Stories for 24 April 2008

Business

Team to help disabled find employment

A SPECIALIST team of recruitment professionals has been appointed by Remploy to roll out a new employment programme in Worcester, which will find jobs for people with disabilities or health conditions.  more...

Rugby stars of the future get their kit sponsorship

POTENTIAL rugby stars of tomorrow toured the West Country in a specially-designed strip sponsored by Worcester solicitors MFG.  more...

Business News

Company is moo-ving on up

REDDITCH firm Oakland international has helped a family-run ice cream business find a "wafer" their new Udder Stuff ice cream to be sent all over the country.  more...

Company is moo-ving on up

REDDITCH firm Oakland international has helped a family-run ice cream business find a "wafer" their new Udder Stuff ice cream to be sent all over the country.  more...

Company is moo-ving on up

REDDITCH firm Oakland international has helped a family-run ice cream business find a "wafer" their new Udder Stuff ice cream to be sent all over the country.  more...

Coach'S Column

Home advantage will be huge in cup semi-final

I PROBABLY won't know until tomorrow if I will be fit to face Newcastle in the big European semi-final.  more...

Home advantage will be huge in cup semi-final

I PROBABLY won't know until tomorrow if I will be fit to face Newcastle in the big European semi-final.  more...

Education

Riverside ‘gallery’ for pupils’ work

YOUNGSTERS from two Bewdley primary schools have been using their creative skills to decorate Bewdley's riverside for the Discover Bewdley Weekend.  more...

Harriers 4 Burton 1

Christie cruising

Iyseden Christie waits for the ball.  more...

Christie cruising

Iyseden Christie waits for the ball.  more...

Russell hustle

Simon Russell starts another Harriers attack.  more...

Let's celebrate

Christie and Matthew Barnes-Homer celebrate a goal.  more...

Take care, Clare

Captain Mark Creighton keeps close to Burton dangerman Daryl Clare.  more...

Arise, Knights

Darryl Knights celebrates grabbbing Harriers' third goal.  more...

Coleman keeps his cool

Keeper Dean Coleman gets a hand to Clare's header.  more...

Young guns go crazy

Darryl Knights and Matthew Barnes-Homer celebrate Harriers' first goal.  more...

Goal!

Christie finishes from close range.  more...

Bignot booking

Paul Bignot is booked.  more...

Yates keeps a keen eye

Mark Yates keeps his cool as he watches his side out play Burton.  more...

Yates keeps a keen eye

Mark Yates keeps his cool as he watches his side out play Burton.  more...

Pace ace

Matthew Barnes-Homer skips past Aaron Webster.  more...

Bennett flies high

Dean Bennett win an aerial challenge.  more...

Tough customer

Andy Ferrell, playing as an emergency left-back, keeps a close eye on Clare.  more...

Hurren marks hundred

Gavin Hurren, in his 100th appearance for Harriers, scores a late goal to seal an emphatic victory.  more...

Hurren marks hundred

Gavin Hurren, in his 100th appearance for Harriers, scores a late goal to seal an emphatic victory.  more...

Hurren marks hundred

Gavin Hurren, in his 100th appearance for Harriers, scores a late goal to seal an emphatic victory.  more...

Hurren marks hundred

Gavin Hurren, in his 100th appearance for Harriers, scores a late goal to seal an emphatic victory.  more...

Kidder News Latest

Asbestos fear on old garages

A FORMER firefighter is worried that the lives of people in his neighbourhood could be "blighted" by asbestos if the demolition of nearby garages is not done responsibly.  more...

Artistes rally round to boost hall funds

A COMMUNITY has rallied round its cash-strapped village hall, struck twice by lead thieves, and is preparing for a sold-out cabaret night to help raise funds.  more...

‘Council takes taxes but does nothing about roads’

ANOTHER victim of Wyre Forest potholes has said Worcestershire County Council is not doing enough to restore the district's roads.  more...

Compensation claim rejected

A COMPENSATION claim to cover the cost of repairing a car was rejected by Worcestershire Cou-nty Council even though it was accepted the damage was caused by hitting a pothole.  more...

Compensation claim rejected

A COMPENSATION claim to cover the cost of repairing a car was rejected by Worcestershire Cou-nty Council even though it was accepted the damage was caused by hitting a pothole.  more...

U-turn hope on taxi fleet

TAXI drivers facing orders to change to expensive wheelchair-freindly vehicles are hoping for a u-turn by Wyre Forest District Council in the wake of fresh Government guidance.  more...

Hope for taxi fleet u-turn

TAXI drivers facing orders to change to expensive wheelchair-freindly vehicles are hoping for a u-turn by Wyre Forest District Council in the wake of fresh Government guidance.  more...

Riverside ‘gallery’ for pupils’ work

YOUNGSTERS from two Bewdley primary schools have been using their creative skills to decorate Bewdley's riverside for the Discover Bewdley Weekend.  more...

Aiming for fame

A TALENTED Kidderminster actress has won a place at a New York Fame-style academy - but needs to raise thousands of pounds to make her dream of stardom come true.  more...

Jessica talks to shuttleXtra

JESSICA Alba plays a blind violinist in thriller The Eye, released in cinemas today. This Saturday, the pregnant actress talks to shuttleXtra about her arduous preparation for the role and how she thinks motherhood will change her life.  more...

Jessica talks to shuttleXtra

JESSICA Alba plays a blind violinist in thriller The Eye, released in cinemas today. This Saturday, the pregnant actress talks to shuttleXtra about her arduous preparation for the role and how she thinks motherhood will change her life.  more...

Jessica talks to shuttleXtra

JESSICA Alba plays a blind violinist in thriller The Eye, released in cinemas today. This Saturday, the pregnant actress talks to shuttleXtra about her arduous preparation for the role and how she thinks motherhood will change her life.  more...

Asbestos pile ‘poses threat’

A BIG mound of broken-up asbestos is just lying on the edge of a building site and could soon become airborne, according to an experienced roofer.  more...

Former schools' inspector blasts school closure

Statement by former schools' inspector, Hugh Griffiths, on the decision to close Lickhill Primary School HUGH Griffiths, a former schools inspector and an education consultant, has made a statement, below, criticising Worcestershire County Council's decision to shut Lickhill Primary School in Stourport. He argues that the town is having "second best" thrust upon it yet again by the council. For the full story see the Shuttle/Times & News today or click on the link below.  more...

Former schools' inspector blasts school closure

Statement by former schools' inspector, Hugh Griffiths, on the decision to close Lickhill Primary School HUGH Griffiths, a former schools inspector and an education consultant, has made a statement, below, criticising Worcestershire County Council's decision to shut Lickhill Primary School in Stourport. He argues that the town is having "second best" thrust upon it yet again by the council. For the full story see the Shuttle/Times & News today or click on the link below.  more...

Former schools' inspector blasts school closure

Statement by former schools' inspector, Hugh Griffiths, on the decision to close Lickhill Primary School HUGH Griffiths, a former schools inspector and an education consultant, has made a statement, below, criticising Worcestershire County Council's decision to shut Lickhill Primary School in Stourport. He argues that the town is having "second best" thrust upon it yet again by the council. For the full story see the Shuttle/Times & News today or click on the link below. THOSE of you who listened to councillor Liz Eyre speaking on BBC Hereford and Worcester last Friday evening, announcing the decision to close Lickhill Primary School and expand Stouport Primary, might be forgiven for believing that the proposed new two-form entry school was indeed nothing less than God's gift to the children of Stourport. "Fantastic!", she said, "A great design providing exactly the same, if not wider, more exciting learning opportunities than the current Lickhill School." Why then, the same day, was she forced to admit, in response to an e-mail from the representative of Lickhill parents, requesting details of the design: "As you know at this stage no design has been produced?" So, the design for the new school doesn't exist, and obviously she knows little or nothing about the current high quality, exciting work at Lickhill School, yet she is in a position to compare the two and proclaim it to her listeners. It's simply outrageous - and just typical of the cavalier way in which this authority continues to mislead the public. In her interview, Liz Eyre also spoke about the "extensive consultation" (untrue, there has been no genuine consultation) and "value for money for the taxpayer" (highly questionable) and, of course, went on to respond to parents questioning the decision in the patronising manner to which all who voice opposition have now come to expect from members of Worcestershire's Cabinet and local authority officers. The local authority is now proceeding to lay statutory orders to bring its decision to close Lickhill School into effect. School governors will oppose the orders, though with little expectation that their objections will register with this particular authority. We remain entirely confident, however, that the authority's decision will be subsequently overturned by the schools' adjudicator and/or legal proceedings. The Government will not look favourably on a decision to close a highly successful school for no good reason and Lickhill parents remain determined to defend what they have. Matters that the schools' adjudicator might obviously consider include: the perverse decision to close a highly successful school where there is a preferable alternative, the flawed nature of the consultation process (including the predetermined position to have a two-form entry school and the refusal to discuss alternatives), the misinformation and lack of information provided during the consultation process, the authority's failure to follow the most recent statutory guidance (particularly that which states that educational provision should be "shaped by the wishes of parents") and last, but not least, the summary dismissal of the overwhelming number of respondents to the "consultation" who opposed the authority's proposal (590 for and 50 against - making a ratio of more than 10:1). At the moment, Stourport has two good one-form entry schools, and that should continue to be the case. Both have had good Ofsted reports in the past, when they were first schools, and Lickhill School has developed a national reputation and gained national awards for its work in teaching the curriculum through communication and information technology (sadly, achievements not properly recognised by this authority and ignored during the consultation process). The headteacher of Lickhill School has very recently been appointed to a Government advisory committee to advise on aspects of developing the primary school curriculum of the future. Yet this is the same headteacher that the authority are planning to lose as part of the proposal to close her school! It is simply ridiculous that the children of Stourport be made to give up the first class education they now receive in the two one-form entry schools in favour of a neat administrative solution foisted upon them by planning officers. What the authority has consistently refused to do during the so-called consultation process is to weigh what will be lost educationally against what could possibly be gained. And this is where the public have been so shamelessly misled. The two main planks of the local authority's proposal are that a two-form entry school creates better educational opportunities for children and that new buildings help to raise standards - both of which are untrue. There are no particular advantages to a two-form entry school when weighed against the advantages of one-form entry - as any educationist worth his/her salt would make plain. What is more, one-form entry schools in Worcestershire consistently outperform larger schools in terms of pupils' SATs achievements. Do the few parents from Stourport School who declared their support for the proposal feel they were told the truth in the authority's consultation document - that their children are likely to do better if they continue to be taught in a one-form entry school? I don't think so. And what of new buildings? Nobody in their right mind would not want to teach and learn in state-of the-art buildings but it is hardly practical to envisage all of the authority's schools being given a new building, and the fact of the matter is that all the most recent research shows that new buildings do NOT have a significant impact in raising educational standards. You certainly do not raise standards by destroying good education and replacing it with imaginary gains from new buildings. The worst aspect of the authority's arguments for a two-form entry school in new buildings is the inappropriateness of the site they have chosen. The old Middle School site is far too small to properly accommodate a two-form entry school. The design of the proposed new school is not yet even on the drawing board, as Liz Eyre has made plain, but we can already be certain of key facts. It will have to be a two-storey building in order to accommodate around 450 pupils - a "double-decker" arrangement which is hardly ideal for young children. There will be less hardplay/softplay area per pupil than pupils presently enjoy in the combined facilities of the two existing schools. There will not be the space on site to accommodate the extensive extended provision which the two schools have developed under their own auspices - and which is so much an integral part of the 21st century curriculum that the authority keeps talking about in relation to the new school. (The authority has already indicated that nursery provision is something the head of the new school will have to sort out for herself). Finally, it is clear that a two-form entry building will be far too small to accommodate even the present numbers of pupils at the two existing schools. Stouport Primary School currently has approaching half as many pupils again as is normal for a one-form entry school, and then there are the pupils from Lickhill School to be added. Even the most unmathematical among us can work out that 2.5 doesn't fit into 2.0! At a private meeting between Lickhill School representatives, Councillor Liz Eyre and local authority officers in March of this year, it was freely conceded by officers that there would need to be mobile classrooms on the site even when the projected new building had been completed. (Is this not something that parents deserve to know?). Many of us closely involved in this matter also contest the authority's view on the sufficiency of primary school places in Stourport, arguing that extensive plans for new housing in Stourport will inevitably create demand too great for the new school. If Lickhill School were to close, there will simply not be enough primary school places in Stourport. So why is the authority so determined to close Lickhill School? Increasingly, part of their argument has become that the buildings are too old and the site unsuitable. Arguments, of course, that are nonsense to anybody familiar with the school. The members of Cabinet who voted to turn Lickhill First School into a Primary School as an outcome of the five-year Wyre Forest Review of primary education only 18 months ago - presumably a school designed to last well into the foreseeable future - are the same people now arguing that the very same building is unsuitable. There are many primary schools in Worcestershire of similar design and of a greater age than Lickhill School. There has been no question of declaring them unsuitable. With the building extensions designed to turn the first school into an effective primary school, promised at the end of the Wyre Forest Review, there is no doubt that the school buildings at Lickhill will be entirely fit for purpose. Additionally, since the authority has now apparently added the phrase "value for money to the taxpayer" to its misleading publicity, it is worth pointing out that to build a new school for Stourport Primary and carry out the necessary adaptations to Lickhill will cost the taxpayer significantly less than the projected £6 million for a new two-form entry school. The authority's long drawn-out attempt to close Lickhill school - which has far more to do with property concerns and administrative convenience than ever it has with genuine educational concerns - has already significantly delayed the much-needed new build for Stourport Primary School on the Middle School site. The children of Stourport deserve no less than to continue to enjoy the high quality of primary education that currently exists. And that, without doubt, means preserving their two highly successful one-form entry schools. Why should Stourport have second best thrust upon them again - with an unsatisfactory two-form entry school dressed up to appear like "God's gift". The word AGAIN', because what is happening in education smacks so much of the Kidderminster Hospital syndrome all over. Stourport, like the Wyre Forest generally, is being told that administrators at Worcester know best - even when they so clearly do not. What people should realise is that, since local government reorganisation some years ago, all the important decisions are now in the hands of the Cabinet, a handful of people who decide things among themselves without reference to full council and without ever having to justify their decisions in open discussion with people involved in the issue. The fact that officers of the local authority seem more and more to spend their time working to justify the views of members of the Cabinet, rather than representing the public interest, must also be a matter of increasing concern to those monitoring the workings of local democracy. The Cabinet and officers of the authority have already succeeded in sowing a considerable amount of dissension in the town, through their methods of consultation and misrepresentation of issues. If the inhabitants of Stourport value the education of its children, it is still not too late for them to speak out by contacting their local councillors and writing to the press to express their disgust at what is happening and their determination to oppose it. Do you agree with Mr Griffiths or are you in favour of the closure of Lickhill Primary School and expansion of Stourport Primary? Leave your comment below.   more...

Former schools' inspector blasts school closure

Statement by former schools' inspector, Hugh Griffiths, on the decision to close Lickhill Primary School.  more...

School closure 'disgusting'

THE chair of governors at a Wyre Forest primary school has described as "disgusting" the unanimous decision of education chiefs to shut the school down.  more...

SVR seeks hardship relief

COUNCILLORS will decide whether to grant hardship relief to Severn Valley Railway to help it get back on track after last summer's torrential downpours.  more...

Striking lecturers picket college

STRIKING lecturers have been picketing Kidderminster College today in a dispute over pay.  more...

Jailed for failing to attend court

A KIDDERMINSTER woman awaiting sentence on burglary and theft charges has been jailed for 14 days for failing to attend Worcester Crown Court.  more...

Latest

Latest travel news

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

Latest travel news

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

Teachers' strike - the affected schools

RELEASED by Worcestershire County Council, these are all the schools to be hit by today's strike action.  more...

Special team will help the disabled find jobs

A SPECIALIST team of recruitment professionals has been appointed by Remploy to roll out a new employment programme in Worcester, which will find jobs for people with disabilities or health conditions.  more...

Rugby stars of the future get kit sponsorship

POTENTIAL rugby stars of tomorrow toured the West Country in a specially-designed strip sponsored by Worcester solicitors MFG.  more...

Have your library books delivered

IF you are housebound and unable to visit your local or mobile library you can have books delivered to your door instead.  more...

Hero saves vehicles from depot blaze

A HERO night watchman saved two buses worth £160,000 from a fire which destroyed 15 other vehicles at a depot.  more...

Going potty at gallery exhibition

A NEW exhibition of paintings and ceramics has opened at The Gallery in Bevere Lane.  more...

Worcester News weather watch

KEEP up with the latest weather forecast with us.  more...

City council elections - statements

WITH the city council elections coming up on Thursday, May 1, your Worcester News is now publishing statements from candidates across all 12 wards.  more...

Will this part of city soon be THE place to eat out?

A THRIVING food quarter' is taking shape in Worcester city centre with the planned overhaul of a notorious 1960s landmark and the arrival of two major restaurants.  more...

Plant fair attracts the crowds

A specialist plant fair in Worcestershire attracted more than 1,200 visitors earlier this month.   more...

Nurse wins date with DJ on internet auction

A NURSE from Worcester enjoyed an exclusive date with a Birmingham DJ which she won on an internet auction site.  more...

Doctor’s safety fear for surgery staff

A WORCESTERSHIRE doctor who has been stabbed and faced a patient brandishing a gun, has concerns about the safety of staff working extended hours.  more...

Pershore Centre to stage open day

PERSHORE Tennis Centre is throwing its courts open on Saturday afternoon (2-4 pm) to anyone interested in taking up or returning to the sport - whatever their age or ability.  more...

Pershore Centre to stage open day

PERSHORE Tennis Centre is throwing its courts open on Saturday afternoon (2-4 pm) to anyone interested in taking up or returning to the sport - whatever their age or ability.  more...

The buildings that flew the flag for St George -- and the ones that didn't

MANY of Worcester's prominent buildings were not flying St George's Crosses to mark England's patron saint day despite Government encouragement.  more...

The buildings that flew the flag for St George -- and the ones that didn't

MANY of Worcester's prominent buildings were not flying St George's Crosses to mark England's patron saint day despite Government encouragement.  more...

Five-months in jail for Asbo breach woman

A WOMAN who was drunk when she turned up for a court appearance sobbed as she was sentenced to five months in jail.  more...

High Street reopens with a new look

TRADERS in Pershore have given a cautious welcome to the reopening of the revamped High Street.  more...

Family's agony over stolen computer

A FAMILY is desperate for the safe return of their computer containing valuable photos and school coursework after it was stolen from their Worcester home.  more...

COMMENT: Let’s have a summer of great sport

AFTER 308 and 314 days respectively, horse racing and competitive cricket were back in Worcester yesterday.  more...

Crash casualties found lying on road

TWO men were found lying on the ground after a car crash near Droitwich.  more...

Rush hour commuters could help police

WITNESSES are being sought after a man alledgedly punched a car and assaulted a female driver.  more...

Thousands are hit by teachers’ strike

A WALK-OUT by teachers and college lecturers affected thousands of Worcestershire pupils and students.   more...

Thousands are hit by teachers’ strike

A WALK-OUT by teachers and college lecturers affected thousands of Worcestershire pupils and students.   more...

Former England boss opens university's sports study centre

FOOTBALL legend Sir Bobby Robson has officially opened the sports study centre at Worcester College of Technology.  more...

Former England boss opens college's sports study centre

FOOTBALL legend Sir Bobby Robson has officially opened the sports study centre at Worcester College of Technology.  more...

Woman kicked out in moment of madness

A MALVERN woman has admitting kicking another woman during a 'moment of silliness'.  more...

Award for superbug fighting team

HOSPITAL staff in Worcestershire have received a prestigious award for fighting superbugs.  more...

Swimming pool should be reopened

A SWIMMING pool used by 38 Herefordshire school could be repaired and re-opened.  more...

Railway yard plan fails to get backing

THE latest plan to develop an old railway yard in Malvern Wells has failed to receive the backing of the parish council.  more...

Wanted man picture issued

POLICE are warning people not to approach a man they are hunting in connection with a series of armed robberies including one in Worcestershire.  more...

Family forced to live in caravan battling insurer

A FAMILY forced to live in a caravan since their home was flooded last July are now bracing themselves for a legal battle before they can return.  more...

Family forced to live in caravan battling insurer

A FAMILY forced to live in a caravan since their home was flooded last July are now bracing themselves for a legal battle before they can return.  more...

Prison extension criticised by villagers

PLANS for a major extension at a top security prison near Evesham has already drawn criticism from local residents who claim it will disrupt village life and damage the roads.  more...

'Speeding lorries a danger to villagers'

LORRIES that 'thunder' through Bretforton are a worrying threat to residents and their pets, according to a villager.  more...

Development to rival eco-town at Long Marston

A SENSATIONAL new 2,500 home development at Long Marston Airfield to rival the neighbouring eco town development has emerged this week.  more...

Latets

Two men held on suspicion of murder

TWO men are still being questioned by police on suspicion of murdering a severely disabled 22-year-old man.  more...

Two men held on suspicion of murder

TWO men are being questioned by police on suspicion of murdering a severely disabled 22-year-old man.  more...

Two men held on suspicion of murder

TWO men are being questioned by police on suspicion of murdering a severely disabled 22-year-old man.  more...

Leisure General

Jazz band add some spice

THE jazz quintet Jazzmates are playing an inaugural concert in the ballroom of the Colwall Park Hotel on Dunday, May 4.  more...

Open auditions for local talent

THE Swan Theatre in Worcester is offering local girls the opportunity to take part in a professional stage production. The theatre is holding open auditions to attract local talent for parts of " The Babes" in this year's Swan Theatre Christmas Pantomime, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood.  more...

Letters

I’m sickened by false claims over hot meals

SIR - I take issue with the latest propaganda being posted out by Nunnery Labour prospective candidate Vanessa Mann.  more...

Waste food scheme would prove costly

SIR - In a recent letter, New Labour waste management spokesman Councillor Paul Denham - who also opposed the return of the skips - claimed that Worcester City Council chose to ignore advice from the government agency WRAP on weekly waste food collection.  more...

We want a debate on immigration

SIR - Tory MP Peter Luff is equally as cynical as any New Labour politician on the issue of immigration when he accuses the British National Party of being a "party that had no fear of being viewed as racist" (Worcester News, April 17).  more...

Now let Diana and Dodi rest in peace

SIR - Now we have had a verdict on Diana and Dodi they should be left to rest in peace. But I think Mohamed Al Fayed will never change his mind - and I do hope that fellow Paul Burrell doesn't write another book about Diana.  more...

Labour’s attack on the working man

SIR - I have voted Labour since I was 21, from about 1965. But now, I've witnessed what this government has done for the working man by scrapping the 10 pence tax rate and ruining my final salary pension. Worcester MP Mike Foster is about as much use as a chocolate teapot. They have made a total mess of this country and I hope I never see a Labour government in office again.  more...

Play area lost to house-building

SIR - Talking of parks, John Phillpott (Worcester News, April 12) the park in Windermere Drive, straight across from Shap Drive, which contains a play area for youngsters, and a grassy plot where lads play football, is to have houses built on it. Two friends of mine will consequently lose part of their gardens. Is this progress, or money-making?  more...

Half a century of George's nonsense

SIR - Miss Littleton misses George Cowley. I get sick and tired of his incessant nonsense week after week for what seems like the past 50 years.  more...

Big brother comes to a tip near you

IT seems that the work currently causing the closure of the Stourport Household Waste site includes the installation of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition system.  more...

Lifestyle

The Italian job... or how we quit UK and found paradise

REGULAR readers of your Worcester News will have been following the adventures of Steve and Sarah Barney in their new life in Italy.  more...

Live Match Coverage

Harriers v Woking

HARRIERS take on Woking away in the Blue Square Premier on Saturday. Shuttle On-Line will have team line-ups and live match updates from just before the 5.15pm kick-off.  more...

Harriers v Woking

HARRIERS take on Woking away in the Blue Square Premier on Saturday. Shuttle On-Line will have team line-ups and live match updates from just before the 5.15pm kick-off.  more...

Memory Lane

Honour paid to naval hero

ADMIRAL Sir William Tennant, Lord Lieutenant of the County of Worcestershire and the City of Worcester, was honoured with the Freedon of the City of Worcester, reported the Gazette 50 years ago.  more...

Echoes from the past

100 years ago.  more...

Do you recall ancient tree?

MR G Barlow writes to the Gazette from Tanhouse Lane recalling his schooldays, when he regularly used to take a bus which ran down Guarlford Road.  more...

Train gets stuck in tunnel

MISHAP in Colwall Tunnel was the headline in the Gazette 100 years ago, reporting how a goods train from Worcester to Swansea came to a standstill in the tunnel after the steam engine broke down.  more...

Press see RRE secrets

THE Royal Radar Establishment in Malvern opened its doors to the press 50 years ago this week, as duly reported in the Gazette.  more...

Press see RRE secrets

THE Royal Radar Establishment in Malvern opened its doors to the press 50 years ago this week, as duly reported in the Gazette.  more...

Press see RRE secrets

THE Royal Radar Establishment in Malvern opened its doors to the press 50 years ago this week, as duly reported in the Gazette.  more...

News

Follow Worcestershire against Leicestershire

WORCESTER News cricket writer Michael Reeves presents live text coverage from Worcestershire's LVCC Division Two match with Leicestershire at New Road today.  more...

Contract wrangle frustrates Danks

MARK Danks insists he does not want to leave Worcester City but has been forced to consider his options.  more...

Contract wrangle frustrates Danks

MARK Danks insists he does not want to leave Worcester City but has been forced to consider his options.  more...

Contract wrangle frustrates Danks

MARK Danks insists he does not want to leave Worcester City but has been forced to consider his options.  more...

Ruddock banking on injury booster

MIKE Ruddock is hopeful of receiving a double fitness boost ahead of tomorrow night's European Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Newcastle Falcons at Sixways (8pm).  more...

Rasmussen fit to make Warriors return

TOUGH-tackling centre Dale Rasmussen returns for Worcester Warriors tomorrow for the European Challenge Cup semi-final with Newcastle Falcons at Sixways Stadium (kick-off 8pm).  more...

Only eight overs for County at New Road

IT was a frustrating day at New Road yesterday as Worcestershire looked to build on their first innings 258-7.  more...

Only eight overs for County at New Road

IT was a frustrating day at New Road today as Worcestershire looked to build on their first innings 258-7.  more...

Rovers lift reserve cup

FIRST team boss Duane Darby bagged a hat-trick as Rovers lifted the Central Conference Cup with a 3-2 win over Kidderminster Harriers at the Victoria Ground last night.  more...

Hitman wants two-year deal

HITMAN Iyseden Christie wants a new two-year deal to keep on firing in the goals for Kidderminster Harriers.  more...

Reports

Three points swept away by Terras fight back

Weymouth 2
Harrriers 1

  more...

Three points swept away by Terras fight back

Weymouth 2
Harriers 1

  more...

Bubbly Harriers too strong for Brewers

Harriers 4
Burton 1

  more...

Round-Up

Nomads aiming to be at the very top

WORCESTER Nomads have sounded a warning to the rest of the Crusader Worcestershire League by declaring their name is on the trophy this season.  more...

Men’s to be tough contest

THE Brampton Bryan circuit hosts the United Pack meeting on Saturday with an eight-race card planned for 1.30pm.  more...

Sponsors problem hampers Michelle

MICHELLE Nixon from Little Malvern is due to begin her Dunlop MINI Challenge with a triple-header at Snetterton on Saturday.  more...

Jenkins faces must-win clash with world champ

TERRY Jenkins is in the last-chance saloon tonight as he chases a Whyte and Mackay Premier League Darts play-off place (Sky Sports 2 - 7.30pm).  more...

Top-10 place is still within sight

WESTFIELDS complete their Midland Alliance season at home to Biddulph Victoria on Saturday (3pm).  more...

Darby is keen to finish off with win

DUANE Darby insists he will not allow his Bromsgrove Rovers players to treat Saturday's last game of the season as a training exercise.  more...

Swifts on Hunt for six players

STOURPORT Swifts boss Neil Hunt reckons he needs up to six new signings to make his side a threat next season.  more...

We’re an improved side says manager

JOE Rawle believes Malvern Town have improved since he took over as manager.  more...

Champions to take last match seriously

EVESHAM United manager Paul West wants his team to savour their championship success - but only after they have taken on Rushall Olympic.  more...

Malvern planning fund-raising drive

EVEN though the promotion champagne still has some fizz left in it, the Malvern management team are already looking ahead to next season and the extra demands that Midlands One status will make on the club's finances.  more...

Spend time with French friends

MEMBERS of Bromsgrove & District Twinning Association will visit their twin friendship town of St Sauveur Lendelin in Normandy in August.  more...

Table top sale

A TABLE top sale is being held to raise funds for Finstall village hall, in Alcester Road. Entry is 20p and there will be a wide variety of goods on offer, plus refreshments, from 10am to noon on May 10. For further information contact Rosemary Ryan on 01527 875816 or 07788178813.  more...

Two injured in cars smash

TWO people have been taken to hospital following a collision involving two cars in north Worcestershire.  more...

Give blood

BLOOD donors are being reminded that the next session in Bromsgrove will be held on Wednesday, April 30, at the Members' Club, 174 Worcester Road from 1.30-3.30pm and again from 4.30-7.30pm. Call 0845 7 711 711 to book.  more...

Rovers lift reserve cup

FIRST team boss Duane Darby bagged a hat-trick as Rovers lifted the Central Conference Cup with a 3-2 win over Kidderminster Harriers at the Victoria Ground last night.  more...

Sean’s aiming for the skies

A DREAM came true for one lucky teenager when he was accepted by the RAF for a sixth form pilot scholarship.  more...

Car wash

A DROITWICH Spa youth club holds a car wash this weekend. Slat Youth Club will run the event, which will also include refreshments, at the town's Methodist Church, Worcester Road, on Saturday, April 26. There will also be a selection of second hand books for sale, together with games and puzzles from 10am to 12noon.  more...

£1,700 fine for fly-tipper

WYCHAVON District Council has again shown it is getting tough on Droitwich Spa's fly-tippers.  more...

Buzzards endure semi-final sorrow

Bredon Buzzards U-15s 7, Hereford 17 BREDON were looking forward to the visit of Hereford for Sunday's delayed North Midlands RFU Cup semi-final.  more...

Cricket clinics starts summer

BUDDING Graeme Hicks and Andrew Flintoffs can kickstart their cricket careers through coaching sessions at a Malvern club.  more...

Recycling targets means refuse change

FORTNIGHTLY refuse collections are still on the cards for Malvern with the district council attempting to meet more demanding government recycling targets.  more...

Today's events

Thursday Early Ears fun music and body brain activities for 0-5s at Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Great Malvern. 10am. £4.50 child £7.00 two. Block Booking concessions. 01684 566076.  more...

Today's events

Thursday Early Ears fun music and body brain activities for 0-5s at Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Great Malvern. 10am. £4.50 child £7.00 two. Block Booking concessions. 01684 566076.  more...

District council plans to dispose more buildings

THE sale of council-owned buildings is continuing as Malvern Hills District Council seeks to consolidate its operations under one roof.  more...

Strong feelings still for railway bid

THE latest plan for developing the old railway yard in Malvern Wells has been decisively rejected by the local parish council.  more...

Strong feelings still for railway bid

THE latest plan for developing the old railway yard in Malvern Wells has been decisively rejected by the local parish council.  more...

Car parking concerns for new hospital

MEMBERS of the public flocked to Priory Lodge Hall on Wednesday to scrutinise proposals for a new hospital at Seaford Court, and car parking was one of the issues that most concerned them.  more...

Community safety officer blow

A CRUCIAL part of Malvern's crime prevention has been lost due to the slashing of community safety services, claims a Neighbourhood Watch chairman.  more...

Vandals strike again

YET more vehicles have been damaged as the spate of vandalism in West Malvern continues.  more...

Police join cycling fundraisers

SGT Sara Goodman and community support officers Nick Gibson and Steve Freeman, proudly represented Malvern Police as they joined almost 200 cyclists pedalling across the county for the second annual St Richard's Hospice Bikeathon.  more...

Young writers gain recognition

Talented teenage writers were recognised in the Malvern Young Writer of the Year Award 2008.  more...

Young writers gain recognition

Talented teenage writers were recognised in the Malvern Young Writer of the Year Award 2008.  more...

Young writers gain recognition

Talented teenage writers were recognised in the Malvern Young Writer of the Year Award 2008.  more...

Clean streets bring sparkle to town

MALVERN Hills district has the third-cleanest streets in the West Midlands, says a survey released this week.  more...

Train gets stuck in tunnel

MISHAP in Colwall Tunnel was the headline in the Gazette 100 years ago, reporting how a goods train from Worcester to Swansea came to a standstill in the tunnel after the steam engine broke down.  more...

Blaze leaves coach depot gutted

FLAMES destroyed more than a dozen coaches and school buses when a fire ripped through a Bromyard depot overnight.  more...

Blaze leaves coach depot gutted

FLAMES destroyed more than a dozen coaches and school buses when a fire ripped through a Bromyard depot overnight.  more...

Quick-thinking saves thousands of pounds

BRAVE nightwatchman Mark Lewis leapt behind the wheels of three vehicles and steered them to safety as flames engulfed the Bromyard coach depot where he works.  more...

Flowers on the agenda

COTSWOLD Flowers in Close-up is the title of the next talk hosted by the Malvern Branch of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust The venue is the Chase school, the talk is by Roger Umpelby, and it starts at 7:30pm. Admission is £1.50 and refreshments are available.  more...

Flowers on the agenda

COTSWOLD Flowers in Close-up is the title of the next talk hosted by the Malvern Branch of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.  more...

Community Action has successful friends

FRIENDS of Malvern Community Action raised more than £600 at a coffee morning held at the United Reformed Church in Malvern Link on April 19.  more...

Man knocked unconscious outside pub

A MAN has been assaulted and knocked unconscious outside a pub in Redditch.  more...

Roundup

KVCC make comfortable progress in Trophy

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria made a winning start to the season as they booked their place in the second round of the Graham Williamson Trophy by seeing off West Bromwich Dartmouth by nine wickets on Saturday.  more...

Hitman wants two-year deal

HITMAN Iyseden Christie wants a new two-year deal to keep on firing in the goals for Kidderminster Harriers.  more...

Teams gearing up for new campaign

FIND out how the local cricket clubs are for preparing for the Worcestershire County League.  more...

Boys are indoor kings

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria's under-15s blew the opposition away when they won the county indoor competition known as the Tornado Trophy.  more...

Wins secure third place

TWO victories in the space of a week ensured Bewdley secured third place in the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division.  more...

Comberton seals schools festival

SCHOOLS in Wyre Forest had teams from years five and six battle it out at King Charles High School in a football festival.  more...

Cup final marks club’s progress

TWO teams from Ferndale Youth's girls section will be battling it out for the Ron Handy Memorial Cup in the Mercian League on Sunday.  more...

Ladies lose to Stratford

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers Ladies suffered a rare home 1-0 defeat at the hands of Stratford in the West Midlands League Premier Division.  more...

KCs rout rivals for powerful end

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians ended the season by hammering Edwardians 45-17 and showed signs that they can build on a an impressive second half in the Midlands Division Three West (South).  more...

Progress for pairing

Golf round-up.  more...

Recognition for rising star Fran

RISING Kidderminster swimming star Fran O'Connor has had an impressive year in the pool recognised by being named young female of the year at the West Midlands npower and English Federation of Disability Sports awards.  more...

Second place for Wyre Forest

SWIMMING: WYRE Forest finished second in the third and final round of the Worcester Winter League.  more...

Weather takes its toll on season’s start

The weather once again took its toll on games as the Kidderminster and District Midweek Bowls League commenced its 75th Anniversary Season.  more...

Roach roars to victory

CYCLING: Ben Roach roared to victory in the National Cross Country series in Norfolk to record his first victory for Wyre Forest.  more...

Cottage River holds on to take big race

THE Lady Dudley Cup, one of the four major prizes in the point-to-point season, went outside the area to Berkley, after the success of Peter and Liza Hall's Cottage River in Saturday's big race at Chaddesley Corbett.  more...

Top two hopes hit by points deduction

BEWDLEY Town have lodged an appeal after their hopes of securing second place in the West Midlands Regional League were dented when they had three points deducted.  more...

Freke quits Indy Pro team

KIDDERMINSTER driving ace Nathan Freke is searching for a new team to drive for after leaving American Indy Pro Series outfit Michael Crawford Motorsports.  more...

Schools Sports Partnership

Basketball finals

Wednesday 30th March saw the finals of a series of School Sport Partnership Basketball taking place for Herefordshire & Worcestershire pupils. Year 10 pupils from North Bromsgrove High School, Blessed Edwards, The Chase and Wolverley schools have all won their School Sport Partnership leagues which have been taking place for the first time this academic year. The leagues were coordinated by Heads of P.E, Partnership Development Managers and the Competition Manager team and saw pupils take part in structured more regular competition.  more...

Society

Bewdley

ALL SAINTS' AND WRIBBENHALL TOGETHER - On April 14, the Birmingham Centre for Arts Therapies who held a second training day in All Saints' Church. Residents were able to access the skills and information for a specialist area of developing those who are less fortunate.  more...

Kidderminster

MINSTER LADIES - The next meeting will be on May 7 at 2pm at St George's Annexe, when the speaker will be Mr Ed Shore on taking his car and caravan to India. For information, ring 01562 746501.  more...

Stourport

DIVERS - On March 31, a trip to Stoney Cove in Leicestershire saw members taking the opportunity to check their equipment and skills ahead of a dive trip to the Farne Islands.  more...

Wyre Forest

WORCESTERSHIRE M.E. SUPPORT GROUP - All people with M.E., CFS and FMS, and their carers, friends and relatives, are welcome to attend meetings. They are held at Kidderminster Library, Market Street, on the third Wednesday of every month between 1.30pm to 3.30pm.  more...

St Richard'S Hospice

All set for mediaeval magic

THE countdown has begun to next month's mediaeval festival.  more...

Theatre Reviews

Agatha Christie on drugs

WITH more plot twists than accidents waiting to happen in a Casualty omnibus, Sleuth is like watching Agatha Christie on amphetamines.  more...

Elder statesman rolls back years with a little help from his sons

THE thing you have to remember about Georgie Fame is that it was performers like him who brought integrity to pop music.  more...

Elder statesman rolls back years with a little help from his sons

THE thing you have to remember about Georgie Fame is that it was performers like him who brought integrity to pop music.  more...

Upton

Upton in Bloom looking for funds to grow

UPTON in Bloom is seeking sponsorship to help fund its entries into two major competitions this summer.  more...

What'S On

Stratford prepares to wax lyrical

HOME to possibly the most famous writer of all time, Stratford is branching out this month and launching its very own literary festival.  more...

Wyre Forest Weddings

O’SULLIVAN-LEWIS

ST Peter's Church in Cookley was the setting for the wedding of Lucy O'Sullivan and Andrew Lewis.  more...

  
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