TRADERS have branded Worcester's city centre alcohol-free zone a failure. Although police are pleased with overall results, retailers say street-drinking, violence and vandalism are on the increase. The claim comes in the wake of police figures showing
Hanley Castle is a small village today but was once much more important and might easily have grown into a town had Upton not overtaken it. Centuries ago, it had a thriving pottery industry and exported the products from a busy quay on the Severn, at
ATTACKS by young vandals have left a social club for pensioners in ruins. Now the 10 members of the Gheluvelt Park Club, who meet three times a week to play snooker and cards, are appealing for help to pay for the much-needed repairs. "There is always
WHEELCHAIR users and able-bodied athletes are teaming up to create Worcester's first wheelchair basketball team. The first meeting of the new club was held at University College Worcester - home of the Worcester Wolves basketball team - on Saturday. Although
OWNERS and enthusiasts of vintage vehicles were out in force at Severn Valley Railway exhibitions across the Midlands over the weekend. There were displays of cars, buses, motorbikes and other modes of transports from the 1960s at Kidderminster, Bewdley
POLICE chiefs in West Mercia could be allowed to pay special constables for the first time in a bid to halt a recruitment crisis. The news was announced by Home Office Minister John Denham to coincide with "Specials Weekend". The police authority will
THIEVES have stolen £9,000 worth of designer clothes and footwear from a Malvern store. They smashed through the back door of Brantano, on Roman Way Retail Park, last night and grabbed sportswear and shoes. It took the thieves less than 25 minutes to
THE founder of a Worcester clinic offering separate MMR vaccinations has rejected a study that suggests the combined jab is safe for children. Researchers from the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS) found there was no evidence the combined measles
THE county's MPs have met hospital boss Michael O'Riordan to discuss the future of health services in the region. Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff said he was "encouraged" after talking to Mr O'Riordan, the chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals
A City councillor has hit back at MP Mike Foster's claims that pensioners are getting a raw deal on Worcester buses. Mr Foster said elderly people living in the city received reduced fares - while those in Redditch travel for free, despite Worcester City
FIXTURES WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL LEAGUE Saturday, March 1 Division One (South): Malvern Town Reserves v Bridgnorth Town Reserves (2.45). Tuesday, March 4 Premier Division: Malvern Town v Kington Town (7.45). Saturday, March 8 Premier Division: Wolverhampton
WORCESTER had some unwelcome guests at this time exactly 250 years ago with a regiment of Scotch Greys temporarily garrisoned in the city. The visiting soldiers were held to blame for a murder, an affray and a robbery - all in the same week of 1753. The
BERROW'S Journal of 50 years ago this week gave a thumb-nail account of the river spans which have graced Upton-on-Severn down the centuries. This potted history of the bridges was written by the Journal's Upton correspondent who had the pen-name "Cygnet
1803: The square five-shilling money cards, issued by the overseers of Birmingham for the convenience of the poor and which prove so useful to the inhabitants of that town, have been forged. A reward of 100 guineas is offered for the discovery of the
WORCESTER City Council was battling at this time half-a-century ago with the problem of two "unsafe structures," both prominent features of the townscape which were close to collapse The Journal of 1953 explained: "Sidbury Bridge may soon have to be closed
IT took years to put in place and faced no small opposition on the way, but now Worcester traders have branded the city centre's alcohol-free zone a failure. Although police are pleased with overall results, some retailers insist that street-drinking
A HEADY mix of Bob Dylan and wit and playwright Oscar Wilde is hitting a hotel stage to help children with life-limiting illnesses. Worcester band, Shadowlands, and London actor Neil Titley will perform their own unique tributes to their idols at The
Johann Joachim Quantz Flute Sonatas, Mary Oleskiewicz, Baroque Transverse Flute IF you are a flautist you will probably be more than familiar with the work, or at least the teachings, of this prolific composer of the 18th Century. Quantz's Essay on Playing
LEAFING around in some old files one sunny Saturday afternoon recently, I came across a yellowing newspaper cutting dating from the late 1960s. It was a "pop" feature I'd written for the Rugby Advertiser back in the days when rock was young, waistlines
ANDY Keast admitted that Worcester Rugby Club had hardly hit the heights against London Welsh but, in the wake of Sunday's defeat at Orrell, he was delighted to take the five points on offer in a 351-2 victory. The Sixways coach saw Tim Walsh and Christian
NAOMI Watts is certainly no overnight sensation. The English-born Australian actress has been in some 20 roles over the past 15 years in her long slow burn towards Hollywood stardom. What changed everything for the 34-year-old was David Lynch casting
SECOND-placed Bromsgrove Rovers secured an important victory with three second half goals to beat Taunton Town 3-0 in the Dr Martens Western Division. The visitors had the better of the opening exchanges, but never tested Matt Lowe in the Bromsgrove goal
THE Worcester Rugby Club Ladies duo of Nicky Crawford and Joanne Yapp helped England to a 69 points to seven thrashing of Wales in the Women's Six Nations Championship at Cardiff Arms Park. Crawford got the first try after just six minutes in the 11-try
Badminton Juniors and Adults: Owen Sidaway, Lyppard Grange Community Centre, Millwood Drive, Worcester (01905 21459). Bishop's Badminton Club: (01905 740148/371289) Email: bishops_bad@hotmail.com Web: http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/badminton/ Pitmaston Badminton
Everything's Eventual by Stephen King (Hodder & Stoughton, £6.99) THE so-called Master of Horror really can churn them out and here's another one... or rather two, three, four, five... 14 more. It's a collection of short stories; dark tales that were
Rural England -- Wychavon District: Mrs L Gorman, Elm Tree Cottage, White Ladies Aston, Worcs (01905 345659). County Archaeological Service: Contact Archaeology Officer, Woodbury Hall, University College Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester (01905 855455
THIS North Midlands Cup quarter-final was always going to be more difficult than it appeared on paper and so it proved. MALVERN 34pts, LEDBURY 30pts Local rivalry added to the intensity of the game, especially as Ledbury fielded two ex-Malvern players
I AM happy to support Des Bradley in his call for the Union Flag to be flown more frequently (You Say, Monday, February 17). But if we do so let us as least ensure it is the right way up. For the benefit of those who don't know, the broad white band should
AS Worcester and Worcestershire sink under tons of litter and dog mess (for an example drive down the Northern Link Road, or walk round Penhill Green), can someone find out the last time anyone was prosecuted for dropping litter or letting a dog foul
ESSENTIAL building work to revamp two of Bromsgrove's churches is set to start despite a shortfall of around £250,000. The first stage of the improvement work on the churches of Lickey and Blackwell is set to begin with an additional room being built
Saturday, February 24, 2003 PERFORMANCE has always been the key word at Sixways this season. You suspect, though, that the result was the all-important factor on Saturday. It was hardly convincing stuff against London Welsh but, post Orrell, the bonus-point
VANDALS scaling the roof of a busy community building are being blamed for damage which resulted in a frightening near miss. Cleaners at Droitwich Spa Community Hall, in Heritage Way, were horrified when they opened the John Corbett Room to discover part
THE Worcester Rugby Club Ladies duo of Nicky Crawford and Joanne Yapp helped England to a 69 points to seven thrashing of Wales in the Women's Six Nations Championship at Cardiff Arms Park. Crawford got the first try after just six minutes in the 11-try
Sat July 13 Stratford Town (a) 1-1 Lewis Mon July 15 Evesham United (a) 4-0 Ducros, Broughton, Corbett, Shilton Fri July 19 Reading (h) 2-4 Broughton, Henriksen Sun July 21 Solihull Borough (a) 3-4 Shilton, Foster (pen), Corbett Wed July 24 Wolverhampton
HOME, away (Dr Martens Western fixtures unless stated) JULY Thu 18 Cradley Town (Friendly) 1-0 (Crisp) Sat 20 WEST BROMWICH ALBION (Friendly) 1-6 (Burgess) Tue 23 STOURBRIDGE (Friendly) 1-3 (Lloyd) Sat 27 WILLENHALL TOWN (Friendly) 2-0 (Laydon, Palmer
SMALL businesses in Worcestershire and Herefordshire should act now to save money on new technology, according to a leading accountancy body. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has advised firms thinking of replacing their computer
CULTURE Minister Kim Howells has promised his new Licensing Bill will not outlaw carol singers or make spontaneous pub sing-a-longs illegal. The Licensing Bill came under heavy criticism from organisers of the Three Choirs Festival because it threatens
CHILDREN stepped back into a 'painful' past, when the strict discipline of a Victorian school was brought back to life. Youngsters spent their half-term holiday back in the classroom, at Worcester's Museum of Local Life. There, with cane in hand and slates
A MAN has been jailed after lashing out in a street brawl in Worcester city centre. Jamie McIver assaulted the man after claims he attacked his brother after a night out in the city centre. The 25-year-old defendant, who had appeared before the court
WORCESTER people are being urged to come forward to help look after children from an Indian Ocean island for 10 days. Simon Vaughan-Spencer, the Worcester organiser for the visits, wants would-be hosts to come forward after a successful visit by children
FORGET Gareth Gates' charity single - the Comic Relief record that really matters is being made right here in Worcester. The city's leading rock band, The George Cowley Experience, is looking to provide the singer of the official charity record with some
COMPOSTING in Worcestershire is a fertile affair, according to figures released by Worcestershire County Council. Almost 2,000 county residents who bought compost bins last year responded to a council questionnaire sent out in November. It quizzed people
MIDLANDS ONE Saturday, March 1 Malvern v Whitchurch. Saturday, March 15 Dunstablians v Malvern. Saturday, March 29 Malvern v Barkers Butts. Saturday, April 12 Bromsgrove v Malvern. RESULTS 31/8/02: RFU Senior Cup - Qualifying Round: Malvern 22, Old Laurentians
THE declining village shop is now fighting back thanks to the success of a new scheme selling produce in local shops throughout Worcestershire. The Village Direct scheme involves selling fresh fruit and vegetables through village shops so people do not
A SEVERN Stoke villager said she is devastated that a row of 100-year-old chestnut trees outside the local church have been given a radical pruning. But Severn Stoke and Croome d'Abitot Parish Council, which helped the Parochial Church Council raise funds
LEISURE chiefs in Bromsgrove are inviting residents to have their say on plans for improving the district's main leisure centre. Bromsgrove District Council has launched a public consultation exercise on proposals to modernise the town's Dolphin Centre
A RADICAL new GP contract has been given a cautious welcome by doctors in Worcestershire. Resources for NHS general practice are set to rise by 33 per cent over the next three years - if GPs vote in favour of the contract next month. The national contract
A SILVER star balloon in memory of a courageous two-year-old was one of 200 released into the sky at a special fund-raising event. The first anniversary of the death of Maddie Waddington, from Hallow, was marked by many other bereaved families gathering
Saturday, February 22, 2003 ROVERS returned to winning ways with second half goals from Marvin Blake, Mark Clifton and Steve Frost. James Dyson made a surprise comeback after resolving his differences with the club. Full report to follow.
IT'S quite amazing that Keith Angel became a musician, considering that he had to lie about playing the piano as he grew up. Keith, who now plays congas, percussion and drums in The Angel Brothers and Satnam Singh, pictured above, was brought up in Doncaster
The members of Snorkel may be a punk band, but they claim they don't take themselves too seriously. "We are a jolly, happy punk outfit," says lead guitarist Andy Schwab. And as to emphasise this frame of mind, they engaged in some seasonal silliness last
Flamboyant DJ and 80s icon Boy George, left, will be spinning the discs when he comes to Hereford for his Red Parrot tour. George will be joined by Dean Milward when they come to club night Naughty But Nice, at The Rooms, Bridge Street, Hereford. The
DESTINY'S Child diva Kelly Rowland will be thrilling fans when she comes to Wolverhampton Civic Hall. As one third of Destiny's Child, she's graced videos, been featured in magazines and performed on television and concert stages worldwide. She's experienced
LIVESTOCK will be making a comeback at the Three Counties Countryside Show in June. Animals have been absent from the annual event since the nationwide foot and mouth epidemic in 2001. Show manager Doreen Smillie said: "The impact of the foot and mouth
WORCESTER Wolves ended their home campaign in the National Basketball League Division One with a disappointing 92-101 defeat against Mansfield Express. There was anothe big crowd at University College Worcester for the match against a team one place below
CAPTAIN Carl Heeley has promised no slacking in Worcester City's bid to maintain the pressure on runaway leaders Tamworth. The St George's Lane club moved back up to second place in the Dr Martens Premier Division table after Saturday's 3-2 win at Grantham
WORCESTER Wolves ended their home campaign in the National Basketball League Division One with a disappointing 92-101 defeat against Mansfield Express. There was anothe big crowd at University College Worcester for the match against a team one place below
WORCESTER'S Anna Bailey finished first in the veteran women's 'A' event at the CRASH-B Sprints World Indoor Rowing Championships held at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Centre in Boston, America. The 52-year-old ace was in dazzling form to retain
ANDY Keast admitted that Worcester Rugby Club had hardly hit the heights against London Welsh but, in the wake of Sunday's defeat at Orrell, he was delighted to take the five points on offer in a 351-2 victory. The Sixways coach saw Tim Walsh and Christian
The heroics of young goalkeeper Tim Hart earned Evesham United a hard fought 2-1 win at Cirencester Town in the Dr Martens Western Division. The 20-year-old former Newport County custodian distinguished himself with a string of fine saves and helped the
IT was business as usual at the North Herefordshire Hunt point to point as jockey Julian Pritchard scored a convincing double aboard Well Ted and Cider Man taking him on to 289 career wins and the second most successful point-to-point jockey since the
GREAT Witley Operatic Group could lose more than £15,000 if the Swan Theatre opening is delayed and it has to cancel its show. Angela Harris, a member of the amateur group, which is in rehearsals for its production of The Pirates of Penzance, said the
THE HOURS (12A): Weaving together the stories of three women facing similar dilemmas in different eras, The Hours is one of the films of the year. Nicole Kidman submerges herself in author Virgina Woolf's melancholy; Julianne Moore is heart-breaking as
Saturday, February 22, 2003 IAN Britton ordered his complacent Kidderminster Harriers players in for extra training yesterday after Saturday's comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Boston United in Division Three. The manager was left fuming as Harriers failed
WE read and hear of congestion charges being levied in towns. What do we pay road tax for? Please don't say to repair the roads. Why don't we scrap these secret charges and build all these costs into fuel charges? This would make it fair. The more you
I FULLY endorse the views that a Prime Minister must listen to his voters or leave office if the gulf is so wide as it is now. The only moral case is to give the UN inspectors all the time they need. I fear, though, that the US intoxicated by its military
I WOULD like to answer Lorna Cartledge (Handing Swan to the Amateurs, You Say, Saturday, February 15). Why shouldn't the amateurs regain the theatre they worked for and built in 1964/65? They are the ones who raised £36,500 to build the Swan, only to
I AM writing in response to a letter from Wendy Hands (You Say, Thursday, January 30). The WRVS provides vital services in communities across Britain, helping older people to live in their homes with dignity, and also helping others at times of crisis
CAPTAIN Carl Heeley has promised no slacking in Worcester City's bid to maintain the pressure on runaway leaders Tamworth. The St George's Lane club moved back up to second place in the Dr Martens Premier Division table after Saturday's 3-2 win at Grantham
THIS week's fixtures for football clubs across the two counties include: TOMORROW Dr Martens Western Division: Evesham United v Racing Club Warwick (7.45); Merthyr Tydfil v Stourport Swifts (7.45). Midland Combination Premier Division: Fernhill County
Worcester Epilepsy Club meet 7.30pm, first Wednesday every month at St Andrew's Methodist Church, Pump Street, Worcester. All welcome. Telephone Keith on 01905 452922 for further details. Over 50s Gentle Steps Exercise Dance Classes are being held at
Valerie Briggs and Trevor Smith (Worcestershire Wetlands Wildlife). The work of two artists showing A Passion for Swans' and other birds and water in Worcestershire. Until Friday, February 28. The Gallery at Droitwich Library. Victoria Square, Droitwich
Thursday, February 27: The Dawn Parade, The Marr's Bar, Worcester; Texaz, The Eagle Cookley, Kidderminster; Mr Lynn Thomas, The Walwyn Arms, Much Marcle; of the Whole Caboodle, The Coach & Horses, Worcester Friday, February 28: Bedouin & Diego
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Symphony Hall, Birmingham on tomorrow, Tuesday, February 25, and Friday, February 28. Tickets available from Box Office 0121 780 3333 or book on-line www.cbso.co.uk Zenith Chamber Ensemble Piano Quintet. The Courtyard
Hereford Amateur Pantomime Society presents Aladdin at The Courtyard, Hereford. Until tomorrow. Ticket bookings on 01432 359252. DAiR to Dance with our Dance Artists in Residence and Street Week Workshops. A week of workshops, dance and film dedicated
Aldwyn Voices: Artistic director, Mr P W Smith, 01684 569721. Bromyard Folk Festival: A Jones, 01531 670593. Bromyard Wind Band: Mr D Thomas, 01432 352006 or Miss C Orgee, 01885 482577. Chase High School Brass Band: Mr John Frith, 01684 891961. Chandos
Evening News reporter ALEX EARNSHAW takes a look at what the results of the census say about the way we live in Worcestershire and Herefordshire today The Faithful City is "losing its religion", according to the latest figures released from the 2001 census
HUNDREDS of jobs will be up for grabs in Worcester next week when the third annual Evening News Jobs and Careers Fair takes place. The Fair, which is held at the Guildhall, in the High Street, has proved hugely successful in its first two years, both
n Fury by G M Ford (Macmillan, £10.99) THERE'S not much new in crime fiction these days. Whatever a writer comes up with, you can bet Chandler, Carver, Leonard or Grisham got there first - and did it better. Which is no doubt why certain elements of G
n Tibetan Prayer Flags by Diane Barker (Connections Book Publishing, £14.99) DIANE Barker has travelled many a mile since her idyllic country childhood in the picturesque Worcestershire village of Alfrick. The daughter of the licensees of the former Swan
