A DRIVER stopped by police for speeding gave another man's name and address, a court heard. But the false details came to light when an officer turned up on the man's doorstep and realised he had not been at the wheel, said Adam Western, prosecuting.
A WORCESTER man has made a rallying call to the nation's men to be proud of their paunches, with the launch of a website celebrating the beer belly. Thirty-six-year-old Tim Lovell, of St John's, Worcester, set up Paunchstar.com with work colleague Andy
FOUR people charged in connection with a drugs haul worth up to £60,000 have appeared before a judge at Worcester Crown Court for a preliminary hearing. They are: Paul Mills, aged 25, and Mark Burson, 29, both of Great Meadow, Warndon, Worcester, Victoria
A 56-YEAR-old caravan site manager was found dead in his car with a hose pipe attached to his vehicle's exhaust, an inquest was told. John Morris, a manager of The Springs, Salters Lane, Lower Moor, Pershore, had left his home on the evening on Thursday
VISITORS caught their first glimpse of the city's newest shopping centre this week as the long-awaited Cathedral Plaza was finally unveiled. The £20m redevelopment of the former Lychgate Shopping Centre, in the High Street, began in January this year.
THE jury at the trial of a former children's home principal accused of sex crimes failed to reach verdicts yesterday after deliberating for more than four hours. Brian Gillam, aged 62, denies four counts of rape and six of indecent assault. Judge Michael
A DERELICT office block could be transformed into an apartment complex as Worcester continues its city centre building renaissance. Developers have applied for permission to turn the upper floors of Sandwell House, between Foregate Street and Farrier
A RUBERY rock group struck the right notes in a battle of the bands contest and won its first ever prize. Debree scooped top honours in the Alvechurch competition at the end of last month. The heavy metal act, featuring three Waseley Hills High School
FUN-loving residents are being given the last chance to get their mitts on tickets for a fundraising Proms concert this Saturday. The Primrose Choir and West Midlands Light Orchestra will be performing the gala event at the Spadesbourne Suite in Burcot
HEADING back to the Midlands following a smash hit two year run in the West End and six record breaking UK tours is The Roy Orbison Story - a stunning tribute to the man who even Elvis called 'The greatest voice in the history of rock 'n' roll.' Produced
HARMONIOUS music by Bach, Schmelzer and Handel will feature in a concert at the Spadesbourne Suite next weekend. Bromsgrove Concerts has invited The Hanover Band to perform at the Burcot Lane venue on October 24 from 8pm. For further details call Gill
AN author whose first venture into the world of fiction was a resounding success is once again "telling tales". Telling Tales is a trilogy by Malvern-based writer Shirley Farley and includes stories aimed at producing feelings of contentment, hope and
THE world's finest daredevil Russian horsemen will be coming to Malvern next month as part of Europe's largest touring equestrian show. Spirit of the Horse is a lavish production starring 30 horses, including Arabians, Friesians and Lusitanos, thundering
FORMER Baptist chapel with bats in its roof would be demolished to make way for two detached houses under an outline plan currently before Malvern Hills District Council. Kempsey Parish Council have no objection to a change of use, but want to see the
TODDLERS from a nursery in Worcester have been doing their bit to raise money for the Meningitis Trust. The children from Happylands Private Day Nursery, in Ankerage Green, Warndon Villages, yesterday took part in a Toddle Waddle. Rebecca Davies, one
Tuesday, October 14, 2003 BROMSGROVE Rovers suffered an FA Cup hangover as they drew 1-1 at Sutton Coldfield Town in the Dr Martens Western. Despite a 7.30pm kick-off catching fans out, George Rooney's side, with Paul Wyatt and Dave Benton missing injured
Saturday, October 11, 2003 BROMSGROVE Rovers reached the final qualifying round of the FA Cup with a no-nonsense second half defensive display against Congleton Town at Booth Street. First half goals from Marcus Jackson and Mark Benbow saw Rovers to their
A THOUGHTLESS firework attack could have caused serious damage when it was put through the letterbox of an estate agent in Redditch town centre. Luckily, the firework, which was placed through the letterbox of Oulsnam estate agents in Church Green East
BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Men's First XI recorded their first victory of the season with a 5-3 away success at Yardley. Bromsgrove, beaten 7-2 at home by Stone last week, came back from 2-0 down to win. Captain Julian Court said: "It's good to get some points
INQUISITIVE residents and visitors will not want to miss the chance to find out how people really lived during the Tudor age at a Bromsgrove museum this weekend. Families are invited to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the 15th century at the
DROITWICH Spa Hockey Club Men's First XI go in search of their first win of the season this Saturday when they entertain Yardley (12 noon). Barry Williams' side has taken one point from their first two west Midlands division one games after a 4-4 draw
DROITWICH Spa Hockey Club Men's Third XI began their first ever season in the West Midlands Premier League with a hard fought 1-0 win at Solihull and Blossomfield. Spa started strongly and dominated the first half with Paul Woodward giving them the lead
FOOTBALL Association chiefs have launched a race probe at Shirebrook Town after Redditch United made a formal complaint to Soho Square last week. Reds chairman Pat Cremin was left fuming after three United players - skipper Mark Taylor, Martin Myers and
PLANS are afoot to re-brand Redditch Council's corporate image with a new logo. A provisional design has been voted for by council staff featuring a kingfisher with a needle in its beak and the slogan "Making a Difference", though that phrase has been
REDDITCH United boss Rod Brown has promised to strengthen his squad while the Reds are riding high at the top of the Dr Martens Western Division. United extended their lead at the top of the table with a hard-fought 3-1 derby victory over Evesham at The
THE epic tale of a king losing his mind, The Madness of George III, opens at Birmingham Repertory Theatre next Wednesday. Written by Alan Bennett, the play is the second produced in collaboration with West Yorkshire Playhouse, following on from A View
THE Bees were stung by two late goals at Oadby Town last night. Studley's impressive away record this season was looking to be improved when Matt Coppin gave them the lead in the first half. But the Topps Park men came back with two goals with just 20
STUDLEY boss Mark Chambers labelled his team as 'awful' after crashing to Stourbridge. The Bees had won three Midland Football Alliance games on the bounce before being held at Oldbury last week but Chambers was left an unhappy man after Saturday's outing
ALVECHURCH'S joint manager Neil Bryan launched a stinging attack on his players after a poor Midland Football Alliance display against Oldbury. Bryan let the players know his feelings after 90 miserable minutes and has now pledged to bring in players
WITH the cricket season now over, this section of the website will not be updated as often. Please e-mail any cricket news by clicking on the name above.
HUNT members are planning a mass meet at Powick where they will pledge to defy any Government ban on hunting. The Ledbury Hunt is one of several from across the West Midlands expected to bring a contingent to the event on November 1. Members will sign
Thursday, October 16 Scrooge The Musical, Birmingham Hippodrome. Until October 25. Tickets from 0870 730 1234. Swan Theatre Company: A Doll's House, by Henrik Ibsen. Until October 25. Tickets from 01905 611427. 13 Objects by Howard Barker, The Door, Birmingham
EIGHTEEN low-floor buses will be bought for Redditch if a £3.5 million three-year project gets the green light. Redditch Council, together with other partners including the county council, has submitted a £1 million bid to the Department of Transport.
RUGBY UNITED 1, SWIFTS 1 BATTLING Stourport Swifts displayed a never-say-die attitude to rescue a point at Rugby United with the final kick of the match. Substitute Steve Hawkes was the hero after popping up to drill home a superb shot to draw 1-1 with
SWIFTS 1, CINDERFORD 4 STOURPORT Swifts slumped to their third defeat in four games as they were swept aside 4-1 by rampant Cinderford on Friday. Richard Ball bagged a second-half penalty for Swifts but this could not stop the Forest of Dean side from
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers produced a battling display but still crashed out of the LDV Vans Trophy at the first hurdle last night as Second Division Queen's Park Rangers cruised to a 2-0 victory at Loftus Road. In what was a very low-key tie, Harriers were
WORCESTER City boss John Barton is hatching a plan to tackle Weymouth player-manager Steve Claridge. The former Premier Division ace, who has bagged seven Dr Martens League goals so far this season, brings his Terras side to St George's Lane on Saturday
BATTLING Stourport Swifts displayed a never-say-die attitude to rescue a point in a 1-1 draw at Rugby United with the final kick of the match. Substitute Steve Hawkes was the hero last night after popping up to drill home a superb shot to deny the Dr
DROITWICH Spa High School's Under 16 girls team have shown that they are just as hungry for success as their male counterparts. After winning the Worcestershire sevens tournament at Droitwich, the girls went on to further success at the West Midlands
A CHANGE of kit proved to be a lucky charm for Droitwich Spa RFC First XV as they produced their best performance of the season to destroy Shipston-on-Stour. Spa were forced to turn their yellow and black kit inside out for last Saturday's match after
POWERFUL motorbikes and ceramic foodstuffs were on show as part of the LG Harris Arts Festival at Stoke Prior. There were exhibits from 20 countries. ALAN Curry, a member of the giant family-owned electrical retail firm, visited the Bromsgrove store to
AN idea to make Bromsgrove a borough had been floated. The Messenger reflected that while many were in love with the idea of the higher status it would bring, the cost of a mayor, alderman and other officials would turn folk off the idea. It went on to
MATT Birch's luckless start to the season has gone from bad to worse after breaking his right leg. The Bromsgrove RFC First XV fly half suffered a stress fracture and possible ankle ligament damage during training at the club's Finstall Park ground last
BROMSGROVE RFC First XV turned in a commanding performance to beat Newbold-on-Avon at Finstall Park. Dean Ball named an unchanged side from last week's victory over Aston Old Edwardians and it paid off. And the coach has re-assessed recent performances
BROMSGROVE RFC Colts suffered a heavy 38-10 defeat at Cheltenham Colts last Saturday. In a game marred by two spells of sin-binning, one from each side, Cheltenham played the better rugby, scoring six tries. The visitors were under pressure from the kick-off
AN old cottage in Hunt End threatened with demolition may be saved. Plans had been submitted to build a new house on the site of Millstream Cottage in Feckenham Road and were due to be discussed by Redditch Council's planning committee last night. But
BROMSGROVE Rovers suffered an FA Cup hangover as they drew 1-1 at Sutton Coldfield Town in the Dr Martens Western last night. Despite a 7.30pm kick-off catching fans out, George Rooney's side, with Paul Wyatt and Dave Benton missing injured, were poor
DROITWICH Spa boss Kevin Blaber is running out of fit players as his side tries to force its way up the league table. Injury hit Spa, currently third bottom of Midland Combination division two, had five of their regular starting eleven missing for last
TWO first half goals from Sarah Lewis saw Fairfield Villa Ladies return to winning ways with a 2-0 victory at Hereford. Villa, defeated 6-1 at home by Headless Cross last week, were ahead after two minutes when Lewis latched on to a through ball and beat
FAIRFIELD Villa's first match in the post-Cliff Hughes era ended with a goalless home draw with Cadbury Athletic. Villa, who saw manager Hughes resign last week after 14 years in charge, were at full stretch early on and it needed David White, making
Catshill Warriors B U13s 12 Droitwich Packers U13s 0 Man of the match Michael Ralph scored four goals and Richard Heywood got a hat-trick. Bradley Wright and Kyle Foxall scored two each with Luke Elliott getting one. Bromsgrove Town U11s 4 Leafield Athletic
WITH the weather still very changeable, fish patterns vary accordingly and this shows in this week's results. Starting off is Tuesday's Woodland Views affordable open held on Deans pool. Paul Foster (Blackheath) led the way with a 76-7-0 catch taken with
THE LONDON Daily news was now available in Bromsgrove from 7.40am each day. The paper's proud boast was that it contained no betting or Turf news and carried no advertisements for alcohol. THE high price of bread was concerning the ruling guardians in
DEAR Editor - I would like to add my comments to recent letters concerning the closure of two sub-post offices. Firstly I would like to say a big thank you to Nat and Pru Bayhani who, for the past 17 years, have owned the property known as Sidemoor Post
DEAR EDITOR -- I strongly agree with the comments of Mr David Parker in the Advertiser/Messenger (September 24) regarding the waste of council tax money spent on the traffic island near St John's Nursing Home. Perhaps the council official responsible
DEAR EDITOR - I was interested to read of Mrs Preece in a recent Memory Lane having a painting of the Merchant House by Tom Gibbs. I also have a painting of the Merchant House by the same man. Mine is a watercolour and was given to me as a present for
DEAR EDITOR -- The Board of the Leleka Fund is writing to organisations, to businesses and to individuals with a hope that we will find support and help in our work. The Leleka Fund is an officially registered organisation (the registration number is
DEAR EDITOR -- Once again Bromsgrove residents have been very generous in supporting Leukaemia Research Fund. On Friday and Saturday, October 3/4 our volunteer collectors were outside Safeways store in Bromsgrove and collected £1,333.52. Thanks to Safeways
Pre-season friendlies Sat July 19 Bromyard (a) 7-1 Ball 3, Robinson, Giddings, A Wright, Wood. Wed July 23 Studley (h) 1-3 Ball Tues July 29 Westfields (h) 1-1 Wood Sat Aug 2 Bilston (a) 6-1 Ball 4, Sayer, Wood Tues Aug 5 Stourbridge (h) 4-1 Robinson
AS part of Rennie Harris Puremovement 's first ever performances at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre an exciting week long course in the art of creative sound and urban dance is on offer! Rennie Harris Pure Movement is a company of seven energetic dancers
DAME Judi Dench will be returning to Stratford-upon-Avon this winter to lead the cast in All's Well That Ends Well. The play opens on December 3 when Dame Judi will make her debut on the Swan stage. Her last performance at Stratford was at the RSC in
WE'RE fast approaching Christmas and the month of December and you know what that means? Panto season! Oh no it isn't - Oh yes it is! And this year it's Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood that will form the festive finale to 2003 at Malvern Theatres
THE apprenticeship has taken on a new lease of life at a Redditch engineering company which has recently seen two success stories. Mettis Aerospace, formerly HDA Forgings, in Windsor Road, only reintroduced apprenticeships in 1996. But the training scheme
Saturday, October 11, 2003 BROMSGROVE RFC First XV turned in a commanding performance to beat Newbold-on-Avon at Finstall Park. Dean Ball named an unchanged side from last week's victory over Aston Old Edwardians and it paid off. And the coach has re-assessed
Wednesday October 15 Film: Swimming Pool, Cinemac, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 6pm. Show: Cats, Alexandra Theatre, Station Road, Birmingham. Until November 1. Show: The Hollow Crown, Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry. Until Saturday.
CREATING colourful coastal scenes using a palette of watercolours will be the subject of a meeting of Bromsgrove Art Club next week. Ian Cruikshank will be giving the demonstration on October 21 at the Red Cross Centre in Barnsley Hall Drive in Birmingham
I HAVE good news for Peter Tomlinson, the managing director of Saga 105.7fm. I have been a computer programmer since leaving school at 16 and have been pursuing this trade for 38 years. As an IT-contractor I have to obtain work with different companies
n BACK in March 2001, the Government acknowledged that there were 81 million National Insurance Numbers in circulation for a population of 61 million in the UK. This means there are some 20 million bogus numbers. In 2001, the Government scrapped the Data
A VERY pleasurable meeting was held on Wednesday, October 1, in the village hall, with around 35 members attending. Chairman Sue Frizzell opened the meeting and welcomed five visitors. With much regret and sorrow she announced the death of one of our
N TAYLOR complains of the continuing growth of the Faithful City. The Worcester I was born into in 1918, more or less ended at the Sebright, Portobello, Sandpits and Vine pubs, St Mark's Church, Shrub Hill Station and Astwood Cemetery. Almost the entire
I FEEL the time has come for someone to reply to your various correspondents who have commented on the speed cameras in City Walls Road and elsewhere. I am a Fellow of the Institute of Motor Industry, the dealer principal of a very large car dealership
BEFORE the start of the meeting, members enjoyed a lunch, which was organised by Barbara Lees. Nancy Davis expressed her thanks on behalf of everyone for the appetising food provided. The meeting started with the announcement that Barbara Lees had won
EXCRUCIATING headaches and constant dizzy spells have become a way of life for a Bromsgrove man since he was brutally attacked on the way home from a town watering hole. Roy Bourne spoke exclusively to the Advertiser/Messenger this week about how his
A PROLIFIC Bromsgrove fundraiser, who has generated more than half a million pounds for charity, has been named our Citizen of the Month. Nicole Harris, of Redditch Road, Stoke Heath, was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers courtesy of The Fresh
LETTERBOX enthusiasts were kept posted with all the latest news at a meeting in Bromsgrove on Saturday. More than 100 people from all over the world flocked to the Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings for the annual general meeting of The Letter Box
LEARNING is being made fun with the opening of a new room at a Bromsgrove first school. Tots at Meadows First School in Stourbridge Road are being encouraged to take advantage of their new nurture room, which was opened last Friday by chairman of governors
AN old established Bromsgrove building firm was happy to help when the wind blew out of the sails of the flagship exhibit at a town museum. Staff at the Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings became concerned when the huge oak windshaft, which carries
SIX hundred youngsters from schools in Bromsgrove and across the county were at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings this week to learn basic building skills. They were at the popular Stoke Heath tourist attraction to take part in National Construction
ENSURING Rubery residents can spend a penny in a pleasant place has been the mission of one woman for 33 years. Bromsgrove District Council is set to honour Linda Ratcliffe for dedicating her life to keeping the toilets in Rubery village clean and safe
A WORKING artist helped tots at Tardebigge First School create magical landscapes in a two-day project. Dave Gunning was invited along to the Church Lane school to help youngsters with their studies in art. Working on large sheets of paper, which were
WHAT would have been a much better, not to mention cheaper, idea for this film would have been to stick the actors in a locked room armed with bottles of ketchup which they have permission to squirt randomly at each other. This is one of the most stupid
THE inquest into the death of a man who was killed in a horrific accident on a Bromsgrove roundabout was opened yesterday (Tuesday). County coroner Victor Round opened the inquest into the death of Kevin Harwood but adjourned it, pending further police
TENNIS players have voted to block a bold request to switch their established Spa club to a new site. The appeal from Wychavon District Council sparked lively talks among the 330-strong Droitwich Spa Lawn Tennis Club, based at St Peter's Field courts
AN OPERATION is under way to find nurses, doctors and anyone else who remembers the good times at the former hospital social club in Bromsgrove and who wants to meet again. Chapter Two - The Bromsgrove General Hospital Staff Social Club - was wound up
A RUGBY tournament to honour the Bali bomb victims, one-year on, moved 250 players to tears. Droitwich man, 39-year-old Tom Holmes and fellow Worcestershire man 27-year-old Neil Bowler were among the 202 killed in the terrorist attack which happened a
A MAN who used his hands to punish and to heal, earning him recognition which extended far beyond Bromsgrove's boundaries, has died aged 87. Harry Pantall, from East Road, died in Wayside Nursing Home in Stourbridge Road last Thursday. He had lost his
THE humble apple will be celebrated this weekend at a tourist attraction near Droitwich. Hanbury Hall in School Road will swing open it's doors to the public to celebrate its first Apple Day. On hand will be expert, John Edgley to talk about the popular
A SNOOKER player from Rednal has made the highest break in the 84-year history of the Bromsgrove and District Snooker League. Stuart Watson compiled a magnificent 137 total clearance in a one-frame match during Barnt Green A's 5-0 victory at Bromsgrove
The driver of a stolen Land Rover who deliberately reversed the vehicle into a police motorcyclist has been jailed for three years. Alan Plimmer, aged 24, of Swinford Road, Selly Oak, was convicted of two aggravated vehicle taking charges, one of attempted
THE Lido has "had its day," says a Spa councillor rejecting plans to reopen the pool. Cllr Andrew Christian-Brookes (Con-Hampton Lovett) made his feelings known about the redevelopment of the outdoor pool at a meeting on Tuesday, October 7. Afterwards
A Spa-based Information Technology (IT) consultancy is taking the trend for text messaging to a new level with an innovative service for businesses. Gold Arrow Systems, in Worcester Road have introduced the reactext, which enables organisations to contact
BUBBLY youngsters from a Droitwich school put their best foot forward to raise cash for charity. Whitford Hall and Dodderhill School pupils took part in a sponsored "Toddle Waddle" on Tuesday, October 7. Parents, staff and friends cheered them on as they
NESTLED in the heart of the tranquil village of Ombersley, lies a lively first school saturated rich in history. As the youngsters celebrate their school's 127th anniversary with their annual Founder's Day, reporter Lisa Heritage pops along to the school
SOMETIMES, a film comes along which leaves you with more questions than answers. This is one of them. Questions like: How did this insipid shambles of a movie ever get made? Why did it not go straight to video? Sadly, only a few sad misguided souls know
A DISTRESSED Spa resident claims she feels "victimised" when visiting family graves at a town church. Clare Bowen, aged 29 of Woodmans Close, regularly visits St Nicholas Church graveyard in Ombersley Road to pay respects to her husband, Anthoney's grandparents
IMAGINE a world with no emotion - in fact, any feelings are punishable by death and anything which might provoke emotions like books, music, art, even animals are all destroyed. Your feelings are eradicated by taking a double daily dose of Prozium - a
SWIMMERS from Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa have got their season off to the perfect start with opening day gala victories last weekend. Bromsgrove Swimming Club won their Speedo League division two match while Droitwich Dolphins were victorious in division
IT'S funny, frothy and frivolous but the main appeal of this film is 111 minutes of Matthew McConaughey. What a gorgeous man! Whether he's smiling, frowning, thinking or just plain breathing, he's just so watchable. Forget George and Brad - why Matthew
TWO Droitwich Spa boxers have started the season off in fine style with victories in a national competition. Marc Bonehill, aged 16, and 15-year-old Adam Mytton, from Droitwich Amateur Boxing Club, both won first round bouts in the National Association
WORCESTER City boss John Barton is hatching a plan to tackle Weymouth player-manager Steve Claridge. The former Premier Division ace, who has bagged seven Dr Martens League goals so far this season, brings his Terras side to St George's Lane on Saturday
PERSONAL attack alarms are to be handed out for free by Redditch police following a spate of sex attacks across the town. A total of six women have been indecently assaulted and police are investigating the possibility the attacks could be linked. No
WHAT is K Grant going on about? (Letters, October 1). Obviously, much knowledge about Dial-a-Ride is not known and the brilliant service it gives those of us who use it. Anyone who has consideration for other people would know the service is not for those
A NEIGHBOURHOOD group meeting descended into chaos and was almost abandoned after the council failed to predict the strength of feeling from Webheath residents over a possible housing development. By 2011, Redditch Council has to build 4,550 houses and
QUEUES of taxis from the bottom of Unicorn Hill to Easemore Road have prompted drivers to call for Redditch Council to stop issuing licences. Redditch Taxi Association chairman Araf Mohammed said there were now more than 200 taxis operating in the town
STRINGENT measures to protect wildlife on a proposed Redditch building site will be taken by a housing developer, its project manager has said. The Advertiser recently reported that neighbours opposed to a controversial 30-home development in Rough Hill
A MAN who became violent in a Redditch bar after drinking 20 pints of beer has been ordered to carry out unpaid work for the community. Karl Thompson left an imprint of his hand on a pillar after punching it and then threw an ashtray across the room,
Pre-season friendlies Sat July 12 Evesham (a) 3-1 Lewis, J Williams, Paschalis Sun July 13 Stratford (a) 1-0 Ward Sat July 19 Boldmere (a) 6-1 (og), J Williams 2, Lightbourne, Wilding, Danks Mon July 21 Leicester (h) 1-1 Shilton Sat July 26 West Brom
PUPILS at St Augustine's High School will have a weekly chance to talk in confidence to a police officer about any issues which may be concerning them. Crabbs Cross officer Pc Richard Waterhouse will be holding sessions in the Stonepits Lane school every
I WAS shocked to read that planning permission had been granted on a green field site at the top of Rough Hill Drive before a proper ecological survey had been done at the correct time of year (Advertiser, October 1). The new report is now complete and
I AM writing in response to Tommy Wilson's letter (Advertiser, October 8) As a teenager who enjoys the fair when it comes to the town centre, I must say the rides are enjoyable and my mates and I have a great time when we are there. I also feel the younger
Redditch is beautiful at this time of year, the trees in autumn giving us all a treat. I was walking in woods around Redditch this weekend and was struck by how lucky we are to live in a town where planners had thought about the environmental aspects
LITTLE Carys Chorley was hoping to make some new friends at her pre-school. But the three year old is the only child to attend one of the sessions at the Immanuel Pre-school in Highters Heath Lane, Hollywood. The nursery is now appealing to other parents
YOUNGSTERS at an Astwood Bank school had a literary treat last week when an author came to the school. Pippa Goodhart took time out of her writing schedule to talk to pupils at Astwood Bank First School about her numerous children's books. She has written
HISTORY repeated itself on Friday when Studley students took a trip back in time to learn about the English Civil War - with a little help from a visitor. Re-enactment expert David Lord, known as the Time Traveller, visited Studley High School to help
THE first event of the autumn programme was a visit to Cadbury World. On September 11, a warm welcome as given to Judy Berrow, county organiser for the National Gardens Scheme in Worcestershire. Judy's talk, illustrated with slides, was most interesting
IN September the Friends spent a pleasant evening in the company of Hope the Pedlar who spoke about her life and times as a Tudor Mayde. Hope Proudfoot, a young woman of lowly station, was dressed in a straight-laced gown as befitted her virtue. Her head
THE speaker at the October meeting was Mrs Jill Bache, a volunteer worker from the Casualties Union. She told stories of incidents in which she had played the part of a casualty and also about the training given to firemen and doctors and all emergency
CALLS to defer a decision on the future of a popular skills centre will be made during a crunch Redditch Council meeting on Monday. The council's Labour group will be asking that a proposal to close the centre is either thrown out or deferred until a
THE visiting speaker for the October meeting was Michael Warr, whose topic was the use of water soluble crayons and pencils and other water-based painting media. Michael started by demonstrating the marks that can be made by the various Caran D'Ache crayons
THERE was a good attendance at the recent AGM. The club continues to thrive under the chairmanship of Elaine Hemming-Allen, who has now completed her first year in office. She was thanked for her excellent work. Several committee members stood down after
PUPILS have been showing their musical mettle and demonstrating how to 'steel' a show after the arrival of some new equipment. Trinity High School, in Easemore Road, has bought some steel pans after pupils decided they wanted to learn how to play them
CHARGES for collection of bulky waste are likely to be doubled by Redditch Council just a year after their introduction - prompting fears of increased fly-tipping. But officers assured councillors that fly-tipping was unlikely to rise, despite the charge
THE Highways Agency was the bearer of great news for a Redditch man who found himself separated from his beloved childhood teddy bears last Monday. Masher and Bruno escaped from David Perry's roof rack as he drove from Beeston to Redditch. When he realised
A TOWN centre pub is undergoing a massive £150,000 revamp. Visitors to Yates's will be able to watch the latest live sporting events and music videos on four multimedia plasma screens in modern and contemporary surroundings. The Alcester Street venue
THERE were pennies from heaven at the Alexandra Hospital after a generous donation left it just hundreds of pounds away from its multi-faith centre building target. Fund-raising efforts received a major boost in the form of a £5,000 gift from former members
AN 'eyesore' at the entrance to Alcester could be in line for a redevelopment after about a decade. Oversley Green Residents Association has had informal talks with an architect who is working with the landowner of Bridge End Service Station, on Stratford
BIOLOGY teacher Martin German is bringing Costa Rica to the classroom at Alcester Grammar School after his experience as a 3M Earthwatch Fellow. Mr German joined leading Earthwatch conservation scientists last month on a project maintaining the endangered
Outraged Bidford parents are taking it upon themselves to renovate the school's 'eyesore' flowerbed. After the £2 million school was completed a year ago along with the new library and parish council rooms, parents say the garden still resembles 'a derelict
KIDDERMINSTER'S Victoria Carpets has received the Flooring Industry Award 2003 for Best Supplier of the Year. The recognition follows awards for Best Service and Best Product 2002, received in July this year. The best Supplier of the Year award was presented
VILLAGERS from Stock and Bradley need to find about £100,000 if they are to carry out vital work on their village hall. Despite a great deal of attention lavished on the 68-year-old building, time is now beginning to take its toll. The combination of
A FORMER management accountant from Brockhill has set up a training academy to teach people cutting-edge psychology that can change lives. Founder of The Birmingham NLP Training Academy Matt Caulfield, 27, of Cornhampton Close, is a master practitioner
THE McDonald's branches in Redditch have given other organisations food for thought after raising thousands of pounds for charity. The restaurants have raised £4,792 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, which grants wishes to children with life threatening
THE Tolladine murder trial took a gruesome twist as a witness told the court of the moment she was shown the victim's dismembered body stuffed in a car boot. Anne Padgett thought it was a "Mafia story" when her cousin, Ashley Shearon, called her to a
HOMES in parts of Worcester are now at greater risk from flooding than fire, claims the Environment Agency. Chairman John Harman said properties in high-risk areas, such as Worcester, Bewdley and Upton-upon-Severn, had to accept flooding was the biggest
A SCHOOLGIRL who has patiently helped a partially-sighted classmate for the past four years has received her good citizen award. Jessica Andrews, aged nine, was unable to attend a ceremony at West Mercia police headquarters last week when she was named
A CITY centre pub was last night given the backing by Worcester City Council to extend its opening hours. Bushwackers, in Trinity Street, was told by the council's licensing committee to "set an example" for other clubs when it begins opening until 3am
POLICE are hunting three men, believed to be from Hereford, who may have been involved in a brawl between football fans which marred a non-league match. Detectives have released CCTV pictures in a bid to trace the men suspected to have been involved in
AN extra house on Kempsey's Bannut Hill would add to the access problems for residents in the other 12 homes, parish councillors heard. One of the residents, Judith Yeomans, said the households had shared access on the potholed, bumpy lane, which is unadopted
STAFF and pupils at The Alice Ottley School in Worcester were transported back 120 years to 1883, the year in which the school was founded. They spent all day on Friday in Victorian costume, and took notes from lessons on slates. In the senior school,
A £6m expansion plan for Malvern Hills Science Park, with a new high-tech energy saving building on the Malvern site, could be given the go-head tonight. It will be the third phase of development since the Science Park was started in 1998 in Geraldine
PUPILS at a Worcester school have laid on an artistic feast for visitors and tourists to the city's Guildhall. Blessed Edward Oldcorne RC High School is hosting an innovative exhibition called Artworks, which is running from 8.30am until 4.30pm today,
A TALENTED town musician will be hoping to hit the right note in a contest next week. Guitarist Matthew Trigg, of Firs Close, Marlbrook, has won himself a place in the finals of a competition to find fresh talent. He will thrash it out against eight other
THE beautiful voice of Patsy Cline will be brought back to life at a Droitwich Spa gig later this month. Incline will be performing for the End of the Trail Country Music Club at the Royal British Legion Club on October 24. They are a firm favourite in
DEALING with stress is the subject of a conference to be held this week for parents of children with special education needs. Worcestershire County Council's County Specialist Support Service (CSSS) is hosting the event, which will be held on Saturday
ONE of the most famous characters from 1970s television is giving a helping hand to the Acorns Children's Hospice Trust. Paul Henry, who used to play Benny in Crossroads, will be on hand all evening to keep everyone entertained at the Anchor Inn, Kempsey
CHRISTMAS Day 1999 should have provided Sam Jones with a multitude of happy memories. Sam, of Ledbury, was eight months pregnant and was supposed to be enjoying the festivities with her partner Colin Jones, now 39, and their then two-year-old son Bradley
PEOPLE will be able to discuss their medicines with pharmacist Hooman Ghalamkari as part of Ask About Medicines Week, this week. Dr Ghalamkari, of DG Pharmacy, Dines Green, Worcester, is urging people to bring their medicines in a bag to the Gresham Road
A blooming good show is planned by Droitwich Flower Club for next month. Staged by the Mayor of Droitwich Spa, Councillor Jan Bolton, the flower arranging night will have a Christmas theme. The demonstrator will be Maureen Gillman. During the evening
POLICE believe a callous robber specifically targeted a man because he was blind. The victim was walking with his guide dog down Bates Hill at about 4.45pm on Sunday when someone approached him from behind and snatched his brown leather shopping bag.
BROMSGROVE Rovers are one win away from the FA Cup first round proper and a possible clash with Football League opposition. George Rooney's side booked their final qualifying round place with an excellent 2-0 victory at Congleton Town last Saturday -
FOUR players are injury doubts for Bromsgrove Rovers ahead of tonight's Dr Martens Western game with Sutton Coldfield Town at the Victoria Ground (7.30pm). Steve Frost, Dave Benton and Marcus Jackson could all miss the game after picking up knocks in
QUALITY cars across Redditch and Wythall are being targeted by thieves and may be being stolen to order, police have warned. Thieves are breaking into homes in order to get the car keys to steal the expensive vehicles. At about 4.20am on Friday, a homeowner
A TEENAGE boy was punched and robbed as he walked home from school in Redditch. The attack happened at about 3.30pm on Friday, October 3, in the subway off Grove Street. The youngster was approached by a man who pushed him up against a wall and punched
THIEVES who stole frozen food from a Cookhill shed are being warned their health will be at risk if they eat their ill-gotten gains. On Friday evening, thieves went onto a property in Evesham Road and almost emptied the contents of freezers which were
A REDDITCH man faces charges including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs after police seized cocaine with a street value of £75,000. The man, from Ryton Close, Matchborough, was one of four Worcestershire people arrested by detectives over a two-day
DELICIOUSLY wicked gags delivered so fast and flawlessly revellers could barely draw breath, was the order of a night with comedian Jimmy Carr. Carr is one of the brightest stars on the comedy circuit and I was lucky enough to catch him airing some of
WHEN artist impressions of the new Lychgate shopping centre were unveiled, 15 months ago, we confessed that our pulses hadn't been set racing. Perhaps our hopes were too high. After all, the old edifice was a monument to the 60s period which infamously
Saturday 11th of October saw the 2003 'Redditch Federation of Anglers Avon Championships' fished between Luddington and Bidford. Forty-eight anglers took part on a river that was very low and very clear, with a bright blue sky, all the conditions that
PATIENTS in the respiratory unit of the Alexandra Hospital will now benefit from a new piece of medical equipment thanks to a motorsport club near Inkberrow. Radford Autograss Club recently raised enough money to buy an ultrasonic nebulizer to present
REDDITCH town centre rota chemist is Carrington and Turner, Church Green West, open every day except Saturday and Sunday until 7pm. Knights Chemist, Evesham Road, Crabbs Cross, is open weekdays until 7pm and every Sunday between 6-7pm. Foxlydiate Chemist
REDDITCH United's early season success story continued at a chilly Valley Stadium last night as a Richard Leadbeater brace helped them overcome rivals Evesham. In truth, the scoreline flattered Rod Brown's men as they were matched pound for pound by a
LOWLY Ludlow Town managed their first win in six games at The Coors Stadium after three quick second half goals against the Churchmen last night. Alvechurch, who had not lost an away game in their last six, started the better and Keith Rostill put the
FECKENHAM boss Lee Adams admitted that his side used their get out-of-jail card against a vastly-improved Southam side. Despite the visitors being anchored to the bottom of the Midlands Combination Premier League, Feckenham were made to work hard for
THE music of ancient Africa comes to The Barber Institute in Edgbaston next Wednesday when Nzamba Lela, the Aka Pygmies of Central Africa, visit as part of their first UK tour. The concert, with contemporary pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard, showcases the
A NEW English version of Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House plays at Worcester's Swan Theatre from tomorrow. Set in Norway in the late 1870s, the play has been newly adapted and directed by Brian J Burton, a prolific local playwright. Currently chairman of
A COMEDY set in the unlikely surroundings of a cemetery can be seen at Malvern's Festival Theatre from Monday. The Cemetery Club, by Ivan Menchell, is the story of three 60-something friends, Lucille, Ida and Doris, who meet every month for tea and then
Saturday, October 18 FOOTBALL Dr Martens Western - Clevedon Town v Bromsgrove Rovers (3pm). Midland Football Combination Division One - Kenilworth Town v Fairfield Villa; Loughborough v Barnt Green Spartak (2.45pm). Challenge Vase Second Round - Handsworth
WORCESTERSHIRE'S South African all-rounder Andrew Hall will miss the Test series in Pakistan after losing his appeal against a two-match ban. Match referee Clive Lloyd's decision was upheld by Sir Oliver Popplewell of the International Cricket Council's
EVESHAM United slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Redditch United last night, their sixth of the season. Once again their inability to convert chances into goals proved to be the downfall for Phil Mullen's side. Despite taking an early lead they lost out to goals
BROMSGROVE Rovers counted the cost of their FA Cup success with a 1-1 Dr Martens Western draw at Sutton Coldfield Town last night. Rovers were missing goalkeeper Paul Wyatt and defender Dave Benton, both in injured in last Saturday's 2-0 victory at Congleton
EVESHAM Rowing Club's junior 16 quad sculls finished first in their Senior Division Two event at Worcester RC's Autumn Head regatta. Their time was an impressive 15:18.90. Senior Division 1: Shrewsbury School (Junior 18 Quad Sculls) 00:14:57.62; Stourport
BROMSGROVE RFC U9s convincingly won the Silhillians Rugby Festival at the weekend. The Finstall Park juniors came out on top against teams from Birmingham and Solihull, Lichfield, Rugby, Barker Butts and hosts Silhillians. Bromsgrove went undefeated,
BROMSGROVE Rovers are one win away from the FA Cup first round proper and a possible clash with Football League opposition. George Rooney's side booked their final qualifying round place with an excellent 2-0 victory at Congleton Town last Saturday -
BROMSGROVE Rovers reached the final qualifying round of the FA Cup with a no-nonsense second half defensive display against Congleton Town at Booth Street. First half goals from Marcus Jackson and Mark Benbow saw Rovers to their fourth away success in
A FIRST half penalty condemned Barnt Green Spartak to only their second league defeat of the season. GJ Singh's side were beaten 1-0 at Polesworth North Warwickshire in last Saturday's Midland Combination division one clash. Polesworth scored from the
RUBERY FC were beaten 3-2 by Sporting in Birmingham AFA division eight last Saturday despite goals from Dean Conway and Vince Sealey. In division nine, Rubery lost 1-0 at home to Berkley with Matthew McGilvery man of the match. On Sunday, Rubery lost
ADVERTISER/Messenger League results for Sunday, October 12. Division Two Alvechurch Darts Res 3 Cofton Falcons 2. Division Three Cofton Celtic 2 Star & Garter 3; The Pinnacle 2 Golden Lions 2. Bromsgrove Charity Junior Cup First Round Hoolihans 3
MATT Birch's luckless start to the season has gone from bad to worse after breaking his right leg. The Bromsgrove RFC First XV fly half suffered a stress fracture and possible ankle ligament damage during training at the club's Finstall Park ground last
DEAR EDITOR - Thank you for including the recent article about the sponsored swim by Gordon Fry. I am pleased to announce that all monies have now been collected and that the total raised by Gordon is £1,210. Through the medium of your newspaper I would
DEAR EDITOR - I am a resident of Maple Road in Rubery. Having my grandson aged eight staying with me, I decided on a recent Friday evening to take him to the park in Rubery so he could play for a short time. How disgusted I was when we got there. To find
DEAR EDITOR - In regard to the three councillors who were suspended for suggesting the public should have a say on the future of Bromsgrove Rovers Football Ground. Councillor Dennis Norton surely must know that elected district councillors represent the
DEAR EDITOR - In Letters (September 24), I was accused by Mr Howard that I suggested to the people of Lickey End, three years ago, that 'they needed a parish council.' This is not my recollection. What I said was that should they wish to have a parish
DEAR EDITOR -- So, Mr Calloway, a supporter of parish councils, continues to maintain that an active Lickey End Parish Council could be operated on a precept of £7 per annum for a Band D property. In support of his case he quotes the precept of £6.46
DEAR EDITOR - On Sunday, October 5, Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletics Club promoted the North Worcestershire Multi-terrain eight-mile race in the Waseley and Lickey Hills. The event was a great success but it was only possible because of the considerable
WORCESTER is one of only two areas in the Midlands with an I CAN centre of excellence for children with speech, language and communication difficulties (SLCD). Dan Kendrick takes a look at how the system helps youngsters come out of their shells. THE
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers produced a battling display but still crashed out of the LDV Vans Trophy at the first hurdle last night as Second Division Queen's Park Rangers cruised to a 2-0 victory at Loftus Road. In what was a very low-key tie, Harriers were
Alcester overcame their previously unbeaten opponents by a narrow margin, for the second season running. This season's match, however, was played at a much higher standard than last year's scrappy Powergen Vase encounter and was far more entertaining
WORCESTERSHIRE'S South African all-rounder Andrew Hall will miss the Test series in Pakistan after losing his appeal against a two-match ban. Match referee Clive Lloyd's decision was upheld by Sir Oliver Popplewell of the International Cricket Council's
KINGS Norton came back to Earth with a bump at the sparse surroundings of Bishop Castle on Saturday. After the convincing 34-3 victory over Cleobury last week which put the club top of North Midlands One, they narrowly missed out in a hard-fought encounter
DISRUPTING injuries took their toll on Woodrush who were overpowered in the pack. Paul Chance's men had gone 7-3 against their hosts early on, thanks to a Stuart Pearson try that was converted by Martin Leech. But that was about where the good news ended
AN UNDERSTRENGTH Five Ways outfit produced a disjointed display against Greyhound - and paid the price. They never managed to get a foot hold in the North Midlands One encounter which saw them forced to field a posse of players out of position. Natural
Craig Ladek - Goalkeeper - Youngster who proved a capable understudy last season. Previously with Kidderminster Harriers and had a short spell at Ludlow Town last season. Andy Smith - Defender - Experienced full back who is enjoying his fourth season
A MULTI-award winning play starring an academy award-winning actress is set to captivate audiences at a Worcestershire venue. Humble Boy, written by Charlotte Jones, features Hayley Mills, star of stage and screen whose 30-year career includes oscar-winning
A POPULAR town watering hole will be the meeting point for the Fairfield Ramblers this weekend. The group will start their walk from The Gate Hangs Well in Woodgate near Hanbury this Saturday at 10.15am. Taking in the beautiful countryside the walk will
A SPECIALISTS model show is being held this weekend at Stoneleigh Park. ModeleX 2003 is the only show in the world devoted to hand-built resin and white metal models. It will be held in the parks Warwick Hall on Sunday from 11am to 5.30pm. Scale models
NINE selected evenings only are being offered to the public to get a glimpse of The Secret Garden at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses. The magnificent gardens in Edgbaston will have a beautifully illuminated trail around the 15 acre site,
I SEE we have another bleating moaner who claims that he/she should not be fined after breaking the speed limit. S Clark (You Say, Monday, October 6) states that only real car criminals should be caught. Don't you think you're a car criminal for speeding
K FLEMMING raises an interesting point (You Say, Thursday, October 2) regarding opposition to hunting. The current Countryside Alliance poster campaign makes use of the slogan "59 per cent of the public say keep hunting". According to Nicky Driver of
Bert Coleman held a captivated audience at the September indoor meeting. His talk gave an insight into many aspects of bird behaviour. A beautiful morning, with the sun highlighting early autumnal tints, welcomed an excellent turnout of birders for the
THE annual general meeting of Chaddesley Corbett WI was held on October 1 at the village hall. The evening started with the singing of Jerusalem followed by the business of the evening, including the results of the collection for pennies for friendship
TOTS turned into time travellers when a mysterious visitor dropped in at a Bromsgrove school. Professor McGinty took youngsters at Charford First School back to the days of gladiators to Roman times as part of an exciting history project last week. The
FIREFIGHTERS will be swapping their hoses and helmets for sponges and suds in aid of charity this Saturday. Bromsgrove's Green Watch will be holding a car wash at the Windsor Street station to raise pots of cash for the National Fire Service Benevolent
THE sensational smell of spicy samosas wafted all over Bromsgrove as families flocked to make the traditional Indian snacks at a fun day last Saturday. More than 200 people dropped by the recreation ground, outside ASDA, to join in with a host of exciting
TALKS over a £500,000 land deal, which could have led to Bromsgrove Rovers relocating to a new ground, have fallen through. The deal involved Bromsgrove District Council buying six acres of land at Ashborough's Fruit Farm in Old Burcot Lane, off the A38
A TOWN man who used a pool cue as a weapon during an attack outside his home has been given nine months detention. Jonathan Rudge "snapped" after victim Lewis Baker complained to Rudge's mother that her son had beaten up his friend, Worcester Crown Court
A COURAGEOUS Rubery man received top honours recognising his actions during a vicious armed robbery, at a ceremony held yesterday (Tuesday). Martyn Palmer was presented with the Queen's Gallantry Medal at West Mercia Police headquarters at Hindlip Hall
The passage of time has made it difficult for a former principal of a children's home to defend himself against sex abuse allegations, a jury was told. Brian Gillam could not come up with alibi evidence after more than 20 years had elapsed from the time
QUIZZICAL youngsters from Wychbold First and Nursery School put their local Member of Parliament, Peter Luff in the spotlight on Monday morning. Pupils at the School Road establishment were spellbound this week when the Mid Worcestershire MP taught them
THREE suspended Tory district councillors are considering taking their case to be reinstated to the High Court. The unprecedented move follows their leader's failure last Wednesday to invite them back into the fold before a 4pm deadline set by a solicitor
ALL the dreams of a motorbike mad ten-year-old came true when he met his sporting idol just a week after he had his own scramble bike pinched. Paul Masters is still on cloud nine after meeting Jeremy McGrath - the most successful Supercross Series champion
FEARS over potential health risks have prompted civic leaders to reject plans to install a mobile phone base station at a Spa landmark. Mobile giant, Vodafone wants to add a radio base station to the Water Tower in Yew Tree Hill. But concerns over its
A DARING duo from Droitwich are preparing to reach for the skies to raise much needed cash for Childline. Rachel Jones-Robinson and her brother Robert are planning to take part in the 10,000ft tandem sky dive in Oxford on Saturday, November 22. Rachel
A CANCER sufferers' support group is celebrating 20 years in the Spa this month. The Droitwich Cancer Support Group cracked open the bubbly to celebrate the occasion with deputy mayor, Councillor Ann Taft on Wednesday, October 1. Members enjoyed a buffet
THIS fine young man has a great voice for his tender years and being just 25, he has an amazing future ahead of him. He makes a great start with this self-titled offering, with a production quality and finished product which more established artists would
Turin Brakes may be hailed as the next Travis or Coldplay but they're going to have to try a wee bit harder. Though their second album is listenable acoustic rock, it fails to live up to expectations, but only just. Their sound is a strange amalgamation
A JUNIOR netball team has swept aside all in its path to land a district title. Bromsgrove School's U14s team were crowned district champions last week after comfortably defeating all opposition. On their way to the title, the Worcester Road school side
A LADIES golf team from Droitwich has taken maximum points in winning a league title and play-off. Droitwich Golf Club ladies team defeated all seven other teams to finish top of the Droitwich Ladies Inter-Club League Division A for the third year running
YOUNGSTERS and adults alike joined together for Bromsgrove Olympique Cycling Club's successful cyclo-cross event in Sanders Park last Saturday. Organised by Geoff Dingley and the course designed by Gerry Blackmoor, races were held around the Kidderminster
TWO Bromsgrove School teams were successful at the Rectory Park Cross County races. Six teams from the Worcester Road school entered the annual prestigious competition near Sutton Coldield for the first time on Thursday, October 9. The U14s boys team
BROMSGROVE Golf Club has reached the final of the Worcestershire Handicap League. The Stratford Road club convincingly beat Ombersley Golf Club four and a half points to one and a half points at Wharton Park GC last Sunday to reach the final. Bromsgrove
PROGRESS has been made but there are still weaknesses at Hewell Grange Prison. They were the findings of a report released on Friday following an unannounced visit in June by the HM Inspector of Prisons. Procedures and accommodation had caused the Inspectorate
A CON man tricked a Redditch boss into handing over the keys to his car by claiming it was being recalled by the dealership because of a fault. But Richard Heckstall-Smith was caught because three weeks later his victim spotted him driving the Audi A3
I WAS glad to read that someone cares about bats in Redditch (Advertiser, October 1). The amount of development destroying their habitat is frightening. Due to developers building on green field sites, uncommon, rare and very rare species are becoming
SOME years ago, Joni Mitchell penned a profound pop song that went, "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you got 'til it's gone, they've paved paradise; put up a parking lot". The planning application for the Abbey Stadium is now in. Are
A CRABBS Cross police officer has praised an ongoing joint project to curb antisocial behaviour. The police and Redditch Council joined forces last year in an initiative to tackle troublemakers aged 10-18 by serving them with Acceptable Behaviour Contracts
Redditch heroine Lynsey Walters - who tackled a knife-wielding maniac as he stabbed a bus passenger 12 times - has been recognised as one of West Mercia Constabulary's Good Citizens of the Year. Lynsey, 18, was one of the runners-up at the awards ceremony
AS a volunteer at the Redi Centre crche for the past eight years, I would like to say a big thank you to all the children and their mums and dads for their support in our fight to keep the Redi in council hands. Mr Paul Patten and Mr Chris Smith should
I HAVE been lucky enough to experience the services of the Redi Centre. I have gained various new skills and qualifications. The Redi Centre has broadened my knowledge and opportunities tenfold. I can now converse with deaf people, paint a picture and
THERE was plenty to discuss at the September meeting, not only the wonderful summer but also holidays, a day at Worcester Porcelain and a guided walk around Worcester City followed by a delicious buffet at the Talbot, all organised by the WI. The much
Barnardo's is appealing to Redditch people to become short-term carers for disabled children. The Worcestershire Short Breaks project is the only service of its kind in the county which provides community-based breaks to disabled children who live with
AT the meeting on September 25, Anne Wilson welcomed members and thanked everyone who had made cakes and helped man the stall at Wythall Carnival. Final details of the 40th anniversary meal were given and members were asked to put their names down for
THE next meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 21, at 8pm at Studley Parish Centre. Speaker Dr M Rowlands will talk about Catholicism in Studley and district, especially interesting as the Roman Catholic Church in Studley was built only 150 years ago
ON October 3, Shena Mason spoke on the History of Jewellery Making in Birmingham From 1750-1995, the title of the book she published in 1998. She brought along unique drawings and slides. Having worked in the industry as a journalist and as a researcher
A REDDITCH soldier will be able to indulge her passion for music every day and look forward to playing at ceremonial occasions all over the world. Former Arrow Vale High School pupil Danni Murrow, 22, has joined the Corps of Army Music, one of the biggest
MATT Birch's luckless start to the season has gone from bad to worse after breaking his right leg. The Bromsgrove RFC First XV fly half suffered a stress fracture and possible ankle ligament damage during training at the club's Finstall Park ground last
NEIGHBOURS opposing a proposed housing development in Dark Lane, Astwood Bank, were awaiting news last night as councillors met to decide whether it could go ahead. Bradley Design Homes applied to Redditch Council to build nine five-bedroom homes to the
CHILDREN from Astwood Bank First School are taking part in Elgar-thon, a sponsored performance of Land of Hope and Glory which will set a new record for the largest number of youngsters performing the same piece in one week. Elgar-thon launches the Coins
A NEW hero in the battle to reduce garden refuse has hit the streets of Redditch. Shredderman is a new and, more importantly, free garden waste service launched this week. The initiative, by both the borough and county councils, is designed to reduce
TALKS between Alcester police and the town council will be held after spates of vandalism and arson attacks in the town. Recent high-profile incidents have prompted councillors to take action and a meeting with Insp Tim Bailey has now been pencilled in
AS a symbol of support for the Prince's Trust, Redditch MP Jacqui Smith dropped in to two businesses recently to see how they have fared since gaining a boost from the trust. Ms Smith visited The Ditch Recording Studios in Millsborough House, Smallwood
A REDDITCH county councillor will be putting herself at the mercy of students in a web-based interactive game based on hit TV show I'm A Celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here! Betty Passingham is one of five county councillors taking part in the game, which
RESIDENTS packed into the town hall to attend the annual meeting of Alcester Court Leet to witness the continuation of a 700-year tradition. New members swore the Oath of Frankpledge and paid the dues of the Frankpledge Penny as Keith Tomlinson took over
TARZAN the tabby cat needs a new home. He and his feline friends Smokey and Peter are recent newcomers to Cats Protection in Packhorse Lane, Hollywood. Chief fundraiser Patsy Smith-Owens said all three cats had fallen on hard times - especially exotic
COUNCILLOR Susan Juned is stepping down as leader of the Liberal Democrats on Stratford Council after six-and-a-half years at the helm. Mrs Juned, who spent three of those years between 1997 to 2000 as council leader, has decided to concentrate more on
A BURNER manufactured by a Worcestershire company is helping to maintain traditional brewing practices. Nu-way, in Droitwich, has supplied one of its high/low burners to Omec Engineering, in Sherburn, Elmet, North Yorkshire, to fit into a new model of
THREE little letters are causing a large amount of confusion in Alcester. The recently formed action group Alcester Community against Tetra has adopted ACT as its acronym. But Alcester Churches Together uses ACT as its abbreviation. At a recent town council
THE UK's leading provider of employment opportunities for disabled people is urging businesses in Worcestershire not to worry about impending changes to the Disability Discrimination Act. From October 2004, the Act will be extended to cover companies
CHINA'S largest commercial airline has been receiving some help from a Worcestershire engineering firm. China Southern has purchased a Delta Tornado laser-cutting machine equipped with a Beko Drypoint M Membrane dryer. Beko Technologies Ltd is based on
STAFF at a Worcester pub are celebrating after it was chosen as the county's place to eat and drink by the makers of a prestigious guide. The Bear and Ragged Staff, in Bransford, was chosen as the Worcestershire Dining Pub of the Year by the leading independent
October 13, 1978 A REDDITCH residents' association is gearing itself up to protest against the development corporation's plan to knock down the Abbey High School. The Abbeydale residents' Association is planning a public meeting at the Abbeydale Club
