We are looking back at some of the most memorable Worcester News front pages throughout 2021 for each month.
2021 has been a challenging year for many, filled with incredible news and lots of memorable moments.
January: Frustrated Dejected But Still Full Of Hope
In January, we were all still feeling the effects of the government restrictions after a mandatory lockdown was reintroduced in an effort to combat coronavirus.
Despite the individual frustrations felt by everyone throughout Worcester, our city came “virtually” together and did what was necessary to help lower transmission rates.
Frontline NHS workers and key workers across the city worked tirelessly to ensure we could all still operate on some level of normality despite the challenging situation we were all in.
We still continue to thank all of those workers for their sacrifice and dedication.
February: City Murder Arrest
On February 10, a man was arrested in connection with a murder.
Police in Worcester began searching the River Severn as part of the murder investigation.
West Mercia Police had three cordons in place including the Diglis footbridge, Waterworks Road and Cheviot Close as part the investigation at the time.
The story would continue to develop throughout the year.
March: From this... ...To This
In March, the news broke that the former Debenhams store in Worcester would become a new artisan food hall.
The project is a joint partnership between Hammonds of Hull and Artisan Food Hall Limited, which is still currently underway.
Residents across the city will be eagerly awaiting their first visit to the new site.
April: Teacher Is Home From China Hell
A teacher was finally able to return home after having to stay in a hospital in China for four months after a life changing stroke.
Bob Allison's daughter, Claire Allison, raised £40,000 using GoFundMe on March 16, within just 6 hours, but had to wait over a month to get him home.
He was finally able to travel home on Saturday April 17 with the help of a Chinese repatriation team.
May: Venues Are Open Again
Pubs, restaurant and cafe owners across the city were delighted at the news of venues reopening.
Groups of up to six people from no more than two households were allowed to re-enter establishments again after restrictions were put in place to help lessen transmission rates for coronavirus.
Before this, pubs and restaurants in the city were serving customers outside only.
June: Byrne Admits River Killing
In June, Charles Byrne admitted to the killing of Christina Rowe by means of manslaughter, but denied her murder.
The judge adjourned the hearing for a trial while Byrne's mental health was to be assesed.
The body of Ms Rowe was found in the River Severn on February 10.
July: Come On England
In July, the Worcester News joined millions across the country in cheering on England, who were set to face Italy in the final of the UEFA Euros 2021 tournament.
The match was played on July 11, where England sadly lost on penalties.
Nevertheless, the nation rallied behind the team, especially those who missed their penalties, for an incredibly memorable campaign.
August: The Pest Who Came To Dinner
In August, readers were treated to this snap of an overly friendly seagull who decided to join a local resident for a meal.
The gull took the opportunity to grab a quick snack from the table outside Pizza Express while bemused diners looked on.
A spokesperson from Pizza Express at the time said: “Our team work hard to clear plates as soon as diners are finished, but this time, this cheeky fella got in before they had the chance."
September: Fast Night Of The Proms
In September, a group of bikers came together to help a victim of bullying enjoy an incredible entrance to her prom.
More than 200 bikers turned out to chaperone 15-year-old Felicity Warburton to the event at Sixways Stadium.
Felicity, who is diagnosed with Dyslexia and was also in the process of being diagnosed for suspected Asperger’s Syndrome, has found it hard to make friends and has been bullied since her first day of primary school.
October: Shot In The Leg
In October, police shot a man in the leg in a city street.
An officer shot the man, believed to be 31, in Ronkswood Hill, Worcester, at 9am on Saturday, October 2, after Police went to the road following reports of a man with in a car with a rifle.
The man received injuries to his leg and was taken to hospital for treatment.
November: No Tree Due To Vandals
Residents were quick to voice their disproval for the decision, which was relaced by a star christmas decroation.
The city council made a u-turn on their decision due to the outcry of opinions of the new decorations and the tree was once again brought back.
December: Jam Packed
In December, our frontpage featured a picture of the Victorian Christmas Fayre, which saw 100,000 visitors.
The event was highly anticipated due to the coronavirus affecting former proceedings, and lots of vendors, rides and food huts were all available to the public.
The event lasted from Thursday December 2 - Sunday December 5.
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