Stories for 29 May 2008

Business

Celebrations at golf tournament

CALLING Tiger Woods. If you've got a spare day, the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire is holding a golf tournament at Belmont Lodge and Golf Club just outside Hereford on Friday.  more...

Top awards for shop-owner

A SHOP-OWNER is enjoying the sweet smell of success after receiving two top culinary diplomas.  more...

Professionals targeted for recruitment

PROFESSIONALS in Kidderminster are to be targeted as part of a recruitment campaign to encourage the region's brightest managers into a career in colleges, work-based learning and skills providers in the further education sector.  more...

Winners to be named

WITH just a week to go until the prestigious Chamber Awards ceremony 2008, finalists are ready and waiting to hear who will walk away with the coveted awards on the night.  more...

Winners to be named

WITH just a week to go until the prestigious Chamber Awards ceremony 2008, finalists are ready and waiting to hear who will walk away with the coveted awards on the night.  more...

MEP fights hours plan

WEST Midlands MEP, Philip Bradbourn, has vowed to fight the European Commission's proposal to further reduce the maximum working hours for self-employed commercial drivers.  more...

MEP fights hours plan

WEST Midlands Conservative MEP, Philip Bradbourn, has vowed to fight the European Commission's proposal to further reduce the maximum working hours for self-employed commercial drivers.  more...

MEP fights hours plan

WEST Midlands Conservative MEP, Philip Bradbourn, has vowed to fight the European Commission's proposal to further reduce the maximum working hours for self-employed commercial drivers.  more...

nGroundwater rules views sought

A CONSULTATION to obtain feedback on proposed amendments to the Groundwater Regulations 1998 has been published by Defra.  more...

Groundwater rules views sought

A CONSULTATION to obtain feedback on proposed amendments to the Groundwater Regulations 1998 has been published by Defra.  more...

Business News

Youngsters get healthy eating advice

A REDDITCH mum has started her own Slimming World group in Alvechurch to teach her daughter healthy eating habits from a young age.  more...

Youngsters get healthy eating advice

A REDDITCH mum has started her own Slimming World group in Alvechurch to teach her daughter healthy eating habits from a young age.  more...

Coach'S Column

Warriors fans were amazing all season

ON behalf of all of the Worcester Warriors players, I'd like to say a massive thank you to our amazing fans.  more...

General

Bear faced fun

BILSTON Bear and friends will bring a magical adventure to Kidderminster Town Hall in a fun-time show for youngsters today.  more...

Kidder News Latest

Village festival’s welcome return

A VILLAGE will burst into bloom at a long-awaited flower festival.  more...

Call for lower speed limits

A CAMPAIGNER is calling for lower and "more rational" speed limits across Wyre Forest as Worcester-shire County Council undertakes a major review of limits.  more...

Mortgage squeeze hurts

THE mortgage business is in crisis, with the number of products on the market slashed by 50 per cent, making borrowing both difficult and more expensive for both existing and would-be home owners, it has been claimed.  more...

Don’t ignore independents - shop boss

AN independent trader claims there is a lack of local authority support in the bid to breathe new life into the heart of Kidderminster town centre.  more...

WREX a bow wow on shuttleXtra

WREX The Dawg, a plastic pooch created from scrapyard leftovers, features in shuttleXtra's gadgets round-up this weekend.  more...

My little girl keeps me strong - Donna

A KIDDERMINSTER mum has spoken of the difficulties her family has had to face as victims of heart disease.  more...

My little girl keeps me strong - Donna

A KIDDERMINSTER mum has spoken of the difficulties her family has had to face as victims of heart disease.  more...

Gruelling bike trip for charity

A KIDDERMINSTER man, preparing to ride to the Shetland Islands on a 70-year-old motorbike for Macmillan Cancer Support, has said he is no Ewan McGregor.  more...

Garage gutted in huge blaze

A CAR belonging to a motor enthusiast has been destroyed after the garage it was in became "engulfed" in flames.  more...

Help for China quake victims

A KIDDERMINSTER woman who has raised £3,000 to help victims of the earthquake in China says she feels guilty she is not in her native homeland helping her family overcome the disaster.  more...

Free courses for long-term sufferers

ADULTS with a long-term illness could be given "a new lease of life" by free self-help courses run by fellow long-term sufferers.  more...

Cash boost for trust

A STREET collection in Kidderminster town centre raised £68 for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.  more...

People smuggling trial later this year

A GANG of alleged people smugglers, including a Kidderminster man, accused of bringing hundreds of illegal immigrants into the UK will face trial later this year.  more...

Kidder Sport News

Harriers swoop for England star

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have beaten a number of their Blue Square Premier rivals to secure England C keeper Adam Bartlett, as manager Mark Yates stepped up his efforts to bolster his squad by signing three players this week.  more...

Bulls to be pre-season test

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers will play newly promoted Hereford United in a friendly as part of their preparations for the coming season.  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...

Drugs haul marks National Drugs Week

DRUGS with a street value of £10,000 and more than £2,000 worth of cash was seized by police as part of a crackdown during National Drugs Week last week.  more...

Appeal grants home-build on common

A NEW home and garage can be built on land at Malvern Common following a successful appeal to a government planning inspector.  more...

No let-off for parking fines

PEOPLE recently stung with parking fines on Worcester City Council’s pay and display car parks will get no reprieve despite an “anomaly” in traffic laws.   more...

Liberty to tread the West End boards

A TEENAGER has been picked to star as one of the lead roles in the touring cast of Mary Poppins.  more...

Liberty to tread the West End boards

A TEENAGER has been picked to star as one of the lead roles in the touring cast of Mary Poppins.  more...

Concerts will brighten-up the weekend

A series of brass band concerts will be performed on Sunday afternoons in the Lido park, Droitwich, this summer.  more...

Worcester News weather watch

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

Students ready to help after quake hits home

STUDENTS at the University of Worcester whose families were among those affected by the huge earthquake in China have spoken about the devastation.  more...

Winning TV talent show would be a dream come true

DANCERS from a Worcester stage school are hoping to win the public vote tonight and get a place in Saturday's finals of Britain's Got Talent.  more...

Why should I pay for damage from next door’s fire?

A MAN whose roof was damaged when a fire spread from his next door neighbour's home has questioned why he should have to pay for repairs.  more...

Celebrations at golf tournament

CALLING Tiger Woods. If you've got a spare day, the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire is holding a golf tournament at Belmont Lodge and Golf Club just outside Hereford on Friday.  more...

Youth centre’s fate is still undecided

DECISION makers are still no closer to deciding the fate of a crumbling youth centre in the city.  more...

Berrows Journal to get the Royal seal of approval

THE world’s oldest paper is to get the Royal seal of approval when the future King of England visits Worcester.  more...

Sea of drugs in city home

THIS is the sea of cannabis found at a house in the centre of Worcester.  more...

COMMENT: Paying bills is what worries the people

THE more the Prime Minister digs, the deeper the hole gets. Gordon Brown must go to bed every night and wake up every morning kicking himself that he did not call a snap election last autumn.  more...

Worcester News weather watch

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

'New wheelie bins will be a blot on the landscape'

INTRODUCING wheelie bins in Wychavon may cause a “defacement” of the street scene, according to one councillor.  more...

Thanks for saving my husband when he choked on his lunch

THE wife of an Evesham man who almost choked to death on his Sunday lunch has talked of her gratitude to those who helped saved his life.  more...

Thanks for saving my husband when he choked on his lunch

THE wife of an Evesham man who almost choked to death on his Sunday lunch has talked of her gratitude to those who helped saved his life.  more...

Town’s CCTV at risk as funding is cut

CCTV may be under threat in Malvern after funding cuts have prompted councillors to re-evaluate the effectiveness of the town’s security system.  more...

Diving equipment and lead stolen

DIVING gear and scrap lead worth nearly £5,000 have been stolen from a garage in Pershore.  more...

Diving equipment and lead stolen

DIVING gear and scrap lead worth nearly £5,000 have been stolen from a garage in Pershore.  more...

Memorial for Post Office’s war heroes to be moved

A WAR memorial in Worcester's former post office is to be moved and rededicated now that the building has closed.  more...

We are running in support of all cancer victims

A GROUP of Worcester postal workers will be pounding the streets of the city for this year’s Race for Life on Sunday.   more...

Views sought on flooding plans

PEOPLE have been invited to comment on flood management plans for the river Severn area.   more...

Eco M&S set to open in Malvern

A BRAND new Marks & Spencer store will open its doors in Malvern next month.   more...

ID fraud TV strengthens opposition

A WORCESTER group campaigning against the introduction of identity cards has reacted to an investigation showing how easy it is to get fake documents.  more...

Worcester News weather watch

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

Youths in for treat thanks to eBay bid

PROFESSIONAL music recording equipment bought in the 1990s with Malvern Millions money has been sold on eBay for £8,000.  more...

Pair of rare falcon chicks are first in city to be 'ringed'

A PAIR of rare falcon chicks have become the first in Worcester – and possibly in the county – to be ‘ringed’.  more...

Teams prepare for the city’s dragon boat race

TEAMS of friends and work colleagues are preparing to paddle fiercely down the river Severn.  more...

Woman harassing pasers-by

POLICE are dealing with a woman who was spotted harassing passers-by in the city.  more...

Harlequins step out of BGT

THE young dancers from Harlequin Stage School haven't made it to the final of TV's Britain's Got Talent.  more...

Weekend cricket fixtures

Saturday Cotswold Hills League Premier Division: Shipston v Kineton, Exhall & Wixford v Bretforton, Tanworth v Stratford Bards, Henley v Overbury, Earlswood v Wellesbourne.  more...

Cycle challenge to raise funds for disabled friend

A GROUP of keen cyclists from Blackminster, near Evesham, are preparing for the ride of a lifetime to raise money for a friend with spina bifida.  more...

Thieves steal charity collection box from Pershore pub

A CHARITY collection box containing around £30 has been stolen from the bar of a Pershore pub.  more...

Charity collection box stolen from Pershore pub

A CHARITY collection box containing around £30 has been stolen from the bar of a Pershore pub.  more...

Museum celebrates gipsy tradition

A CELEBRATION of gipsy and traveller heritage and culture is set to take place at Worcestershire County Museum in Hartlebury Castle next month.  more...

Antiques show heads to Evesham

EVESHAM residents are being asked to dust down their antiques to be in with a chance of netting a fortune at auction.  more...

Rock for Relief concert in Evesham

TWO Prince Henry's High School students are preparing to hold a Rock For Relief concert in Evesham this weekend to raise money for disaster relief work.  more...

Drugs raids in Evesham and Pershore

FOUR properties were raided in Evesham and Pershore during last week's National Drugs Week.  more...

Two Bambis being cared for in Beckford

TWO young deer fawns are being cared for by a local animal charity after their mother was killed on a road near Pershore.  more...

Rock for Relief concert in Evesham

TWO Prince Henry's High School students are preparing to hold a Rock For Relief concert in Evesham this weekend to raise money for disaster relief work.  more...

Women pull in pounds as they swim for good cause

TWO Evesham women have raised more than £600 for charity after spending almost ten hours completing an energy-sapping marathon swim.  more...

Youth centre hopes to pull in the crowds on Open Day

PERSHORE Riverside Youth Centre will hope to attract some new members when it holds an open day in June.  more...

Historic Hotel put up for sale at £3m

ONE of Evesham's premier hotels has been put up for sale but anyone interested in buying it will need to find around £3m.  more...

Photographic archive of changing Evesham

TWO Evesham groups have begun work on an archive of images to show how town locations have changed over the years.  more...

Thanks for helping to save my husband's life

THE wife of an Evesham man who almost choked to death on his Sunday lunch has talked of her gratitude to those who helped save his life.  more...

Network urges couple to appeal 'unfair' parking fine

THE Worcestershire Blue Badge Network are advising disabled people to appeal against unfair' fixed penalty charges after a couple from Hampton were fined £35 for overlapping badges.  more...

Network urges couple to appeal 'unfair' parking fine

THE Worcestershire Blue Badge Network are advising disabled people to appeal against unfair' fixed penalty parking charges after a couple from Hampton were fined £35 for overlapping badges.  more...

Latest News

Students ready to help after quake hits home

STUDENTS at the University of Worcester whose families were among those affected by the huge earthquake in China have spoken about the devastation.  more...

Letters

I’ll go out and look for the potholes if you like

SIR - Before the Tory voters of Worcester start rubbing thier hands with glee at the prospect of unseating New Labour could I ask what difference will it make?  more...

It’s time to explain yourself, Mr Foster

SIR - As a regular critic of the Labour MP, Mr Foster, may I please ask him to explain to his constituents why he voted against the ban on human-animal hybrids.  more...

| can’t recall so many immigrants

SIR - I was quite surprised to see that Mr Foster would like to see an open and honest discussion on the subject of immigration.  more...

Girls at the chippy were not laughing

SIR - In reply to Jane Leach I can assure her the girls at Angel Plaice Chippy were not laughing when the pigeon flew into the fryer.  more...

Give us promised EU referendum

SIR - After the loss of votes recently Gordon Brown should now be looking for ways to regain the respect of Britain and the world and to be seen as a reliable leader of our nation. One good way would be to give us the promised referendum on the European Union, which his predecessor promised and then denied us.  more...

This could see end of mediums’ work

Sir -Last month we saw representatives of the British mediums marching up Downing Street in protest at the Government's decision to repeal the 1951 Fraudulent Mediums Act in favour of a new EU directive.  more...

Raising a smile

I WOULD like to give a big thank you to Colin and Hayley of CP Catering for once again sponsoring the entertainment and the bandstand extra in Sanders Park.  more...

Paramedic praise

FOLLOWING a nasty fall at my home, I have nothing but praise for the speed and professionalism of our paramedics and ambulance crews.  more...

Pointless cameras

CAN someone explain why, when Bromsgrove District Council is pleading extreme poverty, they are installing big brother type CCTV cameras in car parks?  more...

Waste of money

WITH reference to the case recently in which someone was sent to prison for not paying a spitting fine, does he really deserve prison?  more...

Teachers thanked

WE would like to congratulate and thank the teachers and staff at Meadows First School, Bromsgrove, for the successful transition in to their new building.  more...

Care on the menu

CONGRATULATIONS to The Gate at Bournheath, not only for their excellent food but for their caring and supportive attitude.  more...

Wild animal care

NOT that long ago Julie Kirkbride MP signed a parliamentary petition again whaling, also stating in your paper that she has adopted one.  more...

Seat required

I MUST start my letter on a joyful note to say thank uou' to all the volunteers who organised our old folks trip to Paignton.  more...

Safer crossing

AT the most recent meeting of Pact' a neighbour enquired of our county councillor whether or not a pedestrian crossing would be installed on the main road in Birmingham (the Alcester Road) which would enable her to cross the busy road with her invalid son, in a wheel chair, safely in order to catch the bus.  more...

Parking policy

FOLLOWING recent correspondence in the local press, Bromsgrove District Council would like to clear up any confusion and misunderstanding regarding parking that may have arisen.  more...

Let’s get some ‘Respect 4 Teenagers’

WE are teenagers from Droitwich Spa High School and over the past few weeks we have started to become very concerned that teenagers today are all being tarnished with the same brush.  more...

Flags available

I WAS amazed to read the Advertiser/Messenger last month that the town council office in Droitwich actually flew the Union flag.  more...

Councils care...

IN reply to Jeff Newtons letter Pointless cameras' - I work for a local council, not Bromsgrove, and have been employed by the private sector most of my life. I pride myself on working hard, as any respectable human being would.  more...

Such sauce!

I APPRECIATE all the recent concern that the withdrawal of concessionary parking for the elderly has created in Bromsgrove.  more...

Opposition is vital

READING the letter It's the carping' - it's nice to see my old friend, ex Tory Councillor John Ruck is still alive and kicking.  more...

Opposition is vital

READING the letter 'It's the carping' - it's nice to see my old friend, ex Tory Councillor John Ruck is still alive and kicking.  more...

Great day out

THROUGH Your view and your well read paper I would like to thank Sheila and her helpers for a wonderful day out to Paignton for us elderly folk.  more...

Tip frustrations

I COMMISERATE with J Connor over his problems at the Romsley tip relayed in a recent letter.  more...

Lonely dogs

SUMMER has finally arrived and it seems some dog owners in the Warmstry Road area have given their pets the run of the garden/garage when they are not around.  more...

Youthful voices

HOW refreshing it was to read the comments in last week's Your view from our young 'teen agers'.  more...

Walk in the park and help diabetics

I AM writing to ask Advertiser/Chronicle readers to consider taking part in Walk In The Park to help raise money for Diabetes UK.  more...

Walk in the park and help diabetics

I AM writing to ask readers to consider taking part in Walk In The Park to help raise money for Diabetes UK.  more...

Costly playtime

IT costs a fortune to play at the Lido Park in Droitwich!  more...

Flowers decimated

RECENTLY I visited my aunt's grave at St Peter's Church, Droitwich.  more...

First class!

I WOULD be grateful if you would publish in your paper the following message.  more...

Flags available

I WAS amazed to read the Advertiser/Messenger last month that the town council office in Droitwich actually flew the Union flag.  more...

Let’s get some ‘Respect 4 Teenagers’

WE are teenagers from Droitwich Spa High School and over the past few weeks we have started to become very concerned that teenagers today are all being tarnished with the same brush.  more...

Vote expected

IT wasn't surprising that people voted for change in the recent local council elections.  more...

Hospice help

THE Droitwich Spa Volunteers for St Richard's Hospice would like to thank everyone who supported the Fat Chance' fundraising event at Salwarpe Village Hall.  more...

Death trap

I HAVE the pleasure of living off Hanbury Road, Droitwich. However driving back and forwards down this road each day is like a death trap.  more...

Death trap

I HAVE the pleasure of living off Hanbury Road, Droitwich. However driving back and forwards down this road each day is like a death trap.  more...

Youthful voices

HOW refreshing it was to read the comments in last week's Your view from our young 'teen agers'.  more...

Sensible prices will sell homes

WITH reference to your story Property slump starting to bite (Shuttle, May 22), we are generally finding that houses priced sensibly are selling.  more...

Lifestyle

Treasuring your ancestors’ lives has never been easier

oNCE you've found the factual keys to your family's history don't shut them in a drawer. With a little thought anyone can turn that mountain of documents and photos into a vivid account of their ancestors' lives to be treasured forever.  more...

Meet The Teams

Lickey End Lads FC under-15s

Lickey End Lads FC under-15s  more...

Music

Friends in harmony

GREAT 60s and folk rock songs will be performed by four musicians as part of Stourport Boat Club's live music nights.  more...

News

Bampton deal confirmed

DAVE Bampton has become Worcester City's first signing of the close season.  more...

Jones completes Warriors move

SCRUM-half Ben Jones has rubber-stamped his move to Worcester Warriors on a one-year deal from Doncaster Knights.  more...

Derbyshire make Moore approach

WORCESTERSHIRE have confirmed that they have received a 28-day approach from Derbyshire for opening batsman Stephen Moore.  more...

Kai bags try of the season gong

WORCESTER'S Kai Horstmann claimed the MBNA try-of-the-season in the Guinness Premiership awards at a star-studded ceremony last night at the Great Hall, Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC.  more...

Derby chasing opener Moore

STEPHEN Moore says that he is not looking to leave Worcestershire after Derbyshire made a 28-day approach for the County opener.  more...

Harriers swoop for England star

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have beaten a number of their Blue Square Premier rivals to secure England C keeper Adam Bartlett, as manager Mark Yates stepped up his efforts to bolster his squad by signing three players this week.  more...

Bulls to be pre-season test

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers will play newly promoted Hereford United in a friendly as part of their preparations for the coming season.  more...

Noah'S Ark Appeal

Lecturers will cook up a treat for Noah’s Ark

Lecturers at Worcester College of Technology will be taking over the Spires Restaurant for one night for guests to enjoy an appetising six-course meal.  more...

Reviews

River cruises with a difference

IF a crowded beach doesn't capture your imagination, then why not join a research expedition to one of the world's most famous river areas - the Amazon or Zambezi?  more...

Round-Up

Big-scoring Fowler targeting a title tilt

GREG Fowler would like nothing better than to win promotion with his village cricket team after helping them to a winning draw.  more...

Eric bags two wins at Arden

ERIC Ison picked up a double success at Arden Sailing Club in Defford.  more...

Championships haul for Tobi Ishi Kai

WORCESTER'S Tobi Ishi Kai Karate schools fought their way to the top of the trophy list at the West Bromwich Championships.  more...

Gurney’s top birds

ELEVEN Worcester and District FC members sent 133 birds to Kingsdown.  more...

Wilks breaks Arbo pool record with big mirrors

ADE Wilks set a new venue record to win the latest Arbo AC match on the club's own pool at Leigh Sinton.  more...

Worcester girls win national sevens title

WORCESTER Ladies ended an indifferent season on a high by winning the National Sevens event at Leighton Buzzard.  more...

Annual battle is won by Old Boys

FOSSILS and the Old Boys contested the Tom Webster Trophy for the 10th year running.  more...

Winners to get awards at meeting

THE Worcester League's presentation night will take place at the annual general meeting on Tuesday.  more...

Hobbs is Greece star with second position

MEMBERS of Worcester Triathlon Club raced in Greece at the European Age Group Duathlon Championships and in the Ironman Lanzarote Canaries Triathlon.  more...

Athletes reach West Midlands targets

SIX athletes from Worcester Athletic Club achieved West Midlands top 10 targets for the 2007 track and field season.  more...

Charlie takes first at a wet Grimley

TORRENTIAL rain did not stop a full programme of action taking place at Grimley raceway's latest meeting.  more...

Clark is toasting first GT triumph

WORCESTER racer Steve Clark and Widnes' Paul O'Neill took their first win in the Avon Tyres British GT Championship in treacherous conditions at Rockingham.  more...

Garrett records hill best

SIMON Garrett clocked the fastest time in Worcester St John's Cycling Club's 14-mile hilly time trial from Bransford.  more...

Smith success in second bout

PERSHORE Kickboxing Club's Jimmy Smith won his second full contact bout on points.  more...

Give blood

THE National Blood Service is appealing for volunteers to attend the next session in Bromsgrove. It is set to take place on Wednesday, June 4, at The Members Club, 174 Worcester Road, from 1.30-3.30pm and again from 4.30-7.30pm. Call 0845 7 711 711 to book an appointment.  more...

Tree fire

BROMSGROVE firefighters were called to a small fire at the base of a tree at the Crown Inn pub.Crews went out to the pub, in Stourbridge Road, at 7.54pm last Thursday and made the scene safe.  more...

Walk on

ANYONE wanting to join the Fairfield Ramblers on their next jaunt are being urged to get in touch. Members, in their walking boots, are set to meet at Belbroughton Church on Saturday, May 31, at 10am. Contact Gill on 01527 579119 for further details.  more...

School’s recovery is underway

STAFF and pupils of Catshill Middle School are celebrating now they are back on the road to success.  more...

Parents have a ball at celebration

PARENTS of pupils from a Bromsgrove school were having a ball to celebrate its 21st birthday.  more...

Definitely time for someone to take ‘stock’

THE HUNT is on for a set of stocks to pelt people for cash at this year's Relay for Life.  more...

Seeking help

VOLUNTEERS are needed to raise funds for research into ME.  more...

Terry steps in

THE death of veteran jazz legend and broadcaster Humphrey Lyttelton last month saddened his army of fans worldwide and especially those in Bromsgrove who had bought tickets for a summer gig in the town Humph' - as he was affectionately known - had been booked last year by Court Leet Bailiff, Dennis Norton, to play at a Strawberries and Jazz evening at Bromsgrove School on Monday, July 7.  more...

Terry steps in

THE death of veteran jazz legend and broadcaster Humphrey Lyttelton last month saddened his army of fans worldwide and especially those in Bromsgrove who had bought tickets for a summer gig in the town.  more...

Morris remains upbeat

BROMSGROVE Golf pro Matt Morris refused to let a soggy Wentworth dampen his spirits despite signing off from the BMW PGA Championships with his worst score of the week.  more...

Metal theft charge

A TEENAGER has been charged with the theft of 26 cast iron drain covers from Hartlebury trading estate in March.  more...

Karyn’s very own Olympic challenge

FORMER Droitwich Spa High School pupil Karyn Harries will be taking part in her own Olympic challenge this August all in the name of charity.  more...

Ninety-nine years of dedicated service

THREE long-standing members of staff at a popular garden centre are celebrating clocking up 99 years of dedicated service between them.  more...

Weekend cricket fixtures

Saturday Cotswold Hills League Premier Division: Shipston v Kineton, Exhall & Wixford v Bretforton, Tanworth v Stratford Bards, Henley v Overbury, Earlswood v Wellesbourne.  more...

Weekend cricket fixtures

Saturday Cotswold Hills League Premier Division: Shipston v Kineton, Exhall & Wixford v Bretforton, Tanworth v Stratford Bards, Henley v Overbury, Earlswood v Wellesbourne.  more...

Weekend cricket fixtures

Saturday Cotswold Hills League Premier Division: Shipston v Kineton, Exhall & Wixford v Bretforton, Tanworth v Stratford Bards, Henley v Overbury, Earlswood v Wellesbourne.  more...

Rugby pair to trot out at Twickenham

TWO rugby playing pupils from Bredon Hill Middle School will be trotting out at Twickenham on Saturday.  more...

Two top 10s for Andrews

EVESHAM'S Simon Andrews recovered from a bruising weekend to record two top-10 finishes during round four of Bennetts British Superbikes action at Donington Park.  more...

Evesham are left feeling frustrated

THE Bank Holiday weekend proved to be a frustrating one for Evesham Cricket Club.  more...

Girl power reaches new-look leagues

THE Mercian Festival Junior Football League has announced its plans for next season including the introduction of nine-a-side football for girls under-13 and under-14 age groups.  more...

Today's events

Thursday Early Ears fun music and body brain activities for 0- 5s at Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Great Malvern. 10am. £4.50 child £7 two. Block Booking concessions. 01684 566076.  more...

Bridge debate continues for Colwall

COLWALL parish councillors were locked in debate on the continuing progress of the village's bridge on Wednesday evening (May 28).  more...

Chamber award finalist flying flag for Malvern

IT'S just one week to go until the Chamber Awards ceremony 2008, and Malvern finalist Festival Housing is waiting to hear who will walk away with the coveted awards on the night.  more...

Hot plans for ice structure

PLANS are afoot to restore an unusual structure in an 18th-century country estate near Upton.  more...

Tribute to Malvern auctioneer

MALVERN'S own auctioneer extraordinaire Philip Laney has died of cancer aged 69.  more...

Malvern to be a Spa town once again

MALVERN grew and blossomed as a spa town for wealthy Victorians eager for the health benefits of Malvern spring water.  more...

Best foot forward for walking festival

THE Malvern Walking Festival returns next weekend with four days of themed walks around the town, the hills and the surrounding countryside.  more...

Silver Surfers turning pro

FESTIVAL Housing is offering its older residents the chance to become silver surfers' through computer training in its retired peoples' accomodation.  more...

"Impressive" council expecting good results

THE performance of Malvern Hills District Council has been informally described as "pretty impressive", the executive committee heard this week.  more...

Drugs and cash seized in police raids

TWO properties in Malvern were among premises raided in a police operation which saw 18 people arrested and drugs worth £10,000 seized.  more...

TV make-over for your home

A TV production company is looking for Malvern home owners who want to take part in a prime-time home make-over show.  more...

Merger goes ahead with county

MALVERN Hills District Council today (Thursday, May 29) agreed with Worcestershire County Council to merge their personnel departments.  more...

Mind over matter at treasure hunt

UPPER Welland Community Association is inviting you to stretch your brain along with your legs in a walking treasure hunt around the village on Sunday, June 8.  more...

Mum and daughter prepare for trekking trip

A REDDITCH mother and daughter are planning a family trip with a bit of a difference.  more...

A stone of contention

A REDDITCH shopper got more then he bargained for when he took a bite out of a Morrisons own date and walnut loaf.  more...

A stone of contention

A REDDITCH shopper got more then he bargained for when he took a bite out of a Morrisons own date and walnut loaf.  more...

Town centre gets ready for green invasion

ON Saturday, June 7, the third annual Redditch Green Fair will take place which looks set to be bigger and better than ever.  more...

Roundup

Dynamic duo inspire KVCC

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria CC recorded their first win of the season in the Birmingham and District League Premier Division with an impressive 58 run victory over Moseley on Saturday.  more...

First win delight as openers set standard

CHADDESLEY Corbett recorded their first win of the season in the Worcestershire League Division Two by getting the better of Alvechurch and Hopwood on Saturday.  more...

Bewdley knocked off top by defeat

BEWDLEY CC suffered their first defeat of the season in the Worcestershire League Division Two after going down to Colwall on Saturday.  more...

Cookley turn up the heat

COOKLEY CC returned to winning ways in Division Three of the Worcestershire League by getting the better of local rivals Cutnall Green on Saturday.  more...

Stourport in control

STOURPORT CC had contrasting experiences in the Worcestershire Crusader League Division Three over the Bank Holiday weekend.  more...

Stourport in control

STOURPORT CC had contrasting experiences in the Worcestershire Crusader League Division Three over the Bank Holiday weekend.  more...

Clark seals first victory

HARTLEBURY race ace Steve Clark roared to victory behind the safety car to win his and Paul O'Neill's first British GT3 race at Rockingham over the weekend.  more...

Hardcore horse fans undeterred by rain

CHADDESLEY Corbett did not escape the rain and wind which marred Bank Holiday Monday, and which saw only hardened enthusiasts remaining to the bitter end of Albrighton Woodland Hunt point-to-point, writes Pete Lammas.  more...

Bulls to be pre-season test

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers will play newly promoted Hereford United in a friendly as part of their preparations for the coming season.  more...

Harriers swoop for England star

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have beaten a number of their Blue Square Premier rivals to secure England C keeper Adam Bartlett, as manager Mark Yates stepped up his efforts to bolster his squad by signing three players this week.  more...

Crew savour victory

BEWDLEY RC enjoyed even more success in two events over the Bank Holiday weekend.  more...

Brown takes control as record is broken

WYRE Forest CC rider Michelle Brown put in another stunning performance to take a fine victory in the Lea Valley 10 mile time trial in Cambridge.  more...

Freke passes the test

KIDDERMINSTER'S Nathan Freke survived his first ever 24-hour endurance race at the world famous Nurburgring in Germany.  more...

Final spot cemented

WYRE Forest Swimming Club's members powered their team to first place in the latest round of the Ross League.  more...

Grainger starts season with victory

ATHLETICS: Matt Granger won the first of a summer 10 kilometre series on a testing multi-terrain course by holding off the challenge of competitors from Halesowen.  more...

Riders in action

MOUNTAIN BIKES: Riders from Stourport's pyatescycles.co.uk team took part in the third round of the Pearce Midlands Downhill Series.  more...

Harriers voach in hot-seat

FOOTBALL coach Nick Griffiths is the local sporting figure in the hot-seat for shuttleXtra's exclusive podcast interview.  more...

Schools News

GRACE AND ADAM ARE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR BEARS

Grace Caldwell, aged four, and Adam Rashid-Thomas, five, joined children at St Mary's Convent School, Worcester, when they took part in a bear hunt to raise money for the Meningitis Trust and the NSPCC. Youngsters from the Early Years Department, aged between 18 months and five years, went on a sponsored hunt in the school's grounds. So far they have raised £500 and they are on their way to reaching their target of £700. Picture by Paul Jackson. 18380501  more...

GRACE AND ADAM ARE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR BEARS

Grace Caldwell, aged four, and Adam Rashid-Thomas, five, joined children at St Mary's Convent School, Worcester, when they took part in a bear hunt to raise money for the Meningitis Trust and the NSPCC. Youngsters from the Early Years Department, aged between 18 months and five years, went on a sponsored hunt in the school's grounds. So far they have raised £500 and they are on their way to reaching their target of £700. Picture by Paul Jackson. 18380501  more...

Society

WI Bluebell Walk

ON a warm and sunny afternoon, a large group of WI members from Blackwell & Burcot, Cofton Hackett and Hagley Afternoon, as well as members from other WIs, gathered at the Lickey Hills Visitor Centre where they were met by Steve Hinton, a parks ranger, who took them for a walk around the country park to see the bluebells. The members were told that the bluebells were all English and were of the vernal species, enjoying cold conditions and blooming before the trees are fully in leaf.  more...

Hanbury WI

THE sun was still shining as the ladies of Hanbury met in the village hall for their May meeting.  more...

Finstall WI

Our resolution meeting was held at the village hall and was attended by 16 members.  more...

Blackwell & Burcot WI

The president, Barbara Savage, was delighted to see so many people at the resolutions meeting.  more...

Hanbury WI

THE sun was still shining as the ladies of Hanbury met in the village hall for their May meeting.  more...

Kidderminster

CYCLING CLUB - There are two rides this Sunday. The A ride starts at 8am and travels to Shipston-on-Stour in Warwickshire. The C ride starts at 9.30am and is a half day ride to the Waseley Hills, near Birmingham. Both rides leave from The Green, Blakebrook, opposite the hospital. All cyclists will be welcome and should bring a packed lunch for the A ride.  more...

Bewdley

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - At the last meeting, Julia Scott gave an illustrated talk on growing and using herbs and told members how they could make compost in six weeks using herbs from the garden.  more...

The Changing Environment

High Level Thunderstorms

During hot summer spells the chance of it ending in thunderstorms are very high, hence the saying "three days fine weather then a thunderstorm". Heat builds through the day and if the atmosphere is unstable with high humidity and falling barometer coupled with heat, you have the ideal recipe for thunderstorms to burst forth, the high risk period for storms to break is between 4pm-8pm. If there is enough heat and moisture to fuel them they can rumble on longer. Thunderstorms can drift up from France reaching the Midlands by evening, they can also line up along active cold fronts or squall lines allowing thunder to occur even through our winter months. The most severe, slow moving thunderstorms occur when they develop from the mid atmosphere upwards. Heat builds up below a weakening inversion (a stable layer). As the heat builds through the afternoon it bursts through this layer into cold unstable air above, with lower pressure the storm clouds expand and develop rapidly forming active high level thunderstorm cells. Hail and squally down draft winds can result beneath these cells with torrential rain and cloudbursts causing flash flooding. Due to heat haze which turns the blue sky ashy white as a heatwave lingers, these towering storm heads may not be seen and they seem to appear suddenly and from nowhere. They are often very local with one location catching severe climatic conditions whilst just down the road nothing. I am predicting thunderstorms for this Wednesday 28th May.  more...

High Level Thunderstorms

During hot summer spells the chance of it ending in thunderstorms are very high, hence the saying "three days fine weather then a thunderstorm".  more...

High Level Thunderstorms

During hot summer spells the chance of it ending in thunderstorms are very high, hence the saying "three days fine weather then a thunderstorm".  more...

Theatre

Sheer ‘madness’ if you miss this show

THE Olivier award-winning musical Our House opens at Birmingham Repertory Theatre for three weeks from tomorrow until June 21.  more...

A chance to tread the boards

ARE you 40 or over? Would you like to meet new people and spend a couple of hours gaining new transferable skills?  more...

What'S On

Opportunities for a tour round the ‘Second City’

TOURS around some of Birmingham's hidden gems as well as its better known sights are now on offer - appropriately by Birmingham Tours.  more...

Rare chance to view local garden

THE gates to picturesque gardens at a Bromsgrove hotel will be open to the public for charity next week.  more...

Zoo'S And Other News

Tiny Twin Meerkats at Twycross Zoo, West Midlands

Two tiny cute baby Meerkats are now on show to the general public at Twycross Zoo. The pups were born on 27th April 2008 and their parents Tallula and Timmy are keeping a watchful eye on the new arrivals.  more...

Tiny Twin Meerkats at Twycross Zoo, West Midlands

Two tiny cute baby Meerkats are now on show to the general public at Twycross Zoo. The pups were born on 27th April 2008 and their parents Tallula and Timmy are keeping a watchful eye on the new arrivals.  more...

  
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