A FIREFIGHTER and his colleague's son have been killed in a horrific motorbike smash near Malvern. Kevin Taylor, a retained firefighter at Malvern Fire Station, and his pillion passenger Mark Hitchins, son of leading retained firefighter John Hitchins
WORCESTER City Football Club's proposed move to a new Nunnery Way stadium has moved a step closer following meetings between the council and local landowners. The talks were arranged to secure a series of crucial reports requested by the city council
POLICE were today investigating a possible arson attack on a Worcester mental health centre which is undergoing a £1.2m refurbishment. Three crews were scrambled to the Studdert Kennedy Day Centre, in City Walls Road, after smoke was seen billowing from
BORED youngsters can look forward to a summer of fun in Worcester. The city council has announced its annual Summer in the City programme packed with sports, arts, crafts, trips out, wildlife, live theatre and music. Worcester Garden Centre, in Droitwich
PARENTS of three autistic children are threatening to teach them at home if school places are not found for them in Worcester. The three families have vowed to take action after being told their four and five-year-olds will have to travel to Redditch
THE Worcester branch of an organisation to help people with epilepsy could be re-launched. A meeting has been organised to revive Epilepsy Action Worcester Branch after the interest shown at an advice and information day at the Guildhall in March. Anyone
A LORRY swerved violently across a busy Worcester road before ploughing through 60ft of car showroom wall. Miraculously, no other drivers or pedestrians were injured as the orange and black skip loader lorry veered off the A38 Bromyard Road this morning
'STEP and fetch its' was how Ian Botham used to dismissively refer to spinners. I don't think he would be quite so cavalier in attitude or approach if confronted with Warne, Saqlain or Muralitharan. Yet quality English spinners remain few and far between
AN UNBEATEN 54 from Ben Smith steered Worcestershire Royals to a five-wicket win over Kent Spitfires at Canterbury and lifted them four points clear at the top of the Norwich Union League Division One. The Royals passed Kent's target of 225 with 12 balls
WORCESTERSHIRE moved up to second place in the Frizzell County Championship Division Two table with an eight-wicket win over Essex at Southend. Essex's lower order provided stubborn resistance to prolong the action. But Philip Weston and Ben Smith ensured
PATIENTS who are violent or abusive to county hospital staff risk being banned under tough new rules. The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is planning on introducing a "red card" policy, in which patients who are persistently violent or abusive
SHOPKEEPERS and the public are still angry that their battle failed to stop Tesco building a mini-mart on London Road. Work has begun on the Tesco Express outlet and should be completed at the start of October. But newsagent Bill Brooks - whose business
LORRY drivers are gearing up to protest at a pedestrian island near the site of a fatal road crash. Truckers are on standby to do a drive-slow through Beckford, to draw attention to the island on the A46 Cheltenham Road, which was highlighted when a juggernaut
The body of a man pulled out of the River Avon between Pershore and Evesham has been named as pensioner Roger Parker-Hall. The 66-year-old from Sally Close, Wickhamford, was found floating in the river at Wood Norton, last Friday.
SOMEWHERE, in the recesses of a Government building, or contained within rows of filing cabinets in a cavernous storehouse, there lies concealed the corporal punishment book from my old school. I cannot be sure, of course. There is always the possibility
IN its current state it might look a bit drafty, but the bidding was expected to become red hot today, when an old oak-framed barn comes up for auction at Grimley, the riverside village just outside Worcester. The late 19th Century building, raised off
HEREFORD polevaulter Irie Hill has gone a long way to achieving her double aim for the summer and qualify for both the European Championships and Commonwealth Games. At the AAA Championships in Birmingham, which doubled as the European trials, Hill cleared
THE new multi-million pound Sky Sports television deal is set to net Kidderminster Harriers a whopping six-figure cash bonanza over the next year. It is believed Harriers will make just short of £200,000 in a series of instalments before the start of
PLANS to build a 'local centre' at a Bromsgrove housing estate have been dropped. Marshgate Developments wanted to build a convenience store, two retail premises, a flat and a children's nursery in Regents Park Road, The Oakalls. Plans were submitted
AN UNBEATEN 54 from Ben Smith steered Worcestershire Royals to a five-wicket win over Kent Spitfires at Canterbury and lifted them four points clear at the top of the Norwich Union League Division One. The Royals passed Kent's target of 225 with 12 balls
WHY all the fuss regarding Prince Charles and Camilla? They should be allowed to marry and the Prince could then make a honest woman of her. We all know they are having an affair and have been for years. Prince Charles should have married Camilla long
HAVING recently sat in the trauma clinic at our new hospital for more than three-and-half hours, it gave me plenty of time to ponder on the thinking behind the design. Sitting there in the waiting room, I was struck by the realisation that there are no
COLOURFUL times half-a-century ago amid the former closely-knit riverside community of houses, shops, pubs, lodging houses, scrapyards and warehouses of Worcester's Quay Street area are fondly remembered by Robert Wardell. His stepfather, Bill Redman,
FREEMASONS in the Vale of Evesham are opening their doors to the public in a bid to clarify some of the misconceptions about the fraternity. They are joining Freemasons from across the country hoping to make local communities aware of what Freemasonry
First Marks play & arts activity programme at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, for children aged 0-2. To find out more or to book a place, telephone 01905 25371. Summer Fun at the Commandery, every weekend from
Elgar & Royalty Exhibition at The Elgar Birthplace Museum, Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath, Worcester, from April 23 to October 31. Celebrating Worcester's Royal Connections Exhibition at The Elgar Birthplace Museum, Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath
BACK in the distant month of March, Mike Foster's Westminster office was asked to offer plot advice to The Archers. A rural crisis was on the horizon in the fictional town of Ambridge, and the Radio Four show's producers wanted to know how Mike would
A SENIOR valuer has been appointed to a Worcestershire company. Jane Cameron has joined John Goodwin, a chartered surveyor, auctioneer, valuer and estate agent, with offices in Ledbury, Malvern, Colwall and Upton-upon-Severn. Secretary She was a founding
DOZENS of new jobs have been created by an ambitious pub refurbishment in Stourport-upon-Severn. The Brinton Arms in Bewdley Road opened on Tuesday with 32 staff, following a two-month transformation which cost £500,000. Previously, the pub had just four
A LONG-SERVING Worcester hostel worker has received an award from West Mercia Probation. Carol Crouch was given a West Mercia Probation award in recognition of serving for 35 years at Braley House hostel on Ombersley Road. The award was handed out as
HIGH-profile reports claiming vitamin pills are "useless" have been condemned by a Worcestershire company which supplies local, national and international markets. Research carried out at Oxford University made headlines in the Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph
SUMMER camps to help relieve the stress of the school holidays will be taking place in Worcester. University College Worcester has organised a number of them for children across the age groups under its Sports Centre Children's Summer Activity Programme
CHILDREN at a Worcestershire school celebrated a French national holiday to help develop their language skills. Year 7 pupils at The Chantry High School in Martley held a French picnic in honour of Bastille Day. The picnic on Friday, July 12, included
PROTESTERS fighting plans to house asylum seekers in Throckmorton will have their voices heard. The Government made the pledge in a "telling" written Parliamentary answer to west Worcestershire Tory MP Sir Michael Spicer, who had pressed the Deputy Prime
THE teenage pedestrian who died after being in collision with a lorry on the Droitwich bypass has been named. Joshua Simpson, aged 13, was killed in the smash near Homebase at lunchtime on Wednesday, July 10. Ambulance crews rushed to the scene, on the
PART of a massive antique collection built up by a veteran Worcestershire dealer is being auctioned in a two-day sale in Cheltenham. Peter Keil died in a road accident last November outside his home in Broadway. Now much of the stock of his famous antiques
The funeral of a stag night reveller who died after falling through a Worcester market roof is being held tomorrow. Family and friends will pack Five Ways Methodist Church, Lower Gornal, near Dudley, for the funeral of Tom Wilkes, from Sedgley. The 21
A WORCESTER pensioner is fighting a losing battle with a 10ft monster to try and reach his home. Pint-sized Stan Sansome has to duck and dive to avoid the giant spikes that threaten to spear his arms as he goes through the front door. Mr Sansome has two
ONE of the poorest countries in the world is set to benefit from the generosity of two of the region's rotary clubs. Worcester South Rotary Club is sending a huge container of medical equipment and supplies to the town of Masindi in central Uganda. At
SUMMER showers could not dampen the spirits of hundreds of supporters who cheered on pupils from Worcestershire primary schools rowing in the Worcester Bellboat Club Regatta. Year 5 and 6 youngsters from Oldbury Park, Kempsey, Northwick Manor and St Clements
AFTER the difficulties encountered last week in south-east Worcestershire, it seemed a good idea to head for an area where footpath problems are almost unknown - and where better than the Cotswolds? Tackle this easy walk from Moreton and you will enjoy
OUTSIDE of the police force or a late-night restaurant, we find it difficult to think of a workplace which comes close to exposing its workers to as much abuse as hospital staff suffer. In nine months, there were 130 cases of abuse against staff dispensing
IAN van Dahl, Sonique, Dave Pearce and Boy George are just some of the big names who will be taking part in Wales's largest outdoor festival. Around 30,000 people are expected to descend on Escape Into The Park 2002 when the dance festival takes place
The most spectacular event on the World Superbike calendar is back, annually attracting crowds in excess of 100,000 - this year's event at Brands Hatch on July 26-28 is set to be bigger and better than ever. The FIM Superbike World Championship sees the
Some of the fastest accelerating cars in the UK are heading to Worcestershire next month. The British Hill Climb Championship will be headlining the next Shelsley Walsh hill climb on August 17 and 18. The narrow course may be short, but is bursting with
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 were Allan Scraften and Chris Croft, BBC Hereford & Worcester presenter Dave Bradley compered the show
IF there are any problems afflicting the good health of Upton-upon-Severn, it's got the right man at the helm to sort them out. Because Eric White, the new mayor of the pretty south Worcestershire riverside town, is a nurse. Actually, Eric's a retired
AN UNBEATEN 54 from Ben Smith steered Worcestershire Royals to a five-wicket win over Kent Spitfires at Canterbury and lifted them four points clear at the top of the Norwich Union League Division One. The Royals passed Kent's target of 225 with 12 balls
JOHN Brain is hopeful that new signing Richard Bates will be able to play in Worcester Rugby Club's opening pre-season match against Ebbw Vale. The South African flanker has been out of action since a January operation on his shoulder and is training
WORCESTERSHIRE moved up to second place in the Frizzell County Championship Division Two table with an eight-wicket win over Essex at Southend. Essex's lower order provided stubborn resistance to prolong the action. But Philip Weston and Ben Smith ensured
WORCESTERSHIRE golf ace John Bickerton had double cause for celebration yesterday. A final position of joint 11th at the Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond not only earned the Droitwich player a £38,000 payday - it also gave him automatic qualification
MATT Neal lost the leadership of the Green Flag British Touring Car Championship after a disastrous day at Croft yesterday. Neal, from Hanbury, near Droitwich, led by one point going into the 11th and 12th rounds of the series at the Yorkshire circuit
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw at Midland Alliance side Stratford Town. On a hard and bumpy pitch the home side took a shock lead on 20 minutes when John Halford found himself in space before slotting past
IT was good news and bad news for Redditch United as chairman Neil Pagett announced the latest transfer developments at the Valley. Former Burton Albion youngster Ian MacVarish has joined the club's pre-season preparations to boost United's front line
THE future of Stourport Swifts' talented winger Alex Cowley continues to be shrouded in mystery. Cowley failed to turn up for Swifts' first pre-season training session last week and is believed to want to join Redditch United. Swifts are entitled to a
THE site managers at three local building sites have all won quality awards in the first round of the National House-Building Council's 2002 pride in the job campaign. Roy Banner won the award for work at the Oak Mere Park site in Stratford Road, Bromsgrove
Vanished Civilisations (Reader's Digest, £26.99) THE very notion of human beings living in sophisticated settlements thousands of years before the birth of Christ never loses its fascination. We live in a world that is defined by BC and AD. To our ordered
The Escape of Charles II After The Battle of Worcester, by Richard Ollard (Robinson, £7.99) DEFYING the New Model Army's shot and shell, Charles Stuart rode up and down the Royalist ranks, encouraging his soldiers. On a line of attack that stretched from
YOU tell us that, in 1896, Marconi invented the wireless. I always thought Marconi was long, white tubes of pasta. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
THE battle goes on at Throckmorton (Evening News, July 8). However, my "don't worry" forecast still stands. Sadly, thousands of "see sense" letters to PM Tony Blair will not have any effect, except that Government wheelie bins in London will be overflowing
I AM sure many more residents and visitors would join in with me in congratulating the city council's parks department on the wonderful flowers around the city this year. I especially note the creative spikes of red cones in tubs that are getting even
I SUPPORT what Brian Hunt said in his letter headlined "Prevention is better than cure Mr Blair." Government policy, on economic migrants, amounts to "smoke and mirrors." Throckmorton, while important locally, is only a side issue. The Council of Mortgage
MEMORIES of the Vale of Evesham as it was in the 1950s and 1960s are brought back to life in pictures in a new book Worcestershire Living Memories. As the title implies, the book is about the whole of Worcestershire, particularly the valleys of the Rivers
OBJECTORS to road closure at Wyre Piddle when the new bypass is opened are expected to oppose the traffic orders, according to county councillor Liz Tucker. She said last week after a cabinet meeting, which voted almost unanimously for closure, that although
WORCESTERSHIRE moved up to second place in the Frizzell County Championship Division Two table with an eight-wicket win over Essex at Southend. Essex's lower order provided stubborn resistance to prolong the action. But Philip Weston and Ben Smith ensured
A MAN remains in police custody after he was arrested in Droitwich on suspicion of drinking and driving. At 12.14pm on Monday morning, police received a call which reported a damaged white Toyota Celica had been left in the road by the Copcut island on
PLANS have been resubmitted to Wychavon District Council for new agricultural access to property on the Droitwich Road, Hanbury. The application will be considered shortly under delegated powers.
Worcester Male Voice Choir in concert at St John the Baptist Church, Whitbourne, on Saturday, July 20. Ticket enquiries call 01886 821501.
Republic Youth Theatre present West Side at The Courtyard, Hereford July 10-12. For further information telephone the box office on 01432 359252. A Night of Fun with Hiss & Boo starring Barry Cryer at The Courtyard, Hereford, on Saturday, July 13.
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw at Midland Alliance side Stratford Town. On a hard and bumpy pitch the home side took a shock lead on 20 minutes when John Halford found himself in space before slotting past
THE Government has spent the best part of five years working on a review of the "unfair" funding formula for education and local government. I would have expected a work of such epic proportions to have been thoroughly proofread before making its way
ONE in 10 small business owners in the region regularly works more than 70 hours a week, according to the latest research. The Royal Bank of Scotland has discovered entrepreneurs from Worcestershire are among the hardest working people in Britain, putting
THE former spokesman for Birmingham International Airport's shareholders has been appointed chairman of the company's consultative committee. Viv Astling will lead the committee, which provides a forum for discussion on development and operational issues
WORCESTERSHIRE are back on the road this week hoping their route will eventually lead to a coveted one-day final at Lord's. To stand any chance, however, they must overcome holders Somerset in what promises to be an intriguing Cheltenham & Gloucester
