Archive

  • Abseiling away to help raise money

    MORE daredevils are needed to scale a Worcester shopping store and abseil back down it next month. There is still space for five more people to take part in the event down the side of the Debenhams store on High Street to help raise money for Worcester-based

  • Partners sign agreement on hospital work

    THE partners who will build Malvern Community Hospital have signed an agreement to make sure they finish the job. The meeting in Malvern is the first time all the members of Worcestershire Primary Care Trust’s Malvern Hospital Project Team

  • Historic buildings open doors to all

    HISTORY-lovers can discover some of Worcester’s most interesting buildings and beautiful gardens free of charge in a series of open days taking place across the UK. Worcester Tourist Information Centre has produced a leaflet listing attractions and

  • We would pay back cash to get our relatives back

    A FORMER county GP, whose daughter was killed in the Lockerbie air disaster, has dismissed accusations by the son of Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi that the Lockerbie relatives were “very greedy”. Dr Jim Swire, formerly of Bromsgrove and whose

  • Hamlet celebrates being named best in county

    A TINY community in the Teme Valley has won the top prize in the county round of a national competition. Menith Wood, between Tenbury Wells and Stourport, is the 2008 Calor Worcestershire Village of the Year. The hamlet was one of just two entries in

  • County take on league leaders

    WORCESTERSHIRE Royals’ fight for survival in Division One of the NatWest Pro40 faces its toughest test tomorrow — a clash with leaders Gloucestershire Gladiators (1.45pm). Having secured a dramatic last-ball tie at Somerset Sabres 48 hours

  • Fire put out at substation

    A BLAZE at an electricity substation in Worcester has now been put out. Firecrews were at the scene at 2.45pm for just under three hours when they were called to the Central Networks site near the St Peter’s roundabout . It is not yet

  • Horsman fit and ready to rumble

    CHRIS Horsman aims to repay Worcester for standing by him during his injury-ravaged Warriors career now he is finally fully fit again. The 31-year-old tight-head, who is entering his fifth year at Sixways, has spent more time on the treatment table than

  • Quick off mark

    STEVE Price recorded the fastest time at Worcester St John’s Cycling Club's 10-mile Old Hills time trial. There will be a short trial up Ankerdine Hill next Tuesday, meeting at the Talbot pub at the bottom of the hill at 6.45pm. Old Hills times: Price

  • Man will not be able to sell ‘legal loophole’ home

    A CONTROVERSIAL bungalow built by a Worcester man who side-stepped planning laws should never be formally recognised, councillors have ruled. Furious members of Worcester City Council’s planning committee confirmed their decision not to give Terence

  • Festival in town

    BROMSGROVE have a big weekend of pre-season rugby union action. The Colts host Bromsgrove School and Wellington College in a triangular festival tomorrow, kicking-off at noon. At 2.30pm, the club’s senior team face Solihull side Silhillians

  • Huxley is focusing on title

    WORCESTER’S Brian Huxley enjoyed his second win of the year at the Open Sport Nationals at Stratford’s Shakespeare County Drag Raceway. The St John’s 66-year-old races in the Santa Pod finals at the end of September and hopes to have enough points to

  • Fire at Worcester electricity substation

    A BLAZE has broken out at an electricity substation in Worcester. Firecrews are currently at the scene waiting for the electricity supply to be turned off before they can tackle it. Crews were called at 2.45pm today to the roundabout

  • Come and see my colourful paintings

    A RENOWNED Ukrainian artist, book designer and book restorer who now lives in Worcester is displaying her creative talents at an exhibition in Malvern. A selection of colourful and passionate paintings by Anna Yevtukh-Squire are on show at Malvern Hills

  • Burton’s going for gold at big rally

    SIXTY and Worcestershire Motor Club’s Woodpecker Stages Rally will be running for the 26th year tomorrow around Ludlow. Over the years, a variety of different cars have won the event, including Andy Burton’s Peugeot Cosworth six times, including in 2007

  • City return for talented Rebecca

    UNIVERSITY graduate Rebecca Crowther is undertaking the biggest challenge of her life. Crowther has been training in the crew of the UK women’s quad in preparation for the European Universities Championship Regatta in Croatia. When the 22-year-old joins

  • Eventing crown for rider Darby

    KIDDERMINSTER student Leah Darby was among the winners at the prestigious National Pony Club Championships. The competition took place over five days at the new venue of Draycott House in Derbyshire. They staged the finals for intermediate and open

  • Action group urges people to oppose 1,600 homes plan

    A NEWLY-formed action group has urged Malvern people to stand up and be counted over plans to build 1,600 new houses in Newland and Madresfield. Action for the Future of Malvern slammed the proposals outlined in the South Worcestershire joint

  • First phase of wheelie bins about to arrive

    WHEELIE bins will be appearing on the doorsteps of homes in Wychavon from next week. The bins for people in phase one of the scheme will start being delivered from Monday and residents will find an information pack under the lid of their grey

  • All-night party for retiring Cath

    AN all-night party is planned to celebrate the retirement of a very sheltered housing manager after more than 20 years in the job. Catherine Hill, known as Cath, joined Himbleton House in Himbleton Road, St John’s, when it first opened two

  • Help to shape our healthcare

    HOSPITAL chiefs have called on more people and patients to become members of a new Foundation Trust after “disappointing” numbers joined. Health bosses from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust made their appeal at a board meeting on Thursday. The

  • Cut waste to cope with harder times

    WORCESTERSHIRE business owners are being advised to cut back their use of resources to reduce the impact of the economic downturn. Business Link in the West Midlands, the free business information and advisory service, is offering a guide on

  • Investigation into dead baby continues

    Detectives investigating the discovery of a baby girl in a Cambridgeshire waste plant, who is believed to have come from Worcester, have renewed their appeal for the mother to come forward. Detective Inspector Adrian Todd, from South Worcestershire

  • Locks off for charity

    A WORCESTER shop manager has shaved his head in aid of the County Air Ambulance. Gareth Hirst found the Warndon community so welcoming when he moved to the area a year ago he wanted to give something back. So he held a sponsored head shave, with the

  • Hounds join funeral procession

    HUNTING hounds led a procession to a village church before tributes were made to a woman who loved the countryside. Vera Evans was described at her funeral yesterday as a woman who was passionate about nature, hunting hounds and pretty flowers

  • MOSELEY

    MOSELEY Jake Stephen Welcome to the world to our beautiful baby boy. Born on July 31st, 2008. Lots of love Mummy, Daddy and Megan xxx Published in paper 29/08/2008

  • SMITH RSPCA

    SMITH Bert Herbie Passed away peacefully at Welland House Nursing Home on August 28th, 2008. Devoted husband to Beryl for 58 years, father to Bill and Tom, father in law to Pam and Sue, caring grandfather and great grandfather. The Funeral service will

  • UREN

    UREN Bob Passed away peacefully at Redhill Court Care Home on August 25th, 2008, aged 84 years. A beloved husband of Joan and a much loved dad, grandad and great grandad. Funeral service to take place at Worcester Crematorium on Friday, September 5th,

  • BOSCOTT

    BOSCOTT Frank Edward Ex Post Office, Worcester. Passed peacefully away in hospital on August 26th, 2008 aged 91 years. Much loved husband of the late Norah. Beloved father of Brian, Margaret and Janet. A dear father in law and a loving grandad and great

  • HILL

    HILL Margaret nee Farley Passed away peacefully in Torbay Hospital, on Saturday, August 23rd, 2008, whilst on holiday, aged 68 years. Beloved wife of Geoff and devoted mum of Graham and Martin, and a loving nan to Jessica. Much loved sister, sister in

  • PATRICK

    PATRICK Zoe and Jason Congratulations and thank you both for our beautiful and precious granddaughter Keira Lily. Born August 15th, 2008. Much love Nanny Ali and Gramps xxx Published in paper 29/08/2008

  • MOSELEY

    MOSELEY Jake Stephen Congratulations to Vicki and Paul on the birth of our grandson. Love from Mom, Dad and Lee xxx Published in paper 29/08/2008

  • Chickenstock should be a real chill out

    THIS year’s Chickenstock looks set to be an intimate chill out affair. Taking a break from the usual three-day festival, organisers are returning to their roots and instead holding an all together more informal event in the garden on the Farmers

  • You're still a spring chicken, George

    SIR – I thought George Cowley was over 75 and would qualify for a free TV licence. Anyway its nice to know you are still a chicken George! PHIL PEGLER, Worcester.

  • City welcome for singer-songwriter

    SINGER songwriter Christopher Rees travelled from San Francisco to Wales honing his talent. The Welsh guitarist now comes to Worcester’s Marr’s Bar 8pm this Sunday. For details, visit myspace.com/christopherrees.

  • Guyana is part of South America

    SIR – Much as I enjoyed Mike Pryce’s article I am astonished at his lack of geographical knowledge. He makes several references to ‘the island’ of Guyana. One look in an atlas would have shown him that Guyana, British or not, is an integral

  • Lawnmower race and lots of live music

    REAL ale, lawnmower racing and live music will attract people to the village of Stanford Bridge this weekend. The three-day festival Bridge Bash gets under way tonight with performances by punk rock band Nomad 67, the Starving Rascals, Gwyn Ashton

  • We gave left-overs to man with pigs

    SIR – In reply to Peter Alcock (August27), I was born and raised in the Diglis area of Worcester. We had a man who kept pigs in Portland Walk and we gave him any left-over food. This wasn’t a lot as we couldn’t afford to throw food away. There

  • Impressive new line-up with lots of local talent

    NEWLY formed Fine and Shandy boasts an impressive line up of local artists. Vocalist Sheona Goodyear is backed by guitarist Clive Kennard, drummer Chris Howells – both of whom also play for Worcester-based Groovyhead – and bassist Jamie Shaw,

  • Morris returns for Cambridge examination

    FORMER Wales international prop Darren Morris will captain Worcester Warriors as they complete their pre-season campaign with a trip to face Cambridge (2.30pm). Director of rugby Mike Ruddock hands his young guns the chance to fire on the eve of the

  • Just where are these shops?

    SIR – I have recently seen some advertising for the Diglis development citing not only the new homes but cafes, restaurants, select shops and a gym. Sorry for the reality check, but all these proposed projects are still currently empty units

  • Christmas advert was such a shock

    SIR – I WAS caught totally unawares while quietly watching lunchtime TV. The first Christmas advert quite shocked me. The date was only Wednesday, August 27! Never mind the first cuckoo of spring. Is this a record? There should be a law against

  • Pork Peanut and coriander salad cups

    THIS is based on a savoury pork Thai dish called Galloping Horses served on top of fruit pieces. Michell says: “This is a much simplified version, with a moreish combination of sweet and savoury that keeps people coming back for more.

  • The Talbot, Knightwick

    PICKING a pub for a family Sunday lunch is always a tough decision. You don’t want to make yourself look a fool by picking a ‘duff one’. Thankfully, that was never going to happen with the Talbot hotel at Knightwick. There’s no complicated cocktail

  • Impromptu gig brought traffic to a standstill

    IN true rockstar fashion, punk rock purveyors Nomad 67 had not planned to jump out of their van and play in the middle of a busy Worcester street. But that is what the young band – who open the Bridge Bash festival in Stanford Bridge, near

  • Haven’t they got anyone already?

    SIR – County councillors have got no money and yet the council can afford to pay consultants a million pounds in fees. This is bad really because, taken the number of people being paid £50,000 and more, you would think they already had someone

  • Another journey to city on cards

    SIR – I have read with interest your article about post office closures. However, it does not appear to take into account that certain post offices do not deal with all services. I have always had to use the Bilford Road post office for my

  • Man blames smoking drug for his violence

    A MAN who carried out a sustained attack on two men blamed his behaviour on an anti-smoking drug he was taking. Paul Lane assaulted a friend in his house, butting him, kneed him and threatening the man with a 10-inch kitchen knife. He

  • What is becoming of young parents?

    SIR – On Saturday, August 23 I was enjoying the lovely sunshine and walking around a car boot sale. I was a very happy senior citizen when I saw a young man wheeling a very new baby in a pram. Fully of happy sunshine mood I said to the young

  • Commuters delayed following fatality on rail lines

    COMMUTERS travelling from Worcester to Birmingham were caught up in delays this morning after a person was hit by a train. The person, whose gender is not yet known, died following the incident which happened near Old Hill Railway Station about 9am.

  • Do we have the the power for trams?

    SIR – I refer to Jack Blanchard’s article on the proposed tramtrains. It’s nice to read that our councillors are looking forward for Worcester’s future transport requirements instead of just plodding on with out-of-date and unworkable bus lanes

  • Kevin’s on as Comedy Zone make its return

    THE sell-out comedy nights at Worcester’s Marr’s Bar make a triumphant return next week. The Comedy Zone – the city’s longest running stand-up comedy club – is back after its summer break with five shows planned before Christmas. On Thursday,

  • Moonwalk man holds dance class

    THE man who taught Michael Jackson how to moonwalk is coming to Bromsgrove. The Artrix theatre has extended its popular workshop series and one of the forthcoming highlights is a class in street dance hosted by the legendary Jeffrey Daniels,

  • There’smuch to enjoy at the theatre in Malvern

    ALAN Bennett’s dark comedy Enjoy comes to Malvern Theatres next month. Taking the lead in this rarely performed gem is Alison Steadman, well known for her iconic turn as Mrs Bennet in Andrew Davies’ 1995 Pride And Prejudice. Written in 1980,

  • Cash has gone on wrong thing

    SIR – In reply to Councillor David Tibbutt (August 21), my original letter did not debate the need for a flood defence. I am sure even the dimmest of observers would applaud the basic premise of installing a defence. My point was that again

  • County receive injury boost

    WORCESTERSHIRE last night received a boost on the injury front after being told that Matt Mason won’t be out for the season. A scan revealed that the Australian-born seamer had a small tear in the pectoral muscle in his chest and it is hoped

  • Tale of love and politics direct from the festival

    ANOTHER Kind of Silence is a story of love, the ocean, politics and birdsong. Following a three-week run at the Edinburgh Festival, the new play about a worldfamous environmentalist Rachel Carson is being staged at St Andrew’s Methodist Church

  • Have Asda in town not on outskirts

    SIR – With reference to Mr A Davies’ (August 26) letter about the siting of the proposed new Asda store. I am not the only one who would welcome the store to be built in the town. Not all of us have cars – a personal choice of course, but there

  • Midfielder added to United squad

    HEREFORD United boss Graham Turner will have been drawing on his 30 years of managerial experience to raise spirits at Edgar Street for tomorrow’s visit of Crewe Alexandra. Last weekend’s 6-1 reverse at Bristol Rovers left the Bulls at the foot of the

  • From busking to big time for babes

    OPERA singing sensations the OperaBabes, who are preparing to perform in Cheltenham next week, say their meteoric rise to fame has surprised them. The OperaBabes are made up of Karen England and Rebecca Knight and just seven years ago they were

  • We need a better electricy supply

    SIR – Electricity supply – the price goes up and the service goes down. Twice this week the electricity supply has failed in the Structons Heath area of Great Witley, causing inconvenience to users of computers, electrical clocks, maybe even

  • Has airline collapse hit you?

    ARE you one of the hundreds of people affected by the collapse of the budget airline Zoom? If the decision by the company, which is seeking to go into administration, to ground all its flights has left you in the lurch, let us know your story

  • Toilets should not have been sold

    SIR – The toilets in Quay Street should never have been sold. Surely there’s enough office space in town. The toilets were in an ideal place for people walking along the river. If the council had spent a little money re-furbishing and charged

  • City rowing club tastes success at Ross Regatta

    WORCESTER Rowing Club members were busy competing at Ross Regatta. The highlight of the weekend was a first win for the women’s novice coxed four of Trina Walsh, Michelle Hodgkins, Caroline Howdle, Rebecca Kandiyali and cox Nigel Steele. The Worcester

  • Cut waste to cope with harder times

    WORCESTERSHIRE business owners are being advised to cut back their use of resources to reduce the impact of the economic downturn. Business Link in the West Midlands, the free business information and advisory service, is offering a guide on

  • What will David Cameron say?

    SIR – It will be interesting to hear what David Cameron has to say at the Guildhall today. Here we have a man who is presented as an alternative to New Labour yet he voted for and continues to support Britain’s involvement in the Bush administration

  • DJ picks number for lucky runners

    A WORCESTER-based DJ is swapping his headphones for a pair of running shoes this week as he prepares for a charity fun run. Wyvern FM presenter Paul Ellery along with the radio station’s marketing manager Hayley Duce are undertaking an intensive

  • Well done all our Olympic athletes

    SIR – Our sportsmen and women now hold their own with the whole world. The Olympics are a shining example. Rebecca Aldington in the 800m and 400m freestyle is a worthy gold medalist, and of course Zac Purchase, ex-King’s School and his partner

  • This is how we’re all escaping the crunch

    EVERY time we fill up our cars, open our bills or even just pop to the supermarket we are confronted with the undeniable fact that the credit crunch has well and truly kicked in. But as some resourceful Worcestershire residents show there are

  • FRIDAY FEELING

    I WRITE to you this week about Hugh Burbidge and the Red Arrows. Why? Well, because both of them have caused me delays. I was in Belfast for the rugby, Ulster v the Warriors, and had a fairly tight schedule. Leaving Bristol for Belfast, the flight

  • Lowe can lift us to new heights, says Yates

    SECURING the signature of defender Keith Lowe is one of Mark Yates’s top priorities, according to the Kidderminster Harriers manager. Yates, who is preparing to face big-spending Rushden and Diamonds at Aggborough tomorrow, wants to sign the versatile

  • Big thanks to plum festival organisers

    SIR – I feel huge thanks should go to all concerned with the Pershore Plum Festival which culminated over last weekend with the Plum Fair. The organisation must have been immense. The committee and helpers never seemed to stop all day Monday

  • Animal testing helps halt human suffering

    SIR – Mrs Marilyn Brown, presumably referring to my own recent letters defending medical testing on non-human animals, writes (August 26) that she is in “despair” to see these arguments. She says she can only assume that the defence of animal

  • COMMENT:

    THE discovery of the body of a newborn baby girl – most likely from Worcester – at a waste plant more than 100 miles away is awful. We are sure the hearts of every reader go out not just to this poor mite but also to her mother, who must be

  • Tesco to open on site of former post office

    TESCO has been revealed as the mystery buyer of Worcester’s former post office building on Foregate Street. Britain’s biggest supermarket chain has announced it will open a Tesco Express store in the old post office after it was bought last

  • Where is dead baby's mum?

    THE body of a newborn baby discovered in a recycling plant in Cambridgeshire came from Worcester, police have revealed. Now they have appealed directly to the baby girl’s mother to come forward and receive the medical care she is likely to need. The

  • Man drove camper van at woman in road rage attack

    A 72-YEAR-OLD nomad used his camper van as a weapon during a road rage attack in Worcester. Peter Day, who travels the country in his mobile home, was visiting the city in February when he went to Diglis Basin to use a chemical toilet disposal

  • Dryden upset with first-half no-shows

    WORCESTER City manager Richard Dryden does not want to keep asking for a response from his players as they look to bounce back from their latest defeat at Bromley tomorrow. The St George’s Lane outfit crashed to a 1-0 reverse against Bath City in their

  • Residents can have their say and win prizes

    A COMMUNITY is getting together to help their estate get fit on Friday. Worcester Community Housing (WCH) is encouraging people in Ronkswood to step up to the mark and tell them what they really think about living on the estate. To help

  • Play day is a hit with children

    MORE than 260 children descended on a community centre in Worcester to take part in a national play day. The rain held off for the special event at the Ronkswood Community Centre which was hosted by the Worcester Play Centre for children aged

  • Scissor slasher attacks horses

    A HORSE rescued from abusive owners has been cut on the face by a scissor-wieldingintruder. Horse owners have been told to be on their guard following a spate of attacks throughout Herefordshire. The warnings come after two ponies near

  • Expo returns and is all set to attract a lot of interest

    CALLING big business – the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s Business Expo returns this autumn. The Chamber will welcome hundreds of businessmen and women through the gates at Sixways Stadium, Warndon, home of Worcester

  • DJ picks number for lucky runners

    A WORCESTER-based DJ is swapping his headphones for a pair of running shoes this week as he prepares for a charity fun run. Wyvern FM presenter Paul Ellery along with the radio station’s marketing manager Hayley Duce are undertaking an intensive