Archive

  • Goalkeeper set for Rovers' return

    FORMER fan favourite Matt Lowe is set to make a return to Bromsgrove Rovers' first team for Saturday's Southern League Division One West game at home to Burnham (3pm kick off). Lowe makes a surprise return in goal for Rovers because new number one, Lee

  • How we save flowers and stay in shape, too

    THE haymaking diet keeps Harry and Kate King in good shape as they cut their two-acre Martley orchard by hand to preserve thousands of orchids and other wild flowers. Now their dedication has won them a special award from English Nature. The Kings, who

  • Country legends roll into county

    DUST down those stetsons and get the boots out because a number of 'country stars' are heading for Worcestershire. The Country Legends Show - which is based on the world famous Grand Ole Opry music hall in Nashville ,Tennessee, will be at the Swan Theatre

  • 21st Century Lido in time for summer

    A NEW lido could be opened up in Droitwich as soon as next summer - but how it will look is a mystery. Wychavon District Council last night announced that a proposal for the site will go through the planning stage later this month, with a view to work

  • Extra Duran dates

    Duran Duran have added two more UK dates to their 'Astronaut ' world tour. The 80s Birmingham band will be at Glasgow's SECC on Friday, December 16, and Birmingham's NEC the following day. Both dates will precede the band's gigs at Manchester's MEN arena

  • Baby found encased in concrete is laid to rest

    AN infant known only as Baby Lara who was discovered entombed in a block of concrete was laid to rest in a tiny white coffin today. About 50 mourners attended St Paul's Church in Seaton, Cumbria, to pay their respects to the child whose history remains

  • Hayley lends her support

    FOLLOWING a run of solo gigs, and the release of her acclaimed album 'Independently Blue', the British singer/songwriter Hayley Hutchinson is taking the support role as she joins Nick Harper on his UK tour. The York-based songstress will be performing

  • Head praises his superb school

    THE new headteacher at Dyson Perrins CE High School is singing its praises after completing his first week of term. "When I worked at Nunnery Wood I used to bring rugby teams here and I've always thought it was a great school," said David Griffin. "The

  • 'Where do we go from here?'

    A MASSIVE blaze which swept through an Alcester nursery business, causing thousands of pounds of damage, is thought to have been an arson attack. Springfield Nursery owners Jim and Sue Adams, of Hertford Road, were woken at about 1.30am on Friday by "

  • Maintenance cut branded as 'immoral'

    "PENNY pinching" moves to axe Alcester's annual maintenance grant will force tax rates up fears the town council. Alcester Town Council clerk Derrick Ward branded Stratford Council's recent decision to cut the town's landscaping allowance next year as

  • Neighbours concern over pub licence

    AN Alcester pub has been given the go-ahead to extend its opening hours, despite residents' complaints of "swearing, fighting and arguing" into the early hours. Permission has been granted for the Turk's Head pub on High Street to stay open until 2am

  • Sex charge man found

    A MAN wanted on sexual assault charges in an intensive search around Aston Cantlow has finally been found - in Weston-super-Mare. Francis Grybowicz, 47, of no fixed abode, was arrested at a hotel on Wednesday, August 31, exactly five months after a warrant

  • 2005 Hanley Castle High School

    To order, telephone 01905 742269 and ask for Photographic Administration or e-mail wenphotoadmin@midlands.newsquest.co.uk. QUOTE THE SCHOOL NAME AND PHOTOGRAPH NUMBER

  • Heidi's on her marks for run

    A WORCESTER woman is limbering up ready to join in the biggest half-marathon in the world to raise £1,000 for St Richard's Hospice. Npower worker Heidi Martin will take part in the Great North Run on Sunday alongside around 50,000 people, starting in

  • 14/9/05 - Let's fight on despite injury woe

    THERE could not be a worse time for an injury jinx at Worcester City -- but we must deal with it rather than moan about it. Injuries happen at every club, although I was slightly lucky last season as there were very few problems during the league run-in

  • Fight for future of Kays

    IT is a bitter irony that within 24 hours of celebrating the expansion of a Worcestershire company this newspaper must report on the catastrophic demise of another. Yesterday, we rejoiced that Webbs of Wychbold was expanding with the creation of 70 jobs

  • Matt back at the front

    Motorsports THE Buildbase Knotts Magnum team was on good form in the 11th round of the British Supersport Championship at Oulton Park, claiming a well-deserved eighth place. This result was a welcome return to form and demonstrated the team's determination

  • 50 years ago - September 16, 1955

    NO-one wants work at Cookhill, commented a parish councillor when it was reported at Monday's meeting of Inkberrow Parish Council that only one application had been received for one of the two vacant plots in Edgioake allotments - and that from an Astwood

  • 100 years ago - September 16, 1905

    AN incorrigible rogue - Thomas Shakles, of Redditch - was brought up in custody before Mr J Gross - at the police court, on Monday morning, charged with wandering about and sleeping in an out-house in the parish of Redditch, without having any visible

  • 14/9/05 - Drahm to get start place

    SHANE Drahm is set to make his first start for Worcester Warriors in Saturday's Guinness Premiership clash with Saracens. The Australian has been eased in following knee surgery in the summer but, with James Brown almost certain to miss the Sixways match

  • Watchmaker's grew to be cornerstone of city

    THE news that catalogue giant Kays wants to quit Worcester has come like a shot to the heart of the city. For generation after generation it provided a constant in an ever-changing business world and touched the lives of most people in one way or another

  • Ashley's Ashes heroes could come to the city

    ASHES hero Ashley Giles and his England team-mates will be invited to a celebratory lunch at Worcester County Hall to commemorate their summer of success. The Droitwich Spa resident, whose batting exploits in the last two tests were vital in helping win

  • Thousands fall silent for tragic Chris, 14

    THOUSANDS of bike fans lined up to pay tribute to schoolboy motorcycle champion Chris Jones, above, who was killed in a crash at a racetrack. Riders and fans paid a minutes silence to Chris, aged 14, of Droitwich, at a British Superbike Championship meeting

  • Junior round-up . . . Junior round-up

    Southside Cubs 0, Evesham Utd U-12 21 AN OUTSTANDING display saw United totally overwhelm gutsy opponents on an afternoon when Elliott Grady scored seven times and Henry Woods six. James Coldrick added a hat-trick - scored in the space of eight second

  • Short between the sticks

    A GOALKEEPER is needed to help the Under-8s side at Badsey Rangers complete their line-up. If you were born between September 1 1997 and August 31 1998 then you qualify to play for a club that trains on Friday nights and plays its matches on Saturday

  • Crowle and Town dish out shocks

    THERE were a couple of shocks in the first round of the Birdseye Sports Evesham and District Sunday League's Knockout Cup. Third division Crowle defeated Division Two outfit Alderton thanks to two goals from Gwilliam, while Tewkesbury Town won at higher

  • Pheasant visit not pleasant

    IT WAS raining goals on a soggy Saturday at Long Comp-ton where the hosts felt the full power of the Dog and Pheasant. Prolific striker Rich Skan has started off where he finished last season as he helped himself to eight goals as the visitors ran riot

  • Seven-up sparklers

    Bredon Colts Athletico U-13 7, Bredon Harriers 0 COLTS started the new season in scintillating style and a bagful of goals. Nick Hill opened the scoring and it was 2-0 at half-tome after Tom Spiers also found the net. Colts piled on the pressure after

  • Ella the hero in victory

    Evesham Utd Girls U-11 7, FC Phoenix 1 ELLA Parry-Reece netted a first half hat-trick as United started the season in fabulous fashion. The other goals in a convincing victory came from Zoe Mabbot and Danielle Monks who both scored twice in a match that

  • Joy for Joe

    Evesham Utd U-12 6, Malvern Tn 2 A HAT-TRICK from Joe Iorns and two goals for Angus Steele helped United start the season in superb style. Joshua Greaves also found the net on a day when all-round team effort was the key to the victory.

  • County target double signing

    STEVE Rhodes failed to defuse speculation that Australia's Justin Langer may join Worcestershire for 2006. With a world-class batsman and a strike bowler at the top of County's priorities, opener Langer is regarded as an ideal choice and has been linked

  • Drahm to get start place

    SHANE Drahm is set to make his first start for Worcester Warriors in Saturday's Guinness Premiership clash with Saracens. The Australian has been eased in following knee surgery in the summer but, with James Brown almost certain to miss the Sixways match

  • Malvern march past Willenhall

    MARK Shepherd lived up to the name as he protected his Malvern Town flock with a gem of an FA Cup goal last night. Town earned a precious £2,250 and booked a mouth-watering second qualifying round home tie with Histon after defeating Willenhall Town 1

  • Tri Club duo grab glory in Austria

    RUTH Heatley and Les Bailey of Worcester Tri Club gained international success competing in the Austrian World Powerman Races held in Weyer and Grassraming. It was part of the World Powerman Duathlon series and was held in excellent racing conditions

  • Red cards key to exit

    Evesham United 0, Tiverton Town 1 IT WAS hardly surprising the chance of club coffers being swelled by £6,000 was lost when United were forced to play 100 minutes of their two FA Cup first qualifying round tie a man short, writes Mervyn Collins. When

  • Double blast from Danny

    REDDITCH United u11s won their opening league game 4-0 at Central Ajax. Lee Bourke opened the scoring with a penalty with the others coming from Danny Williams (two) and Ryan Donnelly - all the goals coming in the second half. n Promoted Studley Juniors

  • Brown ready to make changes

    Alfreton Town 2 Redditch United 1 MANAGER Rod Brown is set to wield the axe after another dismal display that left Reds propping up the Nationwide Conference North table. It is many years since the Valley Stadium side were slumped at the foot of the table

  • 10/09/05 - Spa end on high

    Kington 241-9 Droitwich 230-9 Droitwich grabbed a winning draw DROITWICH ended a testing season in the Worcestershire League Division One by sealing fifth place on Saturday by grabbing a draw. The result propelled Droitwich, who had been fighting a relegation

  • Trigger happy about debut

    UP and coming rockers Trigger make their debut Redditch appearance at The White Hart in Evesham Road, Headless Cross tomorrow. The Bromsgrove-based band (pictured below) comprises husband and wife Dan and Sally Trigger on vocals/guitar and harmony vocals

  • Cowley passes 2,000

    TONY Cowley spurted past 2,000 runs for the summer after smashing the Droitwich attack for a season's best 137 last Saturday. The Badsey all-rounder has now amassed 2018 runs in 38 innings at an average of 67.27 to follow up the 1946 he totalled in 2004

  • Old boys back to celebrate

    BROMSGROVE welcomed some old friends back as the club celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first game ever played at their Finstall Park home on Saturday. STRONG VINTAGE: The surviving members of Bromsgrove's first game ever at Finstall Park 50-years-ago

  • Late try sees Colts home

    Burton Colts U19s 11 Bromsgrove Colts U19s 15 BROMSGROVE started their season with a hard fought victory away at Burton on Saturday. Burton opened the scoring with a penalty, but Thomas made it level with an accurate kick. Captain Upton set up the Boars

  • Second best

    Tennis SECOND best had to be good enough for Inkberrow's young tennis pair Ricky Allan and Chris Smith after they were beaten in the final of the Prudden Road Surfacing League's Junior Cup. Shipston's Andrew Moss and Ben Lane took the title, played by

  • Prefer the freshness

    MAY I congratulate Tom Guest on his review of the One Hundred House pub and restaurant in Stourbridge Road. I agree with his observations. It is a great pub but I wish he had mentioned one of the main reasons it is so good, ie: the smoking policy they

  • Charity theft

    I WAS a helper on the HARK (Homeless Animals Rescue Kennels) charity stall, at the recent Blue Cross Dog Show. Like the other animal charities that were there, a lot of hard and dedicated work is done by voluntary helpers, to raise much needed money to

  • Cover up

    IF Bromsgrove District Council is going to re-locate the market I would think it might be sensible to use the area from Iceland to Winchester Street as a market area. I am sure that in this day and age the area could have a covering put over the top and

  • Fine venue

    I LIVED in Bromsgrove for almost 25 years and can recall the frustrations of many excellent arts groups at the lack of a proper performance base in the town. I can also remember the cinema closing. How exciting, therefore, to visit and discover The Artrix

  • Call to save footpath

    I AM seeking the support of readers in registering an objection to the extinguishing of 'Pig's Alley' ie: footpath No 516 and formerly Bromsgrove No 17. If the council does not receive objections by September 21, our community will lose a little more

  • 10/09/05 - Sharp shooting Sewell

    Barnt Green Spartak 3 Dudley Sports 0 WARREN Sewell's brace made sure that Spartak kept a firm grip at the top of the Midland Combination Premier Division on Saturday. Victory keeps the early season pace setters ahead of second placed Atherstone Town.

  • 10/089/05 - Sharp shooting Sewell

    Fairfield Villa 1 Littleton 0 ROCK solid Fairfield Villa kept another clean sheet in Saturday's close run victory over Littleton in the Midland Combination Division One. After six games second placed Fairfield have only conceded one goal. Spencer Kenwood

  • Is this the lido's finale?

    OVER the issue of the lido, the people of our town have been asking if democracy has died in Wychavon. It appears that it has and, perhaps, so has the lido in spite of the unanimous wishes, confirmed by the recent parish poll, that we want to retain it

  • Let's have entertainers

    WHY do we have all these reality programs on television? What happened to entertainment? Especially on Saturday night. The programmes are mainly aimed at a younger audience,who are likely to be out clubbing at week-ends. There isn't much for the older

  • Early delivery

    FOR years Droitwich candidates sought re-election to district or county on empty promises of a better health centre to match our expanded population. Yet only six months in office new boy Edgar Harwood has committed county to actually build a new facility

  • Grows on me

    LAST week I visited the recently opened Droitwich Flowers & Plants unit situated by the Waitrose car park. Not only are the proprietors a charming young couple, but very knowledgeable and helpful. I purchased several coloured heathers which I later

  • County woe despite joy for Linda

    LINDA Carruthers was again in fine form for Gloucestershire Ladies but unable to prevent Yorkshire lifting the ELGA County Finals at Brancepeth Castle. The Broadway ace won both her matches against Hampshire but suffered a brace of defeats in both foursomes

  • Lose out after a titanic tussle

    TRAILING 6-0 after the first leg at The Vale, Evesham's players hit back with a vengeance to take the annual A/B contest right to the wire. Stunning results from Tom Walker and Kevin Stewart and Phil Wheeler and George Parker helped the Craycombe hosts

  • Short games

    THE South Warwickshire RFU are launching Warwickshire's new "short" 15-a-side competition for clubs next week. TwentyTwenty Rugby will see sides play two matches of 20 minutes each way and the inaugural matches will take at Stratford (7pm) and Nuneaton

  • Not at top of form but still too good for hosts

    Ledbury 0, Pershore 39pts WHILE not playing at their full potential, Pershore still recorded an emphatic victory last Saturday. Early season unavailability meant that there were seven changes in the visitors' line-up from the previous week, but it didn't

  • Sorry home starter

    Evesham 5, Bredon 11 SATURDAY'S hosts made a disappointing start in their new lea-gue after crashing to defeat against their local rivals. The match was a battle between a powerful Evesham pack and the speedy Bredon backs and the home side started well

  • Win scrappy affair

    Pershore III 29, Evesham III 17pts THE weather did its best to make Saturday's encounter, undoubtedly the first of many this season, a scrappy affair. Evesham sent over a large squad with many young faces and kindly lent one player to a depleted home

  • Ex-Eastender will star in 70s musical

    Former Easternders star Shaun Williamson is set to join the cast of the smash hit musical Saturday Night Fever. The show will play Birmingham Hippodrome from September 26 to October 1. Shaun, famous throughout the country for playing Barry Evans in the

  • 03/09/05 - Boars batter witless 'Church

    WHITCHURCH 3 BROMSGROVE 51 Powergen Trophy NEW look Bromsgrove proved there is life after fly-half Matt Birch as they cruised into the second Midlands round of the Powergen Trophy with a thumping victory over hapless Whitchurch on Saturday. In their first

  • My guess...

    JUDGING by the age of the men in the Flashback photograph you published on Friday, September 9, my guess is that they were members of the Voluntary Training Corps during the First World War. The VTC was somewhat similar to the Home Guard in the Second

  • World did not vote

    HURRICANE Katrina has effectively destroyed the city of New Orleans. Is this the hand of God dealing retribution for an unprovoked attack on a country far away? Bush is now lining up to attack neighbouring Iran. America voted in the Christian extremist

  • I love city

    I LOVE Worcester and I have visited it a few times in the past. I was at boarding school near Bridgnorth in Shropshire not far from Worcester. I have seen the Cathedral. I think it has a good shopping place. I would visit Worcester in the future. STEPHEN

  • Plastic sacks just a waste of money

    FOR many weeks and months, we have been separating our recycling refuse collection from ordinary refuse into purple sacks for paper, clear plastic sacks for plastic bottles, foil, aluminum and tin cans and so on. We have also taken glass bottles to the

  • Who goes there... friend, foe or my mate in choir?

    I REFER to John Hinton's letter (Monday, September 5). On the afternoon of Sunday, June 30, 1940, I was cycling home to Bewdley (at that time awaiting my call-up papers) when I was stopped by a member of the Home Guard who thought I might be a parachutist

  • Brown ready to make changes

    Alfreton Town 2 Redditch United 1 MANAGER Rod Brown is set to wield the axe after another dismal display that left Reds propping up the Nationwide Conference North table. It is many years since the Valley Stadium side were slumped at the foot of the table

  • Big thank-you 60 years on...

    THE grim years of World War II will be relived in a Bromsgrove village on Saturday through words, pictures and artefacts dating from the period. Preparing for Saturday's wartime reflections are Suzanne James with Catherine Simcox and Dave James. Catshill

  • Fire open day

    HUNDREDS of visitors flocked to Bromsgrove Fire Station's open day on Saturday making it one of the most successful in recent years. They were treated to a series of demonstrations involving safety and the work of firefighters as well as a host of stalls

  • Millers look to extend run

    Midland Comb FOUR straight wins have filled Feckenham with confidence but manager Lee Adams knows it is still early days for the Premier Division side. Two of those games have come in the Endsleigh Challenge Cup and Adams is keen to continue that form

  • Cooking up a new career

    A FORMER MG Rover worker has cooked up a new career five months after being made redundant. Colin Pearson, from Perryfields Crescent, Sidemoor, has launched his new business as caterer for Bromsgrove District Council, after losing his job at the Longbridge

  • Blues prove the perfect match for Reds' youth

    Juniors YOUNGSTERS from Redditch United's youth set-up rubbed shoulders with the stars of Birmingham City when the sides teamed up for a new partnership. United's director of youth football, Steve Rossiter, was also on hand when the teams met at the Blues

  • Club where spirits flow

    GHOSTBUSTERS have been called into Bromsgrove's Euphoria nightclub to make friends with spooks reportedly seen in the building. James Hyde, manager at the Worcester Road club, says a woman in white regularly walks down the stairs and into the bar with

  • Double blast from Danny

    REDDITCH United u11s won their opening league game 4-0 at Central Ajax. Lee Bourke opened the scoring with a penalty with the others coming from Danny Williams (two) and Ryan Donnelly - all the goals coming in the second half. n Promoted Studley Juniors

  • Big Ron's hoping for a little 'merci'

    RON Atkinson is saying "bonjour " to a new opportunity as a television football pundit. The former soccer boss is taking part in a BBC reality programme called "Parley Vous" in which he is learning French. Big Ron, from Barnt Green, has been set a number

  • Villagers set to have their say

    RESIDENTS in Barnt Green will be able to have their say on the future shape of their village at the parish plan open day this Saturday. Organised by Barnt Green Parish Council, the open day will be held at the Friends' Meeting House in Sandhills Road

  • New police unit opens

    A NEW local policing unit was opened at Buntsford Gate Business Park in Bromsgrove on Monday. The new base, which will house Bromsgrove's south sector policing team, is a joint venture between West Mercia Police and the Bromsgrove District Housing Trust

  • Health services tick right boxes

    HEALTH services in Bromsgrove are generally meeting the needs and expectations of patients, a new report has revealed. An independent survey of 850 patients carried out in the spring as part of a nationwide survey shows that 75 per cent of patients in

  • A new era for Webbs

    AWARD-WINNING garden centre Webbs of Wychbold is set to undergo major expansion in a £5m building project starting next week. The work will add an extra 62,000 sq ft of new covered retail space - trebling the existing area and making Webbs one of the

  • Bogus caller robs woman

    AN elderly Bromsgrove woman was robbed after being duped by a conman claiming he worked for the council. Police have issued a warning to other elderly residents following the incident, which happened between 2 and 2.30pm last Wednesday. The thief called

  • Spiritual guidance

    TWO of Droitwich Spa's parish churches have been identified as tourist attractions in the town. The grade II listed buildings have qualified for brown tourist signs to help people find their way to them. One sign has been erected in The Holloway directing

  • Anne ready for a bite of Big Apple

    A SPA runner is set to reach her goal of tackling her third fundraising marathon across the world in a year in aid of St Richard's Hospice thanks to a kindhearted town business. Anne Hardisty is raising cash as a way of saying thank you to the hospice

  • Medal office not for sale

    SPA MP Peter Luff has written to the defence secretary John Reid to tell him the town's medal office site is not his to sell. Peter Luff claims the land belongs to the heirs of the original owner, Thomas Everton, and that the Ministry of Defence must

  • Move over MG Rover!

    THREE ex-MG Rover workers from Redditch are looking to bounce back from redundancy by starting their own individual firms. Software engineer Ian Kirwan, senior copywriter Breandan O'Broin and purchasing manager Rick Main are just three of 20 people to

  • New industrial scheme gets the go-ahead

    A NEW development has been given the go-ahead in a £12 million scheme in Redditch - only the third new industrial development in the town in the last five years. Planning consent was given for 110,000 sq ft of manufacturing, distribution and light engineering

  • Weather fails to dampen championship celebrations

    CHAMPAGNE flowed on an otherwise wet and dismal day as Evesham secured the points they needed to be crowned Birming-ham Premier League third division champions. The hosts claimed a couple of priceless batting points before the elements had the final say

  • Netting benefits of networking

    WHEN Webheath businessman Dan Hayes, of web design firm Web Space Invaders, looked for a business networking group to help his business grow, he found the choice very limited. Not easily deterred, he took the bull by the horns and founded the Redditch

  • Country legends roll into county

    DUST down those stetsons and get the boots out because a number of 'country stars' are heading for Worcestershire. The Country Legends Show - which is based on the world famous Grand Ole Opry music hall in Nashville ,Tennessee, will be at the Swan Theatre

  • Extra Duran dates

    Duran Duran have added two more UK dates to their 'Astronaut ' world tour. The 80s Birmingham band will be at Glasgow's SECC on Friday, December 16, and Birmingham's NEC the following day. Both dates will precede the band's gigs at Manchester's MEN arena

  • Gripping action

    Theatre review - National Hero at the Festival Theatre, Malvern (until Saturday) TAKE a bow Timothy West and company. We all know what a splendid actor Mr West is and though playing to a sparsely populated auditorium he, and his three fellow actors -

  • Where to go

    Wednesday September 14 Exhibition: Free Fiona, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. Exhibition: The Hughes Collection, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. Film: Festival, Artrix (until September 17, 7.45pm start). Thursday, September 15 Music: Fun Loving Criminals

  • Shona returns to the Midlands

    ACTRESS Shona Lindsey is coming home to star in Seven Brides For Seven Brothers at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham this month. Shona lived in the Midlands from the age of four. Her television work includes Casualty, Doctors, Mothers Run. The Ritz,

  • Beginner's classes

    NEW dance classes are coming to Droitwich to teach ballroom beginners to trip the light fantastic in October. Highly rated dancer Dawn Westwood will teach the two new 'Strictly Come Dancing' classes. The classes concentrate on teaching beginners a range

  • Club meeting

    BROMSGROVE Art Club are to be given a demonstration of landscapes in watercolour by professional artist Geoff Kersey. Mr Kinsey will be bringing paintings of his areas surrounding his home in the Peak District. The club will meet on Tuesday, September

  • CD - Late Registration Kanye West

    IT appears Kanye West has never battled with the demons of low self esteem. His pre-school teacher reported of a three-year-old West that he was brimming with confidence and had a rather large ego. Some things never change I guess, because these days

  • Cinema - Last Days (15)

    OFF-the-wall director Gus Van Sant's film is declared fictional but "loosely" based on the last days of doomed rocker Kurt Cobain. So why, oh why, does protagonist Blake (Michael Pitt) seem to have such a stark resemblance to the Nirvana frontman, even

  • What's On Guide

    Thursday, September 15 Trigger, White Hart, Headless Cross. Free admission. Colin Fry(Spiritualist Medium), Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Until September 17. Tickets from 0870 607 7544. McFly, NEC Arena. Also September 17 & 18. Tickets from 0870

  • BTCC fans will revel in switch to short circuit

    RETURNING the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship to Silverstone's shorter National Circuit on Sunday for the first time in ten years will prove to be a masterstroke. So says the man in charge of the BTCC, Alan Gow and the driver currently leading

  • CD - No Direction Home Bob Dylan

    PACKAGES like this are manna from heaven for Dylanologists - packed full of alternative versions, rare live tracks and unreleased demos - it's like all your Christmases and birthdays have come at once. The two-CD set has been released to coincide with

  • CD - A Bigger Bang The Rolling Stones

    THIS album shows these rock dinosaurs are in fine form despite not producing anything particularly worthwhile since the seventies and having a collective age of about 527. Three decades on and the world's most debauched pensioners haven't managed to re-create

  • Cinema - Last Days (15)

    OFF-the-wall director Gus Van Sant's film is declared fictional but "loosely" based on the last days of doomed rocker Kurt Cobain. So why, oh why, does protagonist Blake (Michael Pitt) seem to have such a stark resemblance to the Nirvana frontman, even

  • Bullying claim lost

    A FORMER Redditch community official has lost a compensation claim against the borough council after alleging bullying forced her to leave her job. A Birmingham Employment Tribunal decided there was not enough evidence to establish the allegation and

  • It's green for go for Colin

    COLIN Green recorded some excellent victories at the Disability Sport England National Table Tennis Games at Stoke-on-Trent. The Evesham based player was playing in his first ever national competition as a wheelchair athlete, competing in the 1-3 Class

  • Michelle's on song

    MICHELLE Parsons was placed second in the female race, first in her age group and most impressively 71st overall in the third annual Vitruvian Triathlon. The event comprised a 1900m two-lap wetsuit lake swim in Rutland Water, a 52-mile bike ride and a

  • 10/09/05 - Electric Spa hammer Harbury

    DROITWICH SPA 48 HARBURY 12 Midlands Four West (South) DROITWICH opened their league campaign with an impressive victory over newly promoted Harbury on Saturday. Spa, who were relegated from Division Three in April, made sure that they kicked the losing

  • Tom's aiming for peak condition!

    A REDDITCH police officer is scaling new heights to raise money for a leukaemia charity. Pc Tom Symonds is joining West Midlands police officers to complete the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scaffell Pike in less than

  • Maximums by the handful

    MEMBERS of Throckmorton CPSC and visitors were greeted with fine weather for the first shoot in September. Also joining the regulars were members of Royal Oak Shooting Ground who participated in the 50-bird Sporting competition. The Sporting layout succeeded

  • Come out on top in four-way tussle

    THE South Warwickshire Association were winners of this year's Four Associations tournament at Handworth Wood BC in Birmingham. Facing the challenge of their counterparts from Birmingham, Rugby and Coventry, the SWBA squad emerged triumphant. Two days

  • Holders sunk in junior final

    THE Prudden Road Surfacing League's Junior Cup Final featured defending champions Inkberrow and Shipston and was played in front of a a considerable number of spectators at Stratford. Unlike the earlier one-set Pool matches, the final was a best of three-set

  • Star riders line up on road

    A FIELD of 76 riders contested Evesham Wheelers' annual veteran's road race. Two races were staged over three laps of the Inkberrow, Flyford Flavell, Radford, Gooms Hill and Weethly Bank 43-mile circuit. Some top names from the past were in action including

  • Darts meeting

    Birdseye Sports Evesham Ladies League A MEETING will be held on Monday night at the Hospital Club from 7.30pm. Clubs will be able to collect their fixture books for the 2005/06 season.

  • Cabinet to consult on schools merger

    WORCESTERSHIRE County Council's Cabinet has agreed to a request from governors at Ravensbank and Marlfield Farm first schools to go out to consultation on merging the two schools. Both were earmarked for closure during the Redditch Review consultation

  • Bridge out of league

    Evesham and District Crib League FOLLOWING the withdrawal of the Bri-dge Inn B from Divis-ion Three, the league committee is hoping to fill the vacancy. Any team wishing to enter the league is asked to contact the match secretary on 01789 772580 asap.

  • 'Sad and neglected'

    STUDLEY has been slammed as "sad and neglected", by judges from the Warwickshire Heart of England in Bloom competition. The village failed to maintain its bronze award status, let alone improve on it, after visiting judges criticised the number of derelict

  • Cookley wheel maker rolls in to new deal with Turkey

    COOKLEY-based industrial wheels maker, Titan Europe, has joined forces with a major firm in Turkey. Through its Italian subsidiary, Titan made an agreement with Jantsa, Turkey's largest off-road wheel producer. The joint venture will operate in the agricultural

  • Police extend war on teenage louts

    POLICE are hoping a dispersal order in the Costers Lane area of Winyates will prove as successful in warding off yobbish youths as others around the town. The "Section 30" dispersal order, which started at 6pm on Friday, will run for six months. Sergeant

  • Putting the fun into fundraising

    THE Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre is using word power to help its supporters raise as much vitally-needed cash as possible. The Primrose is an independent charity, offering advice and support to cancer patients and their families in Redditch

  • Patients to voice views

    HIP and knee replacement patients at the Alexandra Hospital will be asked to voice their views on the service they received. More than 30 former patients of the hospital's orthopaedic ward will take part in a "patient experience day" this Friday. Patients

  • Company vehicles cluttering estates

    MAY I, through your newspaper, ask all employers who allow their employees to take their vehicles home to ask them where they park them. It is certainly not on there own premises or even outside there own homes in most cases. No, they are parked outside

  • Walter's work is remebered

    I SHOULD like to thank all the staff at The Advertiser for the articles and pictures about my late husband Walter Stranz's contribution to the life of Redditch. I was very heartened to realise that all he had done had not been forgotten. Can I also say

  • School cash gap widens

    IN a recent letter to the Advertiser, I stated the school funding gap between a Redditch and a Birmingham child stood at £750 LESS and not £300 as Kath Banks had written (Letters, July 6). The gap has almost TREBLED in the last eight years alone from

  • Floral displays a delight

    I WOULD like to give praise to everyone responsible for the beautiful floral dispays in Redditch town centre. The view on the approach from the summit of Prospect Hill is lovely, particularly now the fountain is working. All along the back of St Stephen's

  • What's On Guide

    Thursday, September 15 Trigger, White Hart, Headless Cross. Free admission. Colin Fry(Spiritualist Medium), Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Until September 17. Tickets from 0870 607 7544. McFly, NEC Arena. Also September 17 & 18. Tickets from 0870

  • Wythall WI

    THE August meeting was well attended despite several members being on holiday. President Jill Warner told members that the money raised from the two garden parties was being shared between the Primrose Hospice and "Joyce's Dream", a fundraising effort

  • Royal British Legion

    MEMBERS of the RBL and Astwood Bank Club organised a successful flower show recently. There were many high class exhibits judged by Mrs Rhonda Strong and winners included Mr Dyson with two cups, Mr J Rogers and Jack Bayliss. The bottle and cake stalls

  • Redditch Photographic Society

    REDDITCH Photographic Society met on September 6 to start its 2005/2006 programme. Members met fortnightly over the summer break (June - September) to take photos at a number of different places of interest in the area. These evenings were well attended

  • Hopwood WI

    THE first meeting back after the summer break saw members drinking a toast to 90 years of the NFWI. Also celebrated was news of a grant from the National Lottery towards members attending a course at Denman College. Before the main business president

  • Cookhill Keyboard Club

    FOLLOWING the sad death of the club's founder, Ernie Huggins, reported in last week's Advertiser, the club resumed its normal programme on September 6 when an evening of entertainment concluded with a concert by one of the stars of the club, the 2002

  • Village stages organ spectacular

    WORLD-renowned performer Carlo Curley will bring his organ spectacular to St Andrew's church in Ombersley on Friday, September 16. In the night's highlight Mr Curley, nicknamed the 'Pavarotti of the organ', is set to enter a battle of the organs with

  • Hayley lends her support

    FOLLOWING a run of solo gigs, and the release of her acclaimed album 'Independently Blue', the British singer/songwriter Hayley Hutchinson is taking the support role as she joins Nick Harper on his UK tour. The York-based songstress will be performing

  • Full of endearing fun

    Film review - 40 Year Old Virgin at the UGC Cinema, Great Park, Rubery ALTHOUGH this film has been out on release for a couple of weeks, I felt it deserved a review. The story of Andy's (Steve Carell) plight to lose his virginity provides an endearing

  • Shona's starring role

    CLASSIC Broadway and West End musical Seven Brides For Seven Brothers arrives at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre for a short run from Tuesday. Set in Oregon in 1850, the show follows the story of Adam, the eldest of seven brothers, who goes to town to

  • Box of delights

    A MULTIMEDIA show that combines live dance, music and film, Pandora's Box, arrives at Kingsley College Theatre on Friday. Presented by Beingfrank Physical Theatre Company and choreographed by David McKenna, the piece, set inside a smoky jazz club, follows

  • Trigger happy about debut

    UP and coming rockers Trigger make their debut Redditch appearance at The White Hart in Evesham Road, Headless Cross tomorrow. The Bromsgrove-based band (pictured below) comprises husband and wife Dan and Sally Trigger on vocals/guitar and harmony vocals

  • Artrix invites all to open day

    A Bromsgrove arts centre is throwing its doors wide open and inviting the public to take a look at what it has to offer when it holds an open day on Saturday, September 17. The Artrix, on School Drive, is set to have a host of local bands, dance activities

  • Ex-Eastender will star in 70s musical

    Former Easternders star Shaun Williamson is set to join the cast of the smash hit musical Saturday Night Fever. The show will play Birmingham Hippodrome from September 26 to October 1. Shaun, famous throughout the country for playing Barry Evans in the

  • Sexy dance classes start soon

    A SALSA dance class starts on Monday, October 10 at Bromsgrove Labour Club. The ten week course, called Salsa Red, is for newcomers to the sexy latin dance and costs £50, which is payable in full on arrival. To book the course in advance call 07769 613711

  • CD - No Direction Home Bob Dylan

    PACKAGES like this are manna from heaven for Dylanologists - packed full of alternative versions, rare live tracks and unreleased demos - it's like all your Christmases and birthdays have come at once. The two-CD set has been released to coincide with

  • CD - A Bigger Bang The Rolling Stones

    THIS album shows these rock dinosaurs are in fine form despite not producing anything particularly worthwhile since the seventies and having a collective age of about 527. Three decades on and the world's most debauched pensioners haven't managed to re-create

  • DVD - Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (12)

    IF you loved the book, you will love the film. If you didn't read it, you will scratch your head. What you shouldn't do is ignore it. As a fan, it worked for me. Take a number of seemingly unrelated coincidences, add some mishaps, throw in some wacky

  • Alcester U3A

    THE September meeting of Alcester U3A was well supported and included two visitors. The anniversaries of past Augusts were; the death of the only English Pope, Adrian IV, in 1159 and the first blood transfusion in London in 1818. Members were then warned

  • Alcester Gardening Club

    THE club met in July for a barbecue in the garden of one of the members. It was a very pleasant evening, if a little cold, and the members enjoyed the company and the gardens. The August meeting was opened by the chairman who thanked Alison Williams for

  • One win from title

    BARNT Green CC go into Saturday's game away at relegation battling Halesowen knowing they are one win away from winning the Birmingham and District League Premier Division title (12.30pm start). The Green needs to acquire maximum points in the final game

  • Late goals foil visitors in tough friendly clash

    Worcester 4, Evesham 2 DESPITE facing a home side containing no fewer than four players with international experience, Evesham produced an excellent team performance that kept them in the game for long periods. Indeed it was only in the last 15 minutes

  • Jumping duo win the medal

    A PLUCKY Cutnall Green rider overcame having her riding gear stolen to win the under-12s category at the Midland Showjumping Championships. UNSTOPPABLE TEAM: Emily Cooper, aged 12, with her horse, Taboo. Emily Cooper, aged 12, rode horse taboo to victory

  • Whiting double in warm-up win

    Pershore 2, Redditch II 1 PERSHORE continued their pre-season preparations with a scrappy but ultimately successful match. Opening encounters saw both teams waste good opportunities with a poor final touch or wayward shooting. However, Graeme Le Dybouy

  • Shadow is cast over return of brave Bethany

    A BABY with a rare genetic condition could be home in two weeks - but the suitability of that home is still under debate. Bethany Kerrell, aged four months, was born with part of her chromosomes missing. As a result of this, she is on a constant oxygen

  • Village stages organ spectacular

    WORLD-renowned performer Carlo Curley will bring his organ spectacular to St Andrew's church in Ombersley on Friday, September 16. In the night's highlight Mr Curley, nicknamed the 'Pavarotti of the organ', is set to enter a battle of the organs with

  • 14/9/05 - Stanley joins City's injury list

    JAI Stanley could be ruled out of Saturday's Moor Green showdown with a knee problem. The 26-year-old midfielder's right knee, which required an operation last year, was badly inflamed following Worcester City's 1-0 home defeat to Hucknall Town. He is

  • Thanksgiving for Diana, 76

    A SERVICE of thanksgiving has been held for a well-known horticulturist who also used to run what is now the Worcester Garden Centre, of Droitwich Road. Diana Palmer, of Hunts Green, near Ombersley, was also part of the pioneering television gardening

  • Motorbiker killed after van smash

    A 30-year-old man was killed after his motorbike was in collision with a van in Kidderminster. The incident happened just before 1.30pm on Monday and the man was pronounced dead at the scene, near the Brooklyn Ford garage, in Worcester Road. The driver

  • Training scheme to help the city's homeless

    TRAINING and learning opportunities are being made available for homeless people and their carers in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The Homeless Sector Pilot initiative, which is funded by the local Learning and Skills Council (LSC) will allow those

  • Crash victim is named as Stourport man, 36

    A MAN who died in a road accident in Bewdley at the weekend has been identified as James Crumpton. Mr Crumpton,aged 36, of Manor Close, Stourport - on - Severn, was a passenger in a white Ford Transit 350 van which left the B4194 Bewdley to Stourport

  • PICKERSLEIGH COMPLETES LITTER PICKING MISSION

    LITTER-picking was the order of the day as residents of the aptly-named Pickersleigh area of Malvern teamed up with councillors for a clean-up. Community safety officer and Worcester city councillor Alex Kear and chairman of Malvern Hills District Council

  • Malvern Town FC - Fixtures/Results - 2005/6 Season

    FIXTURES Harvey World Travel Midland Football Alliance Saturday, September 17, FA Vase, Malvern Town v Long Eaton United (3.00). Wednesday, September 21, Causeway United v Malvern Town (7.45). Saturday, September 24, FA Cup Second Round Qualifying, Malvern

  • The ball's in your court

    FRESH faces and brand new buildings are leading Alcester Grammar School into a new academic year. forward to new challenges. The Birmingham Road school's eagerly awaited new sports development is finally up and running after a year of construction work

  • The grass is greener

    AN array of colourful vegetables and beautiful blooms filled Ragley Hall at the weekend. Category winners at the annual Flower and Vegetable Show were presented with trophies and cash prizes by the Marquis of Hereford on Saturday afternoon. The produce

  • 10/09/05 - Rovers' cup cruise

    ROVERS (1) 2 NEWCASTLE TOWN (0) 0 FA Cup first qualifying round Goals from Kevin Banner and Jason Ramsay secured Rovers' passage into the FA Cup's second qualifying round draw at the Victoria Ground on Saturday. CAPTAIN RELIABLE: Rovers' skipper Steve

  • James brace gives Kings a fine start

    King's Norton 29 Sutton Coldfield 2nds 20 KING'S Norton warmed up for Saturday's Powergen Junior Vase match against Essington with victory over their well-drilled visitors. Scrum-half Dave Ellis and veteran centre Pete May returned for their first games

  • Gripping action

    Theatre review - National Hero at the Festival Theatre, Malvern (until Saturday) TAKE a bow Timothy West and company. We all know what a splendid actor Mr West is and though playing to a sparsely populated auditorium he, and his three fellow actors -

  • Full of endearing fun

    Film review - 40 Year Old Virgin at the UGC Cinema, Great Park, Rubery ALTHOUGH this film has been out on release for a couple of weeks, I felt it deserved a review. The story of Andy's (Steve Carell) plight to lose his virginity provides an endearing

  • 13/09/05 - Goalkeeper set for Rovers' return

    FORMER fan favourite Matt Lowe is set to make a return to Bromsgrove Rovers' first team for Saturday's Southern League Division One West game at home to Burnham (3pm kick off). Lowe makes a surprise return in goal for Rovers because new number one, Lee

  • Busst blast for officials after FA Cup replay exit

    RATHER than bemoan the quality of his side's finishing or rue the lack of discipline, Dave Busst's anger was firmly directed at the officials after Evesham's FA Cup exit, writes Mervyn Collins. "They were bad on Saturday but their decisions on Tuesday

  • 25 years ago - September 12, 1980

    MOURNERS at Redditch's Abbey Cemetery have been paying their last respects to their dear departed's feet! It has been a tradition in the Anglican Church to bury people so the body faces East to West. But when the cemetery was redesigned in the early 1960s

  • Where to go

    Wednesday September 14 Exhibition: Free Fiona, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. Exhibition: The Hughes Collection, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. Film: Festival, Artrix (until September 17, 7.45pm start). Thursday, September 15 Music: Fun Loving Criminals

  • Boss Frain quits troubled Church

    ALVECHURCH are looking for a new manager after boss Peter Frain resigned at the weekend. Pressure had been mounting following the club's FA Cup exit and a disappointing start to the new Harvey World Travel Midland Alliance season. But Saturday's 4-0 defeat

  • 14/9/05 - Hickey cleared by RFU panel

    WORCESTER forward Drew Hickey has been cleared by the RFU disciplinary panel of a dangerous charge on Gloucester skipper Adam Balding. Warriors number eight Hickey, a former Australian Under-21 international, was reported by the Guinness Premiership citing

  • Fixtures

    July 2005 (friendlies) Tues 19 Alvechurch (a) 2-1 Martin 2 WEDS 20 TAMWORTH (H) 0-1 SAT 23 Leamington (a) 2-1 Ball, Pinkney TUES 26 MOOR GREEN (H) 2-1 Duncan, Ball SAT 30 WORCESTER CITY (H) 0-0 August TUES 2 REDDITCH UTD (H) 1-1 O'Toole THURS KIDDERMINSTER

  • Bromsgrove RFC First XV fixtures 2005/2006

    HOME, away (Midlands One fixtures unless stated) SEPTEMBER Sat 03 Whitchurch (Powergen National Trophy, Midlands round one) 3-51 Sat 10 BURTON 14-41 Sat 17 Luctonians (Powergen National Trophy, Midlands round two). Sat Dudley Kingswinford. OCTOBER Sat

  • KAYS PULLS OUT OF CITY

    UP to 700 jobs look likely to go at the former Kays catalogue in Worcester in what could mark the end of an era. The death knell may soon be sounded for the 120-year-old firm in the city as its current owner's, Little-woods Shop Direct Group, announced

  • Ten men show mettle after Dunc's departure

    Tiverton Tn 1, Evesham Utd 1 A BATTLING final half-an-hour's display after Steve Duncan was sent off earned the Robins a second bite of this season's FA Cup cherry, writes Mervyn Collins. The midfielder might have felt harshly done by after a tangle of

  • Not fair at 'field!

    Fairfield Villa 1, Littleton 0 NOT for the first time this season Littleton dominated a game and yet came away with nothing. Against a Fairfield side that was still unbeaten, the visitors were thwarted by a combination of good goalkeeping, resolute defending

  • Rattle up goals in an easy win

    Southside Cubs 0, Evesham Utd U-12 21 AN OUTSTANDING display saw United totally overwhelm gutsy opponents on an afternoon when Elliott Grady scored seven times and Henry Woods six. James Coldrick added a hat-trick - scored in the space of eight second

  • Triple helping of hat-trick men

    Evesham Utd U-13 B 11, Inkberrow Eagles 2 HAT-TRICKS from Elliott Grady, Henry Woods and James Bearcroft spearheaded United's goal romp against a spirited Eagles side. Grady opened the floodgates after a fine move between Woods and Bearcroft who both

  • Hickey cleared by RFU panel

    WORCESTER forward Drew Hickey has been cleared by the RFU disciplinary panel of a dangerous charge on Gloucester skipper Adam Balding. Warriors number eight Hickey, a former Australian Under-21 international, was reported by the Guinness Premiership citing

  • Stanley joins City's injury list

    JAI Stanley could be ruled out of Saturday's Moor Green showdown with a knee problem. The 26-year-old midfielder's right knee, which required an operation last year, was badly inflamed following Worcester City's 1-0 home defeat to Hucknall Town. He is

  • Robins see red again as Tiverton go through

    TEN-man Evesham United crashed out of the FA Cup at Common Road last night as Tiverton Town ran out 1-0 winners. Chris Bale bagged the only goal of the first qualifying round replay tie with a sumptuous chip on 16 minutes. In the game's first threatening

  • Colburn helps clinch national title

    SPRIGHTLY 74-year-old veteran Alan Colburn led Stourbridge CC-Parker International/WRAP/A&H to victory in the Veteran Time Trial Association National Team Championship. He braved wet and windy conditions to finish third in the individual race with

  • Shona's starring role

    CLASSIC Broadway and West End musical Seven Brides For Seven Brothers arrives at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre for a short run from Tuesday. Set in Oregon in 1850, the show follows the story of Adam, the eldest of seven brothers, who goes to town to

  • Ten men show mettle after Dunc's departure

    Tiverton Tn 1, Evesham Utd 1 A BATTLING final half-an-hour's display after Steve Duncan was sent off earned the Robins a second bite of this season's FA Cup cherry, writes Mervyn Collins. The midfielder might have felt harshly done by after a tangle of

  • Box of delights

    A MULTIMEDIA show that combines live dance, music and film, Pandora's Box, arrives at Kingsley College Theatre on Friday. Presented by Beingfrank Physical Theatre Company and choreographed by David McKenna, the piece, set inside a smoky jazz club, follows

  • Blues prove the perfect match for Reds' youth

    Juniors YOUNGSTERS from Redditch United's youth set-up rubbed shoulders with the stars of Birmingham City when the sides teamed up for a new partnership. United's director of youth football, Steve Rossiter, was also on hand when the teams met at the Blues

  • 10/09/05 - Seventh heaven for in-form Bromsgrove

    Cannock 226-8 Bromsgrove 230-5 Bromsgrove won by five wickets BROMSGROVE continued their remarkable end to the season by sealing a mid-table place in the Birmingham and District League Division One on Saturday. The Boars, who three weeks ago had seemed

  • Boss Frain quits troubled Church

    ALVECHURCH are looking for a new manager after boss Peter Frain resigned at the weekend. Pressure had been mounting following the club's FA Cup exit and a disappointing start to the new Harvey World Travel Midland Alliance season. But Saturday's 4-0 defeat

  • Unhappy keeper wants out

    SUMMER signing Ryan Young wants to leave Redditch United less than two months into the season. The former Hednesford Town goalkeeper arrived at the Valley Stadium in a blaze of publicity but now wants to quit the struggling Nationwide Conference North

  • 10/09/04 - Bromsgrove suffer Burton bashing

    BROMSGROVE 14 BURTON 41 Midlands One BROMSGROVE suffered the worst possible start to the Midlands Division One as they were overran by rampant Burton at Finstall Park on Saturday. A Boars side that lacked any punch in the forward line was no match for

  • 10/09/05 - Electric Spa hammer Harbury

    DROITWICH SPA 48 HARBURY 12 Midlands Four West (South) DROITWICH opened their league campaign with an impressive victory over newly promoted Harbury on Saturday. Spa, who were relegated from Division Three in April, made sure that they kicked the losing

  • 14/9/05 - County target double signing

    STEVE Rhodes failed to defuse speculation that Australia's Justin Langer may join Worcestershire for 2006. With a world-class batsman and a strike bowler at the top of County's priorities, opener Langer is regarded as an ideal choice and has been linked

  • 10/09/05 - Old boys back to celebrate

    BROMSGROVE welcomed some old friends back as the club celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first game ever played at their Finstall Park home on Saturday. STRONG VINTAGE: The surviving members of Bromsgrove's first game ever at Finstall Park 50-years-ago

  • Good start

    Hockey REDDITCH Ladies had a successful start to their season, reaching the semi-finals of a tough tournament at Cannock. With many of the sides in higher leagues, this was a perfect test and Redditch came out of it with many encouraging signs for the

  • Keep mum

    WHY do so many Bromsgrovians spell the abbreviated form of mother the American way, 'mom,' and pronounce it the English way, 'mum'? It is particularly puzzling among those who were old enough to read during World War Two when security posters were spread

  • Caught out despite care

    RECENTLY my purse was stolen in a local supermarket and through Your View I would like to express my gratitude to the store, my bank and the police for their concern and sympathy, condolences and practical help. All of this helped so much to take the

  • Leach penalty joy gives Rush victory

    Woodrush 3 Redditch 0 A MARTIN Leach penalty was all that separated these sides as they kicked off their North Midlands (South) One season. But it could have been a different story had teams taken their chances. Leach slotted over his kick midway through

  • 10/09/05 - Rovers' cup cruise

    ROVERS (1) 2 NEWCASTLE TOWN (0) 0 FA Cup first qualifying round Goals from Kevin Banner and Jason Ramsay secured Rovers' passage into the FA Cup's second qualifying round draw at the Victoria Ground on Saturday. CAPTAIN RELIABLE: Rovers' skipper Steve

  • 11/09/05 - Turks get ahead in competition

    TURKS Head cruised into the second round of the Bridgewater Cup by defeating Cofton Falcons 4-1 on Sunday. Goals for Hunt (2), Parr and Pinfield sealed victory. Navigation FC saw their way past Waseley with a 3-1 win. Rubery defeated Cofton Celtic 7-0

  • 10/09/05 - Late goal denies Spa

    Heather Athletic Reserves 1 Droitwich Spa Reserves 1 DROITWICH Spa's second string was denied a victory in the Midland Combination Division Three by a late equaliser on Saturday. Spa took the lead midway through the first half and had chances to double

  • Too late to listen

    NOW Wychavon District Council chairman Pam Davey wants Droitwich folk to talk to her, so she knows what they want. It's a bit late after all the times they have written to or attended Wychavon meetings and failed. She has repeatedly cocked a deaf ear

  • Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club - Match Stats - 2005/2006

    GOALSCORERS 3 - Hadland, Curtis. 2 - Smith, Banner 1 - Collins, Johnson, Dyer, Ramsay. ADVERTISER/MESSENGER MAN OF THE MATCH 3 - Male 1 - Hadland 1 - Dyer 1 - Johnson 1 - Evans 1- Banner Up to and including Tuesday, August 23, 2005.

  • Potential

    WHEN I first moved to Droitwich Spa almost 15 years ago the one feature that stood out above all others in terms of untapped potential was the canal system. I was impressed by the outline plans to re-open the two canals and could immediately see the commercial

  • Artrix invites all to open day

    A Bromsgrove arts centre is throwing its doors wide open and inviting the public to take a look at what it has to offer when it holds an open day on Saturday, September 17. The Artrix, on School Drive, is set to have a host of local bands, dance activities

  • Shona returns to the Midlands

    ACTRESS Shona Lindsey is coming home to star in Seven Brides For Seven Brothers at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham this month. Shona lived in the Midlands from the age of four. Her television work includes Casualty, Doctors, Mothers Run. The Ritz,

  • 10/09/04 - Bromsgrove suffer Burton bashing

    BROMSGROVE 14 BURTON 41 Midlands One BROMSGROVE suffered the worst possible start to the Midlands Division One as they were overran by rampant Burton at Finstall Park on Saturday. A Boars side that lacked any punch in the forward line was no match for

  • Sexy dance classes start soon

    A SALSA dance class starts on Monday, October 10 at Bromsgrove Labour Club. The ten week course, called Salsa Red, is for newcomers to the sexy latin dance and costs £50, which is payable in full on arrival. To book the course in advance call 07769 613711

  • Akerman accounts for all in opener

    Evesham and District Disabled Club and Partnership's TWELVE members, wrapped up against the wind and rain, were in action at last Sunday's opening match of the Win-ter/Autumn League season. Jerry Akerman was a convincing winner of the Fiesta Cakes Autumn

  • Road safety

    DANNY Brothwell splits hairs over speed cameras (Friday, September 2). These cameras reduce speed, hence reduce road deaths and injuries. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.

  • Beginner's classes

    NEW dance classes are coming to Droitwich to teach ballroom beginners to trip the light fantastic in October. Highly rated dancer Dawn Westwood will teach the two new 'Strictly Come Dancing' classes. The classes concentrate on teaching beginners a range

  • England expects...

    n THE approaching bicentenary of Trafalgar reminds me of a story that following one of his battles, a defeated French Admiral was brought before Lord Nelson and asked "Why do the English always win the sea battles ?" Nelson replied "Before we go into

  • Club meeting

    BROMSGROVE Art Club are to be given a demonstration of landscapes in watercolour by professional artist Geoff Kersey. Mr Kinsey will be bringing paintings of his areas surrounding his home in the Peak District. The club will meet on Tuesday, September

  • Lectures on economy

    TONY Bennett lectures me on how Britain's economy will fair outside the EU. He cites Norway, Switzerland and Iceland by way of an example. I think Philip Bushill-Matthew's subsequent letter exposed Mr Bennett's ill-conceived argument about Norway, far

  • Unhappy keeper wants out

    SUMMER signing Ryan Young wants to leave Redditch United less than two months into the season. The former Hednesford Town goalkeeper arrived at the Valley Stadium in a blaze of publicity but now wants to quit the struggling Nationwide Conference North

  • Next time - skipper

    STUDLEY skipper Richard Gregory was bullish despite the disappointment of a failed promotion campaign and pledged to target a top two finish next season. With five of the six Division Two fixtures washed out on Saturday, Studley had a golden chance to

  • Rowlands' anger over poor display

    Midland Alliance STUDLEY manager Kevin Rowlands slammed his players following their 2-0 defeat at home to Barwell on Saturday. The Bees went into the game on the back of two straight wins but failed to trouble their Leicestershire visitors until the final

  • Lob secures opening win for Studley

    STUDLEY bagged their first win of the season with a 3-0 victory at Knowle Ladies. Studley began well and broke the deadlock midway through the first half when, following good work in midfield from Sarah Edney, Martha Osborne slotted home. Studley looked

  • Business goes up in flames

    THE bosses of a town centre car repair business watched in despair as they saw their dreams go up in flames in front of their eyes yesterday when fire ripped through the premises destroying more than 20 customers' cars in its wake. At the height of the

  • Shake-up for bus timetable

    by Pat Smith VULNERABLE Catshill residents look set to lose out after new bus timetables came into force. Changes to the 143 and 144 routes from Bromsgrove to Birmingham could cause hardship to residents in the village centre. The 143 service will no

  • We're still being snubbed - claim

    DISTRICT councillors, who broke away from the Tories after a row with their leadership in November 2003 and set themselves up as Independents, claim they are still being 'frozen out' of being given influential roles on the council. Their belief that they

  • Anger over alley plan

    by Dan Harrison plans to close a footpath, which provides many children with their safest route to school, have sparked an angry response. The path, known as Pig's Alley, at the top of Conway Road, is used by many parents and children from New Road, Ednall

  • Town's Ashley helps England bag The Ashes

    DROITWICH resident Ashley Giles wrote himself into the cricketing history books on Monday as England won back The Ashes from Australia for the first time in 18 years. The Warwickshire spin bowler scored 59 - his highest ever score in Test cricket - to

  • Demolition of Lido outdoor pool may be fast-tracked

    PLANS to provide a 21st century lido for Droitwich Spa could be speeded up with the indoor pool being demolished immediately. At last night's meeting of Wychavon's executive board member for community services Cllr Paul Middlebrough (Con-Drakes Broughton

  • Council set to lock on to canal project

    DROITWICH canals project could be underway if Wychavon agrees for the scheme to proceed. At the council's executive board meeting last night members were due to discuss the issue. Following confirmation of funding from Advantage West Midlands and the

  • Par-fect way to help Murray

    A NEW golf competition to raise cash for research into a muscle wasting disease teed off at Omberlsey Golf Club yesterday. The Murray Field Muscular Dystrophy Golfing Trophy has been donated to the club by Spa worker Jane Field and husband, Mark, whose

  • Joint vision for town's future

    A TOWN plan for Droitwich Spa is set to be drawn up with residents and workers having their say on shaping the future of the area. A special meeting is being held on Thursday, September 22 at the community hall, in Heritage Way, at 7pm for everyone interested

  • Weather fails to dampen championship celebrations

    CHAMPAGNE flowed on an otherwise wet and dismal day as Evesham secured the points they needed to be crowned Birming-ham Premier League third division champions. The hosts claimed a couple of priceless batting points before the elements had the final say

  • Red cards key to exit

    Evesham United 0, Tiverton Town 1 IT WAS hardly surprising the chance of club coffers being swelled by £6,000 was lost when United were forced to play 100 minutes of their two FA Cup first qualifying round tie a man short, writes Mervyn Collins. When

  • Busst blast for officials after FA Cup replay exit

    RATHER than bemoan the quality of his side's finishing or rue the lack of discipline, Dave Busst's anger was firmly directed at the officials after Evesham's FA Cup exit, writes Mervyn Collins. "They were bad on Saturday but their decisions on Tuesday

  • Bawn to be a winner!

    DOREEN Bawn recorded a notable hat-trick at Evesham Bowls Club's finals weekend. The section captain reached four finals winning the singles title with a 21-11 defeat of Pauline Hodge, defeating Mary Shephard 17-14 in the Two-Wood Singles and teaming

  • MD for Dodd

    LEADING regional developer Dodd Homes has appointed a new managing director as the Studley- based company looks to expand across the heart of England region. Mark Booth joins privately-owned Dodd Homes following six years as technical director for Miller

  • All is ship shape

    ALVECHURCH Boat Centres, the largest canal boat company in the UK, has "steered" towards the Redditch Learning Zone to assist it in staff training for its 100 employees. Business growth has seen Alvechurch Boat Centres striving to maximise its workforce

  • Maximums by the handful

    MEMBERS of Throckmorton CPSC and visitors were greeted with fine weather for the first shoot in September. Also joining the regulars were members of Royal Oak Shooting Ground who participated in the 50-bird Sporting competition. The Sporting layout succeeded

  • Crowle and Town dish out shocks

    THERE were a couple of shocks in the first round of the Birdseye Sports Evesham and District Sunday League's Knockout Cup. Third division Crowle defeated Division Two outfit Alderton thanks to two goals from Gwilliam, while Tewkesbury Town won at higher

  • Whiting double in warm-up win

    Pershore 2, Redditch II 1 PERSHORE continued their pre-season preparations with a scrappy but ultimately successful match. Opening encounters saw both teams waste good opportunities with a poor final touch or wayward shooting. However, Graeme Le Dybouy

  • Not at top of form but still too good for hosts

    Ledbury 0, Pershore 39pts WHILE not playing at their full potential, Pershore still recorded an emphatic victory last Saturday. Early season unavailability meant that there were seven changes in the visitors' line-up from the previous week, but it didn't

  • Win scrappy affair

    Pershore III 29, Evesham III 17pts THE weather did its best to make Saturday's encounter, undoubtedly the first of many this season, a scrappy affair. Evesham sent over a large squad with many young faces and kindly lent one player to a depleted home

  • Come out on top in four-way tussle

    THE South Warwickshire Association were winners of this year's Four Associations tournament at Handworth Wood BC in Birmingham. Facing the challenge of their counterparts from Birmingham, Rugby and Coventry, the SWBA squad emerged triumphant. Two days

  • Holders sunk in junior final

    THE Prudden Road Surfacing League's Junior Cup Final featured defending champions Inkberrow and Shipston and was played in front of a a considerable number of spectators at Stratford. Unlike the earlier one-set Pool matches, the final was a best of three-set

  • Akerman accounts for all in opener

    Evesham and District Disabled Club and Partnership's TWELVE members, wrapped up against the wind and rain, were in action at last Sunday's opening match of the Win-ter/Autumn League season. Jerry Akerman was a convincing winner of the Fiesta Cakes Autumn

  • Niall and Jane win

    SUNDAY'S weather was fine for the third race of the Arden Burgee series at the Defford club. With a light north-easterly shifting over the river, there was a need to concentrate on catching every puff of wind. The Comets of Keith Stevens and John Tildesley

  • Droitwich Spa RFC First XV fixtures 2005/2006

    HOME, away (Midlands Three West (South) fixtures unless stated) SEPTEMBER Sat 10 HARBURY 48-12 Sat 17 North Derbyshire (Powergen Vase). Sat 24 Worcester Warriors. OCTOBER Sat 01 MARCONI COVENTRY. Sat 08 STOURBRIDGE LIONS. Sat 15 TBC Sat 22 Old Halesonians

  • Bromsgrove Rovers fixtures and results 2005/2006

    HOME, away (Southern League Division One West fixtures unless stated) JULY Wed 13 KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS (friendly) 2-4 (Blakemore, Hadland). Sat 16 HEDNESFORD TOWN 0-3 (friendly). Tue 19 MOOR GREEN 0-1 (friendly). Sat 23 BRISTOL ROVERS 3-4 (friendly)

  • CD - Late Registration Kanye West

    IT appears Kanye West has never battled with the demons of low self esteem. His pre-school teacher reported of a three-year-old West that he was brimming with confidence and had a rather large ego. Some things never change I guess, because these days

  • DVD - Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (12)

    IF you loved the book, you will love the film. If you didn't read it, you will scratch your head. What you shouldn't do is ignore it. As a fan, it worked for me. Take a number of seemingly unrelated coincidences, add some mishaps, throw in some wacky

  • Grant blow to the arts

    REDDITCH Arts Council faces a bleak future after the council turned down its grant application for the first time since 1971. The organisation distributes money to groups which organise arts-related events throughout the town. Since its inception 24 years

  • Schoolboy gets three years for sex attacks

    A REDDITCH schoolboy who raped a fellow pupil and carried out a sex attack on another girl has been sentenced at Worcester Crown Court to three years detention. The boy, who is 16 and cannot be named for legal reasons, also has to register as a sex offender

  • Toast to 90 years of the WI

    IT was 'cheers' to the Women's Institute when members of the Kingfisher branch celebrated the 90th anniversary of national voluntary service on Monday. Redditch councillor Mike Chalk joined members to raise a glass at the Ecumenical Centre in Evesham

  • Work on centre lifts set to start

    WORK begins next week to install £500,000 of lifts in Redditch's Kingfisher Centre. The programme is expected to be completed early next year and will see two new £10,000 lifts in Car Park 2 and three in Car Park 3. Kingfisher Centre manager Ian McLelland

  • Quest at an end

    A GLORIOUS quest for a national bowls title ended at Stratford on Tuesday for Brian Quarterman and John Mansell. The Evesham duo and Herefordshire and Worcestershire O-55 champions had battled to the quarter-finals of the prestigious tournament only to

  • Scruffy knifeman tries to rob bank

    A SCRUFFY man wielding a knife attempted to rob the HSBC bank in Studley on Monday. The incident happened at about 3.30pm at the Alcester Road branch but the man left after staff put the shutters down. The would-be-robber, probably in his mid thirties

  • Royalty in the park

    THANKS to a last minute agreement this weekend's Gatcombe Park event will be sponsored by Blue Square, one of the largest interactive betting agencies in the UK, in association with 20-20 Public Relations and long standing supporters Countax and Land