Stories for 5 May 2008

Alcester

Car wheels stolen in Welford

IN an obscure case of theft, a car in Welford on Avon has had all of its wheels stolen.  more...

Education

Spreading fire safety message

FIREFIGHTERS answered a special call to Bewdley Primary School to talk to youngsters about fire safety.  more...

Equestrian

Put on those gloves and start pulling up ragwort

IT'S that time of the year again when the dreaded ragwort plague rears its ugly head. The yellow-headed weed may look bright and cheerful and in its own way it livens up many a boring roadside verge, but it's bad news for equines and taken in any quantity can cause severe problems for them.  more...

Farmers' Markets

FARMERS' MARKET

A couple's decision to have a lifestyle change has led to the birth of a new farmers' market producer making fantastic tarts, salads, soups and desserts.  more...

Farmers' Market - Caroline Wright

A couple's decision to have a lifestyle change has led to the birth of a new farmers' market producer making fantastic tarts, salads, soups and desserts.  more...

Gardening

Laurels make way for a watery wonderland

When Sue Fletcher first set eyes on her garden it was packed with 88 laurel shrubs - what a difference 11 years make, as Lucy Tatchell reveals Hiraeth, 30 Showell Road, Droitwich, WR9 8UY. 01905 778390 or 07752 717243. Admission £2.50, children free A transformed cottage garden is opening its doors to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme on Wednesday, May 14.  more...

BEST OF THE BUNCH : DWARF PHLOX

They are among my favourite rockery plants, their flat heads of brightly coloured blooms providing a wealth of colour in rockeries, tumbling over walls and providing masses of colour in alpine planters. There are many different types of phlox, right, including erect, evergreen and herbaceous perennials, but among the best are the spring-flowering dwarf varieties such as Phlox subulata, mainly in shades of blue, pink and red. Good choices include P. subulata Lilacina', a dense, mat-forming, evergreen perennial which produces soft lilac flowers, and P. Kelly's Eye', another evergreen, mounding perennial producing pretty pink flowers with a deeper pink centre in late spring to early summer.   more...

GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT: AUBERGINE

Yes, they are tender veg, but if you want a taste of the Mediterranean in summer, to make delicious ratatouille or moussaka, you can still have a go. Aubergines, right, have much the same needs as tomatoes and peppers and are best grown in a sunny spot, ideally in a greenhouse or polytunnel, in free-draining soil to which plenty of compost has been added.  more...

Kidder News Latest

Charity cash in the bank

A TEXTILE recycling bank has been set up to raise funds for children, young people and their families who have experienced a bereavement.  more...

Mayor is guest at club milestone event

MAYOR Mike Shellie was the special guest at Kidderminster Field Club's 80th birthday lunch at Bodenham Arboretum.  more...

Mayor is guest at club milestone event

MAYOR Mike Shellie was the special guest at Kidderminster Field Club's 80th birthday lunch at Bodenham Arboretum.  more...

Mayor is guest at club milestone event

MAYOR Mike Shellie was the special guest at Kidderminster Field Club's 80th birthday lunch at Bodenham Arboretum.  more...

Mayor is guest at club milestone event

MAYOR Mike Shellie was the special guest at Kidderminster Field Club's 80th birthday lunch at Bodenham Arboretum.  more...

Mayor is guest at club milestone event

MAYOR Mike Shellie was the special guest at Kidderminster Field Club's 80th birthday lunch at Bodenham Arboretum.  more...

Keeping it in the family

WYRE Forest Historical Research Group is holding its third family history surgery of the year at Bewdley Library on Monday, May 12 between 1pm and 4pm.  more...

Step out with village group

ROCK Parish Footpaths Association will be holding its monthly walk on Sunday, May 11.  more...

May day dancing

MAY day traditions through the ages will be explored at Harvington Hall today.  more...

Church fete raises over £900

THIS year's spring fair at All Saints' Church Wribbenhall, Bewdley, raised £905.83, an increase of 66 per cent increase on the 2007 event.  more...

Church fete raises over £900

THIS year's spring fair at All Saints' Church Wribbenhall, Bewdley, raised £905.83, an increase of 66 per cent on the 2007 event.  more...

Monarch flights competition winner

THANKS to all our readers who entered the Shuttle/Times & News competition for a pair of return Monarch Airlines flights to Spain to celebrate the firm's 40th birthday.  more...

Children's DVD winners

THE five winners of our online competition for the newly released BBC Worldwide DVD, Life with The Large Family, were: Adam Watson, Stourport; Dana Manning, Newbury; Rachel Denton, Halesowen; Sarah Harrison, Hexham and Julie O'Leary, Kidderminster.   more...

Best in show

FOREST Dog Rescue is staging its 2008 Dog Show at Riverside Meadow, Stourport, this weekend.  more...

Sounds of spring

THE Birmingham Chamber Orchestra will be performing at a Kidderminster church next weekend.  more...

Before the planners

THE following planning applications have been submitted to Wyre Forest District Council. Two detached dwellings at land adjoining Camelot, Callow Hill, for Mr B Lawson; Conservatory to rear at 41 Stourport Road, Bewdley, for Mr and Mrs Sprawson; Single storey side extension and pitched roof over existing flat roof at 13 Park Dingle, Bewdley, for Mr and Mrs Collip.  more...

Parents visit river death scene

THE parents of a young Trimpley woman who drowned while taking part in an extreme sport in New Zealand have visited the site where she died.  more...

Fire crews tackle bike and car blazes

FIREFIGHTERS were called to two minor incidents in Kidderminster last night.  more...

Water features are asset of open garden

A PROFESSIONALLY landscaped garden in Hartlebury is open to the public today as part of the National Gardens Scheme.  more...

Place your vote in online poll

IF the rain is keeping you indoors, why not have your say in our Shuttle Online poll.  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...

Talking politics with your WN

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

Talking politics with your WN

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

All's well that ends well for happy couple

YOUR Worcester News has re-united a bride and groom with their wedding photos thanks to you.  more...

999 nuisance accused to face trial - court

A WOMAN has appeared in court charged with being a public nuisance after allegedly making calls to the police and ambulance service.  more...

Youths moved along for public order concerns

A GROUP of youths had to be moved along by police on a housing estate following public order concerns.  more...

Café staff told me baby’s pushchair was health hazard

A WORCESTER mum claims she was left feeling embarrased when staff at a city centre restaurant said her pushchair was too much of a health and safety risk to waitresses.  more...

Worcester News weather watch

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

Get gaming with your Worcester News

FANCY yourself as a Sudoku wizard or a crossword king?  more...

New centres will help families with toddlers

FIVE new children’s centres are to be opened across Worcestershire to help families with young children.   more...

We're sorry for the noise

DEFENCE chiefs have apologised to the people of Worcester over noisy planes – but there are no plans to stop them flying.   more...

It’s a carnival of colour at Upton’s folk festival

BRIGHT colours, uplifting folk music and smiling faces filled the streets of Upton-upon-Severn this weekend.  more...

Flower festival helps church

BEAUTIFUL floral displays and live music have helped raise more than £1,000 for a Worcestershire church during the first day of a three-day flower festival.  more...

Festival is a blazing success

FIRE eaters and mediaeval dancers roamed the streets and parks of Droitwich as part of a bank holiday festival.  more...

Festival is a blazing success

FIRE eaters and mediaeval dancers roamed the streets and parks of Droitwich as part of a bank holiday festival.  more...

Roll out the barrow for big garden show rivals

THE UK's first major gardening event of the year kicks off next week on the Three Counties Showground at Malvern and for three Worcestershire garden designers it could be their first foot on the ladder to a top career in professional landscape design.  more...

COMMENT: Just give us a rest from plane noise

IT is rare for a week to pass without your Worcester News receiving letters, telephone calls or e-mails from readers complaining about the constant drone from two military aircraft that appear to be circling the city on a daily basis.  more...

River rescue of escaped prisoner

A WORCESTER man who had failed to return to prison tried to escape being captured by police by jumping into the River Severn.  more...

County council has ‘put the boot in’ on my watchdog group

THE man charged with keeping a close eye on County Hall’s decision-making has hit out at funding cuts he fears will blunt the teeth of his watchdog group.  more...

Portrait of an irreplaceable man

THIS is the portrait of Worcestershire judge Eric Dickinson – described as an irreplaceable man who “always had a smile in his eyes”.  more...

Wychavon - a better quality of life

RESIDENTS in Wychavon enjoy a better quality of life than anywhere else in the West Midlands, according to a new study.  more...

Club gets its licence

BADSEY Recreation Club has been granted a licence to hold adult entertainment after all the objectors to the plans withdrew their opposition.  more...

Fury over refuse collection

A PERSHORE man has been incensed by what he claims is cost cutting by the council after a rubbish truck leaked rubbish on its rounds around the town.  more...

Firefighters go for triathlon

TWO Vale firefighters are gearing up to be put through their paces when they compete against colleagues from across the globe in the World Firefighter Games.  more...

Cotswold Hills Cricket League results

Premier Division: Shipston 145, Stratford Bards 212-6; Exhall & Wixford 134-3, Henley-in-Arden 129; Bretforton 134, Overbury 94; Tanworth-in-Arden 119, Wellesbourne 123-9; Earlswood 117, Kineton 118-5.  more...

Carly's dancing dream comes true

A BADSEY school girl has taken a giant step towards achieving her dream of appearing in the West End after she won a place at a prestigious dance school.  more...

Holland's the hero as Dumbleton win

A QUALITY batting performance from Nick Holland was the key to Dumbleton's success over Stone on Saturday.  more...

Hosts in shock as visitors are victorious

THE second round of pool matches for the Prudden Road Surfacing Junior Tennis Cup competition saw Henley-in-Arden, jointly with Tanworth-in-Arden, Studley, Shipston and Evesham emerge as pool leaders.  more...

Latets

Studley pub destroyed in blaze

FIRE crews were called out to The Griffin public house in Studley at 5.35am on Sunday, May 5, when a fire tore through the building.  more...

Studley pub destroyed in blaze

FIRE crews were called out to The Griffin public house in Studley at 5.35am on Sunday, May 5, when a fire tore through the building.  more...

Letters

I’m still waiting to see why tax has doubled

SIR - Further to the letter by David Hibbitt (Saturday, April 26). I too wrote to Gordon Brown and asked for an explanation as to why I was to see my tax double due to the abolition of the base rate band.  more...

This year we will all be worse off

SIR - With reference to J Green's letter, I appreciate his support for the Government's policy but can only emphasis that the actions of this Government is making all of us far poorer.  more...

Congratulations for superb show

SIR - Congratulations to JB and JR (John Banner and John Reynolds) for putting on a superb show at Huntingdon Hall. The Malvern Male Voice Choir, Clive John, Paul Damari and JB and JR themselves were brilliant, very entertaining. The raffle provided funds for the local group of MS society which provides support for people with MS and their families. We really should be proud of St George.  more...

Wheelie bins don’t cause us any worry

SIR - We in Wyre Forest have had wheelie bins now for more than 20 years. I don't ever recall the fuss that Worcester city is having. You can't tell me we don't have similar houses in Kidderminster, Stourport or Bewdley than in Worcester. Are Worcester city councillors too embarrassed to ask our council how they manage.  more...

Don’t jeopardise space for looks

SIR - The proposed new hospital in Malvern looks very impressive, but do not make the same mistakes as with Worcestershire Royal where space was wasted to make the buildings look good from outside although the corridors are not wide enough for two beds to pass by.  more...

Perhaps we should all eat a little less

SIR - In the war years and just after food was rationed, it is said people were healthier with just enough food. Now, with the price of food going up at a tremendous rate, it might not be a bad thing if we all ended up eating less.  more...

Watching wildlife is very relaxing

SIR- Talking of birds (Sarah Ganderton, April 22). I often sit on my balcony watching seagulls, crows, pigeons, magpies, starlings, sparrows and the occasional wagtail.  more...

Experts should know we don’t want lanes

SIR - Regarding double red lines (Worcester News, April 17), I had hoped our city council's highways experts would by now have received and understood the message from the citizens of Worcester that we do not want their crackpot expensive bus lanes along Newtown Road.  more...

Universities are good for cities

SIR - It is almost universally accepted that universities are a good, civilising influence on a city. Worcester will be improved by having university status.  more...

This buy-to-let has caused problems

SIR - With the banks pulling the plug on the amateur landlords this buy-to-let thing is heading for trouble.  more...

Whitehall profits from fuel prices

SIR - I heard Gordon Brown stating that he will be putting pressure on oil companies to reduce the price of fuel.  more...

Selective about the facts of CCTV

SIR - I am grateful for Councillor Francis Lankester's attention to our project to install CCTV in Ronkswood.  more...

Pull together for hospital

I NOTE the visit by the Shadow Minister for Health to Kidderminster Hospital and his support for the Minor Injuries Unit and the development of a doctor-led service to expand the scope of the unit to treat more patients locally and prevent significant numbers having to go to Worcester.  more...

Local Walks

Perfect time to visit best of cider country

The Big Apple Association (www.bigapple.org.uk) is a Herefordshire-based group dedicated to promoting English orchards, apples and cider.  more...

Perfect time to visit best of cider country

The Big Apple Association (www.bigapple.org.uk) is a Herefordshire-based group dedicated to promoting English orchards, apples and cider.  more...

News

Ruddock showing interest in Strange

AFTER seeing Bristol's Jason Strange do his level best to kick his side to victory over Worcester Warriors at the Memorial Stadium, Mike Ruddock revealed he would be interested in bringing the veteran fly-half to Sixways.  more...

Australia to play at New Road

WORCESTERSHIRE'S New Road will play a part in the Ashes series next summer after it was announced that England Lions will play Australia at the County's home.  more...

Follow Worcestershire against Glamorgan

WORCESTERSHIRE'S Friends Provident Trophy clash with Glamorgan has been given the go-ahead for 3.45pm today.  more...

Phillpot Files

Sad truth behind our love affair with flying

WHEN you have a situation where it's cheaper to fly to a Greek island than buy a train ticket to Birmingham then it's fair to say that environmental issues could be facing an uphill struggle.  more...

Pryce'S People

It’s a very small book but a very big message

IT'S a skill you hope will never be really needed, but it's handy none the less to know you are an expert in fighting with a double handed broad sword.  more...

Reader'S Pictures

England's Glory

England's glory: Worcester News reader Andy Brown took this picture of the Malvern Hills bathed in spring sunshine.  more...

Reports

Solanki is star as Royals chalk win

WORCESTERSHIRE Royals skipper Vikram Solanki guided his side to their first win of the season as they defeated Glamorgan Dragons at New Road by seven wickets in the Friends Provident Trophy.  more...

Reviews

Entertaining introduction to Pullman

THE Golden Compass (Cert PG, 108 mins, Entertainment In Video, Family/Action/Drama, also available to buy DVD £22.99/special edition DVD £24.99/Blu-ray £29.99) Starring: Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Sam Elliott, Ben Walker, Charlie Rowe, Jack Shepherd, and the voices of Freddie Highmore, Sir Ian McKellen.  more...

Round-Up

Top-three slot for BTCC racing ace

MATT Neal lies third in the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship after clinching a second place at Donington Park.  more...

Penalty shoot-out woe for Fields

WESTFIELDS suffered a 3-2 penalty defeat against Midland Alliance rivals Alvechurch in the Worcester Royal Infirmary Cup final at Worcester City.  more...

Dolphins bag second spot in opener

THE first round of the Mercian Swimming League at Bromsgrove saw Droitwich Dolphins give a fine all-round performance.  more...

Tait aims to shine up north

A STUDENT from Herefordshire will row in the north's answer to the Oxford and Cambridge boat race.  more...

Works regatta requires entries

STOURPORT Boat Club are inviting teams of four to enter their popular Works Fours Regatta.  more...

Six-wicket joy for OVs

OLD Vigornians Seconds defeated Himbleton by six wickets.  more...

Draw for Daves in first full fight

ALEX Daves earned a draw from his first full contact bout in Coventry.  more...

Perry Wood lead the way at sports festival

MORE than 100 children attended an athletics festival at Nunnery Wood Sports Complex.  more...

Martley leave it late for history

A THRILLING finish to the Worcester League's Katherine Rayer Cup final saw Martley Spurs lift the trophy for the first time in their history with a 4-3 win against Perrywood.  more...

Hereford and Lucs meet in cup final

HEREFORD will meet local rivals Luctonians in an all-Herefordshire North Midlands Cup final at Stourbridge's Stourton Park ground on Sunday.  more...

Town team run away with title

DROITWICH Under Sevens played fantastic rugby to emerge as winners at the prestigious Stratford Tag Rugby Tournament.  more...

Youths arrested

TWO youths were arrested following an incident outside the Golden Cross pub on Wednesday, April 30. Bromsgrove police were called to the incident, which happened at around 11pm, where two males were causing a disorder in the High Street. A 17-year-old male was reprimanded, and the 18-year-old was charged with a public order offence, and bailed.   more...

Armed police

A MAN was robbed in Bromsgrove after he was threatened with what appeared to be a handgun.  more...

Documents online

ALL Bromsgrove District Council's main documents, which are available to the public, are now available to look at online. The authority has installed Modern.gov to make committee meetings, agendas and reports more accessible to everyone and to save on paper and postage. To access the documents visit the council's website at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/moderngov  more...

Art course

BROMSGROVE residents with a love for art are being invited to join a beginners class in Stoke Heath. The 12-month Avoncroft Arts Society course, starting this summer, offers a grounding in drawing, the basis of traditional art and the use of colour. Chairman Tony Turpin said: "We can help you learn to make beautiful pictures at your own pace, near your home." Sessions will be held each Friday morning at the Stoke Heath Community Arts Centre, in Redditch Road, Stoke Heath. For more information about the art course please ring 01527 833829, or email avoncroft.arts@virgin.net   more...

Cotswold Hills Cricket League results

Premier Division: Shipston 145, Stratford Bards 212-6; Exhall & Wixford 134-3, Henley-in-Arden 129; Bretforton 134, Overbury 94; Tanworth-in-Arden 119, Wellesbourne 123-9; Earlswood 117, Kineton 118-5.  more...

Cotswold Hills Cricket League results

Premier Division: Shipston 145, Stratford Bards 212-6; Exhall & Wixford 134-3, Henley-in-Arden 129; Bretforton 134, Overbury 94; Tanworth-in-Arden 119, Wellesbourne 123-9; Earlswood 117, Kineton 118-5.  more...

Cotswold Hills Cricket League results

Premier Division: Shipston 145, Stratford Bards 212-6; Exhall & Wixford 134-3, Henley-in-Arden 129; Bretforton 134, Overbury 94; Tanworth-in-Arden 119, Wellesbourne 123-9; Earlswood 117, Kineton 118-5.  more...

Latest crib league news

Evesham and District League Latest results - Division One: Coach & Horses 5 (3), Swan Inn 4 (0); Hospital Club C 8 (1), Norton Grange 1 (2); Hampton WMC 3 (2), The Bear A 6 (1); Hospital Club B 5 (2), Angel Vaults B 4 (1); Bretforton RBL 5 (3), Talbot Inn C 4 (0); Rowing Club 4 (2), Wheatsheaf Inn 5 (1).  more...

Latest crib league news

Evesham and District League Latest results - Division One: Coach & Horses 5 (3), Swan Inn 4 (0); Hospital Club C 8 (1), Norton Grange 1 (2); Hampton WMC 3 (2), The Bear A 6 (1); Hospital Club B 5 (2), Angel Vaults B 4 (1); Bretforton RBL 5 (3), Talbot Inn C 4 (0); Rowing Club 4 (2), Wheatsheaf Inn 5 (1).  more...

Rotary Club's recognition of flood help

CHAIRMAN Peter Wisbey was presented with the design of a plaque to mark Evesham Cricket Club's thanks for the flood relief grant received from the Rotary Club of Evesham.  more...

New boys shine in opening day success

EVESHAM'S new players made a huge impact as they opened up their Birmingham and District Premier League second division campaign with victory over newly promoted St. George's.  more...

New boys shine in opening day success

EVESHAM'S new players made a huge impact as they opened up their Birmingham and District Premier League second division campaign with victory over newly promoted St. George's.  more...

Holland's the hero as Dumbleton win

A QUALITY batting performance from Nick Holland was the key to Dumbleton's success over Stone on Saturday.  more...

Holland's the hero as Dumbleton win

A QUALITY batting performance from Nick Holland was the key to Dumbleton's success over Stone on Saturday.  more...

Holland's the hero as Dumbleton win

A QUALITY batting performance from Nick Holland was the key to Dumbleton's success over Stone on Saturday.  more...

Hosts in shock as visitors are victorious

THE second round of pool matches for the Prudden Road Surfacing Junior Tennis Cup competition saw Henley-in-Arden, jointly with Tanworth-in-Arden, Studley, Shipston and Evesham emerge as pool leaders.  more...

Hosts in shock as visitors are victorious

THE second round of pool matches for the Prudden Road Surfacing Junior Tennis Cup competition saw Henley-in-Arden, jointly with Tanworth-in-Arden, Studley, Shipston and Evesham emerge as pool leaders.  more...

Hosts in shock as visitors are victorious

THE second round of pool matches for the Prudden Road Surfacing Junior Tennis Cup competition saw Henley-in-Arden, jointly with Tanworth-in-Arden, Studley, Shipston and Evesham emerge as pool leaders.  more...

Town's tough campaign ends in a defeat

PERSHORE Town rounded off a difficult Midland Combination season with a 4-0 Premier Division defeat at Brocton.  more...

Swift success for Badsey boys

BADSEY won their opening County League game on Saturday in quickfire fashion at Evesham.  more...

Blunt's blast brings despair for Pershore

LUKE Dalley returned figures of 5-65 but Pershore fell to a narrow three-wicket defeat against Oldswinford in Saturday's Worcestershire County League first division clash.  more...

Shopper show feelings on plastic bags

SHOPPERS around Malvern are getting the message about disposable plastic carrier bags, say supermarkets in the town.  more...

Shoppers show feelings on plastic bags

SHOPPERS around Malvern are getting the message about disposable plastic carrier bags, say supermarkets in the town.  more...

Nomads in good start

WORCESTER NOMADS v OLDSWINFORD.  more...

Eastnor storm to four wicket opening victory

REDDITCH V EASTNOR.  more...

Rivals enjoy a soggy warm-up to campaign

LEDBURY XI v CANON FROME II.  more...

Rivals enjoy a soggy warm-up to campaign

LEDBURY XI v CANON FROME II.  more...

Today's events

Monday Car boot sale at The Playing Fields, West Malvern. 10am. Admission free. 07951 603907. Set up from 9.30am. Booters £5 per car. In aid of Royal British Legion.  more...

  
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