Worcestershire | Archive | 2003 | May

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Stories for 07 May 2003

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Chemists' rota

Bromsgrove: Knights, Birmingham Road. Also open for half-an-hour extra on weekdays 6-6.30pm. Kiddem, Perry Lane Pharmacy, Perry Lane.   more...

Leisure

What's on guide

Wednesday, May 7   more...

Festival closes

THIS year's Bromsgrove Festival may now be in its final week but there is still a host of exciting entertainment to tantalise residents out of their homes.   more...

Rock to Elvis

FUN loving residents are invited to shake, rattle and roll down to an Elvis Presley disco in Aston Fields.   more...

Classic thriller

STEPHEN Daldry's An Inspector Calls has been hailed as a modern masterpiece.   more...

Comic treat

DROITWICH Spa residents looking for a lively night out need go no further than the town theatre.   more...

Concert in broadcast

THE final Barber Celebrity Concert of the series takes place on Tuesday when the Venice Baroque Orchestra makes a rare appearance in the UK.   more...

Soweto sax in the city

BIRMINGHAM Jazz presents the Soweto Kinch Quartet at Midlands Arts Centre on Friday.   more...

What's On Guide

Thursday, May 8   more...

High Praise

High Society   more...

Unfaithful (15)

Four star   more...

Goldfrapp Black Cherry

Three star   more...

David Sneddon Seven Years - Ten Weeks

Four star   more...

Tony Hadley True Ballads

Three star   more...

Jam (18)

Five stars   more...

Jason X (15)

One star   more...

Gift is just the ticket

THE Palace Theatre is offering people the gift of entertainment with the launch of its new voucher scheme.   more...

Mud slinging tale hits town

GEORGE Orwell's Animal Farm arrives at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Tuesday - but with a warning that mud may fly off the stage into the first few rows of the audience!   more...

Cats tickets up for grabs

TICKETS for Cats, the world's most successful and longest running musical, go on sale on Friday.   more...

He'll do it his way...

THE songs of Frank Sinatra are brought to life on Sunday when brand new show Stephen Triffitt Celebrates Sinatra stops off at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre.   more...

It's a jewel of a night

A SPECIAL concert commemorating the diamond anniversary of the Dambuster raids takes place at Redditch's Palace Theatre on Sunday.   more...

Runaway start to carnival fun

PEOPLE are invited to get set for a sponsored fun run next week as part of Astwood Bank Carnival's programme of events.   more...

Show captures Redditch at war

A Worcestershire At War Exhibition is being held on Saturday at St Philip's Church, Church Road, Webheath.   more...

Art scene

An exhibition of paintings by Lee Forrest will be displayed at Redditch Library from Saturday.   more...

Show is on the marque

WHEELS are being set in motion for a fascinating new exhibition at Forge Mill Museum.   more...

Awesome offering

Review: Measure for Measure at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-on-Avon.   more...

Passing stars had a strong influence

A GLOWING example of vocal versatility and awesome musicianship is on offer at the Huntingdon Hall, Worcester on Friday (8pm), with an appearance by Emily Slade.   more...

Double bill ready to hit the Spa trail

COUNTRY-music lovers can look forward a fantastic double bill show in Droitwich Spa this weekend.   more...

Tickets

TICKETS are still available for Bromsgrove Operatic Society's next show stopper Guys and Dolls.   more...

Quartet

THE Antara String Quartet will be at Avoncroft Museum's New Guesten Hall next Wednesday from 9pm.   more...

Be one of the top brass with instrument lessons

HIGHLY-strung residents looking to take up a new past time are being reminded of the opportunities being offered by a town music school.   more...

News

Solihull & District Orchid Society

THE annual show was held on April 19. The visiting society displays were outstanding and the potting demonstration was greatly enjoyed.   more...

Probus Club of Alcester

THE club's 190th meeting took place on April 23 at The Swan Hotel, Alcester.   more...

Poppies Group

MEMBERS and friends of Christian fellowship group Poppies enjoyed a meal at the Oasis Christian Centre on April 25.   more...

Merry Wives of Alcester

SKINCARE expert Sue Bisp and make-up artist Karen Skinner educated the Merry Wives by giving demonstrations of their skills.   more...

Drakes Cross WI

MEMBERS were thanked for their contributions and help at the hot cross bun morning, when the raffle raised £50 for the Leukaemia Research Fund.   more...

Cymdeithas Cymraeg (Welsh Society)

OUR next event will be the annual concert on Saturday at 7pm at the Palace Theatre.   more...

Cameo Club of Redditch

THE bring-and-buy sale last month went very well and raised a considerable amount of money for the club.   more...

Bordesley Historical Society

Whenever our secretary goes on holiday, she takes several rolls of film which she later presents as a lecture.   more...

Alvechurch WI

At our meeting in April we discussed and voted on three resolutions that would go forward to the AGM at the Albert Hall, London.   more...

Alcester WI

PRESIDENT Angela Watson opened the meeting and after singing Jerusalem the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Items of interest in the county news sheet were discussed.   more...

Alcester Conservative Wives

IN APRIL, the annual dinner for members was held at McKee's Restaurant in Studley.   more...

Dog walkers are warned

A LONG-standing battle to stop dog walkers taking their pets to a wood surrounding a Rowney Green residential centre for young people could result in legal action being taken.   more...

Alcotots warning to county licensees

LICENSEES in Alcester have been warned of the consequences of serving alcohol to young people following the successful prosecution of the manager of a Warwickshire off-licence.   more...

Make the leap for good cause

RESIDENTS are being asked to scale new heights to help raise cash for a vital national charity which helps thousands of people in the area.   more...

Survey gives top marks to authority

TEACHERS in Warwickshire have given the local education authority the thumbs-up in a recent survey by the Audit Commission.   more...

Planning go ahead

PLANS to upgrade Alcester High School Technology College were approved last Wednesday despite objections from the local parish council.   more...

Fond memories of golden years

THERE have been golden wedding celebrations in King's Coughton this week as Reginald and Dorothy Covey celebrated 50 years of married life.   more...

Bloom event's gardening call

GREEN-fingered Alcester residents who think they have the best kept gardens in town are being invited to enter them in a competition organised by Alcester in Bloom.   more...

Books boost charity

PUPILS at Alcester Grammar School raised more than £50 for charity by selling second-hand books on World Book Day last month.   more...

Tickets on offer to town thesps

THEATREGOERS from Alcester will be able to see plays at the Royal Shakespeare and Swan theatres in Stratford at reduced rates over the next three years.   more...

Art-felt!

BUDDING artists will be brushing up their skills at a series of one-day courses in Alcester next month when Longbarn Village hosts a Summertime Arts Week.   more...

New hope offered to charities

NEW help for charities has been set up after a void was left by the collapse of Redditch Council for Voluntary Services (RCVS).   more...

Noisy neighbours take to the road

RESIDENTS in Oversley Green are calling on local councillors to back them in their bid to beat the noise from the Alcester by-pass.   more...

Firearm amnesty delight

ALCESTER police have been handed 12 guns and 42 rounds of ammunition during the final week of the national firearms amnesty, Operation Kraken, which ended on Wednesday.   more...

Designs on historic garden

VISITORS to Coughton Court who have been inspired by the historic home's glorious gardens can learn how they were created at a half-day course on May 13.   more...

Hospital delayed

WORK on Alcester's revamped hospital has been put on hold again because of management changes in the local health authority.   more...

And the councillors are...

The new-look Alcester Town Council, which will meet for the first time on May 13 at Globe House, is as follows:   more...

Mayor loses out in polls

ALCESTER Mayor Ron Leek lost his seat on the town council on Thursday when voters went to the polls in the local government elections.   more...

Course in listening launches

A NEW course is offering people the chance to strengthen their listening skills and awareness of loss and bereavement.   more...

College is top class

KINGSLEY College has received praise and positive feedback from the first Ofsted report received since its formation under the Redditch Review.   more...

Chefs' stirring challenge

NEW College could produce the next Jamie Oliver after five students reached the heat finals of a prestigious catering competition.   more...

Bags of effort ends in bags of cash for all

THE streets of Inkberrow are now a much prettier sight thanks to the hard work of a village group.   more...

A tall order for schools!

SCHOOLS in Alvechurch and Wythall are being challenged to grow the tallest sunflower.   more...

Re-opening up in air

THERE is still no official re-opening date for Studley Leisure Centre - but council chiefs say they are working hard to get it up and running as soon as possible.   more...

Parking chaos hits sanctuary

WYTHALL Animal Sanctuary has cancelled its 20-year open day tradition because of parking problems.   more...

The new bobby for villages beat

A NEW police officer is patrolling the streets of Wythall, Alvechurch and Beoley.   more...

Good marks for teachers

THE curriculum, teaching staff and standard of behaviour were all praised during a recent Ofsted report of Studley C of E Junior School.   more...

Charity fun and games

REDDITCH Early Learning Centre (ELC) is holding a one-day Funtastic Fundraising event as part of the NSPCC's Children's Day today.   more...

No homes

An application for 24 new one to four-bedroom homes at Mill Farm, off Radford Road, in Alvechurch has been withdrawn by applicants Persimmon Homes.   more...

Top award

Studley Fire Station's cleaner, Jane Kember, received a long service award at last week's Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service Awards Ceremony held in Leamington Spa.   more...

Residents back village hall plan

COOKHILL residents have come out in force to show their support for the village hall building project.   more...

Winner is out for the count

THERE was major drama at Alvechurch ward's count for the Bromsgrove Council elections.   more...

Festival focuses on art

A FESTIVAL giving young people across Redditch an exciting and accessible introduction to the arts took place at Redditch Youth House last week.   more...

YMCA's joy at silver landmark

MORE than 100 people attended a thanksgiving service to celebrate Redditch YMCA's silver jubilee on Sunday.   more...

Riders in the sun

HUNDREDS of youngsters got their wheels in motion for the national Blue Peter bikeathon event, at Arrow Valley Countryside Centre, for Leukaemia Research.   more...

Driver escapes injury

REDDITCH police said a woman driver who escaped a car crash with just cuts was very lucky to have not been more seriously hurt.   more...

Advice call on island

CONFUSED driving instructors have called for some clarification on how their pupils should be told to negotiate a roundabout.   more...

Squeals on wheels at party

THERE were some wheel skills on show on Saturday as thousands of people joined in the birthday celebrations of a Redditch shop.   more...

Hundreds of guns handed in

NEARLY 800 guns and more than 15,000 rounds of ammunition have been surrendered to West Mercia police during the month-long gun amnesty.   more...

Protesters gear up

RESIDENTS are gearing up to fight the ambitious £50 million Abbey Stadium project.   more...

Abbey 'no show' fury

RESIDENTS have slammed Redditch Council chiefs for not attending an exhibition of the plans for a £50 million sports, leisure and entertainment complex on the site of Abbey Stadium.   more...

Health chief in the hot seat

Q: What do you feel the role is for the PCT in Bromsgrove?   more...

A different class ...

THE lid has been lifted on the secret lives of servants who were once employed at a grand mansion near Droitwich Spa.   more...

2003 elections round-up . . . Poison pen letters sent to Spa voters

TORY councillor Don Lawley slammed an anonymous sleaze campaign which had been circulating in Droitwich Spa.   more...

2003 elections round-up . . . Wychavon area colours true blue

TRUIMPHANT Tories have maintained their tight grip on politics and policy at Wychavon District Council.   more...

2003 elections round-up . . . One big no show

WELL below half of voters had their say on the leadership of Droitwich Spa.   more...

2003 elections round-up . . . A delicate balance

RESTLESS residents have voted new blood onto Droitwich Spa Town Council, opening the doors to greater debate about community issues.   more...

2003 elections round-up . . .

Returning officer Sid Pritchard reveals the winners and losers. He is due to retire next year so it was the last time he would take the stage on election night.   more...

Children left with nothing in park to play on

YOUNGSTERS in Rubery are still without a place to play after more than three months waiting for new equipment.   more...

2003 elections round-up . . . Wychavon District Council

Dodderhill - one seat   more...

Runner bean bounces back

ONCE it was thought to have been a has been but now it's been brought back and is all set to become a bean with a long future ahead of it.   more...

2003 elections round-up . . . Droitwich Town Council

East - four seats   more...

Two die in accident

AN ACCIDENT at the intersection of the M42 and the M5 resulted in two fatalities and a number of minor injuries, as well as hours of chaos for Bromsgrove's commuters.   more...

You've swiped our river bank

DEVELOPERS have built flood defences on land belonging to Droitwich Rugby Football Club, it has been claimed.   more...

Doc campaign moves forward

A CAMPAIGN to see a disgraced Barnt Green doctor struck off has moved forward after an influx of phone calls from concerned women.   more...

Daughter beats her mum by three votes

JOY Bushby's 26-year spell on the district council ended last Thursday when she failed to retain her seat at Catshill after being beaten by her daughter Sarah by three votes.   more...

Porn

A DROITWICH man charged with child pornography offences had his case adjourned. Richard Stevens, 23 of Crofters Green entered no plea on one charge of posessing indecent photographs, five of distributing indecent photographs and 10 of making indecent photographs. He was granted unconditional bail to reappear at Worcester Magistrates court on Thursday May 15 for his case to be committed to crown court.   more...

Tories consolidate their power base

THE Conservatives have retained their grip on political life in Bromsgrove.   more...

£40,000 car raid clears forecourt

A GANG of thieves raided a Wychbold car garage and stripped the forecourt of eight motors.   more...

Election results round-up

BROMSGROVE   more...

New face of old bill

THERE is a new and enthusiastic figure helping the fight against crime in Droitwich Spa.   more...

Region has new top cop

A NEW chief constable has been appointed to lead the fight against crime in the West Mercia force area.   more...

Communities in deep crisis

THE MP for Droitwich Spa has signed and voted in favour of a major opposition motion attacking the Government's record on community services.   more...

Moves to protect open land

PLANNING chiefs are set to say no to anymore new housing developments in the district in a bid to protect the green belt and ease pressure on local facilities.   more...

MP's bigger picture

THE town's Tory MP has been framed to become a parliamentary film star.   more...

Sacked teacher accepts £50,000 pay-out

A TEACHER unfairly sacked from Droitwich Spa High School has accepted a £50,000 compensation pay out.   more...

Queen's award

BROMSGROVE businesswomen and travel experts Jenny Withey and Beverley Anslow have been regally recognised with a prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise.   more...

£100,000 wasted on prescriptions

RESIDENTS are being urged to clean out their medicine cupboard and back a Droitwich Spa drugs amnesty.   more...

Fund helps young athlete

AN ATHLETIC teenager has been the first beneficiary of a fund set up in memory of a young Bromsgrove sportsman.   more...

Time for towns to get on board or miss out

A 'WAKE-UP' call to what is happening in Droitwich has been sounded to the rest of Worcestershire by the Spa town's MP.   more...

Diamond days

A devoted Bromsgrove couple proved diamonds are forever when they celebrated 60 years of marriage.   more...

Katy lands Disney job

A TWINKLE-toed teenager will be bidding `au revoir' to Droitwich Spa when she jets off to dance at Disneyland, Paris, this summer.   more...

First class competition

A FIRST class train trip to London was just one of the treats in store for a young railway enthusiast from Bromsgrove.   more...

Signed, sealed and delivered

BUILDING work on Bromsgrove's new, multi-million pound arts centre is set to start at the end of this month.   more...

Bromsgrove Soroptimists

TOTS will enjoy hours more play thanks to the generosity of a group of professional women.   more...

Why city streets are deserted at night...

ONE Saturday evening recently, I went into Worcester to attend a concert in the Huntingdon Hall.   more...

Wychbold Horticultural Society

The society hosted a social evening during March at the village hall when a small but enthusiastic attendance took part in a quiz which was presented by David Rea. The high-scoring teams of Alice Bates and Alice Harrison contested a nail-biting tiebreaker to establish the Harrison trio as eventual victors. The evening was a pleasant and successful occasion, with a generous raffle, good refreshments and much laughter.   more...

Beautiful woods, a shame about the dog-owners

WHILE my children and I were visiting a family in Worcester, recently, we were taken to the woods at the Countryside Centre at County Hall.   more...

The Corbett group of WIs

THE Corbett Group of WIs held their spring meeting at the Sacred Heart Church Hall. The afternoon was hosted by Hadzor and Oddingley.   more...

Labour brought in Tories' hated PFI

AFTER reading the report from the British Medical Journal about further cuts in hospital services due, to the Private Finance Initiatives, perhaps Tony Blair and his advisers will heed this and put a bit more thought into any other devious scheme they may be dreaming up for future use.   more...

Hanbury WI

Our social evening on April 10 was enjoyed by all. Following the good news that we had won our fifth skittle match, and an account of our WI business, Brenda, our secretary, prepared us for a stimulating time. Our projects were to design an Easter Card with material provided, also to paint a hen's egg. This was followed by very welcome refreshments, including cheese and wine and a general knowledge quiz. Prizes of Easter eggs went to the lucky winners and our competition, our favourite brooch, concluded a lively evening.   more...

Let's get on with Swan's recovery

HAVING read Gerald Harris's remarks (You Say, Saturday, April 26) about the reopening of the Swan Theatre, he has a paltry excuse in saying that the theatre had problems and lack of funds in the past.   more...

Salwarpe WI

President Margaret Donnelly was in the chair when Salwarpe WI met on April 13 to hear Roger Tolman, of the Woodland Trust, talking about trees in this country and the struggle to maintain and conserve them. For centuries forests and woods have been cleared and large tracts have been denuded; Dutch elm disease and the huge storms of 1987 and 1989 have also played a part recently and now there is a big drive to correct the balance and restore trees to the landscape. The Woodland Trust has some 1,100 sites all over the country, some big, some small; it conserves existing woods and also buys suitable land and plants new ones. In the National Forest it already has 11 sites flourishing. The favoured trees are English hardwood, like hornbeam and ash, but softwood is now being tried out on purpose-built power stations, a new venture. Pollarding and coppicing are being used as old and well-tried ways of wood maintenance and control. Many handsome slides illustrate this talk. The VOT was given by Rosemary Grave and Sheila Verity won the raffle.   more...

Now New Labour turns on teaching unions

EDUCATION Secretary Charles Clarke is intent on crushing anyone who opposes this New Labour government, and also shows that when it comes to education, Clarke & Co are completely out of touch with the reality.   more...

Bromsgrove WI

The April meeting was conducted by Brenda Jenkins, vice president, with 36 members attending. The secretary, Marge Colvin, read the report from the previous month, also a great many notices of future events taking place.   more...

Hagley Gardeners' Club

What a wonderful evening we had at Rowberry's Nurseries at Chaddesley Corbett. About 60 members and friends enjoyed a conducted tour with Marie or Chris Rowberry followed by coffee and biscuits in their new tea room. Many cars returned home laden with plants that were vigorous and reasonably priced. Our annual plant fair will be held on Wednesday, May 28, at St Saviour's Hall, West Hagley. Plants grown by our members will be on sale. Please try and come along.   more...

100 years ago May 9, 1903

SPEEDY Robert Helsall and Sam Wilkes appeared before magistrates at Kings Heath charged with "scorching," that is riding their cycles at excessive speeds. Superintendent Chare was on duty on horseback near Rubery when he saw the pair riding furiously at speeds of not less than 18 or 20mph. He gave chase but the cyclists outstripped him. Eventually he caught up with them at the New Rose and Crown. They were fined 5s (25p) plus costs.   more...

50 years ago May 9, 1953

BROMSGROVE magistrates fined a woman cyclist from Penn, Wolverhampton, 15/- (75p) for not dismounting at a halt sign at the junction of Twatling Road and Fiery Hill Road, Barnt Green.   more...

25 years ago May 5, 1978

VILLAGERS in Belbroughton defied the rain to welcome in the new month of May with a range of activities, including maypole dancing on the village green. Jennifer Yates was crowned May Queen.   more...

Come out from behind mask!

DEAR EDITOR -- We appear to have a cowardly poison-pen letter writer in Droitwich Spa, who feels able to tell lies without giving their name.   more...

No compensation for community

DEAR EDITOR --I should imagine all the voters and ratepayers of Droitwich are so happy that a warehouse is to be built next to the DFS store -- after all there is only a quarter of a million square feet of empty warehouses on the Hampton Lovett industrial estate.   more...

With considerable Spa greetings . . .

DEAR EDITOR -- Hopefully, the misery of those of us who live near to the many developers' building sites for new flats and houses with their constant noise and destruction of once treasured familiar and pleasant views, creating a kind of visual mugging, will be over.   more...

Witness to Austin bomb attack

DEAR EDITOR -- With reference to the letter by V J Crawford (Advertiser/Messenger April 23) about a German bomber attack on the Austin Motor Company.   more...

Decision by Defra was inadequate

DEAR EDITOR -- The headlines on the front page of the Advertiser/Messenger April 16 only confirms the inadequacy of Defra.   more...

It's that great disappearing act!

DEAR EDITOR -- I have lived in Droitwich for 35 years now and I have watched the erosion of our services until we have practically nothing left.   more...

Stilling chewing this one over

DEAR EDIT0R -- It was with great amazement and disgust that I saw in the paper, the Mayor of Droitwich was called to `officially' open the eyesore of the fast-food outlet, which has blotted the landscape in Mulberry Tree Hill, Droitwich, along with the rest of the development there.   more...

Parking will still be a major problem

DEAR EDITOR -- Much as Bromsgrove District Councillor Peter McDonald (Lab-Uffdown and Waseley) is admired for his efforts on part of the A38 in Rubery, when is he going to recognise the on-going problem along New Inns Lane caused by football spectators's parking?   more...

Cracking down to clean up

OFFICERS dedicated to catching litter droppers and irresponsible dog owners have been given specialist training to ensure offenders are brought to book.   more...

Anger grows over plans to close PO

ANGER over the proposed closure of a Headless Cross post office continued this week with a town health watchdog pledging to take up the case.   more...

How you voted

Redditch Council   more...

Furniture lost in fire

A HUGE plume of smoke could be seen for miles when an old lorry used for storage went up in flames.   more...

Youngest councillor

A SIGNIFICANT win for the Conservatives was in Central ward where Labour stalwart Ron Passingham was ousted by 24-year-old Arjamand Farooqui.   more...

Who will hold the power?

HOW the political parties will work together is the key question after major gains for the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats at Labour's expense in Thursday's Redditch Council elections.   more...

Watchdog's fear on eye progress

CONCERNS have been expressed about the progress of a project team set up to oversee a review of county ophthalmology services.   more...

Cash row must not cloud the issue

YESTERDAY, we admitted to being non-plussed by Education Secretary Charles Clarke's allegation that £3.7m is missing in Worcestershire County Council's accounts when the Local Education Authority insists it's been allocated over the next financial year.   more...

Arson shoe clue

A MELTED trainer could hold vital clues to the arsonists targeting bollards in bus lanes from Redditch town centre to Church Hill and Winyates.   more...

Handbag snatched

WYTHALL police are appealing for information after a woman fought off a man who tried to grab her handbag.   more...

Praise for new court

WEST Mercia Magistrates' Courts Service - which has undergone a multi million pound courthouse refurbishment programme - has been praised in a report to the Lord Chancellor.   more...

Garage till theft

A THIEF grabbed cash from a till in the shop section of a garage in Washford Drive before making off on foot.   more...

Footprint matched trainers

A teenage drug addict who burgled a house and stole a purse has been given 15 months' detention.   more...

Search for teen

Police are hunting a teenage attacker who broke a boy's jaw.   more...

25 years ago

May 5, 1978   more...

50 years ago

May 8, 1953   more...

100 years ago

May 9, 1903   more...

Recount needed to decide district poll

THE 45 per cent turn-out at last week's local elections brought shock changes at town and district level, complaints of poor information and allegations of dirty tricks.   more...

Alec's shock at defeat by 16 votes

THE unexpected defeat of district councillor Alec Wall by only 16 votes, in a contested election, has shocked friends and colleagues in the Teme Valley community who are still reeling at the news.   more...

Margaret keeping council hopes alive despite losing seat

ELECTION fever hit Tenbury last week when, for the first time in 12 years, town councillors faced a full election and a steady stream of voters made their way to the Pump Rooms Polling Station.   more...

Round-up of results in elections

Malvern Hills   more...

Dancing fun for May Day

YOUNGSTERS at Sunnyside Preparatory School in Barbourne, Worcester, spent a fun-filled afternoon taking part in traditional May Day celebrations.   more...

`Drugs sold from flat'

A GANG ran a big drug supply operation from a council flat in Hereford, a jury was told.   more...

Retail giant backs anti violence campaign

SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury's has leant its support to a campaign to end violence and abuse to shopworkers.   more...

Autistic author is guest speaker

AN autistic teenage author aiming to highlight mental health needs for young people will be the guest speaker at a Worcester conference.   more...

Boy devastated at second bike theft

AN ANGRY mother-of-three is demanding compensation from the council after thieves stole her son's bike for the second time by walking into her hallway through a broken door.   more...

Cheese session really takes biscuit

A FUN cheese and wine tasting will have guests scratching their heads as they try to work out who is telling the truth.   more...

Group for farmers is booming

A SUPPORT group for farmers looking to expand their businesses has grown to 200 members.   more...

`Sneaky' schemes for extra goodies

Yesterday we reported the refusal of city schools to back the controversial Cadbury's Get Active Scheme.   more...

Industrial plans look set to be granted go-ahead

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to convert agricultural buildings to light industrial and office use at Bestmans Lane, Kempsey, looks likely to be given planning permission tonight.   more...

Boost for Army life

TWO boys who have been friends since they started school have both grown up to be members of an elite Army regiment.   more...

Hello, constable, here's a hand grenade for you

A HAND grenade was among the weapons handed in to police during a month-long firearms amnesty which ended last week.   more...

Barges `will bring business to town'

A RALLYING cry has gone out to Droitwich folk to get behind a £10m restoration project for the town's canal.   more...

Mixed reaction to cattle grids on Common

OBJECTORS to plans to install cattle grids on roads around Castlemorton Common are said to be coming round to the idea after a month of talks.   more...

Inquest opens after body found in bedsit

POLICE are still investigating the death of a 25-year-old man whose body was discovered in a Worcester bedsit.   more...

Hooligans making our lives a misery

RESIDENTS' lives on a Worcester estate are being made a misery by teenage thugs.   more...

Nine face trial on kidnap charge

NINE men are due to go on trial today charged after a Worcestershire lorry was hijacked and the driver's £171,000 computer load stolen.   more...

Schools chiefs in cash spend war

EDUCATION chiefs in Worcestershire were under fresh attack today for spending £4.6m meant for teachers.   more...

Worcester hospital to share cash windfall

WORCESTER'S hospital will share a £200m Government pot to drive up standards under last-ditch Government efforts to avert a rebellion over "super" Trusts.   more...

Two new sites suggested

CONTROVERSIAL plans to relocate GP surgeries in Malvern have been put on hold after two new possible sites were suggested.   more...

Introducing the Internet to the city's silver surfers

A CHARITY is inviting elderly people in Worcester to join it on a tour of the World Wide Web.   more...

Toyah keeps her nose clean

TIDY Toyah Wilcox continues to keep a low profile as we go into the ninth day of ITV1's I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! in the Australian jungle.   more...

Bus provides easy route to the Royal

A NEW state-of-the-art bus to link Worcester city centre with the Worcestershire Royal Hospital has been launched.   more...

Hospital re-think

PLANS to close Pershore Cottage Hospital and open 25 beds on the ground floor of a new residential development have been abandoned by South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust.   more...

Elderly man dies after car collides with wall

AN elderly man died after his car collided with a wall in Holt Heath, near Worcester.   more...

Police officer fights for life

A POLICE officer based in Worcester is fighting for his life after contracting a killer bug.   more...

Sport

Matt finish as fighters shine

DROITWICH Spa light middleweight boxer Matt Greening produced one of his best performances to defeat Aberystwyth's Steve Welsby on points.   more...

Top boss Murray

MURRAY Boss is the next winner in the Advertiser/Messenger's latest instalment of the Bromsgrove District Sports Council's annual awards.   more...

Boars make best start in five years

BROMSGROVE Cricket Club First XI made their best start to a league season for five years with a winning home draw against Leamington in Birmingham and District division one.   more...

Rovers sunk by strugglers

BROMSGROVE Rovers clung on to third position in the Dr Martens Western despite a 3-1 defeat by struggling Swindon Supermarine at the Victoria Ground.   more...

Crazy system relegates Town

THE crazy structure of rugby in England has condemned Bromsgrove RFC First XV to relegation to Midlands Two (West) - more than three weeks since the season ended.   more...

The end

GARY Hackett and Jon Ford have left Bromsgrove Rovers by mutual consent.   more...

7/5/03 - County hit back after setback

WORCESTERSHIRE soon lost Stephen Peters after they were put into bat by the Worcestershire Cricket Board in today's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy Third round clash at New Road.   more...

Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club - factfile

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03/05/03 - Reds final flourish

Redditch United 3 Rugby United 1   more...

Flying starts

TWO junior drivers from Droitwich Spa have made flying starts to the new Ministock season.   more...

Star displays

DROITWICH Dolphins put in some excellent performances to finish third in the first round of the Mercian Swimming League.   more...

Race meeting

FOLLOWING the loss of their previous course at Dunstall Park, the Wheatland Point-to-Point has been transferred to Chaddesley Corbett.   more...

Spa to host wrestling

AMERICAN Wrestling (pictured) is coming to Droitwich Spa this month with some top competition in store.   more...

Amanda battling back

A PROMISING young Droitwich Spa golfer continues to impress despite being hampered by illness.   more...

Dream over

NEW world snooker champion Mark Williams put paid to Bromsgrove-born Stephen Lee's title hopes by comfortably defeating him in the semi-finals at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre.   more...

Matt finish as fighters shine

DROITWICH Spa light middleweight boxer Matt Greening produced one of his best performances to defeat Aberystwyth's Steve Welsby on points.   more...

7/5/03 - Poor finish clouds successful season

ALTHOUGH we didn't finish the season as we would have liked, it's been a very good season for the club.   more...

Village contrast

THERE were contrasting fortunes for the Warwickshire Cricket League Division Three newcomers in their opening fixtures.   more...

Church slip up

ALVECHURCH and Hopwood slipped to a losing draw in their top two clash at Brockhampton to trail the leaders by three points after two fixtures.   more...

Derby is damp squib

THE big village derby between Exhall and Wixford and Bidford was the only match to be abandoned because of the weather in the Cotswold Hills League Premier Division.   more...

Winning start for Studley

STUDLEY started the season in style with a rapid fire win at Bedworth to propel them to joint top after their first match.   more...

Aussie stars for Redditch

AUSSIE star Dan Fredrick returned figures of 2-40 off 18 overs on his competitive Redditch debut as the Bromsgrove Road side opened with a winning draw against Pelsall.   more...

7/5/03 - Worcester wait on title verdict

WORCESTER Rugby Club are today playing a waiting game following the latest twist in the controversy surrounding arch- rivals Rotherham.   more...

RICHARD BURGESS - Striker

A nippy forward who left Rovers two seasons ago to join Port Vale. Has since played in the Conference with Nuneaton Borough and returned to the Victoria Ground in summer 2002.   more...

PAUL DANKS - Striker

Another summer 2002 acquisition from Redditch United. Paul is a proven goalscorer who has also had spells with Walsall and Stourbridge.   more...

LES PALMER - Striker

A skilful forward who scored the quickest goal in Midland Football Alliance history with his six-second strike against Oadby Town in March 2002. Has also played league ootball for West Bromwich Albion.   more...

STEVE LUTZ - Midfield

Joined from Evesham United in January 2003.   more...

DARREN BULLOCK - Midfield

Joined Rovers in January 2003 after non-league spells with Worcester City and Evesham United.   more...

MATT SOUTHWICK - Midfield

Joined Rovers from Redditch United during summer 2002. Has previously played for Walsall, Bilston Town, Stourport Swifts and Stourbridge.   more...

NEIL CARTWRIGHT - Midfield

Signed from Redditch United during the 2001/2002 season. Has played league football with West Bromwih Albion and Kidderminster Harriers. Other clubs include Norway side Sogndal, Telford United and Halesowen Town.   more...

STEVE FROST - Midfield

A hard tackling player who joined Rovers from Redditch United. Has also played for Worcester City.   more...

MARK BENBOW - Midfield

A useful right sided player who left Rovers two seasons ago for Reddith United. Following that, he headed for Australia to play for SWC Premier League side ECU Joondalup. Returned to the Victoria Ground in summer 2002.   more...

GRANT BECKETT - Midfield

Hard working player who signed from Bloxwich United. Particularly noted for his left foot free-kicks. His previous clubs include Preston North End, Telford United and Sutton Coldfield Town.   more...

ROSS COLLINS - Defender / Midfield

A versatile player across defence or midfield.   more...

KEVIN BANNER - Defender / Midfield

Local lad who made the left wing his own during the 2001/2002 season but can also play in midfield or attack. Signed from Oldbury United after a spell at Nottingham Forest.   more...

PAUL LLOYD - Defender / Midfield

One of the youngest members of the squad, who an play fullback on either side of the pitch. Previously with Halesowen Town and Cradley Town.   more...

STEWART BRIGHTON - Defender

Experienced left and centre back who scored Rovers' first ever goal in the Conference in 1992. He also scored Rovers' last goal in the Conference when they went down five years later.   more...

MARK CLIFTON - Defender

Brave defender making a name for himself in the Rovers back line. Signed from Evesham United and has also played for Bilston Town and Redditch United.   more...

STEVE POPE - Defender

A quality defender with football league experience after spells at Crewe Alexandra and Kidderminster Harriers. Was part of Crewe's division two promotion winning side of 1997. Claim to fame is that he once marked Michael Owen.   more...

STEVE THOMAS - Goalkeeper

A young keeper currently warming the bench.   more...

MATT LOWE - Goalkeeper

Ever present in the Midland Alliance promotion campaign. A reliable shot stopper and a good kicker of the ball.   more...

Shield test for Solihull

SOLIHULL are hoping to upset the odds yet again when they take on higher division Old Yards in the North Midlands Shield final on Sunday.   more...

Angling round-up

ALAN Ryan was this week's winner of the Northfield Starlets Veterans event on Tuesday at Moorlands Farms Meadow pool.   more...

Junior football round-up

Callowbrook Swifts U11s 5 Kings Norton U11s 3   more...

League results

SELECTED results from the Advertiser/Messenger Football League.   more...

League results

SELECTED results from the Advertiser/Messenger Football League.   more...

Season ends

BARNT Green Spartak brought the curtain down on the Midland Combination division two championship season with a 2-2 draw with Earlswood Town.   more...

Rovers honoured

BROMSGROVE Rovers were named team of the year at the Bromsgrove District Sports Council awards.   more...

Cup success for Spa side

DROITWICH Spa A Football Club claimed their first piece of silverware this season - the Bayliss Cup - with a 2-1 defeat of Worcester City Youth.   more...

Victory seals trophy treble

ROVERS Sunday made it a cup treble for the season as they claimed the Advertiser/Messenger cup with a 5-2 defeat of Bromsgrove Town at Redditch United's Valley Stadium last Sunday.   more...

Rovers can be proud of third place

BROMSGROVE Rovers have had a successful season, make no mistake about it.   more...

Rovers sunk by strugglers

BROMSGROVE Rovers clung on to third position in the Dr Martens Western despite a 3-1 defeat by struggling Swindon Supermarine at the Victoria Ground.   more...

The end

GARY Hackett and Jon Ford have left Bromsgrove Rovers by mutual consent.   more...

Spa demolished

DROITWICH Spa RFC U14s were thrashed 50-0 by Stourbridge in the North Midlands Junior Cup final.   more...

Crazy system relegates Town

THE crazy structure of rugby in England has condemned Bromsgrove RFC First XV to relegation to Midlands Two (West) - more than three weeks since the season ended.   more...

Hackett, Ford axed by Rovers

BROMSGROVE Rovers have axed their joint managers Gary Hackett and Jon Ford.   more...

Poor finish clouds successful season

ALTHOUGH we didn't finish the season as we would have liked, it's been a very good season for the club.   more...

Topsy-turvy time for fans

IT'S been a season of highs and lows at St George's Lane -- but for once it was mostly highs as Worcester City enjoyed a better than average season.   more...

Westfields out to claim crown

WESTFIELDS have another chance to rubber-stamp the West Midlands League Premier Division title tonight when they face a quick return clash at Kington Town (7.45).   more...

Norway success for happy Dayus

WORCESTER'S Jonathan Dayus has clinched his first win since joining cycling's professional ranks this year.   more...

Counties ring the changes for final

WORCESTERSHIRE and Herefordshire, the defending RLF North Midlands Rugby Union champions, have been forced to reshuffle their side for this season's final against Shropshire at Stourbridge tonight (7.30pm).   more...

County hit back after setback

WORCESTERSHIRE soon lost Stephen Peters after they were put into bat by the Worcestershire Cricket Board in today's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy Third round clash at New Road.   more...

Worcester wait on title verdict

WORCESTER Rugby Club are today playing a waiting game following the latest twist in the controversy surrounding arch- rivals Rotherham.   more...

Start is on hold

RAIN ruined Barnt Green Cricket Club's start to their Birmingham and District Premier campaign.   more...

Abandoned

DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club's efforts to continue their good start to the season were halted by the weather last Saturday.   more...

Rained off

RAIN stopped Cutnall Green Cricket Club making a start to their Worcestershire County Legaue division five campaign last Saturday.   more...

Croft slide to opening loss

A NINE-run defeat at Amblecote and Wollaston saw Avoncroft Cricket Club's First XI get their Worcestershire County League division four campaign off to a disappointing start last Saturday.   more...

07/05/03 - Lead-beater option as Redditch reinforce

REDDITCH United manager Rod Brown has already turned his thoughts to next season after guiding his resurgent Reds to seventh.   more...

Boars make best start in five years

BROMSGROVE Cricket Club First XI made their best start to a league season for five years with a winning home draw against Leamington in Birmingham and District division one.   more...

Fixtures

Saturday, May 10   more...

Bees belter

STUDLEY finished the season in style with a 5-1 win at Boldmere St Michaels which featured a cameo appearance from (player) manager Mark Chambers.   more...

Heads you win

HEADLESS Cross Ladies, cheered on by arch rivals Redditch United Women, picked up the first silverware in the club's brief history with a comfortable County Cup win at the weekend.   more...

7/5/03 - Topsy-turvy time for fans

IT'S been a season of highs and lows at St George's Lane -- but for once it was mostly highs as Worcester City enjoyed a better than average season.   more...

Safety first for Andy

WINYATES Green's Andy Burbidge says he will be grateful to come away from his next race in one piece after two fatalities in the opening three rounds on the MRO circuit.   more...

Lickey do it in style

BROMSGROVE and District Champions Lickey Monarchs finished their season in style with a resounding 10-0 victory at SPSP.   more...

Tonks treble

BROMSGROVE and Redditch racewalker Sharon Tonks made it a hat-trick of wins in the May Day five-mile run/race walk in Memorial Park, Coventry.   more...

Arrows head for another defeat

Redditch Arrows 15 Southern Sundevils 28   more...

Jumping for Britain

STUDLEY Blue and White Rope Skippers bagged 20 medals and four trophies at an international knock out competition in Naarden, Holland.   more...

Hodgetts hits form

HEADLESS Cross hope Stefan Hodgetts finally secured the remaining sponsorship needed to compete in the new Seat Cupra Championship - and then went on to announce his arrival by winning the first race of the ten round series.   more...

Top three for the Tin Man

ASTWOOD Bank ace Andy Tinsley continued his headline-grabbing season with a podium finish in round five of the British Superstocks Series at Oulton Park at the weekend.   more...

Alvechurch 10 (ten) Cheslyn Hay 1

13 mins: Liam O'Shea lays off for Keith Rostill to reach 49 goals. 1-0   more...

Church champs

AFTER stumbling and faltering like all the other teams to temporarily top the Midland Combination this season, Alvechurch came good when it mattered most to win the league before annihilating shell-shocked Cheslyn Hay on Monday.   more...

Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Swindon Supermarine 3

Saturday, May 3, 2003   more...

06/05/03 - Rovers honoured

BROMSGROVE Rovers were named team of the year at the Bromsgrove District Sports Council awards.   more...

07/05/03 - Rovers can be proud of third place

BROMSGROVE Rovers have had a successful season, make no mistake about it.   more...

07/05/03 - The end

GARY Hackett and Jon Ford have left Bromsgrove Rovers by mutual consent.   more...

Swifts

7/5/03 Swifts sign off with Dynamo stalemate

AS Stourport signed off with a drab 1-1 draw at Shepshed Dynamo, Swifts' boss Dave Titterton was already considering next season.   more...

  
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