THE dignity of elderly residents in a Worcester nursing home is being stripped because of a Government cutback in incontinence pads. A new ruling brought out by the NHS last year means they are only able to claim one free incontinence pad for use at night
PROTESTERS lobbied visitors to a circus last night amid concerns over animal welfare. Eight members of the Worcestershire Animal Rights Coalition distributed leaflets outside the Peter Jolly Circus, which has set up camp at the Monksfield Farm car boot
TRIBUTES have been paid to a former canon of Worcester Cathedral who died in Pershore Cottage Hospital after battling against cancer. Canon Robert Gibbs, aged 60, served in parishes around the diocese and was Rural Dean of Kidderminster from 1983 to 1989
A TODDLER died after drowning in a pond at his home, an inquest heard. Twenty-two-month-old Andrew Condon died on Monday morning at Birmingham Children's Hospital, two days after he fell in to the pond in Whittall Drive East, Kidderminster, at about 12.40pm
PUBS could soon be politer places following a decision by a major chain to discourage people from swearing on its premises. JD Wetherspoon, which has 650 pubs around the country, including the Postal Order on Foregate Street, Worcester, is to print messages
A WOMAN who is claiming compensation after being left without electricity for almost a week after the October storms, has expressed her relief on hearing Aquila's decision to sell Midlands Electricity plc. Shirleen Rogers and her husband Peter, were one
A FOOTLOOSE feline who gave her owners the slip during a trip to the Three Counties Showground in Malvern has been found safe and well. Sodpot, a 14-year-old cat with a missing tooth and bald spot, disappeared when her owners, Allan and Barbara Parker
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ABBA fans are being invited to a top tribute band at the Bromsgrove Hilton. Mamma Mia will be performing Abba's greatest hits at the Birmingham Road hotel on Friday, June 13. Call 0121 447 7888.
A MAN who broke his community rehabilitation order by stealing a bottle of alcohol has been fined. Adam Rose, aged 19, stole the bottle of Martini from the Co-op, in St John's, Worcester, on Wednesday, May 21, Worcester magistrates heard yesterday. Mr
AN archaeological find from the Civil War era was so significant that printing of a book about the period had to be stopped to include it. Part of a defence ditch dating back to the 1640s was discovered during an excavation in Rynal Place prior to building
FIFTY years ago this week, huge celebrations swept the country as people marked the Queen's coronation at Westminster Abbey. The Coronation was on June 2, 1953, and as part of the festivities, the residents of Yvonne Road in Crabbs Cross decided to get
June 5, 1953 BY the death of Mr C Disney Milward JP, which occurred suddenly in the early hours of last Friday morning, Redditch and district has lost a personality who was an acknowledged leader of the town's traditional industry and in many areas of
June 2, 1978 THE development of the Oakenshaw area of Redditch moved into top gear this week with the announcement of a huge £2.7 million building project. Redditch Development Corporation is set to be awarded a contract to build a total of 205 houses
POLICE have written to residents in Woodrow warning them to secure their homes following a spate of sneak-in thefts in the area. A number of houses have been targeted and handbags, purses, wallets, mobile phones and laptop computers have been snatched
POLICE are appealing for information after a motorcyclist drove the wrong way up the Alvechurch Highway before colliding with another vehicle. The incident happened on Friday, May 23, and involved a motorcyclist and his passenger. A police car behind
Two cases of Lanson champagne and a small quantity of cash were stolen from an office at Castle Nurseries, in Castle Road, Studley, after burglars broke in late on Monday, May 26, or early the next morning. Anyone with information about the raid can call
A lorry which was stolen from Bridgewater, in Somerset, was later found dumped in Feckenham. A total of 24 pallets of cider had been stolen from the truck.
Businesses are being warned to be on their guard following reports of a bogus company claiming to represent the police. The firm claims it is producing a magazine and has asked companies around Redditch if they would be interested in advertising. Police
THERE are few occasions when the entire cast of a stage production appear to be on an equal footing. And fewer times still when all are deserving of the rich applause they received - but Mrs Warren's Profession at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, is one
IF you only go to the theatre once this year, see Miss Saigon at the Birmingham Hippodrome and you will not be disappointed. With it's awe-inspiring stage sets, flawless performances and dynamic dance routines theatre-goers are guaranteed an explosive
TWO David Bower goals made it two wins in as many games for Bromsgrove Hockey Club in the Summer League. Bower hit the target in either half to seal a 2-1 home victory against Kings Heath Pickwick last Wednesday. The visitors dominated most of the first
DAVE Worthington, manager of Redditch-based superbikes team Magnum Motorsport has admitted he was lining up a deal to recruit David Jefferies, the biker killed in the Isle of Man TT last week. Worthington's team paid the entrance fee for the former National
HAVING read all the comments regarding the accident on the Alvechurch Highway on Tuesday, May 6, I would, on behalf of my husband, who was the person all the comments were regarding, put his side of the story. Having collided with a car coming across
I WISH to reply to the letter 'Protest was appalling' (Advertiser, May 21). I am sorry if the 'graphic pictures' of a chicken being killed caused offence but they were no worse than those in many children's cartoons. Redditch Animal Rights was demonstrating
NOW Redditch Co-operative Homes is awash with a huge amount of money secured from private funding, totalling £14.7 million, where do we stand with greenfield sites? David Cartwright, the former Council Leader, stated in the Labour manifesto: 'We will.
A LETTER from Val Kendrick (Advertiser, May 28) commented on the conduct of recent planning committee meetings. Members of this committee will always have a difficult task whenever a controversial planning application appears before us. One side or other
AGAIN, I thank Colin and Mrs Plaskett for their correct description of Redditch Charity Jazz Band uniforms. Although only five years old in 1933, I could not remember what uniform the band wore. I did watch almost every carnival from that era when I lived
ALMOST two years ago, University College Worcester was able to celebrate being included, for the first time, in a prestigious university league table. Then, it was rated 87 out of 123 British universities and university colleges listed in the Sunday Times
REDDITCH racewalker Sharon Tonks won the Coventry Godiva 'Alan Flear Memorial' track meeting on Saturday. Sharon abandoned her usual fast start for the 3km event at Warwick University and watched a junior athlete open up a considerable lead from the gun
HEREFORD and Worcester Ambulance Trust has announced the appointment of a new chairman from September 1. Joanna Newton will take over the post from Paul Leopold, who was appointed in November 1999 and will give up the post in August. Mrs Newton is currently
BIRMINGHAM City Ladies did a prestigious double at the fifth annual Women's FA Player of the Year awards. Nominated for seven categories, the Redditch United tenants had manager Marcus Bignot named Nationwide Manager of the Year and star forward Eni Aluko
A "LIFELINE" post office will definitely shut on July 28 despite vigorous protests from residents, councillors and Redditch MP Jacqui Smith. The Post Office announced this week it will axe its Beoley Road West branch in St George's as part of a 'restructuring
THE Ullenhall Players will be presenting an hilarious comedy by Ken Ludwig from Wednesday to Saturday, June 11-14. Lend Me A Tenor, to be performed at Ullenhall Village Hall from 7.30pm, tells the story of Max, who dreams of becoming an opera singer.
A NEW production of George Feydeau's French comedy Where There's A Will opens at Malvern's Festival Theatre on Monday. West End star Elaine Paige takes on the main role of Angele in this classic farce directed by Sir Peter Hall. Described as 'The First
ONE of the world's top young jazz orchestras performs at the Palace Theatre tomorrow. Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra (MYJO) has been a winner in the BBC National Big Band Competition every permissible year since 1986 and won the Dutch National Competition
DAVE James and Wayne Pugh destroyed the Old Halesonians batting order as Avoncroft won by three wickets at Hanbury Road last Saturday. James (6-30) and Pugh (4-14) helped dismiss the visitors for just 89 but Paul Athey's side needed Pugh to also be alert
DEREK Higgins top scored with 73 not out as Cutnall Green Cricket Club secured a winning draw at Alvechurch and Hopwood last Saturday. Green skipper Matthew Harris lost the toss and his side was put into bat, losing wickets early on. The visitors were
DROITWICH Spa and Barnt Green Cricket Club First XIs are still without a victory from two Worcestershire Sunday League games. Spa's lost by 18 runs against Kidderminster at St Peter's Field last Sunday despite contributions from Ian Duggan (40), Gary
WORCESTER Rugby Club were on the verge of a massive transfer coup last night as they put the finishing touches to a move for Orrell's Drew Hickey. The Australian number eight was at Sixways yesterday for talks about a move to Worcester following Orrell's
STOURPORT Swifts manager Dave Titterton is planning an ambitious swoop for two Walsall youngsters. The Walshes Meadow boss has been in talks with Saddlers manager Colin Lee as he seeks to boost his squad. Titterton has already signed left wing-back Mark
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FREE tickets are now available for CAFE 2003 as preparations for the June event become well advanced. The tickets for the talent show on Friday, June 13, and three concerts at Redditch Town Hall on Saturday, June 14, are available from the Advertiser's
PEOPLE will be able to put their pedal power to the test on Sunday, June 22, as part of National Bike Week. A cycle ride will take place from Arrow Valley Countryside Centre in Battens Drive to Coughton Court, near Alcester. Participants can bring their
Wythall Forum hosts Joan Johnson on Monday who will be giving a talk on dowsing. Those interested can go to along to Wythall Library, May Lane, Hollywood, at 7.45pm for an 8pm start. Admission is 75p.
This weekend gardening enthusiasts can visit the grounds of White Cottage in Earls Common Road, Stock Green, two miles west of Inkberrow, from 10am-5pm as part of the National Gardens Scheme. The garden is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well as
Redditch Town Centre Covenant Churches will be hosting a fascinating and informative walk along Coventry Canal on Sunday, June 8. A coach will be leaving Mount Carmel Church at 1pm and will return at 7pm. The cost for the walk is £4 and for more details
DROITWICH Spa Football Club's hopes of promotion have been dented after being given just one week to build their new stand. Midland Football Combination officials visited Spa's King George's Playing Fields ground last Saturday and expect the structure
NATIONWIDE Division One side Walsall will face Bromsgrove Rovers in a pre-season warm-up match on Saturday, August 9. Kick-off at the Victoria Ground is at 3pm.
THIS week's results start with the Furnace Mill Bank Holiday, two-day festival, held over three matches. On Sunday, May 25, Stourbridge matchman Andy Newton (Lifestyle) led the way from peg 21 on the Furnace pool with a pole, chopped worm and caster catch
DEAR EDITOR -- In reply to Mary Dawn (travelling gypsy) in the Advertiser/Messenger of May 14, I cannot believe the cheek of the woman. As a resident of Hampton Lovett, the mess and damage these travellers have caused on the business Park will cost thousands
DEAR EDITOR -- On behalf of the Bromsgrove branch of the RNLI we would like to thank the townsfolk for giving so generously on our recent flag day on May 17. We have been able to raise the grand sum of £1,154.42. R Crump Vice-chairman RNLI Bromsgrove
DEAR EDITOR -- May I express my total agreement with John Cawthen's comments (LETTERS (May 28) - Bromsgrove's bin blight) expressing serious reservations about the use of wheelie bins in Bromsgrove. I was appalled to read that Bromsgrove District Council
DEAR EDITOR -- This is Volunteer's Week, which is a celebration of volunteering. The week is about recognising volunteer's contribution to society, rewarding those who already give time and recruiting new volunteers. The Stroke Association's Dysphasia
DEAR EDITOR -- A local paper normally concentrates on local issues, quite rightly. From time to time however, national issues arise, that are of such overwhelming importance to us, that a local discussion is very much needed. I hope you agree with me
DEAR EDITOR -- As one of four independent councillors representing Wythall Ratepayers and Residents Association (WRRA) I would like to acquaint your readers and the people of the district with a serious defect that exists in the scrutiny committees operated
DEAR EDITOR -- With reference to a recent correspondent - 'Frustrated of Bromsgrove', I would like to respond that it should not take "a week or more" to get a doctor's appointment. The NHS Plan published in June 2000, sets out targets for the length
DEAR EDITOR -- May I take this opportunity to congratulate Holywell School on receiving an Achievement Award, in recognition of all the hard work put in by all members of staff. But furthermore the way they distributed the financial reward equally between
HE road repairs to the M5 continued to bring misery to the residents of Bromsgrove and the surrounding areas. A West Mercia Police spokesman claimed that there had been more "shunt" accidents since the repair work began. Frustrated and fatigued drivers
Members of the New Inn Friendly Society held their anniversary on Whit Monday with the Blackheath Brass Band leading the procession. They paraded through Bournheath and Catshill after enjoying a successful year with the addition of 11 new members. A brickmaker
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GOALSCORERS 16 - Burgess. 14 - Dyson. 12 - Danks. 11 - Palmer. 8 - Banner. 7 - Frost. 5 - Beckett. 4 - Read. 3 - Benbow, Clifton. 2 - Cartwright, Pope, Southwick. 1 - Blake, Ford, Lloyd, Lutz, McHugh. ADVERTISER/MESSENGER MAN OF THE MATCH 8 - Frost. 5
ASTWOOD Bank pulled out the stops to upset Crusader League high-fliers Eastnor in the National Village Knock-out on Sunday. The Division Two underdogs saw off their Division One rivals to book a regional semi final at home to Cotswolds Hills League side
EXHALL and Wixford are preparing for another busy weekend in the National Village Knockout. The villagers have a daunting pair of fixtures starting with a Cotswold Premier top three clash at Stratford Bards on Saturday (2pm start). Bards are second in
MOUTH watering homemade cakes will be just some of the tasty goodies on sale at a fair in Rubery this Saturday. Generous residents are urged to pop along to the money-spinning coffee morning and plant sale at Our Lady's Parish Centre, in Leach Green Lane
STUDLEY are out to cause an upset in the Birmingham League Knockout Cup tonight. Brandon Miller's side have yet to play in this season's competition after first round opponents Stratford withdrew. The Washford Fields side open their cup campaign at home
THE Stroke Association Volunteer's Week is this month and we would like to take the opportunity to say "thank you" to all our volunteers. If you are interesting in becoming a volunteer for The Stroke Association, please phone 0845 30 33100. MARGARET GOOSE
Wednesday, June 4 Show: Miss Saigon, Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Until September 6. Film: I Capture the Castle, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 6pm. Blues: Derrin Nauerndork and David Downing, Robin RnB Club 1, Merry Hill. Tribute
BIDFORD'S inconsistent season continued with a Premier Division defeat at the hands of Shipston-on-Stour at the weekend. The Big Meadow side put on 179-5 but saw their opponents reach their target for the loss of five. The reverse means Bidford stay rooted
LIVESTOCK will be back at the Three Counties Show in Malvern on June 13, 14 and 15 after an absence of two years. Entries are already much higher than expected for what is one of the agricultural shows of the year.
Feckenham are still hunting for their first outright result of the season after another squared game. The Mill Lane side have drawn three and abandoned four of their opening seven fixtures to leave them just one place above the Division Two trapdoor.
LABOUR lost two more seats at the recent local elections. They now hold but 10, the lowest number of seats to be held by them for a number of years. What a cheek then at the annual meeting for long-serving Coun Roger Berry to accuse the Conservatives
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AN adventurous bin man will be travelling thousands of miles across the world to take part in a sponsored trek for the Acorn Children's Hospice. Trevor Brookes, who works in Bromsgrove, will hike and canoe through the dense Amazonian rainforest in the
A BROMSGROVE man, who raised more than £20,000 for a town museum, had the unusual experience of seeing his own head immortalised in wood. The handcrafted representation of Roy Hawkesworth, a volunteer at the Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings,will
STHERE'S a glimmer of hope for Droitwich Spa folks struggling to get their foot on the property ladder. A multi-million pounds cash injection for new housing developments in the town has been announced by Spa Housing Association. Around £3.5 million must
FIREFIGHTERS from Bromsgrove had a busy weekend dealing with prison fires, arson attempts and malicious false alarms. A fire engine attended a large bin fire next to Threshers off-licence in the High Street in the early hours of Saturday morning. At 1.45pm
YOUNGSTERS are promised a wizard time at a public reading of the very latest Harry Potter book. SPLAT Youth Club has organised a magical narration of Harry Potter - The Order of the Phoenix on the first day of its publication. From 10am on Saturday, June
THE Beacon Church Centre will marks its 75th anniversary with a fun-packed weekend later this month. Rubery residents are being invited to drop in to the Whetty Lane centre, which has been established since 1928, on June 21 and 22. Reverend Ian Ring said
TWO men from Droitwich Spa were attacked during an armed bank robbery in Worcester. The town residents, who work for Securicor, had just pulled up outside Abbey National Bank, Broad Street, when three masked raiders jumped on them. They were attacked
A BOY of 15 was pushed off his mountain bike as two men tried to steal it. Now police are appealing for two men, who helped the teenager, to come forward. The incident happened at about 7.15pm last Wednesday when the teenager was riding his bike on Broad
DROITWICH Spa's male population must take health matters into their own hands to reduce the number of preventable deaths among young men. The town's Men's Health Forum is backing National Men's Health Week, which kicks off on Monday and this year focuses
BIRD lovers hatched a covert operation in Upton Warren to protect a nest of rare eggs from unscrupulous collectors. A round-the-clock guard has ensured the safe arrival of four Avocet chicks at the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust (WWT) reserve. It's the
DROITWICH Spa's MP says high teacher salaries in Worcestershire are a 'killer fact' in the battle for a fairer deal. Tory MP Peter Luff said staff pay packets across the county have swelled by 27 per cent since 1999 and he's calling on the Government
I MUST make it clear at the outset that I'm only going to say positive things about this performance in the hope I'm able to avoid the punishment meted out to the bitchy Doris in this hilarious Ben Elton play. Sue Lister was brilliant as the nasty tabloid
RICHARD White can be an example to us all. His battle with cerebral palsy, which affects his mind and lower limbs, to become one of the world's leading disabled sprinters is one of immense dedication and huge success. The Catshill athlete, Sportsman of
FOR Zep fans, eight hours of new live footage and concert recordings must be rather like crawling from a desert to find Perrier's bottling plant. Years have passed since the last official release of live material so it's impressive the debt to fans has
SPRINTER Daniel Fagan has added to his already impressive reputation by taking gold and silver medals at a Midlands event. Fagan, aged 15, won the U17s 200m and was runner-up in the U17s 100m for Birchfield Harriers at Midland Counties Athletic Championships
Four star THE critics were out in force to damn this sequel before they had even seen it. How wrong could they be? The opening sequence was better than the first movie altogether. The effects are unbelievable, the cast stunning, the storyline understandable
BADMINTON players from Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove are being sought by a county team looking to build on one of its most successful seasons ever. West Mercia Badminton Club, which plays at Hindlip Hall, near Droitwich Spa, scooped five trophies for performances
Two star I THOUGHT we had seen the last of this girl group after they won the battle against the boy band in the over-hyped television show Popstars The Rivals. They had a Christmas number one hit with Sound of the Underground and then word on the girls
BROMSGROVE Golf Club's Mixed Seniors remain favourites to retain the Ombersley Shield after taking a decisive lead in their opening round match. The Stratford Road centre's team, who have won the trophy for the last two years, defeated Ombersley 8 v 2
ROY Cooper says he gets a great deal of satisfaction from helping the people who drop in to see him at the Bromsgrove Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). "I don't do this job to get compliments but when you do something quite simple and then hear how useful
WORCESTERSHIRE won the toss and elected to bat first in their top-of-the-table Frizzell County Championship Division Two clash with Somerset at Bath today. They made a confident start with openers Stephen Peters and Anurag Singh taking the score on to
A HUGE banner supporting the Redditch star of TV show Big Brother is to be suspended over the town centre ring road. Kingfisher Centre bosses have added their support to Winyates Green girl Steph Coldicott and have spent £1,650 on a custom-made banner
ANGRY and frustrated market traders are looking to revolt and set up their stalls in Market Place despite facing a large fine or a ban from working in Redditch. Stallholders are determined to make a stand after months of seeing their businesses dwindle
HIGH-FLYING Feckenham Bird Centre will be celebrating its 50th birthday when the village Wake starts on Saturday. The centre, opened by Lionel Peak in time for the Feckenham Wake in 1953, is still going strong today and houses many different species,
THE hypocrisy of the upper and middle classes takes another battering at Malvern this week. Last week it was Priestley's savaging of the northern nouveau-riche industrialists in An Inspector Calls, this week Bernard Shaw's pre-feminist morality tale of
TWO Redditch brothers are to feature on a TV show exploring the problems they face as members of a band. Former Abbey High School students Paul and Dave Foxall grew up in Church Hill but moved to Liverpool two years ago where they joined forces with Emlyn
ANYONE going away on holiday or into hospital can have their pets looked after in the comfort of a home environment following the launch of a new business. Redditch based Pets Inhouse offers people the chance to leave their beloved pooches or feline friends
LEGAL action is being threatened over the installation of traffic calming measures in Alvechurch. Ron Berry, of insurance brokers Courtprice Ltd, The Square, said businesses had not been consulted about the work, which began last Tuesday and is due to
A 74-year-old woman was pushed to the ground suffering cuts and bruises and her handbag stolen in Alvechurch on Thursday, May 29. The incident happened at about 10.35pm at a caravan park in Bittell Farm Road. The woman was returning to her caravan when
NEW play equipment will soon be installed in Studley with a little help from a recently awarded grant. The parish council has been planning for some time to replace the old play area on the recreation ground off High Street Now a £3,000 grant from the
THE publess village of Rowney Green tried to make up for lost time on Saturday when the Peace Memorial Hall was turned into a pub for one night only. The hall, which has stood on the site of a 1920 secondhand army hut since 1960, became the Haytier's
THERE will be fun for all on Saturday when the annual Feckenham Wake takes place from 2pm in The Square. Some of the delights on offer include juggling, a gladiator duel, sumo wrestling, plate smashing and Punch and Judy. There will also be plenty of
Look out for this new section - coming soon from your Worcester Evening News. In the meantime read it in Country News, part of your Evening News every Saturday. To subscribe to the newspaper click here.
TOTS from New Beginnings Nursery are taking part in a toddle to raise funds for Barnardo's. The nursery, based at NEW College's Redditch campus, will join Foresters Big Toddle to help raise more than £70,000 for vital work for disadvantaged children under
THE REDI centre, which offers a wide range of educational courses for adults, is celebrating after tripling its intake of learners in the past year. The centre, in South Street, is owned and managed by Redditch Council and works closely with NEW College
A WOMAN who was threatened with jail for her son's truancy has been given two 12-month community rehabilitation orders. The Abbeydale woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was given one order for her 14-year-old son's truancy and was given the
LOTS of burning issues were dealt with at a Feckenham school last week when Redditch firefighters paid a visit. The crew visited Feckenham First School to help the youngsters learn about all aspects of fire safety. The children were also given an insight
NEW College workers will be digging out their trainers this week and persuading colleagues to part with their cash as they begin training for Race for Life. The fund-raiser, in aid of Cancer Research UK, takes place at Sanders Park, Bromsgrove on Sunday
A NEW state of the art all-weather golfing facility, aimed at nurturing future talent, has launched at Bromsgrove Golf Centre. Cameras, computers and monitors have been installed at the Stratford Road centre to teach the skills of the sport and fine tune
PLANS are in the pipeline to provide football and hockey training when a £350,000 state-of-the-art playing pitch opens at Arrow Vale Sports Centre in July. The pitch, in Matchborough, has been created as part of a joint venture between Redditch Council
ALCESTER High School has been offered a new £10.5m state-of-the-art home . . . absolutely free. A Shipston-based property developer has offered to build the new 900-pupil school in exchange for its current Gerard Road site. Building firm Pettifers was
ALCESTER Council's derelict football hut could soon be demolished after a spate of fires at the building. The latest blaze, which happened in the early hours of Monday, May 26, gutted half of the building. It was the second fire to hit the building in
TWO Alcester schools look set to join together in a new £1.75 million project after county councillors gave the thumbs up to amalgamation plans. The Chronicle reported in March that parents, school governors and staff from both Alcester Infants School
A NATIONAL electrical franchise company has been bought out by its management. Mr Electric, based in Bromsgrove, has announced that it has reached an agreement with MEB (Contracting) Ltd for the company to be acquired by its existing management team for
A NEW role has been created to forge stronger ties between school children and the countryside. Farming and Countryside Education has appointed Brian Hainsworth as its first regional education co-ordinator for the West Midlands, covering Worcestershire
THE Worcestershire Association of Carers is this week organising a series of events for the 57,000 carers in the county to Celebrate National Carers Week. Events run until Friday and aim to offer carers a break, a chance to do something different and
Redditch carers will be out in force from Monday as part of National Carers Week. On Tuesday, all town carers will be able to enjoy a day of pampering at the Ecumenical Centre. Manicures, a buffet lunch and entertainment from a superb magician are all
GREEN-fingered Redditch folk will be inspired on Saturday, June 7 when the Gardenfest street market comes to town. Bedding plants, trees, shrubs, herbs and garden ornaments will be on sale during the event which takes place outside St Stephen's Church
The winners of tickets to Gardeners' World Live are John Neale, of Norton Lane, Wythall; J McGoldrick, of Blackstitch Lane, Webheath; Mrs P Collins, of Paddocks Road, Wythall; Anna Lord, of Lansdowne Crescent, Studley; J Edmonds, of Larkfield Road, Greenlands
THE new Meadow View Care Home is at the forefront of care for the elderly according to county councillor Sid Tooth. The portfolio holder for adult services helped resident Marjorie Bayliss cut the ribbon at the complex which includes a 34-place residential
A woman needed hospital treatment for two bruised eyes after being punched in the face at an Alcester nightclub on Saturday. A man also received cuts to his neck after a fight broke out inside Porky's, a monthly event inside the Greig Centre, Kinwarton
THE annual concert was, as usual, a great success. The Aber Valley Male Choir impressed so much last year they were booked for this year too. They lived up to their reputation. Under the baton of musical director J Geraint Evans, they enthralled the audience
PRESIDENT Georgina Hunt and 32 members welcomed Gill Pritchard as a new member. Gill is the daughter of Rev Bernard and Edna Pritchard. Dianna Hall lit the Candle of Friendship for Blackpool. They had just hosted the yearly conference. Ida Parkinson sent
ON May 7, there was a cream tea at Kings Court Hotel. On May 13, 40 members and friends enjoyed a visit to the Rococo Gardens and had lunch. They then went on to Prinknash Abbey, where they were welcomed by the abbot, Dom Fraser Bird, who gave a talk.
ON May 20 Lynda Kettle, a production set designer, costume designer and former actress, gave an entertaining talk illustrated by fascinating models of stage sets and photographs. Lynda explained how she was introduced to the idea of set design and theatre
THE choir is hoping for a beautiful summer evening for their Summertime Concert on Saturday, June 7. This is the first time the choir has put on a public concert in the summer, their other established public concerts being the Christmas concert and the
THE concert on May 17 was a success. The choir performed Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle, conducted by Alma Bright, with excellent soloists and splendid pianoforte and organ accompaniment. Although written as a 'Little Solemn Mass', the music was at
A TRAFFIC warden has been captured on film parking his car on double yellow lines - while booking others for doing the same thing. The blatant disregard for the rules was captured on camera by astounded Worcester resident and Evening News reader Sandra
UNIVERSITY College Worcester has taken a giant stride to winning full university status after being invited to lodge a bid by the Government. Higher Education Minister Margaret Hodge has published criteria for "quality" higher education institutions to
THE BISHOP of Worcester has called for security reports to be published, to clear up claims that the Government doctored reports about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. The Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby, said so long as the intelligence reports do not jeopardise
ELEVEN fitter men and women are jumping for joy after completing a three-month exercise scheme for the over 60s and less able. The group volunteered to take part in the Extend Scheme, promoted by South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, 13 weeks ago.
THE owner of a Worcestershire pub has been bound over for six months after assaulting his wife. Kenneth Bell, who owns The Crown, at Martley, near Worcester, had been drinking on the night he assaulted Teresa Bell, Worcester Magistrates heard yesterday
A RETIRED builder died in a freak accident yesterday, when a six-foot-tall oil tank toppled over and crushed him. George Andrews, of Pound Green, Arley, near Bewdley, was working on a central heating system outside his rural home, when the 500-gallon
TWO pupils from a school in Worcester got the chance to soar through the skies after winning a writing competition celebrating 100 years of aviation. Cornel Munn and Austin Williams, both aged 11, from St Clement's Primary School, on Henwick Road, St
A CITY councillor has condemned the firework finale of Worcester's answer to a night at the proms - despite a resounding thumbs up for the Wyvern FM music extravaganza. Coun David Barlow said the "dreadful cacophony" between 10.30pm and 10.45pm at Worcester
Traders in Bengeworth, Evesham, celebrated the town's history last weekend in an effort to secure their own future. Shop owners in the area have suffered a slowdown in the economy in recent years due a number of issues, including floods and the effects
RESIDENTS in Wyre Forest are being urged to join the fight against the proposed expansion of a Midlands airport. A cross-party group of district councillors has issued a warning that residents living as far away as Abberley and Great Witley will be affected
TRAINING for the world's toughest round-the-world yacht race is well under way for a Worcestershire man. Richard George, from Pershore, has just completed his fourth training session in Southampton and will soon be ready for the 2004 Global Challenge.
A BUSINESSMAN accused over a plot to hijack a lorry has denied in court that he "bankrolled" the crime. Andrew Currie insisted he was only doing alleged ringleader Terry Cutler a favour when he agreed to hire two trucks on his credit card. They were used
THE Government has given Worcestershire Royal Hospital three years to repay a massive £8m debt. The announcement ends fears finance bosses would be ordered to get back into the black by the end of the current financial year. MPs and patients groups had
TOURISM and business chiefs in Worcester were reeling this morning after hearing Birmingham had missed out on the Capital of Culture title. The title of European Capital of Culture for 2008 would have brought millions of pounds to the West Midlands -
THE weekend sunshine has put the glare back on calls to re-open Droitwich's historic Lido. It remains closed for the third summer running while Wychavon District Council continues negotiations with Thermae Ltd to redevelop the pool. Droitwich Spa town
A DOCTOR who is cycling the length of Britain is on course to complete his challenge in just a week. Andrew Horn, who works at Ombersley Medical Centre, is travelling from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise funds for Reach, a charity for children born
June 6, 1903 FOR many years, Astwood Bank has not been visited by such a terrific thunder storm as that which occurred on Saturday afternoon. For upwards of an hour the storm raged with unabated severity. The vivid flashes of lightning and deafening peals
A TEENAGER suffered a broken nose, cuts and facial bruises in an assault police are treating as racially aggravated. Police were called to a disorder involving several large groups of youths in the town centre at about 9.35pm on Monday, May 26. The teenager
A RECENT spate of thefts has sparked fears that unregistered taxi drivers could be operating around Redditch. A number of taxi signs have been snatched from the roofs of taxis and police are concerned they could be used by unlicensed drivers to pick up
Reports from last season can be found by following the 'archive' link - left.
I WRITE in response to the recent uproar concerning the road markings at some of our roundabouts. While I agree with what appears to be the mainstream of townsfolk, sadly I believe we only have ourselves to blame. I am specifically talking about the McDonalds
WE suffered with the same problem as your correspondent (Letters, May 28) regarding continuous noise from speeding motorcyclists. Our bungalow was well back from the road but still the noise persisted. On several occasions, my husband waited by the roadside
WORCESTER Rugby Club were on the verge of a massive transfer coup last night as they put the finishing touches to a move for Orrell's Drew Hickey. The Australian number eight was at Sixways yesterday for talks about a move to Worcester following Orrell's
I AM writing on behalf of my family and myself to thank the many people in Redditch who helped in the safe return of Sally, our beagle, who went missing last week. The response to our advert was very helpful and in all cases accurate. We cannot thank
REDDITCH faces real challenges. Bus services are in decline. Too many residents of our borough face feelings of isolation, insecurity, of not belonging. Too many of our young people feel their future lies anywhere but here. What is missing can be summed
Plymouth Admirals 13 Redditch Arrows 32 Arrows continued to turn their season around with an impressive away win giving them a 2 and 3 record after a slow start. The visitors took control early on after forcing Plymouth to punt on their opening drive.
LES Palmer and Matt Lowe have become the latest players to leave Bromsgrove Rovers and could spark a mass exdous from the club. Crowd favourite Palmer has joined Midland Alliance side Oldbury United, where he enjoyed a loan spell earlier this year, and
NATIONWIDE Division One side Walsall will face Bromsgrove Rovers in a pre-season warm-up match on Saturday, August 9. Kick-off at the Victoria Ground is at 3pm.
THE issue of staffing for a possible new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner at the Alexandra Hospital has been raised by a health watchdog. The matter was brought up at last week's Bromsgrove and Redditch Community Health Council (CHC) meeting when
Look out for this new section - coming soon from your Worcester Evening News. In the meantime read it in Country News, part of your Evening News every Saturday. To subscribe to the newspaper click here.
HUNDREDS of residents opposed to plans for a £50 million sports, leisure and entertainment complex on the site of Abbey Stadium are gearing up for their first campaign meeting. Residents of Birmingham Road, Dagnell End Road and Hither Green Lane have
A LANDSCAPE architect has been drafted in to draw up a number of ideas for major enhancement work in the town centre after original plans fell through. Last year Worcestershire County Council announced more than £1 million was set to be spent on major
RESIDENTS in Mount Pleasant will be blocked from selling off part of their gardens to build individual houses if a counter development plan by Redditch Council gets the go ahead tonight. In March, residents were asked if they would sell the bottom part
ONE person with in-depth knowledge about the fostering system and the role foster parents can play is Brett Miller. He spent years in care and now spends time trying to ensure future generations of Worcestershire foster children are brought up in a loving
HE county council's fostering team recently came to Redditch to stress the need to find fosterers and people willing to adopt in the town. The team delivered posters and leaflets to schools, halls, shops and pubs to spread the message. For more details
RESIDENTS have a chance to have their say on issues affecting the town with another round of council neighbourhood group meetings. Towards the end of June and beginning of July, the council is hosting 14 meetings in all areas of the town where residents
THIS month, construction sites all over Redditch will be checked by Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors to assess what danger workers face. The HSE are assessing the risks of falling from heights and they will be making sure all companies are
AN environmental chief is set to allay Alvechurch residents' fears over a wheelie bin scheme proposed for the district. Bromsgrove Council's head of Environmental Health, David Williams, will be speaking about the wheelie bins at the next Alvechurch Parish
THE results of a year-long consultation on how residents and organisations would like to see Redditch develop over the next two decades is to be unveiled today. The 20:20 Vision Redditch Community Strategy document sets out the results of extensive consultation
LANDSCAPE improvements in Headless Cross will be on the agenda at a forthcoming neighbourhood meeting but one resident feels there should be more action and less talk. Graham Hemming, of Feckenham Road, sits on the landscaping sub-committee of the council's
A TOUR commemorating the 20th anniversary of Karen Carpenter's death stops off at Redditch's Palace Theatre on Sunday. The Carpenters UK promises to be a trip down memory lane for all ages and will be enhanced by a 20-piece orchestra performing brand
BARRY Manilow's exciting musical Copacabana arrives at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre on Tuesday with a cast headed by Gemma Craven. Manilow's music together with lyrics by Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman tell a tale of love, passion and romance set in
A RARE appearance by great American pianist Emanuel Ax is the highlight of the English Symphony Orchestra's final Spring Series Concert tomorrow. The Gala Concert, which takes place at Malvern's Forum Theatre from 7.30pm and is conducted by William Broughton
Saturday, June 7, 2003. CRICKET Birmingham & District Premier League First XI Premier Division - Cannock v Barnt Green (1pm). First Division - Harborne v Bromsgrove (1pm). Birmingham & District Premier League Second XI Premier Division - Barnt
IN a concert aptly named The 3 Bs, 'living legends' of jazz messrs Ball, Barber and Bilk appear together at Birmingham's Symphony Hall on Monday. The three have been responsible for many well-known hits, including Stranger on the Shore, Midnight in Moscow
BROMSGROVE Cricket Club First XI passed their first promotion test with flying colours last Saturday with a winning draw against Birmingham and District division one table toppers West Bromwich Dartmouth. The Boars posted 228-6 from their 55 overs and
DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club First XI secured their second successive victory by defeating Netherton by six wickets in a 500-run Worcestershire County League division one match. In hot conditions at St Peters Fields last Saturday, Steve Walsh's side, who
BARNT Green CC First XI had to settle for a draw against Old Hill in their Birmingham and District premier division clash last Saturday. Simon Froggatt top scored with 67 not out and Gavin Haynes made 45 as Lyndon Jones' side made 241-8 at Cherry Hill
A FANTASTIC Nick Reade century from helped Bromsgrove CC Seconds record a winning draw at Kings Heath last Saturday. Reade's 105, ably supported by Mike Bennison (53) and Richard Hope (31) saw Bromsgrove reach 201 before Phil Hamilton and John Duffy put
JIMMY Deakin took 5-38 as Avoncroft Seconds beat Old Halesonians by seven wickets. After winning the toss and fielding first, Deakin's fine display was backed up by Adam Rodway (3-6) and Bob Irish (1-30) to dismiss the hosts for 88. The visitors lost
WORCESTERSHIRE won the toss and elected to bat first in their top-of-the-table Frizzell County Championship Division Two clash with Somerset at Bath today. They made a confident start with openers Stephen Peters and Anurag Singh taking the score on to
SAM Hardcastle was a popular winner at Malvern Rugby Club's annual players' awards dinner. His performances both at scrum half and on the wing landed him the player of the year award as well as making him top scorer. James Daniell, a regular prop for
LES Palmer and Matt Lowe have left Bromsgrove Rovers as new boss George Rooney juggles the club's tight finances. The duo's departure could spark a wave of players leaving Rovers as Rooney bids to stamp his mark on the club. Rooney is still negotiating
FORMER Worcester City defender Marc Burrow appears set to join Evesham United. New Bromsgrove Rovers manager George Rooney had hoped to bring Burrow back to the Victoria Ground club but the versatile 25-year-old looks to be heading for Common Road. Robins
DROITWICH Spa stay top of Division One of the second team section in the Crusader Worcestershire County League after beating Netherton. FIRST TEAMS DIVISION TWO Worcester Nomads v Astwood Bank Astwood Bank won by 5 wkts. Nomads (3) 127 all out (J Summers
Six members of the Worcestershire Grasstrack Club made the long journey to Much Hoole near Preston for a meeting and suffered mixed fortunes. Three riders were plagued with machine problems all day in the 500cc adult event. Scott Francis and Hadrian Garner
Thursday, June 5 Gala Concert, English Symphony Orchestra with Emanuel Ax, Forum Theatre, Malvern. Tickets from 01684 892277. Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra, Palace Theatre. Tickets from 65203. Tango Passion (dancers, singers and musicians), Symphony Hall
Talented musicians will be showcased at the next Redditch Folk Club meeting on Saturday, June 7. Guest performers Flatworld will be playing some tunes with an eastern European and Jewish flavour with support from local musicians including the resident
TO celebrate 21 years together, the Sunset pensioners will be off to enjoy a meal at Blackpole, near Worcester, on June 17. The trip, which includes travel and entertainment, costs £12 and anyone who would like to join the pensioners can call Madge Tillsley
AN orienteering club is putting on two events in Redditch to introduce newcomers to the sport. Harlequins Orienteering Club is staging the events at Arrow Valley Park on Tuesday, June 10, and Pitcheroak Wood on Thursday, July 17. Those interested in taking
LES Palmer and Matt Lowe have become the latest players to leave Bromsgrove Rovers and could spark a mass exdous from the club. Crowd favourite Palmer has joined Midland Alliance side Oldbury United, where he enjoyed a loan spell earlier this year, and
WHAT Rovers Sunday Football Club has achieved in the last few months is unprecedented. With the odds stacked against them, the side, based at Hoolahan's in Worcester Road, has won every trophy on offer in the Advertiser/Messenger Bromsgrove Football League
RUBERY Juniors is holding its annual five-a-side competition later this month. U13s and U14s get their chance on Saturday, June 14 while U8s, U10s and U12s compete 24 hours later. Saturday, June 21 sees the U15s and U16s do battle at seven-a-side and
FAIRFIELD Sunday needed penalties to win the Royal Infirmary Junior Cup at Malvern Town FC. Sunday were level at 2-2 with The Albion after extra time, thanks to Simon Pinfield's equaliser three minutes from time, and prevailed 4-2 from the spot earlier
DEAR EDITOR -- Through the Advertiser/Messenger we would like to thank everyone who supported the recent Catshill Churches Together Christian Aid plant sale. In spite of the poor weather we were still able to raise a total of £520 -- a wonderful effort
DEAR EDITOR -- I am one of a small number of responsible dog owners who meet while excercising our companions six mornings a week on the Lickey End Recreation ground. On several occasions we have found there to be excess water coming from the brook on
DEAR EDITOR -- May I thank the people of Droitwich Spa and surrounding areas for their wonderful generosity in making our recent Street and House to House collections such a success. The amounts raised were £786.37 on Lifeboat Day and £941.65 house-to-house
Look out for this new section - coming soon from your Worcester Evening News. In the meantime read it in Country News, part of your Evening News every Saturday. To subscribe to the newspaper click here.
Charles Crump, of Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, claimed £27 7s and 6d (£27.37) in damages after an articulated lorry, which was laden with six tons of tubular steel, mounted the footpath and crashed into a low garden wall. The driver was held by the judge
REDDITCH United manager Rod Brown says his playing budget, which has been increased for the new season, is good enough to win the Western Division title. The Reds boss has beefed up his squad with two high profile additions and wants to add two more for
A TALENTED Bromsgrove artist has been busy with her paintbrushes in preparation for a new exhibition. Meryl Simms unveiled the exhibition of her work at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, in Edgbaston, last Friday and it will run there until the end of
TIRELESS townsfolk looking to burn some energy can join a walk across Clent. The Fairfield Ramblers will be meeting at Clent First School, in Holy Cross, Saturday, on June 14 at 10.15am. The walk will take about two and a-half-hours. Call 0121 453 6501
REDDITCH will be hoping to pile on the misery at struggling Stourbridge at the weekend (1pm start). The Black Country outfit appear bound for the Worcestershire League after four defeats in an opening sequence which has seen them yet to win in their opening
WYTHALL climbed to second in Division Three - their highest ever league placing, after a win over fellow promoted side Jaguar Daimler at the weekend. Matt Elwell knocked 61 as Wythall raced to 209-9 and Jaguar were unable to come up with any answers as
I AM amazed at the stupidity of some people. All the time the owners of retirement homes around Worcester were struggling to keep their homes open because there was not sufficient cash being paid to them, many of which were forced to close. Now the hospital
KNITWEAR, jewellery and lace will be just some of the items on show at a craft fair in Blackwell this weekend. Abstract paintings, as well as more traditional artwork in oils and watercolours, will also be on sale at the event being held at the village
MAY I say thank you on behalf of myself and other people to Councillor Ken Rowe, together with his wife Margaret, for the excellent way they have represented the town during the past year in office as Deputy Mayor. They have attended several Mayoral and
Alcester retained the leadership of Division One with a 116 run win over Henley-in-Arden but saw their lead on second placed Ashton-under-Hill cut by two points. Alcester and Ragley Park picked up 18 points in their victory but Aston, who trail them by
I AM writing concerning a Brian Hunt's letter (You Say, May 22) about new rules for claiming pensions for all the pensioners and other vulnerable people. Personally, my husband and I have our benefits paid into our building society, which works all right
ALVECHURCH batsman Jimmy Clifford set a Worcestershire League record when he smashed an incredible 181 off 26 overs at the weekend. Coming in late, Clifford made short work of the previous best of around 150 and impressed teammate Nick Jones. Clifford
M BURCHER thinks I know very little about religious faiths (You Say, May 20). I suppose that means I must have obtained my 2:1 honours degree in Theology and Religious Studies through bribery. Many bad things happened in the past, as M Burcher says. However
OUR education system owes its existence to sound Judaeo/Christian principles. Jesus said: "Suffer the little children to come unto me." "Parental preference" in practice allows the children of the well-informed to enjoy education at the taxpayers' expense
Alcester II will be hoping to halt neighbours Great Alne's imperious march to a second successive title, at home at the weekend (2pm start). Henley Road side Great Alne trounced mid-table Kenilworth Wardens III as they recorded their fourth win of an
Division Five hopefuls Hewell lost ground in the title race after suffering a losing draw in their top two meeting at league leaders Stourbridge 3s. Duncan Ravenscroft took six wickets for Hewell as Stourbridge posted 232-9 but, despite a dogged 56no
YOU asked what we thought about a Tesco or a Sainsbury supermarket in St John's. Surely there should be a third option - no supermarket. It is quite a clever tactic on the part of the supermarkets to behave as if one of them must be chosen. The residents
Cookhill surrendered their lead in Division Six in spectacular style after a batting collapse saw them bowled for 34 against a Woodbourne side who climbed to third, three points behind their opponents. Rob Williams had the dubious distinction of top scoring
SUPER-FIT staff from Bromsgrove NEW College are getting set to take part in the Race for Life later this summer. The women are digging out their trainers to take part in the five or ten kilometre run in Sanders Park in Kidderminster Road on July 27 -
THE landmark timepiece outside the Golden Cross public house was given a new lease of life when clock makers JB Joyce and Co visited town. Tower clock maker Brian Parry said: "We're refurbishing the clock and updating it with the latest modern equipment
ALMOST 150 family and friends flocked to the Bromsgrove Labour Club to help a Charford couple celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Jim and Pauline Warman, of Collis Close, were surrounded by their nearest and dearest at the Worcester Road venue
CENTURIES of weathering to three stone statues set in the tower of Bromsgrove's ancient parish church has done what 16th century religious wreckers failed to do at the time of the Reformation. The three figures, said to be St Peter holding a key and book
THE weekend sunshine has put the glare back on calls to re-open the town's historic Lido. It remains closed for the third summer running while Wychavon District Council continues negotiations with Thermae Ltd to redevelop the pool. Droitwich Spa town
A RADIO presenter is hoping to prove she's cut above the rest by accepting a hair-raising challenge in Droitwich Spa. In a bid to collect cash for Acorns Children's Hospice, BBC Hereford and Worcester's Katie Smith will learn essential scissors skills
A Rubery mum of two severely disabled children has been left distraught after callous thieves targeted her dream car twice in as many months. Furious Sharon Cleary of Callowbrook Lane has hit out after waking up last week to find all four alloy-wheels
TWO men walking home from a friend's 21st birthday party were left unconscious by a gang of attackers. One victim is in hospital with serious injuries and his pal needed treatment for minor wounds. The pair had been walking home through Chawson, at midnight
HEADTEACHERS in Bromsgrove could have new school buildings but not the staff to fill them due to an increasing cash crisis across the county. Concerned headteachers at a number of town schools could have to axe staff this September, as they cannot afford
ANGRY Spa tenants could be booted out of their homes to make way for builders. Spa Housing Association wants to bulldoze six semis in The Ridgeway and build six new houses and two flats. The application, which also includes replacing 44 garages off Rose
A MULTI-thousand pound development set to change the face of amateur boxing in Droitwich Spa has been given the green light. Wychavon District Council planners last Thursday approved proposals to combine Droitwich Spa Amateur Boxing Club, celebrating
CONCERNED townsfolk are calling for a rescue package after it was revealed that the 145 bus service is being scrapped at the end of June. The villages of Burcot, Cofton Hackett and Blackwell face being cut off unless a bus company comes forward and takes
BELBROUGHTON First School will be extended to accommodate older children if planners give the scheme the go ahead. The Bradford Lane building will be converted and extended to create a primary school as part of the Hagley review, which sees a return to
THE concerns of over fifties in Droitwich Spa were shared with the town's MP on Friday. Mid-Worcestershire representative MP Peter Luff met Droitwich Spa Area Forum for Older People chairman Eve Freer and other members for talks at the OneStop-Shop, in
THE threatened minor injuries unit at the town's Princess of Wales Community Hospital could see its service extended instead of being closed. Dave McGrath, chairman of the Bromsgrove and Redditch Community Health Council (CHC), made the announcement at
A NEW strategy to tackle traveller invasions in Droitwich Spa has been called for by MP Peter Luff. Numerous angry residents contacted him when a band of 30 Irish itinerant families set up camp on a paddock off the Bromsgrove Road, earlier this month.
TOWN revellers are being urged to don their glad rags and get on down for a night of soul, swing, pop and jazz. A music festival, featuring more than 15 bands, will be held at the Hop Pole Inn this Saturday and Sunday. The festival will raise funds for
FUN-LOVING folk flocked to the big top for a jolly old time when the circus came to town. Peter Jolly's Circus wowed crowds of up to 500 people for six days running when its show men and women stopped at Droitwich Spa Rugby Club. The Hanbury Road fields
THE ball is now officially rolling for the controversial Waitrose development and work could begin in autumn. The three-month judicial review period for proposals expired on Friday and no objections were lodged. This means the application, which has been
A ROVING Reverend wants parishioners to spend a penny and support a bike ride across Britain to raise cash for toilets. Droitwich's Rev Eric Petrie is desperate to build loos at St Michael's Church, in Salwarpe and Martin Hussingtree's St Michael and
A STANDING ovation greeted the cast at the end of what can only be described as a stunning opening night for Miss Saigon at the Birmingham Hippodrome. It was well deserved. From the opening chords to the final note, the audience was treated to three hours
DROITWICH Spa boxers finished their busy season in the same style as they started - with a stream of good wins. Alex Strutt, a 21-year-old middleweight, enjoyed a dream debut at Ilkeston by knocking out Ashbourne's Barry Harwood in the second round. Strutt
Four star EMINEM is outstanding in this film which explores a week in the life of a group of friends struggling to cope with their existence on the streets of Detroit in the mid 90s. Jimmy 'Rabbit' Smith Jr, portrayed by Eminem, has one real talent, an
RUBERY'S multi-terrain 10km run will take place in July. The run replaces the annual half marathon and is set for Wednesday, July 2. Two 5km laps in Waseley Hills Country Park start at Rubery Leisure Centre, in Holywell Lane at 7pm. Entry is £4 before
TWO and a half years after its beginning, Music Maker has gone from strength to strength. With a CD under their belt already this year, they can be doubly proud of themselves following their three recent sell-out concerts. The success tells how their
BROMSGROVE cyclist Matt Ashcroft, riding for Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club, managed an excellent seventh place in the Warwickshire RC ten-mile time trial at Wythall last Saturday. In windy conditions, Ashcroft powered home in 23 minutes 15 seconds, 86
Emily Bridgewater joins the police on Operation Acorn. . . WEDNESDAY morning, just after 6am and the mood in Bromsgrove police station can only be described as jovial. A gaggle of plain-clothed officers file into the station's conference room armed only
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FIRE crews were drafted in by the RSPCA to rescue a sick swan and her cygnets after they became distressed in the middle of a Redditch pond yesterday. A male swan had already died on the pool, off Papermill Drive, and firefighters had to request a rescue
A WASHFORD company which had its base destroyed in a huge fire in December is set to start rebuilding next month. Claymore Lubricants Ltd, of Heming Road, is to start work on a new office block and factory and is hoping to be back on the site early in
MEMBERS of Redditch Youth Afloat have sailed to victory during the annual Laser Pico Challenge in Colwyn Bay. Redditch Youth Afloat is part of the Johnnie Johnson Adventure Trust and was formed in 1972. It now helps hundreds of youngsters across the town
REDDITCH animal rights campaigners staged a demonstration outside Halfords head office on Friday to protest at the use of chimpanzees in a recent TV advert for the company. The group, together with the Captive Animals' Protection Society (CAPS), is trying
Displays and demonstrations will entertain visitors during an open day at Redditch Fire Station on Saturday. Community fire safety and safety in the home will be highlighted and the latest equipment used in road crashes will be exhibited. The event will
PUPILS at a Wythall school brushed up on their painting skills during a special arts week. Children at Meadow Green Primary School did glass painting, stone painting, face painting and spray painting as part of the project. The youngsters also looked
