Archive

  • Cache of musical gems sold for £28k

    A COLLECTION of signatures and works from the world's greatest composers, including a music manuscript autographed by Sir Edward Elgar, went under the hammer at Christie's, London. The lot, which fetched £28,200, featured among others, three musical bars

  • People power for spa town elections

    DISGRUNTLED residents calling for people power in Droitwich have met to find independent candidates to stand in town and district elections. Around 23 people met at the Rifleman's Arms in Station Street, Droitwich, last night to decide who was going to

  • Jury hears details of violent fight between football fans

    A STREETFIGHT broke out in a Worcester pub after football fans clashed with city drinkers, a jury heard. Hereford fans were ordered out of a pub when they began singing an IRA song at the top of their voices. But they then clashed with Worcester punters

  • Tesco calls for a level playing field

    SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has called for a straight "head-to-head" comparison against Sainsbury's to see which would provide the best store facilities for St John's. Representatives from Tesco, which wants to build a superstore on the current Christopher

  • Cash machine wreckage found in yard

    A CASH dispenser believed to have been stolen from Hereford Leisure Centre over the weekend has been found dumped in a Worcester transport yard. Gil Harding, who runs Davlyn Marine Services, in Basin Road, Diglis, found the empty machine yesterday. "You

  • 'Hard luck' verdict at inquest

    A STOURPORT-on-Severn man who died following surgery at Worcestershire Royal Hospital this month was the victim of "hard luck", according to the county's coroner. Walter Gamble, aged 65, of Bullus Road, was admitted to the Worcester hospital in January

  • Banned driver turned in to police by a workmate

    A BANNED driver was caught at the wheel after a workmate, who was also a special constable, tipped off police. Officers waited for Nicholas Dixon to leave his job and followed him along the Droitwich to Kidderminster road, Worcester Crown Court was told

  • Theatre asbestos 'no cause for alarm'

    THE renovation work being carried out at Worcester's Swan Theatre is nothing to be alarmed about, according to the city council. The work involves resealing asbestos within the building's outer cladding. But the council's community information officer

  • Heartache as boy's birthday toy broken

    A 10-YEAR-old boy was left devastated when a car drove over his prized birthday toy leaving it a write-off. Joe Roberts, who suffers from the condition dyspraxia, which affects co-ordination, was bought a remote control car for his birthday to help aid

  • Initative is aiming to speed up the courts

    A NEW initiative to speed up the court system and reduce people's fear of crime has been launched in Worcester. The newly-formed Criminal Justice Board is made up of top officials from the Crown Prosecution Service, the police, the courts, probation,

  • New project provides pupils with an outdoor classroom

    A FOREST School has been opened to help pupils learn more about the outdoors within their own school grounds. St Joseph's RC Primary School in Malvern has officially opened a Forest School with its own two Forest Leaders. It is one of a number of sites

  • Cars pelted from bridge

    POLICE are calling on residents for help in catching the culprits who have thrown rocks and stones onto cars from a bridge in Headless Cross. A woman driver suffered cuts to her hand after her windscreen was smashed in one of four attacks over the weekend

  • Brawl at station

    MORE than 20 police officers were called to a serious fracas at Redditch railway station on Friday. The incident, which involved fighting near The Venue, Hewell Road, at about 10pm, left one 17-year-old youth needing hospital treatment for facial injuries

  • 50 years ago

    March 27, 1953 COOKHILLS' first post- war council houses are expected to be started this year, Mr CH Gardiner, clerk to Evesham Rural District Council, stated in a letter read at last week's meeting of the Cookhill Women's Institute. The letter, read

  • Crimeline is ringing hot

    CALLS to Crimestoppers have more than doubled since the Redditch Advertiser began running features in partnership with the police almost a year ago. CCTV pictures of people believed to have been involved in crime have been regularly appearing since April

  • Woman, 94, in bag theft

    POLICE are hunting for a man who walked into the home of a disabled 94-year-old woman and snatched two of her handbags. The theft happened at about 9.30am last Tuesday, March 18, in Astwood Bank. The woman, who is looked after by a number of carers throughout

  • MP visits anti drug scheme

    A HI-TECH anti-drugs operation which has being paying dividends was in the spotlight this week after Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride dropped in to see it working. A year after the launch of the Communities Against Drugs (CAD) initiative in Redditch and

  • Jamie ends on a high

    REDDITCH favourite Jamie Salter brought the curtain down on a medal-laden swimming career by storming home to defend his British 200m title. The Commonwealth medallist touched home a mammoth two seconds ahead of his rivals to deafening applause after

  • Andy's stop-start start

    WINYATES Green ace Andy Burbidge had a disappointing start in the MRO series when an electrical fault left him with a 'did not finish' after the opening round at Snetterton at the weekend. But the Redditch rider said any frustration was rendered meaningless

  • Mindless thugs must be 'shopped'

    I REFER to your article 'Trouble may prove costly' (Advertiser, March 19). My husband was a victim of mindless thugs while carrying out his work as a bus driver in Redditch last year. As a result, he has been off sick for more than nine months with acute

  • Worcester face last day drop drama

    REDDITCH'S Carrie Fearby starred as Worcestershire went down to a 52-40 home defeat to South Staffs in their penultimate fixture. The results mean the county have to win their final fixture - a Division Two relegation battle against Hampshire North on

  • Protest was a disgrace

    I WOULD like to express my absolute disgust at the behaviour of Studley High School students during the so-called peace protest on Wednesday, March19. A gang of rowdy children using foul language and shouting abuse at passing motorists did not seem very

  • The language of an evil past

    I HAD to read Tom Wareing's letter twice to convince myself it wasn't a joke. He makes good points about the consequences of this so-called war but what on earth is he thinking about using a loaded term like 'international Zionism' twice? This language

  • Sheila medal

    Redhill Archers founder member Sheila Harris returned from the World Indoor Archery Championships in Nimes, France, with a bronze medal as part of the Compound Ladies team. Harris, a member of the Wythall-based club, also came 14th in the individual ladies

  • So I said: 'Whatever!'

    ANYWAY, someone's turned round to me and said, like - right in my face, "The way people speak in clichs, right, is, like really annoying". So, I've, like, turned round to them and gone, like, "It's just the way things are," and then he's, like, turned

  • Advice was democratic

    ARJAMAND Farooqui's criticism of the Liberal Democrats (Letters, March 19) is quite unjust. I joined the Lib Dems some years ago because they have sensible policies and because history has shown us that both the Conservatives and Labour have failed the

  • Top seeds dominate

    WYTHALL'S winter tournament finals were held at the weekend. The ladies match paired the top seeds when Julie Gifford and Christine Bateman met Helen Hill and Julie Shaw. The first set was tight with both pairs attacking the net but Gifford and Bateman

  • Thanks for donations

    MY partner of 11 years, Alan Greasley, died in January from an Asbestos-related cancer called Mesothelioma. Alan leaves two children, a grand-daughter, two brothers, three sisters, his father and many friends. Alan bore this cruel illness with great courage

  • Riders ready

    BEOLEY rider Michael Eilberg has joined the qualifiers for the Blue Chip Winter Champ-ionships at Solihull. The Junior Championships will be held at Solihull Riding Club, Dorridge from April 8-13.

  • Studley meeting

    STUDLEY Angling Society are set to discuss some contentious issues at their AGM tomorrow (Thursday). Doors open at 8pm at the Entaco Club, Studley. The Needles club concluded their river match season with two open matches at Great Alne. The first match

  • Give youth suitable fun

    I HAVE read the letters concerning Councillor Tom Wareing and The Dreamboys with interest over the last few weeks. It is ridiculous that "good old-fashioned entertainment" is still being imposed upon large numbers of people, especially younger people

  • Skippers bronze

    STUDLEY Blue and White Rope Skippers came away with third place at a friendly competition and training camp in Belgium. Last year's 12-14s have stepped up to the 15-17s age group with Sorrel Bickley replacing Rose Brewster and placed well against senior

  • Ending on high

    BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Ladies Seconds won their last match of the season 2-1 against Upton at Malvern. Upton, originally struggling to field a full team, put out a strong side and Bromsgrove were unexpectedly under pressure. The hosts went 1-0 up midway

  • The jam is spread too thinly under Labour

    ROBIN King (Letters, March 19) always used to claim the credit for the stock market's 'record highs' belonged to the Labour Government. This shallow view duly became a large banana skin for Robin as the very same Government saw the market fall below its

  • Fare not enough

    EMMA Fare's penalty was not enough to stop Droitwich Spa Hockey Club Ladies Seconds losing 3-1 at home to Badsey last Saturday. Spa were 2-0 down at half time but got one back through player of the match Fare. Badsey scored their third with ten minutes

  • Or maybe darts!

    The Worcestershire County Darts League Gold Cup playoffs will be held on Monday at the DDS&S club. The competition for a place in the national finals is open to all Superleague and County players signed on beforehand.

  • Hope yet again in tales of riverbank

    THE end of the 1990s and the turn of the century saw the Evening News regularly use these columns to hold out the hope that Worcester would one day make the most of its greatest natural asset - the River Severn. Our hopes were raised when the plan to

  • Canal walk

    A sponsored walk to raise vital cash for research into breast cancer takes place along the Tardebigge to Stoke Pound canal towpath on Sunday. The walk, which begins at 10am, coincides with Crocus Walks being held across the country in aid of Breakthrough

  • 26/3/03 - Caution over new league

    WORCESTER City have given a cautious welcome to the newly-formed Football Alliance, which will start in the 2004-05 season. Two new leagues, which will in effect form a Second Division of the Nationwide Conference, have finally been given the go-ahead

  • Eye review casts gloom for chief

    THE chief officer of a health watchdog has admitted she is not as 'optimistic' as she was about the outcome of a controversial review of Alexandra Hospital eye services. Moira Morris, of the Redditch and Bromsgrove Community Health Council (CHC), spoke

  • First time use for heart drug

    A REDDITCH ambulance crew has treated a heart attack patient with a life-saving new drug for the first time. Paramedic Steve Yates and ambulance technician Albert Tonks transmitted the patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) to the Coronary Care Unit at the

  • Views on chemists sought

    MEMBERS of the public are being encouraged to air their views about controversial plans which could pave the way for supermarkets to sell medication, at a health meeting tonight. County Councillor Tom Wareing who also sits on Redditch and Bromsgrove Community

  • Support group being set up

    THE Worcestershire support group for the Huntington's Disease Association will meet on April 1 and June 3. The countywide group will meet at Milton Hall Baptist Church in Lorne Street, Kidderminster, from 12.30-2pm. The group is for anyone affected by

  • Millers tumble in cup shock

    INJURY-hit Feckenham limped out of the Smedley Crooke Cup at the hands of lower league Northfield Town on Saturday. Millers boss Lee Adams was hoping for a semi final win over first division opposition to save a forgettable season but was without 11 regulars

  • Pair stranded by faulty lift

    AN elderly Greenlands couple have been unable to get upstairs for several days after their stairlift broke down. Eric and Phyliss Lewis, of Greenlands Avenue, have been left stranded since Friday night but have repeatedly been told by Redditch Council

  • Council in mast victory

    CAMPAIGNERS against the siting of a mobile telephone mast will be rejoicing after news Redditch Council has fended off plans for a telecommunications pole near two schools. Last May, 3G submitted plans to install an 11m mast in Windmill Drive, Headless

  • Duo scoop award

    TWO coaches from Barnt Green Cricket Club have scooped a top award for their work with youngsters. Edward Payne and Mark Millard, both junior coaches at Cherry Hill Road, received the Halesowen Trophy at the Midland Cricket Club Conference dinner. Mark

  • What's On Guide

    Thursday, March 27 Birmingham Jazz: Martin France's Spin Marvel (drummer), Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham. Tickets from 0121 440 3838. As You Like It, Swan Theatre, Stratford. Various dates in March and April. Tickets from 0870 609 1110. The National

  • 26/03/03 - Blow for Redditch

    REDDITCH'S hopes of a 'backdoor' promotion to the Dr Martens Premier Division have been dashed - for this season at least. Plans to expand the Nationwide Conference by 44 teams to include Conference North and Conference South feeder leagues have been

  • Weston to sign for Gloucester

    PHIL Weston will today join Gloucestershire after Worcestershire agreed to release the batsman from his New Road contract. The 29-year-old opener, who made his County debut back in 1991, travelled to Bristol today to undergo a medical and was expected

  • Harriers hopes suffer setback

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' Third Division play-off hopes took a jolt when they went down 1-0 to rivals Lincoln City at Sincil Bank last night. After the disappointment of dropping a point at home to strugglers Swansea last Saturday, Kidderminster were hoping

  • Khela goal books final spot

    EVESHAM United booked their place in the Worcestershire Senior Cup final with a shock 1-0 victory against Moor Green in last night's semi-final at Common Road. The odds were stacked against United even before the kick-off. Their main strike force of Mark

  • Watkins penalty sinks Ledbury

    WESTFIELDS recorded their ninth West Midlands League Premier Division double of the season with a 1-0 home win over local rivals Ledbury Town at Rotherwas last night. The victory saw Westfields extend their lead to six points in this action- packed local

  • Sports in cup glory

    FERNHILL County Sports bounced back to winning ways backing a place in the Smedley Crooke Cup semi-finals with a 3-2 win at Alvechurch last night. They found themselves a goal down in the 20th minute when a free kick was deflected past golkeeper Adie

  • Bear roar through to face Upton

    THE semi-finals of the Evesham Sunday Football League's Tewkesbury Sports KO Cup saw the Bear defeat Broadway United with goals from Biggons (2), Byron, Deacon and Hemming. Broadway replied thr-ough Sheridan and Jeffs. The Bear will now play holders Upton

  • A cracking good tale

    THE fascinating story of how the Allies broke the German Enigma code in the Second World War is the subject of a new show at Redditch's Palace Theatre on Saturday. The All Electric Theatre Production presented by Dr Mark Baldwin describes the top secret

  • Passion comes to the Palace

    BIZET'S passionate opera Carmen will be performed at the Palace Theatre on Friday. The Opera Box presentation, sung in English, features beautiful traditional costumes and includes some of the most popular melodies written. The story of a beautiful gypsy

  • Town fighting to keep status

    BROMSGROVE RFC First XV continue to give themselves hope in their fight for Midlands One survival after making it four wins in five games with a 38-11 victory over Kenilworth last Saturday. Fly half Matt Birch scored 23 points as the Finstall Park side

  • Spa scoop award

    COACHING at Droitwich Spa Rugby Football Club has been recognised by the sport's governing body. The Glyn Mitchell Ground club has become the first in Worcestershire to be awarded the Seal of Approval by the Rugby Football Union, marking achievements

  • 26/3/03 - Bottom team clean up at last

    Sketchleys scored only their second win of the season in Wednesday Division Three of the E & E Engineering Worcester Friendly Skittle League, the bottom team beating Harvesters by 11 pins. Division One Windshields 404 (2) A. Lock, D.Beech 39, Rams

  • Nicknacks on show at Mill

    NOSTALGIA ain't what it used to be. But for those who fancy a trip down memory lane, an enjoyable new exhibition opened this week featuring a huge collection of day-to-day objects from yesteryear. The collection has been permanently loaned to Redditch's

  • Spartak aim high as new era starts

    A NEW chapter in the history of Barnt Green Spartak Football Club is about to be written as they prepare to move into a new home for next season. Manager GJ Singh has set his sights on Midland Alliance football in three years after securing a major sponsorship

  • Frost strike secures a point

    IN September Bromsgrove Rovers defeated Clevedon Town 5-1 at the Victoria Ground. Six months on, and with all goalscorers from that day in the starting 11, the reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw. Then, Rovers were league leaders and looking like a promotion-winning

  • Villa leave win late

    PAUL Matthews' winner five minutes from time gave Fairfield Villa a 3-2 victory over Old Hill Town. Leading 2-0 at half time, Villa held out for three points as Cliff Hughes' side kept up their push for Midland Combination division one promotion. The

  • Olympic stay top with Messe brace

    NEW Olympic dropped vital points in the Advertiser/Messenger Football League division one title race despite coming from behind to draw 2-2 at Sporting Harborne. Gareth Messe was the hero with his second brace is as many weeks but the point leaves Olympic

  • Lincoln City 1 Kidderminster Harriers 0

    Tuesday, March 25, 2003 KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' Third Division play-off hopes took a jolt when they went down 1-0 to rivals Lincoln City at Sincil Bank last night. After the disappointment of dropping a point at home to strugglers Swansea last Saturday

  • Solihull carry 'Fishers hope

    REDDITCH skipper Stan Hull admitted it was 'a bit of a blow' to hear title-hopefuls Solihull will field an under-strength team against Stourport. Struggling Stourport, who visit the current leaders on Saturday (ko 2.30pm), are in the second Powergen North

  • James is jolted

    BLINDSIDE James Norman could find himself benched for Kings Norton at the weekend as captain Pete May continues to build a side for next season. Norman, last season's Player of the Year, is available but could be a notable casualty as the Ash Lane selectors

  • School report is so wrong

    DEAR EDITOR - I'm not a person who feels it necessary to write and express my opinion in public very often, however as a pupil in the sixth form at North Bromsgrove High School, I feel obliged to voice my concerns as regards the wholly undeserved, damning

  • Alcester up for it

    ALCESTER skipper Pat Lamb is adamant he will not be experimenting with the side in the last two league games despite knowing they are guaranteed to finish fourth in Powergen Warwickshire One. Lamb will pass up the chance to switch things around with a

  • Woodrush cannot get it off

    AFTER complaining about Solihull's refusal to play them earlier in the season, Woodrush tried to have the problematic fixture called off last week. The ironic turnaround, after the hosts claimed the visitors had been responsible for twice postponing earlier

  • Still waiting for a reply

    Dear Editor - I was particularly interested in the letters submitted by A Concerned Spa Mother, Arthur Hastings and Miss M Dudgeon as published in your March 12 edition. Regarding the supposed actions of Councillor Pam Davey and her letter supporting

  • Action for Droitwich

    DEAR EDITOR - Over the winter we have noted remarks in the press made by certain councillors and their wives. Councillor Pam Davey seizes every opportunity to air her views, which like most politicians reflects only points that suit the cause of her party

  • Burton boost

    ALCESTER Ladies were hoping to return to league action for the first time in five weeks yesterday but ended up frustrated again. Second from bottom Burton arrived at Kings Coughton but only brought nine players and conceded the two league points before

  • Support for town hospital

    Dear Editor - I would like to voice my support to all those who are shocked and disappointed at the suggested closure of the minor injuries unit at The Princess of Wales Hospital. I and my family have used the minor injuries unit and have found it quick

  • Open up the car parks

    DEAR EDITOR - I have written to Bromsgrove District Council to suggest, as a good will measure, that they should open the school car parks on Saturday's while the Asda alterations take place. People will not come to Bromsgrove on Saturdays if they know

  • It's an act of lunacy

    DEAR EDITOR - Astonishment, anger, disbelief! These are just a few of the more mild thoughts that passed through my mind when I saw the headlines on the front page of the Advertiser. Who please, is responsible for this act of lunacy? Or is it that the

  • 25 years ago March 24, 1978

    A FULL military funeral was to be held in Bromsgrove for young town soldier Lance Corporal David Jones, 23, who, with a colleague, had been shot while on patrol in County Londonderry. He had planned to marry this week. BROMSGROVE people in the future

  • 25 years ago February 10, 1978

    LICKY End Methodists had a big disappointment when they heard that plans to build a new church and hall had been turned down by planners. A TALK was given at a meeting of the Bromsgrove branch of the National Farmers' Union on 'Farming and the Countryside

  • 50 years ago February 14, 1953

    A FURTHER extension of Bromsgrove District Council's housing estates in the Rock Hill area was suggested at the General Purposes Committee. The surveyor was preparing a report on the possibilities of further houses being built at Millfields and Fox Lane

  • 25 years ago February 3, 1978

    MOTORISTS were warned against panic buying of petrol in the light of a possible tanker driver's strike. One garage proprietor commented: "A complete disregard of this timely warning simply means a drying up of supplies much sooner than expected." UNEMPLOYMENT

  • 50 years ago February 7, 1953

    FINANCES had so improved at Bromsgrove Parish Church that the vicar had to 'blink and look twice' at them. The Rev FG Shepherd said he was grateful for the help and kindness - in the form of gifts and co-operation. A CONTROVERSIAL move to raise the price

  • 100 years ago February 7, 1903

    A COMPLAINT was made at Bromsgrove Rural District Council about the manner in which swine fever regulations were administered. It was stated that it was of great inconvenience to farmers that no one had been at Redditch police station to sign the removal

  • 25 years ago January 27, 1978

    SKATEBOARD crazy youngsters were warned that they were likely to be disappointed because Bromsgrove would most probably be the last town in the West Midlands to get its own skateboard ramp. A request by the Recreation committee to build a skateboard ramp

  • 25 years ago January 20,1978

    GOVERNORS at North Bromsgrove High School were to make representations to the county council for £29,000 to refurbish the school's swimming pool which had fallen into disrepair. THE Bromsgrove family grocery firm of John B Wilson and Sons held a dinner

  • 50 years ago January 17, 1953

    SOME 65 veteran members of Bromsgrove Labour Club sat down to their annual supper. Most of them had supported the club since its formation in 1927. A capital meal had been prepared by Mrs Dyer, Mrs H Webley, wife of the secretary, and Mrs Troth the stewardess

  • 50 years ago January 10, 1953

    A PLEA by the authorities in Droitwich that the Spa should get its own full-time ambulance fell on deaf ears. It was said it was not necessary as there had only been 11 accidents in the past six months and 18 emergencies requiring an ambulance. Presently

  • 50 years ago January 3, 1953

    DR Alan Nunn May, 41, a former lecturer and member of a Barnt Green family, who had been sentenced to ten years' jail in 1946 for communicating information about atomic research was released from Wakefield prison very early on Monday. He did however,

  • Lend a hand for students

    PUPILS at a Rubery school are looking to kind-hearted town residents to lend a helping hand and donate some unusual props for their next school play. Students at Waseley Hills High School, in School Road, who are currently studying for an AS level in

  • Rocky Horror show is back

    TOWN residents are being urged to don their glad rags for the ultimate party experience at a theatre near Bromsgrove. Richard O' Brien's The Rocky Horror Show is coming to the Birmingham Hippodrome from Monday March 31 until Saturday April 5. The show

  • 50 years ago December 27,1952

    A PLAN to establish a light industrial zone on the outskirts of Bromsgrove at Aston Fields was announced by the town council. It would help restore Market Street where there were factories, into an amenity area. Eleven half-acre plots were proposed to

  • 25 years ago December 16, 1977

    ANOTHER battle in the campaign to stop the M42 was lost this week. A High Court ruling in London removed one of the last obstacles to the proposed motorway. Protestors from Bromsgrove were dismayed to hear judge Sir Douglas Frank say: "There must come

  • 50 years ago December 20, 1952

    A FIREMAN had to be lowered down the face of a cliff in Leach Green Lane, Rednal, to rescue a dog trapped on a ledge. The animal, which was none the worse for its ordeal, belonged to Mr Johnson from Leach Heath Lane. THE death occurred of well-known Bromsgrove

  • 25 years ago December 9, 1977

    A PEAL of four bells was rung for the first time at Christ Church, in Catshill, to celebrate the church's 139th birthday. The bells were dedicated by the Rev Michael Smith during a special family service organised by the young people's group of the junior

  • 25 years ago December 2, 1977

    PLANNERS were preparing a three day exhibition of blueprints for the proposed Bromsgrove Eastern By-Pass scheme. Residents were invited to view the plans at Bromsgrove Council House, in Birmingham Road and a surveyor would be on hand to answer their questions

  • 25 years ago November 25, 1977

    IT was the thrill of a lifetime for 16-year-old Bromsgrove Schoolboy Michael Banner when he won a prize to meet Prime Minister Jim Callaghan at 10 Downing Street. Michael, from Stratford Road, won the prize in an essay competition organised by Hansard

  • 50 years ago November 29, 1952

    THE BISTO kids were heading Bromsgrove's way. Housewives were told to look out for their car carrying the pair and if they called and you could show them a packet of the famous gravy powder you could win a £1 voucher. THE once popular amateur boxing matches

  • 50 years ago November 22, 1952

    MORE prehistoric finds had been unearthed at a gravel pit at Upton Warren, following the exciting discoveries last year. The latest was a part of a mammoth and a rhino jaw, complete with teeth. ANTHONY Nutting, Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

  • Presley night

    PARTY revellers in Bromsgrove are urged to don their blue suede shoes and get on down to the Jailhouse Rock at a town venue next month. Elvis Presley fans will be in their element when Aston Fields Social Club hosts its annual All Elvis Disco on Friday

  • 100 years ago November 22, 1902

    OPINIONS were divided on the suitability of a new stone and marble pulpit to be installed in St John's Parish Church, Bromsgrove. Some believed it would be out of place in the fine old building. The present oak pulpit had replaced an elaborate three decker

  • 50 years ago November 8, 1952

    FRANCIS Millinchip, aged 11, a Rubery Wolf Cub in the St Chad's pack who had both his legs amputated below the knee, was presented with a Cornwall certificate as a reward for his unfailing cheerfulness. FOR the first time in decades no cases of diphtheria

  • 100 years ago November 15,1902

    MEMBERS of Droitwich Rural District Council, at a meeting, declined to support a plea from councillors in Yeovil who wanted to see a ten mph speed restriction put on all motor vehicles. Cllr Philips remarked it was "ridiculously slow" and barely the speed

  • Christian festival

    TOWN residents are being urged to book early for this year's Green Belt Christian Festival. The event takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse from Friday, August 22 to Monday 25. All are welcome and discounts are available if you book before Friday, April

  • 100 years ago November 8, 1902

    GEORGE Dyer, James Price, Herbert Stanley, Fred Kite and brothers George and Fred Insull appeared before Droitwich magistrates charged with letting off fireworks in Church Lane, Hanbury. All were fined 3/- (15p) except the Insulls who got away more lightly

  • Classical treat for music fans

    CLASSICAL music fanatics will be in their element this spring with a brand new programme of events from the Midland Sinfonia. The first performance will be held at their home base of St Laurence Church, in Alvechurch, this Saturday. Performed by candlelight

  • 50 years ago November 8, 1952

    BOB McArthur, a 26-year-old American, stopped off briefly in Bromsgrove while making a round the world tour on his bike for bet which if he succeeded would land him a cool $10,000. His specially adapted cycle which was equipped with a harpoon for spearing

  • 25 years ago October 28, 1977

    A VOCAL section of Bromsgrove and Redditch Community Health Council was critical of the new strategy document concerning health care in the district, for the next two years. A number of town members said the document assumed a new district general hospital

  • Lottery cash for migrants

    MR Partridge of Worcester (You Say, March 18) is depressed. He should be - I think we are all depressed at the thought of an asylum seeker suing our government for £30,000. What sort of lawyer takes him on? What sort of asylum seeker bites the hand that

  • West Midlands Bird Club

    Mike Lane, professional wildlife photographer, was the speaker for the February indoor meeting. His illustrated talk A Walk Down a Lane in Polish Marsh showed farming practices known to Britain a 100 years ago. The marsh and wildflower meadows encourage

  • I don't see how she could go on backing Blair

    I CAN'T see how Fran Richman (Evening News, March 18) can say she is backing Tony Blair through threatening times. We are the attackers, not the defenders. The Americans and George Bush have started this war out of greed and spite. With Tony Blair's and

  • Droitwich Spa WI

    OUR March meeting was held by kind permission in the mayor's parlour owing to vandalism that had taken place in the community hall. Our vice president Brenda Clarke welcomed us. During business matters, we heard that the bring and buy held at last month's

  • 100 years ago November 1, 1902

    ASPIRING gardeners were invited to learn more about potting, planting and pruning at Bromsgrove School of Science and Art. The New Road school was offering free tickets for a lecture on gardening. They were available from Thomas Horton. SPA residents

  • Stoke Prior WI

    THE president Nancy Davis welcomed members to the March meeting. After the singing of Jerusalem, members were reminded of the group meeting and the coffee morning at the home of Betty Wolsey. Jewellery envelopes in aid of the National Heart Research Fund

  • Lickey WI

    A good attendance was recorded at the March 4 meeting of Lickey WI including some new members. Irene Scott was thanked for arranging the theatre visit in February which a large group had enjoyed. Final arrangements were announced for the April outing

  • 100 years ago October 18, 1902

    RESIDENTS in Finstall, Bromsgrove, asked the Post Office to consider making deliveries to the village on Sundays, a service already enjoyed by their neighbours in Aston Fields. The application was being made through Stoke Prior Parish Council which appeared

  • 50 years ago October 11, 1952

    HANBURY Bowling club held its annual meeting at the Vernon Arms. Fifty-four members, including many from Bromsgrove, sat down to a capital goose supper followed by entertainment, which included an accordionist. Dennis Baylis won the club championship.

  • 100 years ago October 11, 1902

    A COACHMAN died after being kicked by the horse he was clipping for his master, Dr Ambrose, of Barnt Green. An inquest jury sitting at the Victoria Hotel in the village, returned an accidental death verdict on 34-year-old Edward Jones, who died a day

  • 26/3/03 - Crawford on the bench for England

    NICKY Crawford has been named as an England replacement for Friday's Six Nations clash with Ireland. The Worcester Rugby Club ladies winger is the sole Sixways representative with scrum-half Joanne Yapp playing in the Hong Kong Sevens. However, Worcester's

  • 25 years ago September 20, 1977

    THE secret, which had been closely guarded for months, was finally out. From a short list of seven, Fine Fare supermarket had been chosen by Bromsgrove council to build a departmental type store on the former cattle market site in the town centre. Tesco

  • 50 years ago October 4, 1952

    A PARTY of members of Bromsgrove Round Table, plus representatives from the Worcester branch, spent a day down a coal mine when they were guests of Mid Cannock Colliery. IT had been a good year for potato crops in the Bromsgrove district. A Rowney Green

  • Helping hand

    TOTS with special needs are getting a helping hand thanks to a £2,000 donation from the Bromsgrove Round Table. The children, who all have some form of illness or disability, are being supported by the Pre-school Learning Alliance special needs scheme

  • War sparks a protest wave

    MORE than 100 youngsters walked out of class last week to protest against the start of the war in Iraq. Year eleven pupils from South Bromsgrove High School staged a protest in Sanders Park last Thursday afternoon only hours after Allied jets launched

  • NEW MUSEUM ANCHOR FOR CANAL REVAMP

    A NEW museum is set to take pride of place in the major redevelopment of the Droitwich Spa Canal Basin. Speaking at Monday night's Town Council community and amenities meeting, leader councillor Pam Davey (Droit. South) said: "I can confirm there are

  • All change at coffee shop

    The Bromsgrove branch of a cancer care charity is breaking new ground by taking over the running of the visitors' coffee shop at a local prison. The Primrose Hospice is set to take over the coffee shop at Blakenhurst Prison next Tuesday. The facility

  • Clock on

    HICKORY, dickory, dock, it's time to turn forward the clock. With summer just round the corner tots at Valley Nursery on Cockshute Hill wanted to remind residents to turn their clocks forward this Sunday (March 30). Clocks need to be wound on an hour

  • Teacher is cleared of assault charges

    A TEACHER from Bromsgrove has been cleared of indecent assaults on pupils after a four-day trial. William Hughes, who taught in Redditch after being made redundant from his job of general manager at Birmingham Rep, insisted he was the victim of school

  • 25 years ago September 23, 1977

    CARPENTER Dennis Grubb, of Dragoon Fields, Aston Fields, Bromsgrove, celebrated having notched up 50 years membership of the Union of Construction and Allied Trades Technicians. He had learned his trade at the Bromsgrove Guild and later worked for wood

  • Blue sky studio first with snaps gizmo

    SPA holidaymakers miffed at the grey skies or blurred images on their snaps need look no further than a Droitwich photography firm. Memories of crystal waters in the Caribbean or golden sands in the Canaries can now remain that way thanks to a new piece

  • A target of £10,000

    PROFITS from Bromsgrove's summer carnival in July could set a new record by topping the £10,000 mark. That is the aim of carnival committee chairman Jeff Evans, who set himself the target when he took on the job seven years ago. "I said then I would stand

  • It might as well be Spring

    SPRING was in full swing at the weekend as families flocked to Hanbury to see the season's newest arrivals. Great Lodge Farm held an open lambing weekend on Saturday and Sunday (March 23) to give visitors the chance to join in with the joys of spring.

  • Town shops hit by arsonists

    Two town shops were the victims of attempted arson attacks over the weekend. Police say a lit cigarette was pushed through the letterbox of School Days, the school uniform shop in Church Street, at around 9.30am, last Friday. The cigarette set fire to

  • Conservationists' counting frogs plea

    CONSERVATIONISTS have raised fears about falling number of frogs in the Spa. The Worcestershire Wildlife Trust (WWT) is urging residents to contact them with information about frogs in their area. WWT spokesman Geoff Travis said: "There are growing fears

  • 50 years ago September 20, 1952

    A FEATURE of the first ever fundraising fete organised by the new Friends of Bromsgrove Hospitals organisation and held at Hill Top chest hospital, was a colour film of an operatiin being performed on a girl. The Friends aimed to raise cash to provide

  • Students' Iraq views broadcast

    THREE Spa teenagers were given a chance to voice their views on the war with Iraq. Matthew Cormell, Ellen Winter and Helen Newman from Droitwich Spa High School spoke out on BBC radio Hereford and Worcester. Acting headteacher Peter Woodman organised

  • Hurt in road rage attack

    A woman had her fingers trapped in a van door during a road-rage attack. The incident began at about 7.15pm on Tuesday, March 18, on St Kenlems Road, Romsley. The unnamed woman was driving towards Romsley when she was in collision with what was possibly

  • Nursery plans revealed

    A NEW nursery could open in the Spa as soon as September, if a proposal gets the green light. Worcestershire County Council has submitted plans to add a nursery to St Joseph's RC First School, accommodating 13 full-time tots aged three and over. If the

  • Flowers in the window

    A SPLASH of colour will be brought into the lives of elderly Spa residents, thanks to a generous gardening centre. Webbs of Wychbold donated a number of young plants, known as plugs, to eight Droitwich schools on Monday (March 17). The plants will be

  • 25 years ago August 19, 1977

    STEPHEN Tallet, 19, from Edwin Crescent, Charford, Bromsgrove, got a shock when he went to put on his shoes after enjoying a spot of sunbathing near Tardebigge reservoir. Feeling something with his toe he poked his hand in and out slithered an 18-inch

  • They got va va voom

    PUPILS from a Spa school are being put on the road to success thanks to generous fundraising efforts. Witton Middle School in Old Coach Road took delivery of a new 17-seater mini bus, which was bought through funds raised by parents, pupils and the School

  • 50 years ago August 23, 1952

    THERE was a sad ending to a full-scale operation to rescue a carthorse belonging to Mr Webb, who had got stuck in a water-filled ditch at Walmers Farm, Wychbold, during a violent thunder storm. After many hours of toil it was finally freed by firefighters

  • 100 years ago August 23, 1902

    SOON after fears that Bromsgrove was heading for an outbreak of smallpox were proved to be unfounded, the prospect of a scarlet fever epidemic hitting the area loomed. Prior to the start of the month no cases had been reported but now there were between

  • 50 years ago August 16, 1952

    STAFF employed at the Longbridge car plant who helped make the world famous Austin Seven cars would have to wait a long time to buy one. The firm said the majority of the vehicles would be exported to the United States to earn the country valuable dollars

  • 100 years ago August 16, 1902

    CORONATION Day was celebrated in Bromsgrove, Droitwich and elsewhere in the district. However, the festivities were less than would have taken place had the big event not been postponed some weeks ago because of the King's illness. In Bromsgrove bunting

  • 100 years ago August 9, 1902

    FRANK Fletcher from Staple Hill, found himself in front of Bromsgrove magistrates charged with using bad language in Marlbrook. He was fined a hefty 5/- (25p) plus 7/6 (37.5p) costs or in default 14 days' hard labour. The chairman of the bench, Mr White

  • 25 years ago July 22, 1977

    HORDES of 'invaders' driving across the Birmingham city boundary into the Bromsgrove district are believed to be largely responsible for vandalism, excessive noise and even arson in the Rednal area at weekends, the Messenger reported. It was reported

  • 50 years ago July 26, 1952

    SANITATION in Stoke Prior was again raised at a meeting of the parish council where members called for more frequent rubbish collections because some people were waiting three or four weeks compared to the previous two week wait. The problem was made

  • 100 years ago July 26, 1902

    A BROMSGROVE man was told it was "most disgraceful to hit a woman" when he was fined 10s 9d 6d by the chairman of Bromsgrove Petty Sessions. Eoch Wilkes, of Staple Hill, was found guilty of assaulting elderly Jane Layton, also of Staple Hill, after he

  • 50 years ago July 19, 1952

    NINE records tumbled when Bromsgrove High School held its annual sports day. Hibbins won the inter house competition. THE 16th annual Catshill music festival attracted a record number of entries from far and near to take part in the event staged in the

  • 100 years ago July 19, 1902

    WILLIAM Deeley, aged 16, from Rubery Lane, Rubery, a non-swimmer who worked as an engine cleaner at Frankley waterworks, drowned in Cofton reservoir while bathing. Pc Jakeman spent an hour trying to find him but to no avail. Later his body was recovered

  • 25 years ago July 8, 1977

    PAST and present staff and their families at the Blue Bird toffee factory at Hunnington enjoyed an open day to celebrate the firm's golden jubilee. n WORRIED traders in Bromsgrove met district councillors to tell them of their fears for the proposed retail

  • 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

  • 25 years ago July 1, 1977

    MEMBERS of the newly formed Lickey End Hospital Tenants' Association were shocked to discover an area of ground designated as a play area for staff children since 1957 was about to be developed. Following negotiations with the Health Authority, the Red

  • 50 years ago July 5, 1952

    BROMSGROVE Rovers revealed it had serious money troubles and gate prices would have to go up. The club had suffered £318 losses in 1951/52 and bosses decided to hike ticket prices in a bid to stem its cash crisis. Ticket prices showed that men had to

  • 100 years ago July 5, 1902

    POSTPONED coronation celebrations went off with a bang at Breakback, in Bromsgrove. The town was finally allowed to go ahead with its High Wood bonfire and fireworks following permission from the chairman of the National Movement, Viscount Cranbourne.

  • 25 years ago June 24, 1977

    RUMOUR and speculation surrounded a plan to stage a punk rock festival at a venue in Bromsgrove on Bank Holiday Monday. The organisers said details were being kept secret to prevent an anticipated flood of objections. n JOHN Devine, the head of Lickey

  • 50 years ago June 21, 1952

    TWO shocks made Bromsgrove School's annual Commemoration Day one of the most remarkable ever. The head, the Rev Walters, senior master Major Mashiter and the Chaplain announced their retirement. And the main guest, World War II legless Group Captain Douglas

  • 100 years ago June 21, 1902

    REVELLERS in Droitwich were to be denied extra drinking time in the Spa's pubs during the forthcoming Coronation celebrations magistrates decided, following a plea by the local licensed victuallers' association for an extra hour on June 26 and 27. The

  • 100 years ago June 7, 1902

    TRAMPS seeking a night's board and lodging at Bromsgrove's Workhouse in Birmingham Road would not in future need a police ticket verifying that they were a genuine and deserving case. The practice was being discontinued because police were too busy. PEACE

  • 25 years ago May 27, 1977

    A NUMBER of silver birch trees and Queen Elizabeth roses were to be planted in Sanders Park. They had been given to Bromsgrove District Council by Roseacre Nursery at Hagley to mark the Queen's forthcoming Silver Jubilee. n BOMB disposal experts were

  • 100 years ago May 31, 1902

    THE living of Hanbury had been offered and accepted by the Rev Reginald Harvey of Bristol. The living was the gift of Sir Harry Vernon, Bart. of Hanbury Hall. n A SECOND case of smallpox had been reported in Droitwich. The victim was a tramp who had been

  • 25 years ago May 20, 1977

    AN attempt by the minority Labour group on Bromsgrove District Council to get their veteran leader Cllr Henry Webley installed as vice-chairman to mark the silver jubilee had failed. The holder of an MBE, he was the only member of the council to have

  • 50 years ago May 23, 1952

    A MEETING of his creditors heard that Maurice Booth, aged 61, lessee of the Salters' Cinema and Diana Cafe in Droitwich had assets of only £110 to meet debts of £2,483. Mr Booth, of Fernhill Heath, had taken on the cinema's lease in 1948 for £30 a week

  • 100 years ago May 14, 1902

    THE Sick and Dividend Club at the Ewe and Lamb pub at Stoke Health, Bromsgrove, held its annual sports day on Whit Monday, when around 1,200 turned up to watch. There was a variety of events including hammer throwing and races for all ages. One of the

  • 50 years ago May 17, 1952

    FIT Bromsgrove men were being sought to work as locomotive firemen. The London Midland region of British Railways wanted workers aged 18 to 30 to enter the one-month training programme for the position. Successful applicants could expect to work a 44-

  • 100 years ago May 17, 1902

    THE Bromsgrove Charities board was seeking a married couple to fill a vacancy in a town almshouse. An advert in the Bromsgrove Messenger said the applicants must be poor, of good character, have lived in the parish of All Saints for three years and be

  • 50 years ago May 10, 1952

    SIDNEY Farr, assistant clerk to Droitwich Rural District Council, decided to retire after clocking up 52 years' service. During that time he had only been absent for two weeks due to illness. SIXTY workers at the ICI Salt Works at Stoke were being made

  • 25 years ago April 29, 1977

    A TOTAL of 555 people were on the dole in Bromsgrove, 385 men and 170 women. The figures did not include young people or students. n THIS year's Bromsgrove Music Festival, considered to be one of Bromsgrove's jewels, could be the last. Fears for its future

  • Playing for a new team

    Walking into the Tindall's home, it is impossible not to feel awe-struck by the black and white pictures of Mike's footballing days which line the hallway. The Penmanor resident talks enthusiastically about his time as an Aston Villa wing half in the

  • 50 years ago April 26, 1952

    THE inaugural meeting of the Worcestershire Guild of Artist Craftsmen was held in Bromsgrove Library. Its aim was to further an interest in traditional skills. The meeting elected Robert Pancheri as its president. n FEMALE worshippers attending the Easter

  • A united stand beats crime

    TWENTY serious crimes committed in St George's have been solved as part of a pioneering project between residents and police. The Urban Safety Initiative was launched after figures showed there were high levels of arson, criminal damage and burglary in

  • 100 years ago April 19, 1902

    INMATES at Bromsgrove's workhouse were unhappy with the broth, bread and cheese that made up the regular Monday menu. The ruling guardians decided instead to give them beef stew containing fat, flour, carrots and onions. The change would cost less than

  • 25 years ago April 1, 1977

    A 15-YEAR-OLD physically handicapped boy, Adrian Holmes of Brueton Avenue was voted Bromsgrove Sports Council's junior male personality of the year. Adrian had an 18-inch steel brace in his back. The supreme men's award went to top-flight soccer referee

  • 50 years ago April 5, 1952

    BROMSGROVE'S first traffic warden was sworn in by town magistrates on Tuesday. He was retired policeman John Tasker who had spent much of his 28 years in the force on the Catshill beat. Clad in a blue mackintosh and peaked cap and sporting white gloves

  • 100 years ago April 5, 1902

    DROITWICH Town Council was deeply upset at discovering that the River Salwarpe was being systematically polluted by effluent from Bromsgrove Sewage Farm, mainly after dark. It was said that many people in the Spa area used the river water for drinking

  • Patsy back on the force

    Redditch police chief Patsy Lord, who was suspended in October after allegations of misconduct, has been reinstated to the force. The claims against Chief Supt Lord are still being investigated but she is currently carrying out non-operational duties

  • Changes brewing at prison

    THE Primrose Hospice will be taking over the running of the visitors' coffee shop at Blakenhurst Prison from Tuesday. For the last decade, the service has been provided by the WRVS, which is withdrawing due to a change in its operational strategy. The

  • Housing estate given image lift

    A HUGE project to improve a Redditch housing estate which has suffered from 'negative stereotypes' and 'a poor self image' will be launched next month. Voices aims to connect Batchley with radio station BBC Hereford and Worcester through a series of community

  • 100 years ago March 8, 1902

    RESIDENTS in the north of Bromsgrove were to meet next week at Lickey End Board School to decided on what form the celebrations to mark King Edward VII's coronation in June would take. One of the chief considerations would be money, as the urban district

  • Festival taking shape

    PREPARATIONS are well under way for Redditch's huge Community Arts Festival Event (CAF) in June. A skeleton programme has been drawn up with events taking place all day in the Kingfisher Centre and three concerts in the Civic Suite at Redditch Town Hall

  • 50 years ago February 25, 1977

    BROMSGROVE community leaders wanted detailed information before they would accept that more than half of 117 homes modernised in Catshill suffered from varying degrees of damp. The complaints were raised at Bromsgrove District Council's housing and health

  • 25 years ago February 18, 1977

    READERS were told work on the M42 would begin within the coming year. Plans were discussed at a joint meeting of Bromsgrove District Council and Hereford and Worcester County Council. Community leaders also said the new motorway would hopefully be linked

  • Fay has a marathon ambition

    A HUNT End woman hopes to thrash last year's time when she takes part in the London Marathon on April 13. Fay Falconer, of Coleshill Close, completed the event in three hours and 55 minutes and raised more than £1,600 for the Royal National Institute

  • 25 years ago February 11, 1977

    FORMER North Bromsgrove High School pupil Elizabeth Williams, aged 21, had been successful in winning through to the forthcoming Miss ATV beauty contest. BROMSGROVE District Council was seriously considering getting tougher with drivers who failed to

  • Pensioner died after broken hip

    AN inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of a pensioner who was found lying in his home with a broken hip and died later in hospital. The inquest heard that Raymond Moore, 80, had not been seen for three days at his warden controlled accommodation

  • 100 years ago January 18, 1902

    VILLAGERS and staff employed at the Isaac Nash scythe works in Belbroughton risked their lives when they formed a human chain to use buckets of water to tackle a blaze at the factory. They also managed to move tens of thousands of scythe blades and hay

  • 100 years ago January 4, 1902

    SOME pub landlords in Bromsgrove had already found a loophole in the new act which came into force on January 1, banning children under 14 from buying intoxicating liquor - they fastened down the corks with gummed paper. 100 years ago January 4, 1902

  • December 14, 1901

    A WORKING MEN'S social club opened in Catshill creating great excitement in the district. Some years ago a reading room had been created, but had closed though lack of interest. 100 years ago December 14, 1901 A WORKING MEN'S social club opened in Catshill

  • November 30, 1901

    MR J Wright, from Sagebury Terrace, Stoke Works, received the sad news from two of his comrades that his son, Pt E Wright, had been shot and killed at Pampasfontein, in South Africa, on October 24. 100 years ago. November 30, 1901 MR J Wright, from Sagebury

  • Stout calls time on job

    DAVID Stout will stand down as coach of Bromsgrove RFC First XV at the end of the season. Stout (pictured), who has been in charge at Finstall Park for four years, made the announcement to fans in his programme notes before last Saturday's 38-11victory

  • 26/3/03 - Weston to sign for Gloucester

    PHIL Weston will today join Gloucestershire after Worcestershire agreed to release the batsman from his New Road contract. The 29-year-old opener, who made his County debut back in 1991, travelled to Bristol today to undergo a medical and was expected

  • November 2, 1901

    ALFRED Byny, of Hanover Street, appeared before Bromsgrove magistrates charged with stealing a pea gun from his employer, William Newman, of Charford Farm. 100 years ago November 2, 1901 ALFRED Byny, of Hanover Street, appeared before Bromsgrove magistrates

  • October 26, 1901

    BROMSGROVE'S ancient Court Leet met for its autumn meeting in the Town Hall to elect a new Bailiff. The Reeve, traditionally the Bailiff elect, had left the area so the honour went to Thomas Roper. 100 years ago October 26, 1901 for its autumn meeting

  • 100 years ago October 5, 1901

    A PUBLIC meeting chaired by Dr Roden was held in Droitwich Town Hall to discuss forming a hockey club in the Spa. It was agreed that subscriptions be 2/6 (12.5p) a year. A committee was to be set up to gauge opinion about starting up a town cricket team

  • Youth shelter nearly ready

    A NEW youth shelter is being built in Studley which the parish council hopes will go some way to keeping teenagers off the street in the evening. The shelter, which has cost the council about £15,000, is being placed on the Millennium Green off Crooks

  • 100 years ago September 21, 1901

    AT the start of the cricket season The Messenger had offered a prize of a bat worth a guinea (£1.5p) to the local player with the best batting average. 100 years ago September 21, 1901 AT the start of the cricket season The Messenger had offered a prize

  • August 17, 1901

    ALBERT Field, aged 18 months, was killed when he was run over by a horse pulling a bread cart in Gibb Lane, Catshill, where he had been playing with other youngsters. 100 years ago August 17, 1901 ALBERT Field, aged 18 months, was killed when he was run

  • Sheer joy over glass

    AN Alvechurch company which has brought glass blowing home to the Midlands is celebrating a year of production. The English Antique Glass Co (EAG), based at Bordesley Hall, has attracted a lot of interest from the stained glass and antique furniture trades

  • Fair was blooming successful

    THERE was plenty on offer in Feckenham at the weekend as villagers gathered for the annual spring fair. And there was some serious business to attend to as gardeners squared up for the spring flower competition as well. The contest attracts the cream

  • July 20, 1901

    A DODFORD woman was fined 40s (£2) by Birmingham Police Court for harassing a passenger on a train from Birmingham to Selly Oak. 100 years ago July 20, 1901 A DODFORD woman was fined 40s (£2) by Birmingham Police Court for harassing a passenger on a train

  • Beating the pain barrier

    BROMSGROVE rally driver Iain Henderson overcame a dislocated thumb to drive his brand new car to a maiden British Championship Tarmacadam win. Henderson, and co-driver Paul Farley, finished in first place in their MG ZR after ten fast and furious rounds

  • June 29, 1901

    HANNAH Guise, of Lloyds Yard, Worcester Street, Bromsgrove, appeared before town magistrates charged with using foul language in her own home to the annoyance of her neighbours. 100 years ago June 29, 1901 HANNAH Guise, of Lloyds Yard, Worcester Street

  • Daniel win sports award

    DANIEL Yeomans won the U19 Male title at Bromsgrove District Sports Council's annual awards. Continuing our round-up of winners, Daniel received his trophy and certificate in recognition of his achievements in down hill bike racing. Yeomans, once a member

  • Jamie honoured for ability in athletics

    JAMIE Edwards has become the first disabled athlete to win the Under 21 Male award from Bromsgrove District Sports Council. The 15-year-old, who suffers from cerebral palsy, is currently the national shot putt champion for his level and will be competing

  • May 18, 1901

    MEMBERS and friends of Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club attended the annual supper at the club room of the Boat Inn to hear about the team's progress. 100 years ago May 18, 1901 MEMBERS and friends of Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club attended the annual

  • May 11, 1901

    A MEETING of parishioners and members of All Saints' Church met in the nearby schoolroom in Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, to discuss installing a peal of bells in the tower. 100 years ago May 11, 1901 A MEETING of parishioners and members of All Saints' Church

  • April 20, 1901

    WOMEN in Bromsgrove were keeping up with the sudden return of the fashion of wearing earrings. However, the prejudices against having ears pierced was very strong. Jewellers were getting round this by making them with gold clamps to hide the holes in

  • March 23, 1901

    THOMAS Monkton, a boy living in Worcester Street, was brought before Bromsgrove magistrates charged with using a catapult in the road near his home. He was fined 2/6 (12.5p) including costs. 100 years ago March 23, 1901 THOMAS Monkton, a boy living in

  • March 9, 1901

    THE Chief Constable of Worcestershire announced record levels of convictions for drunkenness in the county, with Droitwich Spa being the third most intoxicated town where one in 73 people had been before magistrates for the offence. 100 years ago March

  • March 2, 1901

    GEORGE Phillips, from Sidemoor, was brought in front of Bromsgrove magistrates charged with using foul language in his own home, but within earshot of the general public. 100 years ago March 2, 1901 GEORGE Phillips, from Sidemoor, was brought in front

  • February 23, 1901

    DESPITE the valiant efforts of her husband and Mr Dobbs -- a neighbour who fetched her brandy -- Jane, the 55-year-old wife of labourer George Brooks, of Alcester Road, Finstall, died in the middle of the night following a coughing fit. 100 years ago

  • January 19, 1901

    A COW being driven down Bromsgrove High Street by a youth employed by Mr Lloyd ran off and entered Mr Noake's chemist shop. 100 years ago January 19, 1901 A COW being driven down Bromsgrove High Street by a youth employed by Mr Lloyd ran off and entered

  • January 12, 1901

    A CHRISTMAS concert was held at the Institute in Bromsgrove to raise cash for the parish church Sunday school treat. 100 years ago January 12, 1901 A CHRISTMAS concert was held at the Institute in Bromsgrove to raise cash for the parish church Sunday

  • January 5, 1901

    WALTER Cotton, aged 24, a nailer, and Sam Pugh, 26, a labourer, appeared before the grand jury at the Epiphany Quarter Sessions, in Worcester, accused of stealing three tame fowl from Mr Lloyd, of Bromsgrove. 100 years ago January 5, 1901 WALTER Cotton

  • December 22, 1900

    THE post office in Bromsgrove was urging residents to post early for Christmas and, in any event, as early on December 24 as possible to ensure local delivery on Christmas Day. 100 years ago December 22, 1900 THE post office in Bromsgrove was urging residents

  • December 15, 1900

    BENEVOLENT members of Droitwich Board of Guardians decided to give an extra 1/- (5p) a week during the harsh winter months to paupers receiving relief but who still lived in their own homes. It had been proposed by the chairman, Sir Harry Vernon, from

  • December 8, 1900

    THE name Housman, already distinguished in various forms of literature, had appeared again on a new volume by another member of the talented family. 100 years ago December 8, 1900 THE name Housman, already distinguished in various forms of literature,

  • Start the music!

    ALCESTER schools will be taking part in a mammoth music festival tomorrow. The Chamber Music Festival, which is unique to Warwickshire, is a three-day extravaganza of group and individual music making ending in a spectacular final live performance in

  • November 10, 1900

    THE Vicar of Bromsgrove said the conditions working men lived in were an obstacle to religion. 100 years ago November 10, 1900 THE Vicar of Bromsgrove said the conditions working men lived in were an obstacle to religion. "There are cottages in Bromsgrove

  • October 27, 1900

    WYCHBOLD'S recently opened telegraph office was doing good business. In the three weeks since it opened some 100 messages had passed through. This was good news for Dodderhill Parish Council which had guaranteed to underwrite any loss. FARMER Arthur Griffin

  • October 20, 1900

    A NOVEL performance was set to take place at Bromsgrove's Drill Hall. A military drama, entitled For the Colours, would feature 14 Zulu chiefs and warriors brought over especially to England to appear in the main scene -- The Defence of Rorke's Drift.

  • October 13, 1900

    NEWS that Pt B Twigg of the Worcestershire Yeomanry had been seriously injured fighting the Boers had got back to his family in Bromsgrove. 100 years ago October 13, 1900 Worcestershire Yeomanry had been seriously injured fighting the Boers had got back

  • October 6, 1900

    THE sitting Member of Parliament for East Worcestershire was returned to the House of Commons after standing unopposed. 100 years ago October 6, 1900 THE sitting Member of Parliament for East Worcestershire was returned to the House of Commons after standing

  • September 15, 1900

    THE swarm of bees which had gathered inside the large lamp in front of the Bell Inn, in Bromsgrove, on Wednesday was still there on Friday. 100 years ago September 15, 1900 THE swarm of bees which had gathered inside the large lamp in front of the Bell

  • Special day for police

    ORGANISERS of a day to promote the Special Constabulary in Alcester have said it was a great success. A variety of different events were organised throughout the day, held to raise the profile of specials, including anti-social behaviour patrols and a

  • September 8, 1900

    WILLIAM Newport, a pauper at Droitwich Workhouse, was given 21 days' jail and hard labour by Spa magistrates who found him guilty of punching Mr Loader, the master, in the face. 100 years ago September 8, 1900 WILLIAM Newport, a pauper at Droitwich Workhouse

  • Bus is a plus

    A 15-seater minibus has been put into Bidford thanks to Age Concern. The charity is now looking for voluntary drivers to help run a service every Wednesday collecting older people from surrounding villages and bringing them back for a lunch club at Westholme

  • August 4, 1900

    CHARLES Tandy was hauled before Bromsgrove Petty Sessions charged with being drunk in charge of a pony and trap in Stoke Heath. 100 years ago August 4, 1900 CHARLES Tandy was hauled before Bromsgrove Petty Sessions charged with being drunk in charge of

  • Fee-based service on offer in finance

    A MALVERN company is the latest firm to join the growing list of financial advisers offering clients fee-based advice. McDonald Churchill, Worcester Road, has recently joined the national organisation Fee Based Advice, which offers training and systems

  • Still in step

    A COUPLE can certainly claim to have kept in step with each other over the years as they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at the weekend. Brenda and George Farnell are well known faces at the popular Gemini Dance School in Easemore Road, Redditch

  • July 21, 1900

    WITH the soft fruit season now in full swing, the courts would be kept busy during the next few weeks dealing with what Bromsgrove's police chief, Supt Jeffreys, called "fruit picking nuisances" -- travelling casual workers. 100 years ago July 21, 1900

  • New face for sales in house sector

    A WORCESTERSHIRE housing developer has appointed a new sales and marketing director. Neil Grinnall Homes has appointed Linda Androlia to head up its sales and marketing department. The newly created position reflects the growth of the business, currently

  • Handy way to help

    THE Redditch branch of Age Concern is hoping to set up a new handyman scheme to carry out jobs around the house for the elderly. The charity has applied for a social services grant to employ a handyman and development officer. Age Concern also has spaces

  • July 14, 1900

    100 years ago July 14, 1900 EDWIN Docker, north Worcestershire coroner, held an inquest at the Turk's Head pub, in Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, into the death of Edward Wallis, of Peter's Finger. The nailer died the previous week in unusual circumstances

  • June 23, 1900

    CHARLES Gibbs, aged 31, a baker by profession, appeared in the dock at the Worcester Quarter Sessions charged with stealing various items, including clothing, from his employer, Charles Taplid, of Upton Warren. 100 years ago June 23, 1900 CHARLES Gibbs

  • New shop opens doors

    MATALAN'S new 34,000sq ft Redditch store is now open for business. The Advertiser's competition winner, Carol Farr, of Studley, opened the Tunnel Drive store on Thursday alongside members of Redditch Special Olympics, the chosen charity for 2003. Customers

  • June 16, 1900

    100 years ago June 16, 1900 THE school summer holidays in Bromsgrove were fixed this week to run from July 12 until August 13. But this was on the understanding that if pea and strawberry crops looked like maturing earlier, the chairman of the town's

  • June 9, 1900

    HE sudden death of William Llewellyn, from Elmshurst, a Bromsgrove worthy in the true sense, saddened many townsfolk. 100 years ago June 9, 1900 THE sudden death of William Llewellyn, from Elmshurst, a Bromsgrove worthy in the true sense, saddened many

  • June 2, 1900

    THE parents of Pt William Dyers, who lived in Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, learned this week of his death from dysentery while serving with the 2nd Worcesters fighting the Boers in Bloemfontein. 100 years ago June 2, 1900 THE parents of Pt William Dyers

  • May 19, 1900

    FIFTY students who worked hard through the winter learning French and shorthand were put to the test during end of term exams. 100 years ago May 19, 1900 FIFTY students who worked hard through the winter learning French and shorthand were put to the test

  • Inkberrow Bulb Show

    CHAIRMAN Tom Hodgkinson welcomed the many visitors to the Inkberrow and District Horticultural Society's spring show at the village hall and thanked all who had worked hard to make it a success. The judge, Jack Spragg, of Evesham, was delighted with the

  • May 5, 1900

    A YOUNG pauper living at Bromsgrove Workhouse, said to be a bad boy and incorrigible, had been given nine strokes of the birch rod for breaking windows and stealing. 100 years ago May 5, 1900 A YOUNG pauper living at Bromsgrove Workhouse, said to be a

  • Inner Wheel Club of Redditch

    THE 47th annual meeting at the Quality Hotel was attended by many clubs and district officers. Candles of Friendship were lit and in sending greetings to Inner Wheel Clubs the world over, special thoughts were given to Rotarian Bond and his family who

  • April 28, 1900

    ABEL and Leo Jelfs, from Catshill, appeared before Bromsgrove magistrates charged with assaulting their other brother, Heber. The three were involved in a brawl on Heber's Horse Course allotment in the village after a disagreement over the land. The bench

  • Ipsley WI

    AT the March 12 meeting, it was reported there were now 43 members and new members and visitors were welcomed. This is a happy situation when membership nationally is declining. Two coaches had now been booked for the autumn trip to London and entries

  • Railway Interest Group

    THE February meeting of the Redditch & Alcester Group of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway saw Paul Stratford present a slide show called Steam in the Communist World. This featured a 1989 visit to East Germany, just a few weeks before the

  • Studley Women's Country Club

    AT the March 6 meeting, the speaker was Mrs Pamela Walker, who has a milliner's shop in Studley. She brought materials that hats are made from and told how she started and how Prince Philip awarded her her City & Guilds. She explained how hats were

  • April 7, 1900

    BROMSGROVE Urban District Council elections broke all records this week -- more residents placed their vote and John Brazier, who headed the list, polled more votes than any other candidate before. 100 years ago April 7, 1900 BROMSGROVE Urban District

  • March 10, 1900

    FREDERICK Rutter, of Bournheath, was charged on a warrant for being in arrears for £1 4s 6d (£1.22.5p) in regard to an order made by the bench calling on him to pay 3s 6d (17.5p) a week towards the support of a child of Amelia Griffin. 100 years ago March

  • February 17, 1900

    CECIL Harmsworth, mid-Worcestershire's Liberal candidate in the forthcoming General Election, spoke to supporters at a rally in Aston Fields, Bromsgrove. 100 years ago February 17, 1900 CECIL Harmsworth, mid-Worcestershire's Liberal candidate in the forthcoming