Archive

  • OAPS ARE RESCUED FROM FIRE

    SLEEPING pensioners had to be rescued from a nursing home in the early hours of today as smoke from a blaze billowed through the building. Six fire engines from stations across Worcestershire were called to deal with the blaze, which broke out at 5am

  • Take a break Ma'am ... you've earned it!

    THE Queen was enjoying a well-earned day off today after the success of the Golden Jubilee weekend, where more than a million people took to the streets to celebrate her 50 years on the throne. But after the pomp, pageantry and carnival of yesterday's

  • The gates open on restored canal lock

    THE last skipper to navigate a boat through a Worcestershire canal has become the first to sail through restored locks almost 75 years later. Tom Mayo says he brought a cargo of wheat down the Droitwich Junction Canal in 1929. Last Friday, he was part

  • Bowled over at tournament

    TEN-PIN bowling fanatics showed off their talents and determination in an annual Chinese tournament held at a Rubery venue. Around 68 competitors took part in the event, organised by China Palace Casino, in Birmingham, at the Hollywood Bowl, in Great

  • Filling dentist gap in the city

    A CRISIS in dentistry across the county could be partially averted if planners approve a new surgery in Worcester. An application to site an NHS dentist surgery off the Droitwich Road in Worcester has been sent to Worcester City Council and will be decided

  • Watercolours

    BUDDING artists can pick up some useful hints and tips at a watercolour demonstration being organised by the Lickey Hills Art Society. The demonstration, led by Tim Harvey, will discover the delights of painting wildlife. It will take place at Lickey

  • What's on guide

    Thursday, June 6 Country/Rock: The Real Deal, The Fiddle & Bone, Sheepcote Street, Birmingham, 8pm. Blues: New Blood, The Robin, R n B Club 1, Merry Hill, Brierley Hill. Concert: The Cunning Little Vixen, The Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham

  • 'Water' great day

    PATRIOTIC party-goers flocked from near and far to join in Jubilee celebrations in the Spa. Thousands gathered in the town during the four-day extravaganza, which was held to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Celebrations centred on Vines Park with a beer

  • Knife man is sent to prison

    A man who knifed a teenager after accusing him of burgling his girlfriend's home while he was away serving a custodial sentence has been jailed for 27 months. Dean Nightingale got into a struggle with 19-year-old Jason Priest while he was baby-sitting

  • Wheels in motion

    AN energetic Spa man, who is on a gruelling sponsored bike ride, will be stopping off in Droitwich this week. Stewart Willis, of Burrish Street, is cycling from John O'Groats to Lands End with two friends to raise money for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow

  • Fair trade demo

    TOWNSPEOPLE will travel to London this month to join thousands of protesters outside Parliament. The protest will take place on Wednesday, June 19, in a bid to get the Government to change trade rules for poorer countries. The demonstration, which is

  • Protect us from thugs

    ANGRY taxi drivers have called on Worcester City Council to protect them after a colleague was assaulted in Evesham. City cabbies spoke out following reports of an assault on a driver in Bridge Street, Evesham, on Monday, May 27. Police arrested a teenager

  • Travel in style

    TOWN residents are being urged to join in the fun this month when the district council launches its Travel Challenge. The Wychavon District Council scheme challenges people who live or work in the district to use four different types of transport to get

  • Jazzing it Upton

    THE rhythms of red-hot jazz will once again turn up the heat this summer as a Worcestershire town hosts one of the top events in the Midlands' musical calendar. Over the weekend of June 28-30, Upton-upon-Severn will reverberate to the sights and sounds

  • Horses to show pulling powers

    ALTHOUGH it is 35 years since railway horses were last used in Worcestershire, their role in shunting wagons is to be recognised by the Severn Valley Railway this weekend. On Saturday a ceremony will be held in which a mainline Class 60 freight diesel

  • Festival in castle grounds

    EASTNOR Castle will host its third Woodland festival this weekend. The event, due to take place on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, between 11am and 5pm, will be held in the grounds of the castle, near Ledbury. This year's event will play host to

  • Villagers' rave fear quashed

    FEARS that thousands of travellers would descend on Castlemorton for a rave to celebrate the Golden Jubilee have proved unfounded. Residents breathed a collective sigh of relief today after a quiet weekend in which they were able to celebrate the Queen's

  • 5/6/02 - Donald faces cup tie race

    ALLAN Donald is scheduled to land at Heathrow Airport at 6.30am tomorrow in time to play for Worcestershire in their Benson and Hedges Cup semi-final against Essex at Chelmsford (10.45am). The pace star is in South Africa today to attend the funeral of

  • Bickerton looking in good form on tour

    DROITWICH Spa golfer John Bickerton (left) has continued his impressive run of form on the PGA European Tour after finishing 19th in the last two events. Bickerton, aged 33, came home in 19th place, nine under par, at the Victor Chandler British Masters

  • Top coaching tips

    HOCKEY stars of the future descended on Bromsgrove School to train with some of the country's top players. Sixty youngsters from schools across Worcestershire spent Monday, May 27, at the Worcester Road school taking part in coaching sessions and a tournament

  • Town's famous victory

    BROMSGROVE CC First XI defied their dismal league form to claim a memorable scalp in the National Club Championship third round on Sunday. Despite losing their fifth game in a row at home to Kenilworth Wardens on Saturday, the Boars dug deep, including

  • Loyal fan is best in the business

    A BROMSGROVE man, who gives his time for the football club he has supported for more than 20 years, has won an award for his first year as groundsman. Alec Hodgkiss, groundsman at Bromsgrove Rovers, was voted the best in the North West of England and

  • Keast delight at Ben's call-up

    ANDY Keast believes Ben Hinshelwood's first international start tonight can be the springboard to a World Cup place with Scotland. Worcester Rugby Club's assistant coach is confident the free-scoring centre can win his place in Scotland's squad for next

  • Herefordshire open up with victory

    HEREFORDSHIRE made a winning start to their Minor Counties Championship Western Division campaign with a 139-run victory over Wales at Colwall. After a blank second day, Wales, who resumed on 7-1, declared their first innings on 83-8 with Aamir Farooque

  • Saints crash again as Demons are too strong

    Worcestershire Saints suffered another heavy defeat in the Rugby League Conference, going down 68-8 against Cardiff Demons at University College Worcester. After the 14-try mauling from the Gloucester Warriors the previous weekend, the Saints had the

  • Busy Badsey

    IT'S been a busy time for Badsey CC's youth section but a successful one. The Under-13s made it four wins out of four with a five-run victory over Bredon who made a respectable 232-2. Openers Michael Powell and Jamie Anderson, as they have all season,

  • Youngsters on top after tough tester

    FLASHING of a different kind brought Tom Heneghan to the attention of the Sunday crowd at Exhall as the villagers booked a date in the Group semi-final of the National Village Championship. Three days after making an exhibition of himself at Edgbaston

  • Ultimate Neil nets a champion £10k

    NEIL McKinnon (Shakespeare) was £10,000 richer last Sunday when, at Moorlands Farm, he became the Ultimate League Champion. Fished over three matches, McKinnon secured a four point tally and a total weight of 230-15-0. But fish at many of our fisheries

  • Knockout event

    A FUN day out is in store for the whole family when a Bromsgrove organisation holds an action packed competition in the name of charity. The Blue Cross animal adoption centre, based in Catshill, is still on the look out for daring teams of six people

  • Banking on raising cash

    YOUNGSTERS at a village school celebrated the Queen's Golden Jubilee with a huge playground party. Nearly 90 children from Hanbury First School, in School Road, gathered in their playground last Friday to join in the fun. Traditional party food was on

  • Playground party time

    YOUNGSTERS from a Belbroughton first school swung into action and celebrated in style to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Just under 100 children from Belbroughton First School in Bradford Lane celebrated the royal occasion with a party in the playground

  • All aboard for Jubilee fun

    YOUNGSTERS at Lickey Pre-school and Toddler Group, which meets at the village hall on Rose Hill, Old Birmingham Road, got into the Jubilee party spirit by taking part in a grand fancy dress competition. Supervisor Stephanie Daley said: "It was brilliant

  • Hat's the way to do it

    THE Mad Hatter's Tea Party was one of the main events held at Linthurst First School in St Catherine's Road, Blackwell, to celebrate the Jubilee. They also took part in music, dancing and treasure hunts. Before breaking up for the holiday, each child

  • They're united by a love of dancing

    IT was a love of dancing that brought Bob and Denise Baker together. The talented duo crossed paths after attending the same latin dance classes in Dudley in 1986. This was about the same time that Saturday Night Fever was settling down only to be replaced

  • Jubilee playground opening party

    THE skies of Bromsgrove were filled with cascades of red, white and blue balloons as one school marked the Queen's Golden jubilee with the opening of their new playground. The project was led and funded by the parents and teachers of pupils at Millfields

  • Prom in the Palace

    AMONG the audience of some 12,000 who were fortunate to get tickets for the Prom in the Palace event on Saturday night, was former district council leader, councillor Nick Psirides and his companion, Marguerite Oliver. Cllr Psirides said Marguerite, from

  • Say it in French

    PARLEZ-vous Francais? Children in Bromsgrove are learning to do just that in a new class aimed at giving them a head start across the Channel. French graduate Nicola Drinkwater is hoping more primary schools and parents will take up the chance for their

  • Flying the flag

    Rubery tiny tots dressed up to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. The village nursery, based in the Rubery Youth and Community Centre in New Road, was awash with red, white and blue last Thursday as youngsters marked the occasion with a fancy dress

  • Court threat over advert

    A BUSINESSMAN who has accused a heavy handed sales team representing Bromsgrove District Council of using bully-boy tactics to make him buy advertising space in a publication, has been threatened with court action if he does not pay up within seven days

  • Fury over road plan

    ROAD protesters are angry at plans for a new study into a bypass scheme near Belbroughton. Midlands council leaders were due to meet in Birmingham today (Wednesday) to draw up guidelines for a Western Orbital bypass around Wolverhampton and Stourbridge

  • Guitar is returned

    BROMSGROVE teenager Howard Kenny is ready to rock after the stolen guitar he never thought he would see again was left in a shop doorway. The 17-year-old scoured the streets and spent sleepless nights after his £650 Gibson Epiphone Les Paul was stolen

  • Swire says families are being sidelined

    RETIRED Bromsgrove GP Dr Jim Swire is annoyed that the British relatives of Lockerbie bombing victims have been sidelined in talks aimed at getting Libya to admit responsibility. The Libyans want all sanctions lifted and for its name to be taken off the

  • Rain fails to halt fun

    MONDAY'S early rain failed to dampen the Jubilee spirit in the Spa and hundreds of people again turned out for the many planned events both in the town and surrounding villages. Five days of fun were staged from Friday through to Tuesday as Droitwich

  • Alternative talk

    ADVICE on complementary medicine will be in store for shoppers at Boots in Bromsgrove High Street on Friday, June 21. Registered homeopath Sheila Oxspring will be there from 10am to 3.30pm to give customers information as part of National Homeopathy Awareness

  • Youngsters hit by thieves

    YOUNG members of a Belbroughton Cricket Club have been left with nowhere to train after thieves stole £1,500 worth of equipment from the ground. The incident happened at the Hackman's Gate Lane club between 10pm on Sunday May 26 and Monday May 27. Chairman

  • Demand for digital aids

    YOUNGSTERS in Bromsgrove suffering from hearing problems should be assessed for digital aids to give them parity with children living over the border in Birmingham, the town's MP Julie Kirkbride claimed this week. The Conservative MP has written to Bromsgrove

  • Park improvements

    VISITORS to Waseley Hills Country Park should find it easier to get around the beauty spot thanks to new signs and information panels. Other improvements include the redecoration of the visitor centre, conference room and toilets and a resurfaced car

  • Celebrating 60 years happiness

    FACTORY workers Doris and George Weaver set the wheels in motion for a lifelong happy marriage after meeting at Longbridge in 1939. Now the couple are celebrating 60 years of together ness at their diamond wedding celebrations. Doris, aged 80, and 83-

  • Under starters orders

    TOWN residents are being urged to don their best hats when a high profile event comes to Bromsgrove in the name of charity. The Royal Ascot Ladies' Day, sponsored by clothes store Cello, in the Strand, will take place in the grounds of Grafton Manor,

  • Call for postal vote

    A TRIP to the polling station to cast your vote in future local elections will be a thing of the past if a leading labour councillor gets his way. The leader of the opposition Labour group on Bromsgrove District Council, Councillor Peter McDonald (Uffdown

  • New name

    A POPULAR supermarket chain has changed the name of the humble swede to the Sven-Goran Eriksson in honour of the England football coach to mark the World Cup event. Supermarket giant, Safeway, in Buntsford Park Road, will ensure the vegetable will bear

  • Bluebells dug up

    MORE than 7,000 bluebell bulbs which were planted in a field near Clent have been dug up after investigations proved they were of the Spanish instead of the native British variety. After a Clent Parish Council meeting, Dr Richard Lester, a botanist at

  • Point to spare in Cup

    Naunton Downs PHIL Davies and Felicity Hill won the annual Bader Cup qualifier to progress to the next round at Bransford Golf Club next month. The winning pair, course marshall and lady captain, needed a countback after matching the 35 points accrued

  • Rugby club AGM

    EVESHAM Rugby Club holds its annual general meeting on Monday, June 17 from 7.15pm. All members are invited to attend for the chairman's report and election of officers.

  • 5/6/02 - Five more for Kabir as County march on

    KABIR Ali was the star as Worcestershire Royals made it two wins out of two in the Norwich Union League Division One with a six-wicket victory over Yorkshire Phoenix at Headingley. Yorkshire were dismissed for just 128 in 33 overs, with in-form Kabir

  • Tributes to country . .

    COUNTRY music lovers will be in their element when a tribute is paid to all the great women artists at a theatre near Bromsgrove. The stunning show, Legendary Ladies of Country Music, will appear at the Palace Theatre in Redditch on Friday June 14. It

  • Step back in time to Victorian days

    MUSIC from the naughty 90's, a larger than life recruiting sergeant, test your strength machine, plus crafts and games, combine to bring the fun and excitement of a Victorian country fair to Witley Court on June 8 to 9. From noon on both days, visitors

  • Ed Doolan to open fete

    RADIO host Ed Doolan is to open the annual fete at Fairfield First School on Friday, June 14. The BBC Radio WM morning show presenter will open the Parent Teacher Association fete at 5.30pm. "We are absolutely thrilled that Ed Doolan has agreed to open

  • Thomson's title after success

    Evesham & District Disabled AC and Partnerships LAST Sunday saw club members travel to the Silligrove Fishery at Bewdley for their last Spring Season match. Fished in glorious weather fish fell regularly and, by the finish, Roy Thomson had put 12.12.0

  • t's simple why the hounds are loved by youngsters

    THE letter from Mrs Pamela Booker (Your Say, May 24)attempts to portray foxhounds as savage, half-starved beasts ready to tear anything to pieces on sight. The truth is that they are friendly, good-natured animals who enjoy doing what they are trained

  • Amazed by comments about expectations

    WITH the now-recognised support by planning committee members and Councillors Jo Hodges, Paul Denham and Geoff Williams for Tesco developments, can we be surprised by reports (Evening News, May 25) regarding Tesco applying for 24-hour status at the St

  • Needham rides to holiday win

    THE large crowd which enjoyed Bank Holiday Monday's Albrighton Wodland Hunt point-to-point at Chaddesley Corbett reserved their biggest cheer for Phillip Needham after the 37-year-old had ridden Percy Medlicott to victory in the opening members' race.

  • Rovers get the green light

    BROMSGROVE Rovers WILL be playing Dr Martens football next season. Any doubts that a May 31 deadline over conditions would not be met have been overcome and now it's full steam ahead for next season. The club was granted an extension, as chairman Tom

  • 25 years ago June 3, 1977

    THE Queen's Silver Jubilee was the main talking point in Bromsgrove. The event would be celebrated with street parties, a carnival and a bonfire, barbecue and music in Sanders Park. The town was gaily decorated and workers from Garringtons at Aston Fields

  • 50 years ago June 7, 1952

    TWO members of Bromsgrove Youth Organisation met with a tragic accident while canoeing on the lake at Hewell Grange, Tardebigge. The youths, John Hollis, aged 17 from Churchfields and Brian Jones, 18, from Broad Street, Sidemoor, were members of the club's

  • Keeping the music alive

    FRESH musical talent is being sought by the new director of music at a Bromsgrove church to encourage young people to play the organ. Paul Charman, who was appointed director of music at St John's Parish Church, in Kidderminster Road, in January, is setting

  • Boars suffer their fifth straight defeat

    BROMSGROVE CC First XI continued their poor form in Birmingham and District Premier League division one on Saturday. The Boars were soundly beaten by seven wickets at St Godwalds Park by Kenilworth Wardens. It was Bromsgrove's fifth defeat on the bounce

  • Erratic form for Spa

    DROITWICH Spa CC First XI continued their erratic campaign with a our-wicket win and a losing draw over the holiday weekend. Spa won by four wickets at Netherton on Saturday but were held to a losing draw at Ombersley on Bank Holiday Monday. On Monday

  • Page bowls hat-trick for Seconds

    ADAM Page took a hat-trick for Bromsgrove CC Seconds as they gained their first victory of the season in the Worcestershire Sunday League with a seven-wicket defeat of Old Elizabethans. Bromsgrove, fielding six U16s as part of the club's youth policy,

  • Losing draw for Seconds

    AVONCROFT CC Seconds recorded a losing draw at Old Halesonians on Saturday. Fielding first, Croft battled hard to dismiss their hosts off the last ball of their 50 overs for 154. Captain Guy Weston and Rob Holden both took three wickets each. In reply

  • JUBILATION

    THOUSANDS were united over the holiday weekend as they celebrated the Queen's Golden Jubilee in true Brit style - rain and all. Bunting was out in force, Union flags were flying and young and old came together to mark the historic occasion. Street parties

  • Time to put forward strong case for the Spa's interests

    DEAR EDITOR - Now that we have a new mayor of Droitwich, it is to be hoped that he will support the people of the town in seeking changes to some of the current plans. I have been a resident of the locality for over 30 years, and in that time we have

  • Geoff's glory at TT Races

    DELIGHT followed despair for Geoff Hands when the Chipping Campden sidecar racer tasted success in the Isle of Man. Geoff's regular passenger, wife Ruth, suffered a broken leg and chest injuries in a crash at Mallory Park in March, but stand-in Andy Smith

  • Improving quality

    DEAR EDITOR - Having the honour of being elected vice-chairman of Bromsgrove District Council, I have relinquished my role as portfolio holder and my very able successor is Cllr Dr M Oliver. Enjoying total co-operation from David Williams, head of environment

  • Standards continue to spiral downwards . . .

    DEAR EDITOR - When my late father was in his 80's he was disappointed at the standard and quality of television programmes yet whilst I am in my 50's I am already appalled by the rubbish I receive on both satellite and terrestrial television. Former children's

  • It's a lack of forethought

    DEAR EDITOR - I feel that the time is right to write regarding the performances of Bromsgrove District Council. In the 35 years that I have been kicking around this town, the council has come up with disaster after disaster then tried to put things right

  • Studley sit at the summit

    PRS Summer League THERE are only two first division results to report as Claverdon's home game with Littleton A was postponed. Studley A had another useful win, taking the match 3-1 at home to Stratford B, a result that keeps them at the top of the table

  • Triathletes shine in Bank Holiday events

    IN her first full season of competing in triathlons, Michelle Parsons had a busy Bank Holiday weekend competing in events on consecutive days and producing some excellent results. On Sunday in the Cosm-eston Sprint Triathlon in Cardiff, an event which

  • Business buildings will spoil beauty

    DEAR EDITOR - I have just read with horror the suggestions made by Mr Bourne. Most people in Droitwich Spa are grateful to the planners for having deferred the housing development for 10 years, as there are sufficient houses already built. Why does he

  • Turner bags a silver

    WICKHAMFORD'S Phili-ppa Turner continued her good form this season by winning a silver medal at the prestigious National Schools Regatta at Junior 15 level over a distance of 2,000m in Nottingham. This event is probably the most difficult to win in the

  • Vital cash

    DEAR EDITOR - I would like to thank all the people of Bromsgrove who contributed towards the recent St John house to house and Flag Day collections held in the town, and apologise for any intrusion into their privacy. St John Ambulance, like so many other

  • Talent Camps mark Games celebration

    THE launch of the West Mid-lands Active Sports Talent Camp took place at the Cryfield Sports Pavilion, University of Warwick earlier this month. The Talent Camps are the largest youth element of the 2002 Comm-onwealth Games Celebration and the leading

  • Derby delight

    THERE was an enjoyable local derby at Salford Road last Thursday in a match that was all-square after ten ends. Six ends later, the hosts had taken an eight-shot advantage and that lead was extended as Welford managed only to win six of the remaining

  • Hair-raising!

    DEAR EDITOR - I don't often put pen to paper but in this case I feel I must,to see If any other 65-year-olds get the same treatment as myself. I'm sure they do. I have been using the same gent's barber for over two years on a regular two-week basis and

  • Wheelers lose out in Trial

    LAST Wednesday evening the Evesham Wheelers hosted the inter-club ten-mile Time Trial against the Stratford Cycling Club on a course based aro-und Salford Priors. In difficult, windy conditions and with a threat of rain, Stratford were worthy winners

  • Cavalcade of Bugattis to make a spectacular day

    IT'S all change this weekend for the annual 'Classic weekend' at Prescott Speed Hill Climb which will now comprise two one-day meetings, with the traditional Classic and Members event on Saturday and the inaugural 'Historic Prescott' on Sunday. Bugatti

  • Rover and Villa in shirt link-up

    TWO of the region's most prestigious corporate names, Aston Villa and MG Rover Group, have announced a two-season shirt sponsorship deal. Longbridge-based MG Rover, which employs hundreds of Worcestershire workers, has stepped up its links with the football

  • Old and new aims to attract business

    THE old and the new will come together in a Worcester office development due for completion this summer. The new Perdiswell Park office development will combine a modern, purpose-built office building with a refurbished, Grade II listed building. The

  • 5/6/02 - Keast delight at Ben's call-up

    ANDY Keast believes Ben Hinshelwood's first international start tonight can be the springboard to a World Cup place with Scotland. Worcester Rugby Club's assistant coach is confident the free-scoring centre can win his place in Scotland's squad for next

  • Queen rides a wave of love

    DAZZLED by the colour, dazed by the adulation, the Queen waves to well-wishers on her ride up the Mall as Golden Jubilee celebrations reached a climax in London yesterday. More than a million witnessed the pomp and pageantry of the Royal procession before

  • Fun and laughter is tribute to the Queen

    EXOTIC Egyptian belly dancing was just part of the afternoon's entertainment as 500 pensioners celebrated the Jubilee in style. Coachloads of residents from sheltered homes and community centres across the Faithful City were treated to fine food, songs

  • Summer ball

    TOWN folk will have an opportunity to dress up to the nines when a charity summer ball is held at a Bromsgrove venue next week. Tickets are now on sale for the grand event to be held at Bromsgrove Rugby Club, in Finstall Road, on Saturday, June, 15. Guests

  • It's home sweet home for Amazing Amy as she beats illness

    A WORCESTER tot dubbed "Amazing Amy" by hospital staff after making a miracle recovery from illness has returned home to her family. Amy Lambert, who battled back from a number of conditions at Birmingham Children's Hospital, is now enjoying life in her

  • Family hit target

    A COURAGEOUS Spa family, who have been raising funds for cancer research since their six-year-old son's life was cut short, have reached their £25,000 target. Debi and Nigel Wainwright have spent nearly two years fundraising for Alistair's Appeal, a campaign

  • Cash plea over centre revamp

    BUSINESSES throughout Worcester are being urged to support the half-a-million pound revamp of Tolladine Community Centre. Plans for the sweeping facelift were passed by the city council in February, but cash is needed to fund the work. Tolladine community

  • Luff: We need more funds

    A WORCESTERSHIRE MP has written to the Deputy Prime Minister for reassurance that the county will be better funded. Conservative Peter Luff, who represents Mid-Worcestershire, congratulated John Prescott on his new responsibilities for local government

  • TB or not TB: MP's disease concerns

    LEOMINSTER MP Bill Wiggin is fighting for Worcestershire farmers concerned about bovine TB in their cattle. Conservative Mr Wiggin, who recently led an adjournment debate in the Commons, has now put down an Early Day Motion to further challenge the Government

  • Helping homeless with shock images

    HARD-hitting images of distressed children are set to hit Worcester to promote a homeless advice service. Worcester Welfare Rights (WWR) has chosen the striking designs to front its campaign to get youngsters off the streets and back into mainstream life

  • Council want you to report frauds

    EAGLE-eyed residents are being asked to play their part in clamping down on benefit fraud. Wychavon District Council is planning to issue residents with a postcard this month urging them to report people they know are making fraudulent claims. The council

  • Introducing children to Christian religion

    A SPECIAL educational event to introduce youngsters to Jesus through worship is being held at Pershore Abbey. Five primary schools in the Vale of Evesham are taking part in JC Today, which focuses on Jesus Christ and Christian worship and symbols. The

  • 5/6/02 - Rawnsley the bowling star

    Spinner Matthew Rawnsley was Worcestershire's bowling hero on the opening day of their Second Eleven Championship match against Durham at Hartlepool. He claimed 4-90 off 31 overs to help dismiss the home side for 307 in 91 overs. Their top scorer was

  • Talented Spa boxers show off their skills

    DROITWICH Spa boxers highlighted their talent with a showpiece tournament at Wychbold Royal British Legion. Nine boxers from Droitwich Amateur Boxing Club featured in the tournament on Friday, May 31. Bout after bout had the crowd on their feet as the

  • Ellis on the verge of title

    A BROMSGROVE snooker player is hoping to make it third time lucky after reaching the final of a county tournament. Kevin Ellis, of Millfield, has won through to the Worcestershire Inter-League final following his 3-1 defeat of Neil Rollinson. Ellis, who

  • Respect breeds Queen's success

    WHETHER you're a monarchist or a republican, you'd have to admit that the Golden Jubilee celebrations were a magnificent spectacle and success. Just a month ago, Buckingham Palace was said to be uncertain whether the weekend would be a great occasion

  • Striker honoured but misses next season

    WYCHBOLD RBL will be without hotshot striker Matthew Jenkins for another season as he recovers from an horrific injury. Jenkins, aged 20, broke his right leg in two places at the end of January and has not played since. The Chequers Lane resident is on

  • Villa are the champions

    FAIRFIELD Villa Ladies triumphed against the odds to return from Penzance as champions at a two-day football festival. Villa started as underdogs as the team from the lowest league but finished the competition unbeaten and having only conceded one goal

  • Donald faces cup tie race

    ALLAN Donald is scheduled to land at Heathrow Airport at 6.30am tomorrow in time to play for Worcestershire in their Benson and Hedges Cup semi-final against Essex at Chelmsford (10.45am). The pace star is in South Africa today to attend the funeral of

  • Rawnsley the bowling star

    Spinner Matthew Rawnsley was Worcestershire's bowling hero on the opening day of their Second Eleven Championship match against Durham at Hartlepool. He claimed 4-90 off 31 overs to help dismiss the home side for 307 in 91 overs. Their top scorer was

  • Five more for Kabir as County march on

    KABIR Ali was the star as Worcestershire Royals made it two wins out of two in the Norwich Union League Division One with a six-wicket victory over Yorkshire Phoenix at Headingley. Yorkshire were dismissed for just 128 in 33 overs, with in-form Kabir

  • Rovers get the green light

    BROMSGROVE Rovers WILL be playing Dr Martens football next season. Any doubts that a May 31 deadline over conditions would not be met have been overcome and now it's full steam ahead for next season. The club was granted an extension, as chairman Tom

  • Jones boys a hit in holiday double

    EVESHAM extended their lead at the top of Division Two of the Worcester-shire County League to 15 points after a Bank Holiday brace. The Avon Street side made light work of disposing of Oldswinford on Saturday as Quinn Jones took five wickets for just

  • Radford's runs record

    FORMER Worcestershire and England all-rounder, Neal Radford, smashed an unbeaten 156 for Fladbury last Sunday. Radford's innings is believed to be the highest ever individual score in the village club's history and formed the bulk of Fladbury's daunting

  • Taylor's tips

    FORMER England wicket keeper, Bob Taylor, will be dishing out tips to members of North Cotswold Young Cricketers on Saturday. The former Test player is the star guest as the club stages a wicket keeping masterclass at The Worcestershire Cricket Centre

  • Leaders take a tumble

    THE meeting of two recent Cotswold Hills League champions saw Shipston inflict a first defeat of the season on early leaders Exhall and Wixford. Saturday's clash at London Road was a fairly one-sided contest after home skipper Andy Corby had elected to

  • Heneghan's in a hurry as Exhall book last four spot

    FLASHING of a different kind brought Tom Heneghan to the attention of the Sunday crowd at Exhall as the villagers booked a date in the Group semi-final of the National Village Championship. Three days after making an exhibition of himself at Edgbaston

  • One over the eight as Moreton hit dizzy heights

    NINE wins from nine Cotswold League matches - that's the proud boast of league newcomers Moreton-in-Marsh. Both teams stand proudly at the top of their respective divisions with the second string having won all five sixth division outings and their senior

  • Disney magic comes to Midlands stage

    ESCAPE from the World Cup with Disney magic at Birmingham Hippodrome as Beauty and the Beast gets set to run right through the tournament. The spectacular show opens tomorrow (June 6) so if you fancy taking a break, you can join in with all the characters

  • Jubilee flower power

    VISITORS to St John's Parish Church, Bromsgrove, over four days of the jubilee holiday were treated to a flower festival organised by Jenny Ashmore, who co-ordinates the ancient building's flower rota. The vicar, the Rev Nigel Marns, said there had been

  • Sky's the limit

    STAFF and children from a town organisation watched around 300 red and blue balloons fill the skies of Bromsgrove as part of a King's and Queen's themed fun day. The launch took place at Foster Care Associates' head office, in Stoke Prior, to mark the

  • Anger over delay

    Frustrated Burcot residents have come to the end of their tethers after months of campaigning to get traffic calming measures in their village. Eighteen months after a traffic calming scheme was put forward, residents are angered that the only action

  • Resignation

    HAGLEY Community Association's future has been thrown into doubt after the resignation of its chairman. Gordon Shaw has stepped down as chairman after five years and the group is struggling to find a permanent replacement. Now the village's parish council

  • Double celebration for PoW

    IT was a double celebration for the patients of a Bromsgrove hospital last week as they celebrated the Queen's Golden Jubilee in their newly opened Garden of Tranquility. The garden at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital (PoW), in Stourbridge Road

  • Party time

    A BROMSGROVE bookshop is celebrating its fifth birthday in the town and has invited youngsters sharing the big day to join in the fun. Ottakar's bookstore opened in Bromsgrove High Street on June 7, 1997, and is planning to mark the event with a party

  • World Cup

    TOWN High Street bank Barclays plans to embrace World Cup fever and raise cash for charity. It is holding a fun day on Friday, June 7, to mark the England versus Argentina match. The bank will have a television and youngsters can also get their faces

  • One giant leap for mankind

    Enthusiastic youngsters from a Bromsgrove first school brought history to life when they took a look back at the Queen's reign. To mark the Golden Jubilee, each year group at Finstall First Schoo,l in Carnforth Road, re-enacted an event from the past

  • It's 'vive la difference'

    AN array of colourful flowers and sweets were among the delights that the French had to offer when they visited Droitwich for the Jubilee. Stalls lined the town's High Street full of treats and surprises last Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the special

  • Long to 'rain' over us

    SHOWERS failed to dampen the spirits of the people who visited a popular Bromsgrove park to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee and the opening of the commemorative bandstand on Monday. Town residents turned out in their hundreds to Sanders Park in Kidderminster

  • Youth flees sex attacker

    A TERRIFIED 17-year-old escaped from a sex attacker and ran off towards Cofton Park after a night-time ordeal. Police are hunting the attacker who posed as a cab driver to pick up the youth from outside Birmingham Hippodrome at around 3.30am. The boy

  • Get on your bike

    THERE will be no danger of Michael O'Rourke falling asleep when he launches a fundraising event - even though he will be wearing his pyjamas. Michael, of Barrington Road, will be cycling from Rubery to Malvern on Sunday, June 30, and will be wearing his

  • Open day

    ONE of Bromsgrove's longest established firms of funeral directors is giving people a chance to look around at an open morning. James Giles and Sons, established since 1916, will open its doors in Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, from 9.30am to 12.30pm on

  • Return visit

    SOLDIER Carl Hall is braving the harsh winds and rain of the Falkland Islands on the 20th anniversary of the war with Argentina. Corporal Hall, from Bromsgrove, is serving with 17 Port and Maritime Regiment of the Royal Logistics Corps, and is based at

  • Bob finds old milestone

    VETERAN cyclist Bob Hampton turned detective when he uncovered the mystery of the missing milestone on an old turnpike road near Bromsgrove. Now he's planning to join a campaign to help restore the wayside markers around Worcestershire. Bob, a retired

  • Helping Russian inmates

    PRISONERS in Russia could get a fairer deal with the help of a prison watchdog from Blakenhurst Prison, near Bromsgrove, who is on a top-level visit this week. Tricia Bradbury, who is chair of the Board of Visitors at Blakenhurst and is also chair of

  • Footie fun

    STAFF at a Bromsgrove bank are entering into the party spirit as they mark England's journey into the World Cup while raising buckets of cash for a children's charity. Barclays Bank in High Street, will kick off the charity events at 9.30am this Friday

  • Early exit at Masters event

    AFTER posting an impressive 71 last Thursday, Evesham golfer Jeremy Robinson missed out on another cut. A level par score for 36 holes would have seen the 36-year-old into the final two days of the Victor Chandler British Masters at Woburn but, despite

  • Country band on comeback trail

    FINGERS will be clicking and toes will be tapping to the vibrant folk tunes of The Bob McKinley Band when they swing back into a Droitwich Spa venue. One of the UK's best country bands is making a welcome comeback to the town's Royal British Legion Club

  • Who wouldn't want a better life?

    THE debate on the proposed Throckmorton refugee site is throwing up a great deal of interesting points. However, there appears to be one which is often overlooked. Whether certain individuals like it or not, the flow of migrants around the globe will

  • Is this a first class service?

    IT appears almost impossible for Consignia (Post Office) to lose so much money, and faith with their customers. While on a housing estate the other day, I saw a mail van go up a drive to a house. While he was delivering, another mail van came, had to

  • Music Library Service hits the right notes

    I AM writing to express my dismay at what appears to be the intention of Worcestershire County Council to dismantle its Music Library Service. My concern is with the likely effect of these proposals on listeners to, and performers of, "classical" music

  • Gold for Gregory and Walker in medal haul

    EVESHAM Rowing Club sent its strongest ever squad to the National Schools Regatta in Nottingham this weekend, and returned triumphant with a full set of medals. In the J15 girls double sculls, both Evesham crews made the semi-finals, with Cherry Gayton

  • 100 years ago June 2, 1902

    FOLK living in the north of Bromsgrove were becoming healthier and living longer, it was revealed. In a report to North Bromsgrove District Council, the medical officer said in the first five months of this year there had been 18 deaths compared with

  • Green crumble to first defeat

    CUTNALL Green CC's suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday as they lost by five wickets at home to Worcester Corinthians. Following victories over Bridewell, Newland and Brintons in recent weeks, Green fell victim to some impressive bowling

  • Clubs are two of a kind

    UNTIL Bank Holiday Monday, there was little to split Barnt Green CC and Bromsgrove Cricket Clubs. Not only were both clubs' First XI's bottom of their respective leagues but, last Saturday, both scored the same number of runs in losing at home by seven

  • Eight-wicket win makes it three in four

    AVONCROFT CC First XI made it three wins in four games with a crushing eight-wicket victory at home to Old Halesonians. The visitors opened the batting in the Worcestershire County League division four encounter and started well with Lawson looking in

  • Chance to sail

    EVER thought of going sailing but assumed it's too difficult, too expensive too aloof or too faraway? Then you should try Severn Sailing Club, situated on the banks of the River Avon at Bredon's Norton. There's an Open Day on Sunday when visitors are

  • Ticket offers at the races

    DISCOVER Racing hopes to attract more and more new racegoers to the track this year as part of the national industry campaign to promote the sport of racing and betting. The next event is being staged at Worcester on Saturday when advance purchase ticket

  • Critics should lay off 'our' estate

    DEAR EDITOR - In reply to David Jones (Letters May 22), I agree with what he said about the Westlands, in Droitwich Spa. I, along with my husband, have lived on the estate for 13 years and we wouldn't live anywhere else. True, we might have the occasional

  • Magnificent help for lifeboatmen

    DEAR EDITOR - I wish to thank the people of Droitwich Spa and the surrounding villages who gave so generously to our recent street and house to house collections. We are also indebted to the help given us by the members of the Bromsgrove branch of the

  • Tip nightmare

    DEAR EDITOR - Since the decision was made to allow Liberty Construction to do remedial work on the culvert and reservoir wall at the Old Marlbrook Tip, recent inclement weather has seriously affected the section of Alvechurch Highway which leads to the

  • Accountsfirm says howdy partners!

    A FIRM of accountants is celebrating the promotion of three staff members to become partners following a management buy-out. Thorne Widgery, an independent firm of chartered accountants in Hereford, has decided to restructure and develop the business