A WORCESTER inn is hoping to breathe fresh life into St George's Day and stop the patron saint of England's celebration from being ignored by the public Although St Patrick's Day and St David's Day spark major celebrations, statistics have shown that
Thursday April 18 Musical: King, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 7.30pm Tribute: Fred Zeppelin, The Robin, R n B Club 1, Brierley Hill, Merry Hill. Comedy: Lenny Henry, The Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham, 7pm Friday April 19 Music: The
A CASH windfall will be used to help fight the rising tide of crime in Wychavon. The £23,000 grant from the Government's Safer Communities Initiative will be used to target domestic violence and drug abuse. It has been awarded to Wychavon Community Safety
A WARNDON mother fears for her children's safety because of vandals targeting the car park behind her house. Louise Bettles believes it is only a matter of time before someone is badly hurt following a series of incidents including car fires and the dumping
AN adventurous Worcester teacher is taking on the challenge of a lifetime for Acorns. Dee Caroll has signed up to follow the Inca Trail in October. "I wanted to do a trek and I saw the Inca Trail advertised. And I know a lot of teachers who know people
Herefordshire and Worcestershire MEP John Corrie has been honoured for his work in developing countries. He has been made an honorary member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Assembly, meeting in Cape Town, for his work on behalf of some of
A HIGH-TECH computer system designed to hunt down the "hyenas" of the criminal world is fully operational in Worcestershire. West Mercia police have united with nine other forces across central England to target criminals who prey on the elderly and infirm
THE Spa has received a visit from a group of German Methodists who came to the area to learn more about worship and English culture. The group of ten ministers and lay people went home on Monday after a week's visit, organised with the help of Droitwich
ROULETTE wheels, poker tables and croupiers could join ranks with bookmakers at Worcester's Pitchcroft racecourse. The racecourse operator, Arena Leisure, has announced that it is looking into introducing a casino to the racecourse to exploit gambling
CREATIVE youngsters at a Worcestershire school have been brushing up on their painting skills by designing three stained-glass windows for the assembly hall. Pupils at Crowle C E First School, in Upton Snodsbury, have spent their free time being taught
A LEADING councillor put Droitwich Spa firmly on the map when she attended a national tourism meeting. Worcestershire county councillor Pam Davey (Con, Droit.South) was among hundreds of people who travelled to Harrogate for the 2002 Tourism Information
A jealous and possessive boyfriend, who assaulted his partner, has been given a community punishment order. Richard Wylde, aged 30, was convicted last month of twice assaulting mother-of-two Christine Millington in her home. Worcester Magistrates head
April 19, 1952 During the torrential downpour of rain on Easter Monday, a storm water drain on the Abbeydale Estate burst and water flooded one of the bungalows to a depth of two feet. The occupant, Mrs Simpson, who is a widow with three children, was
April 15, 1977 DOZENS of pubs in the Redditch area are having their draft beer supply rationed because of a series of 24-hour strikes by draymen at M&B's Birmingham brewery. The draymen of the firm's cask beer field have struck three times in recent
STOKE Prior Bowling Club produced their worst performance for 12 months as they lost at home to Hall Green in Warwickshire and Worcestershire premier division six. Newly promoted Stoke Prior's inept display was an afternoon the Bromsgrove side would rather
TWELVE athletes from Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletic Club competed at Redditch's Abbey Staduim on Sunday in a Winter Warm Up Meeting. Some of these athletes were competing in their first competition for the club and all achieved good results, running
I WRITE having just read your front page article about the possible return of a cinema to Redditch (Advertiser, April 10). Has anyone considered the eyesore that was once the bowling alley/DIY store in Greenlands? Wouldn't this be a good location and
MUCH has been written about the Arrow Valley Countryside Centre and I thought I'd tell you about our experience. My husband and I often walk around the lake. There is a good path in all weathers and to listen to the birdsong, to see the sun shimmering
Albert Wharrad's letter last week combines his usual paranoia with a nasty habit of misrepresenting the motives of his opponents on the council. For years, he has pursued a policy of overspending other people's money. The fruits of this are clear - cuts
IT was a case of out with the old and in with the new for Redditch Council this week, writes Matt Smith. After more than 28 years, the last Redditch Council meeting under the old committee structure was held at full council on Monday. The new leader and
ALVECHURCH Parish Council is seeking two new councillors after chairman Roger Hollingworth was the second to resign in a matter of weeks. Mr Hollingworth, who has been chairman for several years, has stepped down from the post due to personal reasons.
THE League of Friends of the Alexandra Hospital are very grateful for the donations to our funds in memory of the following:- Jeff Astle, Wilfrid Baker, Irene Mewis Bennett, Graham Chatterley, Mollie Maureen Coles, Dorothy Corbett, Harry George Davies
I AM researching my family history and would be grateful if anyone could help with information. During the Second World War, my late mother and her sister moved from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne to Redditch to do war work in a factory. Can anyone help me identify
ALCESTER captain Alan Williams remained upbeat despite seeing his hopes of a third place finish left in tatters by a 32-0 hammering at the weekend. With the visitors playing for pride against a Shipston side in with a shout at the title, Alcester were
Shipston on Stour 32 Alcester 0 Alcester's stranglehold over their local rivals on their own turf, dating back five years came to an abrupt end on Saturday as Shipston comprehensively outplayed their visitors in a final push for the title. As it happened
Redditch under eights won two fixtures at neighbours Woodrush. In the first match Redditch won 25-15, in an all round team performance. Lewis Biddle scored four tries and Aaran Warburton scored the other. Lewis Biddle was man of the match. In the second
A UNIQUE new housing scheme for the over-60s was opened in Redditch on Friday. Breedon Housing Co-operative, in Lakeside, has been built by Redditch Co-operative Homes. New tenants have followed the building process throughout and even helped design their
Residents are invited to have their say on Redditch bus services at a meeting next month. Plans to improve the public transport network have been unveiled by the county council. It forms part of wider proposals for transport, health, education and social
Mayor Dot Dudley will join Redditch District Scout Council for a St George's Day service at St Stephen's Church on Sunday, April 21, from 2.15pm. She will continue the celebrations at the Ecumenical Centre.
San Diego-born Joy began his footballing education at Tranmere Rovers but did not make the first team. After leaving Prenton Park, he moved to Scottish side Stirling Albion and made a couple of substitute appearances before joining Montrose last season
Senegal-born Sall began his career with French Third Division Montauban and impressed enough to be snapped up by Toulouse. However, a switch to England earned the giant defender a trial with Harriers and a two-year move in August 2001. Powerful in aerial
After starting off as a trainee at Liverpool, Williams was released at the age of 19 to return to his native Wrexham. The Wales U-21 international played on-off for the Second Division club but made a good impression with many for his uncompromising style
ON the night that Stourport Swifts secured an excellent 1-0 victory over third-placed Weston-super-Mare, it was a pity that all the talk was of referee Hardip Singh and his hapless assistants. The 'men in black' infuriated the home crowd by allowing Weston
Pacy Foster was top scorer during the Conference-winning season but has been hit by injury throughout his professional footballer days. An England schoolboy and later semi-professional international, he was released by Liverpool after being a reserve
LARKIN joined Harriers on a month's loan on Friday, September 14, but suffered a dead leg in training and lasted only 45 minutes on his debut against Plymouth. The Wolverhampton Wanderers man continued to develop steadily for his club last term, mostly
JAN Molby took Richie Appleby to Swansea in August 1996 and is now reunited with him until the end of the season at least. The versatile Appleby, who can play on the wing or in midfield, began his career at Newcastle United and represented England at
A player with an impressive reputation in homeland Denmark, Henriksen signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Aggborough in February. The flamboyant striker, who impressed in an initial three-month loan spell with an immaculate first touch, signed from cash-strapped
FAIRFIELD Ladies hotshot Kelly Godfrey scored her 50th goal of the season thanks to a double hat-trick as her team trounced West Brom Strollers 12-1 on Sunday. Fairfield took the lead on three minutes when Sarah Lewis converted from close range following
DROITWICH Sports moved into third place in Midland Combination division three after a 4-2 win at Rugby Town Reserves. Rugby took the lead when both Andrew Docherty and Mark Johnston brought down Rugby attackers inside the box to concede a penalty, which
LATEST action from the Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger District Football League. Division One Alvechurch Darts 2 (Workman, Brown) New Olympic 2 (Hingley, Taylor). Hoolihans 3 (Lawley two, Carter) Mostyn Rangers 1 (Freeman). Division Two Woodbourne Sports
Bromsgrove Athletic U13s 1 St Johns Tigers U13s 4 Athletic went behind on four minutes before equalising 16 minutes later through man of the match Matthew Hill. Tigers responded on 30 minutes to lead 2-1 at the break and despite Athletic bombarding the
ON the night that Stourport Swifts secured an excellent 1-0 victory over third-placed Weston-super-Mare, it was a pity that all the talk was of referee Hardip Singh and his hapless assistants. The 'men in black' infuriated the home crowd by allowing Weston
TONIGHT sees corset-ripping comedy The Rivals open at Worcester's Swan Theatre. Sheridan's timeless comedy features Miss Lydia Languish who is visiting Bath and falls in love with a dashing but poor young officer named Ensign Beverley. But Miss Languish's
THE man tipped to be Worcester Rugby Club's new skipper is determined to spend as little time as possible out of the Premiership. Kingsley Jones, who this week completed a move from Kingsholm to Sixways, dismisses any talk of his career on the slide after
HOME, away (Midland Alliance fixtures unless stated) Sat Aug 11 Oldbury United 3-3 (McHugh, P Moore, M Moore pen) Tue Aug 14 STRATFORD TOWN 0-1 Sat Aug 18 KNYPERSLEY VICTORIA 3-2 (Ford pen, P Moore, Coppin) Tue Aug 21 Halesowen Harriers 1-3 (Bowen) Mon
Three stars Not bad at all for a compilation/soundtrack. Though it errs pretty much on the commercial side, the soundtrack to the current film about the halcyon days of the Madchester music scene will fill a yearning gap in your CD collection if you missed
REDDITCH Cricket Club played two early season practice matches at the weekend. On Saturday they played against Victoria Carpets in a match Redditch won by 4 wickets. Victoria Carpets ended on 243-6 with John Lostitch 3-88 and a wicket each for Fiaz, Marcus
No stars NOT so much driven as drivel. This is one film where you not only wish you could get those two hours of your life back but you wish you would have done something more fun, like colonic irrigation or poking hot needles into your eyes. Allegedly
Redditch man James Weir has been congratulated by the Education Secretary on the major role he played in developing a new Brain Injury Centre in Birmingham. Estelle Morris met Mr Weir, director of strategic planning and development for Rehab UK, when
A free course for people worried about the health of their children is being held at St Andrew's Church Hall, Church Hill, from tomorrow. Fit Kids are Healthy Kids is being held weekly between 10am-noon and is being run by Redditch Local Learning Centre
BROMSGROVE Rovers made it three games without conceding a goal as they defeated a stubborn Boldmere St Michaels side 2-0. Rovers' third victory on the bounce, following 3-0 and 6-0 wins against Oldbury United and Pelsall Villa respectively, keeps them
ADULTS will pay £14 to sit or £11 to stand at Aggborough next season, while concession rates are £10 and £7. Season tickets are cheaper if bought before Saturday, May 25, with a special deal available for students and pensioners. U-16s can join the junior
HARRIERS U-18s beat Boldmere 3-1 in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Premier Division on Monday. Matt Lewis, Inderpaul Khela and Terence Carpenter scored the goals. They are due to travel to Nuneaton next Monday and then play Worcester City in the Worcestershire
RUSHDEN AND DIAMONDS 0 HARRIERS 2 WHETHER Ian Britton is manager of Kidderminster Harriers next season or not, fans will long remember this win under his leadership. Rich rivals Rushden have been one of Harriers' biggest rivals since their tense tussle
REDS prospect Chris Hill could force his way into Rod Brown's first team plans after a Man of the Match performance in Saturday's 1-0 win over Cinderford. Peter Sutton claimed the goal which finally confirmed United's Dr Martens Western status for another
The home defeat of Goodrest by Volunteers "A" enabled Drumbusters and Mad Bulls to become joint leaders of Division Four of the Worcester and District Skittle League. In the King Pin Cup final Westsiders, having lost to the Budgies in the final of the
A TWENTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD fashion design student from Bromsgrove will recreate the golden fifties era and bring a nostalgic feel to a London catwalk next month. Former South Bromsgrove High School pupil Kelly Halfpenny, of Old Station Road, will join fellow
STAFF at a Bromsgrove flag company are gearing themselves to working long hours in the run-up to the Queen's Golden Jubilee to meet customers' demands. The aptly named firm Up The Pole in Meadow Road, Catshill, is one of only two firms that make flags
TALKS to decide how much of the multi-million pound 55-acre former United Engineering Forgings site in Bromsgrove will be devoted to house building may be nearing an end. It is understood that Persimmon Homes, who purchased the prime site at Aston Fields
A YOUNG mother and her family are still waiting to be allowed back into their own home more than two months after they were moved out because of problems with damp and asbestos. Teresa Jackson was moved out of her flat in Catshill in February and was
JOYCE Brown, a founder member of Bromsgrove and District Twinning Association 23 years ago - who has done much to promote the link with Gronau - got a big surprise when she attended the association's annual meeting at the Council House on Friday. She
A FORMER Bromsgrove schoolgirl travelled from her home in Australia to take part in the Flora London Marathon. Pathologist Dr Jane Thompson jetted into Britain from Perth to take part in the race for the third time. The 47-year-old attended Bromsgrove
A LORRY driver received emergency roadside treatment after his heavy goods vehicle overturned on a busy stretch of the M42 near Bromsgrove. Emergency crews were called out just before 5am last Wednesday after the lorry overturned on the link road between
THE history of the Lickey Hills and surrounding areas is brought to life in a new exhibition touring village libraries. Photos and prints of the beauty spot are on show at Cofton Library, in Barnt Green Road, until Friday. The display dates back to 1834
THE once magnificent grounds and gardens surrounding the country seat of one of the richest families in Britain could be restored to their former splendour, if a bid for Lottery cash is successful. The ambitious project seeks to turn the clock back on
HUNDREDS of sheltered housing properties in Bromsgrove could be sold off in a radical rethink of the Right to Buy scheme. Many Bromsgrove District Council tenants can purchase their homes, but until now the authority has restricted the sale of properties
August 18 Shepshed (h) 2-0 Booth 2 21 RC Warwick (a) 1-0 (og) 25 Clevedon (a) 0-2 27 Evesham (h) 2-3 (og), Cowley September 1 Rugby Utd (h) (FA Cup preliminary round) 5-1 Marsh 2, Charlton, Booth 2 8 Gresley (h) 2-0 Booth 2 11 Redditch (a) 2-1 Langford
EFFORTS to protect Bromsgrove's precious green belt land have been supported by an independent planning chief. The planning inspector who led a public inquiry into Bromsgrove District Council's Local Plan proposals considered more than 900 objections
POP idols of the future are being urged to take part in a ground-breaking music project in Rubery. Talented young people are needed to support Worcestershire's Up4It youth music scheme following the appointment of two new musical directors. Composition
DOG walkers in Bromsgrove have fallen foul of a new scheme to smarten up allotments. Local resident Paul Hollingworth, of Old Birmingham Road, found his path blocked when he took his spaniel Ben out for a walk on their favourite path through Roundhill
THE Garringtons closure has left a thriving social club under threat. The factory closure means that the Newton Works Sports and Social Club in Sherwood Road no longer has a home. Entertainments secretary Mick James is now calling for people to step forward
A well-known town butchers has promoted one of their employees to be a company director. Thirty-four-year-old Glyn Richards, from Redditch, joined Banners in Finstall Road five years ago as a meat counter manager after working in Somerfield in Coventry
POLICE were called to a Bromsgrove housing estate last Wednesday following reports of a man who had access to fire arms and was threatening to harm himself. Firearms officers, dog handlers and negotiators were scrambled to Loweshill to deal with the incident
A CONCERNED Barnt Green resident has lashed out at developers seeking to overturn a decision made by Bromsgrove District Council to build a housing estate on Green Belt land. Joan Cornish, of Bittell Road, says she is dismayed at the lengths Keith Davies
REDDITCH biker Andy Tinsley roared into seventh place at the second round of the Superstocks Championship to bag more championship points. The Knotts Motorcycles star achieved his stated aim of a top ten place to continue his steady improvement and leave
Despite a trek to Nuneaton and being drawn against strong opposition, Redditch Swimming Club's Junior Squad put in an encouraging performance for the first gala in the Nuneaton and District Junior Swimming league. Suzanne Britt got the gala underway for
The bowls season started in earnest this week as White Hart BC romped through the first round of the Yardley Wood Cup winning by 39 shots against King George VI. Winners: Ian Humphreys 21-4, Ray Barnett 21-7, Bob Weafer 21-8, Colin Hack 21-9 and Tony
ARCHERS from The Redditch Company of Archers excelled themselves at the Worcestershire County team selection trials, at Evesham on Sunday. The trials, hastily brought forward a week by county team manager Dave Harris after a clash of dattytytyes, require
HOSTS Studley did the double in the 12th annual Alcester Police Schools Netball Tournament. Studley High beat Alcester High 3-1 in the 13 and under event after six sides competed in two groups. But the hosts were given a scare in the 15 and under final
WEBHEATH show jumper George Morrissey bagged sixth place in the BSJA Blue Chip Show Jumping Championships at Dorridge last week. The Redditch rider, aged 11, recorded a round of 32.17sec on his mount Jasperoo for a finish on the leaderboard in the Kraiburg
Former pupils of Bridley Moor High School have organised a reunion at HDA Social Club on April 26 . Those who left the school at Easter 1957 are being urged to call former pupil Paul Stephens on 01790 880363 or Alan Giles on 404062. The idea for a reunion
Redditch town hall has played host to the launch of a national campaign aimed at improving safety on mini-buses. Belt Up School Kids (BUSK) was set up in memory of the schoolchildren who died in a mini-bus crash on the M40 in 1993. BUSK will provide a
NEW College has been toasting a former student's scholarship success. John Bradburn, from Crabbs Cross, has been chosen to receive the prestigious Jack Cardiff Scholarship from the University of Wales College, Newport. John gained a first class degree
I WONDER if someone in authority at County Hall would instruct someone from the Environment Department to take a walk with me around the perimeter of the Bilford Road Waste Site and witness the amount of rubbish deposited next to the public footpath in
GARY Kibblewhite and Kate Wildish (You Say, April 10) both seem to support those illegal immigrants and bogus asylum seekers who scrounge, steal and are daily contributors to the crime figures. Such people have not contributed to the welfare of Britain
I REFER to your lead story headlined "Sounding the last post"(Evening News, April 10). I, like many other sub-postmasters, own (not manage) an urban post office We own our businesses and provide services for the Post Office, as agents. We have all received
BROMSGROVE Rovers made it three games without conceding a goal as they defeated a stubborn Boldmere St Michaels side 2-0. Rovers' third victory on the bounce, following 3-0 and 6-0 wins against Oldbury United and Pelsall Villa respectively, keeps them
WITH 21 games of hard work behind them, Bromgrove's season came down to 80 minutes at Old Laurentians. In this match the winner really would take all, namely the championship and a place in Midlands One next season. And at the end of the contest Bromsgrove
THIS week's Angling events start with the Starlets Veterans Tuesday contest which was held at Greenhill Fishery Hallow, near Worcester. Dave Bennett (Stourbridge) pole fished corn at New pool peg three for a top weight of 49-7-0 while Derek Buckle (Bewdley
AFTER resigning as manager of the Greig Centre, Andy Mason wrote of his regret that he had been unable to secure the funding the facility desperately needed. In a letter to town councillors, Mr Mason thanked them for their continued support over the last
INTERVENTION by Alcester police seems to have relieved the problems caused by nuisance skateboarders outside Globe House. At last month's town council meeting, Councillor John Hill complained about rollerblading and skateboarding near the Civic Centre
Councillors feel residents are missing out on many Alcester treasures and triumphs because there is nowhere to house certain significant items. At a town council meeting, Alcester Heritage Project chairman David Moulson was asked if they could use the
Residents will get an insight into different periods of Alcester's history in the run-up to the opening of the new Roman museum. A museum is to be built in Globe House after a successful lottery bid and co-ordinators Alcester Heritage Project now plan
ALCESTER Friends of Cancer Research UK is celebrating two decades of success after raising nearly £125,000 towards fighting the disease. The group was set up in 1981 after member Sue Blackburn lost her husband to cancer. Despite having a young family,
MATRONS are coming back to hospital wards in South Warwickshire, meaning a more visible role for Alcester Hospital's senior nurse, Sue Price Gough. Modern matrons are being introduced in all hospitals run by South Warwickshire Primary Care Trust. Unlike
DURING the last 12 months, the number of reported crimes within the town centre has shot up by 671 compared to the previous year, newly released figures have revealed. Between the end of March last year and end of March this year, there were 1,656 offences
THE new headmaster at South Bromsgrove High School to replace Dennis Matthews, who had retired, was his deputy Alan Baker. He said his task would be to promote academic achievement and good behaviour. n THE Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Robin Woods,
Studley BKL 2 Chasetown 1 BEES keeper Matt Pugh was the hero despite prolific Craig Pountney notching his 30th goal of an incredible campaign. The Studley custodian made a series of impressive stops - most notably a brilliant reaction save to tip over
ALVECHURCH manager has gone on the record to state he does not want the club's future to be decided in their last match of the season. But the trip to bottom club Southam United on Monday, May 6 is increasingly shaping up as a Premier Division D-day for
FULL back Adam Hartles was the hero for Arrow Vale after firing their under 16s team into a national final. The Worcestershire champions soon found themselves 2-0 down at Banbury in the semi final of the English Schools FA Cup against Warriner School.
A £23,000 windfall is set to help tackle crime and disorder in the Wychavon district, which includes Inkberrow. The cash has been given to Wychavon Community Safety Partnership as part of the Government's Safer Communities Initiative. It will be used
AN historical statue with a difference is set to be installed in Alvechurch village centre. Year 8 pupils at Alvechurch Middle School have been working with an artist blacksmith to produce a design for the statue, which doubles as a seating area and incorporates
A part-time reservist with the RAF has been called up for permanent service for six months. But Paul Neary, from Studley, is determined his marriage to fiance Rachel Lloyd will still go ahead on June 1. Mr Neary is a sales manager with stores giant Debenhams
REDDITCH Rugby club saw off near neighbours Five Ways Old Edwardians in their final league fixture to sit proudly at the top of North Midlands One. But despite the Kingfishers' impressive performances, the title - and even an instant return to Midlands
BROMSGROVE Rugby Club Firsts are celebrating one of the proudest moments in their club's history after winning the Midlands Two West championship with a 23-15 victory at title rivals Old Laurentians. Saturday's championship decider brought together the
Rev Maureen Dew, curate at St Peter's Church in Inkberrow, has been appointed as Associate Priest/Team Vicar (designate) at St Luke's Church in Headless Cross. She will be the first female priest at St Luke's and the first to hold office as priest in
The White Cottage, Stock Green, near Inkberrow, will be throwing open its doors to the public next month in aid of the National Gardens Scheme. The garden will open on Saturday May 4, Sunday May5 and Monday May 6 from 10am to 5pm and nursery plants will
A SAFARI experience is on the menu at The Old Library Restaurant this week. NEW College's second year National Diploma Hotel and Catering students hope to create a complete African atmosphere with food, drink and decor. Lunch, which costs £6, is served
CONCERNED parents and residents are being urged to write to Alvechurch Parish Council over providing a hard surface area for Rowney Green children to use. Rowney Green Peace Hall Committee is calling for a purpose-built, safe and flat surface area where
AT the March meeting, held at the home of Mrs Pat Grier, members enjoyed an interesting evening watching slides and listening to a talk by Adrianne Barnett on her experiences in the BT Challenge yacht race. Mary Grummett won the raffle. The annual dinner
Specialists from leading reptile sanctuary Proteus and their scaly pets will be at the Trafford Retail Park superstore, Pets at Home, Ipsley Street, from 11am-4pm on Saturday. Free advice, fact sheets and dietary information will be on offer.
REDDITCH Model Railway Club marks its 35th anniversary with an exhibition at Redditch Town Hall next month. The club was founded on June 1, 1967, and the exhibition, on May 11 and 12, is open at the civic suite from 10am-5pm. Club members meet weekly
AT the March 21 meeting, members welcomed Alwyn Stanley, whose demonstration was entitled Inspirations from the East. Alwyn has become interested in the Japanese art of ikebana and her demonstration was based on the different styles, such as Moribana,
Those with a passion for singing can join the Bel Canto Singers, a group which regularly entertains in and around Redditch, who are inviting potential new members to come along every Monday at the Polish Club, Southcrest, at 7.30pm.
IN the absence of the president, Sue Lawson, vice-president, chaired the April meeting. Four members are to attend the craft day at Perdiswell. The skittles team won the match against Bentley WI and will now go forward to play against Blackwell &
CHAIRMAN Jenny Johnson welcomed members to the meeting on March 16. Speaker Michael Kettle, a dedicated member of the Worcester/Birmingham Canal Society, made a welcome return and with the aid of slides gave a most interesting talk on the history of British
AT the April meeting, president Sue Canfield paid tribute to The Queen Mother, a fellow WI member. A minute's silence was held in her memory. Sue also reported on the federation's annual council meeting, held at Three Counties Hall in Malvern, and informed
A TWICE-winner of the title DJ of the Year will be spinning the discs at Redditch nightclub Time from Friday. Andy 'Satan' Sutton, who previously played at Bristol club Evolution, was DJ of the Year in 1998 for Technics and again in 2000 for the Pepsi
ALVECHURCH villagers are set to once again turn out in force to celebrate St George's Day on Tuesday. The festivities begin at 7am when the English flag flies from the top of St Laurence's Church tower and the bells ring out. The village's three combined
Wythall parish councillors have pulled out of tomorrow's spotlight meeting. Villagers have the chance to air their views on issues, such as health, policing and the countryside, at the meeting at Alvechurch Middle School at 7.15pm. But the meeting clashes
There will be an auction of goods at St Luke's Memorial Hall, Headless Cross, on Saturday to boost church funds. Viewing will be held from 10am and the auction will start at noon. Drinks and refreshments will also be available.
THE findings of a major project focusing on the needs and aspirations of the town's African and Caribbean Community will be revealed at an event later this month. Redditch Black History Group is launching the findings of a unique research project on April
FORGE Mill Museum will not be axed following a pledge by Redditch Council to pump £500,000 into improving it and increasing visitor numbers. At a full council meeting on Monday, councillors revealed the museum and Arrow Valley Countryside Centre would
DEAR EDITOR -- Your correspondent, James Shuttleworth, asked in your pages of April 3, who was deceiving whom over the developments in Droitwich. He asks why neither Droitwich Spa Town Council nor Wychavon District Council revealed Tesco's interest in
By Becky Procter KINGFISHER Centre shoppers and traders are facing a rise in car parking charges from May 1. The move has angered many traders who, despite paying a concessionary rate, could have to pay up to £1 extra a day to use the centre's multi-storey
A PIECE of Redditch's industrial history has come home to roost at Forge Mill Museum. The famous sign of Edward White's engineering firm has been snapped up by the museum after it was sent to the Worcester County Record Office when it closed 30 years
DEAR EDITOR -- Recent letters from newcomers to Droitwich Spa praised councillors for their foresight, on grounds that the town lacks facilities. They do not know how much has been destroyed in recent years, by past and present party political administrations
CONCERNS a smoke detector did not work during a house blaze in Redditch has prompted an investigation into other properties. Julie Curtis and her daughter, Parris, were asleep in their St George's home when the fire started. They were only alerted to
DEAR EDITOR -- I see at least one local shop is now selling half litre cartons of milk priced and labelled as pints. This is clearly a case of giving short measure, but even if the items were properly labelled, it would still represent a 12 per cent price
DEAR EDITOR - Former Labour councillor Gordon Witcomb, asks what Julie Kirkbride, our MP has done to help UEF workers. She has received a delegation of UEF workers in Bromsgrove and at the House of Commons. She has engaged in copious correspondence with
THE city's university has taken on an international development officer in response to growing overseas links. University College Worcester has employed Catherine Hyde. Ms Hyde's job will be to raise the profile of international activity within the university
THE manager of a Worcester key cutting and shoe repair shop is celebrating after his company was named one of the best in the country to work for. Timpson's was ranked sixth in the Sunday Times '100 Best Companies to Work For' list, published at the end
DEAR EDITOR - With reference to the closure of the UEF/Garrington works - my own opinion is that I am sure more could have been done by the powers that be to save the firm and find a buyer. The loss of 500 jobs will no doubt have an effect on the local
A WORCESTERSHIRE recruitment company has been re-awarded the Investors in People status. Backup Staff, which has offices in Worcester, Evesham, Kidderminster and Redditch, first achieved Investors in People status in 1999. "It was very hard work achieving
IT was Bobby the weasel, that gave us the wire they were closing our factory down; but we didn't believe him, and we called him a liar the redundancy letters came round... We read them in silence, shock, disbelief, hiding our sorrow, sadness and grief
CRAFTY embroiderers from Redditch have created a gift to be presented to residents of Redditch's Friendship Town, Gruchet-le-Valasse in northern France. The Forge Mill Embroiderers have made a large scale hanging textile which illustrates the history
FARMERS markets will only be allowed to return to Redditch if they offer a good range of stalls, according to the town centre manager. During a town centre partnership meeting Jane Muckle said she had been in talks with various markets asking if they
TRIBUTES have been paid to a Redditch man who has stepped down from his role as chairman of the town centre partnership. Former Kingfisher Centre director Brian Walker has left the post and has taken up the job of town manager for Northfield, in Birmingham
TOWN charity Where Next? came a step closer to buying itself some essential new transport after Land Rover presented it with a cheque for £1,000. The charity, based off Easemore Road, provides work experience and training for many people and recently
DRUG addicts in Worcester should be given their own dedicated GP surgery, city MP Mike Foster said today. The Labour MP has written to South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust to call for funding to set up the service for people hooked on heroin and other
SHARED-use sports halls being planned at two schools could sound the death knell for a new community sports centre for Malvern residents, district councillors have warned. Worcestershire County Council is considering spending a £3.1m National Lottery
A YOUNG boy has died after colliding with a car outside a Worcester school. The four-year-old was with his mother on their way to collect his sister from Hindlip CE First School, Fernhill Heath, when the tragedy happened. The boy suffered head injuries
FISH and chip wrappers and household rubbish were just some of the abandoned items found by Warndon Junior School pupils at a Worcester pond. The clean-up around Lyppard Grange pond was carried out as part of the Rubbish? Sort It! Campaign, an initiative
FAMILIES can laugh their socks off when a well-established drama group puts on its rendition of a Shakespeare classic. To mark its golden anniversary, Rubery Drama Group will perform Farndale's Macbeth. The play runs at the Beacon Church Centre, in Whetty
CHIP shop customers and staff had a narrow escape when a stolen car smashed through the Kidderminster store's front window. Everyone in the shop on the A456 Bewdley to Kidderminster road, and people in an upstairs flat, had to be evacuated by firefighters
RESIDENTS look set to be in stitches when a popular Droitwich theatre puts on its own sparkling rendition of Love Begins At Fifty. The farce runs at the Norbury Theatre, in Friar Street, until Saturday. The play, by Raymond Hopkins, tells the tale of
Council leisure chiefs are searching for a new company or organisation to take on the Lido site in Droitwich as the current developer's plans look set to collapse. Wychavon District Council confirmed this week that developer Calypso, which was planning
THE Spa council will say a sad goodbye to one of its key members at the end of August when the town clerk retires after more than 40 years serving local government. Graham Pharo, the clerk of Droitwich Spa Town Council, will retire after holding his post
I AM writing this story regarding our son, Paul. He's a shy, polite working boy aged 23, who's had a very good upbringing, with a family that loves him, and a mother who adores him. About 11 months ago, items belonging to my husband and me disappeared
A MAN was left with a broken arm and severe bruising after being attacked by four men in a fight. The brawl happened in the High Street, by St Andrew's Street, Droitwich, at around 10.10pm on Sunday, April 7. The gang assaulted the man and left him with
MALVERN is to be under scrutiny 24 hours a day as part of a £300,000 upgrade to the town's closed circuit television system. The crime fighting investment, which includes a £198,800 Home Office grant, was agreed by Malvern Hills District Council's executive
STAFF at Hanbury Hall are celebrating after more than 4,000 people visited the historic building within the first three weeks of opening. The sight of so many tourists has been welcomed as the hall opened nearly a month late last year due to the outbreak
A POLICE hunt for a masked man, reported to have sexually assaulted a teenage girl in Droitwich, has been dropped after officers discovered the circumstances were fabricated. The attack was said to have taken place on a 14-year-old girl while she was
VILLAGERS are coming to terms with the news that their hamlet is set to increase radically in size after plans to build 80 new homes were been given the go-ahead. Government planning chiefs have given the green light to a multi-million pound housing estate
A MONTHLY magazine and website to promote the arts in Worcestershire could be produced to boost the county's tourism. The ideas were put forward to Worcestershire's cultural and community services panel during a discussion on the county council's three-year
GREEN-FINGERED youngsters at a Droitwich school have been lending a helping hand to breathe new life into a jubilee wood. Children at Witton Middle School, in Old Coach Road, have been bringing the silver jubilee wood into the 21st century, ready to mark
GREEN-fingered Bob and Joyce Humphries have transformed a plain patch of Herefordshire field into the best water garden in the country. Mr and Mrs Humphries have spent 13 years and thousands of pounds transforming their half-acre garden near Bishop's
youngsters are "risking their lives" by playing on dumped cars in Droitwich. That's the warning of Cllr John Cook (Lab, Droit.West) who says that children need to be stopped from using the cars as play areas before one of them gets seriously injured.
A PILOT project, which aims to revolutionise renting accommodation in Droitwich Spa, has been launched. Residents seeking social housing in the town can now take part in the Homechoice initiative which is being pioneered by Spa Housing Association. The
HEREFORDSHIRE is set to commemorate Worcestershire's favourite son in bronze - and is asking the public the best way to do it. Four proposals for a £40,000 Elgar statue, submitted by some of the country's top sculptors - who are remaining anonymous for
TOWN families are being urged to unite and support a golden jubilee extravaganza. Droitwich Spa's Royal British Legion is gearing up for a mammoth bash on Sunday, June 2, and Monday, June 3, to mark the Queen's 50 year reign. Its Salwarpe Road headquarters
A WORCESTER man stole bottles of spirits from a city store to fund his drug habit. Patrick Clarke took bottles of vodka and gin from Marks and Spencer on Friday, February 22 this year, Worcester Magistrates Court heard yesterday. Graham White, prosecuting
A NEW housing partnership has been launched which aims to give tenants better services at lower costs. Droitwich's Spa Housing Group has merged with the Malvern-based Partnership Housing Group, with the hope of increasing opportunities in the town and
AN injured man was rushed to hospital this week after being stabbed in Droitwich. The man, who has not yet been named, was treated at the scene by paramedics and then taken to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital after being stabbed in Farriers Corner, on
DODDERHILL residents will be electing a new council representative next month following the death of their councillor. Cllr Charlie Richardson (Con, Dodderhill) died on March 2 and a by-election will be held to elect a new councillor on Thursday, May
A DEFIANT Droitwich pensioner, who has been at loggerheads with the district council for years over unpaid business rates, looks set to be forced to pay up. Rates rebel Nellie Copson, who owns an empty shop in the High Street, will now pay the levy of
JOHN Brain has paid tribute to Jim Jenner after the number eight was voted Worcester Rugby Club supporters' player of the season. The Sixways head coach has been delighted with Jenner this season and believes a year in the Premiership has made him a better
CARETAKER boss Ian Britton declared supporters can at least expect a hard-working ethic from his team. Britton can lay claim to Harriers' best moment on their travels this season with Saturday's 2-0 win at play-off chasing Rushden and Diamonds. He promised
April 19, 1902 Drunkenness - William Rea, labourer, Inkberrow, was charged with being drunk in Evesham Road, Astwood Bank, on April 4. The facts were stated by Pc Hemming and the defendant, who admitted that this was his second offence within 12 calendar
BROMSGROVE and Droitwich Spa martial artists can hone their skills seven days a week thanks to the opening of a new centre. The Lion's Claw Kung Fu Martial Arts Temple was oficially opened by the Chinese State Circus in Worcester on Tuesday April 16.
BROMSGROVE Golf Club's 17-24 Handicap team's season got off to a bad start as they lost their opening league match by two points on Saturday. Playing at Hatchford Brook Golf Club, the Bromsgrove team recorded an aggregate Stableford score of 254 points
A BROMSGROVE cyclist is hoping for a swift recovery after she suffered torn ligaments in her arm during her latest race. Bromsgrove Olympique youth team rider Francine Billington, aged 17, was pat of a six-rider pile up during the junior circuit race
DROITWICH Spa Men's Hockey Club Firsts finished off their championship-winning season with an 8-4 friendly victory over Leominster. Spa, recently crowned champions of DTZ West Midlands division one, opened the scoring after ten minutes when Barry Williams
AS someone who lived in Redditch for almost all my life until a few months ago, I have been greatly dismayed to hear of the threatened closure of Forge Mill Museum and Bordesley Visitor Centre. While I can appreciate Mr Foxall's enthusiasm for many other
TRIBUTES have been paid to a long serving Redditch Council officer who died from cancer just weeks after being diagnosed with the disease. A minute's silence was held in memory of landscape and capital project manager Alan Share during a full council
COUNCILLOR Wharrad, in his letter, sought to warn Redditch people of what he sees as threats to council services if the Conservatives win this year's local elections. What we have now read in the national press is the speech made by Liam Fox MP, the Conservative
AFTER a record entry last year, the green-fingered of Redditch will be battling again to be crowned owners of the best garden. The Redditch Best Garden Competition 2002, supported by the Redditch Advertiser and organised by Redditch Council and the Where
EARLY on Sunday morning I was in Winyates Centre and there was a guy with his black bag and litter picking stick clearing up after "the night before". I would like to say my own personal thank you to these men who are willing to do this soul-destroying
THE reaction of the public to the death of the Queen Mother has been spontaneous and truly remarkable. It should scotch completely the idea, encouraged by the 'spin' of some of our politicians, that the people are ready to abandon the monarchy in favour
The skills of youngsters will be acknowledged at a presentation evening next Thursday. Redditch Mayor Dot Dudley will be at the town hall to present awards to winners of the Young Enterprise competition.
The jobless figures in Redditch have now fallen by 46 per cent since 1997, standing at just 2.7 per cent. With more jobs being created in and around the town, our local economy reflects the national position. Back in the boom and bust days of the Tories
TODAY, the Evening News is publishing a mother's harrowing cry for help for her drug-using son. We're sure readers will be moved by the story, on Page 4, of how she and her family have tried to help her "shy, polite, working, boy, aged 23", who has become
ASH Lane tenants Dixonians did it at the second attempt to be crowned Midlands Three West North champions at the weekend. The nomadic side tripped up last weekend with a shock defeat at lowly Old Halesonians but there was no repeat on the last day of
KINGS Norton went into the final game of the season knowing they needed a win to guarantee avoiding the drop from Midlands Four West South. But Mark Waudby's side went down to a heartbreaking late loss to champions Ledbury only to be saved by fellow strugglers
DERBY day defeat did not prove disastrous to Five Ways who rounded off a torrid season in appropriate style. The Masshouse side sit fourth from bottom in North Midlands One with a provisional two clubs being relegated. Old Eds can slump one further place
WOODRUSH have already started their recruiting drive to prepare for North Midlands One rugby next season. The Old Icknield Street side had their second successive relegation confirmed last week and finished bottom of the league after a 24-17 home defeat
Woodrush 7 Dunlop Coventry 24 THE final blow to the Woodrush survival hopes was delivered by a lively Dunlop Coventry side who at times looked anything but a side fighting relegation themselves. The heavier Dunlop forwards controlled the set pieces starving
MARK Owen has been forced to ease up on his rehabilitation after suffering discomfort in his broken leg. The striker has been making excellent progress in the last six weeks but has hit a barrier according to assistant manager Mick Tuohy. "Whether it
AFTER a successful three-month pilot scheme, Woodrow's coffee in confidence mornings have been extended for another year. The mornings, which run every Thursday from 10am-noon, offer residents the chance to talk with a qualified counsellor or police officer
Released by Aston Villa, Brock signed for Harriers in September 1997 after a short spell at Northampton Town where he failed to make an appearance. He made his Harriers first-team debut in November of the same year and has proved himself a fine shot-stopper
Versatile Hinton began his career at right-back before reverting to a centre-half role during the Conference championship-winning season. The change of position proved the making of the former Birmingham City trainee who is now rated at £1 million and
Another Mr Versatile, Smith signed for Harriers in 1997 for £19,000 from non-league rivals Bromsgrove Rovers. Smith's performances in non-league earned him three caps for the England semi-professional team as well as a Nationwide Conference team of the
Bennett was a then club record buy of £30,000 from rivals Bromsgrove Rovers in January 1999 and proved a goal-scoring menace to Conference opponents in the title-winning season. The ex-England semi-professional international signed a two-year deal at
BARNT Green Spartak need a point from their trip to Cadbury Reserves tonight to ensure a top four finish in Midland Combination division two. Anything but defeat will ensure fourth spot for Spartak and although recent weeks have seen them drop from the
DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club's First XI showed they are in good form for the start of the new cricket season after a 69-run friendly victory at Redditch on Sunday. With the 2002 campaign still a couple of weeks away, Spa batted first in a 45 over contest
TWO goals in the first five minutes set the tone for Fairfield Villa as they were soundly beaten 6-0 at Rugby Town in Midland Combination division one. Villa made a terrible start by conceding twice in the opening five minutes. Two midfield mistakes allowed
A BOURNHEATH pub five-a-side football team is getting ready to do battle in a national competition this weekend. The Nailers Arms, Doctors Hill, are the Bromsgrove representatives in the Punch Pub Cup, the UK's biggest inter pub five-a-side tournament
PERMISSION to work around the clock on a permanent basis is being sought by Permadoor's Upton factory. Malvern Hills District Council gave "probationary" permission for 24-hour working a year ago, which the firm now wants to make permanent. Managing director
A factory that could be converted to housing is to be visited by planners before they make a decision. Nicholson's Organs wants to move from the building at the bottom of Quest Hills Road, Malvern Link, the district council's southern area planning sub-committee
HEREFORD United guaranteed their Nationwide Conference status with a dramatic 1-0 victory last night over promotion-chasing Dagenham & Redbridge at Edgar Street. United player-coach Phil Robinson nodded in an 89th-minute winner which also thwarted
WORCESTER'S Mayor, Councillor David Clark, shows off his martial arts skills as he joins the Shaolin Masters to open the city's new Lion's Claw Kung Fu Temple. Clark and the Shaolin clan, from the visiting Chinese State Circus, sliced through the ribbon
WORCESTER has become the main focal point for a new charity designed to encourage youngsters to get involved with sporting activities, especially cricket. It is currently being formed and once charitable status has been obtained will be called The British
TEN-man Pershore Town, who were without a recognised keeper for 45 minutes after Neil Turner was sent off, were only denied a point with a late winner from Coventry Marconi last night. Lee Tustin was forced to take over in goal after 43 minutes when Turner
A LATE winner denied Malvern Town a point at Gornal Athletic last night but the 87th strike ensured the home side's West Midlands Premier Division survival. Lee Hooper twice went close for Town as did Rick Halion with a header while keeper Dave Alden
BROMYARD Beetle driver Nick Adcock made a superb start to his Volkswagen Racing Cup season at Donington Park, racing away with the series lead after claiming a thrilling victory in the opening round and making the podium in round two. Adcock's maiden
CUTNALL Green failed in their bid to go through the Worcestershire Cricket Board Wednesday Indoor League season unbeaten when they lost their final match to Stourport by two wickets. Green made 87-6 led by Neil Fletcher (27), Dan Higgins (21) and Matt
MALVERN Theatre Players celebrates 25 years of residency by staging its first all-youth main stage production next week. The players, who have teamed up with QinetiQ, present Shake, Ripple and Roll at Forum Theatre from next Wednesday until Saturday,
TONY Britton returns to Malvern Theatres next week with the classic comedy Hobson's Choice. Set in Salford, Manchester, the plot centres around cantankerous and obstinate boot shop owner Henry Horatio Hobson, played by Tony Britton. Hobson tries to get
A TWO-hour show described as having "enough energy to fuel a power station" is set to hit the Palace Theatre on Friday. Rock 'n' roll music lovers will have a night to remember as the celebrated 1950s revival spectacular At The Hop rolls into town. At
BLOWERS leaves the safety of the commentary box for the spotlight onstage at Malvern Theatres on Saturday. Eton and Cambridge-educated Henry 'Blowers' Blofeld is best known for his 'distinctive, rich, plummy voice and vividly eccentric observations' heard
WORCESTER Wolves supporters turned up in their hundreds hoping to cheer on the team to a National League Division One play-off spot - but North West London arrived with ambitions of their own and finally triumphed 96-77. Wolves sent out a first five of
KINGSLEY Jones was due to be unveiled this morning as Worcester Rugby Club continued their summer shopping spree. The former Gloucester skipper will today celebrate his 31st birthday by becoming Worcester's 13th capture of the close-season following their
Five stars AN ASIAN football fanatic who fantasises she will one day play the 'beautiful game' for her country makes for a fascinating topic in this brilliant film. The story follows teenager Jess (Parminder Nagra) as she battles to convince her family
Five stars IT'S funny how certain songs trigger memories from the dim and distant past. Even if you're as unfortunate as I am to recall the greatest summer as the one which had Bryan Adams' Everything I Do (I Do It For You) as part of its soundtrack.
Two stars THIS is Britpop at its finest but the problem is it's 10 years past its sell-by date. Apparently the four-strong band have had a 'triumphant return to the live circuit' with a sell-out tour of the UK, which is still going strong. So why drop
A school skiing trip turns to tragedy when all but two of a teenage party are wiped out by an avalanche. Back in England and suffering from deep shock, the survivors Stephen and Jake (Andrew Lee Potts and Bobby Barry) form a suicide pact to kill themselves
STATE-of-the-art talking defibrillators have been installed at the Alexandra Hospital in the hope of saving more lives. The new machines will be placed throughout the hospital over the next few months and last week, staff were being trained to use them
By Melina Cannon A NEW transport company set up following the closure of Redditch Community Transport has started trading. Responsive Community Transport, based at Pipers Road, Park Farm South, provides specialised transport for disabled people and community
A free course for arthritis sufferers has been set up in Redditch. The six-session course organised by the Arthritis Care Charity starts today in the Winyates Green Community Centre, Furze Lane, from 1.30-4pm. For more details on joining, call Sarah Oliver
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers Ladies lost for only the second time this season to the only team who could beat them to the West Midlands Premier Division championship. Harriers were beaten 2-1 at Bridgnorth after a penalty two minutes from time. The home side
TOWNSPEOPLE are being urged to help the environment and the Primrose Hospice by recycling their mobile phones, accessories and printer cartridges. The hospice, which has teamed up with Bromsgrove-based Aurom Environmental, is inviting people to drop off
THIS week's events start with the Starlets Veterans Tuesday contest which was held at Greenhill Fishery Hallow, near Worcester. Dave Bennett (Stourbridge) pole fished corn at New pool peg three for a top weight of 49-7-0 while Derek Buckle (Bewdley) took
As the hockey season has finished, this section of the website will not be updated as often as other areas. Please send any hockey news to the Sports Editor by clicking on the above link.
HIGHWAYMEN and Vics finished deadlocked on 452-452 in their E&E Engineering/ Banks's Brewery sponsored Worcester Friendly Skittle League Wednesday Division One clash. Full results are: DIVISION ONE Highwaymen 452(11) (R. Franklin 45, R. Jenkins, M
RUNAWAYS triumphed 367-363 over Transporters in Monday Division One of the E & E Engineering/Banks's Brewery League sponsored Worcester Friendly Skittles League. Full results are: . DIVISION ONE Transporters 363(4) (T. Hughes 43), Runaways 367(16)
IN Division Five of the Worcester & District Ladies Skittles League the Portobellas and Comediennes battled it out in a closely fought match. Although the Comediennes took three legs, they failed to maintain their lead on the final leg flooring only
BROMSGROVE'S MP. Julie Kirkbride, is to meet the pensions trustee and administrator of failed United Engineering Forgings firm on Friday in a bid ensure former employees get the best deal. She says she is determined to ensure staff receive the maximum
MORE cash is needed to replace rotting windows in council houses throughout the Bromsgrove area, a councillor has warned. Bill Newnes, district councillor for Catshill, said the £350,000 allocated was not enough to deal with the 1,211 homes needing windows
A CHANGE of name for an historic Bromsgrove pub has left traditionalists with a sour taste. The Ewe and Lamb in Stoke Heath, has recently had a complete makeover under the guidance of TV chef Pat McDonald. But it's the change of name that has left some
LINKS with Bromsgrove's twin town, Gronau, were strengthened at the weekend when a party of 11 visitors from Germany paid a civic visit to the town. Led by Gronau's Burgermeister Karl-Heinz Holtwisch, the party arrived in Birmingham - by air - at lunchtime
PENSIONERS in Bromsgrove are calling on MP Julie Kirkbride to back their campaign for free bus passes. More than 70 people in retirement flats at Nailers Court, Ednall Lane, Bromsgrove, have signed a petition calling for passes that would let them travel
A BROMSGROVE models firm has shut up shop and disappeared leaving a Dodford man £200 out of pocket. Peter Reeve paid the cash to P and T Models, at 43 Worcester Road, towards a £410 radio controlled model aircraft. The project, ordered on March 11 2002
WELL-KNOWN television newsreader, Bob Warman, has bought a house in his "favourite" village -- Belbroughton. The veteran Central News presenter hopes to move into the picturesque village towards the end of the summer with his wife, Diane, and children
BROMSGROVE'S Euro MP John Corrie has been given a top honour for his work in developing countries. The Tory MEP for Herefordshire and Worcestershire has been made an Honorary Life President of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Assembly, which represents
BROMSGROVE fraud busters have saved taxpayers nearly £65,000 by detecting false benefit claims by residents. During the past 12 months, officers at Bromsgrove District Council have made 243 inquiries into benefit scams and instigated one prosecution.
A TOWN hotel is sponsoring Bromsgrove's annual fun run for the Leukaemia Research Fund and is also providing the prizes for the lucky winners. Sporting Bromsgrove residents will be dusting off their running shoes to help the charity when they take up
LODGE Park swimmer Katie Peachey had a disappointing outing at the British Championships in Manchester at the weekend. The talented youngster was Redditch's only current representative at the Commonwealth Games qualifiers as well as one of only two swimmers
A REVELLER in Bromsgrove had a less than euphoric night after having his leg broken outside a town disco. The 40-year-old man was kicked and stamped on near Euphoria night club in Worcester Road, on Friday. His lower leg was shattered in three places
HOME labour saving cleaning products spanning more than a century, and ranging from a tin of Vim to the latest hi-tech Dyson washing machine, are bringing back nostalgic memories for visitors to Bromsgrove library. The four displays ranging from 1900
KIND-HEARTED town folk are being urged to step forward and offer a helping hand to the Royal British Legion. The organisation behind the Poppy Appeal, which protects the welfare, interests and memory of ex-service people and their dependants are looking
TALES of fairies combined with a dash of magic will bring a smile to the faces of youngsters and parents alike thanks to the creative talents of one Bromsgrove author. Pauline Nind, of Churchfields Road, is selling her collection of fairytales and poems
Pete Lammas takes a look at the history of the Lady Dudley Cup, the feature race on the Worcestershire Hunt card, which takes place at Chaddesley Corbett on Saturday, April 20. A press report back in 1897 mentioned a new feature at the Worcestershire
THE town's skaters and boarders are celebrating after it was revealed that a new skate park will be built in Droitwich within the next two to three months. After three years of campaigning, youngsters in the Spa will finally be able to enjoy a new skate
AN 82-year-old Rubery pensioner has hit out at firebugs who torched his garden. Christopher Murfin, of Leach Heath Lane, is warning villagers to be vigilant after his rear hedge, shed and plastic green house were destroyed in what is believed to be an
A RUBERY community leader is concerned about the lack of safety measures on a busy dual-carriageway. Crash barriers and screening are need on the A38 by-pass, which cuts through the heart of the parish, according to Bromsgrove district councillor Peter
THE world's biggest collection of telephone kiosks will be officially reopened at Avoncroft Museum next week after months of work. Volunteers have been working on the conservation of four police boxes and seven roadside AA and RAC boxes, which form part
WORK at a former landfill site to prevent Marlbrook homes from flooding can go ahead following the resolution of a bureaucratic blunder. Liberty Construction boss Eddy Mcintosh was baffled when Worcestershire County Council ordered him to fix a blocked
TWO copies of a special book sold in memory of the firefighters who died following the terrorist attack on New York's twin towers are to be presented to Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade in recognition of the money it raised for bereaved families. Bromsgrove
BROMSGROVE'S Town Crier has replied to criticisms that his strident tones lured customers away from the town centre last Saturday to shop at Safeway's refurbished store at Aston Fields. Kevin Ward, from Sidemoor, who has been informing townsfolk of events
WORK has started on the construction of Bromsgrove's jubilee bandstand in Sanders Park. The foundations on top of which a wooden former, a temporary mould designed to contain the concrete base, has been put in place. When it has set the all-steel sides
