Stories for 19 May 2008

Alcester

Twinning marked with new mosaic

THERE was a continental feeling in the air last weekend as members of the Alcester-Vallet Twinning Association came to the town on a visit.  more...

Music fundraiser

THEY say running is all about finding a rhythm, and an Alcester-based Relay for Life team has taken that theory to the extreme by organising a rhythm and blues evening as part of their warm up to the big day.  more...

Getting back in the saddle

GETTING back in the saddle has never been so easy as Warwickshire County Council is launching its very own scheme to help people brush up on their cycling skills.  more...

A diamond celebration

AFTER 60 years together, Alcester couple Walter and Colleen Blundall celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last weekend.  more...

Ask The Vet

Unwelcome guests

National Flea Week runs from May 19-26. So what' I hear many of you cry. My pet doesn't have fleas and even if it did, they are only a nuisance aren't they?  more...

Before The 1900'S

May 17-24

250 Years Ago:  more...

Business

Brokers celebrate 25 years with run

TWO Worcester insurance brokers are celebrating half a century in business together by launching a series of fund-raising events.  more...

Clubs & Societies

Cymdeithas Gymraeg

FOR our president's evening Adrian Thomas spoke to us most informatively - and showed superb slides - about the plants, animals and landscapes of the southern African countries.  more...

Wythall Photographic Society

THE annual competitions are all taking place now that we are coming to the end of the season.  more...

Wythall History Society

ISAMBARD Kingdom Brunel, the renowned Victorian engineer, was the subject of a presentation given to the Society by Mr Ray Sturdy FRGS.  more...

Solihull & District Orchid Society

AT our May meeting Andy Phillips gave an excellent talk and slide show on Phragmipediums, with advice on how to grow these lovely plants, he also brought along some of his engraved glassware for sale, the plant table was full of member plants, which kept the judges busy during the tea break.  more...

The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes

WEDNESDAY, May 8 saw the monthly meeting of the Worcester Grand Lodge.  more...

Hollywood WI

MEMBERS met for the May meeting on a beautiful, warm, sunny evening. It really made a difference.  more...

Redditch Older People’s Forum

OUR loyal supporters came to the May coffee morning to listen to Elaine from Deaf Direct on how to cope with deafness and what help and aids are available to cope with this condition.  more...

Redditch Railway Interest Group

THE group's last meeting took place on Friday, May 16 at the Forge Mill Museum.  more...

Inkberrow WI

MAY'S meeting at Inkberrow was a particularly interesting one since our speaker was Robin Whittaker of Worcester Record Office who gave us a very informed and interesting talk on archives.  more...

Inkberrow WI

MAY'S meeting at Inkberrow was a particularly interesting one since our speaker was Robin Whittaker of Worcester Record Office who gave us a very informed and interesting talk on archives.  more...

Haselor WI

BOTTOM trawling and mental health took centre stage at Haselor WIs May meeting.  more...

Friends of Coughton Court

ROGER Pringle, director of the Shakespeare Centre, spoke to us about Tudor sports and pastimes.  more...

Friends of Coughton Court

ROGER Pringle, director of the Shakespeare Centre, spoke to us about Tudor sports and pastimes.  more...

Cymdeithas Gymraeg

FOR our president's evening Adrian Thomas spoke to us most informatively - and showed superb slides - about the plants, animals and landscapes of the southern African countries.  more...

Education

Sampling flavours of Mexico

A GROUP of youngsters from Wilden All Saints CE Primary School sampled a flavour of Mexico as part of their history project.  more...

Farmers' Markets

Farmers' Market - May 24

Now that spring has finally arrived, and all risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant your bedding plants and get your hanging baskets ready for a wonderful summer display.  more...

Gardening

Rambling grounds are a real labour of love

The beautiful three-acre rambling grounds of Shuttifield Cottage have been a real labour of love over the years, as Lucy Tatchell reveals A VAST country garden blooming in the glory of early summer will open to the Worcestershire public next Saturday as part of the National Garden Scheme.  more...

Best of the Bunch -Gunnera

The foliage of the gunnera is one of the most spectacular you will see in the garden. While there are some small, mat-forming gunneras growing to no more than 15cm (6in) tall, it is the giant rhubarb, G manicata, which is the real showstopper in this group of perennials. It reaches some 2.5m (8ft) or more within a season and the underside of the rhubarb-like leaves with their thick stalks are spiked. In some species, such as G tinctoria, the flower spikes are also attractive. The large-leaved varieties make fantastic architectural plants.   more...

Good Enough to Eat - Kohl Rabi

It was once a rarity, but this member of the cabbage family is now fairly widely available in supermarkets but much more satisfying if you grow it yourself. It can be eaten raw, but cooked it tastes like a mild cabbage. The edible swollen part is the stem base, not a root, so it can succeed in shallow soils. It should be grown fast and picked small or it will become tough and tasteless. Ideally it should be sown in a sunny spot and sandy soil from April to July in soil that has been prepared in the autumn with lots of added compost.  more...

Good Enough to Eat - Kohl Rabi

It was once a rarity, but this member of the cabbage family is now fairly widely available in supermarkets but much more satisfying if you grow it yourself. It can be eaten raw, but cooked it tastes like a mild cabbage. The edible swollen part is the stem base, not a root, so it can succeed in shallow soils. It should be grown fast and picked small or it will become tough and tasteless. Ideally it should be sown in a sunny spot and sandy soil from April to July in soil that has been prepared in the autumn with lots of added compost.  more...

Reg Moule Answers your Questions

As I like to keep trying new things in gardening I thought that I would try growing some ferns from spores, so I ordered a mixed packet from a company which specialises in the more unusual seeds.  more...

In Brief

Firefighters called to loft blaze

A FIRE hit the loft of a house in Winyates, which also caused damage to a neighbour's roof.  more...

An ace day!

SERVE up an ace at Kingsley Sports Centre as a free open day is held to celebrate the successful re-launch of its refurbished tennis courts.  more...

An ace day!

SERVE up an ace at Kingsley Sports Centre as a free open day is held to celebrate the successful re-launch of its refurbished tennis courts.  more...

Kidder News Latest

Insight into 15th century life

A RE-ENACTMENT group will bring the 15th century back to life at Hartlebury Castle over the bank holiday weekend.  more...

What's planned down your street

THE following applications have been submitted to Wyre Forest District Council.  more...

One dead, three injured in crash

A MAN has died and three have been injured after the car they were in overturned on the outskirts of Stourport.  more...

One dead, three injured in crash

A MAN has died and three have been injured after the car they were in overturned on the outskirts of Stourport.  more...

Cash for questions boosts charity

CANCER charity fund-raisers have made more than £1,500 from their latest events in Wyre Forest - a gardeners' question time and a luncheon.  more...

Worker awarded £12,000

A KIDDERMINSTER double glazing worker has been awarded nearly £12,000 in lost wages and redundancy pay after working for three firms on the same site over the years - all of which ceased trading.  more...

Worker awarded £12,000

A KIDDERMINSTER double glazing worker has been awarded nearly £12,000 in lost wages and redundancy pay after working for three firms on the same site over the years - all of which ceased trading.  more...

Second teen dies following crash

TWO 19-year-old men have died following yesterday's road accident at Stourport.  more...

Men's heads beaten in assault

TWO men needed hospital treatment after being beaten over the head in an assault in Bewdley.  more...

Men beaten with cosh

TWO men needed hospital treatment after being beaten over the head in an assault in Bewdley.  more...

Men beaten with 'cosh'

TWO men needed hospital treatment after being beaten over the head in an assault in Bewdley.  more...

Women given car confidence tips

A CAR confidence evening held by a Vauxhall dealership in Kidderminster has made women more aware of how to protect themselves against the dangers they could face on the road.  more...

Arson sentencing adjourned

SENTENCING of Damien Evans, who has admitted starting the blaze which destroyed Stourport Sports Club, has been adjourned until the week beginning Monday, July 14.  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...

Brokers mark 25 years with charity fund-raisers

TWO Worcester insurance brokers are celebrating half a century in business together by launching a series of fund-raising events.  more...

Worcester News weather watch

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

Health chiefs defend forecast for killer flu

HEALTH chiefs say they are not “scaremongering” over a deadly flu pandemic.  more...

Revealed: the top three crimes in city ward

THE top three crimes in a Worcester ward have been revealed as vehicle crime, assaults and criminal damage.  more...

Flats plan rejected due to parking

A PROPOSAL to build six new homes in Worcester has been refused on the grounds of over development and parking.  more...

Town's tribute to tragic Cameron

A COMMUNITY is pulling together to raise money for a little boy’s headstone.  more...

What we saw on spooky torchlight tour of museum’s basement

A TORCHLIGHT tour of the basement of a museum was one of the highlights of an event held in Worcester.  more...

We walked the hills to help hospice

About 600 people tramped over the Malvern Hills to raise money for Worcester's St Richard's hospice at the weekend.  more...

The day the High Street became a glittering car showroom

CROWDS flocked to the centre of Worcester to see some of the sleekest cars around.  more...

Crowds flock to see latest cars on show in High Street

CROWDS flocked to the centre of Worcester to see some of the sleekest cars around.  more...

Two killed in horror smash

TWO teenagers have been killed and another two injured after the car they were in overturned in Worcestershire.  more...

COMMENT: Worry over flu may just have to wait

THERE is a fine line to be drawn between reasonable warnings and scaremongering and it would seem that Worcestershire's health chiefs are doing their utmost to stay on the right side of the divide.  more...

Enjoy a day of animal magic

RIGHT. Here's something to do with the kids on Sunday, June 1. Because it's Open Farm Sunday. A chance for children, adults and just about anyone in between to find out what life's like down on the farm.  more...

Who'll be the next Miss Worcester?

THE final of a competition to find the next beauty to represent Worcester is just a few days away.  more...

Weatherman Paul declares garden of waterfalls and wind chimes open

A NEW sensory garden that will help enhance the lives of residents at a care home in Worcester has been officially opened by weatherman Paul Damari.  more...

On your bike to put safety first

MOTORCYCLISTS can attend a Biker Skills Day at County Hall, Worcester, this Saturday.  more...

Warden's farewell after seven years

ONE of the most familiar faces at a Worcester-based charity is moving on after almost seven years.  more...

Over the moon with report

AN after-school club in Worcester has received a positive report after it was given a notice to improve by government inspectors.  more...

Tower thrill a real scream

THRILL-seekers travelled from the top of a castle tower and over a lake on a zip line to help raise thousands of pounds for charity.  more...

Police hunt hit-and-run driver

Police are appealing for witnesses after a schoolgirl was injured today when she was hit by a car on her way to school.  more...

A pint and a party for charity

A PUB in Worcester held a party in their car park to raise money for charity.  more...

Malvern maze may be approved

A PROPOSED labyrinth for a public garden in Great Malvern could take a step closer if councillors give it the go-ahead.   more...

Curry-lovers help disaster victims

THE manager of a restaurant in Worcester city centre has thanked all his customers who have helped raise more than £1,000 for victims of the cyclone in Burma.  more...

Falcons prove popular

BIRD lovers have been flocking to the site where Worcester’s peregrine falcon chicks are nesting.  more...

Coach firm comes to charity's aid

AN under-threat charity for children in Worcestershire with special needs has received a cash boost from a local coach firm.  more...

Popular youth club needs volunteers

A YOUTH club in Worcestershire is desperate for volunteers to help supervise its young members.  more...

Former county cricketers in action at Ashton

THERE will be a chance to help raise money for the Acorns Children's Hospice in Worcester on Sunday.  more...

Man hurt in crash

A MAN was taken to hospital yesterday after his sports car left the road and careered into a ditch on the outskirts of Evesham.  more...

Man hurt in crash

A MAN was taken to hospital yesterday after his sports car left the road and careered into a ditch on the outskirts of Evesham.  more...

Man hurt in crash

A MAN was taken to hospital yesterday after his sports car left the road and careered into a ditch on the outskirts of Evesham.  more...

Charity cash stolen

POLICE were this week hunting three women suspected to stealing the proceeds of a two-day charity event from an Evesham town centre store.  more...

Charity cash stolen

POLICE were this week hunting three women suspected of stealing the proceeds of a two-day charity event from an Evesham town centre store.  more...

Eco-town campaign comes to Evesham

CAMPAIGNERS against the establishement of an eco-town at Long Marston were due to address members of Evesham Town Council tonight to urge them to join the protest.  more...

Veyron is centre piece of Prescott's French weekend

NEWS from Prescott is that La Vie En Bleu is back this weekend when it will be bigger and better than last year's event.  more...

Jailed for drug offences

TWO men and a woman from Pershore appeared at Cheltenham Crown Court last week charged with drug offences.  more...

Expert Patient Programme coming to Evesham

THOSE suffering from a long-term illness are being urged to get a place on the free Expert Patient Programme coming to Evesham next week.  more...

Local meat producer makes finals

RAGLEY Estate Meats, based near Bidford, made the final of a major food awards in Coventry last week.  more...

Library conference will force day of closures

WORCESTERSHIRE County Council are to hold a conference next month to improve library services forcing a day of closures across the county.  more...

Volunteer's Week 2008

AN event showcasing the valuable work done by volunteers in Pershore is being held at the Number 8 Arts Centre next month.  more...

Leisure General

Festival reaches finale

THE Fringe festival finishes next weekend with two very different events at the youth centre: an eclectic evening of cabaret on the Friday (May 30) and Womad/Big Chill performers Astralasia on Saturday.  more...

Puppet shows liven up half term

MALVERN Youth Centre is the venue for three very different kids' puppet theatre acts during the half-term.  more...

Show goes on - but without creature

FRINGE organisers are disappoinetd that a top act has had to pull out of this weekend's street theatre events.  more...

Show goes on - but without creature

FRINGE organisers are disappointed that a top act has had to pull out of this weekend's street theatre events.  more...

Letters

Name an incident of mistreatment

SIR - I believe that Mr Crouch is wrong when he says domesticated animals like horses and dogs are regularly mistreated in circuses. (May 14).  more...

Mayor selection sparked yet more rank hypocrisy

SIR - The annual council meeting, when nominations for the new mayor were made, offered yet another opportunity for some members of the Labour group to display their rank hypocrisy backed up by misleading and spurious information.  more...

Stop sending cash out of the country

SIR - Having read the article in the Worcester News of the EU yet again reducing the flood aid to this country, I hope that Mike Foster MP - with county council backing - will put his full weight behind getting Gordon Brown to get more financial help to this country.  more...

Outstanding views can be protected

SIR - Mr Wrightson's letter (May 6) appears to say that "objections made because development would spoil or block the view from someone's property" would be "not relevant". On the contrary, impact on amenity of residents from development whether from loss of light or intrusive buildings are a material consideration and are not only relevant, but planning authorities must take them into account. Exceptionally outstanding views can be protected through the planning system as loss of outlook.  more...

Trish is trying to justify her salary

SIR - I see Trish Haines is trying to justify her huge salary, which is nearly the same as the Prime Minister's and if people aren't happy with him he can be voted out.  more...

Thanks for support

SIR - A huge thank you for the overwhelming support I received from the people of St Stephen ward. I will do my utmost to repay their confidence and trust .  more...

Thanks for pulling the community’s heart out

In just a matter of weeks from now we will all be trailing upstairs or in the lift of WHSmith to use our new Worcester post office. The test, of course, is still to come on whether the new location will cope or not.  more...

Only six months old and failed already

SIR - So yet another Worcester News Baby of the Year competition has been and gone (Worcester News, May 14).  more...

What about rest of the mentally ill

SIR - The Faithful City can celebrate the new psychiatric intensive care unit featured in the Worcester News (May 14) as it does represent a gold standard in psychiatric care for the small minority of the most seriously ill of patients.  more...

Why doesn’t God stop all the agony?

SIR - I am a Christian agnostic myself, Helen Bate (May 10). If God is up there, benevolently looking down on us all, why the hell doesn't he stop little girls of three dying in agony from cancer?  more...

Let’s hear it for the new buses

SIR - I took a ride to town in one of the new-to-the-streets Worcester Mercedes Benz Citaros buses and it was a joyful experience. Precision-like movement, no jolting or jarring or holding on for dear life getting on or off the bus, a very enjoyable trip. I look forward to repeating the trip again and again.  more...

Thank you for all your hard work

SIR - I would just like to give my personal thanks to Councillor Mike Layland. After all his hard work and dedication we are finally moving to a permanent property and can finally be happy. We have had non- stop problems for three, nearly four years, and have struggled bringing up our son and now we are sorted for life and have never been happier, thank you.  more...

We are sleepwalking into a critical needs care disaster

Sir - Social care is at breaking point. Three out of four councils only help those with severe or critical needs, and 1.6 million disabled over the age of 65 go without any help from local authorities every single day.  more...

We are sleepwalking into a critical needs care disaster

Sir - Social care is at breaking point. Three out of four councils only help those with severe or critical needs, and 1.6 million disabled over the age of 65 go without any help from local authorities every single day.  more...

Are children really that overweight?

Sir - In response to We're killing our children', can these figures be relied upon? Unsurprisingly, I am suspicious.  more...

I was disgusted at some supporters

SIR - Just a short note to express my absolute disgust and abhorrence at what I hear was the response of some Labour party supporters to local election results.  more...

One law for them and another us

SIR - I read with interest the story of the tenants in a Ronkswood block of flats fined for overfilling their wheelie bins.  more...

Name an incident of mistreatment

SIR - I believe that Mr Crouch is wrong when he says domesticated animals like horses and dogs are regularly mistreated in circuses. (May 14).  more...

Sad demise of the gardens

SIR - A recent radio gardening programme posed the question why was the gardening trade and gardening itself going downhill?  more...

Could it be all a load of hot air?

SIR - Never mind the low flying aircraft circling over Worcester making a racket, what about these awful hot air balloons.  more...

We’ve forgiven you Guy Fawkes

SIR - Reference the abolition of the 10p tax, plus the fact that the May 8 was the anniversary of VE Day.  more...

Lots more litter since new shop

SIR -Concerning the Subway bar in Warndon Villages, by Tesco Express. Since it opened I've noticed surrounding streets strewn with Subway litter - wrappers, bags and food wasted.  more...

Stating obvious?

SIR - I do not know what Alison Williams' annual salary is, but, as health walks and green exercise officer' she takes a whole column to tell us that walking is healthy exercise, and that nature enhances our well-being (May 5).  more...

Common sense needed over parking fines

MY sympathies to the elderly, ill and disabled drivers featured in The Shuttle on May 8 who received parking tickets for their infringements of rules and regulations.  more...

Rescue thanks

I WOULD like to say a big thank you to three young people whose names I do not know.  more...

Courtesy call

I READ in the Shuttle that Balfour Beatty decided to close Welch Gate, Bewdley, because of the abuse that they were receiving from passing motorists when carrying out the water mains replacement work on behalf of Severn Trent.  more...

A solution for pedestrians?

I HAVE just come back to Malvern from a holiday in Austria and Germany, where I was most impressed by the road safety for pedestrians and the courtesy of motorists.  more...

A solution for pedestrians?

I HAVE just come back to Malvern from a holiday in Austria and Germany, where I was most impressed by the road safety for pedestrians and the courtesy of motorists.  more...

Council merger proposal

I WOULD like to take this opportunity to commend Serena Croad and her colleagues for at least thinking of the radical solution of merging the staff of MHDC. and Worcester City Council.  more...

Recycling comment

IN all the recent hoo-ha of councils perhaps being able to fine householders for not recycling enough items, nothing has been said about us, the householders, penalising councils (i.e. Malvern Hills District Council) for failing to provide sufficient opportunities for us to recycle our waste.  more...

Praise for musical children

BIRMINGHAM Symphony Hall was alive with the sound of beautiful music on Sunday night. It was the culmination of much hard work by both the young people of Worcestershire and the hard working staff of Worcestershire Youth Music.  more...

Place to live

WHY does the Government think that Redditch needs 6,600 new houses and - more to the point - why does the Government think that half of those should be built within the boundaries of Bromsgrove and district?  more...

Big-hearted readers are asked to help

I AM writing to ask your readers to spare a couple of hours to help hearts this June by volunteering to support the British Heart Foundation's (BHF) Help a Heart campaign.  more...

Place to live

WHY does the Government think that Redditch needs 6,600 new houses and - more to the point - why does the Government think that half of those should be built within the boundaries of Bromsgrove and district?  more...

It’s time to ‘lead’ the way

AT a recent Neighbourhood group meeting an agenda item was Morton Stanley Park' - a report on the friends meeting held in February, which was, I understand attended by only a handful of park users.  more...

Should have known better

I FEEL compelled to write this letter hoping the perpetrators may read it.  more...

Amazing total

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

Wrong signal

I WOULD like to comment regarding the situation of Robin, the radio ham, who I understand has been obliged to remove his AE system.  more...

Ticking off for bus drivers

THIS letter is directed at all bus drivers who drive along the 57/58 route along Easemore Road but one company in particular.  more...

Show we care

THIS June, I am proud to be just one of many 'famous faces' lending their support to Carers Week 2008 - an annual campaign that pays tribute to, and celebrates, the wonderful work carried out by the millions of people in the UK who care for a family member or friend.  more...

State of roads

I WAS very interested to read Mr Davies's letter on the state of the roads around Redditch. I should like to add that the roads in Bromsgrove District are just as bad as those in Redditch, if not worse.  more...

Local Walks

Upper Arley

Upper Arley is very popular in the summer, and so are Trimpley Reservoirs and Eymore Wood, thanks to the extensive public access long permitted by both Severn Trent and the Arley estate.  more...

Memory

25 years ago - May 27, 1983

REDDITCH is set to win a nationally recognised industrial identity by setting up its own chamber of commerce.  more...

100 years ago - May 23, 1908

THE anniversary services in connection with the Redditch Wesleyan Sunday school were held on Sunday.  more...

50 years ago - May 23, 1958

SAVINGS in Redditch and district for the half year ending March 31 amounting to £81,474 have shown increases from all quarters with the exception of the street and village groups which are down by £890 compared with a year ago, although one group has been added to the list.  more...

Memory Lane

50 Years Ago, May 24, 1958

THE Messenger reported on the sad news of the death of an outstanding town footballer of the period between the world wars. Francis Harris, of Churchfields, in his 50s, had been ill since the previous summer. Known as Chunt', he had began to play the game at a Catshill school, as a centre forward, and quickly moved up the ranks. He began his professional career at Cradley Heath, moving onto Cardiff City, where he played many positions. On moving to Charlton, he was instrumental in helping the club from the third division to the first. He spent the last few seasons before the war at Bromsgrove Rovers and when football restarted in 1945, became manager, helping the club reach its first ever appearance in the FA Cup First Round.  more...

100 Years Ago, May 23, 1908

THE second outdoor training of the season for the 5th Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment took place on the Lickey Hills. Including the Grammar School Cadet Company, there were 505 men on parade. Lieutenant Colonel J Barnsley was in command. The Battalion went by train to Barnt Green and marched to the hills. After exercises were completed, the troops had tea in the Corporation rooms in the grounds, with the regimental band playing. At 7.30pm, the Battalion marched back to the station.  more...

They’re on the ball

IN recent weeks we have seen the football season come to a close with clubs' fates decided and cups won and lost.  more...

Miss Worcester 2008 - The Finalists

Katie Nixon

Age: 17. Lives: Worcester city centre. Achievements: Modelled at the Clothes Show Live. Talents: Freestyle dancing, ballet, trampolining. Ambitions: I would like to become an events director, travel the world and do volunteer work.  more...

Laura Collins

Age: 22 Lives: Malvern Achievements: I have 10 GCSEs and three A-levels, help with riding for the disabled, achieved laurel grades in tap and modern dancing, and qualified as a beauty therapist. Talents: Dancing, horse riding.  more...

Laura Collins

Age: 22 Lives: Malvern Achievements: I have 10 GCSEs and three A-levels, help with riding for the disabled, achieved laurel grades in tap and modern dancing, and qualified as a beauty therapist. Talents: Dancing, horse riding. Ambitions: To get to the Miss England finals, own my own salon.  more...

Leanne Cooper

Age: 18. Lives: Warndon, Worcester. Achievements: I have gained eight GCSEs, am currently studying for three A-levels, and have also passed my driving test. Talents: Dancing. Ambitions: I would like to get a science degree and become a forensic scientist.  more...

Amanda Flatt

Age: 22. Lives: Worcester. Achievements: I have gained A-levels in travel and tourism and hospitality. Talents: Dancing and making people laugh. Ambitions: My greatest ambition is to be succcessful and also to be happy in everything that I do.  more...

Sarah Burton

Age: 20. Lives: Lower Broadheath, Achievements: A GNVQ in art and design; voluntary work in Malawi and Zambia; climbed Mount Mulanje, Malwai; won dancing trophies; worked as a fragrance consultant. Talents: Singing. Ambitions: Travel, meet new people and work with animals.  more...

Rebecca Fenn

Age: 18. Lives: St Peter's, Worcester. Achievements: I have gained two AS-levels in psychology and film studies. Talents: I taught myself to play electric and acoustic guitar. Ambitions: I would like to be a well-known and successful hairdresser and have my own salons throughout the UK.  more...

Sarah Burton

Age: 20. Lives: Lower Broadheath. Achievements: A GNVQ in art and design; voluntary work in Malawi and Zambia; climbed Mount Mulanje, Malwai; won dancing trophies; worked as a fragrance consultant. Talents: Singing. Ambitions: Travel, meet new people and work with animals.  more...

Jemma Clay-Sanders

Age: 17. Lives: Whitbourne, near Worcester. Achievements: Eight GCSEs, level two and three key skills, studying beauty therapy. Talents: Dancing, horse riding, netball, confidence. Ambitions: Achieve level three in beauty therapy, do A-level dance, own a beauty salon, become a well-known model.  more...

Katie Nixon

Age: 17. Lives: Worcester city centre. Achievements: Modelled at the Clothes Show Live. Talents: Freestyle dancing, ballet, trampolining. Ambitions: I would like to become an events director, travel the world and do volunteer work.  more...

Stevie Norman

Age: 18. Lives: Droitwich. Achievements: Reaching the final of Miss Teen Queen at the Clothes Show, passing a first aid course. Talents: Dancing and singing. Ambitions: My ambition is to be a top underwear model.  more...

Jessica Smith

Age: 17. Lives: Brickfields, Worcester. Achievements: Studying childcare and came seventh in the semi-finals of Miss England. Talents: Modelling, confidence. Ambitions: To be a top model, work with children, and be a dancer.  more...

Rosabella Styles

Age: 18. Lives: Cradley, near Malvern. Achievements: I have gained nine GCSE, and three A-levels, am a singer to a professional standard, and have done modelling. Talents: Singing. Ambitions: I would like to become a successful singer.  more...

Music

Choral works performed at stunning church

THE Great Witley Church Concert series kicks off next week with a performance by St Chad's Cathedral Choir.  more...

Nature Notes

Blink and you’ll miss our heathland sprinters

WHILE most of us have been enjoying the glorious warm weather, some of our nature reserves are becoming rather harsh places to be.  more...

News

Stoke to play City in Lane friendly

WORCESTER City have added Premiership new boys Stoke City to their list of pre-season friendlies.  more...

Victory vital to County's trophy hopes

WORCESTERSHIRE Royals need to put Sunday's crushing 84-run defeat at Somerset Sabres behind them when they head for Hampshire Hawks today (2.30pm) in the Friends Provident Trophy.  more...

Victory vital to County's trophy hopes

WORCESTERSHIRE Royals need to put Sunday's crushing 84-run defeat at Somerset Sabres behind them when they head for Hampshire Hawks today (2.30pm) in the Friends Provident Trophy.  more...

Victory vital to County's trophy hopes

WORCESTERSHIRE Royals need to put Sunday's crushing 84-run defeat at Somerset Sabres behind them when they head for Hampshire Hawks today (2.30pm) in the Friends Provident Trophy.  more...

Foster makes Galway move

POPULAR Harriers physio Ian Foster is quitting the Aggborough club to join Galway United.  more...

Noah'S Ark Appeal

How you can help a charity that has helped so many

IN April alone, a Worcester-based bereavement charity supported 51 children in Worcestershire and Herefordshire who had lost a loved one.  more...

Phillpot Files

They stuck to their beliefs – so Labour got the knives out

IT didn't take a latter-day Nostradamus to predict that the Labour Party would fare badly during the council elections. The writing had been on the wall for some time, hence the furious outbreak of mud-slinging in the run-up to the poll.  more...

Pryce'S People

Ben Nevis? It’s a walk in the park for Thelma

AFTER a brisk handshake on the doorstep, Thelma Scott turned and strode up the steep-ish set of stairs to her first floor apartment in Malvern two, sometimes three, at a time.  more...

Reader'S Pictures

WINNING WAYS OF FOOTBALL TEAM

Abell and Smith's football team taken in the late 1940s before their victory against Martley Spurs in the fourth division of the Worcester League at Perdiswell. Back row, left to right, A Robertson, C Ching, R Ditchfield, J Perkins, J Lines, H Davis, E Sanders and J Horton. Front, G Hopcutt, T Lee, D Dudfield, G Green and M Phillips.  more...

WINNING WAYS OF FOOTBALL TEAM

Abell and Smith's football team taken in the late 1940s before their victory against Martley Spurs in the fourth division of the Worcester League at Perdiswell. Back row, left to right, A Robertson, C Ching, R Ditchfield, J Perkins, J Lines, H Davis, E Sanders and J Horton. Front, G Hopcutt, T Lee, D Dudfield, G Green and M Phillips.  more...

SIGNETS ENJOY A SPOT OF SUN

Week-old signets enjoying the sunshine on the Worcester and Birmingham canal. Proud parents were staying close. Picture by reader George Fox.   more...

Results

Results extra

CRUSADER WORCESTERSHIRE CRICKET LEAGUE SECOND XI DIVISION ONE Belbroughton (0) 79, Astwood Bank (24) 82-2. Astwood Bank won by eight wickets.  more...

Reviews

DVD - P.S. I Love You (15)

MAWKISH and emotionally manipulative tripe about widow Holly receiving love letters/ orders from her dead husband Gerry to help her get through her grief and move on.  more...

CD - Music For An Accelerated Culture - Hadouken

MUSIC For An Accelerated Culture is the debut album from London-based indie-grime stars Hadouken.  more...

Cinema - Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden? (12A)

MORGAN Spurlock (pictured) returns to the big screen but instead of slagging off people who like the occasional burger, he's now hunting down the world's most wanted man.  more...

Round-Up

Jenkins fails to make impression

TERRY Jenkins endured another disappointing tournament as he won just one match at the PartyPoker.net PDC US Open.  more...

Jenkins out early in US

TERRY Jenkins endured another disappointing tournament as he won just one match at the PartyPoker.net PDC US Open.  more...

Frocester next up for KVCC

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria reached the third round of the ECB Cockspur National Cup with a 62-run victory at Cheltenham.  more...

Mendham is star for Seconds

OLD Vigornians Seconds recorded a 119-run victory against Worcester Dominies in Crusader Worcestershire League Division Four South.  more...

Neal seals podium place at Thruxton

MATT Neal picked up one podium place as he continued his quest for a third HiQ MSA British Touring Car Champ-ionship.  more...

Success for City crews on river

CITY crews enjoyed a whole host of successes at Worcester Rowing Club's annual spring regatta.  more...

Success for City crews on river

CITY crews enjoyed a whole host of successes at Worcester Rowing Club's annual spring regatta.  more...

Wall bags double at Clifton meeting

JOCKEY Mark Wall scored a double at the Clifton-on-Teme Hunt point-to-point meeting at Upper Sapey.  more...

Pitmaston are quickest

PITMASTON Primary were crowned champions at the Worcester school gala.  more...

People power wins the day

PEOPLE power won the day after councillors turned down plans to convert the Dodford Inn into a dwelling house today (Monday).  more...

The good life

CHILDREN from a special school in Bromsgrove are to enjoy the good life - caring for animals and growing their own produce - thanks to a Cadbury's grant.  more...

Minister’s blasphemy campaign

A BROMSGROVE minister has begun a campaign calling on the government to reinstate the blasphemy laws.  more...

Go Emma go

A TOWN teenager is all set for a marathon run this weekend.  more...

What a monster attraction

THE star attraction at a Bromsgrove exhibition was a monster piece of art.  more...

Keeping high blood pressure under control

BROMSGROVE District Council has joined forces with the Stroke Association to offer staff free blood pressure tests.  more...

Putting on an oar-some display

DOCTORS and staff at St John's surgery in Bromsgrove put on an oar-some display when they raised £1,070 in a charity boat race.  more...

Top cop opens new town shop

THE chief constable of West Mercia police, Paul West, was on hand to cut the ribbon and officially open a new charity shop.  more...

In the wrong place at the wrong time

A FORMER paratrooper kicked to death in a ferocious street attack "didn't have a bad bone in his body" his grieving family have said.  more...

Flag day

THE Droitwich Spa division of St John Ambulance hold a fundraising event in the town this Saturday, May 24. The flag day, from 9am to 4pm, will see an ambulance on display in Victoria Square and collectors dotted around the town. All funds raised on the day will be put towards the general running of the Droitwich division only. Anyone interested in joining St John Ambulance can call the divisional superintendent on 07801495664.  more...

Recording memories

DROITWICH Heritage Project Group and the Droitwich Canals Restoration Partnership are running a free training day for volunteers who would like to help record memories and stories of the town's canals.  more...

Former county cricketers in action at Ashton

THERE will be a chance to help raise money for the Acorns Children's Hospice in Worcester on Sunday.  more...

Former county cricketers in action at Ashton

THERE will be a chance to help raise money for the Acorns Children's Hospice in Worcester on Sunday.  more...

Former county cricketers in action at Ashton

THERE will be a chance to help raise money for the Acorns Children's Hospice in Worcester on Sunday.  more...

Former county cricketers in action at Ashton

THERE will be a chance to help raise money for the Acorns Children's Hospice in Worcester on Sunday.  more...

Former county cricketers in action at Ashton

THERE will be a chance to help raise money for the Acorns Children's Hospice in Worcester on Sunday.  more...

Hockey girls dish out awards

BRETFORTON ladies celebrated their end of season with the help of fantastic hospitality from the Vineyard in Abbots Salford.  more...

Hockey girls dish out awards

BRETFORTON ladies celebrated their end of season with the help of fantastic hospitality from the Vineyard in Abbots Salford.  more...

Daryl delivers but Royals lose out

WORCESTERSHIRE Royals crashed to a Friends Provident Trophy South/West Division defeat at Somerset Sabres despite a career one-day best from Daryl Mitchell.  more...

Half-term tennis camps at Pershore

PERSHORE Tennis Centre is running three camps next week on Monday, Tuesday and Friday between 10am and 2pm each day.  more...

Free golf offered at Broadway

WANT to get into golf? Then why not attend a free coaching taster session at Broadway Golf Club.  more...

Free golf offered at Broadway

WANT to get into golf? Then why not attend a free coaching taster session at Broadway Golf Club.  more...

Pershore pile up runs but weather favours opponents

THE weather contrived to work against Pershore in Saturday's Worcestershire County League game at The Bottoms.  more...

Mayoress to present crib prizes

Evesham and District League THE league's presentation evening will take place at the Hospital Club on Monday, June 2 starting at 8.30pm.  more...

Mayoress to present crib prizes

Evesham and District League THE league's presentation evening will take place at the Hospital Club on Monday, June 2 starting at 8.30pm.  more...

All the latest angling news

THERE were 35 anglers competing at the Mosella sponsored Manor Farm Leisure Spring Festival week.  more...

All the latest angling news

THERE were 35 anglers competing at the Mosella sponsored Manor Farm Leisure Spring Festival week.  more...

Veyron is centre piece of Prescott's French weekend

NEWS from Prescott is that La Vie En Bleu is back this weekend when it will be bigger and better than last year's event.  more...

Veyron is centre piece of Prescott's French weekend

NEWS from Prescott is that La Vie En Bleu is back this weekend when it will be bigger and better than last year's event.  more...

Veyron is centre piece of Prescott's French weekend

NEWS from Prescott is that La Vie En Bleu is back this weekend when it will be bigger and better than last year's event.  more...

Campden pair win on Littleton courts

LITTLETONS staged its annual Open Mixed Doubles tournament when 15 pairs took to the courts in the wet.  more...

Campden pair win on Littleton courts

LITTLETONS staged its annual Open Mixed Doubles tournament when 15 pairs took to the courts in the wet.  more...

Hospice walk is a great success

THE annual fundraising walk for St Richard's Hospice on the Malvern Hills was a great success.  more...

Hankins stars in win

Colwall 2nd XI followed up last week's win against top-of-the-table Stourbridge, with an emphatic nine wicket victory at Monmouth on Saturday.  more...

Junior cricket

MARTLEY U12s v MALVERN U12s.  more...

A skipper's ton is not enough

CANON FROME v BARNARDS GREEN III.  more...

Today's events

Monday See some of the fascinating archives given to the Museum by Elgar's godson E. Wulstan Atkins at The Elgar Birthplace Museum, Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath. 11am. Museum admission applies. 01905 333224.  more...

Weekend cricket results

Results from Saturday, May 17, in the Crusader Worcestershire County League.  more...

Good foundation for successful build awards

BUILDERS from across the district are to gather at Malvern's Foley Arms Hotel on Thursday for this year's Built in Quality Awards, organised by Malvern Hills District Council's building control department.  more...

Planning for even better results

NEW figures show that Malvern Hills District Council is hitting its targets and providing an effective planning service.  more...

Latest Herefordshire Planning Applications

THE following Planning Applications were made to Herefordshire Council on May 16, 2008:- BROMYARD - Agricultural shed for storage of machinery and fodder. Birchyfields, Bromyard for R Stephenson, Birchyfields, Bromyard.  more...

Fringe issues cycle challenge

HOW fast can you cycle up Church Street? That's the challenge being thrown down this Sunday (May 25) by Malvern Fringe as part of its festival of events this month.  more...

Fringe issues cycle challenge

HOW fast can you cycle up Church Street? That's the challenge being thrown down this Sunday (May 25) by Malvern Fringe as part of its festival of events this month.  more...

Fringe issues cycle challenge

HOW fast can you cycle up Church Street? That's the challenge being thrown down this Sunday (May 25) by Malvern Fringe as part of its festival of events this month.  more...

Fringe issues cycle challenge

HOW fast can you cycle up Church Street? That's the challenge being thrown down this Sunday (May 25) by Malvern Fringe as part of its festival of events this month.  more...

Garden in a bag

CHILDREN at Cradley CE Primary have been busy caring for African-style bag gardens', mini vegetable plots in a bag.  more...

Cat lovers wanted

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

Aspiring artists given chance to bloom

CHILDREN have a chance to hone their creative talents as part of this year's Malvern in Bloom campaign.  more...

Sale will help Africa

A TABLE top sale and car wash is being held to help people in Africa suffering from HIV and Aids.  more...

Open gardens in June

COLOURFUL suburban gardens in Malvern and the impressive grounds of the fortified manor house Birtsmorton Court feature in the National Gardens Scheme open gardens to visit next month.  more...

Hospice walk a great success

THE annual fundraising walk for St Richard's Hospice on the Malvern Hills was a great success.  more...

Prickly situation for wheelchair user

A Malvern woman whose husband is in a wheelchair wants something done about a hazardous holly hedge that blocks half the pavement outside flats in Victoria Road.  more...

Minis get ready for fundraising action

MINI fans from Malvern and beyond will be getting into their iconic cars on Sunday (May 25) for a fundraising sponsored drive around the three counties.  more...

Minis get ready for fundraising action

MINI fans from Malvern and beyond will be getting into their iconic cars on Sunday (May 25) for a fundraising sponsored drive around the three counties.  more...

Grants available for community groups

GRANTS of up to £1,000 are available to help local community groups turn their ideas into reality.  more...

Actor sees double at art exhibit

WELL-known actor Simon Callow had his image immortalized in stone when visited the opening of a new art exhibition.  more...

Timbuktu craftsmen to sell jewellery

Craftsmen from farway Timbuktu are in Cradley this Friday, May 23, to sell their handmade jewellery.  more...

Well done, says Boris

LONDON mayor Boris Johnson commended a Malvern school teacher for organising a competition for classics scholars.  more...

Boost for the town centre

GREAT Malvern is set for a boost with new businesses coming to town and one well-established favourite moving into bigger premises.  more...

Advice is on offer

THE Disability Information Advice Line will have a staff member at the customer contact centre in Malvern Library on Wednesday, May 28, from 10am until noon, to offer free and confidential advice to anyone with a disability-related problem.  more...

Surgeries planned

A NUMBER of surgeries have been planned for the rest of the year for residents in Winyates and Matchbor-ough.  more...

Get involved with scheme

RESIDENTS in Lodge Park, Lakeside and St Georges are being encouraged to get involved with their local Redditch Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.  more...

Surgeries planned

A NUMBER of surgeries have been planned for the rest of the year for residents in Winyates and Matchborough.  more...

Appeal on assault

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an assault in Matchborough Way.  more...

Ready to serve her community

A REDDITCH special constable who was among a group who were sworn in at an attestation ceremony is excited at the prospect of helping her community.  more...

Mother avoids jail for assault

A REDDITCH mother-of-three took the law into her own hands after her children claimed they had been racially abused by another child, Worcester Crown Court was told.  more...

Family fun is on offer

HALF term activities are on offer at Arrow Valley Countryside Centre for kids who want to make the most of their time off school.  more...

Praise for prison

HMP Brockhill was recently judged by the chief inspector of prisons to be "an impressively safe place".  more...

Lions to stage family fun day

REDDITCH Lions are gearing up for their ever-popular annual fun day in Stitch Meadows, Arrow Valley Country Park, which promises excitement for all the family.  more...

Suites opened at care home

THE first resident has moved into new state-of-the-art independent living suites which have just opened at a residential home in Alvechurch.  more...

Church hosts thanksgiving

ST Laurence Church in Alvechurch is hosting a marriage thanksgiving celebration on Sunday, June 1 at 11am.  more...

Birthday celebrations

A REDDITCH resident has celebrated her 100th birthday with a party attended by mayor David Hunt.  more...

Directory launch

REDDITCH student councillors launched the I'M Bored Directory, a guide to what's on for young people in the town on Friday, May 9.  more...

Schools

Creativity on the catwalk

A PASSION for fashion was evident at a Hollywood high school recently when students celebrated a year of success with a catwalk show.  more...

Historical journey

PUPILS have been discovering the history behind the ruins of Bordesley Abbey with the help of the abbey's visitor centre and the Palace Theatre.  more...

On their bikes as part of cycle scheme

KIDS from Ridgeway Middle School got on their bikes as part of the British Cycling Go Ride' initiative.  more...

Pupils build on their skills

THANKS to a design and technology project, it has been all Le-go at Meadow Green Primary School.  more...

Schools News

Over the moon at what inspectors said about our after-school club

AN after-school club in Worcester has received a positive report after it was given a notice to improve by government inspectors.  more...

Society

Areley Kings

WIVES - On May 8, there was a trip on the River Avon at Evesham, refreshments of tea/coffee and scones, cream and jam were served.  more...

The Changing Environment

Hot Summer Spells

In Britain many of our summers are mixed, swinging from cooler wet spells to dry hot conditions. The climatic pattern sets up certain weather situations.  more...

Hot Summer Spells

In Britain many of our summers are mixed, swinging from cooler wet spells to dry hot conditions. The climatic pattern sets up certain weather situations.  more...

This Week In........

May 17-24

This week in 1958:  more...

Tom Guest Column

County have no problem if Kolpak players are cut

YOU didn't need to be a fly on the wall in the Worcestershire office when news broke that the England and Wales Cricket Board decided that they were going to look at the influx of South Africans in county cricket.  more...

Upton

Call of the wild at Croombe Park

FAMILIES can get up close with nature at Croome Park this half-term, with a range of activities to suit all ages.  more...

Vikki'S Acorns Runs Diary

Mud, sweat and deer(s!)

When I woke up this morning (no, this is not an opening line to a blues song, but muddy waters' are involved!) I didn't envisage that four hours later I would be standing in a field with mud in my knickers eating a doughnut. But more surprisingly, it felt great!  more...

Villages

Longdon

LONGDON Brownies have been working towards a Worcestershire Sri Lanka and India Challenge badge. As well as finding out about life in the two countries we will be supporting girls from Worcestershire and from India who are taking part in an international camp this summer. The Brownies have been finding out about Buddha, making musical instruments from recycled materials, finding out what to do in an emergency and singing songs from other countries.  more...

What'S On

A feast of entertainment

SUMMER is here, and with it another fantastic seasonal programme at Bromsgrove's Artrix theatre.  more...

Musical Madness

OLIVIER award-winning musical Our House runs at Birming-ham Repertory Theatre from May 29 until June 21.  more...

Choir’s vision comes alive

IN 1982 a dream and a vision came alive. Revd Bazil Meade, with the help of Lawrence Johnson, Delroy Powell and John Francis, made a mark in history pioneering the first concert gospel choir in Britain - The London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) (pictured).  more...

  
Restrict search to 19 May 2008