FIXTURES Harvey World Travel Midland Football Alliance Saturday, December 10, Malvern Town v Alvechurch (3.00). Tuesday, December 13, Barwell v Malvern Town (7.45). Saturday, December 17, Boldmere St Michaels v Malvern Town (3.00). West Midlands League
A KIDDERMINSTER couple will be the first in Wyre Forest to have an official same-sex wedding-style ceremony this month. Under new legislation, Mandy Bonner and her partner of six years, Diane Pearson, will tie the knot in the town's register office on
Father speaks out against gang who killed his son THE Blakedown father of a surveyor stabbed to death in Birmingham has said he will never forgive his son's killer. Paul Tanner, 23, was attacked during a street robbery in the Jewellery Quarter in March
TREE wardens from around the county are hoping to spot more ancient trees throughout Worcestershire. Organised by Worcestershire County Council's Countryside Service and led by Worcestershire ancient tree register members Harry Green and John Tilt, 28
THE idea that Christmas is fast approaching may come as a shock to anyone who feels that summer has only just ended, but at Chipping Norton Theatre preparations have been under way for this year's festive pantomime for sometime. Puss in Boots, sponsored
FLY with Malvern Theatres to Neverland this Christmas and see that dreams really do come true. If you're looking for a treat this Christmas then pay a visit to Malvern Theatres to see their special family pantomime? The magical fairytale Peter Pan is
YOUNG orphan Pip is destined for a humble life as a blacksmith's apprentice. But events in his early life give him greater expectations: a terrifying encounter with an escaped convict for whom he lies to his family, and meeting the eccentric Miss Havisham
A BEWDLEY boy of 14 who beat up his mother because she stopped him using his PlayStation has been given a last chance at Worcester Crown Court. Judge David McEvoy QC told the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, that he should stop "being nasty
A WOMAN jumped out of a first floor hotel window, fearing she would die after being held captive and tortured by her former partner. Fay Pester went to see Francis Grybowicz, who she met when he was living rough in Bewdley, while he was on the run over
STOURPORT Civic Centre should be sold for development as a hotel, wholly in keeping with the town's exciting future role of a river and canal tourist hot spot. The sale proceeds should be used to build a theatre/community hall with modern facilities,
COUNCIL taxpayers in Wychavon are forking out almost £1 million a year to clean up after litter louts. Main streets throughout the Vale are cleaned nightly in a bid to stem the tide of fast food cartons, cigarette packets and other rubbish thrown away
A WORKER from Spiers and Hartwell in Blackminster was air-lifted to hospital this week after a collision between a fork-lift truck and a lorry. Philip O'Dell, aged 53 an employee at the Blackminster company was air-lifted to Worcester hospital on Tuesday
I AM glad to learn from Councillor Anne Hingley that the Conservative cabinet members of Wyre Forest District Council are pro-active on health issues (Letters, December 1). However, it was Health Concern councillors who raised awareness of the possible
WHEN Maureen Morgan went into hospital for major surgery to treat cancer, her thoughts turned to her grandchildren. As the weeks passed she began writing down her thoughts. And by the time she was well enough to leave hospital the Chipping Norton grandmother
WORKERS beware! Councillor Nathan Desmond reveals the true colours of the Tory Party in his savage "leech" attack (Letters, November 24). He heaps contempt on public sector workers who perform vital jobs for very little financial reward. Indeed, almost
THE American owner of the Wood Norton Hotel, which closed its doors without warning last week, is due to chair a meeting of creditors at the hotel tomorrow. Golf club owner Rick Hvizdak, who ordered the closure on Friday, November 25, following meetings
SINGER Toyah Wilcox is understood to have offered a temporary home to pensioners after their thatched cottage was hit by fire. Residents of Ivy Cottage, a semi-detached thatched cottage, next to the Anchor Inn pub on Main Road, Wyre Piddle, were at home
AN Evesham primary school is the sixth best in Worcestershire, according to the latest figures released by education chiefs. The latest tables are based on pupils' performances in Key Stage Two tests taken at the age of 11. All 19 pupils at St Mary's
A GROUP of budding entrepreneurs from an Evesham school have found a timely way to make money for their investors. The seven-strong board of KODA enterprise - all sixth-form students at Prince Henry's School - are making and selling foam clocks. The company
Wychavon has the second best record in the West Midlands when it comes to recycling household waste, according to figures released this week. Only Lichfield, where more than a fifth of waste was recycled in 2003/4, has a better record - and they are in
A BUDDING writer from Evesham is hoping to make it big after publishing his first novel. Paul Griffiths this week launched his horror/fantasy work Stream Liner Of The Lost Souls, the fruit of 13 months' endeavour. The Clive Barker-wannabe started the
A 2-2 draw helped neither recently relegated Barlaston or Pershore in West Midlands Two. The first-half was a tight affair with Pershore stringing good counter-attacks together and resisting the Barlaston pressure. Debutant Neil Gabriel and Toby Whiting
The lowland heath reserves of Burlish Top and Rifle Range in Kidderminster have for many years been managed to promote this nationally scarce and threatened habitat. Initially, this work revolved around the removal of trees and tall scrub. Now the much
The Christmas social meeting will be held on Thursday, December 15 in Hartlebury village hall, starting at 7.30pm.
THE Operation Covert shopping list is aimed at businesses or individuals who would prefer to focus on specific items for the new Rhydd Covert activity centre rather than donate money. There are £17,000 of fixtures and fittings on the list, ranging from
On November 7, Jacqui Haldane, from Bishops Wood, gave a presentation about the environment and how people can benefit themselves and the world by simple, straight-forward, methods of recycling. She had with her a wormery, explaining how left-over food
Tomorrow, the Christmas celebration at Holy Innocents community hall, Sutton Park Road, Kidderminster, will start at 7.30pm. A presentation of words and music will start the evening, followed by an American supper. Members are reminded to take a contribution
A minute's silence was held in respect for national chairman Barbara Gill, who died last month. The sum of £55 has been sent to the Associated Country Women of the World. A community quiz will be held at three venues in February. Dates for the diary:
The Wyre Forest group has organised a three-mile family walk at Bewdley on Sunday. Ramblers are asked to meet at Dog Lane car park, Bewdley at 2pm. Contact the walk leader on 01299 827883 for details.
AUDIENCE participation will be one of the key elements when Chipping Norton Choral Society host their Christmas concert. A selection of hymns and carols will be performed at St Mary's Church, Chipping Norton, with the congregation very much expected to
The group's 10th annual Festival of Sight and Sound was held in Lickhill community hall, Stourport on November 26, when there were visitors from all over England and Wales. In the morning, sequences shown included "Snowdonia" by Harry Hunt, "The Pailo
THE redevelopment and exploitation of farm property has become a key part in the restructuring of UK farming in the past years, either as income from rents or to generate funds through sales for business development. The new Lloyds TSB Agriculture publication
I had reason today to contact my dentist's Udall and Page, High St, Pershore to try and change an appointment. I was disappointed to be told that another appointment could not be offered, that is until after the practice goes private in March next Year
BLOOD donors are being asked to attend upcoming sessions in Bewdley. mq The town's high school will be the venue between 10am and noon and from 1.45pm until 3.15pm on Sunday.
PLANNING has begun on proposals to revamp Bewdley's medical centre to provide state-of-the-art primary care and community services for the town's residents. The intention is to replace the present building, in Load Street, with larger and more modern
A COMMUNITY support officer from Bewdley is raising money to trek through Peru in aid of a charity close to her heart. Becky Skinner is taking part in the Inca Trail for the charity Scope, which helps people with cerebral palsy. The five-day hike, which
THERE is always a worry that new British bands with a critically acclaimed debut album might not be able to live up to the hype when they play before an audience. The biggest compliment I could pay Maximo Park was that they sounded even better live than
A WYRE Forest Primary Care Trust working panel will look into whether funding for a breast cancer drug for individual patients in the district should be approved. Although encouraging results using Herceptin in the treatment of early stage breast cancer
PLANNING has begun on proposals to revamp Bewdley's medical centre to provide state-of-the-art primary care and community services for the town's residents. The intention is to replace the present building, in Load Street, with larger and more modern
HEART attack victims in Stourport and Bewdley have more chance of surviving after the setting up of a new volunteer scheme run by Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service Trust. Health campaigning Wyre Forest MP, Dr Richard Taylor, was on hand to help
WYRE Forest Primary Care Trust needs to save £800,000 to achieve a balanced budget by the end of the financial year. The trust identified a financial deficit for the year of £2.1million in April and an anticipated in-year overspend of £1.2million was
A NEW children's centre, being developed at Clifton-upon-Teme Primary School, means families in the Teme Valley no longer have to travel long distances to benefit from support services. The centre, established with the support of Worcestershire Early
A NEW children's centre, being developed at Clifton-upon-Teme Primary School, means families in the Teme Valley no longer have to travel long distances to benefit from support services. The centre, established with the support of Worcestershire Early
FANS of whodunnits are invited to a murder mystery evening in Stourport tomorrow. Copy Cat Murder will be held at Stourport Day Centre in New Street and will start at 7.30pm. It has been organised by the centre's management committee to held raise funds
FLY with Malvern Theatres to Neverland this Christmas and see that dreams really do come true. If you're looking for a treat this Christmas then pay a visit to Malvern Theatres to see their special family pantomime Peter Pan. The pantomime, based on J
A NEW adaptation of Charles Dickens' literary masterpiece Great Expectations looks set to provide Stratford's Royal Shakespeare Company with another hit this winter. The story of the orphaned Pip, and his attempts to become a "gentleman", makes for one
TRAIN operator First Great Western has defended its Cotswold Line service, which passes through Evesham and Pershore, after fierce criticism from Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff. Mr Luff was so furious after his train was cancelled at Oxford, prompting
A YOUNG mother fears the health of her children is seriously at risk because of the state of her Charford flat. Samantha Downing, aged 19, claims that severe dampness has made her housing association flat in Talbot Road unliveable, and is affecting the
MORE than 80 people face a miserable and unnecessary death in Wychavon this winter. And for some of them, at least, it may well be preventable. As the area moves towards what is predicted to be the coldest winter in more than 10 years, health chiefs this
WORCESTER and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association Band will be performing at Stourport Civic Centre on Saturday at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on the door.
ST John's Middle School choir will be performing with the Kidderminster Valentines on Tuesday. The Christmas concert, which will feature carols and songs about friendship, will be held at Baxter Church, starting at 7.30pm. It follows the choir's performance
A CONCERT featuring songs including Vaughan Williams's Fantasia on Christmas Carols will be held in Bewdley on Saturday. Bewdley Choral Society will be entertaining an audience at St Anne's Church at 7.30pm with their Christmas concert. The choir, which
A GALA Christmas concert will be held at Kidderminster Town Hall on Saturday, December 17. Kidderminster Choral Society will present its annual evening of seasonal music at 7pm. The society's youth choir, Wyre Forest Young Voices and junior choir, Primary
ROCK 'n' roll band, Buddies, will be performing songs from the 50s and 60s in Kidderminster tomorrow night. The band, which covers hits by artists including Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly, will play at the Chain Wire Club, Oldington. The event starts at
KIDDERMINSTER Male Choir will be entertaining audiences in two Christmas concerts next week. They will be held at Kidderminster Town Hall tomorror and Saturday. The choir will be joined by Muller Cleobury Brass Band for both concerts, which will start
THE search for a new Kidderminster Harriers manager is under way after Stuart Watkiss was shown the door at Aggborough yesterday. Chairman Barry Norgrove took the decision to axe Watkiss despite Harriers' 3-1 victory over Dagenham and Redbridge last weekend
A KEY Kidderminster store's parent group has gone into administration - two years after the Weavers Wharf outlet first opened its doors to the public. De Bradelei Mill, a discount designer clothes and homeware department store, went into the hands of
POLICE are seeking witnesses to a collision between two vehicles that happened near the entrance to Witley Court. The accident took place on Monday at about 8.30am on the B4204. The driver of a white Ford Escort estate car was taken by air ambulance to
THE two basement clubs in Division Four of the Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League locked horns with both teams seeking to claim their first points of a troubled campaign. And, it was Pebworth who came out on top as goals from Sprigg, Chalman, James
TESCO supermarket employed a hit squad, supervised by British Waterways workers, to retrieve more than 60 trolleys dumped in the canal alongside Kidderminster's prestigious Weavers Wharf shopping development. The recovery work was sparked by the Shuttle
SOUL fans will be able to dance the night away in aid of charity in Wolverley on Saturday. Kingsford Soul Club will host DJs, The Junction 9 Soul Crew, John Barker, Mick Bennett, Phil Turner, Little Scottie, Steve Russell, Mr T, Mac, Patch and Ant. All
A CHARITY will take on 170 NHS staff under their existing terms and conditions when it takes over the management of community homes for people with learning difficulties in Kidderminster and Bromsgrove. New Era, part of the New Dimensions charitable industrial
A PENSAX farmer fighting to save eight cows which tested positive for bovine TB - including six close to calving - has been threatened with arrest if she refuses to allow Government vets to remove them this week. State Veterinary Service staff are refusing
CLAPPED out cars will be collected - free of charge - as part of a month-long amnesty on abandoned vehicles running throughout December. Wyre Forest District Council is repeating a successful previous amnesty, in May, when 60 vehicles were picked up.
CHEERLEADERS from a Kidderminster school made plenty of noise as they supported England's young American football players against their Scottish counterparts. The Birchen Coppice Middle School Pathfinder All-Stars - nine girls and three boys - were unable
THREE friends from Wyre Forest are celebrating the release of their first children's book, which tells the story of the young owner of a magical moonstone. Pocket Moon has been created by JAK, who are illustrator, John Fairman, of Windermere Way, Stourport
A WOLVERLEY historian has forged a special link with a renowned American scholar thanks to his research into the former 52nd General Hospital. Mike Webster, who is busy putting the finishing touches to his own book on the US Army 52nd General Hospital's
1 Fantastic Four 2 The 40 Year Old Virgin 3 Mr and Mrs Smith 4 Crash 5 Madagascar 6 The Skeleton Key 7 The Cave 8 Dark Water 9 War of the Worlds 10 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 11 Unleashed 12 Herbie Fully Loaded 13 The Descent 14 Bad Santa 15 Christmas
ANDY Preece will press for new signings at Worcester City tonight during a meeting over available cash funds. The St George's Lane boss is eager to bolster his squad and increase City's chances of making huge strides in Nationwide North. A tough league
SATURDAY WORCESTER & DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division: Hallow WMC v Powick (K Ruff); Martley Spurs v Lamb & Flag (J Wynne); Pershore Manor Rovers v Welland Athletic (R Fisher); Tolladine Sports v Hanley Swan (P Roberts). Division One: Inkberrow
TONIGHT: Birmingham: Marriott Hotel - Lupa. Alexandra Theatre - Shakin' Stevens. Symphony Hall - Three Cities Orchestra. Sutton Coldfield: Ramada Penns Hotel - Ballroom Glitz. Worcester: Huntingdon Hall - Mike Sanchez Band. Malvern: Festival Theatre -
FLY with Malvern Theatres to Neverland this Christmas and see that dreams really do come true. If you're looking for a treat this Christmas then pay a visit to Malvern Theatres to see their special family pantomime? The magical fairytale Peter Pan is
THERE will not be many people who do not know something by David Gray. When you have sold 6 million copies worldwide of an album - as he has done with White Ladder - tracks tend to infiltrate the subconscious. The singer-songwriter probably polarises
YOUNG orphan Pip is destined for a humble life as a blacksmith's apprentice. But events in his early life give him greater expectations: a terrifying encounter with an escaped convict for whom he lies to his family, and meeting the eccentric Miss Havisham
AUDIENCE participation will be one of the key elements when Chipping Norton Choral Society host their Christmas concert. A selection of hymns and carols will be performed at St Mary's Church, Chipping Norton, with the congregation very much expected to
I had reason today to contact my dentist's Udall and Page, High St, Pershore to try and change an appointment. I was disappointed to be told that another appointment could not be offered, that is until after the practice goes private in March next Year
Having had a road accident on 28 November on A44, I was taken by my friend, who lives in South Littleton, to Evesham Community Hospital. My wait was two minutes, and I was seen, X rayed, diagnosed and treated, leaving the hospital 45 minutes after entering
Snow White on Ice, Malvern Theatres THE cold wafting from the specially installed ice rink may have chilled the Malvern Forum but not its audience, many of whom were on their feet at the end of a bravura performance from the Russian Ice Stars. This production
THE Kidderminster Valentines were joined by The Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir and soloist Kiera Lyness to bring some festive spirit to Kidderminster Town Hall. Among the songs performed by the impressive male choir, who were singing in the town for the
THERE is always a worry that new British bands with a critically acclaimed debut album might not be able to live up to the hype when they play before an audience. The biggest compliment I could pay Maximo Park was that they sounded even better live than
THE Synth City tour arrived in style at the Civic Hall and proved good music just doesn't go out of fashion - even if it is more than 20 years old. From the opening lines of Tell Me When to the last bars of Together In Electric Dreams, the band were in
ARTIST blacksmith Lawrence Walker is doing what he always wanted. Responsible for the stunning set of new benches in Hereford's Eign Gate, the young designer maker has picked his head up, having worked flat out for the last five years. A graduate of Hereford's
FANS of whodunnits are invited to a murder mystery evening in Stourport tomorrow. Copy Cat Murder will be held at Stourport Day Centre in New Street and will start at 7.30pm. It has been organised by the centre's management committee to held raise funds
FLY with Malvern Theatres to Neverland this Christmas and see that dreams really do come true. If you're looking for a treat this Christmas then pay a visit to Malvern Theatres to see their special family pantomime Peter Pan. The pantomime, based on J
WORCESTER and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association Band will be performing at Stourport Civic Centre on Saturday at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on the door.
FOUR nights of Christmas entertainment will take place at Kidderminster's Rose Theatre next week. Resident theatre group, The Nonentities, will present a mixture of readings, songs, poems and carols from Wednesday until Saturday. Members will perform
ST John's Middle School choir will be performing with the Kidderminster Valentines on Tuesday. The Christmas concert, which will feature carols and songs about friendship, will be held at Baxter Church, starting at 7.30pm. It follows the choir's performance
A TOP Abba tribute band will perform hit songs including Waterloo and Dancing Queen at a Bewdley hotel on Sunday, December 18. Abba Now will perform at the Ramada Hotel, Habberley Road. For further information and tickets contact the hotel on 01299 406400
CHRISTMAS music and the sounds of handbells will feature in a concert at a Kidderminster church. St George's Choir will perform with handbell ringers from across the West Midlands for a candle-lit pre-Christmas celebration on Saturday. The choir will
1 Fantastic Four 2 The 40 Year Old Virgin 3 Mr and Mrs Smith 4 Crash 5 Madagascar 6 The Skeleton Key 7 The Cave 8 Dark Water 9 War of the Worlds 10 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 11 Unleashed 12 Herbie Fully Loaded 13 The Descent 14 Bad Santa 15 Christmas
SINGER Toyah Wilcox is understood to have offered a temporary home to pensioners after their thatched cottage was hit by fire. Residents of Ivy Cottage, a semi-detached thatched cottage, next to the Anchor Inn pub on Main Road, Wyre Piddle, were at home
TONIGHT: Birmingham: Marriott Hotel - Lupa. Alexandra Theatre - Shakin' Stevens. Symphony Hall - Three Cities Orchestra. Sutton Coldfield: Ramada Penns Hotel - Ballroom Glitz. Worcester: Huntingdon Hall - Mike Sanchez Band. Malvern: Festival Theatre -
EIGHT-year-old twin sisters in Kidderminster are looking to "adopt" a kind-hearted "grandmother" who will spend time with them and give them advice. Their mother, Joy Barber, would like someone to offer a listening ear to Amber and Georgina. The single
A WYRE Forest District Council cabinet member who branded public sector workers "leeches" has apologised for his remarks but is refusing to resign despite coming under fire from opposition members. Conservative, Nathan Desmond, regretted his choice of
A GRANT of more than £50,000 has topped off a massive £450,000 appeal to fund a new sports and recreation pavilion for Wyre Forest villagers. Bulldozers have already levelled the site at the Callow Hill Sports Ground, near Bewdley, and the footings have
OPERATION Covert is feeling flushed with success after a Kidderm-inster company came forward to help us tick more items off our shopping list this week. Briten Ltd, based on the Hoo Farm Industrial Estate, has saved the appeal more than £1,500 by donating
A 10-year-old Kidderminster girl earned rapturous applause as the youngest speaker at a prestigious national conference attended by more than 500 delegates. Billie-Jo Evans, took the podium to address a full house at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minster's
FOOD outlets in Kidderminster proved they had the recipe for success when awards were served up. Charlie G's, a baguette shop in New Road, earned the nationally recognised Heartbeat Award, given to caterers meeting standards for healthy choice menus,
YOUNG families in need of support across Wyre Forest are to benefit from an extra 10 volunteers who have been trained to help them. The new recruits take the number of volunteers working with the Home-Start charity to more than 60. They are all parents
THE Vienna Festival Ballet presents The Nut Cracker next week. The visit from Vienna Festival Ballet has become something of an annual Christmas family treat. This year the talented young company will perform the enchanting tale of The Nutcracker. One
MALVERN Theatres' Saturday morning children's theatre season continues with children's classic Pinocchio this Saturday, perfect for children aged between four and 11. Original and innovative theatre company, Cornelius and Jones bring the much-loved children's
THERE will not be many people who do not know something by David Gray. When you have sold 6 million copies worldwide of an album - as he has done with White Ladder - tracks tend to infiltrate the subconscious. The singer-songwriter probably polarises
A STOURPORT pensioner fears he may not live to see Christmas as he awaits approval for heart surgery. Brian Garbett, of Lombard Street, has already suffered seven heart attacks and is eager to have a life-saving operation on the NHS. After six months
PLANS to extend the proposed alcohol restriction zone in Stourport are expected to be given the green light by Wyre Forest District Council and should to be in place early next year. The crackdown would give police the right to confiscate booze from people
A MASKED man - believed to be armed with a gun - threatened staff at a Kidderminster Chinese take-away before running away empty-handed. The incident happened at 11.50pm on Saturday when a man walked into Lai's Garden in George Street. The man, who was
I AM pleased to read that Councillor Gordon Yarranton is as concerned about parking in Bewdley as the rest of town councillors. The town council have already agreed in principle with the police to remove the yellow no parking lines from outside the Co-op
TRAIN operator First Great Western has defended its Cotswold Line service, which passes through Evesham and Pershore, after fierce criticism from Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff. Mr Luff was so furious after his train was cancelled at Oxford, prompting
A PERFECTIONIST who suffered from work-related depression hanged himself with a tie in his bedroom. His wife, Janet, discovered the body of 53-year-old Robert Ling at the family home, in Phillips Road, Broadway, at about 9.30pm on Tuesday, November 29
PROPOSALS to provide a dial-a-ride taxi service to take youngsters from Pershore into Worcester are to be reconsidered. A pilot scheme was due to have been launched within the next few weeks but Wychavon councillors have now decided to look at the whole
A VALE resident is to appeal against a decision made by Wychavon District Council ordering him to pull down a fence because he failed to apply for planning permission. Nicholas Mauro, of Lavender Walk, Evesham, is appealing against a recent order made
IT was a dream come true for a Pershore High School pupil when she found out she had been chosen to represent the Girl Guides at an international camp in Mexico. Stephanie Bailey, an A-level student has been selected to represent the Cymru Guides after
A GROUP of gipsies who have applied for permission to settle caravans in Cropthorne have been applauded by a Wychavon councillor for following the correct planning process. But councillor Malcolm Meikle, member for Fladbury, also praised the council's
ANDY Preece will press for new signings at Worcester City tonight during a meeting over available cash funds. The St George's Lane boss is eager to bolster his squad and increase City's chances of making huge strides in Nationwide North. A tough league
CHAIRMAN Barry Norgrove has insisted Kidderminster Harriers' play-off wish be rekindled by their new manager. Norgrove and his board of directors wielded the axe yesterday with Stuart Watkiss paying the price for a disappointing start to life back in
WORCESTER City reserves came back from two goals down to secure a 3-2 victory over Kettering Town at St George's Lane last night. After trailing in the Central Conference fixture, City hit back through teenage striker Troy Wood on 36 minutes and Andy
SOCCER: Malvern Town romped to a comfortable Worcestershire Senior Urn victory at lower-ranked Lye Town last night. Neil Hunt's Midland Alliance high-fliers defeated the West Midlands League Premier Division outfit 4-1 in bad conditions. Duncan Preedy
WORCESTER Men's Firsts let a lead slip late on as they went down 4-3 at home to Rugby in Coaching Solutions Midlands One. They went two goals down after 10 minutes due to sloppy defending but hit back from two short corners with great strikes from Alex
STOURPORT Men's Firsts suffered a disappointing 4-2 defeat at Formby in English League National North. Rob Lashford levelled an early opener for the hosts but Stourport fell 3-1 behind before Rob Allen cut the deficit with a penalty stroke. However, Formby
EVESHAM remain in the Coaching Solutions West Midlands Premier bottom three after a 9-1 home tonking at the hands of Finchfield. Evesham ended the first-half of their league campaign with a disappointing, flat performance. Player-manager Martin Husbands
THE Royal Shakespeare Company has announced strong financial results for the second year running. Launching its annual report and accounts for 2004-5 at the company's annual meeting, the RSC announced an operating surplus for the year of £1.7 million
EAGER locals in Broadway have snapped up tickets for the Broadway Music Makers annual Christmas concert. But there is still room for more on the opening evening of the two-day event next week. Organiser Bill Watson said: "Unfortunately, or fortunately
The meeting on Wednesday comprises "An Evening with Ken Whittaker" and an American supper. The doors open at 7.30pm at Astley village hall.
Janet Miller was the November guest, demonstrating Christmas floral decorations, the wrapping of bottles, and making crackers. The cinema group visited the Warehouse Cinema, in Kidderminster, to see Pride and Prejudice. The Christmas party will be held
OPERATION Covert is feeling flushed with success after a Kidderm-inster company came forward to help us tick more items off our shopping list this week. Briten Ltd, based on the Hoo Farm Industrial Estate, has saved the appeal more than £1,500 by donating
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, December 21, in the Railway Bell, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, at 8pm. This will be a members' evening, when members take their own slides to show. A buffet will be provided. Admission is free for members, but
On Sunday the club's Christmas dinner will be held at Harvington Hall. A ride will start from The Green, Blakebrook, Kidderminster at 9am, to arrive at Harvington by 12.15pm. Riders are asked to take a prize for the raffle, and wine if required. On Tuesday
On Wednesday, a Christmas party will be held at St George's Church annexe, Radford Avenue, Kidderminster, at 7.30pm. The topic for the evening will be organised by members.
A walk of around eight miles, from Lickey Hills visitor centre along St Kenelm Way, stage two, has been organised for Sunday. Ramblers are asked to meet at the visitor centre at 9.30am prompt - transport can be arranged for anyone requiring a lift. New
On November 22, two competitions were held. There was only one entry for the First Time Award, so "Cottage Farm" won the shield. The Bomar Cup attracted eight entries - "Monkey Business", "Ghost City", "Western Crete", "Remember, "Autumn in Batsford Arboretum
Members of the Kidderminster branch heard an illustrated talk on "Impressions of the Tropics", presented by Gerry Griffiths, of Avian Adventures. He showed scenes of rain, cloud and dry forests, at various altitudes, sun-dried beaches, and the flora and
ON a freezing and frosty evening, the Young Rangers went prepared, all wrapped up for their night-time adventure though Kidderminster's Hurcott Pool and Woods nature reserve. Armed with torches to highlight the twinkling frost, they set off. Firstly,
BADSEY will unrelentingly oppose yet another attempt by Willersey to dump its HGV traffic through Badsey. Friday, December 2, 09.05am a traffic survey revealed 630 vehicles in the next hour, ie one per second. I repeat one per second, passing along the
Having had a road accident on 28 November on A44, I was taken by my friend, who lives in South Littleton, to Evesham Community Hospital. My wait was two minutes, and I was seen, X rayed, diagnosed and treated, leaving the hospital 45 minutes after entering
A £2 MILLION project to improve the water supply for residents in Bewdley has begun. Work is under way on the Severn Trent Water scheme in the Hales Park and Bark Hill areas of the town. Old water mains will be replaced with new polyethylene pipes, which
A CHRISTMAS crafts fair will be held outside the entrance to Bewdley Museum on Saturday. It will be open from 10am until 4pm and stalls will sell items including oil paintings, greetings cards, children's knitwear, glassware, crochet work and bric-a-brac
A BEAUTY therapist who works at a Bewdley clinic got a big surprise when she was asked to do the nails of a Hollywood actress. Sophie Hancox, who works at Bewdley Beauty Clinic, owned by her mother, Hilary Stephens, was asked to do Gillian Anderson's
THIS year's exhibition in the Kidderminster Library by members of the Kidderminster Art Society is well worth a visit. mq The variety of subjects and techniques is fascinating and one can vote for one's favourite. Mine was an acrylic picture of late spring
THE Kidderminster Valentines were joined by The Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir and soloist Kiera Lyness to bring some festive spirit to Kidderminster Town Hall. Among the songs performed by the impressive male choir, who were singing in the town for the
ROALD Dahl's classic tale is brought to life by The Nonentities this week and is very well presented and performed. I'll get my criticism out of the way first, as I was not happy with the start. There is an over-long scene-setting dialogue, which for
THE Synth City tour arrived in style at the Civic Hall and proved good music just doesn't go out of fashion - even if it is more than 20 years old. From the opening lines of Tell Me When to the last bars of Together In Electric Dreams, the band were in
A STOURPORT pensioner fears he may not live to see Christmas as he awaits approval for heart surgery. Brian Garbett, of Lombard Street, has already suffered seven heart attacks and is eager to have a life-saving operation on the NHS. After six months
mq THERE are still places available in the Wyre Forest area for patients who want to register with an NHS dentist. mq Since last year, Wyre Forest Primary Care Trust has been implementing a strategic plan to boost the availability of NHS dentistry in
VANDALS in Bidford have damaged the village's Christmas lights - just days after they were switched on. Members of the village's Christmas Lights Committee said they were very disappointed because some of the lights had been paid for out of members' own
A HEROIN addict who donned a wig and robbed a rural petrol station till of £50 by terrifying a woman attendant has been given the chance to stay out of prison. Darren Butler, aged 31, of Colletts Gardens, Broadway, pleaded guilty at Gloucester Crown Court
CHAIRMAN Barry Norgrove has insisted Kidderminster Harriers' play-off wish be rekindled by their new manager. Norgrove and his board of directors wielded the axe yesterday with Stuart Watkiss paying the price for a disappointing start to life back in
CONNACHT are going to be a tough proposition in the European Challenge Cup this weekend. The game is an important one for us. It's a great route into Europe and it's a competition we've done well in to date. But Connacht is going to be our stiffest battle
BIG-hearted Harriers fans have donated £5,000 to Kemp Hospice from the proceeds of a grand summer ball. The Nationwide Conference team's manager, Stuart Watkiss, presented the cheque to Kemp's chief executive, Keith Dallason, during a lunch at the Aggborough
MORE than 80 people face a miserable and unnecessary death in Wychavon this winter. And for some of them, at least, it may well be preventable. As the area moves towards what is predicted to be the coldest winter in more than 10 years, health chiefs this
COUNCIL taxpayers in Wychavon are forking out almost £1 million a year to clean up after litter louts. Main streets throughout the Vale are cleaned nightly in a bid to stem the tide of fast food cartons, cigarette packets and other rubbish thrown away
PROPOSALS to provide a dial-a-ride taxi service to take youngsters from Pershore into Worcester are to be reconsidered. A pilot scheme was due to have been launched within the next few weeks but Wychavon councillors have now decided to look at the whole
IT was a dream come true for a Pershore High School pupil when she found out she had been chosen to represent the Girl Guides at an international camp in Mexico. Stephanie Bailey, an A-level student has been selected to represent the Cymru Guides after
Wychavon has the second best record in the West Midlands when it comes to recycling household waste, according to figures released this week. Only Lichfield, where more than a fifth of waste was recycled in 2003/4, has a better record - and they are in
ENVIRONMENT Agency plans to install safety barriers at six locations on the River Avon have come under fire from canoe club officials. Experts from the Wychavon Kayak and Canoe Club have urged everyone opposed to the move to register their objections
MEMBERS of the Women's Institute have been busy helping pupils from Bidford Primary School create Christmas decorations in time for the festive season. The WI members have spent this term teaching children from the lower school how to create beautiful
A KIDDERMINSTER-based 70s band who cover groups including Slade and Mud will be performing at a Bewdley hotel. Six-piece band, Ballroom Glitz, will provide the entertainment at the Ramada Hotel, Habberley Road on Sunday. For further information and tickets
A ROCK 'n roll disco in aid of Kidderminster Hospital Radio will held in Stourport on Saturday. It will be held at the Royal British Legion, Lichfield Street, at 7.45pm. Tickets are available from 01562 515698 or on the door.
FOUR nights of Christmas entertainment will take place at Kidderminster's Rose Theatre next week. Resident theatre group, The Nonentities, will present a mixture of readings, songs, poems and carols from Wednesday until Saturday. Members will perform
A TOP Abba tribute band will perform hit songs including Waterloo and Dancing Queen at a Bewdley hotel on Sunday, December 18. Abba Now will perform at the Ramada Hotel, Habberley Road. For further information and tickets contact the hotel on 01299 406400
CHRISTMAS music and the sounds of handbells will feature in a concert at a Kidderminster church. St George's Choir will perform with handbell ringers from across the West Midlands for a candle-lit pre-Christmas celebration on Saturday. The choir will
WYRE Forest residents have received good and bad news about their potential council tax bills after the Government announced its Revenue Support Grant totals for district and county councils. Wyre Forest District Council's £7.2 million Revenue Support
A BRIC-a-brac sale in aid of Forest Cat Rescue and Wyre Forest Dogs Rescue will be held in Kidderminster on Saturday. It will take place at the Edward Parry Centre in Radford Avenue and fund-raisers will also be collecting tins of cat and dog food to
WYRE Forest middle and primary schools had mixed results with the publication of the annual education league tables. Seven of the 11 middle schools involved in the district's education shake-up saw their average points score per pupil drop, compared to
STUDENTS from Kidderminster College will be taking to the stage to perform a popular pantomime next week. Aladdin will be presented by teenagers, studying performance and acting, and the show will take place on Wednesday at 7pm. The students, aged from
A GUIDE written by health and education workers in Kidderminster to support children with language and communication skills has won a national book award. Language for Learning Across the Curriculum has been penned by specialist teacher Sue Hayden, who
mq PARENTS claiming their children are absent from school through illness have been caught dragging them round Kidderminster in freezing weather. mq A truancy sweep carried out in the town centre and the Comberton and Spennells estates led to 52 children
A FINANCIAL helping hand is on offer to the sporting stars of tomorrow in Wyre Forest. The Ray Mercer Sporting Foundation is making its annual appeal to youngsters who are aiming for the top of the sporting ladder to apply for its latest round of grants
Tenbury United 1 Bridgnorth Town Reserves 2 For the second week in a row, Tenbury United have lost a West Midlands League First Division game in the dying minutes. After losing the previous week to a goal three minutes from time United went down on Saturday
A LITTER hot spot - where even soiled nappies had been dumped - has been cleaned up by Wyre Forest's environmental services following complaints from residents. People living in Larkhill, Kidderminster had complained to local Worcestershire county councillor
HOME-Start volunteer, Heather Hollis, has had her selfless work recognised with a national award. It came as a surprise to the 57-year-old, of St John's Avenue, Kidderminster, as she did not know she had been nominated. She was one of just 401 people
WORCESTER City reserves came back from two goals down to secure a 3-2 victory over Kettering Town at St George's Lane last night. After trailing in the Central Conference fixture, City hit back through teenage striker Troy Wood on 36 minutes and Andy
THE 10th Cheltenham Folk Festival bursts onto the scene during February 2006. And organisers say it will be an exciting new chapter in the festival's history as Eliza Carthy becomes the festival patron. The mid-winter Folk Festival takes place from February
THE popular baroque group The Musical and Amicable Society will be making a welcome return at All Saints Church, Hereford, tomorrow (Friday) at 7pm in support of Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust. The evening will feature chamber music and include Bach's
TREE wardens from around the county are hoping to spot more ancient trees throughout Worcestershire. Organised by Worcestershire County Council's Countryside Service and led by Worcestershire ancient tree register members Harry Green and John Tilt, 28
THE idea that Christmas is fast approaching may come as a shock to anyone who feels that summer has only just ended, but at Chipping Norton Theatre preparations have been under way for this year's festive pantomime for sometime. Puss in Boots, sponsored
THE Vienna Festival Ballet presents The Nut Cracker next week. The visit from Vienna Festival Ballet has become something of an annual Christmas family treat. This year the talented young company will perform the enchanting tale of The Nutcracker. One
MALVERN Theatres' Saturday morning children's theatre season continues with children's classic Pinocchio this Saturday, perfect for children aged between four and 11. Original and innovative theatre company, Cornelius and Jones bring the much-loved children's
church will play host to a play for Christmas, performed by members of churches. The play, Scrub that Manger, tells the traditional nativity story in a new way, emphasising the humble beginnings of the infant Jesus with an emphasis on humour. "While the
THE Royal Shakespeare Company has announced strong financial results for the second year running. Launching its annual report and accounts for 2004-5 at the company's annual meeting, the RSC announced an operating surplus for the year of £1.7 million
The lowland heath reserves of Burlish Top and Rifle Range in Kidderminster have for many years been managed to promote this nationally scarce and threatened habitat. Initially, this work revolved around the removal of trees and tall scrub. Now the much
Snow White on Ice, Malvern Theatres THE cold wafting from the specially installed ice rink may have chilled the Malvern Forum but not its audience, many of whom were on their feet at the end of a bravura performance from the Russian Ice Stars. This production
THE redevelopment and exploitation of farm property has become a key part in the restructuring of UK farming in the past years, either as income from rents or to generate funds through sales for business development. The new Lloyds TSB Agriculture publication
BADSEY will unrelentingly oppose yet another attempt by Willersey to dump its HGV traffic through Badsey. Friday, December 2, 09.05am a traffic survey revealed 630 vehicles in the next hour, ie one per second. I repeat one per second, passing along the
ROALD Dahl's classic tale is brought to life by The Nonentities this week and is very well presented and performed. I'll get my criticism out of the way first, as I was not happy with the start. There is an over-long scene-setting dialogue, which for
A NEW adaptation of Charles Dickens' literary masterpiece Great Expectations looks set to provide Stratford's Royal Shakespeare Company with another hit this winter. The story of the orphaned Pip, and his attempts to become a "gentleman", makes for one
A KIDDERMINSTER-based 70s band who cover groups including Slade and Mud will be performing at a Bewdley hotel. Six-piece band, Ballroom Glitz, will provide the entertainment at the Ramada Hotel, Habberley Road on Sunday. For further information and tickets
A ROCK 'n roll disco in aid of Kidderminster Hospital Radio will held in Stourport on Saturday. It will be held at the Royal British Legion, Lichfield Street, at 7.45pm. Tickets are available from 01562 515698 or on the door.
A CONCERT featuring songs including Vaughan Williams's Fantasia on Christmas Carols will be held in Bewdley on Saturday. Bewdley Choral Society will be entertaining an audience at St Anne's Church at 7.30pm with their Christmas concert. The choir, which
Ceramicist Mary Rose's hand-made pieces make special gifts and she is holding her annual Christmas Show at her own gallery near Parkend until December 22. "The gallery will be looking beautiful and we're set in such a beautiful part of the forest that
A GALA Christmas concert will be held at Kidderminster Town Hall on Saturday, December 17. Kidderminster Choral Society will present its annual evening of seasonal music at 7pm. The society's youth choir, Wyre Forest Young Voices and junior choir, Primary
ROCK 'n' roll band, Buddies, will be performing songs from the 50s and 60s in Kidderminster tomorrow night. The band, which covers hits by artists including Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly, will play at the Chain Wire Club, Oldington. The event starts at
KIDDERMINSTER Male Choir will be entertaining audiences in two Christmas concerts next week. They will be held at Kidderminster Town Hall tomorror and Saturday. The choir will be joined by Muller Cleobury Brass Band for both concerts, which will start
THREE friends from Wyre Forest are celebrating the release of their first children's book, which tells the story of the young owner of a magical moonstone. Pocket Moon has been created by JAK, who are illustrator, John Fairman, of Windermere Way, Stourport
A WOLVERLEY historian has forged a special link with a renowned American scholar thanks to his research into the former 52nd General Hospital. Mike Webster, who is busy putting the finishing touches to his own book on the US Army 52nd General Hospital's
THE 10th Cheltenham Folk Festival bursts onto the scene during February 2006. And organisers say it will be an exciting new chapter in the festival's history as Eliza Carthy becomes the festival patron. The mid-winter Folk Festival takes place from February
