ample case for Euro sceptics was unwittingly summed up in the recent Shuttle/Times and News Nature Notes feature referring to gorse. Quote: "There are two varieties on the reserve - western and European gorse, and it is the European variety that is

SINCE 1993 I have been searching for any former members of the Royal Army Pay Corps of any rank and from any era or posting post. This was 40 years on since I reported to our training centre at Devizes Wiltshire in July 1953 to commence my National Service

The people of Worcestershire are aware that the Labour government is determined to act swiftly, and with the support of local authorities, to contain and eradicate the current outbreak of Foot & Mouth disease. This is of course, the kind of approach

Driving instructor Antonio Meola escaped a road ban in court at Kidderm-inster when he admitted riding his motor- cycle at 101 mph on the 70 mph dual carriageway approach to Stourport. He was fined £200, with £35 costs. Meola, 38, of Malham Road, Stourport

WHAT a warming sight it was this winter to see Gra-eme Hick batting with such power and authority. Great for him and heartening for English cricket lovers, though Worcestershire supporters would have had their joy tempered knowing that this would lead

ONE idea discussed by the ECB this winter was doing away with the toss of the coin in Championship cricket. The visiting side would be allowed choice of innings to prevent the home side from benefiting from pitches prepared to their advantage. The idea

So at last we had some cricket at New Road. Mind you, April 22 and the seventh scheduled day of first class cricket is still earlier than most opening days to a season which I have experienced. I know there are problems fitting everything in with the

THE toss of the coin seems likely to be an early season theme this year. Losing it in Durham was clearly a disadvantage. Winning it against Surrey made the gaining of bonus points much easier in the time available. Winning it at Trent Bridge didn't do

NEW Road on Bank Holiday Monday looked a picture for the home debut of the National League. Amid the sunshine and the bonhomie the cricket almost seemed incidental. Yet a tight game was played out in which Worcestershire pushed Yorkshire hard before being

BY the time the Glamorgan game finished, Worcestershire had played very few days of first class cricket at New Road this year. This by the beginning of June and after six County Championship matches. Mind you, the way wickets have fallen in their most

THE sun is shining but Worcestershire are inactive; the other teams are catching up on the seven County Championship matches which Worcestershire have attempted in this rain-soaked start to the season. Not that we should be blaming the weather after it

Raiders stole computer equipment worth £10,000 when they broke into an art and craft firm's premises in Kidderminster. They forced a door to get into Oasis Art and Craft Products in Goldthorn Road at 11.50pm on Sunday.

WELL, Hicky's touch as captain continues to bed sure and if, between him and Tom, they can secure the signing of Glenn McGrath, then he might have made his most significant contribution as captain yet. The arguments over the best type of overseas player

COMPETITIVE cricket has been thin on the ground recently for Worcestershire. The last Championship match at Headingley was a three-day game and leaves one wondering just how many of the scheduled 68 days of first class cricket Worcester will have played

TOWNSFOLK were drummed into action early on Monday as eight military drummers from the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters arrived in town. The drummers were on a recruitment drive handing out tickets to a military tournament, which took place in Worcester

TRIVIA: Wribbenhall Social came back from a poor run of results to beat George A 65-55 in the Bewdley Trivia League. Results: George A 55, Wribbenhall Social 65; Cock and Magpie 65, Wood Colliers 49; Bewdley Institute 55, Pack Horse 53; White Swan 50,

GOLF: Cleobury Mortimer Golf Club member Barry Lucas hit a hole-in-one at the fifth at Deer Park, a 155-yard hole. Men's March Stableford First Division: Sam Pringle 8 handicap 38 points; Second Division: John King 20-38; Third Division: Nick Jackson

A pensioner was taken to hospital in Redditch after falling down an escalator in Kidderminster's Rowland Hill centre. Shopping centre manager Phil Dunn said Gladys Cooper, from Stourport, had been shopping and had fallen backwards down the escalator shortly

GOLF: Jan Harrison won the Ladies March Medal at Habberley Golf Club with Edna Cox in runners-up spot. Men's Saturday Winter League: Mike Emson and Pete Hawkins 57 nett, Charles McKenzie and Dean Moss 60.

SNOOKER: The British Sugar battle in the latest round of matches in Dot Comm Wednesday Snooker League ended with the fourth-placed B team recording a shock 3-2 win over the leading A side. Results: British Sugar A 2, British Sugar B 3; Brintons Oldington

A TOP two clash in Kidderminster Table Tennis League Division One saw favourites Jim's Gym A gain a hard-fought win over RB Iron. The success was thanks largely to Paul Garner who was unbeaten on the night, including an impressive victory over Eric Hardman

HOCKEY: Chaddesley Corbett bounced back to winning ways with a 4-1 victory over Tenbury and moved into mid-table security in DTZ League West Midlands Two. Player-coach Roger List proved the inspiration for a vastly improved performance by the villagers

SAMURAI Judo Club's junior squad continued their fine form with nine medals at the Sasakawa Open Championships against talented opposition. The squad is going from strength to strength and the girls were particularly impressive with three gold medals.

SHILEEN Tanna's equaliser earned Stourport a National Hockey League Division One point in a 1-1 draw at Indian Gymkhana. Tanna replied quickly from a corner after Alan John had given the home side a 29th minute lead from open play. Stourport Ladies 4

WYRE Forest Swimming Club's Adam Cotgrave won a hat-trick of gold medals in the 13/14 age group at the Worcester County Championships. Cotgrave's wins came in the 50 metres butterfly, and both 50m and 100m breaststroke. He also took bronze in the 200m

ONE of Wyre Forest's biggest sporting events has become the latest victim of the foot and mouth crisis. The Red Marley Hill Climb, scheduled for Easter weekend at Walsgrove Farm, near Great Witley, has been cancelled. With no alternative dates available

THURSDAY: Birmingham: Ronnie Scott's - Drummin' Man. Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2 - The Stereotonics. Worcester: Huntingdon Hall - Tom Robinson. Stourbridge: Rock Cafe 2000 - Rodgers & Company. Brierley Hill: Robin R'n'B - Christopher Nott. FRIDAY:

Pace duo Chris Liptrot and Stuart Lampitt did their best to make up for lost time when Worcestershire's rain-ravaged County Championship match against Surrey finally got underway at New Road yesterday. They shared nine wickets to help dismiss Surrey for

PILES of rubbish in an Astwood Bank garden are attracting scores of rats according to neighbours who are demanding action from Redditch Council, writes Julian Seva. Residents of Western Hill Close have reached the end of their tether with the state of

WORCESTERSHIRE shot up to 12th place in the County Championship table after beating Somerset by 26 runs at New Road yesterday. They had started the game two points adrift at the bottom but stormed to an impressive victory despite a century from Michael

WORCESTERSHIRE'S admirable never-say-die attitude reaped its reward at Wantage Road in the shape of an excellent 112-run victory over sorry Northamptonshire. As fightbacks go, this must figure as one of the best. Even the most adventurous punter would

WORCESTERSHIRE skipper Tom Moody believes his side are on the right track following their third County Championship victory in four games. Saturday's win over Gloucestershire at Cheltenham lifted Worcestershire up to ninth place in the table and, with

A MAN has claimed he will lose his livelihood after the relocation of Redditch market from Royal Square to Market Place, writes Matt Smith. Carl Warrilow, of Wythall, has been on the market for 23 years and this week will drop one day of trading because

WORCESTERSHIRE put up a much better fight at Headingley yesterday when they avoided the indignity of an innings defeat and then claimed a consolation wicket before Yorkshire scored the token four runs they required for their sixth win of the season. It

WORCESTERSHIRE were on the receiving end of a whirlwind batting performance from Ian Blackwell when Derbyshire clinched a six-wicket win in the County Championship match at Kidderminster. The 21-year-old left-hander blitzed the County attack for 31 minutes

THE Valentine's day meeting combined the AGM with a light-hearted social hour. This year the committee were re-nominated and all agreed to another year in office. The secretary, Mrs Roma Smith, reviewed the past year, reminding members of the many interesting

IT was a magic moment for 19-year-old Ben Davies on Saturday as he celebrated his Football League debut. Davies was given probably a long overdue chance and he did little wrong in a tough 0-0 draw at Rochdale. The former Walsall trainee has already appeared

TWO families unite in sorrow today (Thursday) when the ashes of a young man killed in a road accident are interred next to the grave of his best friend who was also a car crash victim less than four months earlier. Friends and family of Richard Carrington

THERE are just 24 hours to go before crazy characters all over Britain say Pants to Poverty and raise millions of pounds for Comic Relief. Already, thousands of pounds have come out of the appeal fund to help improve life for older people in Worcestershire

THE region's water supplier is urging Worcestershire to become wet, wild and wonderful to safeguard wildlife. Severn Trent launched its 12-month conservation campaign after new figures came to light showing 75 per cent of Britain's ponds had vanished

WORCESTER people want to save money and improve their commitment to "green" issues, an environment expert claims. John Bond, environmental protection officer at Worcester City Council, said those living in the Faithful City understood the importance of

A TRAINEE rabbi is calling on Jews in Worcester to help him set up a worship group in the city. Paul Meshulem leads a group called Chavurat Emek vaYa-ar, which is Hebrew for "the fellowship of the valley and the forest". "We call it that because we meet

WORCESTERSHIRE is still open for business, say tourism operators desperately trying to attract visitors from outside the county. The foot-and-mouth disease outbreak has devastated the tourism industry during recent weeks.With public footpaths and bridleways

WORCESTER'S Newtown hospital and the downgraded Kidderminster General have won top scores in an independent cleanliness and friendliness survey. They were among several Worcestershire hospital sites to be praised for their high standards following a recent

A STOLEN car left hanging over railings after ploughing off Worcester's Lansdowne Crescent has re-ignited a row over the safety of the road. The blue Ford Escort ended up nose-down in allotments after careering off a sharp right-hand bend. Police confirmed

Pershore II 9, Rugeley II 0 PERSHORE equalled their highest ever DTZ League win with this demolition of Rugeley to bring their recent poor run of results to an end. This landslide featured another hat-trick from Chris Smith, a brace apiece for Steve Quantrell

Evesham Ladies 2, Badsey 1 EVESHAM hit back after the previous week's 4-0 reverse to overcome their local rivals. Badsey took an early lead when Jude Taylor inadvertently turned the ball into her own net following a short corner. However, this spurred

Bidford Ladies 1, Studley 1 BIDFORD dominated the second period of Saturday's friendly on the Abbey High School Astroturf but they failed to turn possession into goals. There were chances at both ends in the first half before Sarah Powell gave the visitors

THOUSANDS of Wyre Forest pensioners are to benefit from increased payments. Some 21,000 district pensioners will receive the Government's Minimum Income Guarantee. From next month the MIG for single pensioners will rise by up to £13 to £92 a week. Couples

PROSPECTIVE Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Mark Simpson has defended a questionnaire he has circulated in Wyre Forest - after sitting Labour MP David Lock was invited the join the Tories. Mr Lock was furious at claims in the questionnaire, sent

A LODGE Park couple were fined £1,000 by Redditch magistrates for failing to clean up their dogs' mess from their own garden, writes Melina Cannon. Trevor and Julia Lee, of Dormston Close, were each fined £500 for three offences contrary to the Environmental

IT WOULD be nice just once if we heard an ounce of sense from officials in rugby. The game cannot seem to get from one week to the next without slumping into a new crisis. We hear that the game has never had it so good with the quality of the professional

A WORCESTER-based marketing boss has landed a fifth creative design award for a brochure promoting his own company. Former Evening News journalist Bob Blandford picked up the award in the Royal Mail's Winning Post competition for Most Creative Mailshot

The foot and mouth outbreak has forced Harriers off their Brown Westhead Park training ground in Wolverley. It will be closed for at least 28 days so the club moved to Habberley Playing Fields, near Harry Cheshire High School. But they are set to change

MANAGING directors of small and medium-sized enterprises do not believe the predicted downturn in the economy will turn into a full-blown recession, according to the latest research by the Royal Bank of Scotland Commercial Services. The research showed

Harriers have clinched a three-year kit deal with Le Coq Sportif worth a substantial five-figure fee. Fans have voted for their final choice of kit from three supporters designs detailed in Tuesday night's match programme.

SLEEP will not have been a problem for Kidderminster folk after Harriers' 0-0 Division Three bore draw with Scunthorpe United on Tuesday night. But a second clean sheet in as many games was perhaps the most important aspect of the clash as Jan Molby's

AFTER its four-month winter break, sailing was eagerly awaited at the Common Road club on Sunday. It was a pity competitors had to put up with almost constant rain and a cold river with a strong flow. Nevertheless, competition was soon back in earnest

EVESHAM Archery Club's Simon Tarplee continued his build-up to the World Champio-nships with victory at the West Midlands and County of Worcester Indoor Championships. The European outdoor compound bow title holder notched up 588 to beat national teammate

ANDREW Walker and Tim Messent kept the Evesham flag flying as both stole victories in the North West Regional Time Trials at Northwich Rowing Club. The trials are held as an aid to selection for the West Region Rowing Squad. With the next inter-regional

NOT even a bye for No 5 player Frances Heneghan could help Evesham's bid for cup success in the Worcestershire League when they faced Horny Hold in the first round. Their opponents had inflicted a couple of defeats on their visitors and they were again

GOALS will be the order of the day for Kidderminster Harriers who have drawn their last two games 0-0. Boss Jan Molby was delighted with the clean sheets against Rochdale and Scunthorpe but is demanding a more positive approach at home to struggling Darlington

TWO points still separate the leading trio after wins for Stanton, Lygon Arms and Offenham RBL. Stanton easily overcame bottom of the pile George and Dragon with Jackie Laming again top scoring with 47. Martin Smith was the home side's best with 46. James

PRINCE Henry's School pupil Alex King has been making waves - quite literally in the world of windsurfing. The 15-year-old from Eckington has his sights set on selection for the 2008 Olympics after first racing in the Professional Association. Last year

THIS poignant picture shows the Redditch Territorials of the 8th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, who were based at the Drill Hall in Church Road. These were infantrymen, not to be confused with the pre-war territorials based in Easemore Road, who were

Warwickshire's Education Authority is going all out to recruit more teachers into local schools. Education officers want to make sure the teacher shortage problems experienced throughout the UK do not occur in and around Stratford and other parts of Warwickshire

THE Journal is calling starter's orders on the race to beat cancer and organisers are hoping this year's Race for Life will be the biggest and best yet. The Imperial Cancer Research fund hopes the eighth year of the race will see 160,000 women, nationwide

THERE was a subdued atmosphere at Stratford Racecourse on Monday as punters tried to put thoughts of the foot and mouth crisis behind them, with limited success. Numbers at the traditional pre-Cheltenham Festival meet were down about a thousand on usual

THE dangers of the kitchen and the nasties that lie beneath can be fun as well as serious, according to Stratford College students who launched a new food safety film last week. The drama students penned the script and starred in Good Cook, Bad Cook,

WORCESTERSHIRE neatly side-stepped a banana skin lying in wait for them at Exmouth to beat Devon by 45 runs and book a home tie with Surrey in the fourth round of the NatWest Trophy. Devon are no mugs at the one-day game -- they have won the Minor Counties

STAINED glassware is something which often attracts the eye, and the proprietor of a new shop in Evesham hopes to attract more than just customers. Susan Earnshaw owns The Glassroom, which opened on Port Street last month and she plans to start lessons

EVESHAM United's controversial plans to relocate to Cheltenham Road are due to go before Wychavon District Council next month. Members of the planning committee will be asked to decide whether or not to pass outline plans to enable the football club to

A HEALTHY celebration by schoolchildren will take place in Kidderminster on Tuesday. District pupils involved in the healthy schools programme will have displays of work and projects on show at the Corn Exchange, Kidderminster Town Hall, from 6pm to 8pm

FECKENHAM were left with only one chance of silverware this season after crashing out of the Challenge Cup last night (Wednesday). The Millers went down 3-0 at home to Coventry Sphinx and had defender Mark Cund sent off for stamping - their second dismissal

A CHARITY road show music group is hoping to raise pots of money for Sargent Cancer Care for Children when it comes to Kidderminster. The group features Billy Farnsworth, Kristine McCarthy, Connie Francis, Gordon Roberts and the Steve Raymond Band, and

BILL Athey made a shock comeback for Worcestershire -- and figured strongly in the Royals' magnificent win over National League title holders Lancashire Lightning. "Definitely a one-off," smiled the New Road coach who wore the number 41 shirt to match

A NEW Kidderminster College band is on a mission to "turn the song towards bleaker horizons than ever imagined". Calhoun Square, will premiere their debut single on Monday, are targeting long-term success - and in a novel way. A college spokesman said

COACH Bill Athey criticised the Gloucester Festival pitch rather than his beaten Worcestershire players after a 50-run National League First Division defeat by his old county. The former Gloucestershire batsman expressed the view that the slow wicket

WORCESTERSHIRE Royals stormed into second place in Division One of the National League thanks to a thrilling one run win over Gloucestershire Gladiators at New Road. They left Gloucestershire a victory target of 185 and bowled them out for 183 with just

TOM Moody, Graeme Hick and Stuart Lampitt joined forces to help Worcestershire Royals keep the pressure on leaders Yorkshire Phoenix with a seven-wicket win over Hampshire Hawks in the National League Division One clash at New Road. For the County it

LEFT-ARM seamer Alamgir Sheriyar pushed Worcestershire a step nearer the CGU National League Division One title with another impressive performance against his old club at Grace Road yesterday. Set 198 to win, Leicestershire never got out of the blocks

WORCESTERSHIRE Royals are two points behind National League Division One leaders Lancashire Lightning after experiencing mixed fortunes in their Bank Holiday double-header against Essex Eagles and Warwickshire Bears at New Road. Following Sunday's comfortable

ANY hopes of an early start to the tourist season have been dashed by the foot and mouth outbreak. West Midland Safari Park has scrapped its original plan to open this Saturday and has now earmarked March 31. About 400 valuable animals including rhinos

WORCESTERSHIRE emerged from a thrilling CGU National League battle at Chelmsford yesterday with their sights firmly on the First Division title. A duel with several twists and turns saw them squeeze home by three runs against Essex. Now they only have

THE Rock farming community went on red alert this week as the threat of foot and mouth disease came within a mile or two of some farmyard gates. Pig farmer John Simmonds said farmers throughout the Bewdley area were on their guard after news that stock

A FARMER'S wife has described her deep distress watching from the farmhouse windows as ministry men in white coats work to destroy cattle and sheep the family has tended through the long winter months. Mother of five, Charmaine Yardley, of Longmore Farm

AN anguished Kidderminster farmer has slammed dog walkers for ignoring footpath bans near his farm on the day specialist gunmen moved in to destroy his life's work. Fields near Chaddesley Corbett which are the scene of the first pyres of burning carcasses

COUNCILLOR Psirides considers that the qualified auditors' report on Bromsgrove District Council is entirely due to the low level of reserves and the general delays in dealing with benefit claims (You Say, March 8). Can he be referring to KPMG's Management

I MUST thank both P Handy and M Large for giving me the opportunity to discuss the subject of coursing and the hare. Their recent rather whimsical letters suggest that neither of them have been coursing but that they have gained their distorted view of

I PROPOSE that March 5 should be made a local flag day to aid the preservation of the Old Fruit Market, Hylton Road. I listened with interest to councillors discussing the merits or otherwise of the Safeways plan for this desolate dump and realised that

MY home is now in Weston but my heart remains in Worcester. I still read your newspaper, always back-dated. Michael Grundy's column is always of interest as he mentions so many people with whom I was associated over the years. Names such as Marshall,

THERE is very little engineering or general manufacturing in Worcester. Apart from obligatory local functions, not a single central government department is now represented in Worcester. Similarly the city does not contain the central administration of

Pershore III 7pts, Malvern IV 6 A COMPELLING encounter between local rivals brought reward for Pershore by the slenderest of margins. An uncompromising opening saw Pershore gain a crucial early advantage. From an attacking position on the Malvern 22 metre

A TOTAL of 150 jobs look set to be saved under a deal that would see the takeover of a giant retail park property in Kidderminster. News that the Homebase megastore lease at Crossley Park is likely to be sold as a going concern emerged just two weeks

Alexandra, Birmingham - La Traviata Sunday. The Sunshine Boys Tonight until Saturday. Grand, Wolverhampton - The Lady Vanishes until Saturday. Ken Hill's Pantom of the Opera Monday until March 24. Rep, Birmingham - Having A Ball Friday until April 7.

TWO teams from Ferndale Ladies U-14 football squad are preparing for the National Youth Club finals at Kettering on Saturday, April 21. Representing Spennells Youth Club, they finished first and second in the regional five-a-side tournament at Grantham

A DISASTROUS back nine in the final round of the Qatar Masters cost Jeremy Robinson a top 10 finish in Doha last weekend, writes Mervyn Collins. The 35-year-old Evesham golfer was five under par after a birdie at the par five tenth but the round fell

BRITISH LEGION WOMEN'S SECTION: Held their March meeting in the Betteridge Room. Business was dealt with. It was decided to arrange an outing to Monkland Cheese Dairy. The speaker was unable to attend due to illness. Monthly raffle was won by Mrs S Westmacott

ARP/O50: The February meeting was attended by more than 70 members and friends when an interesting talk was given by a representative of the Air Ambulance Service, a collection was made on their behalf and £100 was handed to the speaker towards the funds

WEDNESDAY CLUB: Met on March 7 when Mrs M Boath presided. Birthday cards were distributed. The club is to send £50 to the Aid for India Fund. The programme for the afternoon was given by Mr Goode from Evesham. He delighted members with a wonderful musical

PARISH COUNCIL: At a meeting held on February 27 in the village hall nearly 100 members of the public were present to hear representatives of the police force give their opinions and advice on the question of the level of policing in Harvington. Chairman

Blockley Brass Band: A concert of popular music at was held at St George's Hall, Blockley, last Sunday. In a world of highly sophisticated entertainment on tap at the press of a switch and all types of sounds available in the name of music blasted constantly

THE morale of district doctors is tumbling due to stress and rising workloads. Wyre Forest General Practitioners chairman Dr Jim Goodman has warned doctors may quit because of Government targets combined with a lack of numbers. He said there was "growing

COACH Bill Athey was delighted with the all- round performance of his team after Worcestershire pulled off their second County Championship win in three matches. Worcestershire, after bowling Sussex out for only 148 at Hove, reached their target of 96

WORCESTERSHIRE were denied the chance of a third Championship win by another wash-out at Bristol and no one was more frustrated than Vikram Solanki. He was left dangling on 161 needing just 11 more runs for a career-best and no-one sympathised more than

COACH Bill Athey hopes that table-topping Worcestershire's two-day County Division Two defeat against Sussex at New Road is "just a blip in our progress." Sussex won by eight wickets to send the County crashing to their first Championship reversal of

A STEVE Rhodes century helped Worcestershire return to the top of the County Championship Division Two following a well earned draw against Nottinghamshire at New Road. They are now two points clear of second-placed Warwickshire who have a game in hand

STUART Law struck a brilliant unbeaten 133 to knock Worcestershire off the top of the table with a four wickets defeat at the hands of Essex at Chelmsford yesterday. But the Essex star will be the first to admit he was helped by bowlers who struggled

WE have a test of our focus on Saturday as we come face to face with Manchester. It is an absolutely crucial game in the context of the National One title race because, with everybody already talking about the April 1 trip to Leeds, we have to make sure

AN APPEAL has gone out to householders not to put broken glass in plastic refuse sacks. It follows an accident to refuse collector Andrew Hall who had an operation to repair tendons in his hand as a result of a serious cut. Father of four, Mr Hall, aged

THEY'RE turning up the heat at the Everyman - and you could be part of the hot crowd! Europe's largest traditional African dance and drumming company is due to pound it's way to the Cheltenham theatre later this month - and we have a pair of tickets to

THE BIRD of Prey Theatre Company is seeking actors for a performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream in the garden of Hall's Croft, Stratford. Local playwright Reg Mitchell is looking for actors to fill several parts. Auditions are on Sunday, March 18. Children

THE ACTOR who played the disgraced Dr Sam Morgan in the ITV drama, Peak Practice, will be strutting the boards at the Everyman Theatre next week. Joseph Millson is to star in an adaptation by the Shared Experience Theatre Company of George Eliot's classic

AFTER recording their first ever win in the Evesham Indoor League on their previous outing, St Benedict's were quickly brought crashing down to earth at the hands of title chasing Overbury. A second win was never on the cards as Overbury blasted out a

YOUNG skateboarders will come under the spotlight when security lights are added to the area around Bewdley Fire Station. The new security measures follow complaints taken up by Worcestershire county councillor Stephen Clee about "inappropriate" skateboarding

YOUNGSTERS are ready to raise the curtain on a showy version of a saint's journey through life 2000 years ago. On The Road to Damascus are performers Hannah Bushell as Miriam, Stephen Hill as Barnabas and Stephanie Moran, chorus cheerleader. Members of

THREE-times Olympic champion Matthew Pinsent will be the star of the show in an awards ceremony in Bewdley on Tuesday. The rowing gold medal winner will present Investors in People standards to organisations, including Wyre Forest Community Housing, at

TOWN councillors who have questioned whether a proposed flood barrier is viable in Bewdley have been urged to keep an open mind. The Environment Agency expressed "concern and disappointment" Bewdley Town Council had reservations about whether the scheme

A COMMUNITY outraged by "over the top" ideas for slowing down traffic has won a second chance to press home its objections. Highways leaders have agreed to extend a consultation exercise with Bewdley residents on a scheme to create a network of traffic-calming

WORCESTERSHIRE spent a worthwhile three days in Cambridge despite being unable to secure victory over the University at Fenner's last night. At this stage of what has been a dismal, rain-affected start to the season the number one priority for the County

WORCESTERSHIRE'S players are "champing at the bit" to entertain Australia on Monday after yesterday's World Cup warm-up match against Zimbabwe at New Road was ruined by rain. Only ten overs were possible before the wet weather left the County high and

ADAM Gilchrist put a dampner on Worcestershire's rain-affected centenary celebrations by producing a match-winning innings in Australia's World Cup warm-up at New Road yesterday. He hit 86 as the Aussies triumphed by six wickets with 9.1 overs to spare

WORCESTERSHIRE'S players, officials and supporters have given a cautious welcome to short-form cricket. New Road staged its first experimental match yesterday, with the County beating Glamorgan by 31 runs. The match was a 25-over contest starting at 5pm

ON Friday, Emma made her third appearance at a recital organised by the Classical Music Society, the 27th in the Young Musicians Recitals series. She impressed everyone on her previous appearances, the first at 14, and the second on her 18th birthday,

WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club are the masterminds behinds behind a new nationwide grassroots initiative. Earlier this year the County submitted a scheme as part of the 'Improving the Health of English Cricket' project launched by County Championship

WORCESTERSHIRE are on the look-out for new players with a batsman being their main priority. Their search is to be stepped up after missing out on two players they have been tracking recently. The duo have not been named but one is believed to have been

WORCESTERSHIRE have been drawn at home to holders Gloucestershire in the third round of next season's NatWest Trophy. The tie will be staged at New Road on Wednesday, June 21. Gloucestershire beat Somerset in last season's final at Lord's. The Worcestershire

WORCESTERSHIRE are confident Alamgir Sheriyar and Vikram Solanki will sign new contracts despite failing to put pen to paper before flying out on the England 'A' team's tour of Bang-ladesh and New Zealand. New Road chairman John Elliott said: "The indications

A GROUP of Scouts plans to descend on Saturday shoppers to raise money for charity. Up to 25 youngsters from Blakedown Venture Scouts Unit are dropping into Kidderminster to abseil down the front of one of the town's tallest stores in aid of the unit

TWO senior members of staff are among those who will be leaving their jobs with Malvern Hills District Council in the next fortnight as part of an economy drive. Council spokesman Stephen Leese was not prepared to name the two heads of service, who are

A DISABLED couple claim they are living like prisoners in their own home because they cannot get their house adapted. Catherine Quekett with Pauline Rickson at her home which needs to be adapted. Pensioners Pauline and Peter Rickson, of Hayes Road, Wolverley

THE public have given Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade the thumbs-up in a poll of 6,000 people. None of those who took part had levelled a complaint against the brigade - one of only five of Britain's 32 brigades in the same position. Three-quarters

THE West Indies will start their summer tour of England with a four-day game against Worcestershire at New Road. But the game is being played at the end of May as Zimbabwe play England in two Test matches before the West Indies arrive for a one-day tournament

YOUNGSTERS will be minding their own businesses in town on Saturday hoping to sell their wares to the public. Jenine McGaughran, Lesley Harris and Katuryn Andrewes with a design for a cork wall board produced by their "All Wrapped Up" company. Picture

VIKRAM Solanki has conquered Bangladesh and now faces fresh challenges with England 'A' in New Zealand if he is to enhance his reputation further. The tourists move on to the second stage of the tour with the Worcestershire batsman having staked a valid

WORCESTERSHIRE are preparing to step up their search for a new batsman for next season. They have a target in mind and are hoping to be able to open talks with him in the near future. New Road cricket committee chairman Martin Hor-ton said moves concerning

WORCESTERSHIRE'S hopes of a triumphant 2000 season have been hit by news that Australian pace ace Glenn McGrath's appearances will be restricted because of international duties. The 29-year-old fast bowler will miss the County's first three Benson and

WORCESTERSHIRE have poured cold water on reports from Australia that they may have to re-negotiate their contract with Glenn McGrath. McGrath is likely to be selected for a new one-day series against South Africa next August, which will be played at a

WORCESTERSHIRE'S new signing Glenn McGrath will have to pass an Australian Cricket Board fitness test prior to his departure for New Road. A similar situation involves Shane Warne who was granted permission by the ACB earlier this week to accept a one-year

The Adrian Skeggs column WE have a test of our focus on Saturday as we come face to face with Manchester. It is an absolutely crucial game in the context of the National One title race because, with everybody already talking about the April 1 trip to

Officials at Cheltenham have ended the uncertainty surrounding the National Hunt Festival by announcing that the rescheduled three-day meeting will start on Tuesday, April 17. It will coincide with the prestigious Craven meeting at Newmarket, featuring

THE Herefordshire Football League has suspended all its matches for the rest of the month because of the foot and mouth crisis. There has been no football for the last two weekends due to the crisis, but they hope to start again on April 7. The county's

MATHEW Back has been bit by a 'substantial fine' after throwing his Worcester jersey to the floor in anger. The former Welsh international's frustration got the better of him at Bedford on Saturday when he threw his shirt on the ground after being substituted

The top score in Kidderminster Six-a-side Soccer Leagues at King Charles Astro was achieved by Comberton, who beat Peacock 7-2 in Division One. Sureal Madrid stay top of Division Two with a 5-0 win over Demons. Division One: Peacock 2, Comberton 7; All

SPEEDING drivers are endangering lives by ignoring speed limit signs according to anxious residents of a Vale village, writes Peter McMillan. Badsey people say drivers of cars, lorries and motorcycles flout 30mph signs and overtake along Bretforton Road

EVESHAM marked International Women's Day with a series of workshops showcasing various crafts and art forms. Wallace House Community Centre was the venue for the event, which attracted around 150 people through the doors during the day. Activities on

HIGH-FLYING Kidderminster and District Sunday Premier side Brintons beat bottom club Hainge Rovers but had to battle, eventually winning 6-4. Saturday Premier leaders Chaddesley Corbett moved into the semi-finals of the League Senior Cup with a 3-2 win

SCHOOLS in the Vale have welcomed news of a springtime Government windfall, but their campaign for fairer funding goes on. Worcestershire's head teachers are to get a £2m handout in April following the budget announcement last week of £200m to schools

Brintons had to settle for a 0-0 draw at lowly Pershore Town Reserves in Banks's Brewery League Division One South. Fixture, Saturday: Bustlehome Reserves v Brinton (League).

STUDENTS from Pershore Group of Colleges cleaned up when they washed cars to raise money for their rag week activities. Eight students washed almost 20 cars at Evesham's Co-op last Saturday. Together with a street collection in the town, the fund raisers

A WILDLIFE rescue group's visitor centre is facing a crisis due to the foot and mouth outbreak. The facility at the Evesham Country Centre has been closed to the public for the past three weeks and now the cash is drying up. "We need to get in as much

A WORCESTER writer has released her second book charting some of the county's little known architectural oddities. Ann Moore's More Curiosities of Worcestershire, focuses on the weird and wonderful with examples of modern buildings and ancient cave dwellings

POLICE are appealing for the driver of a red and yellow low loader to come forward who may be a vital witness to a fatal accident along the A4538 near Pinvin on Monday. Sixty-year-old Anthony Foxall of Wheathill, Bridgnorth was killed when his red Rover

EVESHAM and Pershore Housing Association has called in police and auditors to investigate allegations of fraud. The move follows an internal audit and EPHA chief executive Ian Hughes said: "Although I cannot comment upon the individual circumstances,

HOW interesting to read the views of the Conservative group on the district council and their support for Mark Simpson, their candidate for MP. I agree entirely that no one individual will do any good on their own at Westminster. You have to be a team

THE recent flurry of letters urging caution about voting for Dr Richard Taylor at the up-coming Geneal Election are well argued. But we, as a community, have been united in a passionate opposition to the loss of our medical services. Dr Taylor's passion

THE Worcestershire Football Association have appointed Andy Norman as the Association's first full-time Football Development Officer. Andy was previously employed by Wychavon District Council as Assistant Youth Sports Development Officer and has experience

I WOULD like to expand on the letter from Dr Booth in the Shuttle of February 22, concerning the inevitability of changes in hospital services due to the reduction in the number of hours that junior doctors are allowed to work. This problem is compounded

Martley 1, Littleton 4 LITTLETON kept up the pressure at the top of the Worcester Premier League with this workmanlike win. After losing their first league game of the season, Littleton are now unbeaten in 15, winning 12 and drawing three. And, before

Redditch United 1, Evesham United 0 PHIL Mullen must have regretted his move to persuade the referee to allow Saturday's derby clash at The Valley Stadium to take place. After the official had deemed the surface unplayable, Mullen and Redditch counterpart

Cirencester Town 1, Evesham United 2 A LAST gasp winner from Joe Licata lifted Evesham into second place in the table after Tuesday's 12th league win on the road. It was no more than an energetic Evesham performance deserved but it looked set to be a

A MAN arrested at a Kidderminster nightclub was found to have 10 ecstasy tables on him and a baton like the type used by police. Staff at Mirage in Dixon Street became suspicious when they saw Nicholas Harrold remove something from his coat and take it

FOUR people were evacuated from flats in Kidderminster after bins stored between two blocks caught fire. The two bins - stored in a hallway between two blocks of four flats - was "well alight" when firefighters arrived at Witley Close shortly before 10.30pm

I AM writing to clarify a few points about the way Business Link will operate for companies in Kidderminster and the rest of Worcestershire and Herefordshire after April this year. Business Link, which is operated via a contract from the DTI through Chamber

WITH reference to Joan Newbury's letter re heavy lorries through the village of Childswickham last week. I have to agree with her. It seems that many motorists (and especially juggernaut drivers) know of these short cuts, such as from the A46 Cheltenham

BURGLARS struck at two homes in Kendlewood Road, Kidderminster, on Sunday night. Raiders stole cash, four credit cards, a driving licence, handbag, jewellery box, mobile phone and driving documents worth £372 from the kitchen and bedroom of one house

On behalf of the older past members of Broadway United Football Club who were present at the recent anniversary party, may I thank the club for taking the trouble to find us and send out invitations. We had not met as a group for over 40 years therefore

An allegation against a Kidderminster man of inflicting grievous bodily harm on his wife at their home in November, has been sent for crown court trial. Mark Bolam, 33, of Peregrine Grove, is charged with injuring his wife Nicola. The prosecution withdrew

I CAN understand council cleansing manager Tony Dare being afraid of setting a precedent by removing extra bin bags: "If we take an extra bag for one person then everyone will want us to do it," (Shuttle, February 22). But I do wonder how much extra it

NIGHTCLUBBER Lee Mansell was arrested for disorderly behaviour in Blackwell Street, Kidderminster, at 2am. He was put into a police car, then let himself out and was rugby tackled onto the road by a policeman, magistrates heard. He was one of a noisy

A JUDGE refused to accept a story that a 44-year-old man was minding heroin for a dealer. Judge Ian Morris ordered Paul Ashcroft to give evidence before he could be sentenced. Ashcroft, of Ismere Way, Kidderminster, had originally claimed a large quantity

POLICE are investigating a fire which broke out in suspicious circumstances at a house in Kidderminster on Monday night. Police spokeswoman Caroline Schubert said not much damage had been done as the Albert Street resident had a smoke alarm and the fire

A MAN suffered a broken leg after being struck by a sports car following a confrontation outside a Kidderminster pub. Two people were arrested after the incident outside the Corn Exchange pub in New Road at 10.40pm on Sunday. Police are also trying to

AS I write Alamgir Sheriyar has been responsible for 16 out of the last 23 wickets which Worcestershire have taken. This is a remarkable effort, not least in view of the stamina he has displayed in the process. Latest technology employed by Manchester

A bogus policewoman stole a purse containing £80 after conning her way into the home of a Kidder-minster pensioner. The victim - in her 80s - let the woman, who claimed to be a police officer, in to look around her Marlpool Place home on Monday. A police

A 27-year-old man has been bailed by Kidderminster magistrates on four charges of assault on police on the Habberley estate last month. Gareth Armstrong, of Comberton Road, is also accused of having an extending baton as an offensive weapon. He was bailed

THE World Cup is over - and what a debt we owe to Australia and South Africa for their two matches this last week. It was pure cricketing theatre. They lit up the competition and at the heart of the action, Worcestershire's captain, Tom Moody. At Headingley

DISAPPOINTING though last Wednesday's defeat against Surrey in the NatWest Trophy was, I don't think we should be too cast down. The Surrey team features 10 internationals while Worcestershire have just four. It was always going to be a tough game, with

SPORT is full of "ifs" and "buts," none more so than cricket. "If only he'd caught that catch" - "but for that dodgy decision." It's a dangerous thing to indulge in, though, because it leads all too easily to feeling sorry for oneself. It's too easy to

LOOKING back on Worcestershire's four-day match with Leicestershire, it was a wonderful effort to save the game, batting through four sessions to do so with Phil Weston making a fine 157. It does raise the question, though, of the County's apparent inability

So it's official now Glenn McGrath will be playing for Worcestershire next year. This is welcome and heartening news. It's been a long time since Worcestershire have had an imposing fast bowler and cricket lovers in the county will relish the prospect

REDDITCH United Football Club will be the venue for an after-show party after Redditch Welsh Society's annual concert at the Palace Theatre next week. Chairman Rod Laight has donated the use of the social club free of charge, which means the society can

TOWNSFOLK have shown their caring side this week by donating money to this year's Comic Relief appeal, writes Matt Smith. Students at St Augustine's High School said 'pants to poverty' with a disco at Hewell Road Social Club yesterday. The St Augustine's

A RARE Victorian pillar box which has served Studley for 140 years was destroyed in an instant when a minibus ploughed into it, writes Julian Seva. The accident near Spernal Ash Junction, Alcester Road, on Sunday afternoon left the cast ironwork of the

CHESS: Kidderminster Chess Club continued their climb up Wolverhampton Chess League Division Three with a 3.5-1.5 win at Rugeley. Results (Kidderminster names first): D Digger 0.5, A Dobson 0.5; J Varilone 0.5, A Meakin 0.5; T Pountney 1, S Heath 0; P

CRICKET: The next monthly meeting of Kidderminster and District Cricket Umpires Association on Tuesday, March 27, is devoted to the new revised laws of cricket. Peter Stevens, of Worcestershire Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association, will give a talk

TALENTED youngsters aim to hit the big time in West End theatre but not before they have shown off their skills in their own back yard. Oliver Carson, who plays Prince John, tucks into a pig roast during the banquet in Hood. Picture - JO BLIZZARD Pupils

KIDDERMINSTER Boundary firsts capped a good weekend by jumping to the top of Midlands Division Two. They defeated Telford 3-1 at home despite starting badly and being a goal down at the interval. But an improved second half display followed inspirational

A DRAW was the only result when Worcestershire's weather-affected Championship game resumed at Durham today. Just 38 overs were possible yesterday but that was enough for the home side to end the day on 153-4, one run ahead of the County's first innings

STEVE Rhodes has pledged Worcestershire will not feel sorry for themselves following their ten-wicket defeat at Trent Bridge and the loss of Graeme Hick for almost two months. Hick joins up with England tomorrow for the forthcoming World Cup and may not

WORCESTERSHIRE coach Bill Athey praised pace bowler Alamgir Sheriyar after his weakened team had fallen as expected to Hampshire by seven wickets at Southampton. Hampshire had little difficulty in reaching the 91 they needed in their second innings but

BILL Athey drew some encouragement from Worcestershire's display against Warwickshire despite it resulting in his side's third successive defeat in the County Championship. Several determined batting displays, not least from youngsters Chris Liptrot and

ACTING captain Steve Rhodes believes Worcestershire can use their 48-run victory over Glamorgan at New Road as a launchpad to climb up the County Champion-ship table. "At least we have now built a foundation," he said after the County wrapped up their

GRAEME Hick compiled a masterly 134 to deny Sussex victory as Worcestershire fought back courageously on the final day of their Championship game at Horsham. Worcestershire were also in-debted to a timely downpour as they were hanging on at 255-9 -- a

A CENTURY stand between ton-up star Philip Weston and Graeme Hick gave Worcestershire a chance of beating second-in-the-table Leicestershire in their County Championship game at New Road. In the end, however, the match drifted into a draw with the County

WORCESTERSHIRE'S hopes of a place in the first division of the County Championship next season are fading following their rain-ravaged draw against Lancashire at New Road. They are now 14 points adrift of the top half of the table where they need to finish

GRAEME Hick is confident Worcestershire's stay in the second division of the County Championship will be a brief one. The County's draw against Essex on Saturday means a place in the top half of the County Championship is now out of reach and condemns

PACEMAN Alamgir Sheriyar proved to be the only winner in Worcestershire's rain abandoned County Championship draw against Middlesex at New Road. The 25-year-old failed to take a wicket, but was confirmed as the country's leading wicket-taker following

"THE question is whether people are logistically and practically able to vote." That was Prime Minister Tony Blair's view in declaring, yesterday, that there's no reason to postpone the May 3 local elections in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis. He

PAT Chitty welcomed the members to the well attended AGM. Peggy Mytton is to be the new president and grateful thanks were given to Pat for her three very good years with particular mention of the Millennium Wall Hanging which she had instituted. A lovely

ON a bitterly cold evening members enjoyed a return visit from Mrs Christine Seal, this time to show some of her beautiful Celtic appliqu and stained glass patchwork. Her designs are based on anything from medieval manuscripts to modern Christmas cards

TAKE a hop back in time to when rock was young. The classics of Little Richard, Connie Francis, Jerry Lee Lewis and the King himself Elvis Presley, get an airing at Cheltenham Town Hall on Saturday. It's a 'must see' concert for music lovers old and new

A CAR buff has launched a crusade to keep a Kidderminster-made vintage vehicle in the town. Historian Robert Barber fears foreign collectors will snap up one of the two remaining Castle Three cars if it goes on open sale. Flashback - Castle Three owner

A FATHER and son have been left distraught after the theft of their beloved motorbikes. Gavin Smith, 39, and 11-year-old son Callum lost their Kawasaki 60 and Honda 250 off-road bikes worth a total of £1,500 when thieves raided the garage of their home

A BILL being steered through Parliament by Wyre Forest MP David Lock was "hi-jacked" by Tory shadow minister Ann Widdecombe. Miss Widdecombe, shadow home secretary, and three colleagues are facing a reprimand after staging a "sit-in" which led to the

A 41-year-old man beat up his partner and ripped up her clothes after an argument, Worcester Crown Court was told. Dennis Gubbins, who was in a volatile relationship with Jacqueline Harrison, punched and kicked her, leaving her with bruises and a cut

A TRAFFIC nightmare is developing in Ronkswood because the hospital's car park is overflowing. Vehicles backed up along Newtown Road yesterday were queuing to reach the hospital, while motorists caused havoc by parking in residential spots. Hospital car

THE leader of Worcestershire's Tories today called on the Government to postpone local elections from Thursday, May 3. County councillor June Longmuir said a decision to go ahead with the original date would "disenfranchise" people living in the countryside

The next monthly meeting of Kidderminster and District Cricket Umpires Association on Tuesday, March 27, is devoted to the new revised laws of cricket. Peter Stevens, of Worcestershire Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association, will give a talk at Kidderminster

Evesham 3, Stratford 4 EVESHAM entertained Stratford in a DTZ West Midlands Premier match and started poorly conceding two early goals through slack defending and abysmal positional play. The goals did little to boost Evesham's workrate and they were

PARLIAMENT beckons for a Kidderminster man who has been selected as Labour candidate for a safe seat. Tom Watson, 34, has been chosen as Labour prospective parliamentary candidate for West Bromwich East at the next General Election. The former chairman