Archive

  • Everywoman's Circle

    THE Queen's Jubilee was celebrated in fine style. Red, white and blue garlands decorated the room and the golden theme was reflected in members' outfits. Memoirs of the Coronation were on display and the tables laden with 1950s party food. Members provided

  • Cymdaethas Cymraeg (Welsh Society)

    THE outing this year, organised by Mayrose Warner, was to Raglan Castle and Castell Coch, with a lunch stop at Raglan. Raglan was the last medieval castle built in Britain. It was begun on the site of a Norman motte and added to in the 16th century. During

  • Centre is 'fastest-growing district'

    PROPERTY investor Tops Estates plc bought the Lychgate Shopping Centre in March 2000. It spent £20m on the 1960s-built centre alongside £22m on the Guildhall Shopping Centre in Stafford. At the same time, the London-based property firm ploughed more than

  • Sevens for starters

    EVESHAM HIGH School is the venue for an inter-club tournament on Sunday in readiness for the new season. Mixed seven-a-side teams from the Evesham club will be in action and any new players interested in joining the club will be most welcome to attend

  • Girl's teenage sex attacker sentenced

    A 17-year-old youth launched a sex attack on a nine-year-old schoolgirl, a court heard. The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is from a village midway between Worcester and Malvern. He committed the offence in May, last year. Worcester Magistrates

  • Woman cleared of car charge

    A WOMAN accused of driving her car at a former boyfriend has been cleared after reaching an agreement with police. Jenna Everley, aged 21, was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm. But prosecutor William Rickarby said, after a meeting with

  • OAP's worries after refit

    A WIDOWER has been left with a big decorating headache after Elgar Housing Association decided to refit his recently installed kitchen. Len Williams, aged 76, now has patches of bare plaster and old wallpaper on show. He cannot redecorate the kitchen

  • Schools funding dismay

    THE director of education says he is dismayed and disappointed at news that Worcestershire schools will not be better off under a new funding formula. Julien Kramer has hit out at the Government for offering at best only £56 per pupil extra. The bombshell

  • Remanded in custody

    FIVE men charged in connection with the hijacking of a lorry after it left an Evesham computer firm have appeared before a judge at Worcester Crown Court. A £250,000 load belonging to Evesham Technology on the Vale Business Park was stolen after delivery

  • Atlantic heroine's bid to raise cash

    A WOMAN who spent three-and-a-half months rowing across the Atlantic is giving a talk at Evesham Rowing Club to raise money for St Richard's Hospice. Debra Veal rowed most of the 3,000 miles alone after her husband, Andrew, developed an uncontrollable

  • Army's the life for me, says Piers

    A TEENAGE soldier is back in Worcester to talk to potential recruits about career benefits in the Army. Craftsman Piers Warren, a former Nunnery Wood High School pupil, joined the Army to improve his education and is currently at the Army Careers Office

  • Hospital 'was marvellous'

    THE son of a Worcester heart attack victim has praised "marvellous" hospital staff for the care they have shown his mother. Ann Andrews was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital early last Saturday morning after struggling for breath. Her son David Andrews

  • Father's tears over custody

    A FATHER of twin babies who admitted eight drug offences wept as a judge at Worcester Crown Court remanded him in custody. Jason Dimmock, aged 31, of Fowler Place, Stourport-on-Severn, admitted supplying cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamine sulphate and cannabis

  • Man is charged over killing

    A 31-year-old man appeared before Worcester magistrates on Monday morning charged with killing Michael James Kelly, whose body was found in an isolated copse near Bidford. Mr Kelly, of Teme Road, Tolladine, Worcester, was found in Grafton Lane, between

  • Will your child be safe this summer?

    PARENTS who pack their children off to sports activity days this summer are being warned to check the instructors are qualified. The NSPCC, backed by ITV World Cup presenter Gabby Logan and bookies Ladbrokes, issued the warning as part of its Full Stop

  • Builders earmark six sites

    HUNDREDS of houses could spring up throughout Alcester if development companies persuade Stratford Council to make amendments to the Local Plan. Alcester has had six additional sites put forward for housing in the plan, including one where a controversial

  • 'Name and shame our litterbugs'

    ALCESTER people have been urged to 'name and shame' fellow residents who are using the streets as a dumping ground for rubbish. The call came from town councillors after they received an anonymous letter, which was read out at a council meeting. The letter

  • Tributes to a town stalwart

    A MAN who played an integral part in several Alcester groups and organisations has died after a short illness. David Cargill, or Jock, was born in Arbroath on May 27, 1920, and met his wife, Marion, during the war on the Fleet Air Arm Station at Easthavon

  • Pets were hamming it up!

    THE Greig Centre became the scene for a sea of fluff on Saturday when a popular event came to town. Members of the Midlands Hamster Club arrived for the Alcester Hamster Show, which featured hundreds of the furry creatures. But it wasn't just the professionals

  • Teacher 'thrilled' to be given award

    A DROITWICH teacher has received a special commendation at a regional teaching awards ceremony. Pamela Tildesley, headteacher at Westlands First School, received the praise at the BT Teaching Awards last week. She was shortlisted for the Leadership Trust

  • Football club is rescued

    GENEROUS companies and individuals in the town have come up trumps after a plea from a youngsters' football club whose base was destroyed by arson. Alcester Athletic Football Club had already abandoned the hut which formerly served as its base after repeated

  • MP in call to Government not to interfere in centre appeal

    SIR Michael Spicer MP has demanded assurances the Government will not interfere in the expected public enquiry into plans to build a massive asylum seeker centre at Throckmorton. The Home Office's plans for a 750-bed accommodation centre are almost certain

  • New home for scouts

    FIVE years of dedication will have paid off for youngsters in Wootton Wawen when they receive their new home. In 1997, members of the 1st Henley and Wootton Scout Group made a promise to work towards a new hut and this week they will unveil their dream

  • Stand by your bids!

    Town community groups can bid for up to £5,000 of the county council Community Development Fund. £125,000 is available and bids must be for one-off projects. Bids should be submitted through county councillors and be received by Saturday, August 31.

  • New spaces

    Disabled parking places have been provided in Bidford High Street. Spaces have been earmarked outside the chemist, close to the doctors and the post office.

  • Don't let the rape stop you

    THESE walks don't always work out as planned, especially in the east of the county, which has more than its share of neglected and deliberately obstructed footpaths. This one is a case in point. The original plan for a Pershore-based exploration of Besford

  • 10/7/02 - City players put through paces for new season

    PREPARATIONS for Worcester City's forthcoming assault on the Dr Martens Premier Division got under way in earnest last night with a lengthy workout at Brickfields Park. Under the watchful eye of assistant manager Mick Tuohy the players, including a clutch

  • Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club - factfile

    Formed:1885 Directions: The Victoria Ground is situated on the north side of Bromsgrove on the Birmingham Road, which is off the A38 Bromsgrove by pass. The M5 and M42 join the A38 to the north of the town making it easy to get to the ground without having

  • Awards for officers in line of fire

    REDDITCH and Bromsgrove police officers who placed themselves in the line of fire when they confronted a gun-toting man have won the regional Police Bravery Award of the year. Pc Shaun Lewis and Pc Matthew Dyson scooped the prestigious accolade at a London

  • Book journey

    VISITORS to libraries in Bromsgrove, Catshill and Cofton Hackett are being challenged to try something different this summer. Readers can explore books they may not be familiar with by taking advantage of Off Route, a reading journey based on a travel

  • Store's grand opening

    AN established music centre in Bromsgrove, which has taught youngsters and adults alike over the years, has decided to branch out and open a new music store. The grand opening of the shop, Music For You, takes place in Worcester Road this weekend. The

  • Anyone for tennis coaching?

    WIMBLEDON may have finished but there is still plenty of opportunity for youngsters to get out and play tennis this summer. Bromsgrove District Council is aiming to set up a tennis development programme in the town as well as forge link with local tennis

  • What's on guide

    Thursday, July 11 Music: Three Blind Mice, The Robin, R n B Club 1, Brierley Hill, Merry Hill, 8pm. Poetry:Greta Stoddart, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. Friday, July 12 Music: Soul Survivors, The Robin, R n B Club 1, Brierley Hill, Merry Hill, 8pm

  • Cycling duo battle it out for personal pride

    MEDALS might have been missing for Bromsgrove Olympique Cycling Club's youth riders last weekend but there was still cause for celebration in Lichfield. Ross Dingley and Alex Billington were the top two riders for Olympique at the Curborough Sprint course

  • Golf team into semis

    BROMSGROVE Golf Club's 17-24 handicap team reached the semi-finals of the Birmingham and District 17-24 Vale and Robinson Trophy last Sunday with the narrowest of victories over rivals Redditch Kingfishers. Steve Hart's team reached the last four by virtue

  • Bumper gate

    MORE than 1,000 fans are expected to pack the Victoria Ground next week as Premiership new boys West Bromwich Albion roll into town. The Baggies are the star attraction of Rovers' pre-season programme and have promised to send a strong first XI for the

  • Making a cut in car crime

    THE long arm of Autoglass will go into action alongside police in a bid to reduce the number of cars stolen from Redditch and Bromsgrove. The company has teamed up with police to offer free security etching on the windows of cars and other vehicles at

  • Redditch a safe place to live?

    I AM amazed that Chief Superintendent Patsy Lord considers Redditch a safe place to live (Advertiser, July 3). In the past few weeks, I have witnessed several assaults or threats to members of the public, most of them in the town centre. My daughter's

  • It's a celebration of our evolution

    It's very sad to read some of your readers' accounts relating to the naming of Jinnah Road. This name was one of several debated by the democratically elected councillors of the borough. Your correspondence has clearly shown that despite all the efforts

  • History is rich with heroes

    I have tried to avoid (like many other residents, I'm sure) getting involved in 'publicising' the new road - Jinnah. However, so much is being said that I feel compelled to write about the need to recognise Scottish candidates. I would not normally attempt

  • Flouride is a waste product

    John Logan is more than a little mixed up about water (Letters, July 3). The fluoride which occurs naturally in drinking water is calcium fluoride. The stuff that is used to artificially fluoridate drinking water is not found naturally anywhere on the

  • People will still use their cars

    THE recent exercise by Councillor Thomas, with Alwyn Davies (Environment member) and Transport Manager Chris Pettifer, tested local bus services on Tuesday, June 25. Their reported findings were that buses were clean, on time and gave value for money.

  • Crucial thoughts for new Lychgate

    WHEN plans for the transformation of Worcester's controversial Lychgate Shopping Centre were unfurled before city councillors earlier this year, we were encouraged by their response. Councillor Ray Turner's view echoed that of many when he suggested "

  • Studley storm into top three

    STUDLEY CC's impressive season continued with a win in Saturday's top six tussle with Water Orton but skipper Mark Lewis said there was no danger of complacency creeping in. The weekend win hoisted the Washford Fields side to second in the table in an

  • "I'm just off out mum...."

    WINYATES Green biker Andy Burbidge has his sights set on next year's Isle of Man TT - providing he can persuade his mum to let him go! The famous old race was Burbidge's chief motivation for chasing his coveted National Licence and he finally earned the

  • Spitfire stormer

    REDDITCH property consultant John Truslove turned in a class winning display driving an ex-works Triumph Spitfire rounding the tight streets of Pau in France, just north of the Pyrenees. The Redditch race ace was making a return trip to Pau to partner

  • Enzo sits out Clios round

    OAKENSHAW ace Enzo Mucci has decided not to race at Croft in round seven of the Renault Clio Cup. Another frustrating season has forced the Redditch driver to train his sights on next season, where he wants to drive in the USA. He has not ruled out competing

  • Runner-up Rich

    JETSKIIER Andy Rich's hopes of winning the British Summer Series receded further at the weekend as arch rival Ray Purkiss won the Loch Ness round. With no sign of the veteran's registration forms days ahead of the round four meeting, Greenlands youngster

  • Tin Man back to sixth

    ANDY Tinsley returned to sixth in the Superstocks Series after an impressive sixth place at his least favourite track. 1999 was the last time the Astwood Bank ace returned from the Scottish Knockhill track without visiting Dunfermline Hospital but the

  • Waters booked

    THE following waters have been booked for this week by the Birmingham Anglers' Association. Saturday, July 13 River Avon at Avon Meadows; Welford; Cropthorne 7 to 9; Fladbury. River Severn at Brook Section 1 and 2; Hampton Loade B; Stanley 3 and 4; Arley

  • Protest may go to court

    CAMPAIGNERS opposing the erection of a mobile telephone mast near two Headless Cross schools may go to court to prevent it. Parents of children at Walkwood Middle and Vaynor First schools fear health risks from a mast which Hutchinson 3G Ltd wants to

  • Blues campaign delayed by caps

    BIRMINGHAM City Ladies' debut in top flight football could be delayed for three weeks because of international call-ups. Premier League rules allow clubs to cancel fixtures if two or more players are called up for international duty. England under 19s

  • Celebrity gardener flies in to boost funds

    A CELEBRITY gardening presenter will be taking to the skies to help a children's charity blossom. Chris Beardshaw, who presents BBC2's Flying Gardener series and often appears on Gardener's World, will fly to Webbs of Wychbold, near Droitwich by helicopter

  • Brass band raises funds

    ACORNS has found its coffers £1,000 better off thanks to a brass band concert arranged by the Rotary Club of Worcester Severn. Concert organisers, Allan Scraften and Chris Croft, are pictured blowing their own trumpets with BBC Hereford & Worcester

  • Show success sparks plans for riverside

    A TWO-week charity art exhibition has revealed a huge demand for a permanent display, the organiser has said. The show, organised by city artist Chas Perrett, has reaped more than £5,000 for Acorns Children's Hospice Trust. He is now calling for a full-time

  • 100 years ago

    July 12, 1902 The execution of Samuel Middleton for murdering his wife Hannah Middleton at Foxlydiate on May 10th has been definitely fixed for Tuesday next the 15th inst. At eight o'clock in Worcester Gaol. Billington will be executioner. Astwood Bank

  • 50 years ago

    July 12, 1952 The Rev WJ Wray, who has been minister of Redditch Congregational Church for the last 21 years, has handed in his resignation to Mr FG Heaphy the church secretary. In a letter to Mr Heaphy, Mr Wray says "after nearly 21 years of a warm and

  • 25 years ago

    July 8, 1977 REDDITCH'S Bordesley Meadows were the scene of a major event in European history recently - the routing of the French forces following the Battle of Waterloo. Capturing the effects of a fight to the death were 40 members of the Sabre Society

  • Joy and dismay at A435 news

    THERE has been mixed reaction to news that route Orders for a western Studley bypass will be lifted by Government. While Redditch residents were jubilant, those in Studley who have fought for years for a Western bypass expressed dismay. Last week, Transport

  • Residents not having a ball

    BATCHLEY residents are petitioning for ball games to be banned and parking to be reviewed at their cul-de-sac. Residents in Foxlydiate Crescent submitted a 12-name petition to Redditch Council. The executive committee deferred it to the Highways Partnership

  • Justice please!

    TWO residents met town MP Jacqui Smith in the lobby of the House of Commons to express concerns about the unfairness of world trade. Glenn Allison from Inkberrow and Jackie Morgan from Cookhill then joined thousands of others who had also come to London

  • Parking - new fears

    THE feasibility of introducing residents-only car parking schemes around the town centre is being investigated after concerns at an increasing problem. Easemore Road residents have complained about town centre workers parking in their road all day to

  • Bumper gate

    MORE than 1,000 fans are expected to pack the Victoria Ground next week as Premiership new boys West Bromwich Albion roll into town. The Baggies are the star attraction of Rovers' pre-season programme and have promised to send a strong first XI for the

  • League awards end of season honours

    FROM champions to goalscorers and from secretaries to referees, the Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger Football League has recognised them all in their end of season honours list. Despite Rubery Social's league and cup treble, the awards have gone to a variety

  • High Fives in shoot-out

    THERE was shoot-out success for Sedgeberrow First School's Year Three squad when they took part in a five-a-side tournament at Honeybourne. Pebworth, Littleton, Harvington and Offenham provided tough competition but it was the hosts school that provided

  • 24-hour tee

    Golfers can play over a 24-hour period at Redditch Council's Pitcher Oak golf club to raise money for Sports Relief. The event will start at 7am on Saturday and the course will be lit throughout. For details, call Julie or Neil at Pitcher Oak on 541054

  • "Brilliant" session pleases boss Mullen

    SEVERAL new faces were at Common Road on Tuesday night when Evesham United began preparations for the new Dr Martens League season. Former Nuneaton striker, Richard Purchase, Littleton goalkeeper Adam Moss and Darren Rodgers, who packed in the game two

  • Archer setting triple target

    SIMON Archer is targeting three gold medals after being called up to England's Commonwealth Games badminton squad. The 29-year-old, who won gold at the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur, takes his place in a 14-strong squad bound for Manchester. And the Worcester

  • City players put through paces for new season

    PREPARATIONS for Worcester City's forthcoming assault on the Dr Martens Premier Division got under way in earnest last night with a lengthy workout at Brickfields Park. Under the watchful eye of assistant manager Mick Tuohy the players, including a clutch

  • Neal looking to go from zero to hero

    MATT Neal may carry the number zero on his car - but he's out to end the season as number one in Britain's most popular motor racing series. The 35-year-old finds himself - much to his own surprise - leading the British Touring Car Championship midway

  • Songs on track to mark century

    THE Bakelite Boys bring their celebration of musical landmarks over the last century to Inkberrow this week. Pop Goes the Century features 100 songs from 100 years in 100 minutes, delving into the world of popular music to reconstruct the soundtrack to

  • Player call

    Studley Tigers under 10's football team require players for season 2002/2003. For further information call Steve Keeling on 529694.

  • What's On Guide

    Thursday, July 11 The Bakelite Boys: Pop Goes the Century, Bulls Head, Inkberrow. Until July 14. Tickets from 01386 792233. The Wheels On The Bus: Beep's Big Adventure, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Until July 13. Tickets from 0870 607 7544. Outlaw Theatre

  • Woods open

    The delights of Chaddesley Woods will be on offer to nature lovers from Redditch next Wednesday, from 7pm. The event is being organised by the town branch of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. For more details on this or other wildlife events, call group

  • A good sport

    Redditch Mayor Steve Wheeler will be attending Sports Relief Day at Arrow Vale Community Sports College. It is being held from 12.30-2.30pm on Friday.

  • Praise be!

    A summer fete and Songs of Praise takes place at the Church of the Holy Ascension in Mappleborough Green on Sunday. The event begins at 2pm and attractions include a barbecue, teas, stalls, games, dancing and music.

  • All keyed up

    The Redditch and Bromsgrove Keyboard Society will be presenting an evening of music by Claire Greig on Monday at the Foxlydiate Hotel from 8pm. Admission is £3.50.

  • Badsey juniors secure title win

    BADSEY Under-12s secured the Cotswold Hills League title on Sunday when they defeated North Cotswolds Young Cricketers in their two-legged play-off game. Badsey lost by 11 runs on the day but sealed victory over the two legs by 16 runs. After electing

  • Batsmen flop as Lord's hopes end

    ONLY an eighth wicket stand between Robin Churchman and John Hottinger that realised 57 runs saved Dumbleton from an embarrassing National Village Championship exit last Sunday. Dumbleton's batting crumbled in the face of some fine bowling from Shipton-under-Wychwood's

  • Teenager in holiday tragedy

    THE heartbroken family of a 19-year-old Bromsgrove youth are this week coming to terms with his sudden death while he was holidaying with friends on the popular island of Tenerife. Neal Squires, affectionately known as "Squid" and described by his workmates

  • Big Brother fear not on the cards

    THE Government's announcement that it wants us to carry identity cards holds no "Big Brother" terrors for most folk in Bromsgrove. Home Secretary David Blunkett has said he wants a six-month debate on the thorny issue before a final decision is made.

  • Head slams test culture

    THE headteacher of a top Bromsgrove school has slammed the Government for it's over emphasis on judging success through examination results and dishonest spin doctor culture. Tim Taylor, of Bromsgrove School, in Worcester Road, made the controversial

  • Teenager hit in face for £1

    POLICE are appealing for information after a 17-year-old Bromsgrove man was punched in the face and robbed for his mobile phone and a pound. The teenager was sat on a bench outside Blockbuster, in Market Place, when he was approached by two men just before

  • Against all the odds

    A TALENTED Bromsgrove dancer, who contracted pneumonia twice and suffers from epilepsy, has defied the odds to achieve her life-long ambition and take to the Birmingham stage. Twenty-seven year old Ruth Scott, of Lyttleton Avenue, Charford, will appear

  • Fears over safety

    WORRIED Rubery residents have been assured extra cash will be forthcoming for work on the busy A38 after responsibility for its maintenance changed hands. Worcestershire County Council took control of a 20 mile stretch of the road from the Highway's Agency

  • Party in the park

    A FUN-PACKED tea-party for youngsters and parents will be held in a popular Bromsgrove park this weekend in the name of charity. The National Childbirth Trust will hold its tea party, sponsored by Tetley, in Sanders Park, off Kidderminster Road, this

  • Detectives needed

    SUPER sleuths in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa with a keen eye for saving money are being called upon to become a daylight detective. Worcestershire County Council wants members of the public to give them a call if they spot any lamp post still illuminated

  • Baptist church is planning face-lift

    EXTRA support could soon be available for the town's homeless and the wider community if a Bromsgrove church can secure permission for an ambitious refurbishment. Bromsgrove Baptist Church wants to create a new disabled access and revamp its downstairs

  • World record attempt

    BROMSGROVE students are gearing up to take on the world in a bid to create the most efficient car on the planet. Hunters Hill School, in Spirehouse Lane, Blackwell, will attempt to break the world record for fuel economy at the Shell Eco-Marathon at Rockingham

  • Take a trip to treasure island

    ENTHUSIASTIC youngsters with a keen sense of adventure are needed to take part in an action-packed arts week. Bromsgrove District Council leisure chiefs are looking for children between the ages of five and 12 to take part in the scheme at the Spadesbourne

  • Caravan man is sent to jail

    A £4,000 caravan stolen from a field in Shropshire was spotted by police being towed along a road in Worcestershire two hours later. The police gave chase because they recognised that Martin Bradley, who was driving the towing vehicle, was disqualified

  • Life saving

    PARAMEDIC crews in Bromsgrove, Droitwich Spa and Rubery will soon carry a clot-busting heart drug which could prove a life saver for residents. Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service is piloting the thrombolotic drug in Kidderminster and plans to "roll

  • Subs set to rise

    MEMBERS of the Bromsgrove Society will have to pay a modest increase in their subs from June 1 next year, the first such rise since 1987. Treasurer John Rowlands told the society's annual meeting that overall their financial position is strong but rising

  • Bright spark to be immortalised in wood

    A BRIGHT spark who helped to light up the magnificent medieval Guesten Hall at Avoncroft Museum is to be immortalised in a hand carved wooden corbel set to adorn the restored roof. The official unveiling of a carved corbel of electrician John Richardson

  • Robinson on hat-trick trail

    JEREMY Robinson will be seeking a hat-trick of appearances in the Open at Muirfield when he tees off on Sunday morning for the first 18 holes of qualifying. The Evesham-based European Tour player last played at the Scottish course ten years ago, five

  • Canal to stage Sunday's Stillwater Series match

    Evesham Jubilee Society THERE will be a Stillwater Series match on the Parks section of the WDUAA Canal on Sunday. The draw is set to take place at 7am at High Step Bridge (peg 150) and any member uncertain of the venue should meet at Merstow Green at

  • Thank you one and all

    MAY I thank the many people who contributed to our collections at Tesco Warndon, which raised £960, Tesco St Peter's, where the figure was £1,196, and in Worcester City centre, when £981 was collected. The RNLI relies entirely on voluntary contributions

  • Similar, but worse

    I WOULD like to respond to D E Margrett's letter headlined "Excellent .. the time of the euro draws near". I wouldn't wish to enter into any in-depth discussions nor arguments regarding the pound/dollar/euro but only to advise him of his error in understanding

  • National Service a shock to the system

    TELEVISION'S Lads Army series was an interesting look back to National Service days. I caught a train from Scunthorpe en route for Blandford, where I was to begin a two-year stint in an REME uniform. The six weeks' basic training was a shock to the system

  • He's jetting into the unknown

    A KIND-HEARTED Spa man will be jetting into the unknown this month as a Christian volunteer in Argentina. Chris Fielding, of Birch Coppice, will be travelling to a small Argentinean town called Campo Quijano next Tuesday to offer help and support to townspeople

  • Wythall keep pressure on

    WYTHALL kept up the pressure on league leaders Arden Forest with a comprehensive win over basement boys Corley at the weekend. The Warwickshire League Division Four West leaders picked up 20 points in a win over Marconi but Wythall narrowed the gap by

  • Spa drugs mum gets 12 months

    A SPA mother has been jailed for 12 months after committing "a stream of offences beyond excuse" despite being given a chance to clean up her act. Jacqueline Burbridge was given a chance of a non-custodial penalty after admitting drug charges at the start

  • A Great season

    WHEN Great Alne Cricket Club took the drastic step of dropping three divisions down the Cotswold Hills League villagers would have been forgiven for thinking the team was living on borrowed time. Craig Millard's side took the radical decision after another

  • Guides launch an appeal fund

    GIRL Guides in Droitwich are launching an ambitious campaign to raise £100,000 to save their meeting place. The Guides, who meet at their headquarters in Acre Lane, are urging members of the public to help them with their mammoth task by supporting their

  • Miracle cat goes missing

    A STOW-AWAY cat, who survived an amazing bid for freedom when he travelled from Israel to England by boat in a container, has gone missing again - this time from his home in Droitwich Spa. The 18-month-old cat hit the national headlines last year when

  • Jones boost

    A WIN over Barnards Green at the weekend kept Alvechurch in the Worcester Three promotion hunt. Nick Jones' side are aiming for the second promotion spot behind runaway leaders Hereford City and boosted their cause with what proved to be a straightforward

  • Old boy set for return

    BROMSGROVE Rovers hope to name former Victoria Ground favourite Stewart Brighton as their latest signing today (Wednesday) in the run up to the new season. Brighton, who scored Rovers' first goal in the Conference back in 1992, is currently at Moor Green

  • Back to form

    ALCESTER'S results column returned to its perfect symmetry as Nick Chadbourne's side lost to lowly Ashton under Hill in an up and down season. The record reads won five, lost five after the visitors reached their 192 target for seven. The Ragley Park

  • Redditch CC target third

    REDDITCH captain Nev Mason claims his side are still in the hunt for third place despite a defeat at Stourbridge at the weekend. The visitors, who were still missing hamstring victim Chris Gibson, failed to build on a promising start as they chased a

  • Five Ways off course

    FIVE Ways Old Edwardians' championship hopes were dented at the weekend by a loss to Lyndworth. The state of the pitch prompted the visitors to complain to the league after a match which saw them fall 20 points behind leaders Bridge Trust in the title

  • Hill swing by Vine

    COOKHILL stayed within sight of the leaders after a winning draw over Vine. The Nevill Arms side posted a respectable 223-6 with Billy Harris (44) and Martin Welham (36no) leading the assault and after tight bowling from Simon Edmunds and Dave Whitehead

  • Bidford sinking

    REIGNING Premier Division champions Bidford look set to lose their top flight status in an ignominious defence of their title. The Crown Meadow side sank to a 72 run defeat to leaders Kineton to leave them anchored in the relegation zone. Ironically it

  • 50 years ago July 12, 1952

    BROMSGROVE Youth Organisation in New Road, looked set to be wound up and taken over by Worcestershire County Council after the founder, Major Ryland, had indicated that he intended to move away from the district. It was felt the facility would not be

  • 100 years ago July 12, 1902

    THE date for the execution of Samuel Middleton, who had been found guilty of murdering his wife at Foxlydiate, had been set for July 15 at Worcester Jail. He was reported to be indifferent and not appearing to dread the fate that awaited him. He had recently

  • Bowler gets his chance on the big stage

    A TEN-year-old Bromsgrove boy will grace the pitch at Lord's cricket ground this Saturday as he aims to be named the fastest U12s bowler in England. Off-spinner Michael Tomkinson, of Green Park Road, recorded a top speed of 46.3mph in the U12 category

  • Rovers fear no-one on path to success

    THE dust has barely settled on the World Cup and already we're talking about pre-season friendlies. But, like it or not, the new football season is just around the corner and if there's no football to watch, then the next best thing, surely, is to talk

  • Non-stop charity golf

    TWO golfers have raised the best part of £1,000 for charity by spending 12 hours playing at Bromsgrove Golf Club. Nathan Williams, of Worcester but formerly of All Saints Road, Bromsgrove, and friend Mark Powell, from Northfield, played three rounds at

  • Folk lovers

    FOLK music lovers will be hardly able to contain themselves when an annual music festival returns to town this weekend. Leading artists, musicians and dancers from all over the country will take part in this year's Bromsgrove Folk Festival at the Dodford

  • Singer's concert tour

    WHILE most girls will be thinking about the beach and boys this summer, one talented town teenager will also have TV appearances and international concert performances on her mind. Seventeen-year-old Katie Gardner, of Stourbridge Road, Fairfield, will

  • Will set for debut album

    THE glittering road to success is only a stone's throw away for one talented singer-song writer from Bromsgrove. Twenty-year-old Will Hunt, of Perryfields Road, will set off on a two-week tour, which commences in Camden, London, next month. But if that's

  • Roads to stay closed

    UNICORN Hill and Church Green West are to be permanently closed to cars as part of a major revamp of Redditch town centre. A £600,000 bid to the Department of Transport to redesign the whole of the town centre, including new pedestrian zones, has been

  • Riding high! Liam and Paul are stars

    A SIXTH wicket stand of 97 between Liam Ridings and Paul Bozward steered Per-shore to an unlikely Worces-tershire County League win over Hagley last Saturday. The home side had slumped to 60-6 in the chase for 156 but 17-year-old Ridings and and his partner

  • Boxes blooming for contest

    RESIDENTS of Redditch YMCA in Church Hill recently competed against each other to help keep the area's landscape blooming. The organisation revived its window box competition to brighten surroundings and help people nurture their green-fingered skills

  • End of the line for RCVS

    THE debt-ridden Redditch Council for Voluntary Service (RCVS) is to be wound up. At a meeting last week, members of the charity, which owed £50,000. agreed the move. They had been waiting since May to see if a further £5,000 could be found to pay for

  • Ashanti Ashanti

    Two star Expectations are a wonderful thing. After the smash hit Always On Time with hip hop artist Ja Rule, expectations were very high, even stratospheric for this wannabe rhythm and blues stroke hip hop diva, but this album brings you back to earth

  • Heathen Chemistry Oasis

    Three star One of the most eagerly awaited albums of the year doesn't quite live up to expectations. If this was the band's first offering instead of Definitely Maybe you might question whether they would have the mammoth following they do. Living up

  • Scary Movie 2 (18)

    Three star WITH plenty of laughs, risqu jokes and special effects, the Wayans brothers return with the second of this comedy/horror series. Despite being a sequel - i.e. something usually viewed with contempt and cries of 'they're never as good as the

  • Bonjour to all things French

    ENTENTE cordiale came to St Bede's Middle School when pupils held a French morning. School assembly included songs, prayers and plays in French while the hall became a French caf and pupils learnt to ask for a croissant and a drink in French. Some Year

  • Fete is such a big hoot

    INKBERROW First School rounded off its 150th anniversary celebrations in style with a fun-packed fete on Saturday. Activities included Soak The Teacher, Punch and Judy, clog and Morris dancers, music from the Redditch Area Wind Band and a bouncy castle

  • Rethink urged on store plan

    STUDLEY parish councillors are urging a rethink of plans for the village's new Pioneer store after the current proposal raised eyebrows among members. The council has submitted a list of suggestions to the Co-operative Group, which wants to demolish the

  • The sky's no limit!

    FREEfalling from 12,000ft might not sound like most people's idea of a good time but for one mum, it was the perfect opportunity. Ruth 'Daredevil' Hinks, from May Lane, in Hollywood, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1996 and to celebrate her 30th

  • Big opportunity

    A REDDITCH nursery will be making a big leap thanks to a £13,000 grant from the New Opportunities Fund. The cash will enable Little Sneakers Nursery to create eight new nursery places at its existing Bromsgrove Road premises. Part of the building will

  • Garden fund keeps on growing

    THE money is blossoming for Webheath First School's multi-sensory garden project. A total of £1,100 has so far been donated since May when the Redditch Advertiser reported the Downsell Road school had embarked on the scheme to coincide with the Queen's

  • Pupils are so bright

    REFLECTING on a very good road safety idea are pupils at a Redditch Middle school. About 200 Year 7 pupils at Walkwood Middle School made their own road safety clothing after lessons from Barbara Wood, Worcestershire County Council's assistant road safety

  • Cooking on gas!

    USERS of Redditch mental health day centre Orchard Place are embarking on a new catering scheme. The Seven Cooks Diner Catering Project aims to provide training and employment for people with mental health difficulties and improve their confidence and

  • It's show time!

    HOORAY for Hollywood - Primary School that is - as they get ready for an evening of dance, drama and music. Two events have been organised for both infants and juniors to show off their skills. Pupils will be delighting the crowds with their dynamic dancing

  • Fine display as Spa draw

    DROITWICH Spa CC First XI moved up to fifth place in Worcestershire County League division one with a winning draw at Chaddesley Corbett last Saturday. A fine all round performance from Spa, which saw Dave Scott-Walker hit 102 as his side posted 272-7

  • Heaviest loss of the season

    CUTNALL Green CC First XI's promotion challenge came unstuck in dramatic fashion last Saturday as they suffered their heaviest defeat of the season. Green crashed to a ten-wicket mauling at Hewell in Worcestershire County League division five but still

  • Boars seconds win in the wet

    BROMSGROVE CC Seconds moved into the second half of their season with a 56-run victory at Wroxeter and Uppington. The Boars batted first on a wet wicket and struggled to get off the mark. After 11 overs of stubborn resistance, Nash (11) departed to make

  • Green victorious in third Sunday match

    BARNT Green Sunday First XI recorded a 103-run home victory over Stourbridge in the Worcestershire Sunday League. In only their third Sunday League fixture of the season, following the club's national championship success, Green batted first on a dry

  • Unruly schoolchildren must be tackled now!

    DEAR EDITOR - I am simply a parent of children at a Middle School in Bromsgrove, who feels it is about time the county's education department and head teachers of schools woke up to unruly and disobedient children in our schools. As a parent who has had

  • Poor performance should not bring such rewards

    DEAR EDITOR - It beggars belief that Bromsgrove District Council - who were criticised in the Corporate Governance Audit Report for their poor performance, and who have been dragged screaming and shouting into putting their house in order - should have

  • Reforms are a necessity for our troubled public services

    DEAR EDITOR - Why does John A. Crean insult our intelligence? Was rail privatisation a "socialist five-year plan"? Or de-regulation of the buses? Which party was in power when six hospitals were closed in Bromsgrove? (Hill Top, Cottage, General, Royal

  • Helping to protect the starving

    DEAR EDITOR - May I, through your columns, thank all of those at Parkside School who over the past year, have raised £1,000 for Save the Children. This really is a remarkable achievement and we are so very grateful, as help is so desperately needed in

  • Marvel at the Mini at Marston raceway

    THE year old 'new' Mini is as popular as ever. Since the launch at the Oxford factory 12 months ago around 60,000 cars have been produced by BMW making it another banner year for the popular little car. Another milestone in its success is the tenth anniversary

  • Sunday fun day

    SUNDAY'S fourth family raceday at Stratford will again be sponsored by the Coventry Evening Telegraph. More free entertainment and attractions remain the centrepiece of the day. Skydivers, Sheep Dog and Falconry displays, Terrier racing and the Grand

  • Step down

    Marks & Spencer boss Luc Vandevelde is today expected to announce plans to step down from his full-time role.

  • Expansion

    Aviation services group BBA is to expand its hangar facilities at Luton Airport in response to demand for more secure aircraft storage space, it said.

  • Connells develops image

    CONNELLS has developed a more dynamic and modern corporate identity. The high street estate agents say the new image will reflect the diversity of its activities, such as lettings, land, survey and valuation, mortgage services and conveyancing. Ken Waller

  • Company claims top award

    LATEX manufacturer Polymerlatex is celebrating its achievement of Investor in People status. The company employs 70 people at its works in Stoke Prior, near Bromsgrove, and is undertaking a programme of continuous improvement in training and assessment

  • Centre opening

    A NEW David Lloyd fitness centre is set to open in Bromsgrove before the end of the summer. The £8m club, which is the 51st David Lloyd Leisure Club in the UK and Ireland, is due to open on August 27. Work on the project has been ongoing in recent months

  • A good year for charity

    AN Evesham charity which collects furniture from Redditch to be recycled among needy households has had a successful year. Roundabout collected and distributed items with a retail replacement value of more than £189,000. For more details about the service

  • Nurseries add ideas to menu

    POPULAR Worcestershire children's nurseries have added a raft of extra activities to the day which are designed to make life easier for parents. Hairdressing, language and music lessons, dance, movement and PE and aromatherapy, along with story-telling

  • Flying the flags for the games

    STUDLEY and Alcester District Guides celebrated the forthcoming Commonwealth Games with 'The Spirit of the Games' district event at Studley Sports Centre. More than 100 girls from Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Ranger Guides from Studley, Alcester, Great

  • Guides call

    Former 1st Winyates Guides are being called to say farewell to three leaders who have dedicated a total of 42 years to the organisation. Helle Charles, Maggie Troth and Lyn Molnar are zipping up their tents for the last time. The trio will have their

  • Chemists rota

    REDDITCH town centre rota chemist is Carrington and Turner, Church Green West, open every day except Saturday and Sunday until 7pm. Knights Chemist, Evesham Road, Crabbs Cross, is open every Sunday between 10am-1pm and between 6-7pm. Foxlydiate Chemist

  • Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

    WORCESTERSHIRE Wildlife Trust invited Redditch families to play nature detectives at Alders Nature Reserve during a 'Discovery Day' on Sunday. Visitors went for a ramble through marshland, streamside woodland and meadows, watching the butterflies, birds

  • Redditch Choral Society

    AFTER a busy but enjoyable year, the society is planning to end the current session by holding a slide show entitled 'Up the Amazon'. This will be held at the Methodist Church Hall in Alcester Street on Wednesday, July 17, at 8pm. Entry is by ticket,

  • Friends of Coughton Court

    IN June, Julian Foord, curator of Harvington Hall, spoke about the Hall, which is situated near Kidderminster in Worcestershire. The first Harvington was a 13th century hall built on a man-made island within a series of ponds, which fed into a moat. It

  • ALL CHANGE AT THE LYCHGATE

    WORCESTER shopping is to undergo a multi-million pound development, but it will mean the end of one of the city's most famous stores. The owners of the Lychgate Shopping Centre this morning announced plans for a major redevelopment which will create six

  • Tragedy pool is closed

    THE schoolboy who died in a fishing accident near Worcester has been named as Christopher Whitehead High School pupil Nathan Spiers. Staff at the school said they were doing all they could to help pupils cope with the tragedy. Fourteen-year-old Nathan

  • Man charged with 17 offences at boys home

    AN Evesham man has appeared before magistrates charged with 17 offences of cruelty to children at a residential home for boys. Michael Quinlan, aged 62, made his first appearance in front of Gloucester magistrates yesterday relating to alleged offences

  • Arrests increase

    THE number of people being prosecuted for buying stolen goods has rocketed since the introduction of a new police initiative. We Don't Buy Crime, which targets counterfeit trading, was publicly launched in Kidderminster in May. In the first two months

  • Deb's a delight

    Bretforton 3, Badsey 1 THE opening game of the Summer League was a rain soaked affair with the first half was competitively fought with both teams on the attack. However, with good passing from Bobbie Handley in defence through the midfield and into attack

  • Boy, 16, killed in car collision

    A SIXTEEN-year-old boy was killed after he was in collision with a car late last night. The teenager and another pedestrian were in collision with the car and were taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital. The collision happened between the Ombersley Golf

  • Husband in blaze threat

    A KIDDERMINSTER man has been acting "bizarrely" since he made an attack on his wife, his barrister told Worcester crown court. On one occasion, 49-year-old Robert Waldron poured petrol over the living room carpet and threatened to set fire to their home

  • It's rock and stroll

    GEOLOGY trails will be set up across Worcestershire and Herefordshire thanks to a £96,000 Lottery grant. The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust hopes to use the money to set up 20 new trails throughout the two counties to highlight

  • Pointing the way to neater streets

    BANISHING litter, painting signs, pulling down flyposters and repairing benches are just some of the jobs a "Mr Fixit" is tackling in Hereford. To make sure those areas don't get overlooked, Herefordshire Council, the Hereford City Partnership and Hereford

  • Cottage

    AN old cottage in the grounds of Lilac Cottage, at Camp Lane, Shelsley Beauchamp, must be demolished, after planning permission for its partial removal was refused. The original planning permission for a new cottage required the existing dwelling and

  • Pro-hunt protest goes to capital

    MANY of Worcestershire's hunting supporters were taking to the streets of London on horseback today to protest against proposals to ban the sport. The Union of Country Sports Workers gathered at Hyde Park Corner to ride through Piccadilly, the Haymarket

  • Drunk war being won

    DESPERATE pleas by residents in a troubled area of Alcester have been answered by police. Residents in the Gas House Lane area have been calling for months for something to be done about drunken troublemakers on weekend evenings. Cars and property have

  • One to wonder

    IT was game, set and match for pupils at Alcester Grammar School as they got mobile to improve their business skills and knowledge. Last week, the students took part in a topical business simulation run by Warwickshire Education Business Partnership and

  • Play area needs footpath funds

    THE Salford Priors Parish Council Playground Action Group has made a further request for district council cash to help enhance a play area. The group wants £3,000 towards constructing a footpath to link the scout hut, youth club and play area and to form

  • Praise lavished on action group

    THE Advantage Alcester committee has been praised by Stratford District Council for its commitment and determination to raise the standard of living in the town. In a report going to the district's Arden Area Community Committee, officers said the project

  • 10/7/02 - Kabir and Batty are called up

    WORCESTERSHIRE paceman Kabir Ali and spinner Gareth Batty have been included by England in a 20-man provisional squad which will form the nucleus of players due to go to the Academy in Australia this winter. Every player on the list will be filmed in

  • Bobby to retire

    CONCERNS are growing over policing and escalating vandalism in Bidford. The sole officer, in a village which used to have two bobbies, is set to retire. District councillors have called for a meeting with Stratford Sector Commander Chief Insp Mike Slemensek

  • 10/7/02 - Hadley ruled out of training

    STRIKER Stewart Hadley has been ruled out of Worcester City's early pre-season training programme as he undergoes further treatment on his Achilles. However the 28-year-old is on course to be fit for the start of the new campaign and admits he is raring

  • Patrols back on the buses

    UNIFORMED and non-uniformed police officers will travel on buses for the second time in 15 months after an attack on a bus driver. The move follows the assault which happened at about 11pm last Thursday when a gang of five youths forced a bus to stop

  • Debut novel for TV writer

    A TALENTED author from a village near Bromsgrove who has turned her hand from script to novel writing is poised to become the next Jilly Cooper. Veronica Henry, a scriptwriter for many of TV's most popular soaps and dramas, including The Archers and Heartbeat

  • Pub raid fruitless

    Intruders escaped empty-handed when they broke into a Mappleborough Green pub in the early hours of Monday, July 1. Police are now studying CCTV footage of the attempted theft, which happened just before 1.30am at the Dog Inn, Henley Road. It is believed

  • Sweets clue

    Police followed a trail of sweets after a break-in at a Headless Cross newsagents in the early hours of last Monday. A burglar alarm at Stars, in Evesham Road, alerted officers and when they got there, they followed the trail to Highfield Road.

  • Rovers fear no-one on path to success

    THE dust has barely settled on the World Cup and already we're talking about pre-season friendlies. But, like it or not, the new football season is just around the corner and if there's no football to watch, then the next best thing, surely, is to talk

  • Mystery two foiled robber

    A judge has praised two men who chased and caught a robber after he targeted a pensioner in Redditch town centre. Warren Shuck grabbed 73-year-old Rita McGivern's bag but she began shouting loudly as he tried to flee. Two men who heard her cries stopped

  • Rovers great joins Spartak

    FORMER Bromsgrove Rovers favourite Recky Carter has joined Barnt Green Spartak on a two-year deal. Carter, aged 30, joins the Midland Combination division two side as a striker but will also help manager GJ Singh and coach Frank Kreamer run the team.

  • Raiders grab goods and cash from town church

    THIEVES broke into a Redditch church and stole electrical items and money from the vestry. More than £5,000-worth of equipment was taken in the raid on St Peter's Church, Matchborough, sometime during the night of Tuesday, July 2. Along with the two sound

  • Let's meet to discuss issue

    MY earlier letter (Advertiser, June 26) focused on the injustice of 'medicating' individuals without their consent. Mr Logan's is about other aspects, which need response. He is quite right that we need minerals in our diet; he probably knows that our

  • 'You were young once'

    I WOULD like to express my disgust at the treatment of skateboarders in Alvechurch. Several children aged 13-14 have taken a strong interest in this sport. The only skate ramp that was available to them was removed by adults who deemed it too much of

  • Still alive and kicking!

    HELLO, this is Councillor Cyril Springall - very much alive and active, regarding Mr Don Vincent's letter (Advertiser, July 3). Having recently visited Mr Vincent, remembering him from my pre-election campaign, a man who is not afraid to speak his mind

  • Letter from Westminster

    Unemployment is falling in the West Midlands and across the UK. In Redditch, there are growing opportunities for those who want to work. This week I will be officially launching work on a new office complex in Ravensbank. The developers are predicting

  • Hodgetts' F1 talks

    FORMULA 3 hopeful Stefan Hodgetts is attracting attention after an explosive drive at the weekend. The Headless Cross ace finished 14th after a disastrous start to the weekend in qualifying and spoke to representatives from two of the watching F1 teams

  • Barry left to sit out race

    WYTHALL speedster Barry Pearson spent a frustrating weekend on antibiotics instead of competing in round five of the VW Vento Championship at Brands Hatch. Veteran Pearson was all set for the latest round of the Ventos and had been offered a drive in

  • Arrows hit

    STUMBLING Redditch Arrows sank to a shock home defeat to Northern Conference Division One whipping boys Lancashire Wolverines at the weekend to leave them facing relegation. The Kings Norton RFC tenants are teetering on the brink of relegation from Britain's

  • A true fete accompli!

    THE Alexandra Hospital's League of Friends is to buy two special beds for the orthopaedic and trauma wards after the success of this year's fete. Members hoped to raise £10,000 for the beds, which will enable staff to make seriously ill patients more

  • On song for Acorns

    GREAT Witley Operatic Society singers are busy hitting the right notes in preparation for two concerts this weekend. Golden Memories features songs performed by the society over the past 50 years and will raise money for Acorns Children's Hospice. Music

  • Grand day on the course

    GOLFERS throughout Worcester got into the swing of things for a charity match to raise cash for Acorns. More than 70 members of Worcester Golf and Country Club took part in last month's charity captains day at Boughton Park in St John's, and raised £1,200

  • Complex cash boost

    AN extra £70,000 has been pumped into the preparation work for a £40 million sports, leisure and entertainment complex on the site of Abbey Stadium. Redditch Council is to inject the money on top of £300,000 which has already been allocated for legal

  • Call to change routes

    People are considering giving up their jobs in the town centre because of a 'ridiculous' bus service, a Redditch councillor has claimed. A popular route was axed by the town's main bus operator First Midland Red last year - leading to scores of complaints

  • On the road again

    THE county Playbus will be driving services back to Redditch on Friday. After the success of last year's round trip, Worcestershire County Council's Playbus will return to the town hall, Alcester Street, from 10.30am-3pm. The bus offers advice and information

  • County courses to help junior team managers

    THE Worcestershire FA is staging several courses for junior team managers later this month. Course One takes place on Saturdays, July 20 and 27 between 9am and 3.30pm and is aimed at coaching, child protection and first aid and takes place at Brintons

  • 'Bish' break up

    THE players and committee of Bishampton United FC have made the sad decision to disband after 58 years in the local leagues. It is the intention to hold a final presentation evening, hopefully in October. Former players and committee members wishing to

  • "Brilliant" session pleases boss Mullen

    SEVERAL new faces were at Common Road on Tuesday night when Evesham United began preparations for the new Dr Martens League season. Former Nuneaton striker, Richard Purchase, Littleton goalkeeper Adam Moss and Darren Rodgers, who packed in the game two

  • Brain reveals RFU threats

    JOHN Brain has revealed that Worcester Rugby Club had little choice but to let Tony Windo tour Chile. The Sixways director of rugby welcomed back the loose-head prop last week following his return from South America where he captained an England Counties

  • Kabir and Batty are called up

    WORCESTERSHIRE paceman Kabir Ali and spinner Gareth Batty have been included by England in a 20-man provisional squad which will form the nucleus of players due to go to the Academy in Australia this winter. Every player on the list will be filmed in

  • Hadley ruled out of training

    STRIKER Stewart Hadley has been ruled out of Worcester City's early pre-season training programme as he undergoes further treatment on his Achilles. However the 28-year-old is on course to be fit for the start of the new campaign and admits he is raring

  • Brave Saints suffer defeat

    A WEAKENED Worcestershire Saints put up a brave but ultimately futile performance as they suffered a 62-26 defeat at the hands of Gloucester Warriors. Already without five players from last week's clash with the Hemel Stags, Worcestershire were soon further

  • Hereford lift Wood Power Trophy

    THE annual match for the Wood Power Trophy saw the Hereford Cricket League defeat the Worcester Evening League by 19 runs. Hereford scored 151-5 with L Jams scoring 50, A Mawdsley 24, Walker 19 and A Jones 18. Brian Howorth took 4-40 and James Wagstaff

  • Blair bitch in thriller

    A NAILBITING thriller which was a huge success two decades ago when it was first produced in the West End comes to Malvern Theatres this month. Who Killed 'Agatha' Christie? runs at Festival Theatre from Monday, July 22, until Saturday, July 27. John

  • Trio join Coppelia

    THREE young dancers from the area will be performing in the English Youth Ballet's forthcoming production of Coppelia at Nottingham's Theatre Royal this month. Xena McCaffrey, 13, Hannah Calvert, 12, and Amelia Coles, 11, all train with the Rutleigh Norris

  • Bromsgrove Rovers fixtures and results 2002/2003

    HOME, away (Dr Martens Western fixtures unless stated) Sat Aug 17 Racing Club Warwick Tue Aug 20 BEDWORTH UNITED Sat Aug 24 SHEPSHED DYNAMO Mon Aug 26 Rugby United Sat Aug 31 Barwell (FA Cup Preliminary Round) Sat Sep 07 CLEVEDON TOWN Tue Sep 10 Rocester

  • Join the fun

    Residents with a love for singing can join a popular Redditch group which meets every week in Southcrest. The Bel Canto Singers meet in the Polish Club in Oakley Road on Mondays from 7.30pm. New members are always welcome.

  • Time to paint

    Painters wishing to develop their skills can take part in an art class organised by Redditch Age Concern on Tuesdays from 11.30am-1.30pm. The class takes place in Community House, Easemore Road, and also offers the participants a chance to indulge in

  • Fayre fun day

    Stalls and sideshows are included in a Summer Fayre in and around St Luke's Memorial Hall. The event takes place at the Headless Cross venue, from 2-4pm on Sunday, July 21. Attractions include tombola, home-made cakes, raffles, bric-a-brac, books, toys

  • Moot meeting date

    THE Redditch Pagan Moot meets on the first Wednesday of the month in the upstairs room of the Sportsmans Arms in the town centre. Details, on 545560 or e-mail ALPHA-ONE@ic24.net.

  • Bishop due for service

    Holy Baptism and Confirmation by the Bishop of Dudley take place at St Bartholomew's Church, Tardebigge, next week. The Rt Rev David Walker is making a special visit to the parish for the service, which is due to begin at 7.30pm, on Wednesday, July 17

  • McCarthy reads at festival

    BEST selling author Pete McCarthy will be reading from his new book The Road To McCarthy tonight (July 10) as part of the Worcester Fringe Festival. This will be the first date in Mr McCarthy's tour since his new book went on sale on Thursday, July 4.

  • Title chances suffer setback

    EVESHAM'S promotion hopes received another setback last Saturday when they lost to Stourport by 47 runs. The Avon Street side still top Division Two of the Worcestershire League but they must make a swift return to winning ways at third in the table Feckenham

  • Riding high! Liam and Paul are stars

    A SIXTH wicket stand of 97 between Liam Ridings and Paul Bozward steered Per-shore to an unlikely Worces-tershire County League win over Hagley last Saturday. The home side had slumped to 60-6 in the chase for 156 but 17-year-old Ridings and and his partner

  • Winchcombe winners as top two take a tumble

    DEFEATS for the top two in Division Four of the Cotswold Hills League, sponsored by Readers and John Shepherd Estate Agents, allowed Winchcombe to leapfrog into top spot. Bidford lost out by three wickets to visitors Kineton while Twyning saw their total

  • Appeal for missing man

    A DISTRESSED Bromsgrove mother-of-two has made an impassioned plea through the police for the safe return of her missing husband. Twenty-nine-year-old Dan-iel Pugh, of Breakback Road, mysteriously disappeared after leaving the Turks Head pub, in Worcester

  • Red, white and blue

    ALL American smiles were on the faces of supermarket staff in Bromsgrove when they decorated the store in stars and stripes to celebrate Independence Day. ASDA, in Market Street, offered shoppers samples of American goodies including muffins, southern

  • Appeal over town attack

    BROMSGROVE police are appealing for information following an incident when three men were attacked in the town centre. The men, in their early 20s, were walking along Bromsgrove High Street with a female friend on Monday July 1 at about 11.10pm when they

  • Walk this way to sculpture

    LEISURE chiefs hope a new sculpture being unveiled in a Bromsgrove park today (Wednesday) will inspire residents to try new walking paths. The figure, due to be erected in Sanders Park, off Kidderminster Road, aims to encourage people to put both feet

  • Students bring history to life at museum

    YOUNG Bromsgrove children breathed life into bygone skills when they took lessons at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings. Pupils from Catshill Middle School were among those from five schools which took part in a ten-week course at the Stoke Heath

  • The best buildings in town

    TWO new buildings at Bromsgrove School have won prestigious awards for their architectural design and suitability. They were among a record 13 entries submitted for the Bromsgrove Society 2002 Awards which are given to highlight achievement in good design

  • Modern estates under fire . . .

    DEVELOPERS currently building the large housing estates in Bromsgrove came under fire from Bromsgrove Society president, retired architect Graham Reddie, after he had announced the architectural awards winners. He said it was significant not one had entered

  • A sign of welcome

    A SCENE showing a colourful Bromsgrove High Street, painted by a talented Midlands artist, will feature on a sign to welcome visitors on a main road approach to the town. The five-foot high wooden framed sign, on top of a seven-foot tall single oak post

  • Cash booster

    BUILDERS and decorators are gearing up for hard toil at a busy community centre in Rubery. The village youth and community centre scooped around £10,000 to improve its building and facilities. The New Road centre is owned and managed by the Worcestershire

  • Furniture nightmare

    AN angry Marlbrook resident has reached the end of her tether after a furniture store refused to give her a refund for a damaged wall cabinet. Sharon Wren, of Birmingham Road, says she has been brought to tears after talking to staff from Cousins Furniture

  • The gift of the gab

    TALENTED youngsters from a Rubery school proved they had the gift of the gab when they took part in a spoken English competition. Every child from Beaconside First and Middle School in Hazel Road had the chance to take part in the contest, which took

  • Horse hit by lorry in lane

    AN angry Stoke Prior resident has lashed out at inconsiderate lorry drivers after her horse was injured while she was riding in a village lane. Elizabeth Biggs, of Cloverdale, was riding in Shaw Lane when, she claims, an articulated lorry shunted into

  • Thousands in the dark

    MORE than 2,000 homes in the north of Bromsgrove were without electricity early yesterday (Tuesday) morning. A fault in an underground cable at 6.14am affected 2,264 premises in High Street and the Norton areas. A spokeswoman for Midland electricity company

  • Classroom nightmare

    STANDARDS of discipline in Bromsgrove middle schools have been slammed by a father who claims his ten-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted by classmates. The angry parent says well-behaved students are plagued by bullies and unruly children and he

  • Teens car boot sale

    TWO teenagers are holding a car boot sale in Barnt Green this weekend to raise money for their community work. Daniel Salmon and Sami Namih, who are both members of the village's St Andrew's Church, in Sandhills Road, have organised the event at St Andrew's

  • Television stardom beckons

    TELEVISION stardom beckons for pupils at a Blackwell school who are helping producers film a popular children's programme. ITV is making a new series about Ripley and Scuff and Linthurst First School, in St Catherine's Road, will provide a backdrop for

  • Churchgoers are urged to get moving

    CHURCHGOERS in Bromsgrove are being urged to hop onto their bikes or into their cars and help give back something to a charity which has given generously to a town church. Families in Bromsgrove and the surrounding villages are being urged to take part

  • Coveted awards

    A CHILDMINDER and an out-of-school club from Bromsgrove have won awards for breaking through the boundaries of childcare provision. Judith McCrossan, of Kidderminster Road, who cares for six children at her home and is chairman of a Bromsgrove childminders

  • Family's moving misery

    A CATSHILL family experienced a 'house move from hell' when they were abandoned at the eleventh hour by a Bromsgrove removal firm. Patrick and Hilary Hopkins wanted to move just one mile but they never dreamed it would prove so difficult until they hired

  • High-flying Mike is new town priest

    THE curate of the town's St John's Church, the Rev Michael Rogers, has been ordained as a priest by the Bishop of Worcester at a special service. Mr Rogers, a married father of two grown-up children, was one of six deacons and six priests who were ordained

  • A reminder for the councillor

    REGARDING the reports (Evening News, July 3) from Warndon Parish Council, and the comments from county councillor John Buckley, could I remind him that it was his colleagues on the previous ruling Labour city council who agreed to the parking requirements

  • ... a trip upon your magic swirlin' ship

    REGARDING John Phillpott's music review (Evening News, Page 2, July 1) in August, 1965 I was in the "Bin". This perhaps explains why I hadn't, until now, heard of pop group The Byrds. But I do know the song Mr Tambourine Man - I've got it somewhere on

  • Why there must be action over the misuse of airguns

    THE problem of dangerous and anti-social airgun use is one that seriously threatens the health and safety of people, animals and property throughout the UK. I am involved in a campaign to adopt further restrictions on the use of airguns. This would involve

  • It's PM who needs rational influence

    POP star George Michael thinks that our Prime Minister ought to be a "calming and rational influence" on President Bush (Teabreak, July 2). Is it not Blair who needs a rational influence when he believes that there can be a peaceful and democratic settlement

  • 10/7/02 Swindon the first test

    STOURPORT Swifts begin their Dr Martens League Western Division campaign with a trip to Swindon Supermarine on Saturday, August 17. And Swifts have some long-awaited derbies against Worcestershire rivals to look forward to. They head to Redditch on Monday

  • It all adds up for maths buffs

    MATHS buffs at a Spa school found their talent added up to success when they received some of the highest results in a national challenge that the school has ever got. Thirty-nine pupils from Witton Middle School, in Old Coach Road, entered the UK Junior

  • Meet some real-life heroes

    FIRES will be blazing and sirens will be screaming when Droitwich Spa fire station holds its annual open day. Trips around the town in a fire engine and demonstrations of real-life house fires and road traffic accidents will be just some of the attractions

  • Into the future

    A SPA school has launched itself into the 21st century with a brand new computer suite, which has all of the latest equipment. More than 400 pupils at Chawson First School, in Wyche Road, will benefit from the new state-of-the-art computer suite, which

  • Cash boost could help skateboarders

    SPA skateboarders could get a welcomed boost if an application for extra funding for the town's adventure playground is successful. Following a recent meeting of the Droitwich Spa Safety Strategy Group, it was suggested that temporary funding was given

  • Millers aim high

    FECKENHAM could go top at the weekend with a win in their top of the table clash against leaders Evesham. The Mill Lane side beat lowly Martley by 12 runs at the weekend and sit 13 points behind the leaders ahead of Saturday's home clash (2pm start).

  • It's a dream come true

    HE may not be able to devote every day to his new role but there's nothing part-time about Spa man, Peter Tibke. Mr Tibke will swap his business suit for deacon's clothes when he is not balancing the books at a busy firm of solicitors. The finance manager

  • Perfect...nine

    GREAT Alne stayed on course for Division Five of the Cotswold Hills League as they extended their perfect season to nine matches. Relegation-threatened Elmley Castle II were the latest victims of Craig Millard's rampant side. And in a bumper weekend for