Archive

  • Mansell injury blow as town keep up fight

    SKIPPER Mark Mansell fears he will have to rule himself out of the next couple of crucial weeks as Kidderminster Cricket Club chase points to stay clear of the relegation zone. The Birmingham & District Premier League side entertain Old Hill on Saturday

  • Simon's century is an honour board great

    SIMON Smith dominated top-of-the-table Stourport's Worcestershire League Division Three match at Alveley with a magnificent 163. But in the end his team had to settle for a winning draw in Shropshire. Neil Bailey added 46 at the other end as Stourport

  • Green gaining

    CUTNALL Green moved into fourth place in Worcestershire League Division Five with a seven-wicket victory over Kidderminster's third team. Paul Taylor (5-28) and Matthew Harris (4-45) did most of the damage for the Green. But, despite this defeat, Kidderminster

  • Wilkes weaves web to keep Wolverley at top

    WOLVERLEY Social's Dean Wilkes took 7-27 to help keep his side top of the Stainweld Cricket Sunday League Premier Division. Social recorded a seven-wicket victory over Spennells A. Sunday Results Premier Division: Worths 170-9, British Sugar 85; DGSA

  • Tournament leaves cricketers delighted

    SPORTS EDITOR'S MAILBAG: I would like to thank Bewdley Cricket Club for their excellent organisation of this year's six-a-side tournament. The players and supporters of Mercer's Men A and B had a fantastic day and we look forward to coming back in 2002

  • I've beds to spare

    THE owner of a residential home near Worcester has condemned the "ludicrous bed-blocking" situation in the county's hospitals - claiming he has beds to spare. Clive Crouch, owner of Stonebow House, at Peopleton, said four of his 27 beds lay empty because

  • Alarm at bid for 24-hour opening

    A SECOND Worcester supermarket is planning round-the-clock opening despite fears it will disturb those living near the site. Members of St Peter's Parish Council have called Tesco's proposals "excessive" and questioned why two 24-hour supermarkets are

  • 'Never turned up'

    THE landlady of the pub where alleged serial killer Philip Smith is said to have met two of his victims said she used to use him to run errands and drive her around. June Taylor described to the jury at Leicester Crown Court how Smith, known to regulars

  • Youngsters honoured

    YOUNGSTERS who have worked tirelessly to make their communities better places in which to live have been rewarded by the police. Four Herefordshire schoolchildren have been named Good Citizens in a ceremony that saw them presented with certificates, lapel

  • In a flap over gulls

    LEFTOVER food from Worcester's cluster of fast food restaurants could be responsible for flocks of seagulls occupying the city. Maurice Francis, who can no longer bear the high-pitched screech outside his office and returning to a splattered white car

  • County nets a teaching first

    PUPILS at Worcestershire schools may soon be having lessons from teachers around the UK thanks to a new internet service. The new £3m BT service, installed for the county council, will eventually link all of the area's schools and libraries both to the

  • And finally... Take-your-time trips along the Severn

    TWO Worcester-based skippers are navigating a niche in the market as they launch a river cruise business on the Severn. Phil Evans and Mike Jones, of Bewdley, decided to offer day trips on their 1930s gentleman's cruiser The Silver Mist after a tip-off

  • Schools miss out on cash

    OVER-CROWDED schools in Bromsgrove have missed out on contributions of up to £1m from developers of new housing, which could have funded extra places for pupils. Local authorities are entitled to demand payments for essential services such as schools

  • Woman fights off attacker

    A MAN grabbed a 21-year-old woman on her way home from work in Catshill and allegedly attempted to force her into his car. The woman, walking along Woodrow Lane, first became suspicious when a dark coloured Ford Mondeo drove past her twice. The car then

  • Brintons grab top award

    A FAMILY-RUN Kidderminster carpet firm has upstaged a clutch of Britain's top multi-national companies to scoop a manufacturing "Oscar". Brintons, which was established more than 200 years ago and has become the world's largest Axminster manufacturer,

  • Nurses working double shifts due to shortage

    NURSES at the hospital which serves Bromsgrove have been unable to go home at the end of their shifts because there is no one to take their place, health watchdogs have claimed. Members of Bromsgrove and Redditch Community Health Council (CHC) heard at

  • Tory Lord set to lead council

    A BROMSGROVE man has become leader of Worcestershire County Council for what is believed to be the first time. With the largest single number of seats, the Conservatives will lead the council despite not having a clear majority -- because other parties

  • And the district also boasts chairman

    THE second top job at Worcestershire County Council has also fallen to the district of Bromsgrove, with a Hagley man being appointed chairman. Cllr Peter Fallows (Con, Hagley and Furlongs), the longest-serving county councillor, was elected chairman at

  • Tiger roars into new HQ

    IT has has been boom and gloom on the district jobs front this week. Twenty-five jobs have been created at sport surface specialists Tiger AG on the Ikon Trading Estate, Hartlebury. However, 30 have been axed at Kidderminster wire-making firm Romwire

  • Litter is the target for July

    THE Grime's A Crime campaign is being stepped up a gear this month with the battle to banish litter from Wyre Forest being taken to the streets. The time for talking has stopped as district councillors and people living in their wards roll up their sleeves

  • Home draw boost for cup dreams

    Stourport Swifts will definitely reach round two in their first season of FA Trophy action. The Midland Alliance champions have an early bye in non-league's most prestigious knock-out competition. Swifts are then set to entertain Unibond League Bishop

  • Jailed for theft of treasures

    A TALENTED fashion designer from Stourport stole antique treasures worth more than £40,000 while working as a volunteer at a county museum and sold them at Christies. Reubeen Tariq sent seven consignments to the London auction house during a campaign

  • Carer stole from helpless woman

    A CARER from Stourport stole money from a bedridden patient to highlight problems with her treatment, magistrates were told. Caroline Godfrey appeared before Droitwich magistrates on Thursday accused of stealing money from Dorothy Seymour, who has needed

  • Buzzing with ideas to save bumblebees

    A RETIRED Kidderminster grocer is waging a one-man battle to keep the British bee flying. More than 20 species of the bumblebee have disappeared from Wyre Forest over the last 30 years according to Manfred Ingenthron. The unrelenting carpeting of countryside

  • Mum in glass attack is jailed

    A MOTHER-OF-FIVE has been jailed for 18 months for jabbing a beer glass into the face of another reveller at a Kidderminster nightclub. Pauline Harley had drunk eight pints before the argument which ended in hotel receptionist Sharon Pitman suffering

  • Bizarre tale of spooky trysts

    A CHARTERED accountant who claims to have met - and birched - Mary Queen of Scots has published a bizarre account of a series of meetings he says happened in previous lives. Neil Burns, 59, of Kidderminster, who was born in Scotland, is adamant Haunted

  • Study room bid rejected

    PLANS for a £1,400 sixth form study room have been thrown out by councillors who fear granting the scheme could set a "dangerous" precedent. Members of Wyre Forest District Council's overview and scrutiny (environment and development) committee said the

  • What a combination

    A BAND marrying traditional English and Celtic musical influences with a contemporary pop sound play Worcester's Huntingdon Hall on Saturday. Tarras have been touring from coast to coast in the USA over the past year and performed on the main stage at

  • Working in the music business

    MUSIC students at Stratford College are getting hands-on experience of working with professional musicians as part of an innovative scheme to attract leading performers to play at the college. Some of the first year students on the National Diploma in

  • 5/7/01 - Mackenzie signs for Blackpool

    THIRD Division Kidderminster Harriers have been dealt a blow with the shock departure of midfielder Neil Mackenzie to Blackpool. The 25-year-old former Stoke City player had verbally agreed a one-year contract with Harriers boss, Jan Molby, but signed

  • Versatile Shore has a national challenge

    STOURPORT High School pupil James Shore is the only county boy to qualify for a major national competition. The English Schools Athletic Association Combined Events Championships will be held at Hull in September. In the regional round at Abington, Shore

  • Blaze in garage

    FIRE crews from Stourport and Bewdley raced to a garage fire which started after an electrical box set alight at 7.40pm on Friday. They feared the blaze at the Redstone Lane, Stourport, property could have spread to the adjoining house.

  • Bikers roar in from all over Europe

    MOTORCYCLISTS representing rotary clubs from across Europe are expected to arrive in Bewdley next week. Neil Hardwick, of Bewdley Rotary Club and The International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotar-ians, has set up the visit for members from Belgium, Denmark

  • Tourism details in new brochure

    A TOWN group has ensured Stourport is well and truly on the map after completing a brochure to attract visitors to the area. The guide has been produced by Stourport Town Centre Management Forum and 20,000 copies are hitting the streets. The free booklet

  • 5/7/01 - Hilltop course putts golfers to the test

    IF Tolladine Golf Club was a football club it would be a Crewe Alexandra rather than a Manchester United. But over the years this golfing minnow has churned out countless low handicappers who learn their trade on the course before moving on to bigger

  • Wilson leads junior contest

    NEARLY 100 players took part in Captain's Day at Wyre Forest Golf Club with competitors from the men's, seniors', ladies' and junior sections. The event, held by John Gregg, was a Stableford competition with a barbecue at the end. Outstanding scores of

  • Gala success for students

    STUDENTS from Holy Trinity School won the U-10 section of the first ever Midlands Region GSA Swimming Gala at St Martin's, Solihull. The U-11 squad came fifth and the Kidderminster school's team achieved overall fourth. Eight schools from across the Midlands

  • Police hunt joyrider who stole bus

    A BUS was stolen from a Kidderminster depot and driven around the town centre by a joyrider who crashed into a lamppost before eventually abandoning the vehicle. The Midland Red Mercedes 709, red and cream coloured bus was taken from Bridge Street where

  • Stolen drugs warning

    POLICE have issued a warning after a handbag containing anti-depressant tablets was stolen from a pushchair in Kidderminster town centre. The theft was discovered on Tuesday at midday when the owner, who was shopping in Woolworth's, realised her handbag

  • Internet child porn led to court

    COMPUTER expert Stephen Mills was testing his skills when he downloaded 480 obscene images of children from the internet, he told police. He experienced no sexual gratification from the pornographic images, he said. They were produced to develop his technical

  • Raiders in £5,000 firm raid

    A MOTOR forgings in Kidderminster facing 70 job losses suffered a further blow when burglars staged a £5,000 raid. Computers were taken when raiders forced a door to get in to premises at United Engineering Forgings at about 1.45am on Saturday.

  • Mum hits at drugs 'idiots'

    A MOTHER has attacked the "irresponsible idiots" who left about a dozen hypodermic needles lying in Kidderminster Cemetery. Samantha Walker spotted the needles at the Park Lane cemetery as she walked her six-year-old son through the site to Sutton Park

  • Pool cue attack in bar

    AN 18-year-old Kidderminster man is recovering in hospital after an attack with a pool cue left him with a fractured skull. He was hit following an argument between two groups of men who were playing pool at adjacent tables in Tico's, Blackwell Street

  • £300 fine for crash

    A driver who crashed into the back of a broken-down car on the Kidderminster Ringway has been fined £300, with £263 costs, by magistrates. Mandy Cunningham, 36, of Pearl Lane, Astley, Stourport, wrote to the court blaming the accident on the other driver's

  • Raid car was stolen to order

    THE getaway car used in the failed armed robbery at Wolverley Post Office had been stolen a few hours earlier from a drive in Kingswinford. Wayne Davies, one of the men accused of plotting a series of raids, told police he had stolen the Ford Sierra 4x4

  • Arsonists blamed

    FIREFIGHTERS have blamed arsonists for a skip fire at a Stourport caravan park. The blaze, which happened at Walshes Farm Caravan Park at 4pm on Sunday, destroyed the skip, but those responsible have been told the consequences could have been far worse

  • Facing trial

    Allegations against a Stourport man of receiving stolen goods have been sent for trial at Worcester Crown Court on August 13. Matthew Doe, 34, of Berrington Bungal-ows, Astley, is accu-sed of handling a Land Rover engine, quad bike, trailer and saddle

  • Fladbury First finish first!

    TEAMS from ten local schools met at Broadway to contest the annual Evesham Area Small Schools tournament. Teams were split into two leagues, with the winners meeting in the final at Broadway First School. It was Fladbury and Offenham who topped their

  • Preece takes hot seat after Shepherd leaves

    COLIN Shepherd has resigned as manager of Pershore Town. The King George's chief, in his second term at the club, led Town to fourth spot in the Midland Combination Premier Division last season. Pershore were quick to appoint a successor and former Alvechurch

  • On the road in FA ties

    EVESHAM United were given no favours when the draws were made for next season's FA Cup and FA Trophy competitions last weekend. Phil Mullen's men face a trip to Chard Town in the FA Cup preliminary round on September 1, with the winners then playing host

  • Death of stalwart

    VIC Ansell, who was secretary of Bishampton United in their days in the Cotswold and Stratford Alliance Leagues, died last Thursday. The club was reformed in 1944 and Vic, who was known as "Bert" was an integral part of it up until he relinquished his

  • Focus on patients

    THE news that there is to be an independent inquiry about the services to be provided at Kidderminster Hospital is, of course, welcome. However, the inquiry is not about satisfying the interests of the NHS and its institutions, so it is equally important

  • Stolen from the doorstep

    ON June 28 I and several of my neighbours in Marlpool Gardens, Kidderminster, put out items for collection by the Cancer Research Shop, Worcester Street, Kidderm-inster. A dark blue car (possibly a Ford) driven by a middle-aged man, approximately 5ft

  • Briars bag goals

    BRIARS were top scorers in the Kidderminster Six-a-Side League at Stourport High School, beating Woodthorpe Wanderers 5-0. Baggeridge beat league leaders Ryan's Wanderers 3-2 in the week's shock result. Other results: Three Lions 0, Deviate 0; FC Magic

  • Cars on pavement force us into road

    AFTER pointing out to the police the dangerous situation for pedestrians at the bottom of Mill Street, Kidderminster, over several years, what must I do to improve this matter? Mothers with pushchairs and toddlers are forced off the pavement onto the

  • Hotline to run until end of month

    A LATE rush of calls by Wyre Forest folk eager to highlight eyesores and litter hotspots has led to the Grime Line being extended for another month. The freephone hotline - 0800 085 2330 - was due to finish last month but has now been extended until the

  • Mullen steps in to snap up Lutz

    EVESHAM United have snapped up midfielder Steve Lutz who was released by Worcester City at the end of last season. United manager Phil Mullen has agreed terms with the 22-year-old who he hopes will add bite and industry to his midfield and help lead his

  • Worcester setback

    IT was a disappointing opening day for Worcester Rowing Club at Henley Royal Regatta. Worcester went out of the Britannia Cup in the first round, suffering a four-length defeat against Dutch crew Groninger Studenten. The Princess Elizabeth Cup for schools

  • Burgess helps England to title

    KIDDERMINSTER'S Grant Burgess and his England team-mates saw off Ireland 120-89 in Belfast last night to take the Home International bowls title for the first time since 1994. England's victory in the championship decider earned them 19 of the 22 points

  • Veteran Shepherd in top form

    VETERAN all-rounder John Shepherd hit an unbeaten half-century and grabbed five wickets to win the Evening News/ Duncan Fearnley Cricket Sales Ltd. Cricketer of the Week award. The 64-year-old helped Royal Worcester Exiles to a 28-run win over Kempsey

  • Lock points finger for poll humiliation

    FORMER Wyre Forest MP David Lock has broken his silence over his damning General Election defeat to blame misinformation and poor management of health service changes for his demise. Mr Lock slammed the conduct and logic of hospital campaigners. He also

  • Colwall back on trail of Lord's final

    COLWALL are once again left to uphold local honour as the Wadworth 6X National Village Cricket Champion-ship moves into its national stages. The Stowe Lane side have won the Worces-tershire, Herefordshire and Powys regional group of the competition for

  • Father and son all set for 24-hour race

    TWO Worcestershire men are competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours race this weekend - but with a difference. Father and son Richard and Phil Rogers, from Cotheridge, near Worcester, are taking part in a scaled-down version of the world-famous race for go-karts

  • Crews show their steel in Ironbridge testers

    WORCESTER Rowing Club's junior rowers are on a summer high after making their national mark and winning trophy after trophy at Ironbridge. City double and quad crews took on the best in the country when they competed in the national event at Peterborough

  • Consultant 'majority' against changes

    THE vast majority of Kidderminster consultants have agreed the controversial downgrading of the hospital was wrong, it has been claimed. Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor made the assertion after a full and frank meeting with 25 consultants from all specialties

  • 573 sign petition for road safety action

    A PETITION calling for urgent action to tackle safety on a major Hartlebury thoroughfare was presented to the House of Commons yesterday. The 573-signature petition, which has been prepared by the Hartlebury A449 Safety Action Group led by village resident

  • Robot's price rockets

    A TOY robot expected to fetch about £10 at auction shocked its Kidderminster owner when it went for 150 times that amount. The 39-year-old battery-operated Cragstan skirted robot, which is 12 inches high and had been kept in its original box, fetched

  • Alex saddles up on the road to Morocco

    A HORSE lover is preparing to saddle up and take to the mountains in a charity fund-raiser to help a cause close to her heart. Alex Atkins, of Stanklyn Lane, Kidderminster, is hoping to trek through Morocco's spectacular Atlas Mountains in aid of children's

  • Bored kids could be having the time of their lives this summer

    THE end of the summer term is nigh and the usual cry from Vale parents - "What are we going to do with the kids for the next six weeks," is a phrase no doubt popping up in scores of households. One idea that may not immediately come to mind, but will

  • From the archives

    100 years ago July 6, 1901 Evesham: Edwin Wilfred Bomford, of Cowsdean Hall, Upton Snodsbury, was summoned to Evesham Petty Sessions for riding a bicycle without a light on the Worcester Road on June 15. Defendant pleaded guilty. PC Johnson proved the

  • Ring of reflection

    THE work of a West Midlands artist has been unveiled in the grounds of a Trimpley complementary medicine clinic. A Ring for Baldur, an abstract 7ft-high bronze and stainless steel sculpture, has been constructed by Jo Naden at Park Attwood Clinic. Artist

  • Tina is on course for belly dancing lessons

    BELLY dancer Tina Hobin is aiming to put Middle Eastern dancing on the map with the launch of a groundbreaking teaching course. Belly dance teacher Tina Hobin. Mrs Hobin, of Mamble, is setting up the first accredited training course for people wishing

  • £3,000 pyramid warning

    TRADING Standards has issued a warning about a pyramid-style chain letter aimed at women. Worcestershire County Council Trading Standards has received about 10 inquiries concerning the project which involves women handing over a "gift" of £3,000. But

  • Bewdley blitz is big hit with youngsters

    CHILDREN have been flocking from far and wide to Bewdley Museum to get a taste of what their grandparents may have experienced during the Second World War. The museum has been taking bookings from schools as far away as Warwick for the "blitz and evacuation

  • Park instals tree guards

    PLANS to conserve the countryside will be discussed by an enviornmental group in a Bewdley park today. Members of BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) and the public will be at Blackstone Meadows Riverside Park, which is the first Worcestershire

  • Group to explore 'calming'

    CONTROVERSIAL proposals for traffic calming measures in Bewdley are to be discussed by a special working group. Bewdley Town Council has agreed to set up a group after Worcester-shire County Council was forced to throw out plans for about 60 road humps

  • Seamer Steve the star in top clash

    BOTH sides will doubtless be happy after a negative conclusion to Saturday's Cotswold Hills League Match of the day at Shipston, writes Mervyn Collins. Positive starts were made with the bat but it was Steve Righton, who emerged the day's star turn with

  • Village pair eye Lord's

    A PLACE in the last 16 - just three wins away from a final at Lord's - beckons both Dumb-leton and Exhall and Wixford on Sunday. Both clubs have reached the last 32 of the Wadworth 6X National Village Championship in storming style but tougher assignments

  • Yet to win but on the right track

    EVESHAM are one of only three clubs in the entire Worcestershire League yet to record a win this season. However, the Division Two outfit came perilously close to wiping away the ignominy of that winless sequence at Brockhampton last Saturday. Evesham's

  • Stung into Sunday win

    PERSHORE'S second string hit back from a heavy league defeat to record a seven-wicket win in the Worcestershire Sunday League. They were shot out for a meagre 84 at Droitwich with only Alan Davies, Dave Wickersham and Liam Ridings reaching double figures

  • Steve is a prize guy!

    THERE was double delight at Fladbury last Saturday when the villagers celebrated a brace of Worcestershire County League wins. The first team scraped home by two wickets after dismissing Cookhill for just 112 with McLean (3-42), James Martin (2-12) and

  • Bowlers aid cause in play-off win

    HAVING finished runners up in the South Division, North Cotswold Under-12s faced their counterparts from the North in the first leg of the play-offs and won by 30 runs. Richard Spencer and Matt Spencer scored 25 and the momentum was continued with Ben

  • MCC call

    A FORMER member of the Evesham Ladies team Coral Handley, will lead the MCC Women's team on its inaugural overseas tour next week. Handley, who lives in Naunton Village, near Upton-on-Severn, has also represented the men's sides at Pershore and Eckington

  • Turning the clocks back

    THE calendar will be turned back 100 years to help Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre celebrate its centenary in offbeat fashion tomorrow (Friday). The theatre will be transformed to recreate the way it was in 1901 - when it was known as the Lyceum. At 12noon

  • Shakespeare on the road

    SHAKESPEARE is on the road and coming to Gloucestershire and Warwickshire later this month. The British Touring Shakespeare Company will perform works by the Bard at Mill Dene Gardens and Charlecote Park during July, as part of its national tour. The

  • Council gets tough with traders' signs

    BROADWAY traders with illegal advertising signs on the pavement are likely to get them removed by the Highways Authority without notice. The village is to be targeted first in a district-wide clampdown by Wychavon to clear the streets and highways of

  • Next step for flood scheme

    VILLAGERS in Broadway are ready to sign affidavits to move forward a flood alleviation scheme for Mill Avenue. A number of residents in the Avenue agreed with parish councillors that an expensive reservoir scheme drawn up by Wychavon District Council

  • Put on those dancing shoes

    IF you're looking for inspiration to put on your dancing shoes, then July should be a good month. Worcestershire and Herefordshire dance agency DanceFest has a full programme of events beginning with a visit from the award-winning Motionhouse Dance Company

  • Star-crossed lovers dance into town

    A BALLETIC version of the tale of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet will be staged at the Arts Centre Theatre Evesham this weekend. In a coup for the Victoria Avenue-based centre, Independent Ballet Wales will perform the work, thanks to sponsorship

  • Poetry festival has country theme

    A CELEBRATION of the British countryside is one of the topical themes of this year's Stratford Poetry Festival, which has just kicked off its run spanning two months of Sundays. Archers fans can see five of their favourite stars take to the stage for

  • New craft group for the area

    A NEW group, the Three Shires Craft Guild, has been set up to promote the expertise of various craftspeople across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. Secretary Pat Barber, of Church Street, Birlingham, said: "It is not intended as competition

  • Alcester

    HISTORY SOCIETY: John Corbett, the salt king of Droitwich, was the subject of the most recent meeting of the Local History Society when the speaker was Barbara Midlemass who has written a book entitled 'John Corbett pillar of Salt' dealing with the fascinating

  • Bidford

    BIG BASH: At St Laurence's Church last Saturday a 'Big Bash' was held, the proceeds of which went toward the national relief fund for the farming community. The entertainment was varied, the Rev Hall was compere, introducing organ solos by Darren Oliver

  • Evesham

    BRIDGE CLUB: The club made their annual awards on June 25, at the summer party. The duplicate Championship Pairs were hotly contested this year and last year's winners, David Sheerin and Colin Payne, only clung on to their title by a slender margin, having

  • Pershore

    21st ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY (Cats Protection): Worcester and District Branch are holding its 21 garden party, by kind permission of Betty Hughes, in her delightful gardens at 'Talland', 30 Nogains, Pershore. There will be many varied stalls including, ring

  • Cows missing

    THIS year's Dairy Show is set to go ahead - without cows. But there will be trade stands galore and more seminars and workshops than ever before. The show takes place on the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, on October 3. Tracey Hulls, shows secretary

  • Old Links an Open tester

    JEREMY Robinson will get his Open campaign under way at St Annes Old Links on Sunday, July 15. The Evesham golfer will be hoping to repeat his feat of two years ago when he qualified for the main event and partnered American star David Duval after making

  • Ace Thornhill proving a prickly customer!

    THE form player of the moment at Broad-way is Shaun Thorn-hill. He has won the last two competitions and on an away day at Woburn holed in one on a notoriously difficult 207-yard par three before turning to his opponent to advise that he needed to hole

  • Abby reigns again with victory at Vale

    ABBY More retained her ladies crown at The Vale Golf and Country Club. Staged over 27 holes, she returned from America to shoot a gross 118 to easily see off the challenge of Angela Catlin (129). The best net score was recorded by Aimee Ledbury (132-31

  • ASTLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

    Opening on two separate occasions for the National Gardens Scheme proved successful as over 250 visitors attended on each occasion, to wander around the gardens, buy plants and partake of cream teas. On May 27, five gardens along the main road - Woodstock

  • CLEOBURY MORTIMER PLANNING APPLICATION

    Plans to build a house and alter an existing vehicular access on land at Cleobury Mortimer have been received by South Shropshire district planners. The application for full planning permission concerns land adjacent to Brookside, Eagle Lane.

  • HARVINGTON, NURSERY ON THE MOVE

    A nursery group is busily preparing for its move to a new base with two fund-raising events this month. Strawberry Fields Pre-school Nursery, which meets at the Oaks Community Hall in Harvington, is staging a dance evening and a summer fair to raise cash

  • KIDDERMINSTER OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY

    A musical director is being sought to teach youngsters in a Kidderminster group. Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society's youth section has been struggling without a permanent musical director, according to group business manager Yvonne Dawson. It

  • KIDDERMINSTER LIBRARY READERS GROUP

    Bibliophiles are invited to bring a favourite read along to this month's meeting of Kidderminster Library Readers Group. In My Holiday Suitcase will be held at the library on Tuesday, July 10 at 7.30pm. Membership is free and there will be free refreshments

  • KIDDERMINSTER, CLASSICAL MUSIC SOCIETY

    John Charles of Wolverhampton and Dudley Recorded Music Societies, was the guest presenter, with Notes from a Career. John has been concert manager for various orchestras, including the Liverpool (11 years) and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (six

  • STOURPORT, ARELEY KINGS WIVES

    Bodenham Arboretum was the venue for the June meeting. Members had a guided walk followed by a ploughman's supper in the Earth Centre. A mystery trip has been organised for July 12, followed by refreshments. The coach will leave the parish room at 6.30pm

  • WOLVERLEY WI

    Mrs Durkin gave a talk to members about Harvington Hall, its history and priest holes. An evening visit and supper has been arranged for August. The flowers from the presentation table were given to Murial Richie in honour of her birthday. Monkey Paws

  • Crowded classes!

    HEADTEACHERS of overflowing Bromsgrove schools have warned that by 2002 pupils may have to travel outside the district for their education, unless there is investment in new buildings. Millions of pounds will be needed for classrooms, dining halls, toilets

  • WYRE FOREST, BRINTONS WALKING CLUB

    A "Bear Shoot" walk has been organised in aid of the BBC Children In Need, on Wednesday, July 18, starting at 7pm. The three-mile torchlight stroll in daylight starts at the Horse and Jockey on the A4117, and adults and children taking part are asked

  • Carnival crowds help make merry

    ROBIN Hood was joined by thousands of Merry Men and women on Saturday when the town took to the streets for the carnival celebrations. The traditional procession, organised by Bromsgrove Junior Chamber, had 15 entries and passers-by were greeted by a

  • WYRE FOREST OLD BOYS

    Old boys from Wyre Forest helped raise more than £1,000 for a charity at a school reunion. Former pupils of Holly Lodge Grammar School and James Watt Technical School, Smethwick, raised £1,450 for MacMillan Cancer Relief, DeafBlind UK, Multiple Sclerosis

  • WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY WIs

    On July 12 an afternoon visit has been organised to Witley Court, followed by tea with Menith Wood. This has been organised by Lynda Bagley of Malvern Wells, and is one of the events during a German exchange visit, at which members will be welcome. Anyone

  • WYRE FOREST, FRIENDS OF THE CARPET MUSEUM

    Retired carpet weavers are being urged to come forward to help a popular historic attraction in Kidderminster extend its opening hours. They are needed to help demonstrate the handloom in Weaver's Loft, New Meeting Church, Church Street, so it can extend

  • Buses headache

    I AM a Worcester student living in Hallow and I find it a big chore to get to town because of the lack of buses running in St John's and surrounding area. I have noticed the new park-and-ride bus service on the other side of the city up through Droitwich

  • Agree

    I AGREE with Rita Joyner. Tony Blair is poorly paid for the job that he does. Compared with the remuneration of fat cat chairmen of large companies, footballers and pop stars, the Prime Minster's salary is a pittance. D E MARGRETT, Worcester.

  • Democracy

    BY his own admission, Peter Pinfield, speaking at full county council meeting on Thursday, June 28, made an acknowledgement with the words "we are embarking on a period of democracy". Now after many years, the political marriage between the Lib/Dems and

  • Forgive the soldiers shot at dawn

    I CANNOT argue against the idea that our nation should have a memorial to those who were shot for cowardice in the First World War. I find the Ministry of Defence's assertion that it cannot review the "justice", of each case without "new evidence" high-handed

  • Festival in grounds of historic hall

    A MIXTURE of exclusive classical music, jazz and farcical family theatre will welcome visitors to Harvington Hall over the next few days. The 19th annual Harvington Festival begins tomorrow with bookings being taken for a performance by a classical music

  • Top opera star back for concert

    A SOPRANO with the D'Oyley Carte opera company is planning a return to her home village - and the church where she was married - for a summer concert. Kiera Lyness will be linking up once again with the Kidderminster-based Valentines Choir for a "summer

  • Teacher is top of the class

    A BEWDLEY woman soon to retire from her post as a music teacher and deputy head has been given a prestigious lifetime achievement award. Heather Fairs, who has been a music teacher at Hagley's Haybridge High School for 25 years and deputy head since 1977

  • Top marks for 'friendly' school

    A PRE-school Kidderminster playgroup has been given a resounding thumbs-up by Ofsted inspectors. St Ambrose Pre-school, Leswell Street, is "friendly" and "stimulating" and enables youngsters to achieve an overall high standard of attainment, their report

  • Cycle to school

    MORE pupils will be biking to Harry Cheshire High School after a successful bid for cycle stands. Worcestershire County Council and the Safer Routes to School initiative have provided the stands, which can cater for up to 60 bicycles. CCTV has also been

  • Questions raise cash

    BRAIN-TEASING questions will be on the agenda when Stourport High School stages a fund-raising quiz next week. The event, which has been organised to raise funds for the school's Parent Teacher Association, takes place on Friday, July 13 at 7.30pm. Teams

  • Temptation of "bigger club"

    5/7/01 NEIL MacKenzie has spoken further over his shock departure to Blackpool yesterday. The 25-year-old signed for the Second Division club, promoted via the play-offs last season, on a two-year deal. But Harriers chiefs are bound to feel bitter after

  • Learning recycling rule

    THE recycling message is being drummed home to youngsters in the latest project at a Kidderminster nursery. Children at the Deerhurst Day Nursery were paid a visit by Beth Williams from Wyre Forest District Council's green desk. Nursery assistant Julia

  • MacKenzie shuns Harriers

    5/7/01 MIDFIELDER Neil MacKenzie stunned Kidderminster Harriers by turning his back on the club and signing a two-year deal at Blackpool late yesterday. MacKenzie had reportedly agreed a one-year contract at Aggborough before making the drastic U-turn

  • Big reserve trips ahead

    5/7/01 RESERVE opponents will come from far and wide to take on Harriers second string next season. Clubs include Macclesfield, Wigan, Hull, Halifax, Rochdale, Chesterfield, Hartlepool, Notts County, Scarborough, Carlisle and Mansfield. Games will be

  • Flight took my breath away

    I'M no Jeremy Clarkson. Put me on a roller coaster (even an itsy-bitsy teenie-weenie one) and the veins start popping on my forehead. I don't really like flying either or, to be more precise, I don't like landing and taking off. It's that thought that

  • Curtain up on £1 million fund-raiser

    ONE of the vale's best-known sons was the star guest at the launch of a major fund-raising effort for Pershore. Top television comedian Alistair McGowan, who was brought up in Evesham, added a lighter touch to proceedings when Pershore Theatre Arts Association

  • Public's call to owner of the Regal

    TOWNSFOLK are calling on the owner of the Regal cinema to pay for a ceiling inspection out of the money he got from the sale of the Bingo Hall just before Christmas. Last week Journal readers learned John Angel had refused to pay for work on the Grade

  • F&M-hit wildlife centre to reopen

    CREATURES great and small will be getting their feathers preened and their fur fluffed this Saturday ready to greet visitors to the Vale Wildlife Centre. The foot and mouth crisis closed the gates at the wildlife centre for 19 weeks sending vital funds

  • Brave Stefanie's return sparks celebrations

    THERE were joyful scenes when an Evesham teenager returned home after making a miraculous recovery from a road accident. Stefanie Mace, aged 13, was greeted by banners and balloons when she came home last Friday after spending more than a month in hospital

  • To remember Christopher

    STAFF and pupils at an Evesham school took part in a moving ceremony last week to remember a former pupil who died two years ago. Staff at Bengeworth First School joined members of Christopher Withey's family to plant a maple tree in the school grounds

  • Took £7,421 in insurance fraud

    A FORMER Vale of Evesham woman admitted a £7,000 insurance fraud at the town court last Thursday. Over a three-year period, Margaret Keeler, formerly Aickman, collected £7,421 from the Army pension fund by not telling the Ministry of Defence that she

  • Magistrates told to convict

    EVESHAM magistrates are to be directed by a High Court Judge to convict gypsies for failing to remove their caravans from a site at Cleeve Prior. Wychavon District Council took Samantha Smith, Alfred Smith, Peter Mark and Julie Ann Smith to court for

  • Redditch lose by a whisker

    THE semi-final of the Birmingham Cricket League Knockout Cup between Wolverhampton and Redditch took place on Wednesday night and ended in a narrow 11-run defeat for Redditch. Wolverhampton batted first, reaching 161-5 in the 16 eight-ball over game,

  • Sign on for 10K fun run

    HEY, you young people out there. You've got the chance to start a fever. There's a fantastic Fun Run going on in your area soon - it's in Cheltenham on Sunday, September 9. And the fever is the excitement you can help to generate, so that lots of cash

  • Johnson brace after being best man on ladies night

    RICHARD Johnson landed five straight wins at Stratford last weekend. The Toddington based jockey snapped up a late hat-trick on Friday evening and then set Sunday's card rolling with an early double. Johnson, one of the best dressed men at Royal Ascot

  • Karter Calado pipped for top spot twice

    PERSHORE'S James Calado scored a sensational second place in round three of the Super One National Kart Championship at Rowrah in Cumbria on Sunday. The Ford Racing Young Gun enjoyed a day-long battle with rival Daniel Rowbottom, the pair crossing the

  • Veterans and youngsters collect a rich medal haul

    EVESHAM Rowing Club members of widely varying ages had a number of successes at the National Veterans and Schools Regattas. In windy conditions, Teresa Roberts won gold in two events and a silver in a third. In crews, including rowers from Bewdley, Birmingham

  • Packaging merger to boost range

    A THREE-way sales merger at a packaging company will mean a bigger range of products for its Worcestershire clients. Restructuring by the US-based Myers Group has seen Allibert Handling, of Droitwich, Gloucester firm Allibert Helix and Buckhorn Ltd, based

  • Bash bumps up dosh

    OVER £1,000 was raised as villagers in Bidford rallied round to help swell the coffers of a foot and mouth charity fund. The Bidford Big Bash, held in the village last Saturday, attracted more than 120 people to St Laurence's Church and featured more

  • Prize pickings

    PICK of the prizes at this year's Bidford Primary School summer fair is an Aston Villa shirt and baseball cap. The clothes are top prize in the draw which will be made at the fair on Saturday. Organised by the Bidford Primary School Association, the fair

  • Cautions for traders after goods crackdown

    ANTIQUE traders in Bidford have received written warnings after they were found to be selling faulty second-hand electrical goods. The three traders, who have not been identified, received letters of caution after a countywide crackdown discovered 17

  • What's up, doc?

    WYRE Forest residents will be able to air their grievances and concerns with the leader of the district council Councillor Mike Oborski following the launch of new 'surgeries'. The sessions will be held alongside those of newly-elected Wyre Forest MP

  • Tories take two top county jobs

    HEALTH Concern county councillors from Wyre Forest have helped the Conservatives to take two top jobs at County Hall. Peter Fallows became the fifth chairman of the county council, while Bob Bullock was elected vice-chairman. The Conservatives, who have

  • Kidderminster skittle out Walsall to no avail

    POSITIVE Kidderminster bowled out a side for the first time this season but still had to settle for a Birmingham and District Premier League draw with Walsall. The upbeat fielding performance from Kidderminster, dismissing their visitors for 198, gave

  • Chance to climb league is missed

    CHADDESLEY Corbett missed the opportunity to make progress up Worcestershire League Division One when they were beaten by an under-strength Bromyard. The surprising seven-wicket defeat keeps the villagers in a mid-table position. Sent in to bat, Chaddesley

  • Smith sizzler is the right tonic

    A WONDERFUL century by skipper Simon Smith capped Bewdley's first Worcestershire League Division One win of the season. The Wyre Forest side moved off the bottom of the table after a thrilling finish at Lye. Smith dominated the innings with 137 runs as

  • Poor start costs Vics in Alvechurch clash

    MID-TABLE Victoria and Blakeley Hall had a disastrous start in Worcestershire League Division Three at Alvechurch and Hopwood. Though Vic battled hard after losing two early wickets for just four runs, they were beaten by three wickets in the end. Dave

  • Cookley stumble

    COOKLEY missed the chance to go second in Worcestershire League Division Two, losing to Eastnor by just one wicket. The villagers began well but collapsed from 97-2 to 137-8 with Paul Harris hitting 64 runs. Excellent bowling from Shahid 7-53 sparked

  • Double win boost as Stone get season back on track

    STONE returned to winning ways with two comprehensive victories at the weekend. They won their Worcestershire League Division Five game at Bridewell by 171 runs on Saturday then beat Rushwick in a Sunday friendly. In the league match, Stone were asked

  • Thief's nick it to ride

    A FIFTY-two seater bus proved just the ticket for a thief who embarked on his own mystery tour - knocking down a lamp-post en-route. The thief jumped into the empty First Midland Red Mercedes bus after spotting its keys had been left in the ignition.

  • Keep High Street food stands, plea

    HUNGRY customers have given a cool reception to plans to move hot food stands from Worcester's High Street. A report by the City Centre Forum branded Lannie's van and the jacket potato stall "unsightly" and suggested the pair - a magnet for lunch-hunting

  • Leisure plans for the future

    THE future of Bromsgrove's leisure centre is on the agenda tonight when councillors will give their views on the way ahead. The centre has been blighted in the past by enforced closures, but plans have been drawn up to ensure the area has a facility fit

  • Parents failing in family talks

    MORE than 1,800 mums, dads and carers from Worcestershire have called a helpline for parents in the last six months. National charity Parentline Plus revealed 80 per cent of parents were too scared to talk about problems they were facing, prompting Talking

  • One more crime and we'll jail you

    A FORMER drug addict has been told that he will almost certainly go to jail if he re-offends. Samuel Scarrett escaped a prison sentence despite committing crimes while on licence. John Johnson, chairman of the bench at Droitwich yesterday, told Scarrett

  • Delight at giant chess set

    A GIANT chess set has been donated to delighted children at a primary school. The chess set which is carved out of wood, was given to Broadwas Primary School by Bill Barry. Mr Barry, who lives in Broadwas on Teme, made the giant set for the chess club

  • Activities galore to brighten holidays

    POGO sticks and trampolines had more than 700 youngsters jumping for joy when they packed into an exhibition showcasing summer holiday activities. The Youth Leisure Fair, held at the Perdiswell Leisure Centre yesterday, was crammed full of organisations

  • Sun and fun brings out thousands

    CARNIVAL fever came to town on Saturday as thousands of people lined the streets and later packed into Sanders Park helping to make this year's event one of the biggest and best ever. Pubs, businesses, town groups and scores of onlookers soaked up the

  • Council to 'cover up' guide gaffs

    GLARING errors in a new glossy guide aimed at attracting more visitors to Bromsgrove has prompted the district council to mount a quick "cover up operation." The 25,000, 20-page colour brochures, which cost the council £4,500 to produce, contain a number

  • £12,500 boost for hospice

    A NOVEL initiative aimed at raising money for the Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre has proved a smash hit raising more than £12,500. During Wear Yellow Week many town schools paid a donation to swap their uniforms for yellow clothes and the Primrose's

  • Mandelson to get call to join health group

    THE architect of New Labour will be approached to join Dr Richard Taylor's all-party group fighting hospital downgrading following concerns from his constituents. Residents in the Hartlepool constituency of Peter Mandelson have written to the Wyre Forest

  • OAPs duped by bogus workers

    TWO pensioners were the victims of bogus workmen after a "despicable" burglary at their home. The elderly couple were duped into letting two workmen, who claimed roof repairs were needed, into their Coniston Close house. The men demanded £280 for the

  • Drivers advised to slow down

    SPEEDING drivers in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa are being urged to slow down as part of a hard-hitting nationwide road safety campaign. A television advert, which forms part of the crack down, demonstrates how driving at just 5mph over a 30mph limit

  • Wardens go on crime patrols

    WYRE Forest's first ever neighbourhood wardens are taking to the streets this month in a bid to crackdown on anti-social behaviour, crime and vandalism. The scheme, one of only a handful operating across the country, will see two wardens patrolling the

  • Moore springs a surprise

    TALENTED striker Paul Moore has rocked Stourport Swifts by switching to local rivals Bromsgrove Rovers in a shock close-season move. Swifts' management team of Rod Brown and Gary Whild were even more mystified to find the skilful player had left the club

  • Pupils work to beat vandalism

    MURALS created by Kidderminster youngsters in an alley where a man was murdered six years ago was covered with obscene graffiti on the eve of its unveiling. Councillor Frank Baillie, who presided at the ceremony in Piggy Alley last Friday, slammed the

  • Celebrate good times

    SWIFTS held a successful celebration to mark last season's Midland Alliance championship win at Walshes Meadow on Saturday. It was attended by many, including former players and potential sponsors. The club's committee is busy looking for sponsorship

  • Town backing £2m flood wall

    TOWN leaders want Severnside North in Bewdley to be pedestrianised as part of a £2 million Environment Agency scheme to put up flood barriers. Members of Bewdley Town Council gave the thumbs-up to the plans, which involve erecting removable steel barriers

  • Farm markets to make town debut

    A FARMERS' market is finally set to hit Kidderminster town centre next month after its long-awaited debut was delayed by the foot and mouth crisis. The market will feature farmers from within a 30-mile radius of the town bringing their wares to about

  • Floating home may save cash

    HOMES at a Stourport holiday site could be fitted with a revolutionary device designed to slash insurance costs. Warwickshire-based Allens Caravans, which owns Stourport's Severnside Caravan Park, will today trial the idea of fitting floatation collars

  • 'Homeless' after family breaks up

    THE plight of women, forced to leave their family home and start a new life after a marriage break-up, has been highlighted by the case of a 50-year-old Kidderminster divorcee. The woman, who does not wish to be named, said because she was the "wrong

  • There's no point in this pyramid

    IT beggars belief that there are people in this information-driven, sophisticated 21st Century world who will fall for the kind of craze sweeping Worcestershire. But, of course, there are. And, human nature being what it is, there always will be. Inevitably

  • What's On

    THURSDAY: Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2 - Boot 66. Brierley Hill: Robin R'n'B - Pure 6. FRIDAY: Worcester: Huntingdon Hall - Stacey Kent & Her Musicians. Brierley Hill: Robin R'n'B - Dennis Greaves & The Truth. Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2 - The

  • MacKenzie shuns Harriers

    5/7/01 MIDFIELDER Neil MacKenzie stunned Kidderminster Harriers by turning his back on the club and signing a two-year deal at Blackpool late yesterday. MacKenzie had reportedly agreed a one-year contract at Aggborough before making the drastic U-turn

  • Burgess inspires country

    GILT Edge Bowling Club ace Grant Burgess helped England to wins over Wales and Channel Islands in the Home International Bowls Series in Belfast. The Kidderminster man has been instrumental, lining up as number three to English champion of champions Danny

  • Big throw for Parker

    KING Charles I High School pupil Steve Parker travels to Exeter today to represent the county in the English Schools Athletics Championships. Parker was selected for the junior boys shot putt after a personal best of 12.24 metres at a recent competition

  • Call to parishes

    PARISH GAMES: Sport lovers are needed to make this year's Wyre Forest Parish Games a success. The district council are looking for co-ordinators or anyone interested in taking part in a variety of events. Archery, golf, rounders, angling and tennis are

  • On the run to top funds for charity

    PUNTERS at a Stourport pub which reached a landmark fund-raising figure earlier this year are getting into step for their latest charity mission. Regulars at the Kings Arms, Areley Kings, are preparing for the annual pub fun run which takes place on Sunday

  • Hosts take district title

    THE Wyre Forest High Schools Team Track and Field Championships were hosted by Stourport High School. The home team were overall winners though the outstanding display among 300 athletes came from Steve Parker (see page 79). Result: Stourport 1,908 points

  • Little rest for running club

    AMAZING Feet Running Club had a busy week as the Inter-club Race League got going again. The competition had been postponed over the last four months due to the foot and mouth crisis. Twelve club members took part in the Sting In The Tail race last Friday

  • Stourport slip up

    TENNIS: Stourport A dropped their first point of the season in Kidderminster League Mixed Division One when they drew 2-2 at Hagley. The pairing of Derek Tarpey and Carole Lewis were beaten for the first time but Kevin Grainger and Hilary Hatt restored

  • Play-off place

    TENNIS: Bewdley's U-15 boys won the Rover National Junior Clubs League Division Two, earning themselves a play-off against Division One's Barnt Green. Unfortunately, the opposition proved too strong and Bewdley bowed out 4-0. The team's strongest player

  • 5/7/01 - Thornhill and Powers prove aces in the pack

    BROADWAY Golf Club's in-form Shaun Thornhill, who has won his last two competitions, had a hole-in-one in an away day at Woburn Golf Club on a notoriously difficult 207 yard par three. In the second round of the Centenary Trophy Thornhill shot gross 71

  • A tasty victory

    GOLF: Keith Whitehouse joined Doreen Fellows and Dave Woods to win the Big Breakfast Competition at Little Lakes Golf Club. Whitehouse also partnered John Bennett and John Robson to victory in the Twos competition. Big Breakfast: Whitehouse, Fellows and

  • Fergusons mix it

    GOLF: Alan and Jacqui Ferguson won the Mixed Open at Cleobury Mortimer Golf Club with 70 nett. The duo were just ahead of J Machine and C Clarke, of Dartmouth, with 70.5. Captain's Weekend results, Captain's Cup: Yoshy Okama 7 handicap 63 nett. Stableford

  • Park's Smart bet

    GOLF: Sue Smart won the Silver Division June Stableford at Wharton Park Golf Club Ladies section, one point ahead of Jane Sharpe. Silver Division: Smart handicap 12 42 points, Jane Sharpe 18-41. Bronze Division One: Pauline Kimberley 21-40, Brenda Kerigan

  • Churchyards will be sanctuary for wildlife

    AN initiative aimed at conserving churchyards housing valuable plants and animals has been backed by two Wyre Forest parishes. Worcestershire's Living Churchyards has been launched by the Worcester diocese and the county council's countryside service

  • Sam wins black belt with ease

    THE hard work paid off for Kidderminster's Samantha Williams after she clinched her black belt in freestyle kickboxing. Williams, a 13-year-old St John's Middle School pupil, passed with flying colours, according to her instructors at Stourport's Eclipse

  • Seven short on roll of royals

    THE build-up to this year's Stourport Carnival is gathering pace after a "fantastic" public response to an appeal to trace past kings and queens from the event. Carnival publicity officer Pete Roberts is now only seven names away from completing a roll

  • Cup for Cox

    LADY captain Edna Cox beat Wendy Mann in the first round of the Match Cup at Habberley Golf Club. Mann was also runner-up in the Ladies June Medal. Saturday Medal Division One: Paul Connolly 77 gross 13 handicap 63 nett, Steve Beddoes 75-6-69. Division

  • Witness appeal

    A MAN has been arrested after fighting broke out in two Kidderminster pubs on Saturday. The landlord of The Barrel, Bromsgrove Street, was assaulted by a customer at 8.20pm in an incident which is believed to be linked to fighting in The Farmers on Comberton

  • Window will cost charity £1,500

    A VANDAL caused £1,500 damage and cost a Stourport charity shop a day's trade by kicking in the window at the weekend. Police arrived at the British Red Cross shop in High Street at 12.45am on Saturday to find the eight foot window had been smashed, spreading

  • Trust needs Council

    I WOULD like to add to my truncated comments in the front-page article in last week's Journal regarding the Regal Cinema. Put simply, the Evesham Regal Trust is not in a position to purchase the cinema. Our position is not helped by the fact that, although

  • Grant is not in the picture

    Further to last week's story regarding the Regal Cinema, I would wish to respond specifically to the comments made by Evesham Regal Trust indicating a lack of financial support from Wychavon District Council. For the record it is important to note that

  • 'Doing well' on drug course

    A KIDDERMINSTER man has been responding well to a course designed to help wean him off drugs, Worcester Crown Court heard. Neil Soley was ordered last month to undergo a drug treatment and testing order after pleading guilty to possessing heroin and driving

  • Grinding wheels of bureaucracy

    NOW that the heat of the election battle has died down, as a former resident of the town I wish to offer my congratulations to Dr Taylor on his elevation to parliament. He has battled long and hard for the preservation of the general hospital, with little

  • College students reach their goal with Academy

    THREE up-and-coming young soccer stars, who are about to complete their training and studies with Evesham College's now well established Football Academy, have been offered prestigious places with local clubs next season. Jamie Faulkner, (18), from Stratford-on-Avon

  • Demolition is beyond belief

    I UNDERSTAND it is possible E block at Kidderminster Hospital may be demolished. That such a thing can even be considered is beyond belief. To demolish what is a nearly new building and costing in total £15 million would not only be the act of a deranged

  • Figures tell the story

    I COMPLETELY disagree with the remarks made by B Nock (Letters, June 28) regarding the turnout of Wyre Forest voters in the General Election. The facts speak for themselves. On an above-average turnout, approximately 28,000 voted for Dr Taylor, while

  • Anglers return to BAA waters

    MOST BAA waters, which were closed due to the foot and mouth crisis, are now open for fishing. The exceptions are the River Severn at Grimley 5, 6, and 7, Severn Stoke, Apperley Pools and the River Avon at Twyning. WOODLAND VIEW Wednesday, all pools,

  • Doctors in scathing attack on 'gimmicks'

    DOCTORS have echoed the Health Concern campaign in their ferocious attack on the Government, Dr Taylor said. The British Medical Association attacked the Government for its "gimmicky initiatives" for the health service and warned a despairing medical

  • Faraway's winning Look

    Sandown's big three-day Coral Eurobet-Eclipse meeting gets underway tomorrow but punters looking for a tasty wager on the opening day need search no further than James Fanshawe's Faraway Look in the Tote Exacta Handicap. A unexposed, progressive son of

  • Grand slam for car park

    THE public have been warned to keep away from the demolition of a Kiddermin-ster multi-storey car park on Sunday. The Pitts Lane park is scheduled to be blown up between 8am and 10am as part of the £60 million town centre scheme. Wyre Forest District

  • B&B booklet delayed

    THE British Horse Society has delayed publication of its popular Bed and Breakfast for Horses booklet until September because of the foot and mouth crisis. The BHS decided advertisers would be unlikely to fully benefit from visitors this summer and it

  • Hitching the way to lift charity title

    TEAM mates from Kidderminster beat 215 others in a fundraising charity home run organised by a West Midlands radio station. The Bogrollers - Rachel Setchell, Ky Mitrovic, Sharon Venn and Claire Williams - grabbed a lift from a family to make it back first

  • Equine industry in the spotlight

    THE equine industry has an important role to play in regenerating the countryside, a seminar organised by the Country Land and Business Association has been told. The seminar was held in Warwickshire, at Moreton Morrell, the largest college in the country

  • Cyclist still on trail of charity sponsorship

    WYRE Forest businesses have failed to answer a fundraising cyclist's plea for backing in his gruelling Land's End to John O'Groats charity ride. Alan Jones, of Bewdley, has had only two replies and pledges of £35 in response to the 240 letters he sent

  • Plea to aid bus service

    PEOPLE with an hour or two to spare have been urged to lend a hand and help boost a charity's bid to improve bus services for the elderly. The Women's Royal Voluntary Service has launched a county-wide scheme to provide help for elderly bus users and

  • Burner areas are not alike, says doctor

    WORCESTERSHIRE Health Authority believes a report about the possible health risks a Kidderminster incinerator could cause is flawed. Stop Kidderminster Incinerator campaigners are angry it has taken the authority a month to respond to a report by a Belgian

  • Plum date for charity

    A TRADITION dating back hundreds of years in Kidderminster raised £200 for good causes. The Church Street Supper raised the cash for PHAB (Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied) and County Air Ambulance. Gemma Cook, Stephen Wyer and Kay Holden help serve

  • Thrilling title climax in store as pack close in

    JUST five points separate the top four teams in the Premier Division of the Cotswold League after comfortable wins for Broadway and Elmley Castle. It's all-square at the top after Shipston got the better of Bidford, while Overbury and Wellesbourne are

  • Johnson heroics in vain

    PERSHORE narrowly failed to defeat Droitwich in Sat-urday's Worcestershire Cou-nty League Division One game at The Bottoms. Trevor Ridings invited the visitors to bat but a steady opening partnership of 65 between Stuart Bryan and Geoff Ford saw Droitwich

  • Tour trip

    BADSEY will entertain a touring Australian side at Ballards Park tomorrow (Friday). The fixture against Kenthurst Banksias has taken place since 1985 and just a dozen players will venture to England this year for matches in Bedford, Manch-ester, Llanelli

  • Advantage to Badsey boys

    BADSEY'S youngsters gained the upper hand in the first leg of the Under-12 Cotswold League play-off with a four-run defeat of Drakes Broughton. Marcus Humpstone and Richard Martin were best with the bat in a total of 240-2 and it looked too tall a task

  • Bumper raffle

    A BUMPER raffle is to be one of the star attractions in this year's Broadway fete, which will be held on Saturday. Organised by the trustees of the Lifford Hall, the raffle's valuable prizes will include a hot air balloon ride, a day's membership for

  • Pop in for health check

    MEN in Kidderminster can have a free health check on Saturday, July 14 when staff from Wyre Forest NHS Primary Care Trust visit the Park Inn, Stourport Road. Qualified health staff will be on hand from 2pm-4pm to offer information on smoking, take height

  • Defford/Besford

    Parish council ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: The retiring chairman Roger Price was re-elected and the joint vice-chairmen Mike Pegg and Russell Brookes were also re-elected. Planning application WO1/00696/PN Mr D Griffin resubmission of previous application

  • Harvington

    OFSTED: Harvington pre-school had its OFSTED inspection recently and all concerned were delighted that the inspector's comments were very favourable, resulting in a three/four years' recommendation which means that it will not be considered necessary

  • Willersey

    CHRISTIAN AID: The total collected during Christian Aid week was £635 - a record for the village. Thanks are due to David Ingles who co-ordinated the collection, to his willing band of collectors, and to all those who contributed. TUESDAY FELLOWSHIP:

  • Inkberrow

    ROSE SHOW: The village hall was ablaze with colour on Saturday, June 23, on the occasion of the Inkberrow and District Horticultural Society's Annual Rose Show, and Plant Sale. Exhibits, exhibitors and visitors were increased in numbers this year. Before

  • Produce

    Evesham yesterday (Wed). Primo cabbage £2 to £3; Duncan cabbage £2.20 to £3; cauliflowers £3.50 to £5 doz; tomatoes 20p to 25p lb; stick beans £1.50 to £2.50lb; broad beans 8p to 15plb; coriander £3 10 bunches; peas 30p to 50plb;courgettes £1.50 to £3.50

  • Greater incentives for farmers - call

    FARMERS should get greater incentives to manage the countryside for public benefit and to produce food in an environmentally friendly way, according to a new vision launched by the National Trust. The Trust says building a new "contract" of understanding

  • ARLEY AND DISTRICT WI

    On Monday, July 16, Sheila Hodges will give a talk on Working at the Rose Theatre. The meeting, at Arley Sports and Social Club, Upper Arley, will commence at 8pm. There will be a nominal entrance fee, to include refreshments.

  • Theatre

    Swan, Worcester - Fearless Saturday. Malvern Theatres - What The Butler Saw until Saturday. Grand, Wolverhampton - Suddenly At Home until Saturday. Trap For A Lonely Man Tuesday until July 14. Crescent, Birmingham - The Beauty Queen of Leenane until Saturday

  • KIDDERMINSTER AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMISTS

    Continuing her theme The Year of the Child, president Janet Ince invited fellow Soroptimist Val Clark to be guest speaker in June, talking about the "Baby Think it Over Project" and its potential use with pupils in secondary schools. After piloting the

  • KIDDERMINSTER CYCLING CLUB

    There will be two rides this Sunday. The A ride starts at 9 am and goes to Gladestry in Wales. The B ride starts at 9.30 am and vists Earlswood Lakes in Warwickshire. Both rides leave from The Green, Blakebrook, opposite the hospital. All cyclists will

  • Rugby clubs getting ready

    UNDER the new leadership of captain Andy Watson and vice-captain Levin Widmer, Pershore Rugby Club will embark on the new campaign with optimism. Having gained promotion last year into Midlands 3 West (South) they will be looking to consolidate their

  • KIDDERMINSTER, HERONSWOOD WI

    Bird Lovers are invited to join members for a talk by a member of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, at Spennells Community Centre on Tuesday. The meeting will begin at 8pm and there is a small entrance fee, which includes refreshments.

  • MAMBLE CUM BAYTON WI

    John Powell showed his collection of old tin plate clockwork toys and boxed games at the June meeting. His interest began when he attended a toy fair when he worked as a photographer on the Berrows News. Nowadays he regularly attends toy fairs nationwide

  • STOURPORT JUSTICE AND PEACE GROUP

    The countryside and conservation officer for Wyre Forest, Paul Allen, gave a talk on Biodiversity in the Wyre Forest, telling how the nature reserves are managed, and how children are encouraged to enjoy the countryside, taking an active interest in their

  • WYRE FOREST, NATIONAL GARDENS SCHEME

    On Sunday, July 15, between 2pm and 5pm, Arley Cottage, Upper Arley, will open in aid of the scheme. The property has been in the possession of the same family for 150 years, and the garden features lawns bordered by trees and shrubs, including a collection

  • 'Don't takeaway our post office' plea pensioners

    PENSIONERS are being urged to take action to stop a Marlbrook Post Office being turned into a Chinese takeaway. Alfred Cross lives next door to the Post Office, in Birmingham Road and couldn't believe it when he discovered the facility, which serves the

  • WYRE FOREST, BRITISH SUGARCRAFT GUILD

    The Wyre Forest branch's monthly meeting will be at Stourport Community Centre, Memorial Park, Lickhill Road, on July 12, starting at 7.30pm. There will be a demonstration by international member Gillean Creache, who is visiting from Australia. Visitors

  • Children's pains

    AS children grow up, they often experience aches and pains in their limbs. Although children and young people can develop a childhood form of arthritis, it is rare, and only affects about 14,500 youngsters in the UK. Another more likely reason why children

  • Congratulations on performance

    WE would like to congratulate everyone involved in the Pershore Operatic and Dramatic Society performance of Me and My Girl at the Swan Theatre last week. It was a most professional production and a very enjoyable evening. MARY HYDE AND PATRICK BRADLEY

  • Roy sets scorching trail in the sunshine

    Evesham and District Disabled AC/Partnerships MEMBERS met for their fourth match of the Sunday Summer season at Forest Farm, Pinvin on Sunday and in scorching hot sunshine everyone enjoyed their day's fishing. Once again Roy Thompson found the winning

  • Come on, let's show them all!

    WELL done, Adrian Gregson! I was delighted to read that you and the Labour Group on the city council fully support the relocation of Worcester City Football Club to the proposed new ground. It's so easy for exciting projects to get stifled with reasons

  • Duckworth Trust

    THE Duckworth Trust, which regularly cleans up litter and graffiti, hopes to attract new volunteers. If our chief probation officer saw this plea in the Evening News, perhaps he or she will volunteer a few of the hundreds of people sentenced to community

  • MAHATMA Gandi

    MAHATMA Gandhi once made the remark that a nation could be judged by the way that the people treated animals. We are told through the Word of God, in proverbs 12:10 "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked

  • Hearts of oak are our ships

    "NAVY unfit to fight" was the screaming headline in a national newspaper, purporting to quote a "leaked" document claiming that Treasury cuts had left the Royal Navy incapable of meeting its commitments. At the same time, several claims were made to You

  • Revamp is fine, but leave the trees alone

    AS I enjoyed a stroll through High Street on a beautiful sunny day, and saw fellow shoppers enjoying the shade provided by the mature trees that now grace our centre, my thoughts turned to an article I read in the Evening News that suggested the city

  • Blues on the river

    BLUES band Parker's Alibi will be providing the entertainment for the first of two special "Riverboat Shuffle" events this month. They will be taking to the water on Tuesday at 8 - 8.30pm from Severnside Quay in Stourport, with the trip finishing at 11.30pm

  • Take to the stage

    WOLVERLEY folk keen to try their hand at acting are being sought by a village theatre group. WASPS - Wolverley Amateur Stage Players - are on the lookout for new members for acting or backstage work - and have stressed experience is not necessary. The

  • A musical evening

    MUSIC and song from stage and show will be on offer when the West Midland Light Orchestra holds an open night in Kidderminster this weekend. Orchestra president Peter Tomlinson will compere the evening, featuring music from composers including Gershwin

  • NVQ in control

    STEWARDS at Kidderminster Harriers Football Club are to be trained with the help of the town college's community section. An NVQ level two in spectator control will allow people to steward any organised event and train them to the Football League standard

  • Attacking role for Shilton Jnr

    5/7/01 JAN Molby is hoping the son of a football legend will be the answer to his left-wing dilemma at Kidderminster Harriers. Sam Shilton, whose father is ex-England goalkeeper Peter, has signed for Harriers in a two-year deal after his release from

  • Deako looks to management

    5/7/01 FORMER Harriers midfielder John Deakin is to take his first steps on the managerial ladder with Oldbury United's youth team. Deakin, 34, will look after their Midland Floodlit Youth League side with Pete Evans. The veteran retired from playing