POLICE and Home Office immigration officials have swooped on three well-known restaurants and takeaways in Worcester, suspecting immigration offences. Four men were arrested at three locations - two at Shakeey's restaurant in Angel Street and one each
WHEN a young homeless man who called himself Jesus is found frozen to death on the streets of Worcestershire, it becomes apparent that some people will have precious little to celebrate this Christmas. Nicholas Lewtschuk, aged 31, died two weeks ago following
HE was once earning £600 a week and was responsible for supervising 12 people. He had a wife and a daughter, a car and a home. Now Brian Jones is sleeping rough on the streets of Worcester. The company he worked for went bust, he is now divorced, has
SCHOOLS in Worcestershire are to receive £200 more per pupil next year - but there are fears the money will be swallowed up by teachers' wages and electricity bills. Campaigners fighting for better funding for Worcestershire's schools say the increase
ELDERLY people in Worc-estershire are being warned to be on their guard against bogus tradesmen and officials following two distraction burglaries within just 20 minutes. The incidents happened at properties in Worcester and Droitwich on Tuesday. The
A PENSIONER fears he may not live to see Christmas as he awaits approval for life-saving heart surgery. Brian Garbett, of Lombard Street, Stourport-on-Severn, has already suffered seven heart attacks and is eager to have a vital operation on the NHS.
A long-awaited new medical centre is finally taking shape in a village near Worcester. The £1.5m primary care centre on Kidderminster Road, Ombersley, will offer a full range of clinical services including a GP practice and minor surgery theatre. The
MALVERN Rangers' scheduled West Midlands League division one away fixture at last season's division two champions Parkfield Leisure was postponed on Saturday morning because of a water-logged pitch. Tomorrow (Saturday), Rangers, sponsored by the Cross
THERE were few surprises in thesoccersite.co.uk Malvern Football League's games on Sunday but there were some high scores and a few outstanding individual performances. Top scorer was Dave Perera, whose four goals for Belmont Keys helped them to a 7-1
RADAR'S first league Worcester League division one points of the season were won last Sunday when they overcame visitors St Johns at Victoria Park. MALVERN RADAR 3, ST JOHNS 1 The previous weekend's game against Bedwardine was a real thriller, this was
LAST week's performance of Patience at the parish hall proved a huge success. Playing to a packed hall, the Bosbury Players entertained an audience from far and wide, including supporters from the Hereford and Worcester G&S societies. Producer Robert
MALVERN Rangers' Smedley Crook Cup tie on Wednesday night at Midland Combination side Barnt Green Spartak was postponed due the waterlogged pitch. A new date for the fixture is still to be arranged.
TOMORROW (Saturday), there is a Christmas 60/70s dance at Callow End Village Hall from 7.30pm till 11.30pm. There is a licensed bar and live music. Tickets are £5 each and the event is organised by the village hall committee. The committee is also organising
HANLEY Swan went through to the second round of the Baylis Cup after defeating Welland Athletic 3-1. WELLAND ATHLETIC 1, HANLEY SWAN 3 There were no goals after a fairly even first-half of his typical local Derby fixture. Hanley opened the scoring midway
CASTLEMORTON Gardening Club has a Christmas get-together on Thursday (December 15) at 7.45pm at the parish hall. There will be hot punch and mince pies and a light-hearted quiz (nothing too taxing!). Please bring a small plate of food to share. Non-members
POWICK maintained their excellent form in this Worcester Sunday League division one fixture and kept up the pressure on league leaders Bedwardine. POWICK 6, MARTLEY SPURS RES 0 The wet condition of the pitch made passing difficult and Powick were on the
There will be a sale of quality nearly-new and unused clothing and shoes at Colwall Free Church today (Friday) and tomorrow from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Proceeds are for Cancer Research and Free Church funds. Colwall Singers will be performing an evening
Peter Diamond will host a wine and wassail evening in Cradley Village Hall on Saturday, December 17. The Greenwood Voices will provide entertainment, tickets are £8 including wine and buffet. A carol service will be held at Cradley Church on Sunday, December
ANCHOR Falcons won their first game this season after being 2-0 behind to Portobello in the Worcester League division two at Dysons on Sunday. ANCHOR FALCONS 3, PORTOBELLO 2 Following a much-improved showing at Claines, Anchor carried forward their encouraging
CONGRATULATIONS to all for starting Christmas for us with the very popular christingle service. We had over 100 in church and it was wonderful seeing so many children. The magic of the children's faces when the candle of their christingle orange was lit
EVERYONE is welcome to our Hollybush Christmas carol service this Sunday at 6.30pm. Share in the wonderful carols, poetry and readings, then stay for hot punch and mince-pies.
ON a fine sunny morning last week, 14 members of Powick Parish Ramblers met at Kempsey Church. The circular walk of 5.5-miles was led by Sally Linsey and took in the site of the former Pixham Ferry and Napleton Grange, where Sir Edward Elgar once lived
The Cordery Club has its Christmas tea on December 15 and January 19 sees an activity to be arranged. The club leader is Margaret Smith, contactable on 01684-833252. Meetings are held at Welland Village Hall, 2.30-4.30pm. There will be a Christmas concert
THE third round of the MUAA winter league was switched from the Avon to the pool last Sunday due to flooding, but this didn't deter another good turnout. With conditions relatively milder than the last contest held on the venue, sport was expected to
CHILDREN at Great Malvern Primary School are busy rehearsing music, poetry and dance for their carol concert. Around 170 children, aged nine-11, will perform carols such as Once in Royal David's City and O Come All Ye Faithful. The school choir will sing
Putley author Helen Arthur is organising an Army Benevolent Fund Christmas concert at Hereford Cathedral on Friday, December 16. The event, at 7.30pm, will include a performance by Ledbury Choral Society and the Cradley Singers. Special guests giving
MATT Powell has been given the nod for the first part of Worcester's European Challenge Cup double-header with Irish side Connacht. The scrum-half has been named in the starting line-up ahead of Andy Gomarsall for tomorrow's Sixways showdown (2pm), which
WHEN Ben Hinshelwood decided to hang up his playing boots last week, Worcester lost one of it's finest servants. The 28-year-old centre has been at the heart of the club's journey to the forefront of the domestic game and he epitomises the team spirit
STOURBRIDGE Theatre Company's magical dramatisation of The Snow Queen was a festive treat for all the family. Based on Hans Christian Anderson's fairytale, the play tells the tale of little Gerda's search for her friend Kai - who is bewitched and imprisoned
Music chosen for Roy Massey's recital showed the expertise of this master technician and superlative artist very clearly, as he gave full vent to the restored Priory organ. As an opener, Boyce's Symphony in F was crisp, as nimble fingers expounded the
the youngsters of Neat Feet Dancing pulled out all the stops for a show called Nursery Magic. A performance on Saturday and two on Sunday managed to fill the theatre each time. Children ranged in age from three-and-half to teenagers, and dedication and
CHILDREN at Upton CE Primary School have prepared a nativity play with a difference. No Room For A Baby frames the traditional nativity tale within the story of a modern day mother seeking shelter for her baby. All of the school's Key Stage 2 pupils,
YOUNGSTERS can try out the art of streetdance at the Hill Centre in Upton. Workshops will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, December 28 and 29, from 10am-1pm, for ages six to 12 and from 1pm-4pm for over-13s. The workshops cost £20 for both days. For
SEVERN Stoke Guides, Rainbows, Brownies and Beavers entertained residents at Norton Hall nursing home with carols on Wednesday (December 7). They began their Christmas celebrations with a Christingle service at Severn Stoke Church on Wednesday, November
THE Friends of Upton Jazz Festival are hosting a Christmas party with Bev Pegg and His Good Time Jazz Band at Hanley Castle High School tomorrow (Saturday), at 8pm. Tickets £15 (members £13), including buffet supper, on 01684 593794. Proceeds go to the
I WOULD like to thank all those involved in making Friday night's switch-on of the Christmas lights in Malvern such a big success, particularly the businesses who contributed to the new star lights and Christmas trees in the town, which helped raise money
I recently wrote to Your Letters regarding my opinion of the extension in licensing hours and the great opportunity each public house in Malvern had now, as with the additional hours they could all play on a level playing field with the bars in Worcester
A POPULAR Malvern bar is under threat from a planning application. London-based Mountside Estates, which owns the Vaults at Worcester Road, Link Top, wants to convert it into flats. The pub hit the headlines a few weeks ago, when manager Karl Crangle
EVERY Saturday night my friends and I go up to The Vaults Bar, at Link Top. Around 9.30pm we walk in and are greeted by a smile and a joke from Ben the barman. It's a cosy bar with a holiday-like atmosphere. You can have a dance, normally the whole bar
Although I believe we have a very good reputation with our loyal visitors who regularly attend our public special events, may I take this opportunity to apologise to all those who attended our new Christmas at Eastnor event on December 4. Clearly we were
THE much-delayed business case for a new Malvern community hospital could be on its way at last. The hospital project board will look at the business case at its next meeting in mid-January, said South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust spokesman Janet
After reading so many letters from dissatisfied citizens, it was gratifying finally to read a response from a council representative - even though Coun Di Rayner, skilled strategist that she is, carefully chose the ground on which to fight, and carefully
Malvern Hills District Council heard this week it will get more money than expected from the Government. The council will receive an extra £700,000 in its Local Government Financial Settlement over the next two years. David Wood, director of resources
I AM incensed that the local NHS Ambulance Trust has decided to close Ledbury Ambulance Station, citing "cost cutting" (Ledbury Reporter, November 25). Can I suggest that we close the police, fire and health services too, as this will further cut costs
MALVERN Wells CE Primary School was closed yesterday (Thursday) for the funeral of teacher JJ Smith, 26, who died suddenly at Malvern Splash gym on Friday, November 25. A school memorial service takes place at All Saints' Church, Malvern Wells, on Wednesday
Since my son started school at St James' Primary School, West Malvern, in September, I cannot fail to ignore the regular deposits of dog mess left on the pavement outside and near to the school, and throughout the village generally. Many children and
TWO men will appear at Worcester Magistrates' Court on Thursday (December 15) in connection with a burglary at Hanley Swan Post Office. Owner Alan Davies was left critically injured following the incident in the early hours of August 10 and remained in
I couldn't wait for the big switch-on of Great Malvern's Christmas lights. What with top end of Malvern completely shut down causing chaos, I thought it would be worth the hassle because we were told Church Street would look wonderful. It did until Santa
REDEVELOPMENT plans for Malvern's Belle Vue Terrace mean stationery business Severn Office Systems will soon be moving. The store's lease expires in September 2006 and Higham Lane Properties has planning permission to turn the building into a restaurant
HAZARDOUS rides along busy roads and narrow lanes could soon be a thing of the past for local horse riders. Chrissy Bacon and Nicholas Lechmere hope to introduce a toll-riding scheme in Hanley Castle. Riders would pay an annual subscription for access
A DEVELOPER wants to build more sheltered housing for elderly people in Malvern Link, just yards from a similar development. Churchill Retirement Living of Hampshire has submitted a planning application to build flats on the corner of Worcester Road and
CRADLEY was among five finalists in the national Calor Village of the Year competition, losing out to Derbyshire village Ashover. However, residents of the Worcesteshire village are celebrating after it was named West England regional and Defra Building
LEAGUE rugby in North Midlands and Warwickshire will undergo a major restructuring at the end of the season. In an attempt to make league games more competitive, and to avoid leagues of fewer than ten clubs, the two Warwickshire leagues will be merged
MARTIN O'Connor is concentrating on tomorrow's daunting trip to Conference leaders Accrington Stanley rather than his own future at Kidderminster Harriers. The caretaker-boss is filling in after Stuart Watkiss was sacked by the club's board on Wednesday
A PLAYGROUP near Malvern is facing closure if a new leader can-not be found. Things are getting desperate for Pendock Playgroup, which has been searching for a leader for months. "Our prevous leader left in June last year and despite advertising everywhere
MP Sir Michael Spicer had the job this week of declaring David Cameron as new Tory leader. The MP for West Worcestershire, who is chairman of the 1922 Committee, announced the result of the ballot on Tuesday afternoon at the Royal Academy, London.
DAVE Busst wishes for an early Christmas present in the shape of six Southern Premier League points. As Evesham United strive to fight off relegation, boss Busst is targeting immediate back-to-back victories in their fight to beat the drop, starting with
UNIVERSITY of Worcester trio Mark Hanson, Alistair McDonald and Robert Cooke have been called for an England Students trial. They will travel to Loughborough next week and will hope to make the final trial in January before the England Students and England
THE highlight of the first round of the Malvern Table Tennis League Handicap Competition was the tied match between third division rivals Manor Park Maulers and Poolbrook Lieutenants. A win for Lieutenants looked on the cards but Don James gave Maulers
DESPITE breaking her wrist two weeks ago, Hanley Swan world champion Anna Bailey still took part in the European Indoor Rowing Championships in Copenhagen on Saturday. Although never in the running for a Women's 50-59 heavyweight medal, Anna rowed one-handed
MATHON, Cradley and Storridge (MCS) men's A tennis team maintained their unbeaten start to the winter season with a comfortable 3-2 victory at Hallow Tennis Club. The regular MCS pairing of Chris Brandon-White and Duncan Hannaford were in fine form and
THERE are still a few tickets left for the English Symphony Orchestra's popular performance of Handel's Messiah at Malvern Priory later this month. The candle-lit concert has become a regular and much-loved fixture in the calendars of both the church
MALVERN choir Vital Spark will perform a Christmas concert at Holy Trinity Church, Bosbury, on Sunday at 6.30pm. The West Gallery musicians will perform a selection of Victorian carols and other contemporary Christmas music. Tickets are £6, children £3
Tickets are still available for a performance of Britten's Ceremony of Carols by St James's School Choir at Malvern Priory tomorrow (Saturday). The concert, which also includes the Elgar Chorale, begins at 7.30pm and tickets are £10 (concessions £8) and
David Gray, Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Tuesday December 6 Award-winning David Gray proved he deserves his reputation as one of the UK's premier singer-songwriters when he played a sell-out show at the Wolverhampton Civic on Tuesday. Gray, who shot to fame
Halesowen pub The Olde Queen's Head will celebrate its first anniversary this Saturday since music-loving landlord Chris Gormley took charge. Hendrix tribute act, Are You Experienced, will strut their stuff at the Birmingham Street pub. The Trevor Burton
STOURBRIDGE musician John Mono (aka John Ricketts) has released a Xmas single. The 48-year-old singer/songwriter from Amblecote, who is making a comeback after 26 years in the musical wilderness, has written and recorded It Dow Snow (at Christmas in the
MALVERN RFC improved their Midlands Two West position with their second successive win on Saturday, defeating fellow-strugglers Stoke by 25-0 at Spring Lane. Director of rugby David Robins was delighted with the overall performance, but unhappy about
MALVERN entertained fellow Midlands Two West strugglers Stoke and put on a display of power rugby that left the men from the Potteries gasping for breath by the end. MALVERN 25PTS, STOKE 0 After a fairly scrappy first quarter, Malvern started to dominate
AFTER Kevin Pietersen scored 158 runs in the last Ashes Test that secured the series for England, some people speculated that his total of 473 runs was the highest ever achieved by an England player in his debut Ashes series. But this honour actually
COLWALL Cricket Club's junior boys won a total of 11 awards at the Herefordshire Youth Cricket awards for the season. The roll of honour is as follows: U10: Best batter Joe Crichard; best bowler Stevie Wilson. U12: Best fielder Odge Davey. U13: Best batter
A lesser-known side of composer Sir Edward Elgar was divulged by Gazette columnist Ariel 100 years ago. It seems that at one time, the great man was known for flying "experimental kites". "Probably many Malvern residents remember seeing the kites flying
WHEN a little girl called Lucy steps through the door of a magic wardrobe into Narnia a series of adventures begin that have enchanted children for generations. The best-known of these stories The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has been made into a
Theatre December Until 9 - The Night Fever Party at the Festival Theatre, Malvern Theatres. 8pm. £10-£16. Box Office (01684) 892277. 16-Jan 3 - Peter Pan at the Festival Theatre, Malvern Theatres. £10-£18. Box Office (01684) 892277. 19 - Round the Horne
CHRISTMAS cheer will light up a Worcestershire street thanks to a generous woman who is making her home sparkle for charity. Carole Lorimer has lit up her home like a Christmas tree and is inviting in her friends, neighbours and anyone else passing by
A FANS' group chief be-lieves Worcester City boss Andy Preece could be the man to revitalise Kidderminster Harriers. Preece, whose contract at St George's Lane ends next summer, was linked with the Harriers hot-seat last Nov-ember before Stuart Watkiss
WITH severe winter weather forecast for the coming months, there's nothing more important than having a heating system you can rely on. And having heating you can rely on means having a heating engineer you can trust. At Hereford Gas Services, 12 fully
CHILDREN at Great Malvern Primary School are busy rehearsing music, poetry and dance for their carol concert. Around 170 children, aged nine-11, will perform carols such as Once in Royal David's City and O Come All Ye Faithful. The school choir will sing
Putley author Helen Arthur is organising an Army Benevolent Fund Christmas concert at Hereford Cathedral on Friday, December 16. The event, at 7.30pm, will include a performance by Ledbury Choral Society and the Cradley Singers. Special guests giving
CHILDREN'S drama group, the Drama Platform holds its Christmas show at Colwall Village Hall tomorrow (Saturday) at 7.30pm. Around 40 children will perform excerpts from plays including The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and A Christmas Carol. Tickets
Music chosen for Roy Massey's recital showed the expertise of this master technician and superlative artist very clearly, as he gave full vent to the restored Priory organ. As an opener, Boyce's Symphony in F was crisp, as nimble fingers expounded the
the youngsters of Neat Feet Dancing pulled out all the stops for a show called Nursery Magic. A performance on Saturday and two on Sunday managed to fill the theatre each time. Children ranged in age from three-and-half to teenagers, and dedication and
THERE are still a few tickets left for the English Symphony Orchestra's popular performance of Handel's Messiah at Malvern Priory later this month. The candle-lit concert has become a regular and much-loved fixture in the calendars of both the church
AN evening of Carols and Capers at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, on Wednesday (December 14) is a carol concert with a difference. Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band will perform traditional carols, secular Christmas music and medieval tunes and songs on
The new 3D version of the fantasy Christmas movie The Polar Express is a fabulous festive treat for all the family. Multi-talented megastar Tom Hanks plays four different characters in this delightful story about a young boy who doesn't believe in Santa
The latest British black comedy Keeping Mum, hit the big screen this week and was somewhat disappointing. Despite casting a string of big names, such as Patrick Swayze, Rowan Atkinson, Maggie Smith and Kristin Scott Thomas the plot was simply a let down
David Gray, Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Tuesday December 6 Award-winning David Gray proved he deserves his reputation as one of the UK's premier singer-songwriters when he played a sell-out show at the Wolverhampton Civic on Tuesday. Gray, who shot to fame
Halesowen pub The Olde Queen's Head will celebrate its first anniversary this Saturday since music-loving landlord Chris Gormley took charge. Hendrix tribute act, Are You Experienced, will strut their stuff at the Birmingham Street pub. The Trevor Burton
SIMPLY The Best social dances are holding their next event in Kingswinford on Saturday December 12. Sequence and ballroom dancing starts at 8pm and finishes at 11pm at Our Lady of Lourdes, Summerhill. Entry is £2.50, there will be tea and coffee will
WHEN a little girl called Lucy steps through the door of a magic wardrobe into Narnia a series of adventures begin that have enchanted children for generations. The best-known of these stories The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has been made into a
CLASSIC radio comedy from the 60s is brought to life on stage in the Round The Horne Revisited Christmas Special. This new show, direct from the West End, is based on scripts from the show. It comes complete with some of the show's memorable characters
Hand-carved puppets and original music and songs feature in Pinnochio, a show for children at Malvern Theatres. Performances are tomorrow (Saturday) at 11am and 2pm. The show is suitable for children aged from four-11 and tickets cost £6.
Thursday December 8 Don O' Lee - Pie Factory, Tipton Jam Night - The Moorings Tavern, Stourbridge Acoustic Open Mic - The Olde Queen's Head, Halesowen RnB Night - The Kingfisher Hotel, Kingswinford Country and Western Night - The Broadway, Norton Open
FOUR reindeer will be making their debuts at West Midland Safari Park when it launches its first Santa Safari event. Father Christmas will be joined by Rudolph, Blitzen, Donner and Dancer when he meets park visitors next month. Santa Safari will operate
CHILDHOOD obesity, sexually transmitted infections, alcoholism and lung disease are all on the rise, according to a new health report for South Worcestershire. The report, by the Director of Public Health, reflects the state of the population's health
WITH none of the three registered goalkeepers available and several players struggling with illness, Powick went out of the Worcester Saturday League Cup's Baylis Cup. MARTLEY SPURS 3, POWICK 1 The game was played in a scrappy manner and during an even
THE Villagers took on the Worcester Sunday League division three's bottom side in Dew Drop and were hoping for a good result off the back of several poor performances. DEW DROP INN 1, THE VILLAGERS 1 Phil Dyde and Phil Wild on the wings started from the
WEST Malvern's Phipps Cup tie at Bromsgrove Corinthians on Saturday was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. Tomorrow (Saturday), West Malvern were due to entertain Goodrest Sports but the fixture has been reversed and the match will now take place at
THE Football Association has awarded its prestigious charter standard to the Worcestershire Disability Football Club. The WDFC was formed in 2004 following an initiative by the County FA and Worcester City Football Club to extend the provision of football
MALVERN Town U16s visited Bredon Colts U16s for this top-of-the-table Mercian Festival Junior League fixture. BREDON COLTS U16s 1, MALVERN TOWN U16s 1 Both teams started the match brightly and within the first minute a Ricky Buckland free-kick hit the
Staunton and Corse CE School held its Christmas fayre, which helped fundraise for an adventure area. As well as the assembly hall, there were classrooms bright with stalls and Father Christmas was present. As always, the children had been busy leading
THE Christmas bridge drive held in the hall on Saturday raised £600 for St Michael's Hospice. The event was attended by nearly 100 people and was considered a great success by everyone involved. The event was organised by Betty Houlbrooke, through the
It will be a case of 'jingle bells' with a vengeance at lunchtime tomorrow (Saturday) when around 80 morris dancers from a wide area will converge on the Brewers' Arms for their annual meet! This will be the first of a growing number of festive season
CHILDREN'S drama group, the Drama Platform holds its Christmas show at Colwall Village Hall tomorrow (Saturday) at 7.30pm. Around 40 children will perform excerpts from plays including The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and A Christmas Carol. Tickets
JANE Lush Drama School presents Christmas Cracker at Holy Trinity Church hall, Link Top, on Friday, December 16, at 5.45pm. It includes memories of childhood Christmases in the West Country, new and unusual ways of Christmas shopping and a Dr Who special
A WOMAN leaped from the first-floor window of an Upton hotel because she feared she was going to die. Fay Pester was being held captive at the Swan Hotel and tortured by former partner Francis Grybowicz. She had agreed to meet him while he was on the
AN Upton cleric will be made an honorary canon of Worcester Cathedral tomorrow (Saturday). Rev Jane Fraser, assistant priest at Upton Parish Church, will be installed by the Bishop of Worcester during the evensong service. A freelance trainer and consultant
Cromwells Chocolates in Upton is raffling a chocolate teddy bear that stands over a foot tall. Tickets costing £1 can be bought from the shop at its new home in High Street. Owner Sue Hannah is raffling the bear, worth £60, to raise money for the Noah's
AN evening of Christmas celebration takes place on Thursday (December 15), at The Grange, Roberts End, Hanley Swan. It will feature carols and readings. Tickets are £7.50, including wine and seasonal fare, from Carol Hutchings on 01684 310920, Nina Thomas
HE'S escaped and had a fight with another contestant but a former Chase pupil is favourite to win a Polish version of television show Big Brother. Tom Amos, aged 28, has become a national celebrity in Poland after reaching the final week of Bar Europa
A MALVERN pub owner has made a firm offer to buy the Hawthorn Inn at Upper Welland. The closure of the pub this summer caused concern among locals, who feared the village would lose an amenity. Duncan Ironmonger, who already owns the Nag's Head, Malvern
I read with interest the letter from David Marsden (Your Letters, November 25) about the proposed link road between the A449 at Newland and the Leigh Sinton Road. I feel I need to enlighten Mr Marsden on some issues, especially regarding Upper and Lower
INQUESTS were being held in London this week into the deaths of Malvern's John and Annie Hofton, who were killed in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. Mrs Hofton, who owned Tizzies boutique, was holidaying with her husband in Khao Lak, Thailand, when the giant
RESIDENTS in Priory Road, Malvern, woke on Saturday to find they had no water after vandals damaged pipes exposed during maintenance work. When Balfour Beattie contractors left the site outside The Splash the previous evening, they secured it with barriers
A GUITAR signed by rock legend Robert Plant will be auctioned at a charity ball. The event at Malvern Girls' College on Tuesday, December 20, is sold out, but anyone who wants to get their hands on the guitar can bid by post in advance. Organiser Anna
A 34-year-old man denied raping a 15-year-old girl in a field when he appeared before a judge at Worcester Crown Court. Robert Stinton, of Elgar Avenue, Malvern, was remanded in custody by Judge John Cavell. The offence allegedly took place on September
A PAINTING of hop-pickers in Malvern will go under the hammer at Sotheby's in London next week. The picture was painted by Dame Laura Knight, one of Britain's most outstanding female artists. The oil-painting, entitled The Hop-Pickers, Malvern, could
A NEW Christmas event at Eastnor Castle was the victim of its own success. Castle manager Simon Foster has apologised to those who attended Christmas in Eastnor on Sunday, December 4. The event was advertised as "a great family day out" featuring a range
TRIBUTES have been paid to a Malvern priest who was still serving the church weeks before his death. The Rev. Basil Richards, 87, died in Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Saturday after short illness. Honorary priest at Christ Church and St Mary's from
MATT Powell has been given the nod for the first part of Worcester's European Challenge Cup double-header with Irish side Connacht. The scrum-half has been named in the starting line-up ahead of Andy Gomarsall for tomorrow's Sixways showdown (2pm), which
CHRISTMAS is supposed to be the season of peace and goodwill, but so much can go wrong, says Suckley author Mike Jackson, who has just published Bad Christmas. Subtitled "Funny stories about terrible Christmases", the book was inspired when Mr Jackson's
A FANS' group chief be-lieves Worcester City boss Andy Preece could be the man to revitalise Kidderminster Harriers. Preece, whose contract at St George's Lane ends next summer, was linked with the Harriers hot-seat last Nov-ember before Stuart Watkiss
A Leigh Sinton man was presented with a CBE by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. Dr David Collins, principal at South Cheshire College, received the honour yesterday (Thursday) for services to further education. Speaking earlier this week, he said
NICK Colley admits it would be 'criminal' for Worcester City to let heads drop and suffer an FA Cup hangover. City's flying winger is looking for a positive reaction from his own team-mates following last weekend's heart-breaking cup exit to Huddersfield
ONE of the best-known Malvern rock bands of the 1970s got back together for a one-off gig. Reunited for the first time since 1974, the Pewke Band played to a packed house at the Lamb Inn, West Malvern, last Friday (December 2). The band, Paul White (guitar
GRAHAM Turner has ordered his under-fire Hereford United players to show their strength of character against York City tomorrow. The Bulls squad were hauled in for Sunday training and given stern words from director of football Turner following last Saturday's
THE Worcestershire Golf Club held its trophy presentation evening at the clubhouse to honour the golfers who had won the season's medals and competitions. The club champion (gross) was 19-year-old Jamie Dunster who also won the Schweppes Trophy in the
AFTER winning the district tournament last month, The Chase Year 9 netball team went through to the county tournament at South Bromsgrove High School on Saturday. Having had a tough group to contend with, they came through triumphant to qualify for the
COLWALL WHC maintained their position at the top on Severn Division One with 6-0 win against Cheltenham Civil Service at Dean Close, Cheltenham on Saturday. CHELTENHAM CS 0, COLWALL WHC 6 Cheltenham CS almost went ahead in the opening minutes of the game
HOCKEY girls from The Downs School (Colwall) were crowned U13 champions at the county championships held at Leominster last weekend. After an afternoon of very competitive hockey against 12 of the region's top sides, The Downs won a very tightly contested
SATURDAY FOOTBALL THE TRAVEL FACTORY MIDLAND FOOTBALL ALLIANCE Malvern Town v Alvechurch (3.00). WEST MIDLANDS LEAGUE Premier Division: Ledbury Town v Great Wyrley; Bromyard Town v Tividale. Division One: Malvern Rangers v Sporting Khalsa (1.45); Wolverhampton
MALVERN RFC Saturday, December 10 1st XV v Hinckley (Away). Meet bus Spring Lane 11am, Ketch Inn 11.30am. T Shirts. No 1 dress code. Maroon warm-up tops, maroon shorts and socks. X Han, D Irish (capt), S Lancett, V Hill, C Smith, A Ruddock, S Clark, P
THE haunting sounds of Gregorian chant will be heard at the Ascension Church, Somers Park Avenue, Malvern, at 5.30pm tomorrow( Saturday) when Musica in Ecclesia perform. There will be a retiring collection.
ABBA tribute band Bjorn Again performs at The Forum, Malvern Theatres on Tuesday (December 13) at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15 and £17.
LOCAL musical talent will be showcased at a Christmas concert at St James' Church, Welland, this weekend. The Christmas Musical Extravaganza Concert on Sunday (December 11) will feature young people from the village and will include singing, violin solos
AN evening of Carols and Capers at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, on Wednesday (December 14) is a carol concert with a difference. Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band will perform traditional carols, secular Christmas music and medieval tunes and songs on
The new 3D version of the fantasy Christmas movie The Polar Express is a fabulous festive treat for all the family. Multi-talented megastar Tom Hanks plays four different characters in this delightful story about a young boy who doesn't believe in Santa
The latest British black comedy Keeping Mum, hit the big screen this week and was somewhat disappointing. Despite casting a string of big names, such as Patrick Swayze, Rowan Atkinson, Maggie Smith and Kristin Scott Thomas the plot was simply a let down
MARTIN O'Connor is concentrating on tomorrow's daunting trip to Conference leaders Accrington Stanley rather than his own future at Kidderminster Harriers. The caretaker-boss is filling in after Stuart Watkiss was sacked by the club's board on Wednesday
A FANS' group chief be-lieves Worcester City boss Andy Preece could be the man to revitalise Kidderminster Harriers. Preece, whose contract at St George's Lane ends next summer, was linked with the Harriers hot-seat last Nov-ember before Stuart Watkiss
SIMPLY The Best social dances are holding their next event in Kingswinford on Saturday December 12. Sequence and ballroom dancing starts at 8pm and finishes at 11pm at Our Lady of Lourdes, Summerhill. Entry is £2.50, there will be tea and coffee will
HOW could anyone ignore a band that hails from Stourbridge and claims to sound like, look like and drink like The Faces? Top tribute The Facez are set to rock their hometown on Saturday December 10 with a gig at the Rock Caf 2000, Mill Race Lane. Covering
MALVERN Town Reserves played host to West Midlands division one table-topping Walsall Wood on a wet Saturday afternoon and pulled-off a creditable win. MALVERN TOWN RES 3, WALSALL WOOD 2 The Reserves were bolstered by six first team players, who were
100 years ago A dog well known in the vicinity of Link Top created considerable diversion the other morning by the attentions it paid to a donkey harmlessly grazing on the Common. The dog evidently thought the donkey was one of his own race and after
CLASSIC radio comedy from the 60s is brought to life on stage in the Round The Horne Revisited Christmas Special. This new show, direct from the West End, is based on scripts from the show. It comes complete with some of the show's memorable characters
Hand-carved puppets and original music and songs feature in Pinnochio, a show for children at Malvern Theatres. Performances are tomorrow (Saturday) at 11am and 2pm. The show is suitable for children aged from four-11 and tickets cost £6.
Thursday December 8 Don O' Lee - Pie Factory, Tipton Jam Night - The Moorings Tavern, Stourbridge Acoustic Open Mic - The Olde Queen's Head, Halesowen RnB Night - The Kingfisher Hotel, Kingswinford Country and Western Night - The Broadway, Norton Open
ONE of the most celebrated writers in history, a genius with a unique insight into human nature and an ability to turn it into epic poetic stories which changed the face of English literature and still capture the imagination. Not, of course the RSC's
MALVERN U17 Pirates ended the autumn league campaign with a comprehensive 55-3 win against Old Yardleians at Spring Lane on Sunday. MALVERN U17 PIRATES 55PTS, OLD YARDLEIANS 3PTS The Pirates' fourth half-century victory of the season was not enough to
FOUR reindeer will be making their debuts at West Midland Safari Park when it launches its first Santa Safari event. Father Christmas will be joined by Rudolph, Blitzen, Donner and Dancer when he meets park visitors next month. Santa Safari will operate
NICK Colley admits it would be 'criminal' for Worcester City to let heads drop and suffer an FA Cup hangover. City's flying winger is looking for a positive reaction from his own team-mates following last weekend's heart-breaking cup exit to Huddersfield
MALVERN Town cruised through to the semi-finals of the Worcestershire FA Senior Urn with a comfortable victory at Lye Town on Wednesday. LYE TOWN 1, MALVERN TOWN 4 Without the services of captain Darren Bullock, Lee Tompkins and leading goalscorer Mark
JANE Lush Drama School presents Christmas Cracker at Holy Trinity Church hall, Link Top, on Friday, December 16, at 5.45pm. It includes memories of childhood Christmases in the West Country, new and unusual ways of Christmas shopping and a Dr Who special
STOURBRIDGE Theatre Company's magical dramatisation of The Snow Queen was a festive treat for all the family. Based on Hans Christian Anderson's fairytale, the play tells the tale of little Gerda's search for her friend Kai - who is bewitched and imprisoned
THE haunting sounds of Gregorian chant will be heard at the Ascension Church, Somers Park Avenue, Malvern, at 5.30pm tomorrow( Saturday) when Musica in Ecclesia perform. There will be a retiring collection.
ABBA tribute band Bjorn Again performs at The Forum, Malvern Theatres on Tuesday (December 13) at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15 and £17.
MALVERN choir Vital Spark will perform a Christmas concert at Holy Trinity Church, Bosbury, on Sunday at 6.30pm. The West Gallery musicians will perform a selection of Victorian carols and other contemporary Christmas music. Tickets are £6, children £3
LOCAL musical talent will be showcased at a Christmas concert at St James' Church, Welland, this weekend. The Christmas Musical Extravaganza Concert on Sunday (December 11) will feature young people from the village and will include singing, violin solos
Tickets are still available for a performance of Britten's Ceremony of Carols by St James's School Choir at Malvern Priory tomorrow (Saturday). The concert, which also includes the Elgar Chorale, begins at 7.30pm and tickets are £10 (concessions £8) and
HOW could anyone ignore a band that hails from Stourbridge and claims to sound like, look like and drink like The Faces? Top tribute The Facez are set to rock their hometown on Saturday December 10 with a gig at the Rock Caf 2000, Mill Race Lane. Covering
STOURBRIDGE musician John Mono (aka John Ricketts) has released a Xmas single. The 48-year-old singer/songwriter from Amblecote, who is making a comeback after 26 years in the musical wilderness, has written and recorded It Dow Snow (at Christmas in the
ONE of the most celebrated writers in history, a genius with a unique insight into human nature and an ability to turn it into epic poetic stories which changed the face of English literature and still capture the imagination. Not, of course the RSC's
Theatre December Until 9 - The Night Fever Party at the Festival Theatre, Malvern Theatres. 8pm. £10-£16. Box Office (01684) 892277. 16-Jan 3 - Peter Pan at the Festival Theatre, Malvern Theatres. £10-£18. Box Office (01684) 892277. 19 - Round the Horne
