WORCESTER'S St Barnabas ward is among 2,000 of the most deprived areas of the country to be given a boost by Gordon Brown. Stamp duty on property and business sales worth up to £150,000 will be abolished in the area from Friday. The Chancellor announced
A BUMPER turnout is predicted for this year's Victorian Christmas Fayre which is expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors to Worcester. Clare Booker, assistant tourism and marketing manager at Worcester City Council, said today organisers had had a
A MALVERN woman has been appointed as director of the Elgar Birthplace Museum. Catherine Sloan has been given the position, and will take up her new post this Saturday, December 1. Ms Sloan is currently museum services manager at the site, and has worked
A BRAVE pensioner clung on to her handbag as a man tried to grab it from her in her own garden. The 78-year-old woman was at home in Worcester when the robber struck in the attack during daylight. The woman struggled so hard she received injuries to her
A MAN with a grudge against public servants threatened a chief officer at the Benefits Agency and branded her a "Nazi fascist pig", Worcester Crown Court heard. Peter Collins made insulting phone calls to Valerie Upton and, once his calls were screened
TRADERS at Droitwich Spa's indoor market want to scotch rumours that the hall is closing after Christmas. A stallholder, speaking on behalf of traders, said sales have been down since Wychavon District Council revealed its plans to buy and demolish the
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the town's historic Lido pool have been in the spotlight. On Monday, Droitwich: Save Our Lido Today (SALT) group was invited to speak at Droitwich Spa's Town Council meeting. Dozens of residents packed into St Richard's House
DRIVERS can expect delays for the next five months due to roadworks at a busy motorway junction near Droitwich Spa. The Highways Agency is enlarging and improving the roundabout at the southbound Junction 5 of the M5, at Wychbold. Work began on Monday
RESIDENTS got into the Christmas spirit on Saturday and helped raise £1,000 at a festive fair in Droitwich Spa. Families flocked to the event organised by the town's Salvation Army branch. Members were delighted to see their hall, in Ombersley Way, packed
A DROITWICH Spa shopkeeper has hit out at vandals who have damaged Christmas decorations. The Gurneys Lane trader said light bulbs have been stolen from the display and used as "missiles" during the weekend. On Saturday, crowds turned out to see the lights
FIXTURES MIDLANDS ONE Saturday, December 1. Longton v Malvern. Saturday, December 8. Banbury v Malvern. RESULTS MIDLANDS ONE 8/9/01: Dunstablians 41, Malvern 7. 15/9/01 (NPI Intermediate Cup) Malvern v Old Halesonians - Malvern walkover. 22/9/01: Malvern
A WORCESTER primary school was turned into an art gallery for a special school project that was a huge success. Pictures painted by pupils at Nunnery Wood Primary School were framed and displayed for parents, who then had the option to buy them. Money
RESIDENTS can get Christmas all wrapped up by attending the farmers' market in Droitwich this Saturday, say organisers. The High Street will be lined with stalls selling everything from granny's homemade Christmas cake to blackberry wine. Shoppers are
DROITWICH Spa pupils and teachers have scooped full marks following league table successes. The Department of Education and Skills has released Worcestershire's GCSE and A-level performance tables. Droitwich Spa High School headteacher Cledwyn Davies
FORMER pupils from a Worcester school went back to see their old teachers and receive prizes. Last year's Year 6 pupils at St Barnabas CE Primary school, in Green Lane, visited the school on Monday, November 26. Worcestershire County Council's director
ELDERLY relatives in Worcester could benefit from an Age Concern initiative to give them peace of mind. Instead of giving socks and soap for Christmas the charity is asking residents to consider an Aid-Call personal alarm system. The small alarm can either
Join in Sunday trading A TOWN cafe owner is urging shopkeepers and residents to support Sunday trading. Spats Coffee House boss Adrian Hibell opens his High Street business seven days a week, all-year round. In the run up to Christmas, he has encouraged
CHRISTMAS mail due north or south should be winging its way to post boxes around the county to arrive at overseas destinations by December 25. The message from Royal Mail, with the help of Worcester engineer Steve Banks, is "Post Now!" if loved ones abroad
TEENAGERS from the Spa have proved they have the expertise to handle a crisis. Droitwich Young Firefighters' Association (YFA) members excelled in a first aid competition organised by Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade. They competed with other county
A FAMILY pet has been snatched from it rural home near Droitwich Spa. Suzy, a greyhound/lurcher cross, is believed to have been taken from a field off Plough Road, in Tibberton. The two-year-old canine needs medication for fits and her owners are very
DROITWICH entertained Market Drayton in their DTZ Midlands Hockey League fixture on Saturday and won a seven-goal cracker. The Spa took the lead in the first ten minutes when Nick Bates scored from a Liam Hine cross. Barry Williams extended the advantage
November 30, 1901 WE are pleased to learn that an amateur dramatic society has been formed in Redditch and will shortly make its bow to the local play-going public from the stage of the Public Hall. Perhaps it would be more correct to say the society
December 1, 1951 THE first delegation of Japanese women to visit this country since the war arrived in Birmingham on Wednesday. They are guests of the Foreign Office and their three weeks tour to study social conditions in Britain will include a visit
November 26, 1976 The current Reddibus ten-penny flat rate experiment is proving a huge success. The month-long experiment was intended to secure greater use of buses in Redditch and it has certainly done that. Do not forget the scheme will be operating
I WAS deeply saddened by the Rev Andy Kelso's letter (Advertiser, November 21) in which he claimed that "The lord of Paganism is Satan" and attempted to undermine the validity of other non-Christian faiths. In his demonstration of ignorance and prejudice
I WAS shocked at the Rev Kelso's narrow-minded views about a religion he obviously knows nothing about. He must believe that any faith that does not follow to the letter and verse of his own personal view of God, religion and the world, is the work of
IF there is one thing the fire brigade needs in dealing with calls for help, it's speed. And, just as it has to arrive at a blaze as fast as possible, it now deserves an express solution to the problems it's faced in Worcester's Arboretum. Three times
THE Rev Kelso makes an impassioned plea for Christianity. Unfortunately, the basic premise of his argument is false. Paganism covers many aspects of faith but they all seem to focus on a concept of God in Creation, perhaps embracing the notion of Heavenly
I WOULD like to point out that a Pagan, Druid or Witch would never worship Satan. The Witch's code is simple: "Do what you will, and harm none." Mother Earth is our Goddess and the Horned God her consort. The male deity of Wicca represents a solar and
TOM Wareing's views on parental care (Advertiser, November 21) accurately describes the importance of the dual role model of a mother and father in a child's development. It is, however, not just single-parent families where the problem exists. Successive
ON a visit to Redditch from Bolton last Tuesday, I parked my car in the car park adjacent to a pub in Headless Cross while I called at one of the shops opposite. I was horrified on my return to find two men with a white van fitting a clamp to the front
SO referendum Friday came and went to the relief of councillors who, no doubt, were pleased with the result. What other result could we have expected when only a little over a quarter of the population took the trouble to vote? Joan Tyers Forest View
OFFICERS are banking Redditch folk will step up their recycling of old bottles and jars. Redditch Council recycling chiefs have renewed an appeal to townspeople to recycle glass packaging following a visit to one of the largest glass reprocessing plants
HEALTH chiefs, police and Redditch Council have pulled together to perform an in-depth survey in Woodrow, writes Becky Procter. The study, which will start next month, is aimed at improving the quality of life for residents. All the different agencies
INCREASED demand for a service to adapt homes for the elderly and disabled has prompted Redditch Council to inject a further £60,000 into the scheme, writes Becky Procter. The equipment and adaptations project has been run by the council for several years
A £30,000 project to revamp the lighting and sound systems used in the Palace Theatre has been given the go-ahead as a matter of urgency, writes Becky Procter. Redditch Council has allocated the extra money on top of more than £1 million to refurbish
SUSPENSION rules out Darren Bullock from the Crawley Town match on Saturday and his competitive game will certainly be missed in the middle of the park. In a previous life at Nuneaton Borough the midfielder was dubbed 'Mad Dog' by the supporters in homage
ALCESTER captain Alan Williams insisted the Warwickshire Shield was not a priority for the Warwick-shire One outfit in the wake of Sunday's opening round defeat at the hands of Spartans. The Kings Coughton side crashed out 28-5 to their league rivals
KINGS Norton suffered an up and down weekend in the North Midlands Shield. The Midlands Four West South side beat North Midlands Three strugglers Greyhound 11-7 in the preliminary round on Saturday but crashed out in round one the day after, losing 8-
Redditch Exiles 10 Bromsgrove Crusaders 23 A well-organised Crusaders were worthy winners in a game Redditch failed to rise to. Much of the first quarter was spent in the Exiles' 22, with a succession of lineouts and scrums keeping them penned near their
Worcester City are still locked in talks with two clubs in a bid to bring three new players to St George's Lane including a centre half and a striker. Director Dave Boddy confirmed negotiations were on going but said he remained optimistic that manager
ROYAL Grammar School Worcester go head-to-head against arch-rivals King's School, Worcester in their annual rugby showdown which will be staged under the Sixways floodlights tonight (6pm). King's go into the match with 15 wins in 16 games this season.
IT was back to winning ways against Merthyr Tyd-fil and though it was a poor performance it was the right result. We had chances to kill the game off in the second half but didn't and Danny McDonnell had to make a double save to save the points in the
Evesham United earned themselves a hard fought 1-0 victory at Rocester in the Dr Martens Western Division last night. A goal in the third minute by defender Richard Clark, his first of the season, separated the two sides. But the hero for United was goalkeeper
Stourport Swifts were denied an unlikely victory when former Worcester City defender Jason Burnham rescued Dr Martens Western Division high-flyers Halesowen Town with a brace of second half penalties. And worse was to follow for a makeshift Swifts when
WORCESTER cruiserweight boxer Adam Cale was left unhappy after being controversially stopped in the first round of his latest fight in London. Taking on light-heavyweight Tony Strong, Cale was knocked down by an early blow and although ready to carry
Solihull RFC Firsts 13 Droitwich RFC Firsts 6 North Midlands Shield round one. DROITWICH went out of the North Midlands Shield on Sunday in terrible conditions. Both sides at least attempted to play rugby but it was Solihull who managed to adapt better
GROWING older makes no difference to the fact that I always feel like a naughty boy whenever I'm sitting in a school assembly hall with the headteacher holding forth on the stage. My hair - what remains of it - may be as grey as a badger, and the days
THREE short plays exploring love, sex, innocence and death are being staged by new theatre company Mouthpiece this week. Directors of the Inkberrow-based company, Keith Potts and Karin Heslop, hope Mothers and Mistresses, which starts tonight, will be
WARWICK Arts Centre has scored a comedy coup with Mel and Sue and Mark Thomas taking to the stage over the next week. It has been two and a half years since duo Mel and Sue's last sell-out show at the Warwick venue. But they've been busy on Celebrity
A CAST of more than 30 and a full pit orchestra are set to play, sing and tap dance their way through this year's Christmas show at the Alexandra Theatre. The Birmingham venue will present Me and My Girl. It tells the story of Cockney barrow boy Bill
THE gods were not smiling on the Legendary Al Boden the day he turned up to busk outside Worcester Guildhall in aid of Children in Need. He arrived to find the air filled with the sound of a bagpiper letting rip 50 yards up the street and no sooner had
DEAR EDITOR -- The article in the Advertiser concerning the completely ineffective police response to an incident in Victoria Avenue is typical of the response I have had when reporting incidents in the last three months. I have had reason to report a
Two star Back in the box boys, back in the box. The Bomfunk boys gatecrashed charts worldwide with their first single, the incredible Freestyler. The irresistable, frenzied hit would have had your nan breakin' midway through her knitting and promised
Five star ROBBIE doing Sinatra is an odd and scary idea and one which has raised a few quizzical eyebrows from his sceptics. But those who are all too quick to question why a humble member of a defunct boy band thought he could emulate such Rat Pack classics
Four star FOR anyone who's already feeling a touch of humbug as the run-up to Christmas begins in earnest, this film is the perfect antidote. Based on the book by the ever-so-slightly wierd Dr Seuss, it tells the tale of the Grinch, played superbly by
A DISTRAUGHT husband who raged against staff at the Alexandra Hospital over the death of his wife has been conditionally discharged for 12 months. Redditch magistrates yesterday found Haydon Price, 40, guilty of using threatening and abusive behaviour
A REDDITCH campaigner for organ donation has raised £500 from contributions to contest a court decision to close the hospital which saved her father's life. Elaine Whitfield's dad, Arthur, had an orthotopic heart transplant in 1991, making him the oldest
MEMBERS of the Alexandra Hospital's League of Friends have proved they are a cut above the rest with their new appeal to raise £20,000 for a scalpel! The state-of-the-art Harmonious Scalpel will be used in surgery to reduce scarring and healing time.
VICTORIA Barnt Green closed the gap on the Division One leaders by beating Meadow Park Premier 3-1 in the Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger District Football League. Marcus Pierpoint, Jon Barnes and James Moir hit the back of the net to leave them one point
Mount FC (0) 1 Wychbold RBL (4) 8 Redditch and South Warwickshire Combination Division One WYCHBOLD RBL continue their improvement this season with an outstanding victory against bottom club Mount FC. Andrew Crowther's superb display was rewarded with
Garringtons Sunday FC (0) 4 Hymatic/Allendale (0) 1 Worcestershire County FA Premier Cup THE home side had the most chances in an even first half but Hymatic goalkeeper Inman was in fine form. Sunday's game was marred ten minutes before the break when
Fairfield Villa (0) 3 Holly Lane (2) 3 FAIRFIELD entertained Erdington-based Holly Lane on Saturday and recorded a draw in this all action Midland Combination Division One game. Villa went behind after 15 minutes and two good chances to equalise were
Barnt Green Spartak (0) 2 Kenilworth Wardens (0) 0 Midland Combination Division Two SPARTAK were frustrated for long periods on Saturday against a hard-working Wardens side. Simon Campbell and Mark Christie had four good chances between them in the opening
MEADOW Park U13s 5 Kidderminster Lions U13s 2. A good all round performance from Park sealed three points. MoM David Powell opened the scoring and Lucas Tilsey made it 2-0. Park conceded a penalty but Tilsey restored the advantage. A 20-yard drive from
THE Starlets Veterans were out in force on Tuesday with 37 members turning out for their Wines and Spirits event on Moorlands Farm's Meadow Pool and it was Brian Hill (Stourport) who took home an armful of bottles for his winning catch of eight carp for
BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Men's Thirds 0 Finchfield 1. The Thirds produced another disappointing performance against a disciplined Finchfield outfit. Bromsgrove had high hopes of ending a run of seven straight DTZ West Midland Division One League defeats
A DROITWICH Spa car firm has added a fresh face to its successful team. Tracy Kahraman is the new vehicle administrator at Droitwich Saab, in St George's Square. The 38-year-old, from Stourbridge, joins the 28-strong team with more than 18 years experience
FIVE people, including a Bromsgrove family, were taken to hospital following a serious road crash in Bromsgrove on Saturday night. Police have this week issued an appeal for witnesses to the accident which happened at around 7.25pm on the A38 bypass near
CAMPAIGNERS against a housing development in Rubery -- who had their celebrations cut short by "axemen" -- are jubilant this week after a new application was turned down. Beacon Hill residents' joy at hearing their ten-month battle to stop the five-house
A CONTROVERSIAL plan to convert a Stoke Prior home into an office has been deferred again -- this time because of bats. Foster Care Associates (FCA) has submitted an application to use Heath House, next door to Fieldview House which is used as a school
PARTY people in Bromsgrove can look forward to special celebrations to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee next year. The Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay is to pass through Bromsgrove on July 18 2002 and townspeople are being urged to get involved. The event,
ADVENTUROUS Bromsgrove folk are being invited to step back in time to celebrate Christmas. Bromsgrove's NEW College, in Blackwood Road, is presenting A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens next month. Performing arts students are currently devising their
UNITED physio Lee O'Neil has his hands full after the side picked up two more injuries in last night's 3-1 loss. Player-coach Nigel Niblett faces up to three weeks on the sidelines with a puleld thigh muscle and Tommy Byrne is unlikely for the Worcestershire
REDS assistant Gary Whild has warned it is time to bring in recruits in the wake of last night's 3-1 loss to Atherstone United. The former Stourport assistant said there were at most half a dozen players with the talent to play at United's level after
A PRUDENT financial budget means taxes will not increase in the Spa for the third year running -- but not all town councillors are pleased. Droitwich Spa Town Council's resources committee revealed its draft estimates for the financial year 2002-2003
UNITED manager Rod Brown says he can take heart from his team's display despite a 3-1 loss to league leaders Chippenham. The Reds took a first half lead through a clinical Michael Campbell finish after the striker, a perennial substitute under Nicky Cross
UNITED forgotten man Paul West's battle for fitness continued witha rigourous bike and running session last night. The former Wigan and Port Vale defender, sidelined by knee and ankle injuries, said he could return to full training next Thursday. "I had
REDS star Ian Mitchell says the players have responded positively to the arrival of Rod Brown as manager. The former Stourport boss has a reputation as a disciplinarian but Mitchell says the squad has welcomed his appointment. "I think he can turn it
REDS manager Rod Brown is already imposing his renowned sense of discipline on the squad ahead of the visit of league leaders Chippenham on Saturday. The Scot wasted no time in introducing a system of fines for the players including... Turning up on matchdays
REDS powerhouse Richard Field is the subject of a seven day approach from Dr Martens Premier outfit Hinckley United. Field, who equalised in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Clevedon, is set to talk to Knitters boss Dean Thomas about joining last season's
HEADLESS Cross mum and daughter Pauline and Katherine Fisher have reached the Britannic Asset Management Family Tennis Challenge. The talented duo were crowned northern area champions after a busy weekend at the David Lloyd Tennis Centre, Manchester.
Highfield 2 Redditch 2 Redditch, forced to field a changed side, stormed into a 2-0 lead only to be pegged back to a draw after two match-turning decisions. Kim Wheeler put the visitors 1-0 up from the edge of the circle early on but Highfields were strong
Redditch Youth Fencers achieved outstanding results in the West Midlands regional qualifying round of the British Youth Championships at King Edward's School, Birmingham. Redditch fencers took four of the ten berths in the national finals at Stoke on
A REDDITCH first school has created its own rainforest inspired by a project on tropical conditions. A mural has been painted at Vaynor First School and has been designed to form part of a quiet sitting area for younger pupils close to the playground.
IF it was not so serious, it would be laughable that Christians criticise Muslims. The Christian must the most hypocritical of the lot. The Roman Catholics have so many restrictions it should be impossible not to sin - yet they run to confession, go back
n ALAN Cook (You Say, November 13) is right in saying that RSPCA is not an animal rights organisation - the RSPCA is an animal welfare charity. The RSPCA was set up as an animal welfare charity in 1824 to promote kindness and prevent or suppress cruelty
ONE more year and another set of league tables has the nation scrutinising which school is the best. There's the one with the best GCSE pass rate, the best average A-level total of points, the best average A-level point, and the most grade A's. Then there
MONSOON conditions prevailed in the seventh round of the West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League at Hatton Country World, near Warwick, on Sunday. The deluge meant there was even more mud than usual. Fortunately the recent dry weather kept most of the grassy
GYMNAST Abigail Walker pulled off a tremendous performance at the National Champ-ionships. The Rubery 11-year-old represented the West Midlands in the level two competition at the event in Guildford on Nov-ember 3 and 4 and finished 27th. It was an improvement
SOUTH Bromsgrove High School's netballers have been in good form this term. Danielle Lillington, Katie Elliott, Ella Hill and Lizzie Thompson - all from the school's under-14 team - were selected for the Worcestershire squad. Meanwhile, Laura O'Meara
IT was back to winning ways against Merthyr Tyd-fil and though it was a poor performance it was the right result. We had chances to kill the game off in the second half but didn't and Danny McDonnell had to make a double save to save the points in the
ON a cold, dark evening this month Gaudet-Luce Golf Club members met to play night golf for the first time. With the aid of luminous stakes, markers and balls, 55 players entered this fun competition over nine holes. The event - rounded off with a raffle
THREE masked men armed with a crowbar stole a quantity of money after raiding a Hollywood pub at about 10.40pm on Sunday, writes Becky Procter. The men forced their way through the back fire exit door of the Packhorse Pub, Alcester Road, which had about
A SPATE of car vandalism in north east Redditch has prompted police to issue an appeal for information. During the last two weeks, cars have had their windscreens smashed or have been broken into. Some have also had tax discs stolen. Cars in Deans Close
POLICE are appealing for information after a man buying sweets at a Hollywood petrol station snatched cash from the till. The theft took place at Truemans Heath filling station at about 3.45pm on Thursday. A female employee at the garage shop was approached
A VAN containing a large amount of potentially harmful prescription and over-the-counter drugs was stolen in Redditch last Wednesday evening. Police are appealing for information and are urging anyone who finds the drugs or is offered drugs to contact
Bromsgrove U15s 10 Worcester U15s 8. In a pulsating North Midlands Cup game, Bromsgrove overcame Worcester to progress to the semi-finals. Worcester started strongly but the home side were equal to the challenge with James Hall and Nick Raybould knocking
A mugging victim lost his wallet after being confronted in Redditch by two robbers, a court heard. Jonathan Trenter suffered verbal abuse from Jason Flannery before being battered to the ground. Flannery's accomplice then stole the wallet containing £25
LEAGUE leaders Headless Cross were frustrated by rain which wiped out all but two of the West Midlands One South fixtures. With none of the top six playing, Cross' position was unaffected and the postponement of the Southam match gave injured trio Beth
STUDLEY manager Mark Chambers was forced to reshuffle his pack for last night's 2-1 loss at Pelsall Villa after a rash of one week suspensions. Defenders Martin Keight and Craig Gillett, flying winger Mark Neath and player-coach Trevor Whittington were
DEAR EDITOR -- I am writing with regard to the front page Advertiser story about the brave woman who had written to you because of the attacks made against her. I do feel for her as I myself have been the victim of repeated attacks of this nature. I have
DEAR EDITOR --To whom it may concern: If only you knew the problem you caused me when you hit my blue Rover Metro stationed under the arch at The Herriots on Friday October 26. I am a 78-year-old pensioner with arthritis. I need my car and can ill-afford
DEAR EDITOR -- Might it be possible to persuade the shops, fast food outlets etc in the area to embrace a gentle and well meant code of conduct which might perhaps include for example the provision of adequate litter bins on their frontage, and systematically
DEAR EDITOR -- Full marks to Worcestershire County Council for the speed they commenced the work required to maintain safe access to the North Worcestershire Path adjacent to Beacon Hill, Rubery. The question of responsibility for the paths maintenance
Redditch United 1 Atherstone United 3 AFTER promising spells at Shepshed and against leaders Chippenham on Saturday, the size of the task facing Rod Brown was made clear in a dreadful game at The Valley. United never got started and although dominating
UNITED came flying out of the blocks in a storming start but were left to rue missed chances as the league leaders reasserted their control before dominating the second half. After good signs against Shepshed Rod Brown's side were fired up and Paul Danks
Bromsgrove Rovers (0) 4 Malvern Town (0) 2 Worcestershire Royal Infirmary Cup HOLDERS Bromsgrove were pushed all the way by battling Malvern Town last night but came through the second round unscathed. The entertainment at the Victoria Ground was saved
ONE of the best-loved Christmas tales will be brought to life by Alvechurch Dramatic Society next week. Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is the heart-warming story of miserly Scrooge who learns the true meaning of Christmas. The society will be performing
THE Pershore branch of the Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) is holding its Christmas fair in Almonry Close, Pershore, on December 8. There will be stalls with bring and buy, cakes, plants and produce, along with a tombola and raffle. Live music and carols
TICKETS are now available for a grand buffet and party at Cookhill Village Hall to mark the start of 2002. The New Year's Eve bash will run from 8pm-1am and includes entertainment, party games and a bar. Money raised will go towards the village hall building
A HARD-working Studley man who has committed the past few years to campaigning for a new village hall has had his efforts recognised by the parish council, writes Julian Seva. Denis Charlton, of Highfield Road, has been awarded the parish council Jubilee
AFTER the Second World War, manor houses were being pulled down at the rate of two a week. Many of them had been requisitioned by the Government for the military during the war and had fallen into disrepair. The Labour Government had no desire to spend
MEET Bromsgrove's answer to Stuart Pearce, Tony Adams and Lothar Matthaus. Garringtons Sunday's Paul Hutchins is the man in question, still going strong after 24 years in local football. The 39-year-old has been the mainstay of the Sunday league side
THE November meeting was the AGM and was enlivened by questions from members on the financial statement, which was very satisfactory, together with interesting reports from the president and secretary. After a ballot, Pam Day was re-elected president.
A father and daughter duo will be performing at the next Redditch Folk Club event on Saturday. Pete Castle has been a professional singer and storyteller for 25 years and specialises in English traditional music, while his daughter, Lucy, specialises
CLASSIC car enthusiasts should make a beeline for St Peter's Church Christmas fair in Crabbs Cross if they want to glimpse a 1956 red Chevrolet Bel Air. The car is being loaned to the Littlewoods church by Gary Jones, father of young communicant Leo,
Thursday, November 29 The Palace Youth Theatre: Daisy Pulls It Off, Palace Theatre. Until December 1. Tickets from 65203 or Tourist Information Centre. The BFG, Warwick Arts Centre. Until December 21. Tickets from 024 7652 4524. Alice in Wonderland, Royal
THIS month's meeting was the AGM. Members have the opportunity to take part in a dance day and to be in a review for the Queen's Golden Jubilee. This month, a group will see The Pirates of Penzance at the Palace Theatre. Monica Moore gave the committee
TWO new members joined at the last meeting. Pauline and Derek Carter were presented with their certificates on completing the taster course. Four members gave speeches during the evening. Caroline Gentleman gave a speech entitled Are You Being Served?
AT the last meeting, members completed their journey along the River Severn, this time travelling from Bridgnorth to the Bristol Channel in the engaging company of Brian Draper MBE, who had spent his entire working life with the Rivers Authority. The
A FORMER editor of the Redditch Indicator and co-founder of Redditch Rotary Club has died aged 85. Len Millar was a man of many talents and led a busy life, not only as a journalist but also as a chemist, teacher, musician, choirmaster, astronomer and
Redditch United slumped to their second consecutive 3-1 defeat at home to Atherstone United last night and had new skipper Lee Knight dismissed for elbowing.
REDDITCH Skate Park is hoping to attract advertisers happy to have their company name emblazoned on ramps. Redditch Wheels Project, which runs the popular facility in Arrow Valley Park, recently became a registered charity and needs help with maintenance
CALLING all ferret fans. On Sunday, December 9, Inkberrow will be invaded by more than 100 of the creatures - loved by some, loathed by others. The National Ferret Welfare Society is holding its AGM and annual show in the village but is inviting non-members
ST Stephen's Church spire should be completely restored and on view for all to see in January. The restoration process to replace crumbling stone on the 150-year-old spire hit some unexpected delays after stonemasons discovered some of the stone was particularly
About £1,750 was raised in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief at a recent collection at the Redditch branch of Tesco. Fund-raising manager Jon Rayner said the total raised over the two days was £1,747, which would make a substantial contribution to the charity's
THE Kingfisher Centre's sprinkler system was activated after a blaze at a jewellery shop on Sunday. The blaze, involving H Samuel's neon sign, happened at about 8am and Redditch fire crews were alerted by a smoke alarm. But water from the sprinkler put
STUDENTS could start transferring to a state-of-the-art Worcester high school within two years to make way for a new city superstore. The first pupils could start lessons at a new Christopher Whitehead High as early as September 2003, while its St John's
A TRUANT was discovered letting off a firearm when he should have been at school. The 13-year-old is just one of a number of schoolchildren who have been targeted by West Mercia police and Worcestershire County Council in a bid to crack down on crime
LITTLE sweetie Suzanne Richter was a star for a night when she switched on Droitwich Spa's festive lights. Crowds packed the High Street to see the excited five-year-old and town mayor Maureen Lawley (Con, Droit.Central) at the grand event on Saturday
CITY leaders look likely to recommend the stock transfer of council housing at a meeting next Monday. Worcester City Council's housing board and housing policy and review committee are meeting on Monday to discuss the issue. If the decision is ratified
A WORCESTER pensioner died on holiday after slipping in the bath and banging his head. Edgar Humphries was on a trip to Fuerteventura with his wife of 50 years, Della, when the accident happened. Mr Humphries died three days later, on Saturday, November
A LOVELORN goose has been left on his gander after thieves stole his playmate from a shed in Worcester. Leon, who was "joined at the hip" with goose Matilda has been looking lost since his "bird" was snatched from their love nest. Owner Wendy Davies,
CITY leaders and councillors are set to meet to discuss solutions to stamp out parking problems in Worcester's Arboretum. The move comes after firecrews had to ditch their engines three times in a week and race to blazes on foot after cars blocked their
A company secretary and a director of a former Pershore company have appeared before a judge charged with illegally dumping waste products. Waste specified in 16 charges at Worcester Crown Court included wood, metal, bricks, tyres, concrete, soil, plastic
A DRIVE in the Worcestershire countryside caused bed-lam for the owner of a new car owner when a mattress bounced off a lorry and hit his vehicle. Keith Tilley had only bought his Mitsubishi FTO 24 hours before he took it out for a spin last Friday. At
FAMILIES joined in the fun in Droitwich Spa at the weekend to celebrate the town's colourful array of decorations. The town is Spa-rkling following the Saturday's grand switch-on. Carol singers and a brass band injected plenty of seasonal cheer and residents
A FEAST of spontaneous dancing and curry is on offer at Worcester Film Society's Bollywood Night. Tickets cost £10 including the film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and a curry, and can be bought in advance from Tom Watson on 01905 426987. The film is one of the
A MUM claims she was in tears when she had to tell her son he could not have his dream birthday bike because it did not come up to scratch. The bright gold and red Saxon bike, ordered in August, was chosen by Jonathan Pereira as a present for his 10th
CONCERNS about the suitability of a Droitwich Spa site earmarked for more than 100 homes have been voiced. Mark Heel believes the brownfield land, off Kidderminster Road, is a designated flood plain and county archaeologists have confirmed major historic
A FORWARD-THINKING group wants to co-ordinate the town's Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002 to ensure every event is a hit. Droitwich Spa Heritage Project is holding a meeting to discover which organisations are planning events to mark the 50-year reign
A WOMAN who loves plants but can't smell the beautiful blooms in her garden has been featured in a magazine. Malley Terry devotes hours to tending to her Alexander Avenue lawns but she can never enjoy the scent of fragrant flowers. The green-fingered
DO not let thieves unwrap your Christmas presents before you do -- police have warned Droitwich residents. A Christmas tree sparkling in the window, surrounded by goodies, is a tempting invitation to the burglar. Town police are reminding householders
AN incredible horse with a strong constitution has proved himself to be one of Britain's top golden oldies. Just Robin -- known as Robin -- galloped away with first prize in a national veteran championship. The 27-year-old's excellent condition impressed
FESTIVE fever is hitting a village near Droitwich Spa. Wychbold residents have planned a Christmas fair this Saturday, December 1, to get the merry season off to a fine start. Santa Claus is making a guest appearance and there will be stalls, a tombola
FIXTURES Saturday, December 1 Premier Division: Ettingshall HT v Malvern Town (2.45). Division One (South) League Cup Round One: Malvern Town Reserves v Brereton Social (2.45). Saturday, December 8 Premier Division: Malvern Town v Causeway United (2.45
PUBLICITY for a cause is always welcome, even if it contains inaccuracies. In your November 14 issue, you printed a letter from Michael Clifford of Brockhill. He was complaining, justifiably, about the traffic along the A441 through Bordesley. Mr Clifford
LET me assure Mr Clifford there are no bullets in the feet of any Birmingham Road residents. There was no petition from them for traffic lights and it was obvious to them that whatever needed to be done, traffic lights were not the answer. Two years ago
LEGAL experts have been drafted in to help settle a dispute over a bus company's refusal to accept pensioner and disabled passes, writes Becky Procter. Redditch Council is in conflict with Pete's Travel, which took over a number of vital bus routes axed
THE policy for replacing roadside trees is to be looked at after complaints areas of Redditch were losing their character. County council highways chiefs, Redditch Council and residents will meet to discuss why trees are not replaced and what can be done
PLANS by Tesco to erect a huge marquee to increase its sales space in the run-up to Christmas have been blocked by Redditch Council. The company wanted to put the 481 sq m tent up in its car park in Coldfield Drive, Oakenshaw, but also wanted to turn
More speed restriction will be imposed near the Dog Island, Mappleborough Green. The Highways Agency already has a plan to cut the speed limit of the A435 either side of the island to 40mph. But plans are also being drawn up for a 40mph limit on the A4189
A DELEGATION of Redditch market traders is to meet council chiefs to try to find a way forward on the impasse over moving from their temporary home. Members of the Redditch Market Traders Association will meet Council Leader Albert Wharrad and officer
Tuesday, November 27, 2001 BROMSGROVE Rovers saw off a youthful Malvern Town side 4-2 in the second round of the Worcester Royal Infirmary Cup. Town took a 55th-minute lead through Matt Upton only for Liam O'Neill to put the home side in front, but Upton
REDDITCH and Five Ways Old Edwardians go into Saturday's North Midlands One derby knowing the winner could go top of the table. In the tightest of leagues, mid-table Old Eds and Redditch are only two points behind leaders Veseyans. But the rivals had
Woodrush 3 Dixonians 73 The visitors, currently third in the league above Woodrush, romped to a comfortable friendly victory. Full back Elliott Honey opened the scoring for Woodrush but from there on they hardly got a look-in as Dixonians built up their
A LEADING Tory politician has visited staff at Droitwich Spa's state-of-the-art £35m milk dairy. Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff spent more than an hour touring the newly-opened Robert Wiseman Dairy, at Stonebridge Cross Business Park. He met many constituents
Alcester 4's 10 Burntwood 4's 15 Both teams were grateful the game was able to go ahead at all thanks to a generous gesture by Alcester member Nick Thomp-son, who stepped in at the last minute to referee. Alcester gave away a converted try after ten minutes
Pre-season 21/07/01 - Redditch United 0 Kidderminster Harriers 3 (Hadley, Hinton, Middleton) (friendly) 24/07/01 - Redditch United 2 (Danks 2) Gloucester United 3 (Tatton, Meadows, Freeman) (friendly) 28/07/01 - Weston St Johns 2 Redditch United 6 (Campbell
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have resolved a long-running financial dispute with former chairman Dave Reynolds. Current chairman Lionel Newton has paid out a six-figure sum to repay loans made by Reynolds to the Aggborough club. Board members have bought Reynolds
STOURPORT Swifts are expected to announced a new manager later today with speculation that former player-coach Gary Hackett could be poised to take over. Bob Green, manager of Bloxwich United, who yesterday pulled out of the Dr Martens Western Division
SUSPENSION rules out Darren Bullock from the Crawley Town match on Saturday and his competitive game will certainly be missed in the middle of the park. In a previous life at Nuneaton Borough the midfielder was dubbed 'Mad Dog' by the supporters in homage
A COMIC action adventure will be presented by youngsters aged 10-18 at the Palace Theatre this week. The Palace Youth Theatre will be performing Daisy Pulls It Off at the venue from tomorrow until Saturday under the direction of Sarah Mather. The play
A DISTINGUISHED line-up of actors led by Virginia McKenna star in a heart-warming and witty show at the Palace Theatre on Sunday, writes Melina Cannon. The Gift of Christmas shares the tears, laughter, miracles and disasters of the festive season through
Five star UNLESS you've been living on another planet for the last 18 months, there's no need to explain the Harry Potter phenomenon. And even if you have been on another planet, you'd still probably know what it's all about. This film adaptation of JK
Palace Theatre Four star THIS Broadway romp was a bold and colourful foray into the world of Gilbert and Sullivan with some truly breathtaking voices which wouldn't be out of place on a West End stage. The society is renowned for pulling out all the stops
Paget Rangers (0) 0 Bromsgrove Rovers (0) 0 Midland Football Alliance ROVERS were left to ruefully reflect their failure to capitalise on early supremacy and goalscoring opportunities and must regard this result as two points lost. This was certainly
PLANS to launch a weekly drop-in clinic for young people in Woodrow have been given the go-ahead following the success of a pilot project in Winyates. The revolutionary Time 4 U clinics are supported by trained youth workers who offer youngsters advice
REDDITCH and South Warwick-shire Combination results for Sunday November 25. Terry Cup round two: Bromsgrove General 3 Hayes Harriers 4 (aet). Premier Division: Bromsgrove Athletic 4 Sherwood Rangers 0. Division One: Woodpecker Rangers 9 Millfields Old
Sporting Harborne 2 Chawson Old Boys 2 CHAWSON were left wondering how they let a game they dominated from start to finish slip in treacherous conditions against a side boasting a 100 per cent record in the Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger League Division
Littleton (2) 2 Droitwich Sports (0) 1 Worcestershire Junior Cup DROITWICH Sports struggled to get to grips with the pace of the game on Saturday with Littleton performing well and closing down quickly. Two early misses from the Littleton forwards made
Brintons (1) 5 Fairfield Sunday (1) 1 FAIRFIELD travelled to Kidderminster and were beaten by a strong Brintons side in the Worcestershire County Premier Cup. The visitors soon started playing some good football but it was Brintons who took the lead with
Hoobrook Crown 10 Wychbold RBL Reserves 2 Worcestershire Minor Cup round three RBL Reserves' dismal season continued with this devastating defeat against their Kidderminster opponents in what was a one sided game. The visitors had to play the majority
BROMSGROVE Town Belles, who play in the Central Warwickshire Girls' League, are desperately seeking a goalkeeper who is aged between 12 and 14. Injuries and other commitments mean the Belles have been struggling for players and they urgently need a goalie
BROMSGROVE Ladies' Second XI 1 Stourport Ladies' Second XI 4. Town were expecting a competitive game against a good side - and that's exactly what they got. The match began at a high pace with both teams trying to establish themselves. For Bromsgrove,
A PHOTOGRAPHER who has taken pictures for your No.1 community newspaper, the Advertiser/Messenger, has snapped up a national award. The Best Photography award from Cream advertising is freelance photographer Nic Gaunt's second award for his self-promotional
A BROMSGROVE development consultancy has taken on two new recruits to cope with growing demand. Peter Taylor Associates Ltd, in St John Street, needed extra hands to assist with the fast growing order book and increased portfolio of clients across the
THREE students and their teacher will be flying high this weekend when they take the plunge in a parachute jump to raise money for a school in The Gambia. Students Abi Crewe, Jo Gurney and Sam Kendall, from North Bromsgrove High school in School Drive
THE town's traffic supremo has swapped the highways of Bromsgrove for the worldwide super highway. Worcestershire Highways Partnership in Bromsgrove manager Jon Fraser, who is responsible for roads and traffic matters throughout the district, has officially
WORSHIPPERS at All Saints Church in Bromsgrove are rejoicing that major restoration work to repair its crumbling tower is set to be completed today. The scaffolding which had encased the tower for several months has been removed following the work to
CHRISTMAS cheer filled Bromsgrove when the seasonal illuminations were switched on during a ceremony on Saturday. Thousands of townspeople turned out to see the sparkling lights extravaganza in the town. Chairman of Bromsgrove District Council Cllr Mike
A BROMSGROVE comprehensive school has made the grade in the secondary school league tables. North Bromsgrove High School has exceeded national targets with 53 per cent of pupils achieving five or more A* to C grades at GCSE. All Bromsgrove secondary schools
SCORES of Bromsgrove bookworms rushed to a High Street bookstore last week to meet one of the town's finest authors during a book signing. Nicholas Evans, author of The Horse Whisperer, visited Ottakar's last Friday to sign copies of his new book, The
HOUSEHOLDERS in Lickey and Blackwell are being invited to have their say on plans to boost the Barnt Green conservation area. Bromsgrove District Council officers will discuss proposals for the enhancement of the zone at a special session before next
FLOODING misery for Catshill's Green Lane residents could soon come to an end after prevention plans were drawn up -- they also include creating a wildlife corridor. A series of self-draining balancing ponds are proposed to help restrict the flow of water
HOSPITAL services across Worcestershire are being put under massive strain by patients from Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa who do not turn up for appointments, say health bosses. Worcestershire Health Authority estimates by the end of the year, more than
HEARTLESS thieves are making rich pickings selling puppies from pet terrier dogs stolen from families in the Bromsgrove area, it was claimed this week. A young breeding bitch can net thieves a cool £1,000 a year clear profit, but they pay no heed to the
A GANG which stole lorry loads of goods worth £350,000 from all over Britain has been jailed for a total of 20 years at Worcester Crown Court. West Mercia police recovered goods that included Easter eggs, Fishermen's Friends sweets, alcohol, nappies and
OLDER people in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa are already starting to get their £200 winter fuel payment. The Department for Work and Pensions is sending out the main batch of payments to households across the country in a rolling programme throughout
RECYLING officers from Bromsgrove are banking on local residents to step up their enthusiasm this month and recycle more bottles and jars. Last year 607 tonnes of glass was taken to the recycling banks in the area by eco-minded townspeople but this only
TALENTED Bromsgrove youngster Austin Lui -- who is nuts about ballet -- has won a place in a prestigious production. Earlier this year the nine-year-old Bromsgrove School pupil won the chance to take junior association lessons from the world-famous Birmingham
STUDENTS saw their skills with the spoken word put to the test when the fifth year of the Bromsgrove Schools Parliamentary Debating Competition was held at the Library Resource Centre in Bromsgrove School. Four local schools took part in the competition
FEARS that pub revellers and late night shoppers could be driven out of Bromsgrove emerged this week after the Advertiser/Messenger discovered that the council may extend evening car parking charge times and introduce new charges on a Sunday. The controversial
Redditch United's new boss is cutting his teeth in management after an impressive playing career north of the border. The Scottish striker starred for Dundee United in the top flight before stepping down with Arbroath. He returned to Division One with
ROD Brown has wasted no time in ringing the changes at the Valley. The newly-installed Reds manager is set to hand former Sheffield United under 21s keeper Martin Lakin his debut at Shepshed tomorrow (ko 3pm). The 6' 5" keeper is unattached after a spell
REDDITCH United today appointed Rod Brown as their new manager. Brown, whose Stourport team was ironically on the end of a 5-4 League Cup loss, to the Reds on Tuesday warned his players he wanted discipline and organisation. "I'm very much a manager from
REDDITCH defender Paul West is a definite non-starter for tomorrow's derby trip to Solihull Borough. West has been sidelined by ankle and knee problems since the FA Cup replay against Gresley a month ago. He has resumed training but the Solihull match
John Holmberg's Birmingham League Division Eight side came good with a 4-0 win over South Birmingham. In board order, the winning team was David Dixon, Brian Drummond, David Richardson and David Pemberton. All eyes will be on Holmberg this week to see
Cup week in the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League saw Hillcrest record an easy 8-1 win over Droitwich C. For the winners Anita Bennett and Alan McLoughlin both won their three games with Margaret Buxton getting the other two. Alan Davey got
A FIGHTING fund has been launched by parents to pay for a High Court challenge to the Government demanding fairer funding for Worcestershire schools, writes Julian Seva. The move came at the first parent and parent governor county conference of its kind
SARAH Brooks (You Say, November 21) is very welcome at Worcester's twenty-first screen, set up in Worcester Art Gallery, above the library in Foregate Street, every Friday at 8pm. Foreign-language films make up one-third of Worcester Film Society's current
Were not Muslims seen on television screens flying into the Twin Towers? And have not placards proclaiming, "Islam will dominate the world" been seen, with Muslims holding British Passports stating they were Islamic first, not British? Does the brain
AS a resident of Stanley Road, Worcester, I am writing to highlight the problems we face on a daily basis from drivers using our road as a rat run. This evening (Wednesday, November 21) my wife was very nearly hit by a motorist trying to escape the traffic
WHEN I was at school, many moons ago, morning playtime meant one thing. It was the one time of day when it was guaranteed school kids would get the vitamins and minerals needed to feed their brains. I looked forward to hearing that bell because a bottle
DROITWICH Dolphins were at home in the second round of the prestigious Speedo League on November 10 and the supporters had plenty to cheer. Team members notched up several first places with outstanding performances coming from Kate Hull, Mark Draper and
THE members of Bromsgrove's team in the Wessex Bowls League North Region are in great form. With three wins out of three, the indoor bowlers are top of the table by ten points - it is the team's best run for six years. Their next game is on Sunday December
IT was cup week in the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League. Hillcrest had an 8-1 win over Droitwich C. Anita Bennett and Alan McLoughlin both won their three games for Hillcrest with Margaret Buxton getting the other two. Alan Davey got Droitwich's
DOUBTS about the effectiveness of CCTV in Studley have been raised after claims of missed incidents. Speaking at a Studley Parish Council meeting last week, chairman Paul Beaman said certain incidents which the council was aware of had been missed by
A Redditch man who pointed a pistol at his former girlfriend's window after she ditched him has been jailed for three months. Gary Ponter terrified Leanne Malin by his actions and threw stones at her home, Worcester Crown Court heard. As police led him
A Woodrow man has been banned from driving for two years for being almost three times over the limit. Gary Everton Ebanks, 42, of Doverdale Close, had 101 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes. Ebanks
An Abbeydale man has been jailed for two months for assaulting a woman and causing actual bodily harm. Terence Reginald Jordan, 56, of Prospect Road North, appeared before Redditch magistrates on November 9.
A WOMAN was allegedly punched in the face and her hair pulled by two other women in a Redditch club. Police are appealing for information following the incident at Club Ventura, Battens Drive, at about 1.45am on Saturday, November 17. Police said the
BROMSGROVE Colts 18 Hinckley Colts 3. Town maintained their unbeaten home record with the return of influential fly half Ben Copson. The Bromsgrove front row of Blackburn, Evans and Kelleher had huge games and ensured a healthy supply of unexpected ball
FECKENHAM have been drawn at home to neighbours and Division Two top dogs Barnt Green Spartak in the Smedley Crooke Cup. But manager Clive Campion is training his sights on a resurgent Nuneaton Griffs side who visit the Valley in a league game on Saturday
DEAR EDITOR -- A recent front page story in the Advertiser prompts the question - 'Are the police stretched too thinly in Droitwich Spa?' In my view the answer has to be yes. Uniformed police are conspicuously absent from our town centre. What has happened
ALVECHURCH manager Andy Hibbert is hunting for a striker to complement his 28 goal forward line. Keith Rostill, a capture from Lye Meadow tenants Kings Heath, has bagged 16 despite Church's sluggish start to the season and former Paget Rangers forward
Dear Editor -- How refreshing to read about the two eleven-year-old girls who are actively campaigning against the commercial redevelopment of the Lido site. In a time when I have had to put up with my car being vandalised, eggs being thrown at my neighbours
DEAR EDITOR -- This is a copy of a letter sent to several local Spa councillors voicing my opinion regarding the proposed re-development of the lido complex. I feel this is necessary due to what I believe appears to be some very negative and one-sided
DEAR EDITOR -- Your Memory Lane column provides an interesting look into the district's past, and must jog a few memories. This week we were reminded that in 1976, Bromsgrove District Council considered the matter of flooding in Catshill, a problem that
DEAR EDITOR -- I would like to take this opportunity through the letters page to say a big thank you to the county and local councils for giving me so much more free time, as I can now take life at a much slower pace and have the time to sit and watch
DEAR EDITOR -- As an employee of United Engineering Forgings Automotive in Bromsgrove, I would like to express my dismay upon reading the comments of Councillor Nick Psirides quoted in the Advertiser/Messenger earlier this month. I would be most grateful
DEAR EDITOR -- I write regarding the Rubery Hill Hospital burial ground, at The Fordrough, Rubery Lane, in the hope of getting some christian recognition for what I am outlining. I have been advised that among the near 2,000 ex Rubery Hill and Hollymoor
MR J Wright, from Sagebury Terrace, Stoke Works, received the sad news from two of his comrades that his son, Pt E Wright, had been shot and killed at Pampasfontein, in South Africa, on October 24. 100 years ago. November 30, 1901 MR J Wright, from Sagebury
It's 100 years since the birth of Walt Disney the man who invented a mouse called Mickey and created a phenomenon around the globe. He is responsible for a million little girls donning mummy's high heels in an attempt to become Snow White, Cinderella
ANOTHER site for 25 homes will have to be found in Studley if plans to oppose them being built in the centre of the village are to succeed. Stratford Council has included one hectare of land on the site of the current Pioneer Co-op Store in Alcester Road
TEARAWAY youngsters are running riot in Inkberrow continually damaging property and abusing youth workers. Criminal damage has increased dramatically during the last three months and police are now determined to stamp out the problem. Rural beat officer
STUDLEY teenagers could soon have their own shelter, football area, and basketball hoop. The parish council has agreed the village's young people need the facilities and already has £10,000 in the kitty for them. But calls for a skateboard area have been
Poor Mick Jagger. He's attended one celebrity party after another, conducted endless publicity interviews but still his new solo album, Goddess In The Doorway, has failed to sell, shifting just 984 copies in its first day. The Rolling Stones member is
IN muddy conditions on Sunday Bromsgrove Rugby Club began their defence of the North Midlands Senior Cup with a tough 20-11 win at Bridgnorth. Town scored four tries and conceded one against the much improved home club who are one league below them. Within
BROMSGROVE Cricket Club were given an early Christmas present when Worcestershire decided they would be extending their offer of contracted and academy players to clubs in the First Division of the Birmingham and District League. Only Premier Division
IN THE absence of the president and secretary - both on the WI holiday to Italy - deputies Rita Cartwright and Margaret Jones took their places. Discussion took place on the County Draft Day, the half-yearly council meeting, the proposed horse race night
ROVERS manager Steve Daniels was upbeat despite his team's goalless draw on Saturday with Paget Rangers. He said: "We're tucked in nicely and things are looking good. The improvement on and off the pitch since May has been phenomenal." ROVERS manager
PRESIDENT Jenny Cox welcomed everyone and secretary Rosemary Roberts read last month's minutes. A letter was read out from the county chairman regarding constitution changes and members gave their approval for these. A letter was read from Peter Morris
AFTER an excellent lunch on Wednesday, November 14, speaker Rachel Newitt demonstrated Desserts for Christmas Day. Rachel, who is a local girl, now lives in Kings Coughton. Now married with two children and working part time as a secretary for her husband
MEMBER Claire Ellis gave a talk on exotic plants and gardens at the latest meeting. Exotic plants were very popular during Victorian times, some notable Victorians being keen plant collectors. Although the popularity of these plants lessened with the
A TALENTED young pianist who made his debut at this year's Royal Albert Hall Proms performs on behalf of Redditch Music Society at the Ecumenical Centre on Saturday. Philip Moore, who played at the prestigious venue with duo partner Simon Crawford-Phillips
BIRMINGHAM Royal Ballet's sumptuous production of The Nutcracker returns to the Birmingham Hippodrome on Friday. Dazzling stage wizardry and magnificent sets and costumes combined with Tchaikovsky's world-famous score promise a magical show. The Nutcracker
A REDDITCH school has been forced to take families to court in its battle against truancy, writes Becky Procter. Arrow Vale Community High School has 10 times the average truancy rate in the county. The level is the worst in Worcestershire, having risen
AN investigation has been launched after a lorry driver died instantly in a crash on the M42 near Hopwood Services in the early hours of Friday. Police do not know what caused two lorries travelling south in the left-hand lane to both career down the
A REDDITCH Pagan has hit back after being accused of worshipping Satan. In a letter to the Advertiser recently, Andrew Marshall, of the Pagan Federation, called for an inter-faith forum to be set up in Redditch. But the Rev Andy Kelso, vicar of Christ
THERE were some mouth-watering events taking place at one of Redditch's newest fast food restaurants last week. An open day was held at KFC in Trafford Retail Park to mark the grand opening of the store.
TALKS will take place this week to explore the possibility of setting up another transport organisation in light of Redditch Community Transport's closure on Friday, writes Melina Cannon. Robert Rainbow, chairman of RCT's parent charity, Redditch Council
A WINYATES Green marathon man who braves extreme conditions for a good cause is pulling on his running shoes again. Having completed the 200-mile Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert and becoming the first British runner to complete the gruelling
REDDITCH youngsters can now visit the Kingfisher Centre's Christmas grotto online. The Peter Pan grotto, in Worcester Square, has joined an exclusive list of others at www.grottosonline.com The site provides a map so children of all ages can check the
THERE will be two days of fund-raising frolics at a Redditch pub to help send a young girl with Leukaemia on the trip of a lifetime. Yasmin Cashmore, eight, of Headless Cross, was diagnosed with the disease last year. She has to attend hospital at least
ARTISTIC groups in Redditch are being offered the chance to apply for grants to boost their success. Money is being offered by Worcestershire County Council's arts service and applications are needed in before the end of January. The First Base scheme
BRAINY Bromsgrove District Council workers have been rewarded for their top-notch exam results. Talented duo Emma Mullen and David Riley passed their Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation Technology examinations with flying colours. The revenue
POLICE sergeant Richard Moore has won a prize for being the top student to graduate from a four-year law degree course at Worcester College of Technology (WCT). Sgt Moore, aged 30, who lives in Worcester with his wife, Angela, also a sergeant in the police
THE Euro MP responsible for Worcestershire and Herefordshire has spoken out on the rail freight crisis surrounding the Channel Tunnel, claiming it could have devastating effects on the region's industry. LibDem MEP, Liz Lynne, has condemned the UK and
