Archive

Date

Cricket countdown

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria Cricket Club's young all-rounder Andrew Siwicki has set his sights on making an impact in the coming Birmingham League premier division season after taking on extra training. The 19-year-old is rated as a hot prospect for the future

Date

Luff quizzes PM over cuts

EVESHAM MP Peter Luff fired off an angry letter to Tony Blair after Prime Minister's question time in the Commons. Mr Luff asked the PM why proposals to decimate Evesham Community Hospital were even being considered when they were contrary to government

Date

Letters off to minister

MORE than 300 letters protesting at the planned cuts at Evesham Community Hospital were being posted off to the offices of health secretary Patricia Hewitt. Evesham Mayor Frances Smith and Journal editor John Murphy are enclosing covering letters, calling

Date

United we stand

A crowd of 3,000 people gathered in the centre of Evesham on Sunday to send a message to local health chiefs. It was an unequivocal message and it was chanted over and over - No cuts, Save Our Hospital. They listened carefully as speaker after speaker

Date

Rally to the cause

THOUSANDS of people angry about proposed cuts at Evesham Community Hospital are expected at a mass rally in the town's Market Square at 12 noon on Sunday. And the rallying call comes as the Evesham Journal has massed nearly 16,000 signatures on its petition

Date

Campaigners go out and about

SAVE Our Hospital campaigners will be out in force this Saturday at the famous Evesham River Festival. Members of the Friends of Evesham Community Hospital will be handing out car stickers and posters in Workman Gardens, while getting people to sign the

Date

District councillors offer financial help to stop cutbacks

MEMBERS of Wychavon District Council agreed this week to offer financial help in a bid to stop the front-line cuts proposed at Evesham Community Hospital. Executive board member for health, Councillor Judy Pearce read out proposals to go to the South

Date

Mayor's delight at huge turnout

ORGANISERS were delighted when 300 people packed the Public Hall for a briefing meeting by leaders of Save Our Hospital Campaign. Mayor Frances Smith, who is also chairman of The League of Friends of Evesham Community Hospital, one of the leaders of the

Date

More than 8,000 people have now signed our petition

The numbeR of people who have signed the Journal petition to save Evesham's Community Hospital has more than doubled over the past week with more than 8,000 people now calling for plans to close two wards to be scrapped. And the first batch of more than

Date

Mayor unveils banner to highlight campaign

Evesham mayor and chairman of the Friends of Evesham Hospital Frances Smith, said she was delighted with the response to the campaign so far. "The number of people who have responded shows that this is a matter of very real concern to a lot of people

Date

Hundreds expected at hospital meeting

HUNDREDS of people angry about threatened hospital cuts are expected to attend a mass meeting in Evesham Public Hall tomorrow. The open briefing meeting at 7pm is aimed at giving people more information about the proposed closures at Evesham Community

Date

Hundreds sign

Hundreds of people have already signed the petition circulating in the Vale objecting to the proposals. The mayor, Frances Smith said: "This is even before we have got them all out. They are going into post offices, chemists, petrol stations, surgeries

Date

GP's speech to conference

Evesham GP Dr Martin Ounsted raised the Evesham situation when he spoke at a national conference in London last Thursday. He said the loyal support of current and previous GPs in Evesham Community Hospital for a pittance was rewarded with the proposal

Date

Living in an unreal world

A PERSHORE couple are incensed at the possibility of The Willows at Evesham Community Hospital closing in a bid to save the Primary Care Trust money. Ray Lewis, of Woodward Road, said that his wife Pat had a stroke seven years ago and, after the initial

Date

Click-on website to save hospital

THE launch this week of the website by Evesham Technology marked a big step forward in the Journal-backed Save Our Hospital campaign. The Evesham Community Hospital Action Group under the leadership of the mayor, Councillor Frances Smith, who is also

Date

MD calls for businesses to put weight behind the campaign

THE managing director of an Evesham company has vowed to back our campaign all the way. Richard Austin, of Evesham Technology, said: "I was appalled when I heard about the plans for the hospital. "Cutting down on local, easy to get to hospital beds can

Date

Vandals strike again

ORGANISERS of a Kidderminster disabled people's club feel "the members are losing out" after being targeted by vandals for the second time in three months. Secretary of Kidderminster and District Disabled Club, Fred Ballard, said he could not believe

Date

Inspired to run by loss of friend

THE life of murdered Blakedown man, Paul Tanner, will be commemorated by his flatmate when he runs in next month's Flora London Marathon. Guy Moreve started running in a bid to come to terms with his grief after his friend was stabbed to death in Birmingham

Date

£13,200 paid for film poster

A RARE vintage film poster with a Kidderminster link has been sold for a staggering £13,200 - more than double what was expected - at auction at Christies in London. The poster was produced for the classic 1945 Ealing Studios chiller, Dead Of Night, which

Date

Karen ready for polar challenge

POLAR bear encounters and temperatures that drop to minus 50C are just some of the challenges that face Caunsall's Karen Harper. The 39-year-old sports therapist will be making her way across the Arctic to the North Pole, in aid of charity. With her team-mate

Date

Award joy for policewoman

A KIDDERMINSTER policewoman has been recognised for her dedication and competence in a national award scheme. Det Insp Amanda Bott has won the Excellence in Performance category in the inaugural British Association for Women in Policing awards. Launched

Date

Stylists in final with flying colours

CREATIVE stylists at a Bewdley hair salon are celebrating reaching the regional finals of a prestigious industry competition. A team from Abacus Hair Studio, in High Street, will be trying to impress the judges in the L'Oreal Colour Trophy heats. The

Date

Police warning to illegal parkers

POLICE have said "there are no excuses" for residents parking illegally in Bewdley following the completion of the flood defences. While work was taking place, officers acknowledged the loss of parking both on Severnside South and Gardners Meadow car

Date

National prize for write stuff

A KIDDERMINSTER-based charity, which aims to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities, has won a prestigious national award. The British Institute of Learning Disabilities - BILD - based at Campion House in Green Street, received recognition

Date

Phones giant in job boost

UP to 20 jobs could be created in Kidderminster with the opening of a new mobile phone shop. Phones 4U, in Vicar Street, is one of 100 new stores to open across the UK. The shop unit, previously occupied by Shoe Express, had been closed since January.

Date

Massive rise in charity giving

CANCER research fund-raisers in Wyre Forest are celebrating a record year after almost doubling their previous best by raising more than £62,000. The district's Cancer Research UK committee has handed over £62,811 to fund research. Committee treasurer

Date

Offenham

FLORAL ART SOCIETY: The Offenham Floral Art Society held a very enjoyable meeting on March 1. The demonstration was excellent, with top quality flowers beautifully arranged, which were later raffled, to the delight of the six winners. The two competitions

Date

Pershore

LADIES' GUILD: At the meeting held on March 7, the chairman welcomed all attending on a very wet day and gave a special welcome back to Connie Orwin who had not been able to attend for some time due to ill health. She also presented a rose and congratulated

Date

Willersey

MOBILE LIBRARY: The next visits of the Gloucestershire Mobile Library will be on Tuesdays, March 14 and 28 calling at Collin Close between 2.40pm and 3pm and at the Bell Inn from 3.05pm to 3.35pm. MOBILE POLICE STATION: The next visit will be on Friday

Date

Sedgeberrow

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN'S SECTION: The March meeting was held in the Betteridge Room. After the business as the original speaker was unable to attend a member, Mrs Lewis, stepped in and gave a talk accompanied with slides of the Well Dressings. Mrs

Date

Evesham

OLDER PEOPLE'S FORUM: The next meeting of Evesham and District Older People's Forum will take place on Tuesday at Wallace House, Oat Street at 2pm. Entertainment will be provided by the Salford Priors Theatre 40min Group. Members and non-members welcome

Date

27/5/05 - Prize night for Malvern anglers

MALVERN United Angling Association held their AGM and prize-giving at the Newtown Club, Malvern Link. The evening was very well attended by members new and old. Chairman Phil Harding thanked the committee for their efforts over the past season, especially

Date

Squad boost for City test

SATURDAY'S trip to Southern League Premier Division title favourites Salisbury City might not be the "home banker" the league table might suggest. The Wiltshire outfit had managed to scrape together just eight points from seven league matches before Tuesday's

Date

Jones books Old Boys date in Knockout final

HOLDERS Moreton Wanderers reached the Birdseye Sports Evesham and District Sunday League's Knockout Cup final with victory at Mickleton Rangers. A first half effort from Lee Oxley gave Wanderers the lead before a second half own goal secured a safe passage

Date

Crossing to provide safer route for pupils-

WORK has begun on installing a zebra crossing in Cookley to provide a safer route to school for pupils in the village. It will be located between Lea Lane and Austcliffe Road, near Cookley Sebright Endowed First School, and is expected to be completed

Date

Positive trio top youth poll

THREE teenagers from a Kidderminster school are celebrating electoral success after winning seats in the United Kingdom Youth Parliament - UKYP. Philip Powell, Paul Ingenthron and Gareth Griffiths impressed on their political soapboxes to claim victory

Date

Cricket countdown

KIDDERMINSTER Vict-oria Cricket Club's young all-rounder Andrew Siwicki has set his sights on making an impact in the coming Birmingham League premier division season after taking on extra training. The 19-year-old is rated as a hot prospect for the future

Date

Stourport hockey

STOURPORT Hockey Club are proving age is no barrier with their young-pretenders and their golden oldies storming through to the semi-finals of national competitions. The men's veterans booked their place in the last four of the EH Veterans Cup with a

Date

Kidderminster Hockey

KIDDERMINSTER Ladies had mixed emotions after last weekend's Worcestershire First Division double header ended with a victory and a defeat. Player-of-the-match Kate Jones, Amy Grove, Rachael Wills and Kerry Venskus were all on target in the 4-0 win over

Date

Darts

BLISS Gate extended their unbeaten run to 15 matches with a blistering win over Rising Sun B in the Banks's Bewdley Darts League. Despite Richard Adams losing the first leg to Sun's Shaun Portman, Gate hit back in style with Mat Sheehan, Tim Green, Richard

Date

Trivia

TRIVIA: Bewdley Trivia League's Red Man beat Eagle's Nest, from the Wyre Forest League, to reach the semi-final of the Wyre Forest Cup. Wood Colliers, of the Bewdley League, lost their unbeaten record to Wyre Forest's second-placed Red Man BCC. Leading

Date

Chess

CHESS: Kidderminster Chess Club Knights suffered a 3-1 defeat at Malvern in Division One of the Worcester and District League, denting their hopes of regaining the championship. Individual results (Kidderminster names first): John Wrench 0, B Turner 1

Date

Results and fixtures

FOOTBALL NATIONWIDE CONFERENCE: Harriers 1 (Luke Reynolds), Aldershot 4. Saturday fixture: Hereford v Harriers, 3pm Edgar Street; Tuesday fixture: Harriers v Grays, 7.45pm Aggborough. SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE WEST: Stourport 1 (Mark Hands

Date

Singers will be well-versed after 50-hymn test

CHORISTERS at a Kidderminster church are hoping to last the pace through a marathon musical effort for a charity that helps cancer sufferers. Fund-raising vocalists from St Ambrose Church are filling their lungs in preparation for Saturday's challenge

Date

Fire hits two firms

TWO businessmen saw their stock go up in smoke after a fire hit their factory units in Kidderminster. A fire broke out on Churchfields Business Park in Clensmore Street at around 2.25am on Wednesday last week. Shams UK manager, Martin Evans, said they

Date

Furnace Mill

Despite the low temperatures, a lot of people turned up to fish, and were rewarded with quality catches. Various techniques proved effective, with waggler and pole both used to good effect. Corn seemed to be the favourite bait, but pellet and maggot were

Date

Poole Hall

Wednesday Open, Kingfisher: Tom Cook 65-8 (1), Keith Perrin 61-8 (3), Eddy Foster 30-7 (24). Saturday Open, Heron: Ivan Laight 47-10 (44), Harry Taylor 27-6 (46), Dave Wigzall 12-8 (48).

Date

Pallet fire sparks action call

KIDDERMINSTER residents are calling for action after scores of pallets went up in flames near their homes. For months, residents have been campaigning for the wooden pallets, stored at a business park in Clensmore, to be removed, feeling "it was an accident

Date

Anger at switch of venue

OBJECTORS to controversial development plans for Wolverley's Drakelow Tunnels have reacted furiously to a proposed change of venue for a meeting to thrash out the issue. Wyre Forest District Council chiefs have suggested moving the meeting from its original

Date

Moorlands Farm

Thursday Cost-cutter, 15 fished, Rover, all pools: Dave Highfield (Moorlands) 41-10 (island 13), Andy Newton (Shimano Tipton) 27-3 (Middle 1), Craig Bennett (Worcester) 24-12 (Silver 36). Saturday open, 17, Rover, all pools: Neville Groves (Top 4s) 35

Date

Number of assaults drops

THE number of assaults carried out on people in Wyre Forest are set to fall by almost two thirds during the current year, compared with figures for the same period two years ago. Statistics presented to the district's Community Safety Partnership show

Date

Workers to stage walkout

WYRE Forest residents have been warned to expect disruption in council services as workers stage a one-day walkout over a pension dispute. The industrial action, supported by nine national unions, could result in the doors to payment offices remaining

Date

Future of cottages in doubt as fence erected

MYSTERY surrounds the future of three of Kidderminster's oldest buildings after structural safety fears prompted the erection of protective fencing. Wyre Forest District Council has put up the six-foot fence and closed the footpath around 18th century

Date

Woodward Grosvenors AC

Jam Factory, Sycamore Pool: K Green 20-13.5, S Campbell 12-4.5, P Bruce 10-11.5, T Cooke 10-4, R Campbell 5-12. There will be a contest on Sunday at Townsend Pools. Anglers should meet at the venue at 7.30am.

Date

Stourport

STOURPORT are running out of time in their battle to avoid the drop after being on the receiving end of a battering from Beaco-nsfield SYCOB. Boss Roy Rencher handed former Redditch United and Halesowen Town defender Lee Knight a debut in last weekend's

Date

HETA AC

Home Pool: Des Ravenhall 29-14, Brian Oliver 8-5-8, Alex Hardiman 7-6-8, Ian Moss 4-11-8, John Hodgetts Jnr 3-11. Winter League winners: Vern Wright, Hodgetts, and Steve Farley 206 points. Winter League singles: Oliver 79, Wright and Hodgetts 73.5, Mick

Date

Black Boy AC

Rowley Coppice: B Hudson 5-8, P Walker 5-0, R Babb 3-7. The next match will be at Witley Fisheries on April 2. Anglers should meet at Dog Lane car park at 8am, or Areley Kings crossroads at 8.05am. The draw will be made at 8.30am.

Date

Award for town's work to highlight the river

EVESHAM's work to revitalise the area round the Avon has been recognised with the presentation of a national award. The project to utilise its waterway as a recreational and visitor resource won the Recreation and Tourism category of the 2006 Waterways

Date

Banksiders

Solhampton Farm, Duck Pool: Trevor Hyrons 11-1 (one carp), Andy Vickers 8-9, John Hancocks 6-0. There will be a contest on the Stackpool on Sunday - anglers are asked to meet at the venue at 7.30am. For further information telephone 0775 9165 381.

Date

Top tips to keep hackers at bay

BUSINESSES are to be given tips on how to beat computer hackers by IT boffins at Kidderminster College. The college's ICT services department is running a free, two-hour security awareness seminar, for small to medium-sized companies, in Kiddermin-ster

Date

Parents pleased but Budget bashes pubs

YESTERDAY'S Budget, which promised a massive investment in education, received a muted response in the Vale yesterday. Increases of 9p on a packet of cigarettes and a penny on a pint were regarded with resignation rather than resentment and the threatened

Date

First fanfare for business community's project

THE Vale of Evesham's business community will be meeting in the Northwick Hotel, Evesham, next Thursday over a business lunch to launch the Vale 100 Business Forum on behalf of the Vale of Evesham Commerce and Tourism Association. Vernon Powell, the new

Date

Award hopes

A CAR repair business with an outlet in Kidderminster has been shortlisted for two awards in a competition for franchises. ChipsAway Inter-national, which has a branch in Arthur Road, is among contenders for the Franchise Marketing Awards. Winners will

Date

Toni's delight

AN ANONYMOUS donor has made a huge difference to a youngster's education after thieves stole a listening device from her school, last month. Toni Ward, of Harvington CofE First School was delighted when she found out this week, that the radio aid, worth

Date

Weather puts paid to Vale man's record

ATROCIOUS weather conditions in the Pacific have left a courageous pilot's record breaking dreams in tatters. Manuel Queiroz from Pirton, near Pershore, has spent the last week in Hawaii having to wait patiently for the bad weather to pass, before he

Date

Millar makes mark

Bredon 1, Evesham U-9 2 EVESHAM had more of the attacking play with the elements in their favour in the first half. Although guilty of missing good chances early on, two goals in quick succession from top scorer Joe Millar gave them a deserved half-time

Date

Girls' football

HOLLY Baron scored the only goal of the game as Ferndale under-10s won 1-0 at West Hagley in a friendly in bitterly cold conditions. The under-14s Youth had a rare off-day, losing 3-1 to FC Phoenix despite taking the lead through Becks Jones.

Date

Defence stays firm

Callowbrook Swifts 0, Evesham Utd U-12 B 1 FINE defensive work from Josh Woods and James Hitchman helped repel early Swifts pressure before Joe Iorns replied with a United effort that was unlucky not to find the back of the net. Evesham's improved attacking

Date

Cycle the trail and help St John funds

CYCLISTS who want to see the Vale's famous blossom trail can also raise money for a good cause and pick up a free T-shirt. The annual Blossom Trail Bikeaway is planned for Sunday, April 23 and will be the main fund-raising event of the year for St John

Date

Tigers tamed

Evesham Utd Robins U-12 2, Oldbury Pk Tigers 1 THERE were chances at both ends but the first half ended goalless in the windy conditions. It didn't take long for the deadlock to be broken after the restart when Timothy Di Franco's pass led to Bradley

Date

Church packed for farewell to Beverley

FAMILY and friends of Beverley Ann Paul, the teenager killed in a car accident two weeks ago, said farewell on Thursday at her funeral. St Peter's Church in Bengeworth, Evesham, was packed as people from all over the town came to pay tribute to the 18

Date

Mum calls for safety on bypass

AN Evesham mother is calling for the introduction of safety measures on a stretch of road between the Twyford island and Badsey island on the Evesham bypass. Ann Williams, of Kings Road, wants to see the introduction of double white lines and extra signs

Date

Campaign group is standing down

THE action group set up to co-ordinate the Save Our Hospital campaign to prevent closure of The Willows and Bredon wards and the removal of orthopaedic services at Evesham Community Hospital is standing down. "As the proposals we opposed have not been

Date

Decision date

The decision not to make a decision at yesterday's meeting of the PCT was revealed by chief executive Mike Ridley on their official website last Friday. Under the heading "Primary Care Trust Reacts to Evesham Responses", Mr Ridley wrote: "It was said

Date

Mayor invites PM to see our hospital

THE mayor of Evesham, Councillor Frances Smith has invited Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Secretary of State for Health, Patricia Hewitt to visit Evesham Community Hospital. "I want them to see for themselves the excellent services provided and the

Date

Kidderminster Carolians

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians produced their worst display of the season as they lost 31-12 at home to Old Halesonians in a friendly. The Marlpool Lane men were five points down within five minutes when poor tackling allowed an opposition forward to crash over

Date

Cleobury Mortimer

CLEOBURY Mortimer's pre-Twickenham confidence took a knock as they lost 31-15 to Droitwich in their re-arranged Midlands Four West South clash. Cleobury, who travel to rugby HQ for the Powergen Junior Vase final on April 9, had to chop and change because

Date

Injury-hit ladies hang on to bring back point

Leominster 1, Evesham Utd Ladies 1 ON A bumpy pitch Sunday's visitors were a goal up inside the first minute but found themselves hanging on at the end after injuries reduced them to nine players. Sam Perry shot wide from the opening Evesham attack but

Date

Hick is 21 not out for Worcs

WORCESTERSHIRE'S players reported back for the first day of pre-season training yesterday and veteran batsman Graeme Hick is eagerly anticipating the start of his 21st season at New Road. He said: "When you start back in pre-season training you start

Date

Lift-off for new sponsor

APOLLO 2000, Worcestershire's main sponsor for the forthcoming season, have vowed to make a 'substantial commitment' to the club. The electrical retailers -- who were officially unveiled as the County's new backer yesterday -- have signed a one-year contract

Date

Yates set to snap up new players

MARK Yates is hoping to add 'two, possibly three' new faces to his beleaguered Kidderminster Harriers squad before the Nationwide Conference transfer window closes at 5pm today. Defender Junior Osborne, the pacy youngster who was at Aggborough on a work

Date

Three in cannabis case are given bail

THREE people arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis following a Kidderminster police raid have been released on police bail, pending further inquiries. A man from Kidderminster as well as a man and a woman from Tenbury Wells were arrested following

Date

It's great to be back

THE PAT SANDERSON COLUMN IT is great to be back playing and I really enjoyed turning out for the 'A' team on Monday night. I felt really good after the game and it was so pleasing to score a couple of tries and get the win. The thing is I absolutely love

Date

Arsonists sink boat

ARSONISTS are believed to be behind a fire that caused a narrowboat to sink in the canal in Kidderminster on Monday. Firefighters from Kidderminster, Stourport and Worcester were called out to a stretch of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, opposite

Date

Awards for sports aces

TALENTED sports stars are being recognised at a prestigious ceremony tonight. The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Sports Partnership Awards will reward achievement and dedication across the two counties. Eleven categories, which cover Herefordshire for

Date

League place is secured by city

WORCESTER Men's Firsts secured their Coaching Solutions Midlands One place for next season. They secured an emphatic 3-1 win at workman-like Rugby whose own relegation worries were compounded. Worcester dominated the opening exchanges with Alex Kotlarsewski

Date

Two years in jail for sex assaults

THREE teenage girls were sexually molested by the same man after he asked them whether they had boyfriends. Richard Boyd attacked a 15-year-old in an underpass, a 17-year-old at a railway station and another 17-year-old outside a hairdresser's shop. He

Date

3,273 sign up to save hospital

A staggering 3,273 people have signed the Journal's petition to save Evesham's Community Hospital in the two weeks since the Battle of Evesham 2005 was launched. And a further 102 residents have written letters objecting to the proposed £4m cuts announced

Date

Volunteers asked to show heart

CARING Broadway residents who have an ability to handle stressful situations are urged to join a voluntary scheme that helps save lives across Worcestershire. Hereford and Worcestershire Ambulance Service NHS trust is setting up a Community First Responder

Date

Rare sighting of barn owl raises hopes for future

IT is unfortunate that probably one of England's most charismatic birds, the barn owl, has for the last 100 or so years, seen a constant decline in numbers. Intensive agriculture, developments and increased road traffic have all taken their toll over

Date

23/3/06 - Hick is 21 not out for Worcs

WORCESTERSHIRE'S players reported back for the first day of pre-season training yesterday and veteran batsman Graeme Hick is eagerly anticipating the start of his 21st season at New Road. He said: "When you start back in pre-season training you start

Date

Organ recital season finale

THE Evesham and District Music Club ends a most splendid 57th season with an organ recital at All Saints Church, Evesham, next Tuesday, March 28, given by Christopher Monckton, a musician of international repute. He is based mainly in France where he

Date

23/3/06 - Lift-off for new sponsor

APOLLO 2000, Worcestershire's main sponsor for the forthcoming season, have vowed to make a 'substantial commitment' to the club. The electrical retailers -- who were officially unveiled as the County's new backer yesterday -- have signed a one-year contract

Date

COUNCILLORS WON'T HELP US

RESIDENTS living by Grove Farm have hit out at councillors who they claim are not giving them enough support as they fight to defeat plans for a business park. Worcester MP Mike Foster has been handling complaints from residents and says he "lost count

Date

Benefits all round from new offices

LONG-serving National Farmers' Union secretaries in South Warwickshire have moved into new offices for the Stratford branch. There to mark the opening of the new premises on the Goldicote Business Park in Banbury Road were the new NFU president, Peter

Date

Jon is pride of college

THERE were celebrations all round at Pershore College when Jonathan Tame, a second year student at the college, won the regional heat of the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition. This is the third successive year that a Pershore student has represented

Date

BLOOD BROTHERS Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton Until Saturday

AS a first-timer to this show, I was warned about the heart-breaking ending and had my hankies at the ready. But I wished someone had also told me about the dramatic special effects at the end which had me and everyone in my section of the theatre literally

Date

PRESENT LAUGHTER Malvern Theatres Until Saturday

SIMON Callow is perfectly cast as the devastatingly handsome Garry Essendine in this splendid Noel Coward play. Despite the fact he is nearing middle age, everyone Garry encounters - both male and female - ends up totally infatuated with him. Coward wrote

Date

Council bosses say we're ready for staff strikes

RESIDENTS of Worcestershire are being urged not to panic over essential council services being affected by a strike next week. Public sector unions recently balloted for a national walkout on Tuesday, March 28. It is expected more than 6,000 staff locally

Date

Ferryman is shining example of a hero

A MAN who helped set up the new Cathedral Ferry in Worcester 23 years ago has been awarded for the outstanding contribution he has made to Worcestershire's waterways. Mark Glossop is a shining example of the kind of people we are highlighting in our Pride

Date

Lions roar to the aid of a Worcester youth group

A KIND-hearted organisation has saved a city youth group's summer activities by donating £1,000. More than 160 members of St Peter's Youth Opportun-ities group faced a gloomy summer when the club ran out of funds. Now, thanks to the Worcester Lions Club

Date

Saddle up for racing night and help charity

A RACING evening with a twist will raise funds for St Richard's Hospice, thanks to the county's Businesswoman of the Year. Esther Ruggiero, who was awarded the title in June by organisers St Richard's Hospice, will host the event at her company's headquarters

Date

Your chance to talk to artists and poets

WORCESTER residents who appreciate artistic innovation are invited to the SpeakEasyExperience at The Firefly, in Lowesmoor, on Monday night. Fresh from Ronnie Scott's and the Jazz Caf, acclaimed lyricist and performer Vici Lowrence is the guest performer

Date

'Chemical attack' is dealt with by crews

MOTORISTS passing the cattle market could have been forgiven for thinking Worcester was under chemical attack. Firefighters dressed in special protective suits could be seen hosing down the area and each other this week. The suits were all part of an

Date

Thanks a half million, Babs

A WOMAN inspired by her son's death to help others has been honoured for raising £500,000 for charity. Barbara Ludwig, of Athelstan Road, Battenhall, Worcester, has collected the money for Cancer Research UK since the death of her son Stuart from a brain

Date

Musical based on classic story

A TALE of romance and the battle between good and evil will be brought to life in Stourport. The Stourport Choral and Operatic Society will present Jekyll and Hyde from Monday, April 3 until Saturday, April 8 at the town's Civic Hall. It will be the Midlands

Date

Poems are perfect recipt for chef

AN Abberley chef has found writing poetry to be a great healer and is now preparing for his first book to be published. Alan Penrose, who lives at The Elms Hotel in the village near Stourport, where he also works, began writing poetry to help him come

Date

Museum offering fun for children

YOUNG visitors to Bewdley Museum can enjoy a feast of activities when it reopens for its new season. A giant jigsaw, objects to touch and feel and spot the difference photographs are some of the new activities aimed at encouraging younger visitors to

Date

Lighting up the riverside

THE riverside in Bewdley will be lit up by a "spectacular" display of illuminated sculptures and fireworks on Saturday. It promises to be one of the highlights of the Rediscover Bewdley weekend and will take place along the River Severn between 5pm and

Date

Aiming to help charity

DARTS players will be rolling out the barrel to raise money for charity as part of the Rediscover Bewdley festivities. Members of the Banks's Bewdley Darts League are doing a sponsored beer barrel pull in fancy dress on Saturday. The darters will start

Date

Striking artwork on show at exhibition

IMAGINATIVE and striking artwork will be on display at Bewdley Institute from Saturday until Thursday, March 30. The Bewdley Gateway Exhibition, the first of what is expected to be an annual exhibition, was devised as part of the Rediscover Bewdley weekend

Date

Focus on photographs

COLOURFUL and creative images produced by a Kidderminster photographer are on display at Kidderminster Library. Malcolm Lane, who has been interested in photography since he was 16, is hosting an exhibition of his work. He turned professional two years

Date

Nature inspires poet's new collection

POEMS inspired by nature and life experiences feature in a new collection from a Cleobury Mortimer poet. David Walford, of Bristol Place is celebrating the release of his second book of poems, titled Azimuth. The 57-year-old, who has also had 59 poems

Date

Record label offers help for musicians

A NEW Kidderminster-based record label is helping to promote up and coming music artists and offering the opportunity to feature on an album. Twisted Melon Records is looking for solo acts, singers, rappers, poets, MCs and DJs. One of the 15 Wyre Forest

Date

Crafts go on display

CRAFTY Wyre Forest residents have been invited to display their talents at an event in Stourport. Zoe Coldicott is organising a craft fair at Stourport Civic Hall on Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6. Mrs Coldicott, who lives in Worcester and makes

Date

Step back in time to discover town's past

HISTORY lovers will have the chance to step back in time and find out more about Bewdley's past. As part of the Rediscover Bewdley weekend, which will take place, on Saturday, and Sunday, the Bewdley Historical Research Group will host a heritage display

Date

Big money was myth, says Yates

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have admitted that the "substantial funds" they trumpeted upon Mark Yates's arrival as manager do not exist. Chairman Barry Norgrove pledged that there would be a lump sum of money set aside for team strengthening when the new boss

Date

Tough choice but best PCT option

DR Richard Taylor MP was understandably saddened and disappointed at the impending disappearance of Wyre Forest Primary Care Trust (Shuttle Times and News, March 9). As chairman and one of seven non-executives, I can confirm that we are extremely unhappy

Date

New map for walkers

WALKERS will have no trouble accessing all areas of the Wyre Forest thanks to a new Ordnance Survey - OS - map. The new OS Explorer map has been revised to include areas previously closed to the public but which walkers now have the access rights to.

Date

Iyseden was not an idol - Yates

MARK Yates has revealed that departed goal hero Iyseden Christie is not the idol that some Harriers fans might think - after defending his decision to sell the top scorer. Yates has come under fire for cashing in on Christie at the end of January, especially

Date

Harriers might make a move for Bishop

EX Harrier Andy Bishop has emerged as an end-of-season target for Mark Yates - after the Aggborough boss said he failed with a swoop to land the York goal machine before transfer deadline day. Yates admitted he was interested in talking to Bishop, who

Date

Town choirs boost tsunami appeal

THE magnificent sum of £12,017. 65p has been raised for the Band of West Mercia Constabulary's Sri Lanka appeal over the last year. Our initial target was £10,000 but the generosity of the community, including children, helped us to pass that figure.

Date

Day for carers wins top marks

A SPECIAL day for carers was held on March 11 at St Chad's Church, Kidderminster. It was an interesting and informative day, which included information stands, therapies and pampering, people on hand to give advice, easy exercise sessions, and an excellent

Date

Concert boosts Christian Aid

Thank you for putting in a notice and a picture of Julie and Charlotte describing the Spring Light Classical Concert in aid of Christian Aid at the Methodist Centre on Saturday, March 4. Largely as a result of the good publicity in the Advertiser, over

Date

Biting criticism

THE recent division by the council to invite mobile food vendors into the town centre flies in the face of all attempts made by the NHS on obesity awareness. Obesity is probably one of the most worrying issues to face the NHS in the 21st century; indeed

Date

Harriers postbag

LAST Saturday's performance by the Harriers was, in my opinion, shapeless, witless, spineless and certainly the worst I can recall. The pre-match team cuddle supposedly to indicate team unity, responsibility and commitment, is a pathetic gesture and is

Date

Future of hospital services in the Vale far from healthy

AS major changes in the structure of the health service are under consideration, the government has announced that most Primary Care Trusts in the West Midlands would lose cash payments they had been expecting. The prognosis for the future of the service

Date

COMING SOON IN YOUR WORCESTER NEWS - GREAT OFFERS AND COMPETITIONS PLUS HUNDREDS OF JOBS, CARS AND H

Date

Brian is the best

IN CALMER weather conditions than of late, Evesham's experienced Division One player, Brian Campbell, shot a career-best gross 70 in the club's March Stableford. Playing off six, Campbell amassed 44 points to win from Geoff Insall (40). In Division Two

Date

Win chance to try karate out for free

THROUGH the martial art discipline of karate, children of all ages are actively involved in learning how to improve their awareness, health, confidence and the ability to defend themselves. Karate - loosely translated as "empty hand" - is one of the mostly

Date

Abby's bid for beauty crown

A YOUNG woman from Stourport hopes to turn a few heads and represent the country's second city when she enters a leading beauty contest next month. Abby Bastock, of Stoney Lane, Crossway Green is set to compete against dozens of other contestants with

Date

Witney woe

Evesham U-14 5pts, Witney 38 EVESHAM went into the game full of confidence on the strength of a string of good results. They put the visitors under immediate pressure and drove them back on a number of occasions but it was the visitors who scored first

Date

Sheltered Seedhouse earns success

Evesham Jubilee Society LAST Saturday's Open Match on the Jubilee Pool was fished in bitterly cold and windy conditions and only a few fish were feeding. Drawn in a sheltered area (peg 36) and also a 'Golden Peg', Phil Seedhouse found nine carp to win

Date

Weather puts paid to Vale man's record

ATROCIOUS weather conditions in the Pacific have left a courageous pilot's record breaking dreams in tatters. Manuel Queiroz from Pirton, near Pershore, has spent the last week in Hawaii having to wait patiently for the bad weather to pass, before he

Date

Brockencote WI

THE talk at the February meeting at Chaddesley Corbett village hall was on 'Violin Making' and members appreciated the pleasant, light hearted, informative description of the art of making such a wonderful instrument by Mr B Owen. An explanation was given

Date

Blackwell and Burcot WI

THE March meeting was given the sad news that Roma Norton, Jetta Reading's mother, had passed away aged 101. Members were then told about the recent quiz when our team scored 62 points, coming fifth with the top score being 71. There was also information

Date

Claire writes poem on mobile

A POET from Evesham was so eager to get down her latest poem she wrote it on her mobile phone. Claire Pattison, from Bengeworth, picked the title for her poem, One Wish, from a collection of titles available for poets to choose from to be published in

Date

Astley Horticultural Society

THE annual spring show will be held in Astley village hall on Saturday. The doors will open at 3pm. The show will include a section for children's exhibits. Some produce and flowers will be auctioned at the end of the show. The daffodil section has only

Date

BBC wildlife man displays his work

THE cameraman behind some of the BBC's most popular wildlife documentaries will be showcasing his talent in a new exhibition at Chipping Norton Theatre. A specialist in time-lapse photography, his work has been seen recently on the BBC series Life in

Date

Villagers' forum to monitor quarry

RESIDENTS in Bidford and Salford Priors who won the battle against a mineral works near their homes are continuing their fight to stop any future development. Villagers joined forces last year to stop a minerals company Cemex from extending their site

Date

Cookley WI

JUDY Berrow was a recent speaker, showing slides while she told how she transformed an acre of derelict land at Chaddesley Corbett into a garden which is featured in the National Gardens Scheme. A party of members visited the Swan Theatre, Worcester.

Date

Classical Music Society

LAURETTA Bloomer gave her second recital for the society, having previously visited with cello Robert Putowski. Her programme comprised two Joseph Haydn Sonatas, Clara Schumann's Quatre Pices Fugitives, Robert Schumann's Drei Romanzen, and the music of

Date

Kidderminster and District Archaeological and Historical Society

"LORD Cochrane - the Forgotten Hero" is the subject of John Cotterell's talk on Wednesday. Meetings are held at St George's Church annexe, Radford Avenue, Kidderminster, on the first, second, fourth and fifth Wednesdays of each month, between October

Date

Wyre Forest Camcorder Club

PENRIDGE Multimedia managing director Martin Brookes was the guest speaker at the March 14 meeting. He explained that this locally company started in Hartlebury then moved to Droitwich. Then Mr Brookes gave a brief history of videotapes. Sales manager

Date

Ramblers Association

THE Wyre Forest group's next walk will be on Sunday at Hagley. This is a five mile walk, and ramblers are advised to take a packed lunch. Those taking part should meet at New Road car park, Kidderminster, at 10am. Telephone the walk leaders on 01299 827883

Date

23/1/06 - Results round-up

SATURDAY SOCCER NATIONWIDE CONFERENCE Hereford United 2 Crawley Town 1; Kidderminster Harriers 2 Scarborough 1. NATIONWIDE NORTH Gainsborough Trinity 0 Worcester City 1; Redditch United 3 Vauxhall Motors 0. SOUTHERN LEAGUE Premier Division: Mangotsfield

Date

9/1/06 - Weekend county results round-up

SATURDAY FOOTBALL NATIONWIDE CONFERENCE Scarborough 0 Hereford United 1; Woking 0 Kidderminster Harriers 1. NATIONWIDE NORTH Leigh RMI 2 Redditch United 1; Worcester City 2 Kettering Town 0. SOUTHERN LEAGUE Premier Division: Evesham United 3 Rugby Town

Date

12/12/05 - Weekend county results round-up

SATURDAY SOCCER Nationwide Conference Accrington Stanley 2 Kidderminster Harriers 0; Hereford United 1 York City 0. Nationwide North Barrow 1 Redditch United 1; Worcester City 1 Worksop Town 1. Southern League Premier Division: Evesham United 0 Banbury

Date

Live Wyres

THE group for social singles meets at various public houses at 8.45pm, and the following have been organised: Tuesday, Whittington Inn, Kinver; Wednesday,Perdiswell, Worcester. Anyone interested in attending can just go along, or for further details please

Date

28/3/05 - Weekend county results

SATURDAY COCA-COLA LEAGUE TWO Darlington 0 Kidderminster Harriers 2. NATIONWIDE NORTH Redditch United 2 Kettering Town 3. SOUTHERN LEAGUE Division One West: Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Sutton Coldfield 0; Evesham United 3 Stourport Swifts 0. TRAVEL FACTORY ALLIANCE

Date

21/2/05 - Weekend county results round-up

SATURDAY SOCCER COCA-COLA LEAGUE TWO Shrewsbury Town 4 Kidderminster Harriers 2. NATIONWIDE CONFERENCE Hereford United 1 Canvey Island 0. NATIONWIDE NORTH Ashton United 2 Redditch United 3; Worcester City 1 Vauxhall Motors 0. SOUTHERN LEAGUE Division

Date

26/4/04 - Weekend county results round-up

SATURDAY NATIONWIDE LEAGUE Division Three: Kidderminster Harriers 0 Rochdale 1. NATIONWIDE CONFERENCE Hereford United 2 Chester City 1. DR MARTENS LEAGUE Premier Division: Grantham Town 4 Worcester City 3. Western Division: Mangotsfield Utd 4 Bromsgrove

Date

23/3/06 - City ace Danks signs contract

PROLIFIC Mark Danks admits he had no hesitation committing to Worcester City. Mirroring a move made by City goalkeeper Danny McDonnell last month, the aggressive 22-year-old penned a deal keeping him at St George's Lane until the end of the 2007/08 season

Date

Judo joy at mat cash

FIGHTING fit members of a thriving Redditch judo club have thanked town organisations for helping them buy much-needed new equipment. MF1306001 Forge Judo Club is delighted with its new training mat, which was bought with donations totalling £4,000. The

Date

Derrick beat the bulldozers

DERRICK Bright is something of an unsung hero - but his persistence in lobbying the city council has earned him recognition from our Pride In Worcestershire campaign. Mr Bright, a retired ice cream man, saved hundreds of houses from being knocked down

Date

The historian who discovered a hero

A KIND-HEARTED villager who works tirelessly for his community has been nominated for the Worcester News's Pride in Worcestershire Campaign. Nils Wilkes, of Eckington, near Pershore, spends hours each week keeping the village war memorials immaculate.

Date

White ten bobs

SIR - May I ask your readers for some information? Sir John Swanwick Breadbury, secretary to the treasury (1913-1919) introduced white ten shillings and one pound notes to saving using gold as currency. Has anyone ever seen one or handled one? J H GILLIARD

Date

Everyone's a winner when Margaret is playing bingo

MARGARET Green has an eye for a bargain and is always looking out for special deals and two-for-one offers. But the 46-year-old's bargain hunting is all in aid of raffles, bingo prizes and tombola stalls. Her fund-raising efforts are so remarkable that

Date

Wallet thief made my life difficult

SIR - I refer to your article headlined "Watch your handbags" in Worcester News, on Saturday, March 11. Like most people, I never thought this would happen to me, but on Saturday, March 4, I had my wallet stolen while in Marks &S pencer. The staff

Date

Give Youngsters a sporting chance

SIR - The council and housing associations should bring all their empty properties into use as quick as possible - and people who buy a second home should be capped at the amount of rent they charge. The excess rent stops young people getting on the property

Date

Super gran has spent her life caring for kids

A GREAT-grandmother who has dedicated her life to caring for children has been nominated for the Pride in Worcestershire campaign. Helena Morris is a prime example of the type of person the Worcester News celebrates, for making an outstanding contribution

Date

I've got the best collection of these flowers in Britain

A MAN who lives and breathes exotic plants has been nominated for a Pride in Worcestershire certificate for nurturing splashes of South African colour in his greenhouse. Martin Smith is such a successful grower of proteas (also spelled protias), a plant

Date

People have missed point over Perdiswell

SIR - The arguments about tree felling on Perdiswell have missed the main point about what has been happening on our public open space. Over the last few years, a number of long fences have been constructed, ostensibly to protect the large number of trees

Date

Sir Michael: The witness to history

THE Swinging Sixties were just revving up when Michael Spicer challenged Emmanuel Shinwell in the Easington constituency at the 1966 General Election. The clash was symptomatic of the seismic changes then occurring in Britain - the young buck calling

Date

Sri Lanka venture

A BIG-hearted Redditch couple will be building houses and friendships in a Sri Lankan village devastated by the tsunami. Ann Chandler and Colin Hornsby, of Hither Green Lane, are appealing for help in raising the £3,000 needed to take part in the house

Date

Arrows part with pints

GOOD sports from Redditch Arrows rolled up their sleeves to show support for the National Blood Service (NBS). Several members parted with a pint of blood on Friday at St Luke's Memorial Hall in Evesham Road, Headless Cross. The Arrows, part of the British

Date

Top hits covered

POPULAR hits by Stereophonics, David Gray and Bryan Adams will be performed at a Kidderminster pub on Saturday. Covers group, The Little A Band, who formed in 2002, will play at Jacksons in Marlpool Lane on Saturday. The band consists of drummer Burt

Date

Bringing Baroque era to life

WORCESTERSHIRE'S first performance of a 300-year-old work by composer George Handel will take place in Bewdley this weekend. As part of the Rediscover Bewdley event, the Worcester-based Elgar Chorale and Camerata will be performing in St Anne's Church

Date

Operatic Society to offer feast of music

MEMBERS of Kidderminster Choral Society will take to the stage to perform two contrasting pieces of music at Kidderminster Town Hall on Saturday. The concert will start at 7.30pm and the society will be joined by soprano, Elizabeth Macdonald, contralto

Date

Dynamic duo take up capital challenge

A FATHER and daughter team have been inspired to run the London Marathon in memory of the wife and stepmother they lost to breast cancer. Student Bethany Dagger, 20, and her dad Bob, 54, of Station Road, Alcester, have joined forces to run together to

Date

5/1/06 - Weekend county football fixtures

SATURDAY WORCESTER & DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division: Hanley Swan v Welland Athletic (C Husband); Lamb & Flag v Pershore Manor Rovers (B Nyatanga); Powick v Hallow WMC (J Wynne); Tolladine Sports v Martley Spurs (P Fowler). Division One: Inkberrow

Date

8/12/05 - All the county soccer fixtures

SATURDAY WORCESTER & DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division: Hallow WMC v Powick (K Ruff); Martley Spurs v Lamb & Flag (J Wynne); Pershore Manor Rovers v Welland Athletic (R Fisher); Tolladine Sports v Hanley Swan (P Roberts). Division One: Inkberrow

Date

3/11/05 - Weekend sports fixtures around county

SATURDAY WORCESTER AND DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division: Hanley Swan v Pershore Manor Rovers (M Stephens); Welland Athletic v Hallow WMC (P Daffin). Division One: Bromsgrove Corinthians v VBL Sports (N Jeynes); Pershore Manor Res v Goodrest Sports (R

Date

13/10/05 - Weekend county football fixtures

SATURDAY WORCESTER & DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division: Hallow WMC v Tolladine Sports (N Canning); Powick v Hanley Swan (B Nyatanga); Lamb & Flag v Martley Spurs (C Husband); Welland Athletic v Pershore Manor (R Fisher). Division One: Goodrest

Date

21/4/05 - Weekend county soccer fixtures

SATURDAY WORCESTER & DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division: Tolladine Sports v Lamb & Flag (M Stephens). Division One: Hanley Swan v West Malvern (P Tyler); Pershore Manor Res v Inkberrow 'A' Res (K Ruff). KIDDERMINSTER LEAGUE Premier Division: Cookley

Date

17/2/05 - Weekend county soccer fixtures

SATURDAY WORCESTER & DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division: Goodrest Sports v Perrywood (C Husband); All Blacks v Welland Athletic (N Jeynes); Hallow v Lamb & Flag (B Gough); Tolladine Sports v Pershore Manor Rvrs (J Williams). Division One: Koinonia

Date

7/5/04 - Weekend county football fixtures

TOMORROW WORCESTER AND DISTRICT LEAGUE Phipps Cup final: Pershore Manor Rovers v Welland Athletic (at Worcester City FC, 2pm). KIDDERMINSTER LEAGUE Premier Division: Wollescote Sports v Areley Kings. Division One: Cookley Celtic v Bewdley Rovers; George

Date

A bygone age?

WHEN will the film start. If the repairs don't start soon, it will be too late. As the cinema as we knew it, will soon be over. As the film projectors will no longer be used, as we will be in the DVD age. The film companies in Hollywood are trying two

Date

And did those feet?

TONY Blair's record of deceit and his inability to answer a question in an understandable way, leaves me to wonder, if this New Labour Government has an hidden agenda for England and are not to be trusted? The new census forms, soon to be distributed,

Date

Lorries risk

Clampdown on EC lorries. At last someone has taking these people to task, well done Cllr Barnes and MEP Liz Lynne. Twice I have come up against these huge lorries. On the car park at Twyford G.C I watched from my office as a German driver pushed the back

Date

Crossing case

IT seems unfair to blame the County Council for the delay in implementing the disabled access at Evesham railway station. It is surely up to the train companies to provide access to their own services. When the idea of opening up the access from the Old

Date

No meeting of minds

YOUR report on the Cala Housing enquiry I read with interest and in the main agree with the points made. What I did find frustrating were the comments made about the provision of help to the Upper Redesdale Hall. The management committee have some time

Date

Maybe a simple solution

RE: Disabled access at Evesham Station. Why all the fuss, delay and expense about this? The answer is easy; replace the original barrow crossing (just a few sleepers). Install protective signals ("Caution - cross only when light shows"). If this is still

Date

PUGH

PUGH Ray Of Ombersley. Suddenly on March 17th, aged 75 years. Much loved husband of Lou, loving dad of Margaret, Sandra and Graham, father in law of Clive, Kevin and Carol and dear grandad of Sarah, Andrew, Emma, Hannah and Ashley, brother of Irene, Doug

Date

BUNN RNIB

BUNN Charles Joseph Of Hanley Swan. Passed peacefully away on Monday March 20th 2006, aged 83 years. Much loved husband of Dorothy, father and grandfather. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Cremation at Worcester Crematorium on Thursday, March

Date

OAKLEY

OAKLEY Brenda Another year has passed by since we had to part. My memories of you mum are safe locked in my heart. Love always Fay, Geoff and Family. xx. Published in paper 23/03/2006

Date

OAKLEY

OAKLEY Brenda In loving memory of a wonderful wife and mother, who passed away March 23rd, 1992. Love George. Much loved grandson Mark Oakley. March 21st, 2001. Published in paper 23/03/2006

Date

OAKLEY

OAKLEY. Brenda. You are never forgotten. Joe, Jean and Jane. Published in paper 23/03/2006

Date

OAKLEY

OAKLEY Brenda Passed away fourteen years ago today. You've gone from my life mum but you will never go from my heart. I will love you forever. God bless Love from Pat, Martin and grandchildren. Published in paper 23/03/2006

Date

Premier Sodablasting

When Harry Sharp worked with his brother in Arizona, USA in the blast cleaning industry he quickly identified the need for a similar service throughout the Midlands. Originally from Bromsgrove, Harry's company Premier Sodablasting Ltd offers a range of

Date

Shrub Bargains

Shrub Bargains Ltd. is a new venture started up by a couple of local enthusiasts, Chris Cooke and Athol Deakin, and is dedicated to selling shrubs and other garden items at very reasonable prices. The locally-based company, serving Bromsgrove, Worcestershire

Date

Spa Decorators

Founded in 1993 by Gary Rogers and Alan Gandy, Spa Decorators of Droitwich is a thriving business with many satisfied customers in this region and the company is frequently contracted to carry out work across the whole of the UK as well. The full range

Date

Razors

It's now almost two years since Neville Grantham took over at Razors on Worcester Road he admits that the re-fit of the shop has made it difficult to balance family and work, but says the encouragement from his clients has made it all worthwhile. As well

Date

Advanced Heating Services

After trading as Advanced Maintenance Services for over 11 years, the Redditch-based heating design and installation firm now has a new look and a new name to better reflect its professional credentials. "As of April 1, we will be known as Advanced Heating

Date

Great choice for home projects

CUSTOMER service is the key theme at The Granite and Marble Company, which offers a vast range of high quality marble and granite to suit any home or budget. Founded 18 months ago, the company employs experienced fabricators to ensure that customers get

Date

Willersey

MOBILE LIBRARY: The next visits of the Gloucestershire Mobile Library will be on Tuesdays, March 14 and 28 calling at Collin Close between 2.40pm and 3pm and at the Bell Inn from 3.05pm to 3.35pm. MOBILE POLICE STATION: The next visit will be on Friday

Date

Sedgeberrow

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN'S SECTION: The March meeting was held in the Betteridge Room. After the business as the original speaker was unable to attend a member, Mrs Lewis, stepped in and gave a talk accompanied with slides of the Well Dressings. Mrs

Date

Moreton

HISTORY SOCIETY: The annual meeting of Moreton-in-Marsh and District Local History Society was held at the Women's Institute Hall, when the following were re-elected: chairman Guy Stapleton, treasurer John Barnes, secretary Margaret Shepard, committee

Date

Evesham

OLDER PEOPLE'S FORUM: The next meeting of Evesham and District Older People's Forum will take place on Tuesday at Wallace House, Oat Street at 2pm. Entertainment will be provided by the Salford Priors Theatre 40min Group. Members and non-members welcome

Date

Wartime romp one huge laugh

ACKNOWLEDGED by many as one of the funniest plays in the English language the classic British wartime comedy, See How They Run, lands in Malvern from April 3 and promises audiences a good old-fashioned evening of laughter. During Britain's darkest hours

Date

Musical based on classic story

A TALE of romance and the battle between good and evil will be brought to life in Stourport. The Stourport Choral and Operatic Society will present Jekyll and Hyde from Monday, April 3 until Saturday, April 8 at the town's Civic Hall. It will be the Midlands

Date

Talented duo changing face of British opera

THERE was such a time when opera singers were less than svelte and not so youthful in appearance - but those days are well and truly gone, thanks to the arrival of the Operababes. Young, beautiful and exceptionally gifted, it's not hard to see why the

Date

Benefits all round from new offices

LONG-serving National Farmers' Union secretaries in South Warwickshire have moved into new offices for the Stratford branch. There to mark the opening of the new premises on the Goldicote Business Park in Banbury Road were the new NFU president, Peter

Date

Musical based on classic story

A TALE of romance and the battle between good and evil will be brought to life in Stourport. The Stourport Choral and Operatic Society will present Jekyll and Hyde from Monday, April 3 until Saturday, April 8 at the town's Civic Hall. It will be the Midlands

Date

Poems are perfect recipt for chef

AN Abberley chef has found writing poetry to be a great healer and is now preparing for his first book to be published. Alan Penrose, who lives at The Elms Hotel in the village near Stourport, where he also works, began writing poetry to help him come

Date

Museum offering fun for children

YOUNG visitors to Bewdley Museum can enjoy a feast of activities when it reopens for its new season. A giant jigsaw, objects to touch and feel and spot the difference photographs are some of the new activities aimed at encouraging younger visitors to

Date

Feast of music set to suit everyone's taste

HEATHER LARGE reports on events at this weekend's Rediscover Bewdley event ENTERTAINMENT including rock music, jazz and Morris dancing will take place around Bewdley during the weekend. On Saturday, hometown band, The Bravo Boys, will play outside the

Date

Lighting up the riverside

THE riverside in Bewdley will be lit up by a "spectacular" display of illuminated sculptures and fireworks on Saturday. It promises to be one of the highlights of the Rediscover Bewdley weekend and will take place along the River Severn between 5pm and

Date

Aiming to help charity

DARTS players will be rolling out the barrel to raise money for charity as part of the Rediscover Bewdley festivities. Members of the Banks's Bewdley Darts League are doing a sponsored beer barrel pull in fancy dress on Saturday. The darters will start

Date

Signing of book

BEWDLEY author and cyclist, Chris Smith, will be signing copies of his book on Saturday. Chris, who lives in Welch Gate, cycled from Bewdley to Beijing in 2001 and spent 18 months when he returned, writing his book, Why Don't You Fly?. As part of Rediscover

Date

Striking artwork on show at exhibition

IMAGINATIVE and striking artwork will be on display at Bewdley Institute from Saturday until Thursday, March 30. The Bewdley Gateway Exhibition, the first of what is expected to be an annual exhibition, was devised as part of the Rediscover Bewdley weekend

Date

See sights on guided walks

WALKERS can take a stroll along the River Severn and enjoy the countryside around Bewdley as part of the weekend's festivities. Worcestershire County Council's Countryside Service has organised two free guided walks for the Rediscover Bewdley event. "

Date

Memories of floods

MEMORIES of floods in Bewdley and life before the defences will be shared on Sunday. The entertaining talk, titled "Water, Waders and Wainscots", will take place at Bewdley Baptist Church, High Street, between 3pm and 4pm. For further information, contact

Date

Frying up success

A STOURPORT businessman says he is delighted to have battered the opposition in winning this year's Wyre Forest Chip Shop of the Year award. It is the second time Louis Costas, 60, of Riverside Fish Bar has scooped the coveted title which is voted for

Date

Record label offers help for musicians

A NEW Kidderminster-based record label is helping to promote up and coming music artists and offering the opportunity to feature on an album. Twisted Melon Records is looking for solo acts, singers, rappers, poets, MCs and DJs. One of the 15 Wyre Forest

Date

Crafts go on display

CRAFTY Wyre Forest residents have been invited to display their talents at an event in Stourport. Zoe Coldicott is organising a craft fair at Stourport Civic Hall on Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6. Mrs Coldicott, who lives in Worcester and makes

Date

Step back in time to discover town's past

HISTORY lovers will have the chance to step back in time and find out more about Bewdley's past. As part of the Rediscover Bewdley weekend, which will take place, on Saturday, and Sunday, the Bewdley Historical Research Group will host a heritage display

Date

Hall stepping back with the Tudors

HISTORICAL re-enactors will take visitors back to the 15th century when Harvington Hall reopens its doors to the public. The programme of events includes medieval and Civil War re-enactment events on Easter Sunday, April 16 and Monday, April 17 and on

Date

What's On

Events/talks Mar 24-Apr 2 Borderlines Film Festival. Mar 24 Talk by Michael Francis, Why be diplomatic? Is it worth it. College Hall Cloisters, 7pm. Tickets on door or St Ethelberts' Hospital. 25 Health and Healing exhibition, talks/products/services/

Date

Claire writes poem on mobile

A POET from Evesham was so eager to get down her latest poem she wrote it on her mobile phone. Claire Pattison, from Bengeworth, picked the title for her poem, One Wish, from a collection of titles available for poets to choose from to be published in

Date

Where they're still at the cutting edge

TO maintain a successful company over a period of 130 years is an unbelievable achievement; to retain the same family ownership in a competitive and sometimes aggressive market makes this achievement even more remarkable. Frank Hedges and Sons Limited

Date

Euro winners in charity gig

TICKETS are now on sale for a concert with Eurovision Song Contest winners, Brotherhood of Man, in Kidderminster. The four original members of the group will perform at Kidderminster Harriers Social on Saturday, April 8. It will take place during the

Date

Cosy salon

A BEAUTY treatment should leave you feeling totally relaxed as well as looking gorgeous - and Le Spa in Droitwich promises to offer its clients a friendly and comfortable environment in which to receive a range of therapies. The Victoria Square salon

Date

Joint force

FASCIA Fascia is happy to announce that it has joined forces with local company Vision Windows, enabling the two firms to provide double the amount of expertise and experience. As well as the uPVC fascias, soffits and guttering offered by Fascia Fascia

Date

Great advice

TRAIN4SECURITY Limited delivers nationwide courses and workshops tailored to raising the standards of corporate and individual performance. Combining practical experience with industry knowledge, the firm offers companies reliable, high-quality training

Date

Lorries risk

Clampdown on EC lorries. At last someone has taking these people to task, well done Cllr Barnes and MEP Liz Lynne. Twice I have come up against these huge lorries. On the car park at Twyford G.C I watched from my office as a German driver pushed the back

Date

No meeting of minds

YOUR report on the Cala Housing enquiry I read with interest and in the main agree with the points made. What I did find frustrating were the comments made about the provision of help to the Upper Redesdale Hall. The management committee have some time

Date

Maybe a simple solution

RE: Disabled access at Evesham Station. Why all the fuss, delay and expense about this? The answer is easy; replace the original barrow crossing (just a few sleepers). Install protective signals ("Caution - cross only when light shows"). If this is still

Date

The Royal Oak

The Royal Oak is now celebrating its first successful year with the new owners, the Pigott family. There have been major changes with a total refurbishment inside, but the reputation for excellent home-cooked food has continued to go from strength to

Date

The Health and Safety Practice Limited

Struggling to get your health and safety documents up to date? Or don't know where to start? We are a local business offering a low, fixed fee service for small companies comprising of: * An initial visit * Completion of a Health and Safety audit and

Date

Bromsgrove and Redditch Roofing Services

A family business offering three generations of experience, Bromsgrove & Redditch Roofing is dedicated to the highest standards of customer satisfaction and care, with many of the qualified tradesmen having been employed by the company for many years

Date

Offenham

FLORAL ART SOCIETY: The Offenham Floral Art Society held a very enjoyable meeting on March 1. The demonstration was excellent, with top quality flowers beautifully arranged, which were later raffled, to the delight of the six winners. The two competitions

Date

Pershore

LADIES' GUILD: At the meeting held on March 7, the chairman welcomed all attending on a very wet day and gave a special welcome back to Connie Orwin who had not been able to attend for some time due to ill health. She also presented a rose and congratulated

Date

Bourton Vale

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: More than 60 members and friends listened to Val Bourne, a noted horticulturist and author. Val began her career at the National Vegetable Research Station at Wellesbourne. She had copies of her book on sale, and is in the process

Date

A double bill of dancing

THE Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company, the kings and queens of visually stunning contemporary dance, return to the Everyman in Cheltenham with a double bill of dance masterpieces on Tuesday, March 28. Jeyasingh, one of the most exciting and gifted choreographers

Date

Solve murder clues before your pudding

FANS of whodunnits are invited to an evening of entertainment in Cleobury Mortimer. Cleobury Players will host their first murder mystery dinner on Saturday, at Cleobury Golf Club, at 7pm. Twelve members of the group, which is this year celebrating its

Date

Join audience if you dare for real thriller

AUDIENCES will be left on the edges of their seats when a spine-chilling thriller is performed in Blakedown next week. Theatre 282, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary, will present I'll Be Back Before Midnight at Blakedown Parish Rooms, Belbroughton

Date

Rare sighting of barn owl raises hopes for future

IT is unfortunate that probably one of England's most charismatic birds, the barn owl, has for the last 100 or so years, seen a constant decline in numbers. Intensive agriculture, developments and increased road traffic have all taken their toll over

Date

Organ recital season finale

THE Evesham and District Music Club ends a most splendid 57th season with an organ recital at All Saints Church, Evesham, next Tuesday, March 28, given by Christopher Monckton, a musician of international repute. He is based mainly in France where he

Date

Jon is pride of college

THERE were celebrations all round at Pershore College when Jonathan Tame, a second year student at the college, won the regional heat of the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition. This is the third successive year that a Pershore student has represented

Date

BLOOD BROTHERS Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton Until Saturday

AS a first-timer to this show, I was warned about the heart-breaking ending and had my hankies at the ready. But I wished someone had also told me about the dramatic special effects at the end which had me and everyone in my section of the theatre literally

Date

PRESENT LAUGHTER Malvern Theatres Until Saturday

SIMON Callow is perfectly cast as the devastatingly handsome Garry Essendine in this splendid Noel Coward play. Despite the fact he is nearing middle age, everyone Garry encounters - both male and female - ends up totally infatuated with him. Coward wrote

Date

Poetry display

POETRY written by pupils at Wribbenhall Middle School will be on display throughout the town and along the riverside. A willow sculpture trail created by the students, which runs from Severnside Mill, formerly Boultons Mill, through to Blackstone Picnic

Date

Open day

BEWDLEY Tennis Club will hold an open day, including coaching sessions, on Saturday from 10am. Head coach, Tracey Powell, will be present at the club in Stourport Road and a junior match will be played between 10am and noon. The ball machine will be available

Date

Join audience if you dare for real thriller

AUDIENCES will be left on the edges of their seats when a spine-chilling thriller is performed in Blakedown next week. Theatre 282, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary, will present I'll Be Back Before Midnight at Blakedown Parish Rooms, Belbroughton

Date

Focus on photographs

COLOURFUL and creative images produced by a Kidderminster photographer are on display at Kidderminster Library. Malcolm Lane, who has been interested in photography since he was 16, is hosting an exhibition of his work. He turned professional two years

Date

Nature inspires poet's new collection

POEMS inspired by nature and life experiences feature in a new collection from a Cleobury Mortimer poet. David Walford, of Bristol Place is celebrating the release of his second book of poems, titled Azimuth. The 57-year-old, who has also had 59 poems

Date

Chance to have your portrait on tapestry

BEWDLEY residents are being urged to pick up their needles and thread to make a self-portrait for a new town tapestry. The Bewdley Tapestry, which has been displayed in Bewdley Medical Centre since 1998, was put together by Kidderminster Road resident

Date

New map for walkers

WALKERS will have no trouble accessing all areas of the Wyre Forest thanks to a new Ordnance Survey - OS - map. The new OS Explorer map has been revised to include areas previously closed to the public but which walkers now have the access rights to.

Date

Charting Severn from source to sea

THE natural beauty of the River Severn and the history of the towns situated alongside it have been captured by a Kidderminster film maker. Paul Bye, of Hazelwood Close, has produced the DVD - A Journey Down The Severn - which provides a guided tour of