Stories for 23 January 2008

Business

Have you done your tax sums for April?

SWEEPING changes in the tax regime come into effect at the end of the tax year in April.  more...

Tony, 65, qualifies in an age-old craft

TWO Worcester stonemasons are the first in the city to achieve a nationally recognised qualification in the age-old craft.  more...

Business News

Caring staff prove they're all heart

HEART of England Housing and Care, which runs Brambles residential care home in Headless Cross, is celebrating with staff having been awarded the Investors In People award.  more...

Droitwich 7 Nuneaton Old Edwardians 5

Presentation

Sports editor Dan Harrison presents Droitwich head coach Dan Protherough with the Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa Advertiser Sports Personality of the Year 2007 award.  more...

Dan is the man

Head coach Dan Protherough with the Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa Advertiser Sports Personality of the Year 2007 trophy.  more...

Apply some pressure

Droitwich pile on the pressure near the Nuneaton line.  more...

Opportunist

Steve Poke sneaks in to score an early try for Droitwich.  more...

Pinpoint

Duncan Hughes extends Droitwich's lead with a conversion.  more...

Up for grabs

Droitwich secure the ball successfully from a line-out.   more...

Whistle blower

Droitwich are penalised as the visitors aim to find a way back into the game.  more...

Men over

It is all Nuneaton as Droitwich's defence is tested to the limit.  more...

What goes up............

Another successful line-out catch.  more...

......must come down

Forwards rally round after the catch to set up an attacking play.  more...

Face-to-face

The respective packs stare each other out as they prepare to scrum down.  more...

Crunch

The Nuneaton wing is stopped in his tracks by a crunching tackle.  more...

Seize danger

Droitwich take their time to set the play as they try to run the clock down.  more...

Fixtures

County weekend football fixture round-up

SATURDAY WORCESTERSHIRE FA CUPS Junior Cup semi-finals: Bredon v Fairfield Villa (DW Kings); Powick v Droitwich Spa (M Pedley).  more...

Hockey fixture list

SATURDAY BODYKRAFT MIDLANDS MEN'S LEAGUE Midlands Premier Division: Coventry & North Warwick v Worcester (2pm).  more...

Juniors

United youngsters win twice and find net 14 times

Bidford Jnrs 0, Evesham Utd U-14 7 EVESHAM dominated with Henry Woods opening the scoring with an assist from Andy Powell.  more...

Kidder News Latest

Guard of honour for CSO

THE family of a police community support officer killed in a road accident say his death has left "a huge gap" in their close-knit family.  more...

Online poll - supermarkets shoudl fine drivers

SUPERMARKETS should introduce fines to stop drivers parking in spaces designated for the disabled and parents and toddlers.  more...

Online poll - supermarkets should fine drivers

SUPERMARKETS should introduce fines to stop drivers parking in spaces designated for the disabled and parents and toddlers.  more...

Gold medallist to present prizes

IT has been confirmed that Commonwealth gold medallist Christina Boxer will be making the presentations at the Wyre Forest District Sports Awards at the Glades Arena in Kidderminster tomorrow night.  more...

Gold medallist to present prizes

Commonwealth gold medallist Christina Boxer will be making the presentations at the Wyre Forest District Sports Awards at the Glades Arena in Kidderminster tomorrow night.  more...

Gold medallist to present prizes

Commonwealth gold medallist Christina Boxer will be making the presentations at the Wyre Forest District Sports Awards at the Glades Arena in Kidderminster tomorrow night.  more...

Kidderminster wall collapse

AN unsafe wall which forced the evacuation of nearby residents five months ago has partially collapsed overnight.  more...

Free children's weight management course

CHILDREN in Wyre Forest are being given the chance to get trimmer, fitter and more confident by attending a free weight management course.  more...

Free children's weight management course

CHILDREN in Wyre Forest are being given the chance to get trimmer, fitter and more confident by attending a free weight management course.  more...

Free children's weight management course

CHILDREN in Wyre Forest are being given the chance to get trimmer, fitter and more confident by attending a free weight management course.  more...

Free children's weight management course

CHILDREN in Wyre Forest are being given the chance to get trimmer, fitter and more confident by attending a free weight management course.  more...

Object thrown through car window

THE rear windscreen of a car being driven through Stourport was smashed when something was thrown through it.  more...

Wall collapse latest

A CRUMBLING wall that forced the evacuation of residents from their homes nearby has partially collapsed, causing minor damage to properties below.  more...

Holocaust memorial

HOLOCAUST victims will be remembered during a memorial service in Kidderminster on Sunday.  more...

Declaring war on cheap booze

A WYRE Forest district councillor is calling for a tightening of the laws on sales of cheap alcohol in supermarkets and off-licences.  more...

Latest

Latest travel news

Check out the latest travel news before you go in to work this morning.  more...

Latest travel news

Check out the latest travel news before you head home.  more...

School celebrates good Ofsted report

STAFF and pupils at a Pershore school are celebrating after picking up a number of ‘good’ grades in their latest Ofsted report.  more...

Man slapped girlfriend across face - court

A MAN who slapped his ex-girlfriend across the face while she was queuing outside a nightclub has admitted assault.  more...

Five generations of girls

A FAMILY is celebrating the latest addition to their family - the fifth generation of girls.  more...

Sewer works spark traffic delays

MOTORISTS are facing lengthy delays on one of Worcester’s major routes as road works are carried out.  more...

Sewer works spark traffic delays

MOTORISTS are facing lengthy delays on one of Worcester’s major routes as road works are carried out.  more...

City holds its breath as river approaches peak

ALL eyes were expected to be on the river Severn today after the Environment Agency warned it would be reaching its peak in Worcester.  more...

Have your say in our forums

THERE are many ways to share your views with the readers of your Worcester News, but by far the most versatile is in our forums.  more...

£9m homes scheme is checked out by city’s MP

WORCESTER MP Mike Foster donned hard hat and safety boots to inspect a £9 million housing development in the city.  more...

Have your say in our forums

THERE are many ways to share your views with the readers of your Worcester News, but by far the most versatile is in our forums.  more...

Councillors set for pay cut

THE cash crisis engulfing Worcester City Council now looks likely to hit councillors where it hurts the most - in their own pockets.  more...

Attacker tracked down by internet

A MAN who punched and kicked a stranger while he was sitting in his car was caught after his victim tracked him down via social networking site Bebo.  more...

Council’s Baldwin painting will now be going to a museum

A CONTROVERSIAL oil painting - which cost Worcestershire County Council £4,000 - has been withdrawn from sale, after your Worcester News revealed it would fetch just a few hundred pounds.  more...

Cost of flood barriers over £21k so far

FLOOD barriers in Worcester have so far cost up to £21,700 to protect the city against the rising river water and stop thieves from taking them.  more...

Flood water in Worcester still rising

FLOOD water in Worcester continues to rise and will not peak until this afternoon.  more...

Flood water in Worcester still rising

FLOOD water in Worcester continues to rise and will not peak until this afternoon.  more...

COMMENT: Another cut in interest rate needed

IF IT is still true that when America's economy sneezes ours gets a cold then we should probably prepare ourselves for a dose of the flu.  more...

M5 accident

A carriageway of the M5 was closed this morning following an accident.  more...

Daddy will always be a hero to his boys

THE wife of Worcester pilot Peter Burkill, captain of the BA jet which crash landed at Heathrow last week, said their three boys will grow up knowing their daddy is a hero.   more...

Hylton Road at risk of closure

DRIVERS are being warned that Hylton Road, in Worcester, could be closed.  more...

Hylton Road at risk of closure

DRIVERS are being warned that Hylton Road, in Worcester, could be closed.  more...

Hylton Road at risk of closure

DRIVERS are being warned that Hylton Road in Worcester could be closed.  more...

Police warning about floods

PEOPLE travelling in the city - whether on foot or by vehicle - are being urged to adhere to police safety advice.  more...

Worcester News flood watch

It's a critical day in Worcester today as the Severn continues to rise. Here we point you to the latest flood alerts, weather forecast and traffic news.  more...

Drivers told not to ignore flood warnings as river levels rise

DRIVERS and pedestrians have been warned not to enter flood water as river levels rise.  more...

Drivers told not to ignore flood warnings as river levels rise

DRIVERS and pedestrians have been warned not to enter flood water as river levels rise.  more...

£10,000 penalties or jail for illegal worker employers

BOSSES in Worcestershire could face a fine of up to £10,000 and even a two year jail sentence if they are caught hiring illegal workers under new laws that come into effect in February.  more...

£10,000 penalties and jail for illegal worker employers

BOSSES in Worcestershire could face a fine of up to £10,000 and even a two year jail sentence if they are caught hiring illegal workers under new laws that come into effect in February.  more...

Private schools welcome charity’s benefit guidelines

THE two leading independent schools in Worcester say they have no objection to new rules which require them to show they offer a “public benefit.”   more...

Workers awarded for 20 years of service

LOYAL workers at a catering firm were rewarded for their efforts with a two-day trip to London.  more...

Plans to convert barn into six homes

DEVELOPERS have applied to convert a Grade II listed barn adjacent to a Worcester pub into six dwellings.  more...

Dad told police his son was sent drugs offer

The father of a 17-year-old youth complained to police that the teenager received a text message on his phone offering to supply him with cannabis.  more...

Charlotte to show judges her strings for success

WORCESTER Sixth Form student Charlotte Daw will be lining up with the cream of Worcestershire’s young musicians to impress the judges at an annual music competition.  more...

Archdeacon to leave diocese after eight years

THE Archdeacon of Worcester, the Venerable Dr Joy Tetley, is to leave the diocese after eight years to develop a ministry in Oxford.  more...

Cancer victim’s despair at rise in water costs

AN elderly cancer sufferer has been plunged into despair following a massive water bill price rise.  more...

School is calm and the pupils happy and polite

A PERSHORE first school has been judged 'satisfactory' by government inspectors.  more...

Appeal to refurbish church is at target

FORMER Pershore mayoress Sheila Grantham should be cracking open the champagne - she has now passed her £100,000 fund-raising target for the refurbishment of one of the oldest buildings in the town.  more...

Appeal to refurbish church is at target

FORMER Pershore mayoress Sheila Grantham should be cracking open the champagne - she has now passed her £100,000 fund-raising target for the refurbishment of one of the oldest buildings in the town.  more...

Hylton Road closed

Hylton Road in Worcester has been closed to traffic due to flooding and will remain shut for the next 24 hours.  more...

Hylton Road closed

Hylton Road in Worcester has been closed to traffic due to flooding and could remain shut for the next 24 hours.  more...

Hylton Road closed

Hylton Road in Worcester has been closed due to flooding and could remain shut for the next 24 hours.  more...

Hylton Road closed

HYLTON Road in Worcester has been closed due to flooding and could remain shut for the next 24 hours.  more...

Barn dance held for children's charity

A GROUP of woman who spotted the appeal for a Worcester-based charity’s £1million appeal in your Worcester News are doing their bit to raise funds for them.  more...

A pint of what they're having, please

PUB-GOERS have produced a racy calendar to raise money for a local school.  more...

Inches from disaster: barriers hold but road is shut anyway

WORCESTER came within inches of flood chaos today.  more...

Thousands of police in protest over pay

HUNDREDS of police officers from the West Mercia force joined a mass demonstration in London following a bitter row over backdated pay.  more...

Thousands of police in protest over pay

HUNDREDS of police officers from the West Mercia force joined a mass demonstration in London following a bitter row over backdated pay.  more...

Thousands of police in protest over pay

HUNDREDS of police officers from the West Mercia force joined a mass demonstration in London following a bitter row over backdated pay.  more...

Hylton Road re-opened

HYLTON Road in Worcester has re-opened.   more...

Further schools review is now needed

EDUCATION chiefs in Herefordshire must carry out a further review of schools in the county after plans to close more than 30 schools were withdrawn this week.  more...

Further schools review is now needed

EDUCATION chiefs in Herefordshire must carry out a further review of schools in the county after plans to close more than 30 schools were withdrawn this week.  more...

Rail service is 'worst in country'

The Cotswold Line - which includes the service between Evesham and Oxford - is the worst-performing rail route on First Great Western's network, according to one of the firm's top managers.  more...

Asparagus will travel to London

THE British Asparagus Festival is this year taking place between St George's Day and Midsummer Day during the traditional Vale growing period.  more...

Pupils plant hedgerows

PUPILS at Simon De Montfort Middle School joined forces with the Woodland Trust to plant some native hedgerows on their school grounds.  more...

First to double compensation payments

RAIL passengers in Evesham who have been blighted by unreliable train services from First Great Western can reap big rewards after the company announced to double customer compensation.  more...

Lights petition handed in

A PETITION of more than 2,500 names calling for the return of the town's old Christmas lights has been handed to Pershore Town Council.  more...

Two arrested after New Year assault

TWO men have been arrested by police following a vicious New Year attack which left two men from Evesham and Chipping Norton requiring hospital treatment.  more...

Appeal for information

THE Gangmaster Licensing Authority have appealed for information in relation to a raid on a Wyre Piddle packing plant.  more...

Kings cup date

KINGS Norton are considering using Saturday's league game at home to Evesham to double up as the North Midlands Shield tie between the two clubs.  more...

Old Eds sink into trouble

FIVE Ways Old Edwardians' promising start to the season was fast fading as the arson-hit club dropped into the Midlands Five West (North) bottom two at the weekend.  more...

Church watching puddles

IT'S been the same old story for Alvechurch as the downpours put paid to the club's latest fixtures.  more...

Blues striker awaiting international call-up

BIRMINGHAM City Ladies striker Amy McCann was this week waiting to learn if she has been called up for her first international squad.  more...

Redditch off

THE weekend downpours took their toll on the Midlands Six West (South West) programme with only the match between Bromyard and Birmingham Exiles played.  more...

Woods holed

WOODRUSH missed the chance to go second in Midlands West Four (South) with a 6-0 loss at third-placed Old Leamingtonians on Saturday.  more...

Fishing lines

ANGLING: The second round of the Needles AC Winter League was transferred from a flooded River Alne to the Stratford Canal at Bearly on Sunday where 14 anglers took part.  more...

Ladies warm up in style

Bournville seconds 1 Redditch 4  more...

Rugby sink Alcester

Rugby St Andrews 68 Alcester 0  more...

Solihull win keeps top two in sight

Solihull 20 Newbold 8  more...

Bees on the road

STUDLEY'S reward if they manage to overcome lower-league Kirkham & Wesham in the FA Vase on Saturday (ko 3pm) is another long-haul away day.  more...

Letters

Take old St Wulfstan with a pinch of salt

SIR - With reference to the Feast of St Wulfstan (Worcester News, January 18) I must make some points.  more...

We have a lot to learn from Madeira

SIR - We have again experienced heavy rainfall and so parts of the Worcester area are again flooded.  more...

Path closure is only temporary

SIR - With reference to Barry Drinkwater's letter (January 17) about the footpath around Pitchcroft.  more...

District nurses are our unsung heroes

SIR - Ms Teresa French, of Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, writes of more than 500 dedicated community and district nurses working across Worcestershire (January 14). For the past 28 years, I have had a series of excellent CPNs (community psychiatric nurses) - they have all been real pals; male and female. Following my recent cancer operation I had about six visits from Heather, a lovely, very efficient district nurse.  more...

My care on Avon 2 ward was first class

SIR - I have just returned home from an unexpected emergency visit on the Avon 2 ward at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. I have read so many not very nice reports on the hospital and feel I must put pen to paper to say anyone finding themselves on this ward should be very happy.  more...

Get our schools top funding, Mike

SIR - I write regarding the attack by Mike Foster MP on Worcestershire County Council and on Liz Eyre in particular (Worcester News, January 16) regarding funding of schools. Maybe he should do what he is overpaid to do, like concentrating on getting maximum funding from the gravy train station, which now operates as Westminster', rather than calling for Liz Eyre to resign.  more...

Train travel query

SIR - On page two of the Worcester News (January 11) it seems that passengers who travel by train will be called communters, so will passengers who eat in the buffet car be called communchers?  more...

Help in the snow

ON the Friday evening of January 11, on my way home from Kings Norton, getting to the top of Rose Hill, Lickey, in the snow was a nightmare.  more...

Prison problem

YET another ill thought through idea.  more...

Museum loss

I WRITE with absolute condemnation of Councillor Roger Hollingworth (Bromsgrove District Council leader) announcing the closure of the museum in Birmingham Road.  more...

Happy hours

I CANNOT believe the article in the Advertiser/Messenger announcing our lovely Bromsgrove Museum has closed.  more...

Shovel ready

AS one of two Wythall Residents Association district councillors for the Hollywood and Majors Green ward of Bromsgrove District Council, may I assure your contributor Cyclops' that the residents who have been refused a winter gritting and snow clearance service by their housing trust will not be abandoned.  more...

In existence

A LETTER from V Snow stated that Greenscope does not exist.  more...

Road worries

IS a serious accident waiting to happen?  more...

Happy ‘hounds

THANKS to the Advertiser and its generous caring readers for the much needed dog food donations. What a wonderful idea the Give a Can a Home' is in allowing the local community to support several deserving animal charities including our Greyhounds In Need', at Wychbold.  more...

Proud of show

CONGRATULATIONS to the people associated with the show 'Charlotte Badger' at the Artrix.  more...

Drivers wanted

ON behalf of the Bromsgrove Mini Bus for the Elderly may I once again appeal to any driver who has a clean driving licence for three years and is aged between 24 and 74 years of age, to contact me at 01527 831627.  more...

Handed in

MY thanks to the person who handed in my mobile phone to the customer service desk at Asda in Bromsgrove on the morning January 4 and to the staff at the store who had the sense to look through the contacts on my phone and call me at home. You have all restored my faith in human nature and it is nice to know that there are some honest people out there.  more...

‘Death trap’

AS a first time buyer it is hard enough getting on the property ladder in Bromsgrove without the fact you have to take your life in your hands looking around! Whilst visiting a property in the Oakalls development I had to tackle the death trap that is the Slideslow roundabout!  more...

Missing out all round

HOW disappointed I was to read the report in the Advertiser/Messenger last week about the green bins to be axed or pay £30 a year and parking permits for the over 60s to be axed and then to put up our Council Tax.  more...

Collection heads for the dump

OH DEAR! You will upset the community you work for again. You will deepen the divide between councillors and taxpayers. You will raise antagonism, criticism and resentment to a new level.  more...

More dangerous for cyclists

The alterations to the Bewdley Hill junction in Kidderminster have made it more hazardous for cyclists.  more...

New idea? Water-free car wash

I HAVE just paid £5 to go through the ARC car wash in Kidderminster and there was no water or foam to be seen anywhere! Just dry brushes.  more...

Water-free car wash is new idea

I HAVE just paid £5 to go through the ARC car wash in Kidderminster and there was no water or foam to be seen anywhere! Just dry brushes.  more...

Library pleasure is being spoiled

OUR regular visits to Kidderminster Library were looked upon as a pleasure.  more...

‘Rag tag’ group short on vision

I WRITE having read your article headed Pledge to scrap single site plan regarding Howard Martin and Health Concern (Shuttle, January 17).  more...

Wandering pet shop is committed to town

WITH reference to your article regarding empty shops in Stourport, we started in the Old Shopping Mall in Bridge Street in February1990 until December 31, 1994 when it closed. It is still an eyesore today.  more...

Wandering pet shop is committed to town

WITH reference to your article regarding empty shops in Stourport, we started in the Old Shopping Mall in Bridge Street in February1990 until December 31, 1994 when it closed. It is still an eyesore today.  more...

Ice rink petition

WITH reference to the ice rink idea, my daughter Chloe did get a petition with an initial 123 signatures and this had risen to over 1,000 before presentation to the council.  more...

Armed Forces deserve full recognition

THERE has been an enormous amount in the media recently about the nation's responsibilities to its Armed Forces.  more...

Kicking the drinking habit

COULD I, through Your view, express my gratitude to all at CAT (Community Alcohol Team).  more...

History can be misinterpreted

ALTHOUGH I share Andy Kelso's concerns about Christmas, he should remember that the traditional story has long been open to question.  more...

Concerns for the future

IT was extremely refreshing to read of the concerns voiced by Rev Andy Kelso on immigration.  more...

Concerns for the future

IT was extremely refreshing to read of the concerns voiced by Rev Andy Kelso on immigration.  more...

Helping the blind recognise the money

I REFER to the letter Problems with paper money' from your reader Paul Brookes which appeared in a recent edition of your newspaper.  more...

Costly trip to the shop

ON Thursday, January 10, my daughter came out of school and asked to go to the printing shop, across the road from Iceland and Instore.  more...

Costly trip to the shop

ON Thursday, January 10, my daughter came out of school and asked to go to the printing shop, across the road from Iceland and Instore.  more...

Swimming trip is a nightmare

I TRY to go swimming at the Kingsley once a week, in an effort to improve my fitness, and although the staff are unfailingly polite and helpful, the ladies' changing rooms are foul!  more...

Shame about name

YET another ill-thought through idea.  more...

Generous help much appreciated

THE Rotary Club of Redditch Kingfisher would like to thank the people of Redditch who donated so generously to our Christmas Charity Collection outside Sainsburys supermarket on Saturday, December 22. The total sum raised was £945 and, as in the past, this will be distributed to various charities such as Acorns Hospice, County Air Ambulance, Aqua Boxes, Age Concern, NSPCC etc.  more...

Standing by with shovel!

AS one of two Wythall Residents Association district councillors for the Hollywood and Majors Green ward of Bromsgrove District Council may I assure your contributor Cyclops' that the residents who have been refused a winter gritting and snow clearance service by their housing trust will not be abandoned.  more...

Meet The Teams

Meadow Park FC under-11s

Meadow Park FC under-11s  more...

Bromsgrove Rovers FC under-13s

Bromsgrove Rovers FC under-13s  more...

Music

A modern day Pied Piper

THE Palace Theatre in Redditch is preparing to be blown away by a performance from virtuoso recorder player Piers Adams this Saturday.  more...

Concert for leukaemia

SOPRANO Vicky Dunn and flautist Vicky Haynes top the bill at a concert in aid of the Children with Leukaemia' charity at the Holy Trinity Church in Belbroughton on Saturday.  more...

Musical Carnival

THE Artrix is preparing to dance to the beat of the Redditch-based theatrical percussion group Glamba next Saturday.  more...

Out on the road

FORMER members of the ELO be touring the country this spring.  more...

Nature Notes

Grant will deal fatal blow to dreaded balsam

LAST spring I made a rather wonderful discovery in Stourport.  more...

Grant will deal fatal blow to balsam

LAST spring I made a rather wonderful discovery in Stourport.  more...

News

County face £10,000 floods bill

WORCESTERSHIRE are facing more financial misery after flood water breached the buildings at their New Road ground.  more...

Warriors A team set for Wales trip

WING Marcel Garvey will make his comeback from injury this evening as the Warriors A' team travel to face North Wales outfit Gogledd Cymru in Wrexham (kick-off 7.30pm).  more...

England Sevens call for Uche

WARRIORS youngster Uche Oduoza has been called up to the England Sevens Squad for the New Zealand and USA IRB World Sevens Series.  more...

Delport future in the balance

FANS' favourite Thinus Delport's Worcester Warriors future will be decided next month.  more...

Battling back

FORGET Led Zepplin, the Spice Girls, Kevin Keegan or News At Ten.  more...

Battling back

FORGET Led Zepplin, the Spice Girls, Kevin Keegan or News At Ten.  more...

Soccer week set for Rovers return

BUDDING football stars will have the chance to learn from Bromsgrove Rovers' caretaker manager Duane Darby, when the club hosts a soccer week at the Victoria Ground next month.  more...

Aussies set for Rovers date

BROMSGROVE Rovers under-18s are set to host Australia's under-18 schoolboys at the Victoria Ground.  more...

Herbert wants to keep duo

CHAIRMAN Tom Herbert wants management duo Duane Darby and Ian Weaving to remain at the helm of Bromsgrove Rovers until the end of the season.  more...

Released Fitter fixes up a swift move!

EVESHAM manager Paul West has released Simon Fitter who has quickly linked up with Neil Hunt at Stourport Swifts.  more...

Penalty heartbreak as Harriers crash out of Trophy

Kidderminster Harriers 2
Weymouth 2
(Harriers lost 3-0 on penalties)
FA Carlsberg Trophy second round

  more...

Penalty heartbreak as Harriers crash out of Trophy

Kidderminster Harriers 2
Weymouth 2
(Harriers lost 3-0 on penalties)
FA Carlsberg Trophy second round

  more...

Harriers tipped for Bloods-shed

A last-gasp strike handed Kidderminster all three points at home to Farsley but just three days later Harriers were dumped out of the FA Trophy by Weymouth, on penalties. It was a result that left boss Mark Yates frustrated and he'll demand an improvement from his side; who can and should bounce back this weekend against Droylsden.  more...

Yates hits sales in push for play-offs

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Mark Yates is set to dip into the transfer market to sort out his team's leaky defence after he watched his side crash out of the FA Carlsberg Trophy at the hands of Weymouth.  more...

Yates hits sales in push for play-offs

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Mark Yates is set to dip into the transfer market to sort out his team's leaky defence after he watched his side crash out of the FA Carlsberg Trophy at the hands of Weymouth.  more...

Reds boss wants more

FOUR straight wins may have moved Redditch United away from the Blue Square North drop zone but manager Gary Whild insists there is still plenty to do.  more...

Damien does it

Redditch United 3 Hinckley United 2   more...

Reader'S Pictures

SURVEYING THE FLOOD

Jean Miles from Drakes Broughton, near Pershore, sent in this vintage postcard of floods at Waterside, Evesham.  more...

Reports

Rovers lose cup cracker

Rovers 2
Banbury United 4
(after extra-time)  more...

Hay and Lennon net as Robins go second

Evesham Utd 2, Berkhamsted Tn 0 GARY Hay's first goal in an Evesham shirt couldn't have been better timed as the Robins found the basement visitors a tough nut to crack last night, writes Mervyn Collins.  more...

Penalty heartbreak as Harriers crash out of Trophy

Kidderminster Harriers 2
Weymouth 2
(Harriers lost 3-0 on penalties)
FA Carlsberg Trophy second round

  more...

Penalty heartbreak as Harriers crash out of Trophy

Kidderminster Harriers 2
Weymouth 2
(Harriers lost 3-0 on penalties)
FA Carlsberg Trophy second round

  more...

Reviews

Joseph still on the tour of success

Theatre review - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Festival Theatre, Malvern, until Saturday TOURING still and still terrific.  more...

James Blunt, Wolverhampton Civic

IS James Blunt too posh to rock? No, judging by the way his set on his second night at the Civic went down on the All the Lost Souls tour.  more...

Richard Taylor'S Weekly Column

January 24, 2007

ON Monday the first of a series of debates on Europe was held. The substantive motion was on the Second Reading of the European Union (Amendment) Bill.  more...

Round-Up

Droitwich pipped by strugglers

DROITWICH Men's Seconds were unlucky to suffer a tense 1-0 home defeat to Solihull Blossomfield in the BodyKraft West Midlands Premier Division.  more...

Pershore dumped in relegation clash

PERSHORE Men's Firsts' survival chances took a dent as they lost 8-3 at fellow strugglers Newtown in BodyKraft West Midlands Division One.  more...

Stourport Firsts suffer a rare defeat

WESTERN Premiership side Lansdowne inflicted Stourport Women's Firsts' maiden defeat of the season, triumphing 3-0.  more...

Women impress in triangle match

SOPHIE Wood and Cheryl Lawson were among the scorers as Worcester Women's Firsts took on Gloucester City and Cheltenham in a triangle match.  more...

Sprague bags treble as Worcester lose thriller

SKIPPER Jon Sprague's hat-trick was not enough as Worcester Men's Firsts were pipped 5-4 by leaders Harborne in a thrilling BodyKraft Midlands Premier Division clash.  more...

Results from the women’s league

THE latest results from the Worcester and District Women's Skittles League.  more...

Walker opens her 2008 schedule with fine gold

THE Welsh Junior and Youth Open Championships was Kate Walker's first judo competition of 2008.  more...

Droitwich ease to fine win

DROITWICH Rugby Club's under 15s travelled to Burntwood and returned with an impressive 40-5 victory.  more...

Sports stars get ready to shine

BUDDING sports stars will have the chance to shine at the prestigious Bromsgrove District Sports Awards Evening next month.  more...

School side in national finals

BROMSGROVE School's under-14 netball team tasted success at the West Midlands finals on Saturday.  more...

Catshill B get back on track

LEADERS Catshill B got back to winning ways in the Bromsgrove Ladies Darts League with an 8-1 win over Stoke C.  more...

Race victories shared again

THERE were two Sunday Snowflake Pursuit Series races at Barnt Green Sailing Club, with Andrew Paton winning the first race, while the duo of Kelsey Suggitt and Josh Stuart won race two.  more...

Dolphins swim to second spot

DROITWICH Dolphins made a promising start in the Worcester Winter League with a runner-up placing in round one.  more...

Victory keeps momentum going

Hockey round-up.  more...

Coach receives gong

DROITWICH RFC head coach Dan Protherough had two reasons to celebrate on Saturday afternoon.  more...

Boys made sure that the message got through come rain or shine

ASK any of today's teenagers about communication and they will chat about emails and text messages.  more...

Long term illness

ADULTS living in Bromsgrove suffering from a long term illness are being invited to attend a free course.  more...

3,000 miles between student friends

STUDENTS and staff from a Bromsgrove school will see for themselves the welcome benefits their fundraising efforts are set to bring to a group of African youngsters 3,000 miles away.  more...

Teenager assaulted

A 17-YEAR-OLD teenager from Bromsgrove was injured after two youths attacked him earlier this month.  more...

Police say no let up in drink drive campaign

POLICE have pledged to continue their year round clamp down i drink drivers during 2008.  more...

Special honour for Legion stalwart

LES Astil of the Rubery and Rednal branch of the Royal British Legion was honoured at the Legion's annual conference.  more...

Star ratings for clean restaurants

CHOOSING a clean restaurant in which to dine in Bromsgrove will be as easy as pie in future thanks to a new stars on the doors' scheme.  more...

Fears for missing girl

CONCERN is growing for a local girl - described as vulnerable' because of her young age - who has been missing for nearly two weeks.  more...

Call out

AMBULANCE crews attended two accidents on Wednesday, January 16.  more...

A sign of the times

A NEW town sign will be unveiled by Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride on Saturday, January 26. The Bromsgrove Society has erected the sign on New Road, close to the junction with Bant Mill Road. It will be officially unveiled at 11am. This will be the fourth town sign the society has sponsored. Meanwhile the society's annual Bromsgrove Lecture has been organised for April 8, at 7.30pm, at Bromsgrove School. The presentation, entitled The Severn Valley Railway - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, will be given by John Leach, marketing manager for Severn Valley since 1995. Tickets for the event are £5 and are available at Worcester Road News, Waterstones, Foto Factory and Wilsons Pet Centre, in Bromsgrove.  more...

Book doctor

THE book doctor is set to visit Bromsgrove today (Wednesday, January 23) to help patients' in need of a dose of literary help. The doctor will be in Bromsgrove at the Multi-Agency Resource Centre at 21 Humphrey Avenue, Charford, from 10am until noon. A specialist in all matters related to books, the doctor will answer individual queries and can make recommendations on a range of reading material to suit individual requirements. Book queries can be based on hobbies and interests the patient has or the doctor can recommend books for something new to read. To find out more information about the book doctor visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/libraries   more...

Moves to combat noise problems

HUNDREDS of Rubery residents can look forward to a good night's sleep after years of campaigning for action to stop noise from a busy main road blighting their lives.  more...

Moves to combat noise problems

HUNDREDS of Rubery residents can look forward to a good night's sleep after years of campaigning for action to stop noise from a busy main road blighting their lives A scheme to combat noise pollution in Callowbrook Lane has been included in the re-development plans for the former MG Rover site at nearby Longbridge.  more...

Parking battle gathering pace

ELDERLY Bromsgrove residents are determined to keep on battling against the scrapping of their parking concessions.  more...

Ian aims to be 'batter' than the rest

THERE'S a fine kettle of fish a man in Hagley has got himself into - but it's all of Ian Allsop's own making.  more...

Ten-year-old Jamie showed cool head in an emergency

A TEN-YEAR-OLD Bromsgrove boy is to receive an award from West Midlands Ambulance Service for the way he arranged to get emergency help for his father after he collapsed.  more...

Night for vulture lovers

THE RSPB is holding a unique Indian fundraising meal in Wythall on Sunday to raise money for some of the Asian sub-continent's most enigmatic birds.  more...

Jail for £1m drugs gang

WEST Mercia police smashed a cannabis factory with a potential annual yield of almost £1 million a year from drug pushing, a judge heard.  more...

Towns prepare for a special visitor

DIGNITARIES and residents in Bromsgrove and Droitwich are eagerly gearing themselves up for a Royal visit.  more...

Anger over cancer sufferer’s water bill

AN elderly cancer sufferer has been plunged into despair following a massive water bill price hike.  more...

Georgia dances her way to victory

A TALENTED Spa schoolgirl is having a ball after winning a top British dancing championship.  more...

Boys made sure that the message got through come rain or shine

ASK any of today's teenagers about communication and they will chat about emails and text messages.  more...

Kebab shop row

A woman bit off part of her own tongue after she was attacked outside her house, a jury heard.  more...

Livewyre lose but hang on to summit spot

Evesham and District Association WYRE Livewyre are still top of Division One despite suffering their first defeat of the season 7-3 to Wyre Elite.  more...

Livewyre lose but hang on to summit spot

Evesham and District Association WYRE Livewyre are still top of Division One despite suffering their first defeat of the season 7-3 to Wyre Elite.  more...

Haines nets leveller to maintain record

Bloxwich II 3, Evesham II 3 AFTER an impressive win against Tamworth, next up for Evesham was a confident Bloxwich side that had defeated Saturday's hockey visitors earlier in the season.  more...

Sarah strikes at the double

Bretforton II 3, Hereford 2 BRETFORTON hoped to start the new year with a good result and that's just what happened last Saturday.  more...

Sarah strikes at the double

Bretforton II 3, Hereford 2 BRETFORTON hoped to start the new year with a good result and that's just what happened last Saturday.  more...

Released Fitter fixes up a swift move!

EVESHAM manager Paul West has released Simon Fitter who has quickly linked up with Neil Hunt at Stourport Swifts.  more...

Simon seals new season deal

JENTIN Racing have confirmed that they have retained the services of Simon Andrews for the forthcoming 2008 British Superbike season.  more...

All the latest junior football reports

Bidford Jnrs 0, Evesham Utd U-14 7 EVESHAM dominated with Henry Woods opening the scoring with an assist from Andy Powell.  more...

Sabrina's the star with nine goals to book semi spot

Cotswold Floorball League QUALIFICATION matches for the girls' championships were completed on Tuesday tonight.  more...

Latest shooting news

Evesham and District Airgun League Results: Campden RBL 274 (R Pitcher 49), Badsey RBL 277 (G Evans 49); Honeybourne RC 262 (P Skrypczuk 48), Stanton Club 260 (R Rose 48); Lygon Arms 281 (R Munn, K Harris 48), Nomads 237 (G Steed 45); Offenham RBL 287 (Mrs A Lewis 50), Badsey Rec 269 (A Green 50); Wickhamford SSC 271 (D Baglin 49), Bengeworth Club 268 (D Littlewood 50).  more...

Today's events

Wednesday Tai Chi. Brand new class with Altair de Almeida at The Burgage Hall, Church Lane, Ledbury. 7.30pm. Details 01684 562428 or www.altairedstates.co.uk  more...

Arts grants deadline is looming

Worcestershire County Council is reminding people that the deadline for applying for the Arts Grant is fast approaching.  more...

Club set to celebrate anniversary

A CLUB in Malvern Wells is to celebrate its 110th anniversary with a quiz night and a new look.  more...

Fiona sets course to the pole

A GRUELLING race to the magnetic north pole faces brave Fiona Churchill from Malvern.  more...

Fiona sets course for the pole

A GRUELLING race to the magnetic north pole faces brave Fiona Churchill from Malvern.  more...

Roundup

Penalty heartbreak as Harriers crash out of Trophy

Kidderminster Harriers 2
Weymouth 2
(Harriers lost 3-0 on penalties)
FA Carlsberg Trophy second round

  more...

Penalty heartbreak as Harriers crash out of Trophy

Kidderminster Harriers 2
Weymouth 2
(Harriers lost 3-0 on penalties)
FA Carlsberg Trophy second round

  more...

Harriers tipped for Bloods-shed

A last-gasp strike handed Kidderminster all three points at home to Farsley but just three days later Harriers were dumped out of the FA Trophy by Weymouth, on penalties.  more...

Leyland shines on muddy track

WYRE Forest CRC's Mark Leyland produced some impressive end-of-season form when he raced to secure second place in the final round of the North West Cyclo-Cross League on Sunday.  more...

Kidderminster and District Football League results/fixtures

FRANCHE Village Club were one of the week's big winners in the Sunday Division Three when they defeated Ocean Designs Rangers 7-0.  more...

KCs come to team’s rescue

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians came to the rescue of Romanian side Bucaresti by providing its Marlpool Lane ground for trainining on Friday afternoon.  more...

Accurate McLellan puts Bedworth down

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians continued to show their progress and cement a mid-table place in the Midlands Division Three West (South) by defeating Bedworth 21-12 on Saturday.  more...

Battling ladies pay the penalty

Women's football round-up  more...

Payton’s fixture fear after more rain pain

BEWDLEY joint manager Craig Payton believes that the bad weather will cause a fixture backlog in March which could have a detrimental impact on their season in the West Midlands League Premier Division.  more...

Rovers Pen Pics

Matt Birley

Exciting young attacking midfielder who has scored his fair share of goals since joining Rovers early in the 2007/08 season.  more...

Matt Birley

Exciting young attacking midfielder who has scored his fair share of goals since joining Rovers early in the 2007/08 season. Birley joined the Greens after being released by Birmingham City.  more...

Chris Duggan

Duggan, a right-back who joined from Solihull Moors in December 2007, was one of Duane Darby's first signings as Rovers boss.  more...

Jozsef Jakab

Hungarian forward, who joined from Solihull Moors. Has made an encouraging start to his Rovers career.  more...

Gary Knight

Talismanic centre-back joined from Halesowen Town in November 2007 and has since taken on the Rovers captaincy.  more...

Les Hines

The former Worcester City man can play anywhere on the left-hand side but is beginning to make the left-back position his own under Duane Darby.  more...

Richard Ball

The Redditch United forward is on-loan at Rovers until the end of the 2007/08 season.  more...

Rugby

Fortune favours in-form Spa

Droitwich 7
Nuneaton Old Edwardians 5
Midlands Division Three South (West)  more...

First away win for Boars

Whitchurch 12
Bromsgrove 17
Midlands Division Two (West)
  more...

Boars boosted by crucial win

RESURGENT Bromsgrove could move out of the bottom three with a win over second-placed Walsall in Midlands Division Two West on Saturday.  more...

Schools News

‘Best kept secret’ school praised in Ofsted report

STAFF and pupils at a Pershore school are celebrating after picking up a number of good' grades in their latest Ofsted report.  more...

Society

Far Forest

WI - The Christmas celebrations were successful and the New Year began with a talk by Mr Barber entitled alternatives to the carpet trade in Kidderminster'. He described a number of thriving businesses in Kidderminster around the turn of the 20th century. The businesses included bicycle manufacturers, grocers shops and mills.  more...

Bewdley

WRIBBENHALL WI - President, Mrs Nita Crutch, welcomed a new member. The format of the new County News was found to be attractive and informative. Menus were chosen for the 80th birthday celebration to be held at The Granary on March 13. A visit to the pantomime and the Swan Theatre has been arranged by the social secretary, who is planning visits to Denman College and Ludlow gardens.  more...

Blakedown

WI - Guest speakers for the evening were Mike and Pat Ledbury, who arrived with a drum and two accordions to entertain members with tales from Robert Burns.  more...

Theatre

Fun and games at theatre

MALVERN Theatres is holding its first children's theatre of 2008 with a special Mad Hatter's Tea Party on Saturday, February 2.  more...

This Life - Special Reports

Sick of being unfit – so we saw the doc and got the exercise bug

PENSIONER Jean Draper-Jones was in so much pain she could not even walk up the stairs of her home. But now she has a new lease of life thanks to an exercise programme.  more...

Villages

Birtsmorton

AT the Birtsmorton Parish Council meeting on January 17 attended by around 50 residents of the village, a full discussion took place concerning the recent flooding in Birts Street and Rye Street.  more...

Berrow

A VERY successful jumble sale at Berrow Village Hall with over £500 being raised for village hall funds. Thanks once again for the continued support of everyone involved in this fundraising event.  more...

West Malvern

RAINFALL figures for the wet, wet year of 2007 are now coming through and it comes as no surprise to learn that they set several records. The annual total in West Malvern, at almost 1,050 millimetres, topped the ,1000m mark for the first time in many years, the next highest total of just under 1,000mm (in 2000) having itself been the highest since at least 1992. The other figures that stand out are the monthly totals for May, June and July, at 138, 180, and 226mm respectively - all the highest for more than 15 years. The driest month was April, with when we seemed to have what little real summer there was last year, with just 13.5mm. Curiously, though, in 2000, the only other year that approached 2007's totals, the wet months were April (171mm) and October, November and December (127,154 and 148), not the so-called summer months as last year. It seems that 2008 is keeping up the soggy trend, with more rain having fallen by January 22 than for the whole month in every year but one in the past 15! The figures quoted are from your correspondent's rather rough and ready records, but we understand they align closely with the official figures which are compiled for the Met Office by Rosalind Ponting of Croft Farm Drive.  more...

What'S On

Where to go (January 23-January 31)

Wednesday January 23 THEATRE: Count Arthur Strong - The Musical, Artrix Centre, School Drive, Bromsgrove.  more...

It’s Groundhog Day - yet again

THERE'S just under two weeks to go for Groundhog Day - the day when the sleepy groundhog leaves his winter retreat to foretell the coming of the spring.  more...

Bordeaux - the land of plenty

VISITORS from all over the world go to Bordeaux to experience its fine wines, wonderful food, oodles of culture and rich history.  more...

Fun and games at theatre

MALVERN Theatres is holding its first children's theatre of 2008 with a special Mad Hatter's Tea Party on Saturday, February 2.  more...

Concert for leukaemia

SOPRANO Vicky Dunn and flautist Vicky Haynes top the bill at a concert in aid of the Children with Leukaemia' charity at the Holy Trinity Church in Belbroughton on Saturday.  more...

A modern day Pied Piper

THE Palace Theatre in Redditch is preparing to be blown away by a performance from virtuoso recorder player Piers Adams this Saturday.  more...

  
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