Malvern Gazette - Stories for 13 May 2008

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Worcestershire | Archive | 2008 | May

Stories for 13 May 2008

Alcester

Enjoy blaze of bluebells

THERE will be a blaze of blue on display at Coughton Court this summer and staff are inviting visitors to discover it for themselves. more...

Mayor is sworn in to office

AT an emotional ceremony last week, councillor Susan Adams was officially sworn in as the new Alcester mayor. more...

Museum prepares for Roman events

THE Roman Alcester Heritage Museum is launching a new season of fun events on Saturday, May 17 when budding archaeologists will have the chance to try their hand at digging for genuine Roman remains. more...

Teacher set for wall walk

ALCESTER Grammar School was thrust into the middle of a huge row last week. more...

Back On Track Appeal

‘Treasures’ bring £292 boost

A SUCCESSFUL antiques valuation day in Kidderminster last Friday gave a �292 boost to the Back on Track Appeal. more...

Enjoy scenic stroll

THE Back on Track sponsored walk takes place this Sunday at 9am, starting and finishing at Stourport Sports Club. more...

More help from freemasons

THE freemasons of Severn Lodge have joined the Vernon and Chaddesley Corbett masonic lodges by raising £200 for the Back on Track appeal. more...

Battling another setback...

FOLLOWING the latest damage done by vandals to the hammer cage net which put in jeopardy the Worcestershire County Track and Field Championships last Saturday, I would like to pay tribute to the parks department at Wyre Forest District Council for their sterling efforts in re-erecting the net on Friday. more...

Burlish Park

We had a tree…mendous time!

Year three pupils recently received a personal invite to visit Mr Derek Walker's spetacular cottage garden and woodland walk at Astley, Stourport. The garden attracts more than 1,000 visitors each year so our pupils were very privileged to be given a private showing. As a follow up to our visit pupils wrote to thank Mr Walker for his hospitality. more...

Business

Animal-lover Amanda fulfills a big ambition

AMANDA Mason, who works for Waitrose in Malvern, has been seconded to help at an animal charity through an initiative set up by the supermarket's owners. more...

Safety starts 'at the top'

"THE responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of all organisations' employees starts at the top," says Judith Hackitt, chairman of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). more...

Safety 'starts at the top'

"THE responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of all organisations' employees starts at the top," says Judith Hackitt, chairman of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). more...

Safety 'starts at the top'

"THE responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of all organisations' employees starts at the top," says Judith Hackitt, chairman of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). more...

Clubs & Societies

Alcester U3A

A WARM, sunny spring afternoon set the scene for the U3A monthly meeting. more...

Alcester Flower Club

OUR April meeting was a practical one. more...

Bromsgrove & District Flower Arrangement Society

APRIL was a special meeting and 75 members and invited guests came to celebrate our 50th anniversary. We met at the Granary Hotel, Shenstone, and enjoyed a wonderful lunch, after which Area Chairman Sheila Hand treated us to a super demonstration entitled "Let's Celebrate". more...

Everywomans Circle

AT the April meetings we welcomed return visits from two very popular speakers. more...

Everywomans Circle

AT the April meetings we welcomed return visits from two very popular speakers. more...

Merry Wives of Alcester

ON Tuesday, April 29, 2008, Eric Payne gave an extremely entertaining talk to Merry Wives about his life growing up and growing older in Alcester illustrated by various photographs and interspersed by many funny stories. more...

Coach'S Column

Universities are failing to bridge gap with counties

OVER the past week at Kid-derminster we were trying out a new make of ball in our game against Loughborough UCCE and I hope that we never see them again. more...

Community News

ST MICHAEL'S CHURCH, STOKE PRIOR

A flower demonstration by Virginia Davis, assisted by Christine Huzzey, proved very popular. more...

Support group celebrates fourth birthday

A SOCIAL and support group for people with younger-onset dementia has celebrated its fourth birthday. more...

WYCHBOLD WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP

Pat and Len Tonks have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary. more...

WYCHBOLD HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

The society's spring show was held on Saturday, April 5, in Wychbold village hall and, as usual, the hall was a blaze of colour courtesy of the splendid exhibits. more...

CLASSICAL MUSIC SOCIETY

Tony Baker presented a programme of recorded music entitled Out and About. more...

ELGAR SPRING GROUP MEETING

Hosted by Alfrick WI on April 30, the president welcomed the new county chairman Julia Roberts to talk on county matters, relevant to our 90th birthday celebrations. more...

CALLOW END WI

ThiS month we had a preview of the 2009 calendar and congratulated Val Durnell on one of her photographs being used. We had various items in our business, including the church fete on May 31 and a coffee morning for Christian Aid. more...

WORCESTER ANGLO-HELLENIC CLUB

ABOUT 15 members and guests of the monthly Greek interest club enjoyed a most entertaining evening as committee member John Fryer gave a well-researched talk entitled: 1940 - The Italian Invasion. more...

Education

We don’t want to cause trouble – we just want our voices heard

WHAT'S your honest view of today's youth? Unruly, unpleasant and bad-mannered? Or misunderstood and misrepresented? more...

Bright pupils set up action group

A TRIO of Wyre Forest school pupils has spearheaded a campaign to get more activities for young people and brought about the creation of a new community action group. more...

Historic Pictures

Bridge Street Infants School

THIS photograph from 1929 shows young dancers from Bridge Street Infants School, now Holyoakes Field First School. Pictured are Daphne Mills, Cathie Hanks, Joyce Clarke, Joyce Walker, Margaret King, Betty Smith and Joy Field. The photograph was supplied by Margaret Smith from Church Hill. more...

In Brief

Film club’s latest screening

STUDLEY Film Club will be screening Evita at Studley Village Hall on Saturday, May 17. more...

Charity quiz night

PEOPLE will be able to put their heads together for a good cause during a quiz night in Redditch in aid of Cancer Research UK. more...

Bedtime stories

WORCESTERSHIRE County Council's libraries are celebrating national year of reading by hosting themed bedtime stories events throughout May. more...

Kidder News Latest

Speedy Sealine crews take race glory

LUXURY boat builders Sealine used their expertise to clinch a hat-trick in this year's fun raft race from Arley to Stourport, which attracted a bumper entry. more...

Motoring offences man jailed

A KIDDERMINSTER man has been jailed for a catalogue of motoring offences. more...

Drug addict stole from sister

A STOURPORT drug addict stole £25,000 worth of jewellery from his sister's Hartlebury home and was then caught red-handed by her when he went back to steal more goods. more...

Motorcyclist still 'critical'

POLICE have renewed an appeal for witnesses to a serious road traffic collision on Hartlebury Road, Stourport. more...

Crash motorcyclist still 'critical'

POLICE have renewed an appeal for witnesses to a serious road traffic collision on Hartlebury Road, Stourport. more...

‘Treasures’ bring £292 boost

A SUCCESSFUL antiques valuation day in Kidderminster last Friday gave a �292 boost to the Back on Track Appeal. more...

Enjoy scenic stroll

THE Back on Track sponsored walk takes place this Sunday at 9am, starting and finishing at Stourport Sports Club. more...

More help from freemasons

THE freemasons of Severn Lodge have joined the Vernon and Chaddesley Corbett masonic lodges by raising £200 for the Back on Track appeal. more...

Battling another setback...

Bus visits to aid blind people

A FULLY equipped bus packed with resources for visually impaired people will be visiting Kidderminster on Wednesday, May 21. more...

Claim soldier faces anxious wait

A FORMER soldier who says negligence by the Ministry of Defence has left him suicidally depressed and unemployable now faces an anxious wait while a top judge considers his £1 million damages claim. more...

Ex-soldier faces anxious wait

Popular pub facing bulldozer

A POPULAR pub given a brief lifeline following disagreement over the terms of a successful planning application might now face the bulldozer. more...

Good citizens deadline looming

THERE is still time to let West Mercia Constabulary know about public-spirited Wyre Forest youngsters who could be eligible for the force's annual Good Citizen Award. more...

Good citizens deadline looming

THERE is still time to let West Mercia Constabulary know about public-spirited Wyre Forest youngsters who could be eligible for the force's annual Good Citizen Award. more...

Online poll: Safety first

IT was a case of safety first when Shuttle Online readers were asked their opinions about children cycling on the roads. more...

Latest

Animal-lover Amanda fulfills a big ambition

AMANDA Mason, who works for Waitrose in Malvern, has been seconded to help at an animal charity through an initiative set up by the supermarket�s owners. more...

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...

Partnership pulls weight at awards

A WORCESTERSHIRE company proved that innovation is alive and well in the county when it walked off with one of the major titles at the first- ever Staffordshire University �Stars� Awards evening. more...

Talking politics with your WN

POLITICAL opinions are plentiful on our website, but we've noticed that they're spread over many stories and you may not catch every one. more...

Weekend when our county was hottest place in the country

PEOPLE in Worcestershire soaked up the sunshine and basked in the hottest temperatures across Britain at the weekend. more...

Did you witness riverside assault?

A MAN pushed another man and a woman into the river Severn in Worcester before committing an assault. more...

Fire-hit tyre firm to be bulldozed

COMPANY bosses have spoken for the first time about the fire which gutted a tyre warehouse. more...

What’s to stop our homes flooding again?

PEOPLE living near a Worcester brook say they fear their homes could flood again after a recent storm swamped their gardens. more...

City buses go green with new park-and-ride fleet

A NEW fleet of environmentally-friendly buses have been carrying passengers around Worcester this week. more...

Ex-soldier jailed for kicking man in head - court

A FORMER soldier has been jailed for kicking a man in the head in an unprovoked attack in Worcester. more...

Jail for drunken mum who fought with her daughter - court

A WORCESTER woman has been sentenced to more than five months in prison for repeatedly smashing her daughter's head against a concrete pavement outside a bar in the city centre. more...

Walkers take water challenge

A BRAVE woman with Parkinson's Disease took part in a sponsored walk to help Africans who are forced to trek miles for water. more...

Council plan sparks fury

OPPOSITION councillors have reacted with fury after plans to merge Worcester City and Malvern Hills district councils were revealed in your Worcester News. more...

Bid for extra rail service for cities

A RAIL users group is starting a campaign to get extra trains put on between Worcester and Gloucester to enable commuters to arrive at work on time. more...

Road smash causes rush hour tailbacks

DIVERSIONS are in place following a three-car collision on a motorway bridge. more...

COMMENT: Should this really have been secret?

OUR exclusive report yesterday, revealing proposals to merge the staff and services of Worcester and Malvern Hills councils, has provoked something of a storm. more...

Road accident on busy main road

RUSH hour traffic is being diverted following a three-car road collision over on a motorway bridge. more...

Road accident on busy main road

RUSH hour traffic is being diverted following a three-car road collision on a motorway bridge. more...

Renewed witness call following road smash

WITNESSES are being sought following a road collision in which a motorcyclist was left with serious injuries. more...

Nick’s internet TV show success

A FORMER Worcester pupil who co-produced a hit internet television show watched more than 1.7 million times, is now looking to make more programmes. more...

Fun in the sun with Noddy and pals

NODDY and Big Ears brought old-fashioned family fun to Worcester Racecourse. more...

Worcester News weather watch

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

Medics at crash in three minutes

MEDICS were at the scene of a road collision between a van and a car three minutes after the first emergency call, today. more...

Employers are failing to report poor teachers

JUST three cases where teachers have been dismissed or resigned in Worcestershire after being found to be incompetent have been referred to the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE) in almost seven years, figures show. more...

Asparagus stolen from Evesham

THIEVES have stolen �400 worth of asparagus from land in Pershore Road, Evesham, police have revealed. more...

No jail for new year text-threat man - court

A MAN kicked the back door of an ex-girlfriend�s house in the early hours of New Year�s Day after she did not pick up his phone calls, a court heard. more...

Criticism over Droitwich development

A DEVELOPER has hit back at criticism about the company�s role in developing the western side of Droitwich town centre. more...

Police make two metal theft arrests

TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of stealing metal from a construction site in Malvern. more...

Drinker taunted pregnantwoman abouthershoes

A DROITWICH man verbally abused a pregnant woman for walking past his house in "loud shoes", a court was told. more...

Drinker taunted mum-to-be - court

A DROITWICH man verbally abused a pregnant woman for walking past his house in "loud shoes", a court was told. more...

Swan victim of dog attack

ANOTHER swan has been attacked and killed by a dog in Worcester. more...

Travellers will carry on being a nuisance

TRAVELLERS will keep using a plot of land and causing a nuisance to nearby residents, according to a councillor. more...

Luff brings the Commons to county

MID-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff led a House of Commons Committee visit to Worcestershire as part of an inquiry into the impact of innovation on West Midlands businesses. more...

Extra travel plans on show

DETAILED plans of exciting new construction projects to improve walking and cycling around Worcester will be made available this week. more...

Extra travel plans on show

DETAILED plans of exciting new construction projects to improve walking and cycling around Worcester will be made available this week. more...

Brothel jury retires - court

THE jury has retired to consider its verdicts on a man on trial for a prostitution and people smuggling racket at Worcester Crown Court. more...

Courts open for play on Saturday

MEMBERS of Evesham Rowing club's squash and tennis sections are looking to the future after the extensive damage caused by last year's floods. more...

Drivers urged to think of their pets

VALE drivers are being urged to think of their pets this summer and not leave them locked in hot cars. more...

Unanimous 'No' to eco-town plan

STRATFORD District councillors have voted unanimously not to support the eco-town proposal at Long Marston and will write to the government to ask for it to be removed from the shortlist. more...

How to rescue a bunny

TWO Pershore women are organising a special event for those interested in rabbits at the de Montfort Veterinary Hospital in Evesham at the weekend. more...

Mayor is re-elected

THE Mayor of Evesham, Councillor Alan Booth, was unanimously re-elected to serve a second year of office last night. more...

Peopleton prosper then picked off

THERE were mixed fortunes for Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League side Peopleton in their final two matches of the season. more...

£6m office development for Evesham

EVESHAM'S Vale Park is set to expand with a £6m development covering almost two acres to begin later this month. more...

Hot asparagus!

POLICE were this week hunting thieves who stole asparagus worth £400 from land in Pershore Road, Evesham. more...

Latets

‘My quality of life will be destroyed’

Blind man faces court over size of radio aerials more...

Leisure General

Celebrated tenor to play Colwall

A CONCERT by Nicholas Clapton, the celebrated counter tenor and musical historian, will take place at the Church of St James the Great, Colwall, on May 23 at 7pm. more...

Clive John performs in three guises

MUSICIAN Clive John is playing three gigs on consecutive nights in Worcester later this month - with a different show each evening. more...

Mad About Mozart?

MAD About Mozart is the next concert from the Greenwood Voices.There are two performances tomorrow, Saturday May 17, the first in the Chapel at Davenham House in Graham Road, Malvern, at 4pm and the second at Leigh Church at 7.30pm. more...

Letters

Merger would be big mismatch of services

SIR - Does Malvern Hills District Council have any idea what it is doing? more...

Joining bombshell shock for Labour

SIR - Your exclusive story regarding Worcester and Malvern Hills councils joining together comes as a complete shock to me and members of the city council's Labour group. Surely this is the sort of issue that should have been debated during the recent city elections? more...

Mysterious marks of the gipsy callers

SIR - With reference to my previous letter about gipsies leaving signs to their fellow travellers concerning the friendliness or lack of it in households they had visited, Roy Oseman of Worcester telephoned me to say that from his experiences, gipsies did indeed leave chalk marks on the gate or fence of houses they had visited. He remembers it going back as far as before the Second World War. more...

Why wasn’t there a Tory candidate?

SIR - Why did the Conservative party deny voters a candidate in Nunnery Ward? They have found resources recently to publish a city-wide newspaper sheet in support of their parliamentary candidate and to distribute a newsletter in Nunnery Ward - and yet, unlike last year, there was no candidate to contest the election. more...

Thanks to all who went to concert

SIR - John Banner and John Reynolds would like to thank all those people who attended the St George's Day concert on St George's Day. more...

Jigsaws make way for the post office

SIR - With reference to the post office move I would like to know how much room will be allocated at WH Smith's for it. When my friend asked for a jigsaw puzzle for my birthday she was told they had been sent back to make room for the post office. more...

Claim the rubbish fines back from MP

SIR - I think the people of Lichfield Avenue who were given a £100 fine for leaving surplus rubbish by the side of their bins should ask our MP for Worcester to pay the fines and claim the money back on his expenses. more...

Good treatment

SIR - One-fifth of hospital patients in Worcester complain of lack of respect. Let's face it, the staff are rushed off their feet. I had excellent treatment in both Worcestershire Royal Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. more...

Modern building not pretty enough

I READ the council is making a compulsory purchase order on Lloyds Garage to provide access to the new basin at Stourport. more...

Extra 15p pension

I HAVE written a poem outlining the disgrace of the pension rise for the over-80s. more...

Politician's response

DOES Malvern Hills District Council have any idea what it is doing? more...

Politician's response

DOES Malvern Hills District Council have any idea what it is doing? more...

Traffic problems

I WOULD like to give my full support to the residents of Orford Way. more...

Praise for Sevens

CONGRATULATIONS to Ledbury Rugby Club for putting on such a feast of high class rugby at their Sevens Charity event last Sunday. more...

Praise for school

WE wish to respond to your front page article about apparent bullying at John Masefield High School (Ledbury Reporter, May 9). We are not familiar with the case you report but find Mr Watkin's claim that bullying went on for two years and the school "swept it under the carpet" to be very surprising to say the least. more...

Public vote?

WHAT an excellent idea to ask retailers to decorate their shops with flowers to compliment the Malvern Spring Show. more...

Waste collection

WITH reference to the article Looking at Options for Waste Collection in the May 2 edition, there is one paragraph which I find confusing. more...

Global warming

AN important omission by Alistair Macmillan (Malvern Gazette, April 25) is that all councillors and staff must become vegan to help reduce global warming. more...

Musical thanks

WE would like to thank Alan Turnbull for inviting us to see Tragic Roundabout in his magical garden in Castlemorton. more...

Reply to traffic complaints

REGARDING your article "Like living next to a noisy motorway". While I have every sympathy for the residents of Orford Way, I do not agree that the answer is to restrict the road to residents and those who call upon them. more...

Reply to traffic complaints

Where were wobbly sets?

THE Ullenhall Players must do better than this. more...

Sending out wrong signals

I WAS shocked to hear via the BBC last week of the plight of Robin Wood of Redditch, who faces court action over his amateur radio antennae. more...

Looking into potholes...

I AM so glad Brian Walker (Crabbs Cross) has brought the state of Redditch roads to the fore again (Your view May 7). more...

Disease can be prevented

I WISH to let your readers know that this week is Cancer Prevention Week, when World Cancer Research Fund raises awareness that, far from being a matter of fate, cancer is a largely preventable disease. more...

Where were wobbly sets?

THE Ullenhall Players must do better than this. more...

Community support vital

AS a Marie Curie Nurse, I know just how important the fundraising efforts of local communities are in supporting our vital work. more...

Lifestyle

How Dinky and Corgi battled for our pocket money

Britain had emerged victoriously from the war with an economy in ruins and its industry facing the huge challenge of getting back on stream to try to supply its customers with peacetime products. more...

Live Match Coverage

Manager focussing on youth for squad

MANAGER Neil Hunt is giving youth a chance in a bid to strengthen Swifts for the BGB Southern League Midlands Division One next season. more...

Memory

50 years ago - May 16, 1958

A 75-YEAR-OLD Alvechurch resident claimed at a valuation court held at Alvechurch on Tuesday that he had to keep his blinds drawn because his house was overlooked by houses on higher ground behind his home in George Road. more...

100 years ago - May 15, 1908

THE knowledge that the Redditch Battery of Artillery is up to its nominal full strength has apparently given rise to a little misapprehension, which it will be as well to remove. more...

50 years ago - May 16, 1958

A 75-YEAR-OLD Alvech-urch resident claimed at a valuation court held at Alvechurch on Tuesday that he had to keep his blinds drawn because his house was overlooked by houses on higher ground behind his home in George Road. more...

25 years ago - May 13, 1983

UP to 13,000 jobs would be created in Redditch if a multi-million pound development at Batchmley was given the go ahead, a public inquiry was told this week. more...

Music

Live tunes

MUSIC fans will be entertained with live music at Stourport Boat Club this month. more...

Live tunes

MUSIC fans will be entertained with live music at Stourport Boat Club this month. more...

Nature Notes

Bluebell has inspired people through history

IT would be difficult to dispute that spring is well and truly in full swing. The nature reserves of the district are a blaze of colour. more...

News

Warriors linked to moves for top Kiwis

WORCESTER Warriors are being linked with several top New Zealand-based players. more...

Cheltenham first up for City

WORCESTER City will begin their pre-season programme against a Cheltenham Town XI. more...

Rhodes praise for hot talent Davies

WORCESTERSHIRE director of cricket Steve Rhodes believes Steve Davies played the "perfect game" in the emphatic nine-wicket Friends Provident Trophy victory over Hampshire Hawks. more...

Solanki tops the sixes list

WORCESTERSHIRE'S Vikram Solanki remains top of the Sky Sports Sixes League thanks to two maximums against Hampshire. more...

Warriors are overlooked by England

WORCESTER Warriors players have been overlooked by England and England Saxons for the forthcoming tours to New Zealand and North America. more...

Reader'S Pictures

Storm

Picture by reader Robert Wall more...

Storm

Picture by reader Andy Ball more...

Storm

Picture by reader Steve Bennett more...

Storm

Picture by reader Jeff Coopey more...

Storm

Picture by reader Robert Wall more...

Reviews

Halloween (uncut) (18)

FROM reading the blurb on the back of the DVD box, I presumed this remake of the 1970s classic would give us an insight into what made Michael Myers, the blood thirsty, crazed maniac we've all come to know and fear. more...

The Golden Compass (PG)

BASED on the Phillip Pullman novel His Dark Materials, the start of the Northern Lights trilogy, the film is about 12-year-old Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards), who is in search of her kidnapped friend. more...

CD - Third - Portishead

PORTISHEAD are one of the most unique bands to come out of England in years and their third album has definitely been worth the wait. more...

CD - Hard Candy - Madonna

THERE are definitely more hits than misses on Hard Candy and the heavy beats of hit single 4 Minutes lend themselves to winding the car windows down and driving along with the stereo at full volume in a perfect moment of summery goodness. more...

Cinema - Iron Man (12A)

MARVEL has released its latest superhero flick and luckily for cinema-goers everywhere, it's more of a Spiderman than a Daredevil. more...

Round-Up

Counties prepare for final contest

WORCESTERSHIRE and Herefordshire have made four changes to their side for the final RLF North Midlands Championship group match against Shropshire at Droitwich tonight (7.30). more...

OVs set the pace with win on road

OLD Vigornians won by 56 runs at Martley to remain the early pace-setters in Crusader Worcestershire League Division Four South. more...

Bull victorious

TWENTY-EIGHT Upton-upon-Severn Homing Society members sent 395 birds to Exeter. more...

Club celebrates

DROITWICH Rugby Club will be celebrating a highly successful season at their summer ball next month. more...

Battling Multoni misses out on points in thriller

WORCESTER City Amateur Boxing Club's promising sch-oolboy Usman Multoni came up against local fighter Aiden Simons of Solihull ABC at a show in Birmingham. more...

Battling Multoni misses out on points in thriller

WORCESTER City Amateur Boxing Club's promising schoolboy Usman Multoni came up against local fighter Aiden Simons of Solihull ABC at a show in Birmingham. more...

Jolly makes her handicap pay off

VAL Jolly took the honours when the Defford-based Arden club staged a ladies race. more...

Trainers off to a fine start

HARNESS racing enthusiasts opened their season at the 12-race Tregaron Spring Festival with a flourish despite strong opposition from Irish visitors. more...

Jail for drunken mum who fought with her daughter - court

A WORCESTER woman has been sentenced to more than five months in prison for repeatedly smashing her daughter's head against a concrete pavement outside a bar in the city centre. more...

Turner is manager of the year

GRAHAM Turner has been named League Two manager of the year after leading Hereford United to their second promotion in three years. more...

Itsalf’s success over cup winner

RECENT Lady Dudley Cup winner Cottage River was defeated in the Mixed Open at the Wheatland Hunt point-to-point. more...

Fair play to school’s under 14s

BLESSED Edward Oldcorne Catholic College scooped the fair play award from the Daily Express Emerging Schools Rugby Festival at Staines. more...

Ivo secures double silver in regionals

IVO Mandradzhiyski was the most successful competitor for Worcester Swimming Club at the Midland Youth Championships. more...

Spencer to lead nation in Europe

WORCESTER number eight Catherine Spencer will captain the England women's team in this weekend's FIRA AER European Championship in Amsterdam. more...

Sammi reward for keeping Villages in with a chance

WORCESTER'S Sammi Meese was named keeper of the tournament at the Tesco Cup Under 14s south-west finals as Warndon Villages crashed out. more...

Villa’s calling for teenagers

WESTFIELDS' youngsters James Holland and Will Tolley have been invited to Aston Villa's summer trials. more...

Tigers in hunt for players

NUNNERY Wood Tigers are continuing next season at under 11s level with the majority of current players under new manager Colin Jones. more...

Award is for all at club — Turner

GRAHAM Turner says his manager-of-the-year award is testament to the efforts of everyone at Hereford United. more...

Harriers aiming to keep loan duo

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers want to make Dean Bennett and Darryl Knights permanent additions to their squad for next season. more...

Keep on running

THE Leukaemia fun run in Bromsgrove was a huge success as usual, netting an initial £4,000 for the charity. more...

Join in – plea

THE chairman of Rubery Festival has renewed his appeal for residents and businesses to get involved in this year's event. more...

Phones ring in points

TABLE TENNIS: In Division One of the Bromsgrove and Redditch League, West Midland Phones B' were at home to SPSP and won 6-4. more...

Tea party

A BROMSGROVE veterinary practice is inviting residents to join them for a tea day this Friday, May 16. more...

Air your views

OLDER Bromgrove residents who feel passionately about the withdrawal of their £30 car parking permits are to get the chance to meet the leader of the council to air their views. more...

Power cut at school

pupils from a town school enjoyed an extended weekend in the sun when their school was forced to close due to a power cut. Electricity was lost at South Bromsgrove High School on Monday with pupils getting the day off. A-level exams went ahead as planned during the afternoon. A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council said Central Networks fixed the problem and restored the power, with pupils returning to the school yesterday (Tuesday). more...

Christian Aid Week

CHARITABLE townsfolk are being asked to do their bit during Christian Aid Week, which runs until Saturday. Thousands of red envelopes ready for donations have been making their way through residents' letterboxes this week. Townsfolk are also being invited to a bring and buy plant sale at Chadsgrove School, in Meadow Road, this Saturday and a supper and quiz night from 6pm at the Methodist Church, Golden Cross Lane, Catshill. For more information on Christian Aid Week, visit www.christianaid.org.uk more...

Drugs and cash seized in raid

BROMSGROVE police have made four arrests after seizing quantities of drugs and cash in raids across the district. more...

Under pressure

VISITORS to a garden centre in Wychbold got free blood pressure checks thanks to members of the Rotary Clubs of North Worcestershire and the Stroke Association. more...

Under pressure

VISITORS to a garden centre in Wychbold got free blood pressure checks thanks to members of the Rotary Clubs of North Worcestershire and the Stroke Association. more...

Didn't they all do well?

SCHOOLS in Bromsgrove were asked to design a garden using the contents you might find in a builder's skip - and two of them came up trumps. more...

Fuchsia fans flock for local advice

MEMBERS of the Bromsgrove-based North Worcestershire Fuchsia Society were kept busy on their showstand at Malvern's Spring Garden Show by fuchsia fans keen to know more about this popular plant. more...

Fell off horse

A WOMAN was taken to hospital after being thrown from a horse in Bromsgrove last Thursday, (May 8). more...

M5 collision

A CAR collided with the central reservation on the M5 motorway last Wednesday (April 30). more...

Support for drug users

YOUNG people with drug problems are getting very good advice and support from Worcestershire's SPACE service, according to the government watchdog, Ofsted. more...

Cars and jobs could return to Longbridge

A THREE year wait has ended with the announcement car production at Longbridge is to finally relaunch in less than three months. more...

Sport study slammed

A NEW council study into Bromsgrove's recreation areas giving residents the chance to have their say next week, has been criticised by the opposition leader. more...

Pay less on the day plan

A PROPOSAL for local motorists to pay a reduced fine if they overstay on council car parks and pay on the day was considered at a recent council meeting. more...

Cyclist is hurt in roundabout collision

AMBULANCE crews rushed to help an injured male cyclist after he was in collision with a car in Droitwich Spa on Monday. more...

MBE for mercy work in Bosnia

A FORMER Spa resident has been honoured with an MBE for her dedicated work in war-torn Bosnia. more...

MBE for mercy work in Bosnia

A FORMER Spa resident has been honoured with an MBE for her dedicated work in war-torn Bosnia. more...

Mindless attack

A DROITWICH woman had her car windscreen cracked when a stone was thrown from a bridge near Alvechurch. more...

Securicor raid arrests

THREE people have been arrested in connection with a burglary at a Group 4 Securicor depot in Droitwich Spa last November. West Mercia officers arrested a man and a woman in Tamworth and another man in Birmingham last Wednesday morning. They were questioned in connection with the burglary at the Berry Hill industrial estate depot, which took place on November 5 at around 8.40pm. All three were released on police bail and ordered to return to Worcester police station on September 3 while inquiries continue. Anyone with information on the bonfire night burglary should call police on 08457 444888, and ask for the Operation Storm incident room. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 more...

Hall set to re-open

WESTLANDS Community Hall is set to re-open after a £60,000 refurbishment. Residents will again be able to enjoy the popular venue from Monday after improvement work was recently completed. The hall boasts a wide range of activities including darts, judo, youth clubs, coffee mornings and bingo. more...

Flood aid

PEOPLE raised a teacup to the bravery of Droitwich Spa residents at a specially organised reception for flood victims. Eighty people were invited along to a welcome home tea party, which was organised by the Festival Housing Group to acknowledge the hard work and bravery of all those involved in the floods last year. The event, held at The Raven Hotel last Friday, was attended by the mayor of Droitwich. more...

Looking back on a year in office

DROITWICH Spa's outgoing mayor, Councillor Richard Morris, has reflected on his year in office and thanked all those that have helped him during an eventful period for the town. more...

Courts open for play on Saturday

MEMBERS of Evesham Rowing club's squash and tennis sections are looking to the future after the extensive damage caused by last year's floods. more...

Courts open for play on Saturday

MEMBERS of Evesham Rowing club's squash and tennis sections are looking to the future after the extensive damage caused by last year's floods. more...

Courts open for play on Saturday

MEMBERS of Evesham Rowing club's squash and tennis sections are looking to the future after the extensive damage caused by last year's floods. more...

Bronze medal for swimmer Joe

THE premier regional events in the swimming calendar are the Midland Championships which take place each year in the 50-metre pool at Coventry Sports Centre. more...

Bronze medal for swimmer Joe

THE premier regional events in the swimming calendar are the Midland Championships which take place each year in the 50-metre pool at Coventry Sports Centre. more...

Bidford boys flushed with success!

BIDFORD'S junior players tasted success in a couple of end of season competitions The Under-15s were triumphant at Harvington's tournament after wins over the hosts and Bretforton, a draw with Newtown Sports B and defeat against Sports A. more...

Junior clubs land league titles

LITTLETON'S Under-16s completed a fine Mercian League season with victory in the final game that assured them of the Division Two title. more...

Junior clubs land league titles

LITTLETON'S Under-16s completed a fine Mercian League season with victory in the final game that assured them of the Division Two title. more...

Peopleton prosper then picked off

THERE were mixed fortunes for Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League side Peopleton in their final two matches of the season. more...

Peopleton prosper then picked off

THERE were mixed fortunes for Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League side Peopleton in their final two matches of the season. more...

Peopleton prosper then picked off

THERE were mixed fortunes for Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League side Peopleton in their final two matches of the season. more...

A Saintly comback

AN Andy Hobbs-trained horse who suffered a fall at Easter made a dramatic recovery storming to victory in the North Ledbury meeting. more...

Girl power nets victory

A NEWLY-ASSEMBLED women's football team are celebrating after being crowned champions. more...

Youngsters shine despite showers

A YOUNG group of soccer superstars did not let the wet weather put them off as they starred in a day of cup final action in Malvern. more...

Reserves finish term

MALVERN TOWN RESERVES 1, WOLVERHAMPTON DEVELOPMENT 1. more...

Blooming Hills winners announced

Great Malvern came into bloom last week as 29 businesses created a host of superb floral displays, including a water feature with live fish by Forget-me-Not Florists, a recreation of Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflowers' by iapetus gallery and a floral lady by Air Hairdressing. more...

Today's events

Tuesday Quiz night at Welland village hall, Marlbank Road, Welland. 7pm. 01886 832880. £10 team of four. In aid of Blue Cross. more...

Today's events

Tuesday Quiz night at Welland village hall, Marlbank Road, Welland. 7pm. 01886 832880. £10 team of four. In aid of Blue Cross. more...

Great sum raised by swimming event

A GRUELLING swimming event at Malvern Splash raised more than £6,000 for Friends of the Elderly. more...

People warned of quarry dangers

MALVERN Hills Conservators are warning people to stay out of the lakes at flooded quarries, which have claimed more than one life over the years. more...

Visitors flock to garden show

MORE than 90,000 visitors flocked to Malvern for the 2008 Spring Garden Show, held in glorious sunshine over four days at the Three Counties Showground. more...

Fairytale touch for garden

MALVERN garden designer Sarah Kenyon brought a fairytale touch to this year's Spring Garden Show with her magical Sleeping Beauty' garden'. more...

Eco garden sprouts up

A SCHEME to create a garden at Somers Park Primary School is going ahead with the help of a £10,000 grant from Awards for All. more...

Eco garden sprouts up

A SCHEME to create a garden at Somers Park Primary School is going ahead with the help of a £10,000 grant from Awards for All. more...

First birthday for Bridge centre

AN educational centre aimed at young people who are not served well by conventional schools is celebrating its first birthday. more...

Abandoned cats need new homes

CAT lovers can show how much they care by fostering an unwanted cat or kitten to help the national charity Cats Protection. more...

Outdoor education receives support

PUPILS from schools around Malvern and beyond are due to take to the hills on Thursday in support of the outdoor centre in West Malvern. more...

Bigger, better and stronger for Acorns

THOUSANDS of people will descend on the Three Counties Showground in Malvern next month for one of the biggest fundraising events of the year. more...

Bigger and better for Acorns

THOUSANDS of people will descend on the Three Counties Showground in Malvern next month for one of the biggest fundraising events of the year. more...

Couples still sought for wedding festival

THE search is still on for couples who got married in Malvern Priory to take part in a festival of weddings later this summer. more...

Patients put expertise to the test

ANYONE living in Upton who suffers from a long term illness is being offered the chance to become an Expert Patient'. more...

Latest Worcestershire Planning Applications

THE following Planning Applications were made to Malvern Hills District Council on May 8, 2008:- DYSON PERRINS - Polytunnel size 9m x 25m, two greenhouses and septic tank. Land at Lower Interfields, Malvern for Nigel Cresswell, Brook End Cottage, Drake Street, Welland. more...

Latest Herefordshire Planning Applications

THE following Planning Applications were made to Herefordshire Council on May 9, 2008:- ASTON INGHAM - Change of design of proposed barn conversion. Little Giles Farm, Mill Lane, Kilcot, Newent for Mr and Mrs Davis, Little Giles Farm, Mill Lane, Kilcot, Newent per A G S Developments Consultants, Corse Grange, Corse. more...

Latest Herefordshire Planning Applications

Shock merger plans revealed

A LEAKED document has revealed plans to merge the entire staff and services of Malvern Hills District Council with neighbouring Worcester City. more...

Woman rescued from Malvern Hills

AMBULANCE crews have come to the rescue of a woman who fractured her ankle in a fall while walking on the Malvern Hills. more...

Chairman warns against vigilante action

WEST Malvern's parish chairman is urging residents not to take the law into their own hands in delaying with noisy or drunken yobs. more...

Chairman warns against vigilante action

WEST Malvern's parish chairman is urging residents not to take the law into their own hands in delaying with noisy or drunken yobs. more...

Chairman warns against vigilante action

WEST Malvern's parish chairman is urging residents not to take the law into their own hands in dealing with noisy or drunken yobs. more...

Garden open to aid charity

GARDEN enthusiasts can enjoy a fantastic day out while helping a worthy cause during June. more...

Park has dogs on leads area

REDDITCH Council has introduced a "dogs on leads" area into Morton Stanley Park to make sure everyone can enjoy their visit. more...

Shades ball will raise vital cash

THE Redditch and Bromsgrove branch of Guide Dogs is holding a midsummer ball at Gainsborough House Hotel in Kidderminster on Friday, June 20 to raise vitally needed funds. more...

Safari dreams made a reality

FOR those who fancy swapping the concrete jungle for an altogether more natural experience, a man with a passion for wildlife is hoping to make those dreams come true. more...

Double joy for town nursery

YOUNGSTERS and staff from Bright Kids Nursery are celebrating a double success. more...

Mums raise funds in half marathon

AFTER a year of hard training, two Redditch women are celebrating their success in the Shakespeare half marathon. more...

Kids get creative

CHILDREN at a day nursery got all crafty recently thanks to a donation from a local company. more...

Dancers promote health benefits

THE Palace Theatre's line dancing group celebrated International Dance Day with a good old hoe down at the Alcester Street venue. more...

Sign up for salsa

CHICAGO Rock Cafe is bringing an exotic taste of Latin America to Redditch by introducing the first weekly salsa classes of its kind in the area. more...

Living with rare mouth condition

"IT'S continuous. I get up in the morning with it and go to bed at night with it. It's taken away my life," said Janet Hunt, a Redditch woman suffering from a rare condition called Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). more...

Company celebrates

A GALA evening is to take place to celebrate the fact Wythall Theatre Company is still going strong after 50 years of entertaining people. more...

Sisters take up garden revamp

REDDITCH experienced its very own version of Ground Force as a couple came back from a weekend break to find their garden transformed. more...

Sirs' support for nature scheme

A PROJECT which looks set to make hundreds of Redditch pupils even more ecologically aware has been given the personal backing of two Knights of the Realm. more...

Group gained election ideas

VISITORS from around the globe visited Redditch to observe the local council elections in the town and take back ideas for their own elections. more...

Brownies help our feathered friends

TWO Studley brownies have been spreading their wings to support the RSPB. more...

Looking back at town’s heritage

THOSE wanting to delve a little deeper into Redditch's past are welcome to attend a series of events and activities which will take a look back at the town's heritage. more...

Cash raised is to aid scheme

DUDLEY'S Coaches, based in Radford, near Inkberrow, has raised £775 for the Worcestershire Pre-school Learning Alliance, to help children under the age of five with special needs. more...

Have a say on town’s future

REDDITCH residents, workers and even visitors are getting the opportunity to contribute towards the future development of the town. more...

Enjoying reading

YOUNGSTERS from a Headless Cross pre-school have been learning all about word power. more...

Warm weather warning

REDDITCH residents are being warned to close and lock doors and windows if they go out as the hot weather arrives. more...

Warm weather warning

REDDITCH residents are being warned to close and lock doors and windows if they go out as the hot weather arrives. more...

Get down to Tesco for makeover help

REDDITCH women in need of pampering or who feel they need help with a makeover should get down to Tesco tomorrow. more...

Roundup

Pinner wallops Walmley

CRICKET: Third generation Kidderminster Victoria batsman Neil Pinner produced an impressive display as the Chester Road side got off the mark with a winning draw against Walmley in the Birmingham and District League Premier Division on Saturday. more...

Resurgent Bewdley sweep aside Corbett

CRICKET: Bewdley emerged as winners from a one-sided derby clash in the Worcestershire Crusader League Division Two as Chaddesley Corbett slumped to a third defeat in a row on Saturday. more...

Record partnership lifts Mortimer

A RECORD partnership ensured that Cleobury Mortimer secured a winning draw against Badsey and rose to third in the Worcestershire League Division Five on Saturday. more...

Red hot Cookley on track

COOKLEY continued their good start to the season with success in league and cup over the weekend. more...

Feast of bowling as Worcestershire held

CRICKET: County fans at Chester Road witnessed some big hitting as Worcestershire drew with Loughborough UCCE in well-contested three-day game at Kidderminster Victoria's ground last week. more...

Schools

Forging links with schools in France

A HEADTEACHER from a Hunt End School has been working to forge more curriculum-based links between French schools and those in Worcestershire. more...

Awards win for students

FIVE fashionistas from Trinity High School are celebrating after winning three awards at a Young Enterprise awards evening. more...

Students learn Jews’ suffering

TWO students from Kingsley College got the opportunity to visit Auschwitz as well as hear first hand the agony suffered by thousands of Jews during the Second World War. more...

Schools News

Cash brings safety to cookery lessons

BLIND and partially sighted young people at New College Worcester will soon be putting the kettle on, thanks to a £1,500 donation from the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation to buy specially-adapted kitchen equipment. more...

Guidance for parents on offer at workshops

A SERIES of events are to take place in Worcestershire to help support children with physical and emotional health issues. more...

Girls team second in university challenge

PUPILS from a Worcester girls school showed they were no dunces after becoming runners-up in a regional University Challenge-style competition. more...

Year five fall in for Civil War drill

PUPILS from a Worcester school got the chance to discover much of the city's history during a visit to Worcester Civil War centre at the Commandery. more...

Olympic hockey star opens new all-weather pitch

FORMER Great Britain hockey player Jane Sixsmith MBE officially opened the new all-weather pitch at a Worcester school. more...

Youngsters’ work recognised

YOUNGSTERS at a Worcester after-school club have seen their work published in a national book. more...

Society

Hartlebury

BEWDLEY BRIDGE CLUB - The result of the pairs competition on May 7 was: first Peter Edwards and Tony Norgrove with 56.88 per cent, second Liz Potter and Monica Parker with 55.82 per cent, third Liliane Wright and Nigel Oldnall with 55.29 per cent. more...

Wolverley

WOLVERLEY AND COOKLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Forty-four members, including three new members, attended the April meeting. more...

St. John'S Ce

St John's teams rue missed chances

St John's v St Catherine's football tournaments Two St John's teams knew they were going to be up against it when they met St Catherine's at Baxter College, because they were fielding more league and year 6 players. The first two matches ended in disappointment for both St John's teams. Their A team lost 3-1 to St Catherine's A. St John's were 3-0 down, when Connor Bayliss scored to put the game in the balance. Plenty of chances came their way, with Jack Beadsworth hitting the post and Connor forcing many good saves from the St Catherine's goalie, but to no avail. St John's B team lost 6 -1 to St Catherine's B although Daniel Hunter scored an excellent goal. The second match for St John's A against St Catherine's B was much tighter, losing just 2-1 with again Connor Bayliss getting the goal after some good play. St John's B put up determined effort against St Catherine's A, but the Marlpool school proved too strong and won 4-1. In a reply tournament at St Catherine's St John's fielded one team and lost 3-0 and 4-0. more...

St John's teams rue missed chances

Tom Guest Column

Moore has reasons to be smiling

IT'S not hard to see why Stephen Moore is walking around the New Road dressing room with a broad grin on his face. more...

Future is bright for County’s bowling talent

WHEN Matt Mason made his first-class return last week at Kidderminster, Worcestershire showed not a blast from the past but a glimpse of the future. more...

Upton

"River trade" theme for floral displays

UPTON in Bloom's summer floral displays will be based on a theme of River Trade'. more...

Villages

Colwall

A PACKED audience enjoyed a concert given by The Attwoods and Friends last Saturday evening at the Downs School. Those taking part were Carl, Sally, Ben and Alex Attwood, Duncan McTier (double bass), Nick Howard (bass), Penny Vere (piano) and singers Linda and Mike Brown, Maurice Walsh, Phil Ward, Adrian Mealing, Jim Howden and friends. more...