A POTENTIAL Teen Queen from Worcestershire needs your votes to make it through to the finals in London. Lucy Haddigan, aged 17, from Wadborough, Drakes Broughton, near Pershore, has made it through to the final 50 girls in the Decem-ber heat of the competition
A TOP Tory MP will see how a farm near Worcester helps disadvantaged children and drug users. Francis Maude MP - shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, who will be responsible for preparing the Conservatives’ implementation of its manifesto if
WORCESTER-based charity Noah’s Ark has a new home – thanks to the help of local businesses. The Noah’s Ark Trust, which provides support to children who have had a loved one die, has moved from offices in Lowesmoor to Coventry Place on the Blackpole
A MAN suffered a deeply cut cheek after being attacked in a Worcester pub with a bottle or a glass, a jury was told. Mahir Ali was on his way to the lavatories at the Metro Bar in St Nicholas Street when he claimed he was knocked down by a blow from
WORCESTERSHIRE Wildlife Trust has sent a direct message to Prime Minister Gordon Brown urging him to deliver a positive and far-reaching agreement at the UN Copenhagen Climate Change Summit this week. The message, in the form of a large postcard signed
AN elderly woman was left badly shaken after a cyclist pedalled up behind her and grabbed her bag. The 89-year-old woman, from Malvern, was walking slowly home from a shopping trip when the thief pounced, stealing a black pvc bag containing £120 and
A warming candelit concert will be held in a Worcester church this week. St John’s Church in St John’s will host Carols by Candlelight between 6pm and 8pm on Friday. There will be community carol singing, Christmas music, mince pies and a chance to relax
KIDDERMINSTER swimmer Amy Smith has vowed to take advantage of absent friends when she takes part in the European Championships in Istanbul this week. While Smith and her team-mates head to the short course event in Turkey, double Olympic gold medallist
FROM the hundreds of lovable labradors, terriers and poodles which have featured in this year’s Pet Idol contest, here are the top dogs who are in the running for the title. Readers have been voting in their thousands for their favourites in this year
WORCESTER super-heavyweight Ashley James saw his national novice championship campaign come to an end in Manchester. The City Amateur Boxing Club fighter boxed the unbeaten John Ndjebayi of Fox ABC in a tense, well-fought contest, losing narrowly on
POLICE are hoping a new advertising campaign will help stop the thousands of non-emergency calls a month going through to the old number. The new number – 0300 333 3000 – will be advertised on 40 public buses across Worcestershire and Herefordshire.The
WORCESTER people will get the chance to preview plans and ask questions about a new £1 million youth centre being built next year. The new centre will form part of the existing community centre in Shap Drive, Warndon, replacing the previous
WORCESTER St John’s Cycling Club young prospect Terry Chance has enjoyed a successful season. The 13-year-old, coached by his father Chris and highly-respected Ian Fagan, has excelled in many races throughout 2009. In the Castle Coombe Summer Series
A YOUNG boy with a muscle-wasting disease accepted a donation as two charities got early Christmas presents. Murray’s Muscles and Droitwich Salvation Army each received an early Christmas gift of £125 thanks to a donation from Worcester’s CrownGate Shopping
SANTA swapped his sleigh for a scooter as he and his team of helpers brought a bundle of presents to children with life-limiting illnesses. Instead of sleigh bells, children at Acorns Children’s Hospice in Bath Road, Worcester, were greeted by the sound
THERE’S little doubt that learning a second or third language is an increasingly valuable skill to have. But as the world changes and new markets emerge it would seem that the traditional European languages such as French, German or Spanish are no longer
THEY were stiff words for a vicar’s wife, but when Barbara Hopper goes on about “an outrage, an assault on our heritage and betraying our ancestors”, you have to concede she has a point. However, when you realise that to pacify her wrath would involve
THERE is one immense, consoling thought that springs to mind whenever I reflect how some local politicians great and small ignore the everyday concerns of the ordinary people of Worcester. And that is they will – sooner or later – be slung out on their
A MINOR injuries service has opened at a Worcester GP surgery to reduce the need for patients to attend A&E. The service is running at St John’s House Surgery in Bromyard Road, St John’s, Worcester, for patients who need urgent medical care for complaints
POLICE are searching for a man wearing a hoody who assaulted a woman in Droitwich. The woman was walking along Park Way, next to King George’s playing fields, when she was assaulted by a man walking in the same direction. She ran off towards Meadow
SIR – I fancy I am not alone in thinking Children in Need is patronising? WENDY HANDS, Upton-upon-Severn.
SIR – The chief executivie of Worcestershire, Mark Newton, is apparently “annoyed intensely” that the club has been fined for fielding an ineligible player and says that there is “not always time” to check things out. Since all that was required
RAYNER Norma Ellen of Worcester. Passed away suddenly, but peacefully in hospital on November 28th 2009, aged 84 years. Loving wife of Ken and beloved mother of Mandy, Barry, Sandra and Kevin. Grandmother of Darren and Spencer. Funeral service at Worcester
FARLEY Alan Passed away peacefully at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on December 2nd, 2009, aged 74 years. A beloved husband to Brenda, and a much loved dad, grandad and great grandad. Funeral service to take place at Worcester Crematorium on Wednesday
OVERTON nee Evans Iris Joan Passed away peacefully at Severn Heights Nursing Home, Callow End on December 1st, 2009. Beloved wife of the late John, loving sister to John and sister in law to Rachel and Margaret. The funeral service will take place at
RUSSELL Shirley Anne Passed away peacefully at home on December 1st 2009, aged 74 years. Much loved wife of Kenneth. Loving mother of Nina and Anna and a loving grandmother to Shaun, Hayley and Scott. Sadly missed by all. Funeral service at Worcester
COOPER George Passed away five years ago today. Treasured memories of a beloved husband, much loved father, dear grandfather, great and great, great grandfather. Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day. Published in paper 08/12/2009
BARSON Kevin We will always remember that special smile, that caring heart, that warm embrace you always gave us. You being their for mom and us through good and bad times, no matter what we will always remember you dad because there will never be another
SIR – Intellectually “clever” humanists only need to meditate on a starry night to realise that there must be a creator. (Mr Phillpott,November 28). GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester
sir – It is a disgrace that Gordon Brown has not yet acted on his promise to abolish prescription charges for people with long-term conditions. The recession has devastated people’s finances and many are making difficult and potentially dangerous decisions
SIR – I had the privilege of attending, as a volunteer helper, a beautiful Christmas concert on the night of Thursday, December 3, at Worcester Cathedral. The event was in aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and I would like to thank the organisers
SIR – A trip to Warrington, up the M5 and M6, proved to be extremely maddening. Setting my cruise control to 69mph (or 110-112, if you prefer) I was very annoyed to find almost everything sailing past me. I thought there were speed cameras and un-marked
PARTRIDGE Kate Kitty Passed away peacefully at the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch on Saturday, November 28th, 2009, aged 87 years. Devoted wife of seventy years to Ralph, loving mother to Brian and Margaret and mother in law to Nigel, special nan to Ben
TUSTIN Marina Rene of Severn Stoke. Passed peacefully away at Welland House Care Home on December 1st, 2009. The beloved wife of Jim and dear mother of Jennifer and Evelyn and son in law Doug. Also a much loved grandmother and great grandmother. The funeral
JOHNSON BURFITT Zoe and Ben On November 28th, 2009 in the Isle of Wight. A beautiful baby girl called Imogen. Love and congratulations. From Mum, Dad, Scott and all the Family. xx Published in paper 08/12/2009 in Worcester News
BARSON Kevin Your eye's are in the twinkling stars, your voice is in the rain while the glowing sun sets I see you smile again, and only if I could stretch my hand to touch your loving face. If only I could bring you back to fill that empty space, but
BISHOP Harry Passed away twenty three years today. Loved and missed so much. Jean, Ian and Robert. ----------- Remembering always our dear Brother in law. From Beryl, Valerie, Lynette and Families. Published in paper 08/12/2009 in Worcester News
HOOPER Edward George Roger In memory of baby Edward, our brave little boy. Passed away four years ago today. Our love is with you always. Mummy, Tyler, Jake, Ellis, Jay, and Finley and Nanny and Grandad xx Published in paper 08/12/2009 in Worcester News
STEELE Jim. Precious memories of a dearly loved husband, father and grandad. Molly, Sue, Steve, Jordan, Hannah, Peter and Olivia. Sadly missed. Published in paper 08/12/2009 in Worcester News
A WORCESTER church was filled with flowers and trees in time for Christmas. St Nicholas Church in Warndon Villages was decorated with an abundance of seasonal flora for a special Christmas tree festival. Many of the flower arrangements reflected the
EIGHT North Midlands players have been invited to play in the Midlands Under 16 final trial at Longton RFC in Stoke on Sunday (1pm). Loosehead prop Damian Poole (Bromsgrove School) and fly-half Tom Sharwood (Bishop Perowne School, Worcester) have been
WORCESTER Warriors ‘A’ suffered late heartbreak as a try from the last play of the game saw Newcastle Falcons claim a 23-19 victory in the Northern Conference of the ‘A’ League last night. A low-scoring start to the match saw the sides pegged 3-3 at
STUDENTS at Worcester’s Karate World academy have earned their black belts following a six-hour grading. The culmination of two years’ hard work left chief instructor Steven Nettleford proud of his students. Karate World are based in Orchard Street,
A RIVERSIDE pumping station is in the middle of a stand-off between its owner and the council. The derelict pumping station, opposite McDonald’s in Hylton Road, has been a contentious subject between developers and Worcester City Council’s planning officers
MALVERN'S re-arranged North Midlands Cup quarter-final against Whitchurch will take place on January 2. The Spring Lane side requested a postponement because of a shortage of front-row forwards and the winner will host Bournville in the semi-final on
EXPERIMENTAL parking restrictions that make it harder to park near the University of Worcester have been met with a variety of views. The new rules, which came into force three weeks ago, apply to a handful of main roads in St John’s but have already
INVESTIGATIONS are being made to see if preservation orders can be put on trees which have replaced those chopped down by mistake outside a fast food restaurant in Worcester. Worcester city councillors were adamant that the new trees planted
YOUNG entrepreneurs at Cropthorne-with-Charlton First School, near Evesham, helped raise £450 for the Smile Train charity. Pupils made and sold Christmas wreaths, cards, cakes and wrapping paper as part of an enterprise project.
A SCHOOL in Worcester has helped make a calendar by drawing pictures illustrating how to keep fit and healthy. The Spire South Bank Hospital on Bath Road has joined up with children from the Perdiswell Primary School on Bilford Road to create
EVESHAM United manager Paul West is demanding his players get their season back on track with tonight’s long trek to Truro City (7.45). The Robins face a 440-mile round trip to Cornwall for the Zamaretto League Premier Division clash, giving them plenty
IT is unlikely Worcester City have ever faced a more critical time than the present. The perilous state of the club’s finances is nothing new but in less than a month that situation will take on a whole new look. For, at the end of December
CHILDREN at a Worcestershire school spent an afternoon in forest school chasing and catching their dreams. The youngsters from the Burlish Park Primary School in Stourport were inspired by Roal Dahl’s book The BFG in which the giant makes a
WORCESTER’S MP Mike Foster has said he is hugely impressed by the transformation taking place at the city’s new academy school. Mr Foster made the comments after a visit to the former troubled Elgar Technology College, which reopened as the Tudor
SIXTH formers at Evesham High School have pledged their support to the Help for Heroes charity for the rest of the school year. Among the plans to raise funds for the charity is a talent show next year. Andrew Denton, assistant head of the sixth
MALVERN St James continued its long association with ships and the Navy with a visit from the crew of Royal Navy submarine HMS Triumph. Five crew members enjoyed a tour of the school with students including head girl Alice Porter and deputy
A THEATRE production of Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street is being held at a Worcester college. The Worcester Sixth Form College’s Theatre Company will be hosting the performance of the popular musical from tomorrow until Friday
PUPILS at Pershore High School have been busily preparing early Christmas presents for impoverished children on the other side of the world. More than 100 gift-filled and brightly wrapped shoe boxes have been put together by pupils of all ages
PUPILS from a private school in Worcester have been awarded prestigious scholarships for outstanding work in design and technology. Robin Hearn, Jonathan Horne, Joseph Perry and Douglas Wilkie from RGS Worcester picked up Arkwright Scholarships
MEMBERS enjoyed a festive evening on Tuesday, November 10, at the home of Anna Brian in Hanbury. An appreciative audience was treated to Anna’s skilful arrangements, which were part of the awards in the ensuing raffle. She also provided a splendid
MAUREEN Matthews welcomed everyone to our November meeting. We have received an invitation from Oak Apple WI to their Christmas meeting. The group carol service is on December 12 at 2pm when all are welcome, including friends and family. Members
WE had a well attended membership and one visitor was welcomed by Viv Jackman, the president. Viv commented upon the success of the recent visit to the Assay Office in Birmingham. She also confirmed the arrangements for the annual dinner at Spires
ST Modwen remain committed to building a new stadium for Worcester City at Nunnery Way. The property developer is hopeful of submitting plans for a scaled-down ground, on the site alongside the M5, to Worcester City Council in February. The Blue Square
WE got the month off to a cracking start with Margaret Salisbury giving advice on “Going For L”. Margaret, as chairman of the RPS Licentiateship Panel, gave great down to earth advice on what club photographers should expect in going for qualifications
WHITTINGTON and District Women’s Institute held its annual meeting on Thursday, November 19. Suzanne Owen, our county adviser, was welcomed to the meeting. It was reported that Whittington had had a very successful year financially and had enjoyed
IN October the guild held its annual harvest supper, and in November several members were guests of the mayor. They had a most enjoyable visit and were given a tour of the Guildhall. Paul Harding joined us for the November meeting and entertained
THE head of local policing in south Worcestershire has said people can expect to see fewer police officers on the streets as inevitable cuts on public spending continue. Chief Inspector Jerry Reakes-Williams made the comments as he faced questions
AN error has meant 19,000 people in Worcester have had two council tax payments taken out of their accounts in the same month. Worcester people who pay by direct debit may have been surprised to see their council tax – usually paid on the first
NEW Worcester Wolves head coach Paul James believes he can deliver a play-off spot this season. The troubled British Basketball League outfit named the former England coach as the man to lead Wolves following the resignation of Chuck Evans. With less
A TRIP to a fast-food restaurant has cost a man his licence and £800. Daniel Knight found out he was losing his job, so he drowned his sorrows in a pub before driving to the McDonalds in Evesham. Staff at the branch were concerned about how drunk he
A ONE-off auction looks set to raise hundreds of pounds for a Worcester charity. More than 80 lots will go under the hammer when Chiron Volunteer Ambulance holds a fund-raising auction on Sunday. The auction, at the Diglis House Hotel
A CZECH-born photographer who found inspiration in the Malvern Hills has proved a hit with art buyers. Jan Sedlacek, originally from Prague, moved to Malvern four years ago and began carving out a niche with his evocative, haunting portraits of the hills
AN OVERHAUL of mental health services for older people is planned as the NHS looks to modernise the treatment of people with dementia. Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust which runs mental health services for older people is
A FAMILY from Worcestershire is getting in the festive spirit by supporting a children’s charity. Jade and Christopher Wheatley, of Albert Street, Droitwich, are using their extensive collection of Christmas lights and decorations to raise
