Stories for 15 January 2008

Alcester

School has best rating in county

ST Benedict's High School in Alcester has been awarded the best CVA rating for Warwickshire in the annual school league tables issued this month, The CVA (contextual value added) measure, takes into account how much each pupils' performance has improved from Key Stage 2 at 11 to Key Stage 4 at 16.  more...

Coroner set to retire

AFTER more than 25 years of service, Warwickshire county coroner Michael Coker is retiring from his position.  more...

Eco grant for school

ALCESTER Grammar School has been awarded a £5,000 grant to help it aim towards sustainability.  more...

Hero firefighters scoop BBC award

THE four firefighters who died in a warehouse blaze at Atherstone-on-Stour in November have been named Midlanders of the Year by the BBC Midlands Today programme.  more...

Break-in damage

Youth Club hit by vandals  more...

Night fever!

COOL kids and appening adults are being invited to Alcester Town Council's 1960s/70s disco at the Greig Hall.  more...

Back On Track Appeal

Club's role in nurturing a champion

TALENTED athlete and Kidderminster Carnival queen, Charlotte Berring-ton, says Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club has been "invaluable" in her life.  more...

Club's role in nurturing a champion

TALENTED athlete and Kidderminster Carnival queen, Charlotte Berring-ton, says Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club has been "invaluable" in her life.  more...

Blackboard

Elgar hosts Primary School DanceFest

On 10th January 2008, year 2 & 3 pupils from Warndon, Cranham Drive, Gorse Hill, Perdiswell, Lyppard Grange and Fairfield Primary Schools came together at Elgar Technology College as part of the PESSCL Strategy to celebrate and perform the work they had done with DanceFest in their own schools before Christmas. Mrs Foulds (Head of Physical Education & Sport Faculty) at Elgar Technology College said "This was a wonderful display of the childrens' hard work. It was a delight to see so many parents supporting the event. The pupils were a credit to their schools and we eagerly await next year's performance."  more...

Business

New directors join the board

A COMPANY which makes body parts and crash structures for iconic car brands such as Aston Martin, BMW, Jaguar and Lotus has appointed three new directors at it its plant in Shrub Hill, Worcester.  more...

Community News

ST PETERS WI

St Mark's church hall looked very festive for the December meeting, complete with decorations and Christmas tree.  more...

DROITWICH SPA WI

The president welcomed members, wishing them a happy new year. She reminded them that 2008 was the last year she and the secretary would continue in office, and urged them to think about finding replacements.  more...

NORTH CLAINES WI

President Susan Oakley welcomed members on a chilly January evening to the first meeting of 2008.  more...

CALLOW END WI

The year began with the members being wished a happy new year by new president Sylvia Cubberly.  more...

Talented artists put their work on show

TALENTED artists just starting their careers are exhibiting work in Worcestershire.  more...

Down The Lane

Bench hope for key player this weekend

CHRIS Smith has not ruled out the possibility of at least making the bench for the visit of Workington on Saturday.  more...

Education

Tuck shops, quizzes and yet another award: Meet school’s star fund-raisers

WHEN asked to describe a modern teenager, most people would conjure a negative image that sums up all that is bad about the society we live in. Today's youth often get a negative press fuelled by a minority of unruly louts.  more...

Tuck shops, quizzes and yet another award: Meet school’s star fund-raisers

WHEN asked to describe a modern teenager, most people would conjure a negative image that sums up all that is bad about the society we live in. Today's youth often get a negative press fuelled by a minority of unruly louts.  more...

Football

Target can be hit

BOSS GJ Singh is confident his Barnt Green Spartak side can still achieve their target of improving on last season's ninth place Midland Combination Premier Division finish, after they slipped off the pace with a 1-0 defeat at Highgate United.  more...

General

Fun with fabrics

ATTRACTIVE watercolour paintings and unique 3D textiles are on display at Kidderminster Library.  more...

Hearts First Wyre Forest 5k

A day for putting your Hearts First

PULL on your running shoes - or your walking boots - and get out into the beautiful Wyre Forest to help save the lives of people living with heart disease.  more...

WAYS TO ENTER

WAYS TO ENTER   more...

Other Hearts First events

Shugborough 5k - Sunday, February 24   more...

Action man Lloyd's heartfelt message

TEACHER Lloyd Roberts freely admits he may be viewed as "sports mad" - but he is keen to make up for lost time.  more...

In Brief

Panels replaced

THE panels of a bus shelter in Batchley have been replaced by Redditch Council after it was recently vandalised.  more...

Social evening

THERE will be a free social evening at Redditch Town Hall on Monday, January 21 courtesy of Redditch's Where Next Nurseries.  more...

Kidder News Latest

'Pull Finger Out' fire warning

PEOPLE are being told "Pull Your Finger Out" in a blunt message to boost their awareness of fire dangers.  more...

'Pull Finger Out' fire warning

PEOPLE are being told "Pull Your Finger Out" in a blunt message to boost their awareness of fire dangers.  more...

Musician's equipment stolen

A SOUND system and other equipment belonging to a musician were taken when a trailer was stolen in a theft in Kidderminster.  more...

Councillor 'distraught' over CSO's death

BEWDLEY Conservative councillor, Stephen Clee, has expressed his sympathy to the family and friends of police community support officer, James Price, who died following a head-on collision on Saturday on the B4190 Habberley Road in Bewdley.  more...

Security marking for bikes

A FREE bicycle security marking session is being run by police for residents at Oldington and Foley Park, Kidderminster, on Saturday.  more...

Wet weather alert for drivers

THE Met Office has forecast that Wyre Forest can expect more heavy rain and high winds over the next few days, until Friday, which could lead to localised flooding and falling branches.  more...

Wet weather alert for drivers

THE Met Office has forecast that Wyre Forest can expect more heavy rain and high winds over the next few days, until Friday, which could lead to localised flooding and falling branches.  more...

Lead stripped from village hall

CALLOUS thieves have stripped lead from the roof of crime "hot spot" Areley Kings Village Hall causing the hall to become flooded.  more...

Police tributes to CSO

WEST Mercia Constabulary has today paid tribute to its community support officer who died in a road crash at Bewdley at the weekend.  more...

Mum admits affray charge

A MOTHER-of-four wept in the dock as she pleaded guilty to an offence of affray.  more...

Supermarket window damaged

A BRICK was thrown at the window of a Kidderminster supermarket, causing £500 of damage.  more...

Kidderminster College

Dance your way to a new you in 2008

Do you fancy yourself as great a dancer as Madonna but just too scared to give it a try? Well you could still be fabulous at fifty by dancing your way into a new recreational course on offer at Kidderminster College this term.  more...

Latest

Group will tackle bullying across county

A GROUP of county councillors is forging ahead with plans to examine and discuss bullying in Worcestershire.  more...

Latest travel news

Check out the latest travel news before you head off to work.  more...

Latest travel news

Check out the latest travel news before you leave work.  more...

Bacon, beans... and budget

A BREAKFAST meeting will be held for businesses to discuss Wychavon District Council’s proposed budget for 2008/09.  more...

Worcester News weather watch

With more rain predicted across Worcestershire, people in the county are watching the skies with concern given the events of summer 2007.  more...

Hot meals services for the elderly will remain

ELDERLY people’s hot meals services have been saved in Malvern and Droitwich, it was announced yesterday.  more...

Business as usual as river continues to rise

IT'S business as usual for flood-threatened Upton-upon-Severn despite the threat of rising river levels.  more...

It;s amazing the transformation we see in people

FOR many bereaved children, and their parents, the chance to get away for a weekend and not only have fun with the chance to express their feelings is invaluable.  more...

It's amazing the transformation we see in people

FOR many bereaved children, and their parents, the chance to get away for a weekend and not only have fun with the chance to express their feelings is invaluable.  more...

Drunk dad headbutted girlfriend, then stuffed baby up jumper

A FATHER who returned home drunk from an evening of drinking assaulted his partner before stuffing his 15-month-old son up his jumper and walking into the streets at 3am.  more...

NHS lottery wife’s blaze horror

A DEAF grandmother said she could have been burned to death in a house fire after she was refused implants on the NHS which would have helped her to hear the smoke alarm.  more...

Shelter is a great place to hang out

YOUNGSTERS in a Worcester community finally have somewhere to call their own - a brand new £10,000 youth shelter.   more...

COMMENT: Our sporting landmarks under threat

More than anywhere else in Britain of a similar size, Worcester is a city of sport. We have a top-flight rugby team, a first-class country cricket club and a nationally important racecourse, not to mention ambitious City and basketball aces Worcester Wolves.  more...

More wet and windy weather for Worcester

MOTORISTS are being urged by police to brace themselves for more wet and windy weather.  more...

Car blaze near cathedral

FIREFIGHTERS put out a car fire near Worcester Cathedral this morning, causing traffic jams in the city centre.  more...

Worcester News weather watch

With more rain predicted across Worcestershire, people in the county are watching the skies with concern given the events of summer 2007. Keep up to date with the latest weather, travel and flood warnings with your Worcester News. Click here for the Environment Agency's latest flood warnings for the Midlands.  more...

Worcester News weather watch

With more rain predicted across Worcestershire, people in the county are watching the skies with concern given the events of summer 2007.  more...

Ark transforms lives

FOR many bereaved children, and their parents, the chance to get away for a weekend and not only have fun with the chance to express their feelings is invaluable.  more...

Sex attack in Evesham

A MAN has been arrested following a sex attack in Evesham.  more...

Children's centre is just outstanding

A CHILDREN'S centre in Malvern was among a number of childcare providers invited to a special reception in London.  more...

'Outstandint' children's centre invited to London

A CHILDREN'S centre in Malvern was among a number of childcare providers invited to a special reception in London.  more...

'Outstanding' children's centre invited to London

A CHILDREN'S centre in Malvern was among a number of childcare providers invited to a special reception in London.  more...

Pet store in multi-million pound takeover

WILSONS Pet Centres, the Worcestershire-based chain of pet care stores, has been taken over in a £5.3m deal. Wynnstay, the national retail and agricultural supplies business, is now the store's new owner. Wilsons first opened in Bromsgrove in 1993 and since then has built up a chain of 10 pet superstores, with branches in Evesham, Malvern, Worcester, Droitwich, Kidderminster, Northfield, Acocks Green, Stourbridge, Swadlincote and Bromsgrove. Each store sells pet care products and provides services such as in-store pet grooming, pet behaviour courses and pet insurance. Wilsons Pet Centres has 104 employees on a full-time basis. Bernard Harris, managing director of Wynnstay, said: "We have been extending Wynnstay's existing retailing activities into the high growth area of pet care products for some time now and, following the launch in the summer of our own dedicated pet store format - Just for Pets, the acquisition of Wilsons Pet Centres is the next logical step. "Wilsons Pet Centres is a long-established, well-run chain in the West Midlands, with a reputation for efficient and friendly customer service. "I am very pleased too say that the senior management team at Wilsons Pet Centres will remain with the enlarged business, leading its development, and I believe there are exciting growth opportunities ahead of us." Last year Wilsons Pet Centres generated revenue of £6.8m. The shops will be rebranded under Wynnstay's existing pet brand, Just for Pets, as part of the Wynnstay group.  more...

Pet store in multi-million pound takeover

WILSONS Pet Centres, the Worcestershire-based chain of pet care stores, has been taken over in a £5.3m deal.  more...

Heroin addict stole food to pay drug gang

A HEROIN addict told a court he repeatedly stole food from a Worcester store to pay a drug gang who held him hostage for two days.  more...

Road closures in H&W

HEREFORDSHIRE Council has release a list of roads that are affected by flooding in Hereford and Worcestershire. Click to view a .pdf document of all the roads, but remember the list was accurate as of noon today. Meanwhile: Click here for the Environment Agency's latest flood warnings for the Midlands.  more...

Road closures in H&W

HEREFORDSHIRE Council has release a list of roads that are affected by flooding in Hereford and Worcestershire. Click to view a .pdf document of all the roads, but remember the list was accurate as of noon today. Meanwhile: Click here for the Environment Agency's latest flood warnings for the Midlands.  more...

Road closures in Herefordshire

HEREFORDSHIRE Council has released a list of roads that are affected by flooding in the county.  more...

Play grants gets kids closer to nature

THOUSANDS of youngsters in Wyre Forest will benefit from two innovative new play projects funded by lottery grants of more than £200,000.  more...

Poet's daughter visits Worcester

THE daughter of the famous welsh poet Dylan Thomas will be in Worcester tomorrow evening.  more...

Poet's daughter visits Worcester

THE daughter of the famous welsh poet Dylan Thomas will be in Worcester tomorrow evening.  more...

Keen historian wanted

A GROUP dedicated to bringing Worcester's history to life is throwing down the gauntlet to the people of the Faithful City to get involved and find out what their forebears really got up to.  more...

Noah's Ark needs YOU

YOUR Worcester News recently launched its ambitious Noah's Ark appeal. Here you will find everything you need to know to help us raise £1m.  more...

Noah's Ark needs YOU

YOUR Worcester News recently launched its ambitious Noah's Ark appeal. Here you will find everything you need to know to help us raise £1m.  more...

Noah's Ark needs YOU

YOUR Worcester News recently launched its ambitious Noah's Ark appeal. Here you will find everything you need to know to help us raise £1m.  more...

Noah's Ark needs YOU

YOUR Worcester News recently launched its ambitious Noah's Ark appeal. Here you will find everything you need to know to help us raise £1m.  more...

Sue’s children’s books are a success abroad

A CHILDREN'S author from Worcestershire is making a name for herself abroad after a foreign MP showed interest in her stories.  more...

Suicidal man threatened to stab teenager

A SUICIDAL man threatened to stab a teenager before locking himself in his house and trying to cut his own throat.  more...

Torrential rain expected at 6pm - police

POLICE have issued an urgent warning for commuters to leave work before an expected downpour at 6pm.  more...

Sold, a lock of Henry VIII’s wife’s hair –- to a man who lives in her house

A 500-year-old lock of hair believed to have belonged to the sixth wife of Henry VIII sold today for more than £2,000 - to a man who lives in her old home.  more...

Sold, a lock of Henry VIII’s wife’s hair - to a man who lives in her house

A 500-year-old lock of hair believed to have belonged to the sixth wife of Henry VIII sold today for more than £2,000 - to a man who lives in her old home.  more...

Police urge distressed man to call them back

POLICE have issued an urgent appeal for help to trace a man who phoned Crimestoppers in distress but hung up before operators could take any details.  more...

Store fined for selling rotten fish

A FOOD giant has been fined £19,500 for selling rotten fish at a supermarket in Malvern.  more...

Proms concert to support Leukaemia CARE

LORD Digby Jones will be hosting a proms concert in aid of Worcester-based Leukaemia CARE.  more...

Jilted lover poured 25 litres of bleach over flat furniture

A MAN caused more than £7,000 damage to a flat by pouring 25 litres of bleach all over furniture during a revenge attack on his cheating ex-girlfriend.  more...

'Step forward' in attempts to improve road safety

EVESHAM Mayor Alan Booth welcomed a step forward' in the campaign to improve safety on Worcester Road.  more...

Flood alert as roads are closed

THE River Avon was placed on Flood Watch this morning as persistent rain raised its levels to dangerous heights.  more...

Rail strikes suspended as talks continue

RAIL passengers in Evesham and the north Cotswolds can breath a sigh of relief after strike action at First Great Western was suspended.  more...

Plea for witnesses after sex attack

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a young woman was sexually assaulted in Evesham's Abbey Park at the weekend.  more...

Alcester crash out of Shield

Alcester 5 Rugby St Andrews 30  more...

Five Ways falter without playing

FIVE Ways Old Edwardians' difficult season took another turn for the worse on Saturday, without the Masshouse side kicking a ball.  more...

Solihull in touch

SATURDAY'S victory at home to Lichfield in a rearranged fixture kept Solihull in touch with the chasing pack in Midlands Two West.  more...

Harborough hit Redditch

Market Harborough 8 Redditch 3  more...

Norton book passage

Kings Norton 40 Selly Oak 3   more...

Blues washout is good news

THE weather-enforced postponement of last night's planned Birmingham County Cup quarter-final at Coventry could benefit Birmingham City Ladies.  more...

Ladies secure progress

Sunderland 1 Birmingham City Ladies 4  more...

Spartak confident despite Highgate loss

BOSS GJ Singh is confident his Barnt Green Spartak side can still achieve their target of improving on last season's ninth place Midland Combination Premier Division finish, after they slipped off the pace with a 1-0 defeat at Highgate United, writes Dan Harrison.  more...

Bowden joy for runners

BROMSGROVE and Redditch Athletics Club took gold in the first meeting of 2008 when Sean Bowden won the under-17s boys' race in the Worcestershire AAA cross country meeting at Droitwich.  more...

Bees bid for glory

Kirkham & Wesham cup test awaiting Studley  more...

Latets

Dad addicted to child porn

SHOCKING photographs of children being tortured were downloaded by a father-of-two and distributed to other perverts, a judge was told.  more...

Prisons set for merger

HEWELL Grange, Blakenhurst and Brockhill prisons are set to merge into one prison in April and be renamed HMP Redditch.  more...

Letters

It can help children if we talk about cancer

SIR - I am supporting Macmillan's Cancertalk Week, Monday to Friday, January 21-25, and I would like to invite your readers to do the same.  more...

Churchill did not want Britain in EU

SIR - David Candler was right when he wrote that Sir Winston Churchill was keen to get the continental countries of Europe closer enough together to prevent future conflict, but Churchill did not envisage for one moment that Britain should be part of it.  more...

Is council relying on King Canute?

SIR - It is six months ago that Upton-upon-Severn was devastated by the floods.  more...

Rubbish is strewn all over the place

SIR - What a mess people have got into with their rubbish bins not being emptied for up to four weeks.  more...

Support law and order please, John

SIR - I usually enjoy and admire John Shearon's astute and witty letters but, on Monday, December 31, he wrote attacking our police forces' request for a more substantial pay deal.  more...

Thank you for the help with my car

SIR - I would like through your columns to thank the three gentlemen who, on the last Sunday before Christmas (December 23), helped me to re-start my car when it broke down in Bath Road,Worcester.  more...

There’s a website just for vegans

SIR - I understand that some readers are interested in a vegan way of life.  more...

Plea to Town Council

I WAS amazed to read in this paper on December 21 that the Town Council had recommended planning refusal for our tunnel application.  more...

Decline of Abbey Road

I WAS amazed to see on BBC Breakfast that Pepper & Oz are still being harassed al the way to Westminster to remove their lovely parasol from their premises on the grounds that they did not apply for planning permission. Who condones this waste of our money?  more...

Wasting energy

I CAME out of Waitrose this morning (January 11) pushing my shopping trolley to my car. It was raining and there was low cloud so the lights in the car park and the street lights beyond were all ablaze, despite visibility of at least a mile. Because of the particular light-sensitive mechanism that operates these, there was not way the horrifically wasted energy could be switched off.  more...

Congestion in Malvern

I CHANGED my job two years ago, in part to get away from traffic congestion, I am now a landscape gardener in Malvern.  more...

Legion membership

WITH regard to the article in last week's Ledbury Reporter (No Members No Branch) concerning Bromyard Royal British Legion.  more...

Shocking state of swimming pools

I HAVE been using Redditch's two swimming pools aroundtwo or three times a week for the past nine months or so in an effort to improve my fitness and I have to say I am continually shocked by the state the two pools are in.  more...

Clean it up!

WE would just like to say thank-you' to all the people who allow their dogs to foul outside our home and others!  more...

Cruel tests

AT Christmas and at other times of the year, publicity is often, quite rightly, given to the suffering of animals reared in inhumane conditions to provide cheap, but not healthy food.  more...

Such generosity

WYTHALL Animal Sanctuary's fundraisers (and their dogs) were collecting outside Asda on December 15.  more...

Enjoyed fruit

I AM writing to say thank-you to the market traders for the raffle at Christmas. I would like to thank the trader who provided the fruit hamper which I won. It was lovely.  more...

Clampers could mean lost trade

I LIVE in Bromsgrove but regularly shop in Redditch.  more...

Bishop right to express concern

AT last a Bishop in the Church of England is willing to speak out!  more...

Thanks to our dustbin men

WE are hopeless as a family at knowing what is being collected and when and tend to rely on our neighbours to see which bins they are putting out.  more...

Time to put ‘sharks’ into net

SORRY Cyclops, you have mis-identified the source of mercenary reasoning.  more...

They’ve bin and gone from here

WE haven't had a black wheelie bin since the start of December and after numerous phone calls and visits to the Town Hall asking for one we are still waiting nearly ten weeks after.  more...

Music

New members welcome

FOLLOWING their impressive debut at the Elgar School of Music's Christmas concert Come and Sing!', the new Madrigal Group which started in September last year, is proving to be a huge success.  more...

Nature Notes

Downpours offer special wildlife encounters

THE countryside for the last few weeks has been at its most drab.  more...

News

County will stay and battle flood damage

WORCESTERSHIRE insist that they have not seriously thought about moving away from their New Road home despite the ground being engulfed with flood water yet again.  more...

County duo England hopes hit

WORCESTERSHIRE stars Steven Davies and Kabir Ali have been dealt a blow in their international hopes after the pair were forced to withdraw from the England Lions tour to India later this month.  more...

County duo England hopes rocked

WORCESTERSHIRE stars Steven Davies and Kabir Ali have been dealt a blow in their international hopes after the pair were forced to withdraw from the England Lions tour to India later this month.  more...

'A' League game called off

WORCESTER Warriors Guinness 'A' League game at Leeds Carnegie was called off last night due to a waterlogged pitch.  more...

Hot-shot Life nets title win

CONFIDENCE is one characteristic Worcester Wolves' scoring sensation James Life is certainly not lacking in.  more...

Collins call-up

WORCESTER Warriors' uncapped forward James Collins has been called into the England Sevens squad for the New Zealand and USA IRB World Sevens Series.  more...

Weymouth replay off

HARRIERS' FA Trophy second round replay against Weymouth at Aggborough has been cancelled.  more...

Supersub Markman earns win

Leigh RMI 0 Redditch United 1  more...

Whild calling for patience

REDDITCH United manager Gary Whild is urging supporters to be patient with striker Damien Markman.  more...

Noah'S Ark Appeal

Ark transforms lives

FOR many bereaved children, and their parents, the chance to get away for a weekend and not only have fun with the chance to express their feelings is invaluable.  more...

Reports

Alsop strike proves point

Rovers 1
Merthyr Tydfil 1
  more...

Reviews

Cooking up great fun

Theatre review
Dick Whittington - Norbury Theatre, Droitwich Spa  more...

Thank you very much!

Theatre review
Scrooge - Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (until January 26)  more...

Scrooge, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.

IF you are seeking a post-Christmas pick-me-up or a break from the winter blues, then seek no more and simply head off to the Alex for a truly scrumptious Scrooge that will have you saying, and more than likely singing, Thank you very much'.  more...

Round-Up

Malvern take time over new boss

MALVERN Town chairman Paul Pallett will not be rushed into appointing a new manager at the club.  more...

Ebbsfleet await the winners of contest

RUSSELL Penn is quite happy for Kidderminster Harriers to be tested in the FA Trophy - if it means reaching another Wembley final.  more...

County will stay and battle flood damage

WORCESTERSHIRE insist that they have not seriously thought about moving away from their New Road home despite the ground being engulfed with flood water yet again.  more...

County will stay and battle flood damage

WORCESTERSHIRE insist that they have not seriously thought about moving away from their New Road home despite the ground being engulfed with flood water yet again.  more...

Swifts lose at Sutton

STOURPORT Swifts took the lead but lost 2-1 at Sutton Coldfield Town.  more...

Swifts lose at Sutton

STOURPORT Swfits took the lead but lost 2-1 at Sutton Coldfield Town.  more...

Weather hits Harriers and Malvern

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' FA Trophy second round replay against Weymouth tonight has been postponed.  more...

Droitwich net Cullompton in round six

DROITWICH'S reward for seeing off Leicester Vipers in the EDF Energy Senior Vase is a home tie with Cullompton in round six.  more...

GWR closing on league leaders

GWR B' defeated league leaders St Stephen's B' 3-1 to move to within one point of top spot in the Worcester Billiards League.  more...

Upton go goal crazy on the road

UPTON Snodsbury put their poor Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League Division One form behind them to trounce Moreton Town Sunday.  more...

Adams at the double

HAZEL Adams scored twice as Worcester City Women won 3-0 at Headless Cross.  more...

Jenkins faces Mardle

Wayne Mardle is the Sky Sports Wildcard for the 2008 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts which involves Ledbury's Terry Jenkins.  more...

Jenkins faces Mardle

WAYNE Mardle is the Sky Sports Wildcard for the 2008 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts which involves Ledbury's Terry Jenkins.  more...

Highwaymen setting the pace

HIGHWAYMEN hold a commanding 38-point lead at the top of the Worcester Friendly League Wednesday Division One.  more...

Increase lower than expected

HOUSEHOLDERS in the Bromsgrove district are facing a Council Tax increase of 4.45 per cent - slightly less than what was expected.  more...

Increase lower than expected

HOUSEHOLDERS in the Bromsgrove district are facing a Council Tax increase of 4.45 per cent - slightly less than what was expected.  more...

Elderly will lose out

OLDER drivers claim axing concessionary car park permits is a soft target' and have called on district councillors to have a last minute change of heart.  more...

Elderly will lose out

OLDER drivers claim axing concessionary car park permits is a soft target' and have called on district councillors to have a last minute change of heart.  more...

Labour’s version of the council tax

LABOUR has come up with its alternative budget which it claims will save services, put cash in the bank and won't cost residents a penny in increased council tax.  more...

Suspicious caller claimed to be from water board

ELDERLY people are being warned to be cautious following a distraction burglary in Bromsgrove.  more...

Fears as floods make a return

ANXIOUS Bromsgrove residents, hit by last July's floods, were devastated when water came lapping over gardens and into houses again, over the weekend.  more...

Time to spy on your 'neighbours'

LOCAL birdwatchers are expected to be fully occupied over the last weekend of the month.  more...

Rowe is cyclo-king

JOE Rowe was crowned National Cyclo Cross over-55s champion after a thrilling race at Birmingham's Sutton Park.  more...

Town ready for promotion push

BROMSGROVE are still in the West Midlands Division One promotion picture after winning 3-0 at Rugeley on Saturday.  more...

Havens for runaways

THERE'S good news for the parents of 900 children in the county who go missing every year.  more...

Our can appeal proves to be another success

GENEROUS residents from Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa have been thanked for their kindness after the success of this year's Advertiser/Messenger Give a Can a Home Appeal.  more...

Re-homing battery hens

AS the plight of battery hens hits the headlines, John and Monica Hall know only too well the effects that such farming can have.  more...

Beat basement boys to boost promotion chances

Pershore II 4, Ludlow II 1 PERSHORE continued their quest for promotion with a workmanlike performance against their basement side visitors.  more...

Winter Tennis League placings

Stratford-on-Avon & District Winter League Current standings Division One: Inkberrow A P 6, Pts 9; Stratford B 7, 18; Evesham 6, 14; Beckford A 6, 13; Stratford C 6, 10; Warwick Boat A 5, 9; Littletons A 5, 7; Chipping Campden A 7, 6. Division Two: Wythall A 5, 18; Leamington A 5, 18; Kenilworth A 6, 15; Inkberrow B 7, 13; Henley A 6, 11; Claverdon A 6, 6; Shipston A 6, 6; FISSC A 5, 5. Division Three: Moreton-in-Marsh A 5, 19; Bidford 6, 16; Snitterfield A 7, 16; Beckford B 7, 14; Kenilworth B 7, 14; Warwick Boat B 6, 11; Littletons B 7, 10; Chipping Campden B 7, 4. Division Four: Ardencote A 7, 23; Leamington B 7, 19; Wythall B 7, 16; Pershore 7, 15; Studley A 7, 14; HDA Redditch A 7, 11; Stratford D 7, 9; Shipston B 7, 5. Division Five: Alcester B 7, 28; Harbury 7, 18; Studley B 7, 16; Claverdon B 7, 14; Stratford E 7, 13; FISSC B 7, 10; Alcester A 7, 9; Littletons C 7, 8. Division Six: Whitnash 8, 22; Studley C 5, 17; Ilmington 8, 17; Ardencote B 7, 15; Snitterfield B 8, 14; Shipston C 7, 9; Littletons D 4, 4; Chipping Campden C 4, 3. Division Seven: Leamington C 6, 21; Inkberrow C 7, 19; Inkberrow D 7, 12; Bidford B 6, 10; Moreton B 6, 10; Alcester C 7, 10; HDA Redditch B 5, 9; Henley B 4, 5.  more...

Winter Tennis League placings

Stratford-on-Avon & District Winter League Current standings>p/> Division One Inkberrow A P 6, Pts 9; Stratford B 7, 18; Evesham 6, 14; Beckford A 6, 13; Stratford C 6, 10; Warwick Boat A 5, 9; Littletons A 5, 7; Chipping Campden A 7, 6.  more...

Winter Tennis League placings

Stratford-on-Avon & District Winter League Current standings>p/> Division One Inkberrow A P 6, Pts 9; Stratford B 7, 18; Evesham 6, 14; Beckford A 6, 13; Stratford C 6, 10; Warwick Boat A 5, 9; Littletons A 5, 7; Chipping Campden A 7, 6.  more...

Winter Tennis League placings

Stratford-on-Avon & District Winter League Current standings Division One Inkberrow A P 6, Pts 9; Stratford B 7, 18; Evesham 6, 14; Beckford A 6, 13; Stratford C 6, 10; Warwick Boat A 5, 9; Littletons A 5, 7; Chipping Campden A 7, 6.  more...

Quartet net twice as Upton hit a dozen

Birdseye Sports Evesham & District Sunday League FRIDAY'S adverse weather took its toll on the weekend programme with more than half the scheduled matches postponed.  more...

Buzzards overcome wind, rain and hosts!

Hucclecote 0, Bredon Buzzards U-12 49pts EXTREMELY windy and muddy conditions made life difficult but both teams got stuck in straight away.  more...

Unbeaten Wanderers continue fine form

Evesham and District Table Tennis Association WYRE Wanderers remain undefeated at the top of Division Two after adding four more wins to their tally.  more...

Wheeler nets a treble in friendly triumph

Bretforton 8, Evesham 0 BRETFORTON stormed through Saturday's friendly to record a convincing win over their local rivals.  more...

Today's events

Tuesday Tai Chi. New class at Northleigh School, St Peter's Road, Malvern. 7:30pm. Details 01684 562528.  more...

Latest Herefordshire Planning Applications

THE following Planning Applications were made to Herefordshire Council on January 11, 2008:- BISHOP'S FROME - Proposed extension to craft shop and workshops, new building for six no. additional workshops and site office with storeroom. Hop Pocket, New House Farm, Bishops Frome, Worcester, Herefordshire, WR6 5BT for Mr J Pudge, New House Farm, Bishops Frome, Worcester, Herefordshire, WR6 8BT per Linton Design, 5A Old Road, Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4BQ.  more...

Drivers urged to be cautious in wet weather

THE Met Office has forecast that the West Midlands can expect more heavy rain and high winds over the next few days (Tuesday to Friday), which could lead to localised flooding and falling branches across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.  more...

New friends for the New Year?

PEOPLE who want to make new friends in the New Year are being urged to join Malvern Social Group, a non profit making organisation, aimed at 20-49 year olds.  more...

Life-size sculpture of Elgar planned for birthplace museum

LIFE-size sculpture of Malvern's most famous son, Edward Elgar, has been proposed to mark the composer's 150th anniversary.  more...

Lorry causes more traffic chaos for Colwall

A JACK-KNIFED lorry blocked Walwyn Road at Upper Colwall for five hours on Monday and caused a serious tail-back during the evening rush hour.  more...

Lorry causes more traffic chaos for Colwall

A JACK-KNIFED lorry blocked Walwyn Road at Upper Colwall for five hours on Monday and caused a serious tail-back during the evening rush hour.  more...

Lorry causes more traffic chaos for Colwall

A JACK-KNIFED lorry blocked Walwyn Road at Upper Colwall for five hours on Monday and caused a serious tail-back during the evening rush hour.  more...

Marathon effort for St Richard's Hospice

THE London Marathon is the destination for a Malvern man dedicated to raising money for St Richard's Hospice.  more...

Meetings called after shock schools merger move

PARENTS at schools in the Ledbury and Bromyard areas have come out fighting at Herefordshire Council proposals to merge 40 schools across the county.  more...

Downpour expected to cause traffic problems

South Worcestershire Police have issued an urgent warning that a fast-approaching downpour could seriously affect commuiting times and make driving hazardous.  more...

Bike that brought back memories of the floods is stolen

A MALVERN man who found a renewed interest in cycling during last summer's floods has appealed for help after his treasured bike was stolen during the heaviest rains of this year.  more...

Strong backing for High Street Malvern

MORE than 60 people this evening (Tuesday) attended a meeting celebrating the first anniversary of High Street Malvern, a partnership of residents and traders focused on improving the town centre.  more...

Strong backing for High Street Malvern

MORE than 60 people this evening (Tuesday) attended a meeting celebrating the first anniversary of High Street Malvern, a partnership of residents and traders focused on improving the town centre.  more...

Company boosts BMX track plans

LOCAL international company GKN has donated £4,000 to Redditch Premiers BMX club towards the development of an Olympic standard extreme sports BMX track - thanks to a recommendation by Redditch MP and Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.  more...

Music maestros

THREE musically-minded maestros from Redditch have passed a prestigious music exam held in the town for the first time in its history.  more...

Health issues in spotlight

WORCESTERSHIRE County Council is consulting with parents to get feedback on the important health-related issues which are a concern to them and their children.  more...

Council beats safety targets

WORCESTERSHIRE County Council is set to exceed all road safety targets set down by the Government.  more...

Funds for hospice

A GROUP of Redditch office workers have given money to the Primrose Hospice because they said it makes a big difference to local people's lives.  more...

Help at hand for hefty pets

REDDITCH residents are not the only ones who are making New Year's resolutions to get fit and healthy.  more...

More support for runaways

THE 900 children under the age of 16 who run away in Redditch, Bromsgrove and across Worcestershire every year are to be given a lifeline.  more...

Cemeteries nearly full

CEMETERIES in Redditch are reaching full capacity as burial space is set to run out in five years' time.  more...

Nick set to beat the opposition!

A DYNAMIC drummer from Inkberrow has proved he's a big hit after making the finals of the Young Drummer of the Year competition.  more...

Woman admits benefit fraud

A WOODROW woman has been sentenced after pleading guilty to fraudulently claiming more than £11,000 in benefits.  more...

Peace protester hurt in demo

PARLIAMENT Square peace protester Brian Haw has been injured during an anti-war demonstration outside Downing Street.  more...

Appeal over rob attempt

AN attempted robbery took place at a Studley pub, where offenders attacked two customers with iron bars and a drinks glass.  more...

Burglar jailed for 12 months

A REDDITCH store lost goods worth £7,000 after three men burgled it at night.  more...

Roundup

Weymouth replay off

HARRIERS' FA Trophy second round replay against Weymouth at Aggborough has been cancelled.  more...

Rugby

Vase glory is in sight

DROITWICH progressed to the last 16 of the EDF Senior Vase with a disciplined display at the Memorial Ground.  more...

Vase glory is in sight

DROITWICH progressed to the last 16 of the EDF Senior Vase with a disciplined display at the Memorial Ground.  more...

Dream is alive

THE dream of a Twickenham final is a step closer to becoming reality for Droitwich RFC after they brushed aside Vipers to reach the last 16 of the EDF Senior Vase on Saturday.  more...

Dream is alive

THE dream of a Twickenham final is a step closer to becoming reality for Droitwich RFC after they brushed aside Vipers to reach the last 16 of the EDF Senior Vase on Saturday.  more...

Dream is alive

THE dream of a Twickenham final is a step closer to becoming reality for Droitwich RFC after they brushed aside Vipers to reach the last 16 of the EDF Senior Vase on Saturday.  more...

Schools

IT awards

KIDS from Redditch schools have proved they are turned on to technology as Worcestershire County Council triumphed during an IT awards ceremony.  more...

Schools News

Special awards on offer for learners

LEARNERS in Worcestershire are being invited to vie for a special award.  more...

Get children outside the classrooms more often

SCHOOLS, parents, teachers and governors in Worcestershire are being urged to make a new year's resolution for 2008 and pledge to offer their pupils a learning-outside-the-classroom experience in the coming year.  more...

Youngsters take to the stage

MORE than 100 children from Worcester primary schools had the afternoon off to perform on stage in a dance festival at Elgar Technology College.  more...

Sixth-formers share their skills with juniors

SIXTH-formers at a Worcester school have been sharing their enthusiasms with younger pupils.  more...

Theatre

Thank you very much!

Theatre review Scrooge - Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (until January 26) IF you are seeking a post-Christmas pick-me-up or a break from the winter blues, then seek no more and simply head off to the Alex for a truly scrumptious Scrooge that will have you saying, and more than likely singing, Thank you very much'.  more...

Thank you very much!

Theatre review Scrooge - Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (until January 26).  more...

Thank you very much!

Theatre review - Scrooge at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (until January 26).  more...

Cooking up great fun

Theatre review - Dick Whittington at the Norbury Theatre, Droitwich Spa.  more...

Scaling new heights

HEARTBREAK Productions is set to transform Pershore's Number 8 Community Arts Centre into the Yorkshire Moors, with its production of Wuthering Heights'.  more...

Show will float your boat

WORCESTER Operatic and Dramatic Society are in need of male actors for their forthcoming production of Titanic'.  more...

Travel

Short break offer for UK's greenest festival

A NEW new short break promotion for festival-goers will take place in Leicestershire in summer 2008.  more...

Villages

Welland

THE first item concerns the Friends of Welland Ferret Race Night which takes place tonight, Friday, January 18 at 7.30pm in the Pheasant Public House. Tickets will cost £5 each and are available from me at Welland Post Office or 01684 310068, Mary Roberts on 01684 592303 or possibly on the door. Remember those without tickets will be denied entry!  more...

Wellington Heath

nibbles and tea and coffee was served. There were 12 rounds ten different subjects. The laptops came in very handy for some of the questions. The winning team comprised of Lucy (Hill), Mr and Mrs Lewis and Mr and Mrs Phillimore-Allen. The aeroplane competition was won by Joe Phillimore-Allen age eight. Everyone had to make a plane out of a sheet of paper and the one that flew the furthest won. Well done Joe. Our thanks to Barry (Hill) for all the time spent on putting the quiz together. Barry is hoping to be able to do another one in the not too distant future.  more...

Wellington Heath

THE CAP Quiz evening last Saturday was a tremendous success, with over 50 people attending. Most people took drink and nibbles and tea and coffee was served. There were 12 rounds ten different subjects. The laptops came in very handy for some of the questions. The winning team comprised of Lucy (Hill), Mr and Mrs Lewis and Mr and Mrs Phillimore-Allen. The aeroplane competition was won by Joe Phillimore-Allen age eight. Everyone had to make a plane out of a sheet of paper and the one that flew the furthest won. Well done Joe. Our thanks to Barry (Hill) for all the time spent on putting the quiz together. Barry is hoping to be able to do another one in the not too distant future.  more...

Bosbury

AT the Bosbury and Coddington Parish Council meeting on January 3 a Flood Defence Committee was set up. The members are: Robert Costello, Alan Clarke, Richard Westwood, Patrick Whitehead, John Joyce-Townsend and Steve Hopkins.  more...

Colwall

DON'T forget that the retirement collection for Carl Attwood is still accepting contributions. If you would like to make a donation you can do so by either sending a cheque to Richard Beard at The Coach House, Burleigh, Old Church Road, Colwall, WR13 6EX or by giving cash or a cheque to Janet Sutton at John Goodwin Estate Agents in the village. Cheques should be made payable to The Attwood Collection.  more...

Storridge

VILLAGE Hall. The main hall is closed for repair until January 28. The two smaller rooms are available and will hold 20-25 people seated in reasonable comfort. There is free access to the kitchen and toilet facilities.  more...

What'S Happening

Ravenmeadow Golf club - coaching courses

Ravenmeadow Golf club - coaching courses for children aged 6 to 16 years  more...

What'S On

Exciting 2008 for WORDS

BROMSGROVE WORDS, a group whose objective is promoting the use of the written and spoken word, has announced its programme for 2008.  more...

Where to go (January 16 to January 25)

Wednesday January 16 MUSIC: Malvern College Lunchtime Music Concert, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester (1pm).  more...

Exciting 2008 for WORDS

BROMSGROVE WORDS, a group whose objective is promoting the use of the written and spoken word, has announced its programme for 2008.  more...

New members welcome

FOLLOWING their impressive debut at the Elgar School of Music's Christmas concert Come and Sing!', the new Madrigal Group which started in September last year, is proving to be a huge success.  more...

Scaling new heights

HEARTBREAK Productions is set to transform Pershore's Number 8 Community Arts Centre into the Yorkshire Moors, with its production of Wuthering Heights'.  more...

Show will float your boat

WORCESTER Operatic and Dramatic Society are in need of male actors for their forthcoming production of Titanic'.  more...

  
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