We asked Wyre Forest's four candidates the following questions about issues which affect the lives of everyone in the constituency. Lots of people are unhappy about the downgrading of Kidderminster hospital. If you were the MP, what would you do to safeguard
I'M not happy with the attitude taken by Health Concern, who seem to have done a u-turn about Kidderminster hospital. The hospital should have all the resources that it had three years ago, before the downgrading took place. It needs a full accident and
THE downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital has been a disaster for the whole county and the opening of the new hospital, although improving the buildings for Worcester residents, will not improve access to health care. All patients will still be expected
THE chance to picnic in splendour is being offered to music lovers who visit historic Hampton Court next week. The 15th Century estate will provide the backdrop to a classical concert staged to celebrate the start of the Leominster Festival next Thursday
A HARD-hitting documentary showing how lives are affected when youngsters abuse drugs and alcohol is being filmed in Herefordshire. Herefordshire LEA has received extra funding from the Department of Health to raise awareness among young people about
AN hysterical three-year-old was taken on a five-mile terror ride after her mum had a row with an ex-boyfriend, Worcester Crown Court was told. Phillip Wright punched Samantha Lane before driving off from Bewdley with the girl in his car. Police finally
Election FactFile WORCESTER'S MP from 1961 to 1992 was Peter Walker (Conservative), now Lord Walker. From 1992 to 1997, the MP was Peter Luff (Conservative). The Worcester constituency was represented for the first time by a Labour MP when Mike Foster
A WOMAN lucky to be alive after an articulated lorry ploughed into the bus stop she was standing at has spoken about her horrific ordeal for the first time. Mary Farmer, 50, was crushed under the wreckage of the shelter after the accident on the A449
BEFORE the start of Corse Parish Council's annual meeting, councillors were invited to see the new Forest of Dean rural community police vehicle which was now in use. PC Simon Bailey, the officer in charge of the vehicle, explained its function. It is
VOTERS go to the polls for Worcestershire County Council elections as well as the parliamentary election on Thursday, June 7. There are 38 candidates in 11 Wyre Forest wards for the county poll. Conservatives currently hold 25 county seats but the council
LONG, long ago when homosapiens were still wet behind the ears and the WI dabbled in cream teas rather than the strip variety, and a period when professional footballers put the ball in the net with an air of "Oh heck, it was nothing. I really couldn't
A SPECIAL service for Rogation Sunday was held at 6.30pm at St Peter's Church last week. Readings were read by Joan Roper and David Allen, intercessions led by Neville Radburn and the Address by the vicar, the Rev David Nichol. The choir, accompanied
ON his first visit to Staunton Parish Church since he was installed as the Archdeacon of Gloucester, the Venerable Geoffrey Sidaway was welcomed by priest in charge Canon John Evans and the churchwardens Ursula Groves-Smith and June Fardon and the congregation
Bill is delighted and honoured to have been selected to fight the Brinton Park seat for Labour. Bill is a real local man, having been born, bred and lived in the area all of his life. A well known, respected and socially active individual, Bill has been
"People before politics" has always been the most important factor to me during the 12 years the electors have honoured me to be their representative on both the Wyre Forest District Council and the Worcestershire County Council. I have, and will continue
Peter Dyke has lived in the ward for the past 20 years. He has been a Wyre Forest district councillor since 1998. He is married to Councillor Helen Dyke. They have two children, Lindsey and Alex. Peter is a governor of a local first school. Peter has
Harry is a former high school master and director of a community arts centre. Currently a businessman, living with his wife and mother in Chaddesley, he is deeply involved in local and rural issues, being vice chairman of Chaddesley Parish Council, a
Born in Wolverley, Nigel has spent most of his life living in Worcestershire. He has served as a Wychavon district councillor and a parish councillor. As a father of young children, his main interest lies with improving standards for children in education
TV personality Fred Dibnah will be among the attractions at the Steam Fair and Country Show at Eastnor Castle. The popular steeplejack will be bringing his mighty steam engine Atlas to the event on Bank Holiday Monday (May 28). The castle's owner, James
PAINTINGS by Suzanna Reynolds, currently on show in the circle bar at Malvern Theatres, conjure up images of the setting sun. Her empty landscapes, whether small or huge, capture the peaceful atmosphere of dawn or dusk seen from the top of the Malvern
Conrad says he is highly honoured to be Labour's choice to represent the people of Wribbenhall Wolverley and Cookley. He started the long fight against the proposed Incinerator and regards the magnificent campaign that stopped that crazy scheme as one
Bill Clinton is putting in an appearance at the Hay Festival of Arts and Literature tomorrow (Saturday). The former US president, who is currently on a European lecture tour, will be giving a talk on Conflict Resolution as well as answering questions
I have lived in Kidderminster for 13 years and am married with two teenage daughters. I work as a fundraiser for a charity and am presently a governor at both Birchen Coppice Middle School and Kidderminster College. I have been an active Liberal Democrat
Local hospital campaigner Louise Edginton has lived in Wyre Forest for 45 years. Until last year, she has represented local people on the district council since 1976. Louise's political experience is second to none. She is one of few politicians today
I am the serving county councillor for Habberley and Blakebrook, being first elected in 1989. I am seeking a further four-year term of office as a Labour Party member of Worcestershire County Council. I am proud to have served as Worcester-shire County
Helen Dyke is an active Wyre Forest district councillor. An original member of the Stop the Kidderminster Incinerator campaign, she has consistently voted against the plans for the incinerator. As a former Kidderm-inster Hospital worker she is a member
Howard Martin has lived in Kidderminster 26 years. A former civil servant working in the Department of Trade and Industry, he has an extensive knowledge of national and local government. Recently working locally in our hospitals, he is now a self-employed
Simon has lived in Kidderminster for 25 years. He went to university and achieved an honours degree in politics. He works as a representative for a public services trade union. He is a governor at St George's First School and chairman of Wyre Forest Child
FORMER Liberal Democrat leader Sir Paddy Ashdown is due to visit Malvern next week to support his party's assault on the Conservative held West Worcestershire seat. Sir Paddy first supported the Liberal Democrat candidate Mike Hadley during a by-election
Long serving Wyre Forest councillor and past mayor of Kidderminster, Fran Oborski (backed by Health Concern's Richard Taylor) is fighting flat out to take Hurcott for the Liberals. Fran's priorities are: Restoring accident and emergency and acute services
Gary, a former National Health Service worker, stands for the residents of Mitton Division. There are few residents in Stourport who do not know Gary as he has been a local postman in the town for the past seven years. He is one of the Conservative Party's
Nigel has worked in industry and commercial banking, where he specialised in computing design applications. When not campaigning in local politics he is a member of St Bartholomew's Church choir. Nigel enjoys relaxing in his garden or watching Stourport
John serves as county councillor for Franche and Broadwaters. He served as chairman of the Hereford and Worcester County Council for four years, until reorganisation of local government, and twice has been chairman of Wyre Forest District Council. As
I have been actively involved in local government for almost 40 years, 39 years as a parish councillor and 26 years as a district councillor, and have always fully participated in community life. I know I could fully represent you on the county council
John is 53 and has lived in the Wyre Forest area for over 20 years. He has previous experience as a councillor, having served on both Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council. John has played a leading role in opposing the plans
David, a former mayor of Stourport and Wyre Forest district councillor, has lived and worked in the town for almost 40 years and is proud to put himself forward as a candidate for the county council election on June 7. He believes he knows what is most
Married to Kathleen and having an adult daughter, Jim currently runs two businesses in the Black Country. Originally from Cambridge, they settled in the centre of Stourport seven years ago and he says: "I love the place, the people are so genuine, but
MADRESFIELD Garden Centre provided an ideal venue, on a perfect summer's evening, for this concert in association with the Friends of the ESO. Pre-concert drinks and the availability of garden shopping made a pleasant pre-amble to the event. Les Cordes
UPTON has been invited to consider twinning with a town on the River Seine as a spin-off from Worcester's successful link with Le Vesinet, south-west Paris. It could give young people from Upton the opportunity of corresponding with French youngsters,
A TIME capsule planted in the garden of the Hillbillies Playgroup has been dug up to save it from being lost or damaged during the rebuilding of Upton Hill Centre. It will be ceremonially replaced with new, up-to-date material, when building work is complete
UPTON Primary School is holding a car boot sale tomorrow (Saturday) in aid of its outdoor environment project. This begins at 10am and prices start at £5 for cars, £10 for cars with trailers and £10 for vans. Refreshments will be available and there will
UPTON Civic Society is holding a town walk on Sunday (May 27) at 2.30pm. You are invited to join guides from the society and spend an hour or so exploring the town's architecture and history. The tour will begin outside the Heritage Centre and costs £1
A WINE and cheese evening is taking place at Welland Court on Friday, July 1 in aid of the NSPCC. Tickets cost £15 and include canaps and a raffle. The event begins at 7pm and tickets are available from Anne Brew on 01886 821865.
A craft sale will be held at the Memorial Hall tomorrow (Saturday), from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free and all crafts are made by exhibitors.
HAVING only recently moved to Malvern, I have followed the unravelling of the town council with increasing concern. If the mayor really has 'no idea' of how much the early retirement of the town clerk will cost us, then he and other councillors who voted
I TOTALLY agree with Coun Rob Richards in his letter of May 4 when he says residents should know the facts concerning local councils. Unfortunately, he has his facts wrong. It is well known Malvern Town Council is in the control of the Liberal Democrats
YOUR correspondent, David Armstrong, must sit in splendid isolation somewhere out on the right of the political spectrum from where his view of reality is somewhat obscured. He rails about the Liberal Democrats and accuses them of patronising young voters
I read with interest the article in the Malvern Gazette of May 11 about children skateboarding on Como Road. The other day, I saw some young boys doing just that and I was very impressed with their expertise. They certainly weren't misbehaving, just having
OF course I would agree entirely with the sentiments expressed by David Tarplett under the heading 'Have dog owners no shame?'. He is absolutely correct to feel incensed, we all do - and I am a dog owner and I think a responsible one. I would be the first
MALVERN Health Centre in Victoria Park is among the sites which could be sold off for redevelopment as a result of plans to create a new hospital at Seaford Court. Details of the hospital plan were outlined to Malvern Hills District Council's executive
THOSE members of the public who often walk through or around the grounds of the Manor Park Trust will have noticed the archery field by the railway line underwent some substantial renovation work in recent months. After a very wet winter, we are lucky
AROUND £150,000 of Government money has been earmarked to tackle Malvern Hills' drug problems and drug-related crime. The money will be spread over three years and will be allocated by the district's Community Safety Partnership, with agreement from the
FRESH options are being explored for new sports facilities in Malvern as plans for a hall in Priory Road edge closer to failure. The possibility of providing funding for sports schemes at Dyson Perrins and The Chase high schools is among the new options
MORE than 800 people have signed a petition opposing the building of a new superstore in Malvern Link. The petition was due to be handed over yesterday (Thursday) to Malvern Hills District Council. Lidl, the German-based chain, has applied to build a
REOPENING of footpaths in Herefordshire and Worcestershire is set to proceed cautiously, despite new advice from the government. The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions recommends reopening of all rural rights of way, except within
CRADLEY residents expressed approval for the design of a new village school at a meeting on Monday. But they remained unconvinced by its location. Plans for the new £1 million Church of England primary school were presented to about 60 residents by architects
A NEW weapon has been unveiled in the war against grime, litter and shabbiness in Wyre Forest. Mr Grimestopper hit the streets at the official launch of the campaign to clean up the district - being jointly run by Wyre Forest District Council and the
A CENTURY has dramatically transformed the fortunes of Britain's waterways but now a recent renaissance has raised the serious prospect of reviving the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal. Former Ledbury mayor Spencer Lane last week called for a bid
THERE was no place for Worcestershire's Graeme Hick when England named their 14-man one-day squad for the NatWest Series against Pakistan and Australia. Uncapped Durham batsman Paul Collingwood wins an international call-up for the first time and there
WORCESTERSHIRE skipper Graeme Hick won the toss and elected to bat as their County Championship Division Two clash with Gloucestershire got under way in Bristol today. Openers Phil Weston and Anurag Singh made a steady start against Gloucestershire pacemen
The first bus shelter in the country with solar-powered lighting has been unveiled in the village of Corse. The fact that no buses run through Corse after 6pm was no deterrent to Gloucestershire County Council, which installed the solar panel free of
FRANK Blackwell, president of Malvern Theatre Association, has resigned his seat on Malvern Theatres Trust. Mr Blackwell, who has been with the trust since its formation, and with its predecessor before that, said he felt it was now time to retire. He
A WEBSITE designed by a Malvern business which allows you to shop all over the world has won an international award. Retail Futures, based at Malvern Hills Science Park, scooped the Internet Commerce Award with its shopping site www.worldofshopping.com
ANDREW HIGGINS, the England Under 21 centre, has completed his move from Worcester Rugby Club to Premiership Bristol Shoguns. The 19-year-old, who only played in two games for the Sixways club last season because of injuries, has been included in the
A 'lost' church has been discovered in Hanley Castle thanks to research carried out for a new book by Worcestershire Historical Society. Launched this week, The Records of Hanley Castle 1147-1547, was edited by James Toomey of Stourport, who based his
YOUNGSTERS have been warned that they are dicing with death by treating quarries as playgrounds. A survey of active quarries has shown that they are breaking into sites to swim in lakes up to 40ft deep, climb steep rock faces, race motorbikes across rough
HEREFORD United are putting up adult terrace ticket prices at Edgar Street by 50p next season to £8. Children's and old age pensioner's admission prices will remain the same, as will the membership scheme. The £1 increase in admission, should the Bulls
THE single biggest cause of friction between neighbours is being highlighted in national Noise Action Day next month. Local authorities and mediation groups are among the supporters of the event on Wednesday, July 6, which is aimed at raising public awareness
Odeon, Worcester Fri-Wed 12.15, 2.15, 4.15. (Thurs only 12.00) UCI Merry Hill (11.45 Not Fri or Thurs), (5.00 Tue & Wed Only). Warner Village (Not Fri 11.50).
Odeon, Worcester 12.15, 3.00, 5.45, 8.30. UCI Merry Hill, 2.15, 5.15, 8.30. Fri/Sat late 11.30Warner Village (Not Thurs 2.20, 5.20), 8.25. Sat late 11.30.
MALVERN Town will have five representatives in the final Worcestershire FA Youth Squad of the season. A 17-man squad has been named by manager Colin Shepherd for the Midland Counties Youth Championship derby clash with Herefordshire on Sunday (May 27)
THE MUMMY RETURNS (12): Spectacular sequel opens the summer blockbuster season. Odeon, Worcester. 12.30, 3.15, 6.00, 8.45. UCI Merry Hill, (11.10 Not Fri), 12.00, 1.00, 2.00, 3.00, 4.00, 5.00, 6.00, 7.00, 8.00, 9.00, 10.00. Fri/Sat late 11.00, 12.00.
WHEN Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon on July 20, 1969, some 600 million people watched him take his historic lunar walk. But it's a little known fact that those gripping TV pictures were beamed from the middle of a sheep paddock in Australia. The
THE Green 1st XI were involved in a draw on Saturday when they entertained Belbroughton at North End Lane in a Worcestershire League Division Two game. BARNARDS GREEN v BELBROUGHTON Winning the toss the Green put the visitors into bat on a damp wicket
HANLEY Castle & Upton Seconds travelled to Belbroughton Seconds on Saturday for their Worcester-shire County League (3rd XI Single) game. BELBROUGHTON 2ND v HANLEY CASTLE & UPTON 2ND After losing the visitors were asked to bat first on a damp
eague match between Green 2nd X1 and Belbroughton 2nd X1 proved to be another thrilling encounter which was finally resolved by the very last ball of the 100th over. BELBROUGHTON II v BARNARDS GREEN II THE Worcestershire County After losing the toss,
BARNARDS Green 3rds entertained Colwall and in a topsy- turvy game came out winners by 24 runs on Saturday. BARNARDS GREEN 2ND XI v COLWALL 3RD XI Invited to bat first, the Green got off to an excellent start through Rob Lewis (45) and Marc Jones (46)
THE Moles captain Nick Salt won the toss and elected to bat in fine sunny conditions at Mathon Court. WEST MALVERN v THE MOLES The West Malvern attack made a quick breakthrough dismissing P Martin for nought. An excellent stand between D Lowenstein and
COLWALL CC recently fielded its first girls eleven against Alvechurch on Ghost Meadow. The age of the opposition was slightly older, enabling them to strike the ball hard. This was reflected in the final result with Alvechurch winning by 30 runs. Emma
NORTH End Lane was the venue for another close fought game on Sunday when the Green's 1st XI lost by 19 runs to the long standing visitors Droitwich. BARNARDS GREEN 1ST XI v DROITWICH 1ST XI Losing the toss yet again the home side stuck to their task
ACCLAIMED US jazz singer Stacey Kent has launched her new CD, entitled Dreamsville, on Candid Records. A regular visitor to the area, Stacey has played at the Huntingdon Hall, Ledbury Poetry Festival last year and more recently at the Cheltenham Jazz
TRAFFIC chiefs slammed on the brakes and ordered the reversal of a controversial £20,000 scheme to slow down drivers after protests from angry villagers. The order to scrap two chicanes aimed at slowing traffic on the busy main road at both ends of Fairfield
FOR several weeks, the Malvern Angels, DERA Malvern's Ladies Rugby 7's team, were training non-stop for the annual DERA Rugby 7's competition held at Farnborough RFC, Hampshire. Teams from DERA sites all over the country are entered and the ladies league
SO Mr Eastwood (You Say, May 9) actually has a sense of humour. I'll forgive anything from a chap who can make me laugh. Incidentally, Mr Eastwood occasionally opens his mouth in public himself - since he also gets letters published, now and then. GEORGE
AS a cyclist, I do object to being lumped together with buskers and beggars as being "anti-social" (The Quality Street Crusade, Evening News, Thursday, May 17). In the same article, Councillor Robert Rowden is quoted as saying: "If I drove my car down
BEFORE there are any more "broadsides" there needs to be a re-defining of targets and re-alignment of sights. When I recently wrote that a modern frigate had fire power comparable to the entire Grand Fleet at Jutland, I was quoting a fact that is well
AS a General Election will take place in the very near future, it may be timely to remind political parties and voters generally of the plight of the old age pensioner. To my knowledge, no party is promising to restore the "earnings link" component to
ON Sunday, February 4, some two hundred dog owners and their pets rallied at County Hall to show just how afraid they were of the effect the Bill to ban hunting with dogs would have on themselves and their pets. The penalties, should any dog be seen chasing
A FIRE drama at a local school was featured on the front page of the Malvern Gazette 25 years ago. The hero of the hour, according to the report, was a 13-year-old schoolboy whose prompt action kept damage at the Wells House School, to a minimum. Benny
Readers might be interested to read about the proposed increases in electricity charges half a century ago. Private houses were to be charged at 4d a unit, commercial or industrial premises at 3d a unit and farming premises other than the house 3d.
100 years ago MR Baldwin, architect, submitted plans to the bench for their approval, for intended alterations to the Redan Inn, West Malvern. It was, he said, intended to enlarge the smoke room, to provide better domestic accommodation and also to improve
MALVERN Town's youngsters gave the biggest indication yet that the club's future is in good hands, as a number of them were involved in this final home Banks's Brewery League Premier Division game of the season against Walsall Wood. MALVERN TOWN 2, WALSALL
KIDDERMINSTER band Starling are hoping to take flight this summer with gigs across Wyre Forest and beyond. They will be winging their way to Scotland for a mini-tour at the end of July with native band Walters Ego, formed by Kevin Devine and Ronnie Harris
KIDDERMINSTER star Mike Sanchez has lined up alongside Rolling Stones' legendary guitarist Bill Wyman for an international tour which began last week. Germany, Italy, Croatia and Austria - as well as a host of British dates - are on the agenda for Mike
SIMON Williams has discovered the joys of being a woman - you smile more and people are polite to you, apparently. The TV heartthrob is coming to Malvern at the end of May with his daughter Amy and Stephanie Beacham to star in a comedy he has written
AFTER a good win the previous Thursday away against County Sports Reserves 1-2 Malvern Athletic found themselves very short of players. MALVERN ATHLETIC 0, EARLSWOOD TOWN 2 Injured top scorer Cyril Dowling and partner in attack Richard Bird were unavailable
RANGERS last Worcester League Saturday Premier Division fixture of the season resulted in a heavy home defeat, similar to the first league fixture of the season when they lost 4-0 against Archdales. MALVERN RANGERS 1, KEMPSEY UNITED 5 Certainly the last
MALVERN Athletic Football Club are holding their Annual General Meeting on Sunday, June 3 at Willie Thorne's Snooker Club, Malvern Link, start 8pm. New committee members are urgently required and if you are enthusiastic, with some interest in a good level
MALVERN Radar played two matches last week and although losing both, they showed fighting spirit throughout. High-flying Kempsey visited Lower Howsell Road and won the game 4-1 through three goals in the last 20 mins. Andy Richardson scored the Radar
INTERMILOKAL FC are preparing for next season when they will be playing in the Worcester & District Sunday League. After four years in the Malvern League Inter have decided that a move on to the Worcester will create a new challenge. Inter manager
THREE Worcestershire companies with a below-average accident rate have won a prestigious award from the British Safety Council. Representatives of Pershore based Schloetter Company Ltd, Southco Manufacturing Company Inc of Worcester and Thomas Vale Construction
VALE of Evesham co-operative Littleton and Badsey Growers has expanded its requisites business by taking over rival GMS. Exactly a year after the 600-member LBG came close to being sold, the directors of the two companies announced the take-over. "I'm
BRANSFORD Golf Club professional Craig George was one of the 12 qualifiers from the PGA Midlands Region for the Glenmuir Club Professional Championship. He and other top finishers will now head for Ireland next month when they will be chasing the top
TEN children from Malvern Parish School took part in the regional Megafinal of the UK Chess Challenge 2001 on Saturday and achieved their best results ever with six children qualifying for the national Gigafinal at Sheffield in July. Joe Foulds won the
WE have opposed the downgrading from the outset and continue to campaign for accident and emergency services at Kidderminster. A Conservative Government would immediately implement a full-scale, independent review of health provision across Wyre Forest
EIGHTEEN workers at a Worcestershire fencing company will be focusing on a post of a different kind when they compete in the Imperial Cancer Research Fund's Race for Life. The group of women, ranging in ages from early-20s to mid-50s, will have their
PROVIDING the best medical services possible, with the maximum provided as close to home as possible is my aim. I've battled over the past three years to support Kidderminster Hospital and have worked closely with the working doctors. Up to 90 per cent
We asked Worcester's four candidates to answer the following questions about issues which affect the lives of everyone in the Faithful City. - Worcestershire consistently ranks very low in education funding league tables. What would you do personally
MORE than 150 cats and dogs have been re-homed in the Wychavon district, following a desperate plea by the council's dog warden. Pip Singleton revealed last month the number of stray dogs in the area had doubled. She attributed the increase to owners
HE'S a 50-year-old veterinary surgeon and father of four daughters, aged 14 to 21 years, all state-educated. He stood for the UK Independence Party in Leominster in the 1997 General Election, and was on the party's list for the West Midlands in the 1999
PATIENTS can expect a speedier ride to hospital if they are picked up by one of three new state-of-the-art ambulances. Bigger but faster is how Steve McGuinness, director of operations at Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Trust, described the vehicles,
He has lived in Worcestershire since 1978 and represented the Liberal Democrats at district and county council levels. He fought South Worcestershire in the General Elections of 1987 and 1992, and stood for Worcester City in 1997. He now lives in Malvern
Mr Adams, aged 55, has been a Warwickshire county councillor since 1997 and a Stratford-upon-Avon district councillor since 1996. He's also a police authority member in Warwickshire. He is the sole proprietor of Richard Adams Sports Services, selling
A GRANDMOTHER crushed after a lorry ploughed into the bus stop where she had been waiting has spoken for the first time of her horrific ordeal. Mary Farmer was trapped under the wreckage of the shelter after the accident on the A449, yards from her home
He has lived in Worcestershire since 1978 and represented the Liberal Democrats at district and county council levels. He fought South Worcestershire in the General Elections of 1987 and 1992, and stood for Worcester City in 1997. He now lives in Malvern
ORGANISERS of the biggest exhibition ever to be staged at Hanbury Hall are counting down to its opening next week. Visitors to the Tercentenary Exhibition will show how the National Trust property has developed over the past 300 years, with emphasis on
McDONALD'S in Worcester's Hylton Road will play host to a fiery fund-raising event on Bank Holiday Monday. Red Watch from the city's fire brigade, along with McDonald's staff, are aiming to raise £1,000 for the Royal National Institute for the Blind (
City FactFile WORCESTER covers about 8,320 acres. Its population in 1999 was estimated at 95,400. By 2011 this is expected to reach 100,000. Unemployment in March 2001 was 1,236. The economy has seen many changes. Traditionally the city has been famous
A COFFEE morning in aid of St Richard's Hospice is being held on Saturday, June 2 from 10.30am to 12.30pm at The Blue Bell, Callow End. Any donations of cakes, bric-a-brac etc would be welcome. Contact Ann Conaboy on (01905) 830813.
CHURCHES Together in Colwall or CTiC are arranging the following: On Saturday, June 16 there will be 'Steam Up and Train Trips' at the Downs School (thanks to the School and Mr James Boyd). On Sunday, July 1 a coach trip to the Museum of Welsh Life at
OUTER Limits, the Benefice Church Youth Group, meets at the Vicarage tomorrow (Saturday) from 7-9pm. They will be spending some time preparing for the next Youth Service. On Sunday (May 27) there will be a Family Service at St Mary's Church, beginning
ON Wednesday afternoon, an impressive cavalcade of roadmaking equipment, including a tarmac-laying machine, two rollers and several other vehicles, could be seen making its way up West Malvern Road, heralding the promised resurfacing of the stretch from
Roy stands for lower council tax. As a local chartered accountant, running a well-established family practice in Kidderminster, he has a wealth of local business knowledge. He says a 45 per cent increase in Wyre Forest council tax over the last four years
Born in Wyre Forest and educated at local Worc-estershire schools, Stephen works as an electrical engineer in the building services industry. He represents Worc-estershire County Council on the Kidderminster & District Community Health Council where
Adrian says: "After three years of residents of Chaddesley and Spennells being frightened by the unfounded scaremongering tactics of Health Concern we have seen their campaign unravel in recent days. "The big issue now for this election is to ask of all
Education, roads, social services and waste disposal are all currently managed by the county council. It is now likely that the Government will delegate the scrutiny of health services to Worcestershire county as well. It is particularly important, therefore
John is 56 years old and works for a private company for the Home Office. He has lived in Wyre Forest since 1972 and has two daughters who were educated at local schools in Kidderminster. He has a particular interest in the social services responsibilities
A district councillor of 10 years standing, Chris offers a wealth of experience to the electorate. A past chairman of Wyre Forest District Council, past chairman of housing and environmental health services, together with membership of many influential
THERE was a last-minute addition to the expected list of candidates to fight the Leominster constituency at the General Election. Bromyard man John Haycock put his name forward as an Independent. Mr Haycock contested the seat on behalf of the British
Retired nurse Thelma Friend stands for the first time for election to Worcestershire County Council. She stands with a wealth of personal knowledge of social services and medical care involvement. She will be a very active member of the Conservative team
Jim Cooper is Stourport born and bred. He has been a member of the Labour Party for over 40 years. First elected in 1972 to serve on the former Stourport Urban District Council, Jim has more recently been a Wyre Forest district councillor for Areley Kings
The hospital, Stourport relief road, new plans for the town's development and total opposition to an incinerator are all matters of great importance to Stourport voters. As a county councillor, these and other issues received my total commitment. Stourport
Jim was educated at local schools and Bristol University, where he gained a BA Honours degree. He served in the RAF, leaving with the rank of Flying Officer. Subsequently he entered the teaching profession becoming headmaster of two Birmingham schools
Neil is very well known by residents in the Puxton area, living in Franche and attending Wolverley Primary, Sion Hill Middle and Wolverley High schools. He has a particular interest in education and is concerned that two schools in the county division
Currently living with his wife and school-age daughter in Franche, Mike came to council involvement via the Federation of Council Tenants. He is a district councillor serving Greenhill ward and a board member of Wyre Forest Community Housing. He is very
I have lived in Bewdley for 23 years. I am chairman of Wyre Forest District Council and a Health Concern councillor - one of the original seven from the 1999 district elections, where 8,377 of you voted for us, with another 2,174 voting for our colleagues
Bob is Labour's choice to represent the people of Bewdley and Rock in the coming county election. Bob lives locally and is now retired, having worked in industry as a maintenance engineer. He is widowed and has four daughters and eight grand children.
IT started as knockabout fun, then moved through a "six of one, half-a-dozen of the other" stage. But now former Worcester MP Mike Foster's latest collision with the Worcestershire Hunt has turned sour - and not just for him, or those who oppose his anti-hunt
Representing Rock and Bewdley residents for 24 years as county councillor, Ken has a wealth of knowledge and local government experience. He has devoted a considerable part of his life to working for the community he holds very dear in his heart. He has
Margaret is a locally retired shop assistant. She has been actively involved in local issues since the announcement of the downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital. As a retired grandmother, she marched through the town with many of her neighbours, objecting
Wyre Forest District Council leader Mike Oborski is defending the county council seat he has held since 1973 - now with the extra support of Health Concern's Richard Taylor. Mike's priorities are: restoring accident and emergency and acute services at
Carol, 12 years a county councillor for Severn Division, has led Worcestershire County Council for the last four years. She speaks with experience in behalf of Stourport people. As a governor of Tan Lane and Windmill First schools she supports the Labour
The programme opened with Brahms's Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor with Anthony Goldstone the deeply thoughtful and eloquent soloist, his unfussy and profound interpretation helping to inspire the orchestra to a most rewarding performance. Introducing
THE best of brass will be appearing at Priory Park every Sunday from now until September. A whole variety of bands from in and around the district - including Malvern Hills Brass Band and the Chase High School Band - will be taking part in the series,
THE Rev Frances Wookey, curate of St James and All Saints, Gloucester, has been appointed Vicar of Hanley Castle, Hanley Swan and Welland. She hopes to move into the area in late June and will be instituted by the Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Dr Peter
THE Rev Tricia Allsopp, assistant curate of Upton, Ripple, Earls Croome with Hill Croome and Strensham, is to be ordained a priest at Worcester Cathedral on July 1. She will preside at her first eucharist in Upton Parish Church the same evening, at 6.30pm
A POSSIBLE new site for Cliffey House School has been found in Merrimans Hill, Worcester. A previous plan to build a new school on playing fields at Bilford Road, Perdiswell, had to be abandoned a year ago when it failed to get planning permission. Now
AN antique flea market is being held at the Church Room, Old Street, on Saturday, June 2. Stalls are still available and door donations will go to the Christmas Fund The sale takes place from 10am and 4pm.
STOURPORT Swifts have added to their fairytale rise up the non-league football pyramid by securing promotion to the Dr Martens League Western Division. Swifts needed to win by two goals at Bloxwich Town on Thursday night - and they eventually triumphed
AN Evening of Elegance will be taking place at Welland Court tomorrow in aid of Upton Flags and Flowers. There will be a casino, a buffet dinner and a grand raffle. Dress is black tie and tickets cost £20, including £50 fun money, from 01684 563404 or
AS the unelected members of the council complained of in the letter by Alistair Macmillan and others (Postbag, May 11) we would like to make our position clear. We do not feel we have acted in any way dishonourably, indeed we are simply trying to carry
I ATTENDED the polling station to register my vote in the matter of the town council and was turned away. Apparently, having moved house, my name did not appear on the April electoral register from which eligibility was determined. Reading your report
IN reply to Mr Tarplett's letter, I too abhor dog mess, just as much as Mr Tarplett, though I do own two dogs. I clean up after them, as I am sure my neighbours will testify. These days I rarely go on the hills because the problem seems to be getting
I DON'T usually allow myself to be snobbish about much but as far as Upton becoming identified in future to new visitors, residents or friends needing directions by a holiday village complex located on one of the main accesses to our picturesque town,
I am interested in contacting any of the people that went to the Chase High School and left in 1972. I would love to catch up with some of them as I am now living in Australia. I can be contacted via e-mail at kali@iprimus.com.au GilL Ayoubi (nee Vernon
MALVERN residents are being urged to make a stand against litter and clean up their communities with the help of the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust. The trust, formed in 1998 by the Worcester Heat Systems chairman Cecil Duckworth, already supports clean-ups
ENGLAND'S Craig White put Worcestershire to the sword on the second day of their Second XI Championship clash with Yorkshire at Scarborough. White, returning to action after missing the first Test with a side strain, struck five sixes in an unbeaten 82
THE commander of HMS Ledbury, which played a vital role in the Malta convoy, has died in New Zealand, aged 90. Lt-Cdr Roger Hill was awarded a DSO and a DSC in the course of his exemplary service as a destroyer commander during the Second World War. Lt-Cdr
A ledbury doctor says a shortage of beds at Hereford Hospital has reached crisis level and patients' lives are being put at risk. Dr Nick Meyer, from St Katherine's surgery, said that last week he had a patient in Ledbury with a coronary. He called for
STOURPORT Swifts uncorked the champagne last night after clinching the Midland Alliance championship with a comfortable 3-0 victory away at Blox-wich Town. The win sees the Walshes Meadow club promoted to the Dr Martens Western Division for the first
PARISHIONERS at Holly Mount United Reformed Church in Malvern are celebrating the building's 125th anniversary. The occasion is being marked by a series of events, including open days, gift days, concerts and special services in the church and hall. The
THERE was no place for Worcestershire's Graeme Hick when England named their 14-man one-day squad for the NatWest Series against Pakistan and Australia. Uncapped Durham batsman Paul Collingwood wins an international call-up for the first time and there
LOCAL pharmacists say a landmark ruling abolishing price maintenance for over-the-counter drugs could spell disaster. The ruling means supermarket chains can slash prices for top-selling brands like Anadin, possibly forcing independent retailers out of
ENGLAND'S Craig White put Worcestershire to the sword on the second day of their Second XI Championship clash with Yorkshire at Scarborough. White, returning to action after missing the first Test with a side strain, struck five sixes in an unbeaten 82
BROMSGROVE Rovers boss Steve Daniels is hoping to bring former Kidderminster Harriers defender Jon Ford to the club next season. Ford, who also enjoyed spells in the Football League with Swansea, Bradford, Gillingham and Barnet, has been released by Halesowen
BEN Hanbury goes for Classic glory in the Irish 1000 Guineas with Mugharreb tomorrow but he will also have one eye on a valuable prize at Haydock. Alnahaam represents the trainer in the £60,000 Tote Credit Club Silver Bowl (Showcase Handicap) at the Merseyside
BROMSGROVE Rovers boss Steve Daniels is hoping to bring former Kidderminster Harriers defender Jon Ford to the club next season. Ford, who also enjoyed spells in the Football League with Swansea, Bradford, Gillingham and Barnet, has been released by Halesowen
ANDREW HIGGINS, the England Under 21 centre, has completed his move from Worcester Rugby Club to Premiership Bristol Shoguns. The 19-year-old, who only played in two games for the Sixways club last season because of injuries, has been included in the
Odeon, Worcester 12.45, 3.00, 5.45, 8.30. UCI Merry Hill 1.30, 4.00, 6.45, 9.30. Fri/Sat late 12.10.
Odeon, Worcester 12.40, 2.55, 5.10, 7.40. UCI Merry Hill 12.15, 2.30, 4.45, 7.15, 9.45. Fri/Sat Late 12.20. Warner Village (Not Fri 12.10), 2.45, 5.35 (Not Thurs 8.15)
Odeon, Worcester (Thurs only 12.30, 4.00, 7.45) UCI Merry Hill, (Thurs only 12.15, 4.15, 8.15). Warner Village (Thurs only 11.45, 12.45, 3.30, 4.30, 7.20, 8.30)
Odeon, Worcester 12.00, 2.00, 4.10. UCI Merry Hill, (11.30 Not Fri), 1.45, (4.15, 6.30 Not Tues). Warner Village (11.10 Not Fri), (1.10 Not Fri or Thurs), (3.30, 5.50 Not Thurs)
Odeon, Worcester. 1.45, 4.00, 6.30, 9.00. UCI Merry Hill, 1.15, 3.45, 6.15, 8.45. Fri/Sat late 11.40. Warner Village (Not Fri/Sat/Thu 11.20) 1.40, 3.55, 6.15, 9.15. Sat Late 11.45
MALVERN Ramblers suffered their second consecutive Worcestershire County League Division Two defeat of the season when they lost to Cookley by seven wickets. COOKLEY v MALVERN RAMBLERS The toss was all important and Malvern Ramblers, as they always seemed
IN an excellent game of cricket Hanley won this early season local derby by 31 runs and maintained their unbeaten run in the Worcestershire County League Division Five. HANLEY CASTLE & UPTON v NEWLAND Newland won the toss and put Hanley in on a damp
WORCESTER Nomads suffered their worst weekend for a number of seasons with four out of the five senior teams being easily defeated with only the third eleven struggling to a winning draw. With five changes from the previous weekend, it was always going
MALVERN Ramblers' Sunday II captain Andy Croft lost the toss and was asked to bowl first. MALVERN RAMBLERS SUNDAY 2ND XI v OLD MOSELEY Johnny Dovey and Mark Mitchell opened the bowling for the Ramblers. After a good start from the Moseley openers, scoring
SOUTH Africa's leading choral society is helping in the musical celebration of Sir Edward Elgar's birthday next month. The Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town will join the Elgar Chorale of Worcester for a performance of The Dream of Gerontius on the composer's
THE English Symphony Orchestra continues its programme of work with young musicians next month, with two weekend courses in Colwall. The ESO Children's Orchestra Course is aimed at young people aged seven to 12, of a standard from Grade I to III. The
HEREFORD United are putting up adult terrace ticket prices at Edgar Street by 50p next season to £8. Children's and old age pensioner's admission prices will remain the same, as will the membership scheme. The £1 increase in admission, should the Bulls
ECONOMICALLY, Europe is of far greater importance to the UK than is North America. Sixty per cent of British exports go to other EU countries. Within the USA, Silicon Valley and California have now become of greater significance to Washington than the
THERE is a lot more to consider in joining the euro than just to make it easier for David Andrews while he's working in Europe (You Say, May 12). It is ludicrous to quote the USA as a parallel. It is a country of states, not a federal state of previously
I AM against hunting. But I do feel that during the foot-and-mouth crisis, Messrs Brierley and Pinney have behaved with great respect. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for the vegetarians. Have they ever thought what the countryside would be like
WHAT a refreshing change to see a politician act like a normal man on the street and set about his attacker! It is a shame we do not have more people like John Prescott in public life. Too often, people just accept what is wrong in life and do nothing
NEW Labour will almost certainly win this election, not because they deserve to, but because the other parties have nothing new to offer. So New Labour will carry on their Tory policies as before. And with Blair keen on the euro, in times to come, this
THE City Focus column of April 26 by the city centre manager was a bit of an eye-opener. Georgina Smith gave the park-and-ride system the thumbs-up, apparently on the favourable comments that she heard from the commuters who used the system. Speaking
I HAVE just read with great interest Paul Stammers' article "St Peter's site on agenda" (Evening News, May 18). From the conception on St Peter the Great housing estate, it was always envisaged that there would be a mixed type of housing which would include
THE opening of Malvern's second hospital was celebrated in some style by the Malvern Gazette a century ago. In fact, the occasion was deemed so important the paper brought out a supplement on glossy paper to mark it. The Isolation Hospital was put up
PART of the Festival of Britain came to Malvern 50 years ago, with what the Malvern Gazette proudly proclaimed to be the "first exhibition of colour transparencies to be held in the country". Arranged by the Photographic and Cine Society, the show was
NEW Journal photographer Louise Barnsley is already making her mark in the profession. Louise, aged 21, has two of her pictures on the On Line Gallery on the internet. She explained: "I saw a Channel Four advert for a year One Snapshot of Britain and
CALLOW End Harriers have just completed a remarkable inaugural season finishing in a creditable seventh position and picking up two awards at the Sterling Classic Malvern Football League's annual general meeting recently. They were voted 'Most Sporting
THIS was the final match of the Worcester & District Football League Division Four season for Malvern and looking like goal difference would decide who would win the league and who would be runners up. MALVERN RM 10, AFC VAUXHALL 0 Malvern were without
THE West's dismal home record continued when they carried on from Tuesday night's game against Porto-bello by again missing numerous chances. WEST MALVERN 2, FOX & GOOSE 4 The game had a disastrous start for the West as they conceded a goal in the
NEWTOWN and Bromyard met in the final of the Philip Jeynes U11s Memorial Cup and both teams contributed to an outstanding match. NEWTOWN SPORTS BOYS 0, BROMYARD TOWN JUNIORS 0 (Newtown won 3-1 on pens). This was a typical hard fought cup match with neither
LITTLETON were looking to consolidate their position at the top of the Mercian Elgar U14s Junior League in this, the last game of the season for both teams. LITTLETON 2, WELLAND 2 Welland had other ideas though and after 15 minutes Tom Holland calmly
POWICK finished the season with a good win over Division Two league leaders Coppertops on Sunday. POWICK 3, COPPERTOPS 2 Powick went on the attack from the start and took the lead in the 25th minute when Nick Price lobbed the keeper from 20 yards. They
AMATEUR boxer David Kelly has taken over as the new manager of the Cheltenham & Gloucester branch in Pershore. Mr Kelly's new post will see him return to the area. Six years ago he worked for C&G's Evesham branch. "I'm delighted to be back," he
MALVERN Magic Basketball Club are celebrating after receiving a donation of £200 from Quest Communications. The cheque was presented to the club by company director Lesley Branagh last weekend and the money will be used for new balls and equipment. Club
MALVERN Victoria Bowls Club, based in Victoria Park, Malvern, is hosting an open day on Bank Holiday Monday (May 28) for anyone interested in bowls over the age of 14. The event, aimed primarily at school children, is open to anyone between 10am and noon
