A DECLINE in use and increasing costs has put the future of the Pershore and District Community Minibus in the balance after more than 30 years of service to residents, clubs, associations and sports and youth groups. At a special meeting on Wednesday
ARSONISTS are believed to be behind a fire at a former Kidderminster sports club in Walter Nash Road. Firefighters were called out to the blaze at the Oldington sports ground clubhouse, off Walter Nash Road, which used to be owned by carpet manufacturer
TWO Wyre Forest parishioners have returned from a trip to some of the remotest parts of India where they saw their church's fund-raising efforts in action. Liz Durnell and Niki Davies travelled to the tribal villages of Garo Hills, in the north-east of
A BEWDLEY town councillor wants the council to transfer two parking spaces used by members to disabled visitors. The spaces are in Load Street car park and available for town councillors to use while on council business, as well as the town clerk and
THE Drakelow Tunnels, which are currently at the centre of a controversial planning application, would have been used as a Government command post in the event of a Cold War nuclear attack. Years of mystery and endless tales have led many to ponder what
DEBATING SOCIETY: The Church Rooms was the venue for the annual debate at Chipping Campden School on Saturday. The subject was 'this house believes that embryonic stem cell research offers opportunities that must not be missed'. Lois Stamps and Charlotte
THE following garden will be open for charity under the National Gardens Scheme: SATURDAY: The Greyfriars, Friar Street, Worcester, from 1pm to 4pm, light refreshments and teas.
ART SOCIETY: At the January meeting members and guests enjoyed an evening with Robert Churchill who painted a portrait of his wife using the unusual technique and media mix of watercolour and charcoal. The next meeting on February 15 is the AGM and social
FRIDAY: 7.45pm, Mayor and Consort to attend theatre production by Red, Green and Blue Light Companies at Evesham Art Centre. SATURDAY: 7pm, Mayor and Consort to attend a Cotswold District Council Civic Valentine Dinner/Dance at the Officers Mess, The
GARDENERS need to defend their herb beds as the onward march of the rosemary leaf beetle continues. This herb-munching menace created a record number of inquiries to the Royal Horticultural Society advisory service in 2005 and has shot up the ranks of
ALCESTER: Lloyds Pharmacy, 51-53 High Street, except Weds and Sats, until 6.30pm. 01789 400122. Hopkins Pharmacy, 4 Hopkins Precinct, Mon-Fri to 6.30pm. 01789 762634. No rota Sunday and public holidays. BIDFORD: Colin Harris, Bidford Pharmacy, 17 High
FLORAL ART SOCIETY: The society held its AGM on January 25, which most members attended. After the speeches and discussion of the accounts, the yearly awards for floral art were made to those members gaining most paints in the competitions during 2005
Shipston Arts & Crafts Society began 2006 with a social evening with supper and a quiz on Tuesday, January 17. We were delighted that our president, James Butler RA, and Mrs Butler joined us for the evening. The general knowledge quiz of 40 questions
ROUNDABOUT requires double and single duvets, single sheets, double blankets, hand and bath towels and saucepans. To donate items please contact Roundabout on 01386 833030. The Volunteer Centre is holding a jumble sale on Saturday, March 11 at Badsey
FEATHERED friends flocked to a middle school in Stourport this week as part of their medieval celebrations. Windmill CofE Middle School students enjoyed a visit from John Akerman, of the Falconry Centre, Hagley on Monday. Harris hawks, kestrels, owls
STAFF and toddlers at a popular village playgroup are celebrating after it was saved from possible closure. Hartlebury Pre-School Playgroup, which was set up in 1968, had been faced with the prospect of being homeless in September. It has used a classroom
MOUTHPIECE Theatre Company is bringing With A Little Bit O' Luck, a show tracing the career of Stanley Holloway, arguably one of Britain's greatest stars, to Worcester. The first half, running for just one hour, deals with his early career and features
PERSHORE Town boss Andy Robbins was fuming after his side gave away a last-gasp goal to lose 2-1 at home to Massey Ferguson. In fact Robbins had already delivered a rocket to his players at half-time in their Midland Combination Premier Division match
DAN Hodgkins was again the main man in front of goal as Ilmington Revolution recorded an 8-1 victory over Alcester Lions. Hodgkins netted four times in Saturday's Stratford Alliance Aquaid Division One clash and he was joined on the scoresheet by Ben
KIDDERMINSTER firsts will be hoping for a derby day boost when they face local rivals and bottom club Old Halesonians on Saturday after a worrying run of results. Their 5-1 thrashing at Sikh Union Coventry last weekend made it three defeats in a row for
WYRE FOREST Swimming Club hosted the first round of the PGL League, with seven youngsters who had never taken part in a gala before. Indeed, six of these have only been club members for two months. They achieved 60 personal best times. Ross Diddy League
KIDDERMINSTER Chess Club B team began this year's Worcestershire League Knockout Tournament with a 3-2 win at Redditch. The contest was the brainchild of Longbridge's Laurence Wheatley, and in its inaugural season, 2004-5, Kidderminster A were runners-up
WOOD Colliers tightened their grip on the Bewdley Trivia League with a convincing 74-49 win over their nearest rivals, Red Man. Other results: Cock A 47, Black Boy Hotel 49; Harriers 37, Cock B 56; New Inn 53, George 67. Stourport league leaders, Rose
100 Years Ago February10, 1906 Kindly allow me to draw attention to the responsi-bilities incurred by cottagers and others in permitting their poultry to stray on the highways. On Sunday last I was thrown from my motorcycle by a large buff cock fowl at
THE Harkaway Club's annual point-to-point meeting will be held at Chaddesley Corbett on Saturday. Most of the 190 point-to-point race meetings held around the country are run by hunts, and every horse competing follows its local hunt. Along with the thrill
WYRE Forest Cycling Racing Club's Elliot Dinsdale and Dan Harding rode superbly in the penultimate round of the West Midlands Cyclo Cross League at Rugeley. The race incorporated the British Universities National Champio-nships , and Harding put in a
FIREFIGHTERS from Kidderminster put out a small fire on open ground in Birchen Coppice. The cause of the fire was unknown.
WYRE Forest's MP has likened the Government's decision to continue with controversial police merger plans to the stance it took over the downgrading of services at Kidderminster Hospital. Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, has outlined proposals to merge
Wednesday Open, Cuckoo: David Wigzell 16-4 (17), Alan Esbury 13-8 (12), Brian Emms 5-15 (14). Saturday Open, Heron: Gary Baker 29-2 (14), Terry Ottley 9-4 (18), John Jeff 7-7 (6). Sunday Open, Kingfisher: Harry Taylor 35-4 (46), Keith Perrin 15-2 (48)
A PROPOSAL to turn a former Kidderminster nightclub into an affordable housing complex has got the green light. Wyre Forest District Council's planning committee met on Tuesday night to discuss the application from South Court Housing Trust to turn the
Canal, bridges 19-20: 1 R Marks, 2 L Eades, 3 R Taylor and M Wilson. The next contest will be on the Hazelhurst Pool on February 12, the draw to be made at 7.30am.
STOURPORT manager Roy Rencher believes a shock success over Southern League division one west leaders Clevedon Town on Saturday could act as a springboard in Swifts' survival scrap. Rencher was encouraged by his side's last gasp 1-0 victory over Cinderford
A DOCTOR'S bags containing drugs and medical equipment have been stolen from a parked car in Kidderminster. Police are appealing for information following the theft, which took place in Whitehill Road, overnight on Sunday. The two black leather bags,
Canal, Caunsall: J Brooks 3-8-0, P Burbridge 3-0, J Bartlett 1-15. A contest will be held on Sunday, March 12 on the river, BAA waters at Hallow, 3-5.
STAFF at Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre are celebrating a successful start to its 20th anniversary year. The centre has received confirmation of an industry quality award and been awarded a score that puts it in the top one per cent of all leisure
BEWDLEY Town boss Craig Payton is backing his players to prolong their unbeaten run when they travel to Wyrley Rangers - the last team to defeat them - this weekend. Town extended their successful sequence to 11 games without loss with a five-star show
AN application to erect a 12.5 m telecommunications mast in Kidderminster has been turned down. Applicant, 02 (UK) Ltd, had proposed to site the mast, with three antennae, on land at the corner of Habberley Lane and Habberley Road. Wyre Forest District
CHADDESLEY Corbett goal machine Liam Binner took his tally to six in six games - but it was fellow scorer Stephen Meredith who earned the plaudits in the 3-2 win over Mahal. Corbett continued their steady rise up the West Midlands League Division Two
Ockeridge Lakes: C Royce 11-4, B Yapp 10-6, R Babb 9-12. Sion Farm Fisheries is the venue for the match on February 19. Anglers should meet at Dog Lane car park at 8am or the bus stop on Worcester Road at 8.05am.
A TRAIN users' watchdog group has named Chiltern Railways as the train company with the most passenger-friendly fares - but is campaigning for service improvement. The Stourbridge Line Users Group, which represents commuters on the line between Worcester
WYCHAVON District council announced plans this week to inject hundreds of thousands of pounds into many of the area's vital facilities and freeze the council tax increase at 2.5 per cent for the seventh consecutive year. Cash has been earmarked under
Winter League final round, River Stour: A Homer 11-3, D Cook 9-3, M Fletcher 7-7. Derek Aston was the winner of the final round.
THE Angling Festival which attracts thousands of people to Evesham over the August Bank Holiday is going to be bigger and better than ever this year. The usual three-day event based on the Crown Meadow is to be extended to eight days and will include
DANNY Leach's four goals led Mostyn Rangers Reserves to a 6-1 victory over Wribbenhall Social in a Kidderminster and District Football League Sunday Division Six Wyre Forest derby. This puts Mostyn into third place. Up into fourth place are Three Crowns
RETIRED Evesham GP Dr John Batholomew has died aged 83. Dr Batholomew, who had been in failing health for some years, passed away at Willowbank Residential Home, Pershore, on January 27. Born in 1922, Dr Bartholomew was educated at St Chad's School and
THE Carrington brothers were among the goals in a high-scoring Ocean Designs victory over Cripplers in the Kidderminster Six-a-side League. Joe Carrington netted six, Ryan Carrington three, and other hat-tricks were added by Dan Bentley and Ben Pearsall
NEW girl Natasha Cwietkow's goal was not enough to prevent Ferndale under-10s losing 2-1 to Bournville Warriors in the Mercian Football League. The under-12s put in a five-star display to march past Droitwich into a cup final clash with Pershore. A Lucy
AN Evesham man is threatening to take Wychavon District Council to court - for not supplying enough bin bags. John Heppenstall, of Eastside, North Littleton, is annoyed at the council for only supplying two black sacks each week. Mr Heppenstall said:
ALLAN Shields steps up to convert the high-pressure penalty which has put Cleobury Mortimer Rugby Club just 80 minutes away from a dream Powergen Junior Vase final date at Twickenham. Shields kept his nerve to land the crucial extra-time kick, sealing
A YOUNG man who failed his A-levels and never attended university is flying high as a student of enterprise. Chris Mole is working with Richard Austin, the man who built Evesham Technology into a £100 million turnover company, and is excelling as a product
LOVE Lane wasn't the only place where fingernails were being gnawed down to the quicks on Saturday - hundreds of miles away there was one man and 30 children also on tenterhooks! Cleobury Mortimer Rugby Club chairman Roy Powell, who works as a PE teacher
KIDDERMINSTER Carolians put their league troubles behind them to march into the next round of the North Mids Cup with a 17-7 victory over Shrewsbury. The Marlpool Lane men put the previous weekend's Midlands Three West North defeat to Wednesbury behind
STOURPORT face a title showdown with Chaddesley Corbett on Saturday after their rivals gave them a let-off in the North Mids South Two championship race. Chaddesley hoped to close the gap on the leaders last weekend but lost their game in hand 13-3 to
SPORTING enthusiasts from across the district were recognised at Wychavon's annual Sports Development Recognition Awards for 2005. For helping 30 academy players reach semi-professional status and for winning the College County Championship, Geoff Samuels
AFTER coming out on top in the Year Six district football tournament, the girls of Simon de Montfort Middle School grabbed more glory at the county event. Their double dose of success means the team will now represent Worcestershire in the regional championships
ANYONE with treasures tucked away in the attic has a golden opportunity to find out how much they are worth this month - and help Operation Covert at the same time. The Ramada Hotel and Resort in Bewdley is holding a Grand Antiques and Collectables Roadshow
POLICE are clamping down on nuisance commuters who park in a narrow Comberton street to avoid paying the £2.50 parking charge at the town railway station. Residents have complained for months about parking problems in Farfield and to try and combat the
Burlish Olympic Ladies 6, Evesham United Ladies 1 EVESHAM got off to a great start at bogey side Burlish on Sunday as they opened the scoring inside the first five minutes. A long free kick taken by Charlene McLoughlin picked out Sam Perry who raced past
DAN Hodgkins was again the main man in front of goal as Ilmington Revolution recorded an 8-1 victory over Alcester Lions. Hodgkins netted four times in Saturday's Stratford Alliance Aquaid Division One clash and he was joined on the scoresheet by Ben
A MAN who molested a schoolgirl with the aid of fake breasts has been jailed for 12 months. Keith Tolley, 59, of York Road, Bark Hill, Bewdley, was convicted by a jury of three counts of sexual assault and two of causing a child to engage in sexual activity
Bretforton 3, East Glos 1 BRET got off to an excellent start in this match at Prince Henry's High School with a slight change in the midfield formation making all the difference. Midfielder Lisa Workman was back to full fitness and worked well with Deb
STEALING mobile phones now accounts for the majority of thefts from individuals in the Wyre Forest area. Police have seen an increase in the number of thefts of mobiles in the past two years and owners are being advised to keep their phones within view
A CLASH of cultures among proud soldiers is the dramatic centre-piece of Tunes of Glory, opening in Malvern on Tuesday. Set in a snowy highland regiment barracks in the 1950s, the acting Colonel is Major Jock Sinclair, a wild, charismatic drunk and hero
ARTHUR Miller's intense drama The Crucible comes to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on Thursday and director Dominic Cooke sees parallels between the period in which it was written and the present day. Miller's play is an indictment of the paranoia which
BROADWAY's first supermarket, which opened its doors to the public last week, has been given a cautious welcome from the local Traders' Association. "I feel very strongly that there is room for everyone," wrote Dottie Friedli in the January issue of the
THE Lifford Hall plays host to the Gordon Russell Trustees who are giving a presentation on the future activities and objectives for the Gordon Russell Heritage Centre, on Tuesday, February 14 starting at 7pm. The original workshop is to be converted
CANADIAN humorist Nils Ling is the first star of the Shindig tour to grace the stage at the Number 8 Arts Centre, Pershore. The tour is a programme of live professional arts and entertainment including theatre, dance, music and opera and will be touring
TO most of us, the countryside is a very important asset. In addition to its economic value, the countryside offers us a wonderful amenity to relax in. Here in Wyre Forest district, we can easily forget just how lucky we are having such large amounts
WITH the new lambing season under way, shock evidence has emerged that a killer disease is rife among sheep flocks. The disease is coccidiosis which can increase lamb mortality by up to 10 per cent, reduce growth rate by 38 per cent and adversely affect
FOLLOWING the Government's defeat on the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill last week, the whips have been hyperactive. The Health Committee, as a part of its inquiry into NHS charges, visited Cardiff yesterday to learn about the attempts in Wales to abolish
LAST week I met Jane Kennedy, MP, Minister of State in the Department of Health with other MPs to impress upon her the need for NHS approval for the drugs for Alzheimer's Disease. The decision of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
I TOOK part in a debate on flood prevention on the River Severn last week and it gave me an opportunity to thank the Government for what has been done to protect parts of Bewdley and Kidderminster from flooding. It made a change after my criticisms of
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
WHERE has all the seasonal influenza vaccine gone to? That is the source of controversy between the Government and opposition at the moment. Unfortunately, as usual when there is an argument about numbers, the result is inconclusive as both sides use
THE backbench Labour rebellion on the Terrorism Bill has shown the Government that it cannot always get its own way with a majority of only 66. The first defeat was on a procedural ploy over a Government amendment to reduce the period of detention without
"YOU can only kick the Government so many times" were the words of an occasional Labour rebel MP to me as we walked to the division lobbies to vote on the Identity Cards Bill. This, to me, explained the fact that the Third Reading of the Bill was passed
GARDENING CLUB: Glyn Jones, head gardener of Hidcote Manor, gave a talk entitled The History of Hidcote Manor Gardens. This month's competition was for a photograph of a garden visit. First was Sue Reeves, second Lyn Newbury, third Archie Hancock and
Evesham U-14 36pts, Bournville 14 MINDFUL of the last meeting between these two teams which resulted in a slender two point victory for Evesham the pre-match brief was to be aggressive and committed from the off. With those words still ringing in their
A KIDDERMINSTER-based author is piecing together memories of a popular woman who was brutally murdered during the Second World War. American author, Elizabeth Ashley-Ruffin, of Waterside Grange, who lives with her English husband, Derek, believes she
WORCESTERSHIRE County Museum, based at Hartlebury Castle, has reopened for its 40th season. The tourist attraction welcomed back visitors on Wednesday, February 1 after its winter break and building work, which is expected to take 22 weeks, is due to
FINAL preparations are being made for a weekend of "spectacular" entertainment in Bewdley celebrating the history, location and culture of the town. The "Rediscover Bewdley" weekend will take place on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26 and has been
A KIDDERMINSTER singer-songwriter will be playing his first gig in his home town for five years on Sunday. Ian Passey, who records and performs, as The Humdrum Express, will entertain the audience at The Boar's Head Taphouse in Worcester Street. He said
I WAS horrified to hear of the plans to use the old Drakelow Tunnels as a retraining establishment for young offenders. I believe from the information available that there will be facilities for sex offenders, drug rehabilitation and young offenders in
I WOULD like to publicly thank three very spirited girls and a young man who came to my aid on Saturday evening, January 21. It followed an incident in Tesco's car park in Kidderminster when a youth opened my car door as I was about to drive away after
Bredon Buzzards U-16 55, Birmingham and Solihull 0 BIRMINGHAM and Solihull visited Bredon on Sunday for the quarter-final of the Under 16s North Midlands Plate competition. Bredon dominated from the start, camping in the Lions half of the pitch and were
POLICE plan to issue an artist's impression of a man they want to interview in connection with a distraction burglary in Bidford. A man claiming to be from Severn Trent water pushed his way into the home of an elderly couple in Victoria Road telling them
KIDDERMINSTER'S new "Jake of all trades" looks set to be utilised in his preferred position of central midfield against Gravesend on Satu-rday with Russ Penn suspended. Jake Sedgemore made his debut at right back in the 0-0 draw at high-flying Halifax
Next match - Saturday February 11, Harriers v Gravesend, kick-off 3pm, Aggborough (Conference). Top scorer: 14 Christie, 5 Atieno, 3 Hatswell, Jackson, Sheldon, 2 Blackwood, Heslop, Mullins, 1 Fleming, Harkness, Russell, Thompson. Sent off: 1 Burgess,
THE health of Tenbury Wells residents is set to receive a significant boost should an action plan to improve well-being across the Teme Valley get the go-ahead. The town could also play a key role in enhancing health across the Malvern Hills District
STOURPORT'S annual search to find its carnival queen has already begun after organisers reported a flood of early interest. A princess and rosebud for the event, on Saturday, September 2, are also being sought. This year's queen (aged 16 to 25) will receive
PEOPLE in Stourport are being asked to share their memories of the canal basins and bring their history to life. Residents have been invited to an open day on Sunday, March 5, where they can bring in old photographs of the site to help with the multi-million
FRUSTRATED Stourport residents, at the end of their tether over vandalism and fighting, have backed a proposal to introduce CCTV cameras in the town. Roy Cookson, who manages a shop in Bridge Street, said over the past year he had counted at least 42
Bretforton 3, East Glos 1 BRET got off to an excellent start in this match at Prince Henry's High School with a slight change in the midfield formation making all the difference. Midfielder Lisa Workman was back to full fitness and worked well with Deb
TONIGHT: Birmingham: Marriott Hotel - Lupa. Symphony Hall - CBSO Celebrate Mozart's 250th anniversary. MAC - Kadialy Kouyate. Worcester: Huntingdon Hall - A 60s night out. Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2 - YYZ. Little Civic - The Math and Pale. FRIDAY: Kidderminster
GREEN-FINGERED members of Kidderminster Horticultural Society also got their fingers sticky thanks to home-made jam which helped raise more than £150 for Operation Covert. A member of the society made the jam which, along with a whip round at a society
BUSINESSES Cadspec Duke William pub Exilco Hartbeat Fitness Training Horwath Clark Whitehill MJS IT Services Sainsbury's, Kidderminster Severn Water Products Topstitch Webb Tolley SCHOOLS Franche First Mayfield House Kindergarten Sutton Park First Wolverley
SUPERMARKET staff not only raised cash for Operation Covert but also answered the age old question: how many steps do seven Sainsbury's employees take during a days work on Christmas Eve? Fellow employees had to guess the amount, which finally came in
DISTRICT Conservatives have continued to show their support for our appeal. Following on from a recent £200 donation, Wyre Forest Conservative Association has pledged a further £246 to Operation Covert. The cash was collected at the association's annual
TRAVEL around the globe without leaving Pershore - that's the offer to local people from Worcestershire photographer Paul Beard. Paul, who recently set up a new online gallery call openingshot.com, is to stage an exhibition at Pershore Library to mark
MEMBERS of a Scottish country dancing club celebrated Hogmanay with a donation to Operation Covert. Wyre Forest Scottish Country Dance club pledged the money because of the effect Scouting had on members lives, said treasurer Gillian Wire. She said: "
A WHIP-ROUND at a meeting of Wyre Forest District Council brought in more than £70 for Operation Covert. Councillors dipped into their pockets at this month's meeting of the full council. A total of £73 was pledged to our campaign. The collection was
BIDFORD residents will have a new bobby on the beat to tackle the number of antisocial behaviour and nuisance issues in the village. PC Doug Johnson was appointed the beat officer's job last month and takes over the role from Pete Gately who has retired
PIONEERS are tackling the growing waste mountain in Warwickshire with innovations that could see household rubbish turned into electricity for the county. Dumping thousands of tonnes of rubbish in landfill is no longer an option for the county and therefore
BUSINESSES Cadspec Duke William pub Exilco Horwath Clark Whitehill Severn Water Products Topstitch Webb Tolley MJS IT Services Hartbeat Fitness Training SCHOOLS Franche First Mayfield House Kindergarten Sutton Park First Wolverley Sebright First ORGANISATIONS
AN Evesham furniture delivery man who cannot read or write has been awarded nearly £4,000 for unfair dismissal following a dispute over a £800 payment. Mr Michael Tomkins, aged 64, of St Matthew's Close, was awarded £3,701 against MES Discount Furniture
A BIDFORD man who hunts using his goshawk was thrilled to have the bird return back home after disappearing for days without a trace. Tom Archer, a keen pheasant hunter was reunited with his goshawk, Asbo after he went missing while chasing pheasants
A WOMAN who drowned in the River Avon in Bidford has been named by Warwickshire police. Mavis Janet Anderson, of Birmingham Road in Studley was pulled out of the River Avon in Bidford by police last Saturday. Police carried out a search using helicopters
EXCLUDED pupils brushed up their culinary skills by making cakes for a table top sale in aid of our appeal. Youngsters from the Pupil Referral, Unit in Bewdley Road, Kidderminster, baked more than 80 cakes for Saturday's sale, which raised £130. The sale
ONCE again Bewdley will be entering the Wyre Forest Town and Parish Games. These games are a series of events between parishes, taking place from March until June. Teams for dominoes and crib are needed. The team must live, or belong to a club, in Bewdley
THERE were nine full tables at a recent duplication competition, playing 27 boards in a Mitchell movement. North-south was won by a new partnership of Julian Taylor and Pat Smith, with 65 per cent. They were followed by Clive Clifton and Nigel Wilkins
SHOPPERS will be able to show their support for Operation Covert at the weekend as enterprising students take their products to the public. A trade fair will be held at Kidderminster College on Saturday morning featuring stalls manned by Wyre Forest students
DAVID and Ann Montague-Smith and Jackie Rose's evening of words and recorded music followed a short extraordinary meeting to determine subscriptions for the year 2006-7. The evening highlighted the pitfalls of growing old, including a poem by Pam Ayres
A PROFESSIONAL women's organisation has pledged more than £200 to help rebuild the "important facility" at Rhydd Covert for district youngsters, taking the total to £10,821. Kidderminster Soroptimists have donated £225 to our appeal. The contribution
THERE will be two rides on Sunday, leaving from The Green, Blakebrook, Kidderminster. The A ride, starting at 9am, will visit California, Ludlow. The B ride, which begins at 9.30am, will visit Pattingham, Albrighton. All cyclists will be welcome, and
BUSINESS Cadspec Duke William pub Exilco Horwath Clark Whitehill Severn Water Products Topstitch Webb Tolley MJS IT Services Hartbeat Fitness Training SCHOOLS Franche First Mayfield House Kindergarten Sutton Park First ORGANISATIONS Chaddesley Corbett
AT the annual meeting prizes were presented to competition winner by Avis Field. Joy Cook and Nat Parker were joint first, and the novice prize went to Kathy Page. Chairman Betty Bickerton presented the Chairman's Cup to Frances Bashford. Guest speaker
AT the recent meeting, Sue Merrill related stories "From One Pig to Another", about her life as a mounted policewoman, and a pig farmer after retirement. Six visitors from Stone were welcomed to the meeting. A letter of thanks had been received from the
AT the January 24 meeting, the Documentary Competition for the Evergreen Cup was held. The entries were: "December 7, 1941", by Mel Ward; "Bodenham Arboretum", by Bill Every; "Buildings and Factory, Redditch", by Roy Rowles; "A Mystery Solved", by Paul
ANOTHER business has come forward with a major donation for Operation Covert. Kidderminster firm MJS IT Services Ltd has pledged £350 to our appeal. Treasured memories of Rhydd Covert spurred the donation, said managing director, Matthew Simms. Echoing
ACTIVE pupils at Franche First School in Kidderminster raised £450 towards Operation Covert with a day of activities honouring the Scout movement's spirit of adventure. Children at the Chestnut Grove school made a contribution to the appeal by spending
A FITNESS instructor rallied his students to raise £240 with a raffle at a Christmas get together. Deane Hart threw a Christmas party for about 130 keep-fit fanatics who attend his classes at Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre. A total of £240 was raised
If you wish to make a donation to Operation Covert, you can: l Call in at the Shuttle/Times and News offices in Blackwell Street, Kidderminster, during normal business hours from 9am to 5pm. l Post donations to Operation Covert, c/o Oliver Evans, Shuttle
A TEENAGE DJ is to host a night of classic tunes in aid of Operation Covert. Richard Oakley, 16, will play music from the 60s to the 80s at the Coopers Arms in Canterbury Road, Kidderminster on Saturday. All proceeds from the event, which features food
ROTARIANS have pledged £1,000 to Operation Covert, the single biggest donation received by the appeal so far. Kidderminster Rotary Club members were thrilled to pledge the cash, said president, Mervyn Silcox. He said: "It is money well spent because of
SEVERN Water Products in Kidderminster is the latest company to pledge its support for Operation Covert. The Baldwin Road firm has donated £30 to our appeal. The family business, which specalises in filtration equipment and water audits, was pleased to
SPECIAL badges and stickers bearing the message "I'm Supporting Operation Covert" are on sale now. An attractive embroidered cloth badge and car sticker are available from the Shuttle/Times & News offices in Blackwell Street and through Wyre Forest
POLITICIANS have elected to back Operation Covert with cash donations towards the Shuttle/Times and News appeal. Wyre Forest MP, Dr Richard Taylor and district Conservatives have pledged cash towards Operation Covert, hailing the drive to rebuild the
A BONFIRE and firework display at a Rock pub raised more than £300 towards Operation Covert - and the money is still coming in. Raffle tickets proved popular at Friday's display at The Duke William in Callow Hill, said landlord Phil Lyndon. He said tickets
A BABY rhinoceros yet to be named goes on show to the public when West Midland Safari Park reopens to the public this weekend following its winter shutdown. The youngster, born in September to 12-year-old southern white rhino, Tootsie, weighed 120lbs
THE centre at Rhydd Covert is at the heart of the Scout movement in Wyre Forest, a movement that helps about 700 district young people develop crucial values of responsibility and citizenship. Scout groups have existed in Wyre Forest since 1909 - two
OUR appeal has cruised passed the £1,000 mark as more and more Shuttle/Times & News readers reach into their pockets to help Wyre Forest's Scouts. About £1,400 has been pledged to Operation Covert in the two weeks since the appeal was launched. Donations
THE Shuttle/Times and News's £80,000 appeal to rebuild a torched Bewdley Scout centre at Rhydd Covert campsite has gathered steam since its launch last week. BADGES to mark the launch of Operation Covert will go on sale next month, thanks to the generosity
AMANDA and Elyot, who divorced acrimoniously five years ago, have both now remarried. To their initial horror, they end up honeymooning in the same hotel. Now with calmer partners, the passion and excitement they both crave is still to be found in each
FOR more than half a century, Rhydd Covert has been a thriving base of youth activity and a spiritual home to generations of Wyre Forest youngsters. Situated next to West Midland Safari Park on Kidderminster Road just outside Bewdley, the Scout camp attracts
TODAY the Shuttle Times and News is appealing to readers to help us raise £80,000 to rebuild a Scout centre torched by vandals. We have teamed up with Kidderminster and District Scout Council to launch Operation Covert to replace a vital facility for
EVESHAM Rowing Club's Junior 14 boys were on record-breaking form again last Saturday at the Wycliffe Big Head of the River. The crew of Tom Noble, Ben Farrar, Jon Farrar and Jordan Bunyan, coxed by Rob Barnett, stormed down the 4,500-metre course in
Evesham and District Airgun League STANTON Club's proud unbeaten record was ended when closest rivals Lygon Arms prised out a three-shot success. Keith Harris and Carl Ambrose both scored 49 for the winners, while Bryn Evans managed the same score for
TWO sisters from Pershore High School have been selected for the Worcestershire County development swimming squad. Chloe (15) and 16-year-old Verity Naughton have been keen swimmers for many years and will take part in the six training sessions with the
BENGEWORTH Lions are the new leaders of Division Two, winning four matches in a row including an 8-2 win against their main rivals Wyre Barbedwyre. David Hudson Wood and Chris Pearce both won three games each for the Lions and Rachael Sellick won two.
A KIDDERMINSTER singer-songwriter will be playing his first gig in his home town for five years on Sunday. Ian Passey, who records and performs, as The Humdrum Express, will entertain the audience at The Boar's Head Taphouse in Worcester Street. He said
A KIDDERMINSTER singer says the new EP his band has been recording is even more successful than first anticipated. Members of The Amateurs - guitarist and vocalist, Matthew Colley, Andrew Fletcher on bass and drummer Marcus Jones - have been in the studio
To echo the letter in last week's Journal from Cllrs. Judy Pearce and David, McGrath, the NHS proposal to "collapse" the existing Primary Care Trust structure into larger, and thus less local and immediate, organisations is not welcomed. The South Worcestershire
I WOULD be grateful if you would pass on our thanks, via your letters page, to all those who generously donated money to the Volunteer Centre during our Tesco collection. Despite the freezing weather we raised £540 which will be used to fund the work
The U3A (University of the 3rd Age) is committed to real lifelong learning by groups of older people sharing their knowledge and experience. The topics covered by each group may be either of a recreational or more serious nature - or even just for fun
STEGGLES. Jack. Happy 18th Birthday. Lots of love Mum,Dad, Philip and Ysabel. Published in paper 09/02/2006
WARREN George Betty and Family would like to thank the District Nurses and Staff of Abbottswood Medical Centre, Helping Hands, Pershore Cottage Hospital and The Boynes Nursing Home for all their care and support during George's illness. Many thanks to
BURTON Ron Fond memories of my dear husband who passed away one year ago today. You are missed so much. Bridie. x ---------- Time passes but memories stay, Loved and missed everyday. Rest in peace dad. Ron and Mary. xx ---------- Sadly missed and always
BRIDGE Bill Loving memories of dear dad and grandad. February 9th, 1994. Still sadly missed. Maureen, Fred, Stephen and Jayne. Published in paper 09/02/2006
TAYLOR Rita Treasured memories of our dear mum and nan, who passed away two years today. Always in our hearts. God bless. John, Margie, Jane, Partners and Grandchildren. xxx Published in paper 09/02/2006
BRIDGE. William Bill. Wonderful memories of a loving father. Remembered by son Harry and wife Pam. Published in paper 09/02/2006
BRUTON Gwyneth Mary Passed away peacefully at The Boynes Nursing Home on February 6th, 2006. She will be greatly missed by all her Family and Friends. Funeral Service at Worcester Crematorium on Wednesday, February 15th at 2 p.m. No flowers please,
CASSELL Joan Passed peacefully away at home on February 6th, aged 78 years. Dearest wife of the late Tom and dear mother of Jean and Lynn. Mother in law to Mike and David. Funeral Service will take place at Worcester Crematorium on Tuesday, February 14th
DEBATING SOCIETY: The Church Rooms was the venue for the annual debate at Chipping Campden School on Saturday. The subject was 'this house believes that embryonic stem cell research offers opportunities that must not be missed'. Lois Stamps and Charlotte
DO you have a question about a disability issue? There is an advice service in Elmley Castle and Pershore that can help you find the answer? DIAL South Worcestershire will have a member of staff at Elmley Castle Village Hall Post Office on Tuesday from
THE following garden will be open for charity under the National Gardens Scheme: SATURDAY: The Greyfriars, Friar Street, Worcester, from 1pm to 4pm, light refreshments and teas.
FRIDAY: 7.45pm, Mayor and Consort to attend theatre production by Red, Green and Blue Light Companies at Evesham Art Centre. SATURDAY: 7pm, Mayor and Consort to attend a Cotswold District Council Civic Valentine Dinner/Dance at the Officers Mess, The
GARDENERS need to defend their herb beds as the onward march of the rosemary leaf beetle continues. This herb-munching menace created a record number of inquiries to the Royal Horticultural Society advisory service in 2005 and has shot up the ranks of
GARDEN CLUB: The garden club started the year when Frank Hardy gave a talk on the care and maintenance of lawns. Business included a proposal to buy the necessary bulbs for doing some infilling in the churchyard once the bare places have been identified
ALCESTER: Lloyds Pharmacy, 51-53 High Street, except Weds and Sats, until 6.30pm. 01789 400122. Hopkins Pharmacy, 4 Hopkins Precinct, Mon-Fri to 6.30pm. 01789 762634. No rota Sunday and public holidays. BIDFORD: Colin Harris, Bidford Pharmacy, 17 High
Shipston Arts & Crafts Society began 2006 with a social evening with supper and a quiz on Tuesday, January 17. We were delighted that our president, James Butler RA, and Mrs Butler joined us for the evening. The general knowledge quiz of 40 questions
VILLAGE FORUM: The January meeting was attended by 55 residents and county and district councillors Julie Girling, Sue Jepson and Lyndon Stowe. Also present was Mr Elcock, a county traffic engineer. Many matters were discussed including the proposed weight-restriction
FLOWER CLUB: The AGM was held at Broadwell Village Hall in January when the present committee were returned and two further members were elected. This was followed by Katherine Kear demonstrating the uses of oasis and containers plus several flower arrangements
MOUTHPIECE Theatre Company is bringing With A Little Bit O' Luck, a show tracing the career of Stanley Holloway, arguably one of Britain's greatest stars, to Worcester. The first half, running for just one hour, deals with his early career and features
LAST year's winner of the Elgar in Hereford Award, Neil Pigott, may not have been asked to open any supermarkets or to appear on Celebrity Big Brother. He has, however, spent his year productively. Having relinquished his long-standing role as leader
A CLASH of cultures among proud soldiers is the dramatic centre-piece of Tunes of Glory, opening in Malvern on Tuesday. Set in a snowy highland regiment barracks in the 1950s, the acting Colonel is Major Jock Sinclair, a wild, charismatic drunk and hero
ARTHUR Miller's intense drama The Crucible comes to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on Thursday and director Dominic Cooke sees parallels between the period in which it was written and the present day. Miller's play is an indictment of the paranoia which
THE new chief executive of Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre is Geoffrey Rowe, who took up his new appointment on Monday. He brings a wealth of experience from more than 20 years in theatre management including lengthy spells as administrator at the Crucible
CANADIAN humorist Nils Ling is the first star of the Shindig tour to grace the stage at the Number 8 Arts Centre, Pershore. The tour is a programme of live professional arts and entertainment including theatre, dance, music and opera and will be touring
THE announcement by the Agriculture Minister Lord Bach that full payments to farmers under the Single Payment Scheme would begin this month has been welcomed. Frances Beatty, director of the Country Land and Business Association West Midlands, said: "
WITH the new lambing season under way, shock evidence has emerged that a killer disease is rife among sheep flocks. The disease is coccidiosis which can increase lamb mortality by up to 10 per cent, reduce growth rate by 38 per cent and adversely affect
GOVERNMENT figures confirming that 2005 was the worst year for outbreaks of bovine TB in the South West reinforced the need for urgent action to tackle every aspect of the origination and spread of the disease, according to the NFU. Last year, there were
HOW many musicians can there be in an orchestra before they need a conductor? Of course, it depends on the musicians, and on the repertoire: time was, a dozen seemed the safe limit. At the Courtyard, the City of London Sinfonia proved 19 was no problem
FINAL preparations are being made for a weekend of "spectacular" entertainment in Bewdley celebrating the history, location and culture of the town. The "Rediscover Bewdley" weekend will take place on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26 and has been
TALKING Dialogue will be the topic of this month's Swan Playwrights' meeting at The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster on Saturday. The session - Now Let Us Talk - will be led by Colleen Downes and Anne Bucknall from 10am until 12.30pm. Swan Playwrights is a
YOUNG dancers from across the Midlands will be performing at the annual Wyre Forest Dance Festival, which kicks off on Sunday. The event, which runs until Friday, February 17, will be held at Stourport Civic Hall. Around 900 entrants will perform routines
A KIDDERMINSTER singer says the new EP his band has been recording is even more successful than first anticipated. Members of The Amateurs - guitarist and vocalist, Matthew Colley, Andrew Fletcher on bass and drummer Marcus Jones - have been in the studio
SEX and the City of Westminster is light-hearted entertainment with music, taking you on a revealing journey from Westminster Bridge to Soho. Find out where the famous and infamous have taken their various pleasures. The one-woman show, performed by actress
A KIDDERMINSTER singer says the new EP his band has been recording is even more successful than first anticipated. Members of The Amateurs - guitarist and vocalist, Matthew Colley, Andrew Fletcher on bass and drummer Marcus Jones - have been in the studio
To echo the letter in last week's Journal from Cllrs. Judy Pearce and David, McGrath, the NHS proposal to "collapse" the existing Primary Care Trust structure into larger, and thus less local and immediate, organisations is not welcomed. The South Worcestershire
Monday, January 30. Attended an Annual Town meeting in Melsungen - made a short speech as Mayor and enjoyed chatting with old & new friends. Tuesday, January 31. Visited friends in Melsungen. In the evening joined a party at Hotel Rodenberg to celebrate
The U3A (University of the 3rd Age) is committed to real lifelong learning by groups of older people sharing their knowledge and experience. The topics covered by each group may be either of a recreational or more serious nature - or even just for fun
Bereavement charity in desperate plea for help A LAST-ditch rescue package is being pieced together in a bid to save a Wyre Forest charity that helps bereaved children and their families overcome their grief. Steve and Liz Fitzgerald, founders of the
With the news that the Brambles Trust is in danger of folding, Lisa Heritage looks at its origins. HUNDREDS of bereaved families have benefited from the expertise and care of the Brambles Trust since the organisation was launched in 1998. The registered
AN explosion at a Bewdley vets surgery has left two female staff members with minor injuries. An oxygen bottle exploded while staff at Redside Vets, in Severnside South, were preparing for an operation at around 11.40am yesterday morning. The staff who
DIVERS have been able to retrieve parts of Bewdley Bridge's north wall that had fallen into the River Severn following a collision last week. Two divers were able to find most of stonework from the parapet wall of the bridge, built in1798, during the
A BORN-and-bred Kidderminster man is finding it no fun at all as he tries in vain to bring his travelling fair back to town. Neil Jennings, who runs family funfair business, Jennings Brothers Amuse-ments, says his attempts to revive an independent fair
A 30-year-old Kidderminster motorcyclist who was killed on the Worcester Road had been doing a wheelie moments before the accident, an inquest heard. Worcestershire coroner, Victor Round, told the coroner's court, in Stourport, that at around 1.20pm on
A PENSAX farmer won a minor victory over Government vets who caved in to pressure and allowed four cattle, which had tested positively for bovine TB, to be destroyed at the farm. Trading Standards had obtained a court order on behalf of the State Veterinary
THE vast majority of people responding to a survey on mobile phone masts said they would object to applications to site masts within 500 metres of their properties. Almost as many, however, owned up to having mobile phones. The findings were part of the
DO you have a question about a disability issue? There is an advice service in Elmley Castle and Pershore that can help you find the answer? DIAL South Worcestershire will have a member of staff at Elmley Castle Village Hall Post Office on Tuesday from
GARDEN CLUB: The garden club started the year when Frank Hardy gave a talk on the care and maintenance of lawns. Business included a proposal to buy the necessary bulbs for doing some infilling in the churchyard once the bare places have been identified
1st (£1,000) 15144, Worcester; 2nd (£100) 16740, Worcester; 3rd (£50) 13698, Worcester.
PARISH COUNCIL: The monthly meeting was held in King George's Hall chaired by Cllr M Stow. A resignation was received from Cllr M Hale. PC Gary Brewer of Stow gave a brief talk about crime figures in the village. A plastic igloo is sited in the car park
PARISH COUNCIL: At the January meeting proposed flood alleviation works by Wychavon were discussed. Councillors felt there were additional items that required attention and it was agreed to write to Wychavon District Council with these suggestions. Play
GARDENING CLUB: The January meeting took place at Wulstan Hall, and was taken by George Featonby. Bob Hares from Pershore College gave a wonderfully illustrated talk entitled The Garden in January. He also brought many samples of flowering shrubs and
VILLAGE FORUM: The January meeting was attended by 55 residents and county and district councillors Julie Girling, Sue Jepson and Lyndon Stowe. Also present was Mr Elcock, a county traffic engineer. Many matters were discussed including the proposed weight-restriction
FLOWER CLUB: The AGM was held at Broadwell Village Hall in January when the present committee were returned and two further members were elected. This was followed by Katherine Kear demonstrating the uses of oasis and containers plus several flower arrangements
SHIPPING over 200 years was the topic on the programme for the February meeting of the Pershore and District U3A, however there was a typing error and this should have read 'Shopping over 200 years'. Bernard Mills will be talking about this subject on
SUNDAY: Ramblers Association - Vale of Evesham Group - Ilmington/Larkstoke/Foxcote, meet at Red Lion, Front Street, Ilmington, (main village through road), for a six mile undulating walk. Details: 01386 765572.
The news for Evesham is not good. The much needed High Street revamp is delayed. The grant for the crumbing Regal cinema is revoked. And still the old Town Hall in the very centre of the town is dirty and neglected, a very public eyesore in a very public
REDDITCH United's claims in local newspaper articles of underhand dealings by Dave Busst have been rubbished by the Evesham United manager, writes Mervyn Collins. The stories relate to the loan deal that allowed Jermaine Clarke to move to the Valley Stadium
A JACOBEAN tragedy about to open at Stratford has a theme which might easily relate to the present day rather than 400 hundred years ago. "The play deals with a society morally and ethically lost in a sea of consumerism, deceit, lust and envy. It is led
SPORTING enthusiasts from across the district were recognised at Wychavon's annual Sports Development Recognition Awards for 2005. For helping 30 academy players reach semi-professional status and for winning the College County Championship, Geoff Samuels
Holders Moreton Wanderers reached the last four of the Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League Knockout Cup with an extra time win over Red Horse. The teams shared six goals in normal time before Wanderers hit three without reply. Mills (2),Jeffs, Winter
STOURPORT Ladies went goals crazy with their four sides finding the net TWENTY FIVE times between them. The firsts led the way with a 10-0 thrashing of Wellingborough in the Midland Conference League. Having only beaten the Northamptonshire team 3-1 earlier
THE first event of the year for Special Olympics Worcestershire was the Indoor Athletics meeting at Eton, where Wyre Forest athletes gained two gold, three silver and four bronze medals. Gold: Debbie Allen-Trew (60 metres), Ian Harper (shot). Silver:
WYRE Forest Cycling Racing Club's Elliot Dinsdale and Dan Harding rode superbly in the penultimate round of the West Midlands Cyclo Cross League at Rugeley. The race incorporated the British Universities National Champio-nships , and Harding put in a
BURLY tanker drivers will bring a touch of romance to their oil deliveries when they hand out red roses to every domestic customer on Valentine's Day on Tuesday. Stourport-based independent fuel distributors, Hingley & Callow Oils, decided to make
WYRE Forest youngsters are being invited to take part in a week-long series of artistic events to beat the half-term boredom. Kidderminster's Youthworcs group has arranged a host of workshops on a carnival theme that will culminate in a final parade for
FURNACE Mill's own anglers took first and third places in the Sunday Open, fished on the Furnace Pool. Result: Arnie Woolhouse (Furnace Mill) 75lb 6oz (maggot, peg 4), Neil Thirstfield (Old Dial) 49-13 (22), Mick Round (Furnace Mill) 39-10 (2). Best silver
Thursday Cost-cutter, 15 fished, Rover, all pools: Andy Newton (Shimano Tipton) 32-12 (Bank 8), Gary Picken (SBS) 18-12 (Island 15), Mal Watson (Daiwa Gordon League) 18-4 (Meadow 59). Saturday, EHJ Smith £10,000 Winter League, round eight, 52, all pools
A KIDDERMINSTER woman will be jetting off to South Africa to help teach village school children. Sophia Burge, of Chester Road South, who is starting a post graduate teaching course at University of Worcester in September, will travel to Kurtland in July
Wednesday Open: B Bennett 13-2 (81), R Brennan 7-15 (82), G Hayward 7-14-8dr (63). Saturday Open: T Wills 10-0 (58), J Robbins 8-3 (61), P Cook 7-8-8 (64), M Nicholls 7-4 (60).
A COUNTRYSIDE lobbying group has backed villagers fighting plans to turn Drakelow Tunnels into a training centre for unemployed people. The Campaign to Protect Rural England - CPRE - has pledged its support to Wolverley residents who are against the scheme
YOUNG people in Wyre Forest look set to gain a greater understanding about the environment around them thanks to the appointment of a new rangers development officer. Wyre Forest District Council cabinet members have agreed to support the post, funded
MUSICIANS are rallying together to raise money for a Wyre Forest animal charity. An acoustic concert will be held at Kidderminster Library on Monday and all the proceeds will go to Forest Dog Rescue. It will feature local performers, Neutron Tears, King
Winter League, Ockeridge Fisheries: Mike Carrick 12-14, Brian Oliver 6-4, Keith Moss 6-1, Ian Moss 4-4-8, Peter Hardiman 2-11. Home match: Steve Farley 9-4, Carrick 5-7, Vernon Wright 5-3-8, K Moss 5-0, Barry Jones 4-11-8. HETA Club pool is the venue
A HOTEL near Kidderminster is set to be the first in Wyre Forest to play host to a same-sex "marriage-style" ceremony this weekend. Lord Lee Morton and David Ronald Smith will exchange vows and cement their love at The Granary Hotel, Shenstone, on Saturday
ANYONE who wants to use the services of North Worcester-shire's Disability Information and Advice Line - DIAL - or join its volunteer teams can contact the organisation on 0800 970 7202. Due to incorrect details being submitted to the Shuttle/Times and
On Sunday there will be a contest on the Park Inn's Valley Pool. Anglers are asked to meet at 8am.
JUST days before an expected announcement on a shake up of the Child Support Agency, Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff has expressed his fear that no amount of changes will make some fathers take responsibility for their children. He made the comments
RESIDENTS opposing the development of a caravan park on land near their homes in Badsey have called on MP Peter Luff to support them. They sent letters of objections to the Vale MP and Wychavon District Council's, Liberal Democrat member Sonya Ealey.
A RETIRED ambulance man, discovered by his daughter lying on the kitchen floor of his Kidderminster home, died of "natural causes", an inquest heard. Jeffery Thombs, 60, of Peel Street, was found by his daughter, Pauline, on December 10. An inquest in
THE long-term future of Evesham's community hospital will be at the top of the agenda when Mayor Frances Smith meets South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust chief executive Paul Bates next week. Mr Bates, who is temporarily in charge of the PCT, will
AN Evesham mum this week pleaded for help after "squirrel wars" broke out in the roof of her home. Clare McMillan said that her nine-year-old son Sam was unable to sleep at night as the squirrels fought each other. "It's awful," she said. "It sounds as
FORMER mums and children of a Kidderminster nursery are urged to attend a reunion celebrating the organisation's 21st birthday this month. Present and former members of the Hokey Cokey nursery, a registered charity in Station Approach, are invited to
A TEENAGE rapist who attacked a 29-year-old woman at a friend's house has been sentenced to four years detention at Worcester Crown Court. Judge John Cavell also ordered, on Tuesday, that the 16-year-old, who cannot be named because of legal reasons,
THEY might not look like much but these rare historic artefacts unearthed at Worcestershire's County Museum last week date back to medieval times. The remains of a mortar, the hearth to a 14th century oven and pottery were discovered by archaeologists
VALE MP Peter Luff has accused Tony Blair of a breach of faith after it was announced that the West Mercia force was to be absorbed into a regional superforce for the West Midlands. He condemned the decision to ignore the views of local people and go
EVESHAM will officially launch an initiative on Wednesday in order to become a fair trade town, with an introduction to the subject and how the town will benefit from joining the cause. The launch is being held at Evesham Town Hall on Wednesday evening
SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE WEST P W D F A P Clevedon 29 18 4 57 33 58 Ashford 29 17 6 59 35 57 Willenhal 27 15 6 61 36 51 Hemel H 29 15 6 57 34 51 Swindon 28 15 6 48 28 51 Marlow 30 15 5 41 39 50 Sutton C 29 15 4 59 41 49 Brackley 29 14 6 47 28 48 Leighton
A FORMER Evesham man has been handed the honour of captaining the world's most powerful warship, built at a cost of more than six hundred million pounds. Commander David Shutts will lead a crew of 230 on board the Type 45 destroyer, HMS Daring, launched
CLEOBURY Mortimer's Twickenham dream lives on after a solitary swing of the boot kept their magical Powergen Junior Vase run rolling in dramatic fashion. The Mortimer men marched through to the last four after Allan Shields held his nerve to kick the
KIDDERMINSTER Carolians under-14s progressed to the semi-final of the Plate after Newport forfeited the match - and then went on to beat their under-strength opponents. With Newport short of players, KCs loaned them some before winning 22-17 with tries
BIDFORD Cricket Club's pre-season programme starts with a light training session on Sunday February 19 for seniors and juniors followed by indoor nets (for 15-year-olds and above) on Tuesday, February 21, at Evesham Cricket Centre. Both sessions will
Gloucester City 1, Evesham Utd 1 DOWN to the bare bones, Evesham's 12 players produced a dogged display of character and commitment last Saturday to prise out what could be a precious point in the battle against the drop, writes Mervyn Collins. Injuries
Holders Moreton Wanderers reached the last four of the Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League Knockout Cup with an extra time win over Red Horse. The teams shared six goals in normal time before Wanderers hit three without reply. Mills (2),Jeffs, Winter
A DOCTOR'S bags containing drugs and medical equipment have been stolen from a parked car in Kidderminster. Police are appealing for information following the theft, which took place in Whitehill Road, overnight on Sunday. The two black leather bags,
Football fans helped swell Operation Covert funds by £167 when they supported a collection at Kidderminster Harriers' home game with Grays Athletic last month.
POLICE are clamping down on nuisance commuters who park in a narrow Comberton street to avoid paying the £2.50 parking charge at the town railway station. Residents have complained for months about parking problems in Farfield and to try and combat the
Littleton 2, Ettington 3 FOR the third time in their last six Midland Combination games, Littleton saw a two-goal advantage turned over as Ettington came from behind to win 3-2. Littleton dominated the opening period and went close when a Phil Haines
A PICTURE painted by a Kidderminster artist raised £302 for Operation Covert when it was raffled at a private viewing of his first home town exhibition. The painting of a Wyre Forest scene near Rhydd Covert was won by pensioner Tom Buckley who used to
THE junction of New Road and Castle Road is Kidderminster's hot spot for assaults and incidents of anti-social behaviour late at night, analysis of the town's CCTV coverage has shown. Wyre Forest district councillors had requested a breakdown of incidents
A KIDDERMINSTER carpenter who has been working on the new Rhydd Covert activity centre has put his hand in his pocket to back our appeal. The last time self-employed John Martin was at Rhydd was 30 years ago when he was a Cub with KD10 troop . He said
THE new chief executive of Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre is Geoffrey Rowe, who took up his new appointment on Monday. He brings a wealth of experience from more than 20 years in theatre management including lengthy spells as administrator at the Crucible
TWO junior members of Broadway Golf Club had their bags stolen on Saturday, each containing a full set of clubs worth upwards of a thousand pounds. Police were called to the club at around 1.30pm on Saturday, February 4, after the bags were taken from
THE announcement by the Agriculture Minister Lord Bach that full payments to farmers under the Single Payment Scheme would begin this month has been welcomed. Frances Beatty, director of the Country Land and Business Association West Midlands, said: "
GOVERNMENT figures confirming that 2005 was the worst year for outbreaks of bovine TB in the South West reinforced the need for urgent action to tackle every aspect of the origination and spread of the disease, according to the NFU. Last year, there were
