SCANDAL-hit Prince Charles will be hoping for quieter times in Worcestershire, where he can indulge in his passion for fine architecture. On Monday, Charles will officially switch on the spectacular fountain at English Heritage's Witley Court. Staff feel
A PIONEERING project aims to encourage drug addicts to kick their habit into touch by helping them become business entrepreneurs. Turning Point Worcester, which offers a one-stop point of call for drug users, is behind the scheme set up to enable those
EXPANSION plans drawn up by University College Worcester have been given wholehearted support by Worcestershire County Council. The multi-million pound proposals, which would see a second campus built on the disused Castle Street infirmary site, were
A THIRTEENTH person has fallen victim to Legionnaire's Disease. Health officials announced that the woman, in her 90s, had been diagnosed with the disease today. The news comes after it was revealed that one of the two pensioners whose death had been
TODDLERS Anna Revill, aged one, and her two-year-old brother Nicholas helped Asha women's centre hang up the tinsel in preparation for its Christmas Fair. The women-only centre, in London Road, Worcester - where women can drop in for a friendly chat,
RESIDENTS want more litter bins rather than play equipment if money is spent improving a neglected Droitwich beauty spot. Over the summer, Worcestershire County Council asked 970 Primsland residents their opinions on how to rejuvenate the public open
ABANDONED dogs in the county are one step closer to finding a loving home, thanks to a cash windfall from the Making a Difference campaign. The Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter (WARS) received £250 from the campaign, run by the Evening News and Worcester
POLICE in Herefordshire are at the centre of a judicial review being taken to the High Court by a woman attempting to tighten abortion laws. The case revolves around West Mercia Constabulary's alleged failure to investigate accusations of unlawful killing
A PENSIONER left virtually housebound after thieves stole her mobility buggy, has had it returned - but it has been vandalised beyond use. The £500 electric scooter, belonging to Mary Hitchman, was given her battered scooter when she collected it from
ONE of Hereford's best known manufacturing companies is to shed nearly half its workforce. Painter Brothers Ltd, which has gained international recognition for its fabricated steelwork since its formation in the 1920s, cited an "uncertain world market
A BUILDER has scooped two top awards in a scheme to recognise the quality of construction and level of customer care, given by Wychavon builders and developers. New houses built by Roland Jones (seen above) at Bishampton and Charlton made the firm a double
STAGGERED start times at schools could have negative knock-on effects, Worcestershire's education chief has warned. The county council's cabinet member for education, Councillor June Longmuir, said yesterday that she was waiting for a trial scheme to
A QUICK reminder for Saturday, November 29, when there will be a jumble sale in aid of CLIC and children's charities in Malvern. Please if you have any suitable items can you take them direct to Berrow/ Pendock village hall on the morning of the sale
THANK you to all who participated in the service of remembrance last Sunday at our parish church and helped to make it such a very special occasion. Special thanks to Reverend Joy Birkin, Reverend Tim Wright (for the superb sermon), the benefice choir
EVESHAM rock star Jim Capaldi, one of the founder members and songwriter of Traffic will be playing at Worcester's Marr's Bar this Sunday. The birth of Traffic took place in the mid 60s when Jim's band Deep Feeling, played The Elbow Room in Birmingham
AN evening not to be missed is being held tonight (Friday) at the village hall, beginning at 7.30pm. A concert, entitled The Season of the Year, is being held in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief. Tickets (£6 including refreshments) are available from John
ALL good wishes to Pat and Margaret Buras as they leave Hollybush to move to Stafford. Since moving to Hollybush in 1972, both have been actively involved with the running and fundraising at Hollybush Church. Daily they have walked to the church to unlock
ON Remembrance Sunday, former parishioners who had lost their lives in the course of military service were honoured at a ceremony held at the churchyard war memorial at 10.45am and again at 10.55am at St Mary's Church, followed by a service of remembrance
ANYONE for badminton? The Malvern Wells Badminton Club has a few vacancies and would like to hear from players with experience. Members meet each Thursday evening at the Hill Centre, Upton, for purely social games. Socialising usually continues with a
A GRAND total of £240 was raised for Pendock Playgroup funds. Raffle prizes won were wine by Mrs Holt, toiletries by Mrs Keyte, Christmas sweets by Mrs Yardley and hedgehog by Mrs Deakin. Many thanks to everyone that contributed in any way.
THE car park at the hall will be out of use on Wednesday (November 19), Thursday and Friday, due to repairs to surfacing at the entrance. This will particularly affect the Pilates class and the Friday games. Please come and support the autumn fair tomorrow
Chansons - Maurice Ravel - Chansons: Histoires naturelles. Chansons madcasses. Inva Mula, Valerie Millot, Claire Brua, Gerard Thruel, Laurent Naouri. Piano : David Abramovitz; Cello: Xavier Gagnepain; Flute: Vicenc Prats. Naxos: DDD 8.554176-77 Maurice
A celebration of dance and movement will mark the end of the 2003 Dance Artists in Residence programme in Malvern. The Malvern and Worcester finale will take place at Malvern Theatres on Saturday, November 22. The evening features a 20-minute performance
Former RAF Wing Commander Neville Shorrick will give an illustrated talk on the 'forgotten air force' of Singapore and Malaya. The talk will take place at Wellington Heath Memorial Hall and will cover the most significant events leading up to the fall
THE news that drug addicts are to be offered help to set up their own businesses may well be greeted with derision in some quarters. Why should people who choose to flush their lives down the toilet be offered special help? It is difficult enough for
Laura Linney is one of just two Americans in Richard Curtis' very British romantic comedy Love Actually - and when it came to joining the ensemble she didn't have to be asked twice. "It was a real no brainer joining the cast, Richard just wrote me this
The battle of the sexes sent sparks flying across the stage at Malvern Theatres. Theatre Royal Plymouth and Thelma Holt's production of The Taming of the Shrew provided all the essential ingredients of an entertaining, absorbing production. Ross Kemp,
IT'S an early start for Worcester Wolves Basketball Club tomorrow as they look to make it three wins out of three in the National League Division Two. Their home clash with Northampton Neptunes gets under way at 3pm rather than their usual evening start
MALVERN'S Three Counties Showground is facing restrictions on its future growth designed to prevent it moving further away from its traditional role in supporting agriculture. Events at the showground are already under the microscope after complaints
MALVERN Town Council has confirmed that it is facing an industrial tribunal following a complaint from a former town clerk. Council chairman Roger Hall-Jones said this week that the council was aware of the action being taken by former clerk Shirley Young
UPTON curate Tricia Allsop is saying farewell to the parish after three years. Rev Allsop leaves at the end of the month to be priest-in-charge at Finstall, near Bromsgrove. Originally from Stourbridge, she was ordained in 2000 and her first post was
PLANNING permission to turn part of a field in Severn Stoke into a garden has been refused. The district council's northern area planning committee last week rejected the application for land at rear of a former pub. It was felt the garden would intrude
TWO Malvern youngsters have been robbed in separate incidents in the town. The first took place in Upper Howsell Road at around 11.45pm on Friday (November 7). The youth was hit in the face and pushed into a hedge before his mobile phone was stolen. The
ANGELS will fill a church at Earl's Croome in the new year as part of an exhibition of religious art. The Host of Angels Experience comprises around 100 paintings and figures of angels inspired by artists throughout history, including Botticelli and Fra
VOLUNTEERS who help housebound people in Malvern to enjoy books will be honoured at a ceremony tomorrow (Saturday). Malvern Library has run a service delivering books to the housebound for more than 30 years. Volunteers Sheila Spencer and Geoff Toft,
A CAR parking trial to ease congestion in two Malvern roads will begin in the New Year. The six-month trial is aimed at encouraging more people to use car parks in Victoria Road and Church Street by offering £3 tickets for seven days' parking. At the
AN autumn fair takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at Upton Memorial Hall, from 10am to noon, with a variety of stalls including tombola, raffle, bric-a-brac, books, crafts etc. It is being run by the Upton and Blackmore Park RC churches.
Members of Lansdowne Crescent Methodist Church are looking forward to a major refurbishment of the building. A grant of £25,000 has been given to the project by the Methodist Circuit, with a loan for a further £25,000 agreed so work on the church can
MUSIC and mince pies will give a festive feel to a Farmers' Market at Hanley Swan Village Hall on Sunday, from 11am to 2pm, with music by Vital Spark.
SHERRY and mince pies will be served at a fundraising event organised by the Friends of Beechwood at the home, in Ryall, at 11am on Tuesday (November 18). It will include a bring and buy, tombola, raffle and white elephant.
DIVISION Two of The Soccer Site Malvern League is proving to be a very close at the top of the table with the lead changing hands almost on a weekly basis, with four teams within three points of each other. Last Sunday saw Bell Inn 98 return to the top
West Malvern Royal British Legion honoured long-serving members at a ceremony on Sunday, as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. The ceremony followed the remembrance service at St James's Church. A wreath was laid and branch secretary Alan Fish
CONSERVATIVE MP Bill Wiggin is braced for a rough ride after being named Shadow Secretary of State for Wales. Mr Wiggin has been moved from the environment brief he held under Ian Duncan Smith in a reshuffle announced by the new leader, Michael Howard
MALVERN businesses which have helped raise money for charity will be presented with awards at a Christmas quiz in Worcester. Over the last few months, teams from Malvern Instruments and Morgan Motor Company took part in the Motor Neurone Disease Challenge
MALVERN Ladies travelled to Bredon for a Kidderminster League match on Sunday. BREDON LADIES 0, MALVERN LADIES 5 Straight from the kick-off, Malvern put the home defence under pressure and only two fine saves from the Bredon keeper prevented Malvern from
THE Citizens Advice Bur-eau will have to wait until next year to find out whether Malvern Hills District Council will continue to fund it. The council has provided help with accommodation and support to the service, based at The Grange, for the last five
EXPRESS 88 entertained Defford & Besford in the Infirmary Cup first round to begin their defence of the trophy won in the previous season. EXPRESS 88 3, DEFFORD & BESFORD 1 Express started well and saw several well-worked opportunities go astray
FUNDRAISERS have presented a cheque for £700 to St Richard's Hospice. Hilary Al Rasheed, of Holland Funeral Services, Barnards Green, and Darryl Mogg, of A V Band in Worcester, presented the cheque to staff at the hospice on Wednesday morning. The money
Frances Victory (Your Letters, October 31) is wrong in her understanding that Malvern Town Council has refused to consider providing a bus shelter to those travelling to Malvern Wells. The operations committee deferred a decision pending discussion with
KEITH Berry (Your Letters, October 31) asked if Worcestershire County Council could adopt the idea of Kent County Council for a Council Tax rise for OAPs linked to inflation. This is something already being considered by the council and the idea was discussed
MANY thanks to everyone for the seats and shelter at the bus stop in Graham Road. Being disabled it's a great help and I wish there were more like it. ADRIENNE HILL, Cales Avenue, Malvern.
PLAYERS at Ledbury Town Football Club were due to face the biggest match of their lives against Manchester United's reserve squad last night. A thousand tickets were sold for the game, held in memory of three members of the same family killed in a minibus
CONGRATULATIONS must go to Great Malvern Primary School staff and parents for their determined campaign for a pedestrian crossing on the busy Pickersleigh Road (Malvern Gazette, October 10). As local councillor, last year I met with residents who told
MALVERN United entertained Ombersley at Sling Lane with the manager having the luxury of being able to choose from a full squad for the first time this season. MALVERN UNITED 1, OMBERSLEY COLTS 4 With Ombersley looking to get a bagful of goals they attacked
IN responding to my Thought for the Week (October 31) Owen Morgan (Your Letters, November 7) suggests that my "apparent inability to substantiate... reservations about the Pagan religion is lamentable testimony to the fear and ignorance in which it is
THE Chase Technology College recently held a six-a- side football tournament for primary school students attending schools around Malvern. Participating in this tournament were Northleigh, Malvern Parish, St Joseph's, St Mary's, The Wyche, Malvern Wells
FOR the past few years the flower beds in Victoria Park, both in winter and summer, have been much admired by many wheelchair bound and mobile people using the park and on their way to and from the shops. What do we have now? Eleven black coffin-like
Former Ledbury Police Sergeant Bob Wilson has received a divisional commendation for his commitment and dedication to the Longtown Mountain Rescue Team. Now promoted to inspector following a move to Hereford 18 months ago, he said he was pleased to receive
The question was asked in last week's Gazette as to why the previous Conservative administration on MHDC did not share news of progress on talks surrounding the new hospital at the time of the May elections. The answer is quite simple. Discussions linking
I would like to extend to the Cardiff Male Voice Choir the thanks of everyone who attended the concert at Ledbury Parish Church to celebrate the lives of Denise, Martin and Ryan McCoig-Lees. The choir enjoyed singing as much as the audience did as it
THE parents of a 19-year-old Malvern man sent to Iraq last week say they will delay Christmas until he comes home. Thomas Corns, who was in the Malvern Army Cadets for three and a half years, is now in B (WFR) company of the West Midlands regiment of
MALVERN businesses could benefit from an open day this month. The event on Tuesday, November 25, at Malvern Theatres, has been organised by the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire in association with Malvern Hills District Council. Those
THE future of the Out to Grass mountain board centre in Cradley remains uncertain. Its owner, Ian Johnson, had just three minutes to outline his case for planning permission at a meeting of Hereford-shire Council's northern area planning committee on
WEST Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer says not enough land has been set aside for business at North Site. Sir Michael said the proposed 3.5 hectares of business land was less than the seven hectares originally suggested. He said: "It was originally
THE wartime experiences of a former headmistress at Malvern Girls' College are detailed in a new book about D-Day. Veronica Owen, who died in 1999, was head of the college from 1968 to 1983. In 1944 she was a 19-year-old Wren working in Portsmouth decoding
LETHARGIC Hereford United must shrug off recent disappointments to put their Nationwide Conference campaign back on track says manager Graham Turner. The Bulls entertain Margate at Edgar Street tomorrow looking to rediscover their league form following
THE official opening of a youth club at the Brookfarm Community Centre will take place next week. A pool table, basketball and other activities will be on offer at the centre, in Pickersleigh Road, when it opens at 3.30pm on Friday November 21. There
NEW signing Ryan Mahon is proving a hit with Bromsgrove Rovers manager George Rooney. The 18-year-old, set to start in Rovers' difficult trip to Dr Martens Western Divison high-flyers Rugby United tomorrow (3pm), has stepped into central midfield to cover
NEW boss Dave Busst has moved to strengthen Evesham United's attack with the capture of Craig Pountney from Studley. The former Moor Green and Bromsgrove Rovers forward is likely to start in the side's Dr Martens Western Division relegation scrap at Yate
DAVE Titterton is scouring the market to increase competition in his Stourport Swifts side. The Walshes Meadow club entertain Swindon Supermarine in the Dr Martens Western Division tomorrow (3pm) but Titterton wants some new faces in central defence and
FIFTEEN records and 35 County qualifying times were achieved in the sixth and final Ledbury & District Swimming Club Championship gala sponsored by Spec Savers. This brings the total of new club records set this year to an amazing 75. Top junior Thomas
COLWALL continued their Severn Division Two winning run with a 6-2 victory over Cheltenham Thirds at Balcarras School on Saturday. CHELTENHAM III 2, COLWALL 6 Colwall started well, with a goal within the first two minutes from Gemma Richards. Cheltenham
WINTER golf is now well under way at The Worcestershire GC and, with the arrival of much-welcomed rain, the fairways are returning to their natural green colour. Over 100 men competed in the Winter Yellow Ball Alliance. Teams of four played a Stableford
THE tennis team from Malvern Girls' College of Clare Dean (aged 15), Nancy Zhang (13), Gigi Ma (16) and Louise Unwin (16) won through to the West Midlands tennis final. To reach the final, which took place on November 4 at Tudor Grange School in Solihull
CO-driver Michael Park, from Much Marcle, was an early retirement on the Wales Rally GB. The 37-year-old Hereford & Worcestershire co-driver partnering Estonian Markko Martin in a 'factory' 2003 Ford Focus WRC, retired from third place before the
THE second race in the November Handicap Series at Arden Sailing Club (Defford) saw a big fleet of Solos take to the water against unusually a lone Enterprise. The light wind at the start built up gradually to a respectable breeze as the race progressed
JAN Molby believes his Kidderminster Harriers side have to get 'in amongst them' at Rochdale tomorrow. The Aggborough director of football takes his team to Spotland as they continue their bid to battle out of Division Three relegation danger. And Molby
LOVE ACTUALLY (15) See feature Odeon, Worcester (8.15 Sun), (11.50, 2.35, 5.20, 8.20). UCI Merry Hill (8.15, 9.30 Sun), (2.10, 3.10, 5.10, 6.15, 8.15, 9.30 Thur). Warner Village (8.40 Sun), (1.00, 3.30, 6.00, 8.40, 9.40 Thur). THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS (
GREAT Malvern Club will host a gig by Midlands- based underground band Klangstorm on Saturday, November 22. As well as conventional rock instruments, Klangstorm employ a light show and scrap metal percussion in a unique live performance. The band have
RENTON headline at the Marr's Bar, Worcester, tonight (Friday), hard on the heels of the launch of their debut EP Beautiful Youth. The band will be supported by Diego Garcia and Headova. Tickets are £5 on the door. Tomorrow, Eric Bell, founder member
TOP of the table Malvern Town play host to sixth-placed Lye Town tomorrow (Saturday) in the Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division (2.45pm). Town will be hoping to build on their midweek victory against local rivals Bromyard and possibly
MALVERN travelled to Finstall Park hopeful of securing clear second place in the Midlands West Two league table behind Derby. BROMSGROVE 44pts, MALVERN 12pts When Dan Cullen opened the scoring in the first minute after Dave King had made a break, the
MALVERN Town progressed to the second round of the Smedley Crooke Memorial Cup and a home tie with Alveston, following this comfortable victory at Droitwich on Saturday. DROITWICH SPA 1, MALVERN TOWN 5 Town, who were without the holidaying Dean Roberts
AFTER reading the Front Page of the Evening News, last Friday, I understand how those loyal Royal Porcelain workers feel about the management. The worker who spoke to your reporter echoes the feelings of lots of workers ruled by bad, rude, incompetent
HOW poignant the bells of Worcester Cathedral sound when ringing on Remembrance Sunday. It wasn't merely the sombre sound of half-muffled clappers, but an added dimension of poignancy a musician would recognise as a harmonic minor key. Change of key in
WE were amused to read the Evening News of Saturday, November 8 (Naughty knickers). Your reporter seems to have only asked the opinion of two over-60s and the mayor. If a wider cross section of the public had been quizzed, less negative attitude would
n DON'T be fooled by Mike Foster's insistence that unitary authorities are good news. He states that we'll all have better value for money. This is nonsense. Gateshead Metropolitan Council was formed out of the district councils in the North East area
N TAYLOR (You Say, Thursday, November 6) fundamentally misunderstands or misrepresents speed camera scheme. Central Government covers the direct costs of delivering the service and, in order to do so, chooses to draw upon the fines revenue. This is completely
LOCAL junior fishing club 'Team Hooked' are holding a large sponsored fish-in on Sunday (November 16) in aid of the BBC Children in Need appeal. Local Professional Anglers Association coach, Neil Sarkar, who runs 'Team Hooked' each week has joined forces
WORCESTER City boss John Barton insists his side can topple in-form Hednesford Town tomorrow (3pm). The St George's Lane manager is confident his players can avenge their 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Pitmen earlier this season but they will have to
MICK Tuohy is promising total commitment as Worcester City bid to return to winning ways against Hednesford Town tomorrow. But City will have to harness skill with effort if they are to repel a Pitmen side arriving at St George's Lane as very much one
GUARLFORD residents have joined together to recall village events and compile a history of their community. The group will give a presentation about its work in January, and hopes to publish a book some time next year. The history will go back to Guarlford's
100 years ago A valuable piece of land, about two acres, on the western side of the hill, above Brand Lodge, has been purchased by Mr J W Wilson MP, and by him handed over to the Hills Conservators to be administered for the free use of the public for
Malvern Cinema: Bright Young Things (15) Fr-Sun 7pm, Mon-Thurs 7.30pm, Mats Sat, Sun & Thurs 3pm. Odeon Worcester: Special Previews - Love Actually (15) Sun 8.15, Thurs 11.50, 2.35, 5.20, 8.20 Free list suspended; The Matrix Revolutions (15) Fri &
Nov 14: Brian and Philomena would like to invite you to practice your ballroom and Latin skills at Fernhill Heath Memorial Hall, Worcester (A38 between Droitwich and Worcester) to Brian's Supersounds. Bring your own refreshments. For further details and
Nov 15: Ronnie James Duo, Sketchley's Social Club, Worcester; Different Beat, Barbourne Ex-Servicemen's Club, Worcester; Eric Bell (ex Thin Lizzy), The Marr's Bar, Worcester. Nov 16: Sean, Barbourne Ex-Servicemen's Club, Worcester; Jim Capaldi, The Marr's
Tabloid Nation by Chris Horrie (Andre Deutsch, £17.99) Hannen Swaffer told his biographer in 1928: "Freedom of the Press in Britain is the freedom to print such of the proprietor's prejudices as the advertisers don't object to." Swaffer. I am old enough
Nov 14: Takacs Quartet at Spadesbourne Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove. For further details telephone Gill Frederick 01527 874163. Nov 14: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Box office: 0121 780 3333 or book online at www.cbso.co.uk
Visitors are invited to put their detective skills to the test during a mystery evening organised by the Swan Theatre Company. On offer is the chance to enjoy a Christmas buffet supper and glass of wine while watching the fatal events unfold at the company's
George Bernard Shaw's play Arms and the Man is at Brom-yard's Conquest Theatre from November 20-22. It stars Hugh Farey, Ann Smith and Frances Benson, all award winners in previous Herefordshire one-act play festivals. Tickets are £7 and £6, two for one
Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers is the next production to be staged by the Bosbury Players. The operetta, which originally opened at the Savoy Theatre in London in 1889, was one of the last to be written by the duo and is bursting with melody, dance
WITH the gradual arrival of the motor car on the scene, Britain of a century ago was beginning to worry whether the nation's roads were sufficient for the new mode of transport after coping for centuries with only actual horse power. "Crowquill", in his
A "RAILWAY disaster" on the Worcester-Cheltenham line was reported by Berrow's Journal this week exactly 100 years ago, with five people killed and more than 50 injured. "Tidings have come in of a serious disaster on the Honeybourne and Cheltenham Railway
THE crucial importance of coal mining to Britain was highlighted by Mr (later Sir) Gerald Nabarro, then Conservative MP for Kidderminster, in a speech delivered at Malvern this week 50 years ago. The Journal reported him as stressing the need "to make
THERE are times when MPs can't help publicly patting themselves on the back. Often they have tongue firmly in cheek or are trying to kill time as so few of their colleagues have managed to attend that day's debate. But, whatever the explanation, Bill
A WORCESTER stockbroking firm has celebrated 10 years of successful trading in the Faithful City. Harris Allday, in Foregate Street, opened in October, 1993 and is "still going strong", having built up a network of clients in Worcestershire and neighbouring
THE headteacher of Elbury Mount Primary has resigned after hearing her school is to be shut down and re-opened with a new board of governors. Kay Morgan handed a letter of resignation to the LEA after a two-hour crisis meeting with her union representative
MALVERN Town eased into the second round of the WFA County Youth Cup, in what was an eventual comfortable victory at Evesham on Monday night. EVESHAM UNITED 2, MALVERN TOWN YOUTH 4 Despite creating numerous chances during the first half, Town had to wait
WALKERS can glimpse a rare occurrence on the River Severn, in Worcester, as engineers work on replacing lock gates at Diglis Basin. British Waterways staff have been on site since the beginning of this month and are busy taking out the old four huge lock
A MEMORIAL football match paid tribute to three members of a family who died in a motorway crash. A capacity crowd packed into Ledbury Town's ground to see the team battle against a Manchester United reserve team in memory of Martin McCoig-Lees, his wife
WORCESTER MP Mike Foster was forced to defend his Westminster boss Margaret Hodge today after she faced calls to quit. He will lose his own job as Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Education Department if the children's Minister is sacked or forced
A chef who claims he unwittingly paid £14,000 for a stolen car ran up credit card debts of £32,000 and had a county court judgement for £579 against him, a jury heard. The prosecution allege that Mohammed Haque did not have the finance to legitimately
SANTA is preparing to stock up his sleigh for the festive season, but before he does he is poised to drop a few festive lines and help a Worcester charity. For a small fee of £2 a letter (or three for £5) the Appeals Team elves at St Richard's Hospice
THE chief of West Mercia's magistrates courts has defended the non-collection of almost £2m of fines in the area. According to figures for January to March this year, only 71 per cent of the fines handed down by magistrates across Worcestershire, Herefordshire
RESIDENTS on an Evesham housing estate are joining forces to tackle anti-social behaviour. Gerry O'Donnell and Cheryl Anderson, who live near Charity Crescent in Evesham, have become concerned about speeding traffic, HGV obstructions and littering over
A MEDAL awarded to a Worcester-born soldier has been sold at auction for almost half again as much as it was expected to fetch. The 1793-1814 Military General Service medal was awarded to Pte Joseph Smedley almost 200 years ago. The silver medal, which
THE funeral of an Ombersley man will take place on Monday. Albert Blomfield, of Sinton Lane, died on Wednesday, November 5. His funeral service will be held at Worcester Crematorium at 2pm. An inquest into the 73-year-old opened on Tuesday and was adjourned
HAYLEY Andrews is a fighter. Struck down by a rare immune disorder when she was 24 years old, Hayley has refused to let the wheelchair she must now rely on to hold her back. The 32-year-old is chairman of ADAPT, a group that works to achieve fair treatment
A LENGTHSMAN could soon be employed in Kempsey to help keep the verges and ditches tidy. The parish council has set aside £1,440 towards the scheme and is hoping to get a grant from Worcestershire County Council to employ someone for one day per week.
AN enthusiastic crowd welcomed the festive season to Worcester when the city's Christmas lights were switched on. Eight-year-old Laura Garton, from St John's, was the lucky winner of the Evening News competition to help the Mayor of Worcester, Coun Gareth
FIXTURES WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL LEAGUE Saturday, November 15 Premier Division: Malvern Town v Lye Town (2.45). Tuesday, November 18 Premier Division: Cosely Town v Malvern Town (7.45). Saturday, November 22 Premier Division: Malvern Town v Ledbury Town
A REMINDER that a special charity bingo session takes place at the parish hall tonight (Friday), doors open at 7.30pm, eyes down at 8pm. All proceeds go to the Starlight Children's Foundation, a charity for critically-ill children. At Holy Trinity, Bosbury
A NEW group will be paying tribute to mega-star Bob Dylan, hoping to wow Worcester audiences. Pete Unwin has formed the group The Magazine Husbands for what will be the second Bob Dylan Celebration Night at The Marr's Bar. Pete's band, The George Cowley
NEARLY 50 members attended Bromesberrow Gardening and Social Club's meeting, when one of only three Honorary Life Members of the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious orchid committee, Alan Greatwood, gave a presentation on orchids. Mr Greatwood worked
CASTLEMORTON Gardening Club will be enjoying a taste of the Far East next Thursday (November 20) when, for a change, its monthly talk will be nothing to do with English country gardens, perennials or planting seeds. Japanese Gardens is the subject and
FORTHAMPTON and District Royal British Legion held its Remembrance Day service at Forthampton Church on Sunday, November 9. The church was suitably decorated and the choir accompanied the congregation in the singing of the hymns. At the end of the service
THE service for Remembrance Sunday at St Anne's Church in Oxenhall was conducted by Mrs Jill Bond of Redmarley. During the second verse of the first hymn, the congregation processed out into the churchyard and gathered around the war memorial. Two minutes
ON Wednesday, November 5, members of Pauntley Sewing Group met for a social evening. The hostess was Mrs Daphne Marklow. Mrs Emma England won the raffle. A bring-and-buy stall was held and the proceeds will be used to buy items for Pauntley Church. The
Never let it be said that a vote in West Malvern is a wasted vote! Following the two elections in the village in recent years, each of which was won by a single vote, the recent vote for a representative on the Hills Conservators was won by Christopher
A 67-year-old Malvern author who never went to school has just had her first novel published. Jennifer Morgan developed tuberculosis at the age of five and was not allowed to go to school in case she passed the disease to others. Her early education came
I AM a trainee teacher in my second year on the three-year BA at University College Worcester and I love it. I worked as a nursery nurse for 15 years before entering on the course and felt that morale and job satisfaction was extremely low in that profession
Attired in costumes and wigs fashionable in the 18th Century, this orchestra was an attractive-looking ensemble. Their programme of music was taken from the Baroque of 1650-1750, encompassing composers such as Bach and Handel, Pachelbel and Boyce. To
THE advice given to new authors is to 'write what you know'. That is what actress Imogen Stubbs has done in this her first play and it works very well. We Happy Few is a moving, often sentimental, warm tribute to the Osiris Players, a group of women who
STUDENTS fear their education is being undermined by a train service that makes them miss lectures and spend hours on station platforms. College authorities in Hereford have also raised concerns about the disruption caused to students travelling from
A string of events is planned in Upton as the Christmas season approaches. Traders are aiming to hold a festive fair and window dressing competition and will once again be issuing raffle tickets to customers spending more than £10 in selected shops. The
Robin Hood will take Santa's place as special guest when Christmas officially arrives in Malvern. Gemma Lowy-Hamilton, who is appearing as the outlaw in the forthcoming pantomime at Malvern Theatres, will bring a sparkle to proceedings in the town centre
UPTON Deanery will launch its latest project in the new year. A 'Prayer Wall' will be the focus of deanery activity for 2004. The idea it is that groups or individuals in the various parishes will register to say a prayer at a certain time, so that prayers
Vodafone is behind applications to build mobile phone masts at five planned sites in the Malvern Hills area. At Stiffords Bridge, near Cradley, an application to put up a 21m mast has been submitted to Herefordshire Council. Glen White, manager of the
COUNCILLORS representing residents close to Malvern's North Site have been told to watch what they say about the redevelopment of the defence base. Dyson Perrins ward councillor Serena Croad had been intending to outline her views on the massive redevelopment
A TALK on becoming a childminder takes place in Upton next week. Wendy Bevan, Worcestershire County Council's childminding services co-ordinator, will host the session at the Memorial Hall on Thursday, November 20. She will discuss what the job involves
A group of Malvern Hills College students are putting the final touches to their costumes in preparation for a fancy-dress walk around Malvern. The event, to raise money for Children in Need, takes place on Tuesday, November 18. The all-girl group will
A COFFEE evening is planned to raise money for charity. There will be a tombola, raffle and stalls at the event on Friday, November 21, at the Upton Memorial Hall. It is being organised by the Upton branch of the RNLI and proceeds will go to the charity
CHRISTMAS chocolates will be available to try at an open day in Upton tomorrow (Saturday). Cromwells, in Church Street, is holding the event, from 2pm to 7pm, to promote the arrival of its range of Christmas products.
THREE men were arrested in Upton on Tuesday on suspicion of immigration offences. The arrests were made at Hanley Road car park at about 6.50pm. The men were being held in custody.
RANGERS made the short journey to Ledbury on Saturday for their first West Midlands League Division One South local derby of the season and came away with a good three points and three goals into the bargain in what was a hard-fought encounter. LEDBURY
A teenager from Malvern has organised events to raise funds for a trip to Chile. Jenna Hopkinson will be working for youth development charity, Raleigh International, and needs to raise £3,500 for the three-month expedition to Chile in January. The first
TWO founder-members of Malvern Hills District Footpath Society were given a birthday tea as they reached 90. Relatives and around 80 society friends helped Emy (Emily) Denley and Ray Ward celebrate at Hanley Swan Village Hall. The event began with a slide
WILDLIFE and natural gardening will be the subject of a talk by John Willson to Upton Gardening Club at the Memorial Hall, at 7.30pm, on Thursday, November 27. For more details, call 01684 593821.
LUNG disease patients from Malvern will be lending their support to an international awareness day. Members of the Breathe Easy Malvern and Worcester group, part of the British Lung Foundation, will be putting on a coffee morning and display at the Guildhall
A coffee morning in aid of the Acorns Children's Hospice appeal takes place at Albion Lodge, Hanley Swan, at 10.30am on Saturday, November 22. It will include a raffle, tombola and stalls.
THE remaining empty seat on the board of the Malvern Hills Conservators will not be filled until next year. Guarlford does not have an elected conservator because no candidates came forward to stand for the ward at an election held on October 30. However
THE moment that the guns fell silent to end the First World War was commemorated in a short service at Belle Vue Terrace in Malvern on Tuesday. Police stopped traffic as a two-minute silence was observed at 11am. Ex-service representatives paraded standards
WELLAND had skipper Alex Jelleyman back from running the New York marathon - and raising £1,000 for Get Kids Going charity - and keeper Will Eccelston back on leave from submarine training in Scotland to tackle Koinonia who had, the previous week, beaten
Actress Imogen Stubbs officially opened the new sixth-form and performing arts centre at Dyson Perrins CE High School on Tuesday. The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Diocese of Worcester and Worcestershire County Council, as well as
BROMYARD will be transformed into a winter wonderland when its lights are switched on next weekend. On Saturday, November 22, Leominster MP Bill Wiggin will turn on the lights in The Square at 5.30pm. The town centre will be closed to traffic between
POWICK travelled to Brickfields for this Worcester Sunday League Division One match. BLACKPOLE 1, POWICK 3 Blackpole, having beaten Pinvin the previous week, started confidently and pressurised the Powick defence at every opportunity. In first half injury
PUPILS at Queen Elizabeth High School, Bromyard, were to auction themselves as slaves to raise money for charity this week. The auction, taking place today (Friday), is the highlight of a week of activities to raise money for charities including Bromyard's
WEST Malvern's poor home Worcester League Division One form continued on Saturday when they were beaten 2-1 at home by Goodrest Sports. WEST MALVERN 1, GOODREST SPORTS 2 The West opened brightly and played some good football but failed to make the most
A NEW Brockhampton brand of damson jam was launched yesterday (Thursday) as part of a National Trust farming project on the Brockhampton Estate. As part of the Farming Forward in Action initiative, the National Trust is working with tenants on the estate
THE next meeting of Malvern Referees' Society will take place on Sunday (November 16) starting at 7.30pm at the RSRE Club in Pickersleigh Road when Jeff Widdett will be the guest speaker and the topic for the evening will be 'Man Management'. As most
I READ with delight Dave Stronacos' very funny letter (Your Letters, November 7) appealing for nature and wildlife to be allowed a look in on the hills. What a pity that it has to be left to an 'occasional visitor' to introduce some sense and sensitivity
FALLING birth rates have sparked a review of surplus places at schools. Gloucestershire County Council is preparing to outline its view as part of a public consultation in the New Year. However, it says it is not planning to close schools. Redmarley councillor
YOUR copy of October 31 showed a delightful photograph of autumn tints on the hills, but the caption: "Jubilee Drive ... winds its way around the back of the Malvern Hills." Since when have hills had a front and back? Colwall is on the west, and the best
EIGHT cyclists from QinetiQ in Malvern have returned after a 400-kilometre fundraising trip across Nepal. The team overcame problems caused by political unrest to complete the journey from Kathmandu to Lumbini, which has raised more than £10,000 for charity
THE lack of a bus route could hamper attempts to open a nursery at a farm in Powick. Malvern Hills District Council held off a decision on planning permission for the scheme, opting instead to visit the site at Dawes Hill Farm. Della and Geoffrey Grizzell
Allotment holders in Malvern may escape the threat of eviction that has hung over them for nearly five years. The town council had been planning to take over the Madresfield Road allotments to extend the neighbouring cemetery. However, it is now considering
A GLEAMING red fire engine transported a bride and groom from the church to their wedding reception in Malvern. Antonia Kimberley and Mark Pearson were amazed when they saw the vehicle waiting by the Mug House Inn in the churchyard of St John the Baptist
A MALVERN peer has appealed to the Belgian government to review plans for a road extension over a World War One battlefield. Lord Faulkner of Worcester is chairman of the All-Party Parliamen-tary War Graves and Battlefield Heritage Group and recently
Malvern Lynx Marching Band marched towards success in the annual UK Champion-ships. The band was the overall winner at the event, held this year in Ayr, Scotland. Twenty-five members headed north in the band coach and managed to scoop Best Display and
WORCESTER City boss John Barton insists his side can topple in-form Hednesford Town tomorrow (3pm). The St George's Lane manager is confident his players can avenge their 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Pitmen earlier this season but they will have to
JAN Molby believes his Kidderminster Harriers side have to get 'in amongst them' at Rochdale tomorrow. The Aggborough director of football takes his team to Spotland as they continue their bid to battle out of Division Three relegation danger. And Molby
PLANS for a single site headquarters for Malvern Hills District Council are being abandoned. The council has spent £50,000 looking at suitable sites for the project. However, its ruling executive board agreed at a meeting on Tuesday night not to pursue
MICK Tuohy is promising total commitment as Worcester City bid to return to winning ways against Hednesford Town tomorrow. But City will have to harness skill with effort if they are to repel a Pitmen side arriving at St George's Lane as very much one
SIX local teams were competing in the fifth Eyres-Monsell Schools Debating Competition today (Friday). A team from St James's School, West Malvern, will line up against Pershore High School in a debate on the merits of sport. Sex before marriage will
IT'S an early start for Worcester Wolves Basketball Club tomorrow as they look to make it three wins out of three in the National League Division Two. Their home clash with Northampton Neptunes gets under way at 3pm rather than their usual evening start
HEREFORD Table Tennis League is running a handicap doubles (pairs drawn) tournament to raise funds for Children in Need. The tournament will be held at Whitecross School, Baggallay Street, Hereford and will start at 7pm next Friday (November 21). The
THE autumn season at Malvern Hills Indoor Bowling Club has started well with a pleasing number of new members. The casual roll-up sessions are very popular and provide practice for both competitive and social bowlers. The ladies have played three matches
SATURDAY FOOTBALL WEST MIDLANDS LEAGUE Premier Division: Malvern Town v Lye Town, Bromyard Town v Wednesfield, Ledbury Town v Coseley Town. Division One South: Malvern Rangers v Reality Sports (2.15), Wyre Forest Brintons v Ledbury Town Reserves (2.15
TV quizmaster Chris Tarrant is lending his support to an evening of Christmas readings and music at Worcester Cathedral. The former King's School pupil, who now presents Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and Tarrant on TV, will contribute a reading as part
A taste of Ireland kick-starts the week at the Courtyard, in Hereford. Singer Dominic Kirwan will perform his songs on Sunday, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £13.50 (concs £12.50). British play Hannah and Hanna tackles the plight of asylum seekers head on. It
Malvern hills District Brass Band has played a specially-composed anthem for Olympic rowing champion Sir Stephen Redgrave. The band was asked to compose a piece to be played for Sir Stephen at the opening ceremony of the new clubhouse, at Worcester Rowing
MORE than 100,000 people have already enjoyed the talents of Midland Musical Theatre Group, which opens its 25th anniversary show in Malvern later this month. Robert Wilson founded the group in 1978 and its shows have raised more than £65,000 for charity
American musician John Hammond will kickstart Huntingdon Arts' programme for the week. Now in his fifth decade of writing and performing, John Hammond has entertained blues, rock and folk fans around the world and has worked with the likes of Eric Clapton
SPIRITUAL songs and Celtic-inspired airs will be played by the duo Aranmore at Bromyard tomorrow (Saturday). Meg Lawrie (keyboards and vocals) and Mike Burnham (violin) will perform music from their new album, Breath of God, at St Peter's Church, at 7.30pm
Have I told you I'm scared of the dark. Nyctophobia,that's what it's called. We were talking about phobias in the back bar of the Pick and Micks the other day and it's amazing what people are scared off. The dark was quite ordinary really. Mick the Miller
IN a world wracked with disasters, famine and war, charity is big business and fear is growing that people are getting fed-up with donating money. To combat this 'charity fatigue' a new play showing audiences that helping those in need is about more and
PASSION is the key to writing and performing music and Mauricio Venegas has plenty of it. As the Chilean speaks of musical crusades to unite the world in peace and encourage racial harmony through music, his enthusiasm is contagious and his up-coming
MALVERN Town went two points clear at the top of the Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division courtesy of this hard fought win against neighbours Bromyard Town in front of a good crowd at the Langland Stadium on Tuesday night. MALVERN TOWN
REGARDING the fuss about Ann Summers' shop near the Guildhall selling knickers. If they sold men's underpants instead, would there be such an uproar? GEORGE COWLEY, Warndon.
THE Morgan Works Race Team finished the inaugural event of the European Le Mans Series at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit in a highly creditable 8th in class position among a strong field of 18 entries in the GT Class. The result sends a loud and clear signal
POLICE are warning Spa shoppers to be on their guard after a recent spate of handbag and purse thefts. Callous thieves have been preying on the vulnerable and snatching bags from supermarket trolleys and pubs. Eight incidents have now been reported since
SATURDAY SOCCER FA CUP First round: Kidderminster Harriers 2 Northwich Victoria 1; Peterborough United 2 Hereford United 0. DR MARTENS LEAGUE Premier Division: Chelmsford City 2 Worcester City 2. Western Division: Bromsgrove Rovers 3 Yate Town 2; Cirencester
THERE was an excellent turnout for the first Malvern United Angling Association's winter league contest of the season which was held on the club's pool at Mathon. Conditions for fishing were good despite persistent rain but the venue's resident carp were
The Assassin's Cloak: An Anthology of the World's Greatest Diarists, edited by Irene and Alan Taylor (Canongate Books, £9.99) IN the world of words here is a feast of observation through the centuries. We have Samuel Pepys' account of being nasty to his
Until Nov 29: Worcester Society of Artists exhibition at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester. Telephone 01905 25371 for further information. Until Dec 3: Brushstrokes by Graham Wilson at The Gallery, Droitwich Spa Library
Fame By Chance by Donough O'Brien (Bene Factum Publishing, £14.99) WOULD the world have known about Chappaquiddick - let alone the unfortunate Mary Jo Kopechne - if Teddy Kennedy hadn't partied at the island on July 18, 1969? Would horse riders be wearing
Rising '44: The Battle for Warsaw by Norman Davies (Macmillan, £25) IN August 1944, Warsaw appeared to be the last major obstacle to the Soviet Army's triumphant march from Moscow to Berlin. When the Wehrmacht had been pushed back to the Vistula, the
A SEASON of Saturday morning children's events comes to an end in Malvern with Jack and the Beanstalk. Hand and rod puppets will tell the classic tale for four to eight-year-olds at the Malvern Theatres on Saturday, November 22. The performance is by
Theatre November Until 15-The Taming of the Shrew at the Festival Theatre, Malvern Theatres. 2.30pm & 8pm. £12-£20. Box Office (01684) 892277. Until 15-We Happy Few by Imogen Stubbs at the Forum, Malvern Theatres. 2pm & 7pm. £12, £14, students
FOUR Malvern Town youngsters have been selected for the Worcestershire squad to play Herefordshire in the Midlands Youth Championships. S Baker, O Endacott, J Shipman and L Tompkins are in the 17-man squad to play at Bromyard Town FC, Stourport Road,
THE morals of the nation were seen by some as being at "a very low ebb" at this time exactly half-a-century ago. The Journal for this week of 1953 carried just such an assertion by a leading clergyman, preaching at the Remembrance Sunday service in Pershore
1803: The medical gentlemen throughout the Kingdom have recommended in the strongest terms that the Volunteers who are at present unused to the inconvenience of military duty should, when called out into actual service, be furnished with extra warm clothing
MICHAEL Howard's re-shuffle brought good news. Indeed Worcestershire and Herefordshire could even consider itself something of a Tory powerbase, with every MP now holding a senior post in one form or another. Julie Kirkbride enjoyed a huge promotion to
MAGAZINES which offer explicit sex advice to youngsters are back under the spotlight again. Seven years after Peter Luff brought the problem to public attention by tabling the Periodical (Protection of Children) Bill, MPs are still concerned. And they
A LEADING rural business organisation has elected a new president. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has elected Mark Hudson, who is an organic dairy farmer from the Vale of Clwyd in Denbighshire, North Wales, and only the second Welsh member
A WORCESTER accountant has warned households to keep an eye on debt following the quarter per cent rise in interest rates announced last week. David Cornelius, a director of Rabjohns Business and Tax Advisers, in College Yard, said although the Bank of
THIS is a short but very attractive walk in the gentle countryside to the east of Worcester. There is a mixture of grazing land and arable, with some substantial old hedgerows and a scattering of veteran oak trees. Large woods, such as Bow Wood and Grafton
SATURDAY WORCESTER AND DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division: Langland Sports v Bretforton Old Boys (P Daffin); Tolladine Sports v Upton Town (J Williams). Division One: West Malvern v Welland Athletic (R Fisher). Baylis Cup first round: Hallow WMC v Droitwich
