Worcestershire | Archive | 2003 | March

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Stories for 5 March 2003

Leisure

Show made us chuckle

Captain Blackboot's Island   more...

Expert wildlife tips

BUDDING wildlife photographers can pick up top tips from an expert snapper at a meeting later this month.   more...

Sports centre launch

LEISURE chiefs in Bromsgrove are urging sports enthusiasts along to the re-launch of its coaching resource centre this month.   more...

Paintings

AN exhibition of landscape paintings opened at Bromsgrove Library on Monday.   more...

Science

A MUSEUM near Bromsgrove is holding a hands-on science day later this month.   more...

Display

ARTWORK by a prolific Bromsgrove artist, which spans 75 years, will be on display at a nearby museum until later this month.   more...

Pedal down to bike show

VISITORS can see three wheel-spinning days of action as The Bike Show rides into Birmingham's NEC next month.   more...

Tommy Cooper show hits town

JEROME Flynne stars as Tommy Cooper in the world premier of Cooper! Not Like That Like This, a brand new play written and created by John Fisher, which opens at Malvern Theatres today (Wednesday) before transferring to the West End, Garrick Theatre in April.   more...

What's On Guide

Thursday, March 6   more...

A juicy opener

RODRIGO'S famous Concerto d'Aranjuez will be performed at The Redditch Orchestra's first concert of the year at St Stephen's Church on Saturday.   more...

Band in search for new singer

LOCAL rock band Fishbox seek a new singer, male or female, to complete their line-up.   more...

Fifties Brum in plum role

BIRMINGHAM in the 1950s is the subject of Go and Play Up Your Own End at the Alexandra Theatre from March 12.   more...

Hare trilogy to premiere

THE regional premiere of Oscar nominee David Hare's 'state of the nation' trilogy takes place at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Friday.   more...

Comedy ace in spin-off

FANS of the BBC TV series Marion and Geoff can see a spin-off stage version at Warwick Arts Centre on Saturday.   more...

Five nights at the opera

WELSH National Opera returns to its English home at Birmingham Hippodrome with a spring season which presents five different operas in five days.   more...

Where there's a will there's a play

REDDITCH Amateur Theatre Society (RATS) presents a whodunnit with plenty of laughs along the way at St Luke's Memorial Hall this week.   more...

DJ helps out

A SPA DJ has turned his talents to helping the disc spinners of the future.   more...

News

Wythall Photographic Society

MEMBERS enjoyed several slide presentations from scenic Britain to cycling in Cuba.   more...

Studley Women's Country Club

MEMBERS were welcomed by Diane Xavier to the February 20 meeting.   more...

Redditch Photographic Society

ON February 21 Peter Grennard gave a lecture entitled Artist in the Making.   more...

Primrose Choir

AFTER a very successful Christmas concert, the Primrose Choir is busy working on the repertoire for their concerts in 2003.   more...

Merry Wives of Alcester

ON February 25, Ray Sanders-Crook, an ex-Yeoman Warder from the Tower of London gave an extremely entertaining talk with slides on his life as a Beefeater.   more...

Ladies Probus Club of Alcester

AT luncheon on February 12 members stood for a minute's silence in memory of Mrs M Saunders.   more...

Feckenham Forest History Society

AT the meeting on February 12 the society learnt about the history of Earlswood and its lakes.   more...

Bordesley Historical Society

ON February 20 members heard an excellent lecture Sounds of Yesteryear given by John Stroud.   more...

Alvechurch WI

FEBRUARY started on a good note with Margaret Bolam returning after illness to play the piano for us to sing Jerusalem.   more...

Alcester WI

AT the February meeting, Mr J Powell gave a talk entitled Order out of Chaos.   more...

Saddle up for charity

TV children's programme Blue Peter is calling on Redditch children to get involved in one of Britain's biggest cycle events in aid of Leukaemia Research.   more...

Have a ball

Taster sessions take place at Kingsley Sports Centre before a new fitness class starts later this month.   more...

Nursery steers ahead

YOUNGSTERS were celebrating at a Redditch nursery after Worcestershire County Council helped buy them a new mini-bus.   more...

Plain sailing for sea cadets

FOLLOWING their huge success at a regional competition last month, the TS Kingfisher Sea Cadets have excelled themselves again.   more...

Play days

Youngsters can have their birthday bash at Redditch YMCA.   more...

Warning over latest domain name scam

COMPANIES in Worcestershire have been warned to be on their guard against a scam that tries to "trick" people into registering domain names.   more...

Alex's 'poor' security fear

PLANS to review security at the Alexandra Hospital have been announced after concerns over the safety of staff in the A&E department were raised during an inspection.   more...

Insight into the work of a caring team

A COMMUNICATION company has been helping to boost the coffers of a Worcester hospice by making a video on its work, for free.   more...

It's chicken surprise...

THERE was a bit of fowl play in Winyates at the weekend after an unusual visitor appeared.   more...

Training scheme boosts BT recruits

A TELEPHONE call for assistance led to the creation of a training scheme that helped telecommunications giant BT recruit people for its call centre.   more...

Budget meeting

SMALL business owners in Worcestershire can attend a free seminar at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, on how the 2003 budget will affect them.   more...

Moped in crash

A TEENAGER suffered serious facial injuries when his moped was in collision with a car on the A46 near Alcester on Thursday.   more...

Juniors take senior pay rises

OFFICE juniors won bigger pay rises than secretaries and managers over the past year, new figures showed today.   more...

Bottle opener

EMPTY wine bottles were given a new lease of life on Wednesday when members of an Alcester flower arranging group turned them into unusual accessories.   more...

Carole takes top award

A REGIONAL manager for a national real estate firm has been named Businesswoman of the Year at the company's annual awards ceremony.   more...

Teacher's terror fear

TERRORIST threats at Heathrow Airport forced Alcester Grammar School headteacher Iain Blaikie to postpone his international plans for the school.   more...

Wealth increase

THE wealth of the average Briton has risen to £70,000 during the past two years, boosted by soaring property prices, research revealed today.   more...

Funding project moves up a gear

THE organisation which helped to secure funding for a community project in Alcester held its first annual general meeting on Thursday.   more...

Extra fire crew push

ALCESTER'S retained fire crew is on the lookout for more members to add to its dwindling numbers.   more...

It's flippin' good fun!

A FLIPPIN' good time was had by all yesterday at Alcester's annual Pancake Day races in the High Street.   more...

£3.5 million

TWO Alcester secondary schools are to share a cash boost of £3.5 million to improve buildings and facilities.   more...

Interview help plan

YEAR 11 pupils at Studley High School have a busy few days lined up as they start a course of practice interviews with business people.   more...

All set for new pitch

A NEW floodlit artificial all-weather pitch is set to be created at Arrow Vale Comm- unity High School.   more...

Pupil's poster to be on TV

A POSTER designed by a Redditch youngster is to be used to front weather reports for Sky News throughout March and April.   more...

Lecturer gets stripped for cash

A NEW College lecturer who battled against leukaemia has had his legs waxed as part of a fund-raising mission to enable him to represent Great Britain in the World Transplant Games.   more...

Drumming up interest

MUSIC classes are being held to help youngsters as young as four months old with their development, concentration, listening skills and reading and writing.   more...

Mosaics revealed

MOSAICS made by more than 40 students at four Redditch high schools were unveiled last week.   more...

All fun at new hall

AN evening of music and dance will be held on Saturday at Studley's new village hall.   more...

Landscape booty

TRINITY High School and Sixth Form Centre has been awarded £5,000 for a landscaping project involving pupils and Where Next Nurseries.   more...

Worry over fishing plan

A THIRD fishery could be created in the Alvechurch area.   more...

'We're cut off from trade'

THE owner of Hopwood Garden Centre claims trade was down 60 per cent last month because work to lay new sewage pipes created access problems.   more...

Pantastic!

A STAGGERING 1,643 pairs of pants have been collected for women in The Gambia after an appeal in the Advertiser.   more...

Best boot forward

YOUNGSTERS took part in a sponsored walk to raise funds for their Wythall playgroup.   more...

Studley tenders due out

TENDERS for a new management contract for Studley Leisure Centre were due to go out this week.   more...

Town to hold 'no' vigil

REDDITCH folk who oppose the looming war in Iraq will be attending a peace vigil outside St Stephen's Church on Saturday.   more...

Town surfing @ a low ebb

The number of people in Redditch accessing the world wide web is one of the lowest in the country, a survey has revealed.   more...

Special job fair details

A JOB fair for people with learning disabilities takes place at the Kingfisher Centre today.   more...

Volunteers restore old hedge

VOLUNTEERS got down to some traditional hedgelaying at a Crabbs Cross church.   more...

Firms warned of bin fire threat

TOWN centre businesses have been warned to be on their guard after a spate of bin fires on Sunday night.   more...

Junction diversion

Resurfacing work has started on the Junction 3 M42 southbound slip road onto the A435 Portway.   more...

Bursting Baftas!

RECENT Advertiser reports about a Redditch woman competing for a Bafta and Oscar award for a short animation has prompted another shortlisted Bafta nominee from the town to come forward.   more...

Court given award

REDDITCH County Court has been given a public service award for improving its workings.   more...

Cash axe for help project

A COUNSELLING scheme for young people will be forced to fold at the end of the month despite its success.   more...

Prison plans

Plans are in the pipeline for an accommodation block to house 180 extra prisoners at HMP Blakenhurst.   more...

Pool to get a facelift

A CLEAN-UP operation is being staged at Ipsley Pool this weekend.   more...

Milkmen's miles of smiles

MILES the mouse dropped in at Redditch's Express Dairies to cheer on milkmen who are set to raise cash for the Macmillan Worcestershire Appeal.   more...

Football plan is off target

A £4.5 million windfall to transform Redditch United FC has not yet been secured.   more...

'Beckhams' kick up their heels

THERE were plenty of double-takes in the Kingfisher Centre on Saturday as two celebrity lookalikes opened a new shoe store.   more...

Recruitment drive attracts India's finest

THE problems faced by Worcestershire's health service have been well documented in recent months.   more...

Bus row goes up a gear

KINGFISHER Centre bosses have accused a bus firm of putting up a smoke screen in an attempt to avoid paying a £13,000 bill.   more...

Mobile phones move into the third generation

ONCE upon a time, a mobile phone was a device about the size of a house brick.   more...

A Sporting Chance

by Sarah Chambers   more...

Spa's turn on soapbox

TAXPAYERS are being encouraged to speak up on what makes them glad, sad or mad about the Spa and its services.   more...

Booze cruise

HIGH-SPIRITED drinkers from Droitwich have won praise for their participation in a madcap charity pub crawl.   more...

Rubbish scheme just ain't our bag

AN innovative recycling scheme, involving three different coloured bin bags, has been branded confusing by a Droitwich Spa tenants' representative.   more...

Cash earmarked for halls

MONEY earmarked for a controversial community hall could now be pumped into three town projects.   more...

Mayor fields hot potatoes

RESIDENTS quizzed the Spa's Mayor on topical issues at the annual town meeting on Monday night.   more...

Going flat out for pancake day

STAFF at a Bromsgrove supermarket defied the wet weather and took part in an outdoor pancake race yesterday (Tuesday).   more...

The search is on

THE hunt is on to find Droitwich Spa's Queen of the Carnival for 2003. For the first time in six years, the town event is back and organisers have teamed up with the Droitwich Spa Advertiser to find the young hopeful who deserves to wear the carnival crown.   more...

Call for centre info

A CALL for councillors to be given more information before the curtain rises on work on Bromsgrove's much heralded £2.6m arts centre, has been rejected.   more...

Drugs arrests

THREE people have been arrested in Droitwich Spa for alleged drug dealing offences.   more...

Pupils have a good innings

YOUNG sports enthusiasts at a Belbroughton school were put through their paces by a professional cricket player this week.   more...

Spa leader's sudden stand-down

AN `effective and dedicated' Droitwich Spa councillor has resigned.   more...

Council told of grave heartbreak

A HEARTBROKEN 82-year-old Charford pensioner learned that her husband's grave had failed the council's safety test only when she happened to spot it on a TV news bulletin.   more...

Road toll blues a gas for green cabs

THE boss of a Spa taxi firm is driving his fleet towards a greener future and away from costly congestion charges.   more...

Waste war stepped up

BROMSGROVE'S war on waste has been stepped with tests of the latest, multi-purpose refuse collection trucks.   more...

Add a little balloon magic

REMEMBER the days when being given a balloon put a huge smile on your face?   more...

Zooming in on success

THE judges were spoilt for choice when members of the Bromsgrove Photographic Society held their monthly competition.   more...

Cash hand-out for Spa's kids

COMMUNITY groups in Droitwich Spa are being given a share of £210,000 to make their dreams become reality.   more...

Armed robbery at shop

SHOCKED staff came face-to-face with a revolver in a robbery at a Hagley store.   more...

`Pan-tastic'

TOWN schoolchildren were among those who had flipping `pan-tastic' fun on Shrove Tuesday.   more...

Gearing up for marathon

by Emily Bridgewater   more...

Splashing the cash on canals

THE nail-biting wait for key investment into the restoration of Droitwich Spa canals is drawing to a close.   more...

READY TO ROLL ON SEWERS Date set for major works

LONG-AWAITED improvements to sewers in the heart of Droitwich Spa are finally going ahead in June, the Advertiser reveals.   more...

Credit queries

TOWN pensioners taxed by financial matters can take their troubles to a money mastermind.   more...

Six arrested in police swoop

by Emily Bridgewater   more...

Bert's fences make a point

THERE is something deeply satisfying watching someone at work who obviously gets a big kick from simply doing a job well. Such a man is genial Bert Simpson, writes Pete Lammas.   more...

Dinner time's up for Pat after 30 years

A DINNER lady has hung up her apron for the last time after 30 years at a Bromsgrove school.   more...

Eight months for street attack man

A judge watched a security video showing a former soldier battering a man in a street attack outside a bus stop.   more...

Jobs blow at brush works

JOBS are to go at one of Bromsgrove's largest employers mainly as a result of its three largest customers demanding cheaper products.   more...

More Tories are dumped

THE deep rift in the ranks of the Tories in Bromsgrove over the selection of candidates in the forthcoming local elections finally boiled over into the public arena this week.   more...

Dancing with Long Wolf

THE remarkable story of how a determined Bromsgrove woman overcame many obstacles to mastermind the removal of a Red Indian chief's body from an overgrown grave in London to his tribal homeland, is to be made into a film.   more...

Musicians back U-turn on Bill

MUSIC lovers can breathe a sigh of relief after changes to a new Licensing Bill mean it won't hamper live entertainment in the town.   more...

Family's thanks

THE family of a young football star who died days after being involved in a road accident, have thanked everyone for the support they have received, writes Kate Hughes.   more...

Pan-tastic

TRADITIONAL sugar and lemon was the favourite accompaniment to pancakes for tots at a Rubery nursery, yesterday (Tuesday).   more...

BUNGLED ABORTION

A YOUNG woman, who almost died at the hands of a Barnt Green consultant gynaecologist two years ago, has since suffered two miscarriages - a conduct committee heard yesterday (Tuesday).   more...

It's a marriage that won't last forever

MY apologies to Gary Webb if my letter (You Say, February 11) misrepresented his views unintentionally.   more...

Soroptomists International

THERE was a buzz of activity as members gathered for pre-meeting sessions to discuss progress on our new projects, for the Bromsgrove Women's Refuge and Supervised visits. We were all delighted with the progress collecting items of clothing, bedding and household goods.   more...

More to link than geography

IN future, Gary Webb will do well to read again his own letter, before putting pen to paper and accusing me of any misunderstanding (You Say, February 22). His inconsistent argument is fast becoming incoherent.   more...

Catshill WI

CATSHILL WI began its February meeting with a visit from Morag Rooney, deputy manager of the Blue Cross Animal Sanctuary in Wildmoor Lane, Catshill. She was presented with gifts of pet food and bedding which the ladies had kindly donated towards the welfare of the animals.   more...

Tactics of extremism

CAN I be the only reader of the Evening News who has noticed how extreme the language of the anti-hunting correspondences has now become.   more...

Hadzor & Oddingley WI

MARGARET Shearer, our president, warmly welcomed 32 members and two visitors to our February meeting. The hall looked lovely with bowls of daffodils and spring flowers, organised by Judy Lee and Gayle May. The minutes were read and several business matters dealt with. A date for the play reading group was given and our Tewkesbury walk in May was confirmed. Members were asked for offers of cakes and nibbles for the Corbett Group meeting in April which we are hosting in the Sacred Heart Church Hall.   more...

Human suffering caused by a war

I AM deeply concerned that the human suffering caused by a war against Iraq will be horrific.   more...

Stoke Prior WI

Nancy Davis welcomed members to the February meeting. Reminders were given about the lunch and coffee morning. Help was requested for the refreshments for the group meeting. It was decided to enter the craft section of the food, flower and craft day in May at Bewdley.   more...

Sidemoor WI

MAUREEN Smith, our president, was ill and unable to be present at the meeting. In her absence, vice president Doris Passey chaired the meeting. We all sent our best wishes to Maureen to make a speedy recovery. Doris welcomed two new members, Jennie Eddings and Christine Garland.   more...

`Cathedral Plaza' is a more apt name

I FIND it rather rich that, as it was Worcester City Council which allowed the name "Lychgate" to become synonymous with a dreadful concrete monstrosity in the1960s, its members should now feel outraged and astonished that anyone should try to get rid of this association.   more...

Blackwell & Burcot WI

PRESIDENT Pearl Prior welcomed everyone to the meeting. She then gave her report, as did secretary Joy Overton and the treasurer. Rae Fowler then reported on the resolutions identified at the resolution meeting in Worcester in January. The resolutions were to ensure good support to children, elderly people and several other necessities.   more...

Who was she?

I SHARE Gary Webb's and Mrs S Townsend's sentiments completely concerning the young woman who spent "a night of passion" with Leonardo di Caprio.   more...

War talk

IF young Matthew Clarke was one of the British soldiers involved, he might not be quite so keen for us to attack Iraq.   more...

Noses in trough

HOW could anyone work any kind of appetite up to vote for any of the political parties?   more...

100 years ago March 7, 1903

A Bromsgrove woman was admitted to the Cottage Hospital after she was found with serious wounds to her throat. Mrs Crewe, the former owner of an off-licence beer house in Aston Fields, was discovered partially clothed on her bed by her landlady's son in Stoke Works. Her throat was badly cut and her windpipe was severed. A blood-stained razor was found by her bed. She was in a serious condition but it was hoped that if there were no complications she would make a full recovery.   more...

50 years ago March 7, 1953

A poor attendance was recorded at the meeting of Bromsgrove Farmers Club. Fewer than 30 of the 200 members turned out, prompting stern words from the president, Colonel Gray Cheape at the annual meeting at the Golden Lion Hotel.   more...

25 years ago March 3, 1978

A Bromsgrove first school's parents association admitted it was struggling to survive due to apathy from parents. The association's secretary blamed it on lack of interest shown by the majority of parents in their children's education. But the secretary of Meadows First School vowed to soldier on and planned a series of events including a barbecue for the next term.   more...

The love affair with music starts here

HIDDEN away in the basement of Worcester College of Technology the record producers and musicians of the future are learning the tricks of the trade.   more...

Time to tell us what is going on

DEAR EDITOR - There are plans to build a housing scheme for mental health patients, on the site of Droitwich Boxing Club, opposite the Railway Public House.   more...

Will society speak for us?

DEAR EDITOR - Droitwich Spa Civic Society has rubber stamped many controversial Wychavon planning decisions in recent years.   more...

So disgusted

DEAR EDITOR - I am writing a letter for the first time ever to your newspaper in reply to your article on the proposed increases in Council Tax. As a pensioner who has just been given a one and a half per cent increase, I am absolutely disgusted at the huge increases we are expected to pay - 12.97 per cent from the county council, 5.4 per cent from the district council, both Tory controlled, and also 12.61 per cent from West Mercia Police.   more...

Qustions we should dare ask

DEAR EDITOR - Nothing has demonstrated the arrogance of the local authority more than the recent letters from members of the town council giving vent to their petulance over being questioned regarding the dramatic changes to the town centre.   more...

Looking for special people

DEAR EDITOR - With just a few weeks to go until the closing date of March 21, The Stroke Association is urging readers to send in their nomination forms for this year's Life After Stroke Awards.   more...

Live and let live

DEAR EDITOR - I was rather amazed to read a letter from two councillors in your paper on the "sea of litter".   more...

Surprise at non-selection

DEAR EDITOR - I was horrified to read in the article entitled `Councillor fails selec-tion' in your edition dated February 19, that the Alvechurch branch of the Conservative Party voted not to choose Councillor Mrs Jean Luck as one of three candidates to con-test the seat in the next election.   more...

Waiting for change to occur

DEAR EDITOR - In response to the Barnt Green Station editorial in a recent Advertiser/Messenger, about the reduction in charges at the station car park.   more...

Municipal vandalism - at our expense

R EDITOR - Your letters page and comments I have received from Society members persuaded me to see for myself the state of the gravestones in Bromsgrove Cemetery.   more...

Theatre plans called in - but `shows will go on'

THE decision to re-open the Swan Theatre under the same management as Huntingdon Hall has been "called in" by Labour councillors.   more...

Revamp begins

A TWO-year programme to revamp and upgrade prefab homes in Abbeydale will begin next month.   more...

Chiefs refuse grants review

REDDITCH council chiefs are sticking to this year's allocation of major grants despite appeals from unsuccessful groups.   more...

Undercover tapes dismissed by IHS

THE reptile group which wanted to hold a show in Redditch has denied claims evidence of animals being bought and sold was videotaped at its last show in the town.   more...

Reptile ban is praised

AN animal protection group has praised Redditch Council's refusal to allow a reptile show to be staged in the town.   more...

Nursery places created

FUNDING for 22 new childcare places in Redditch has been granted from the New Opportunities Fund.   more...

Dedication earns duo new awards

TWO members of staff from Millfields Day Centre in Redditch have been praised by the director of social services for their dedicated work.   more...

Sharper edge planned for needle venue

FORGE Mill Museum is set to be turned into a state-of-the-art venue with interactive hi-tech displays.   more...

Cut out summer daze

SUMMER holidays may be a long way off but Stratford Council is encouraging anyone organising children's play activities in Studley and Alcester to start planning now.   more...

Town's £14m facelift

A STAGGERING £14 million will have been spent on improving and enhancing the town by next April, it has been announced.   more...

Deadline near for voters' list

THE deadline is looming for residents in the Bromsgrove district - including Alvechurch, Beoley, Rowney Green, Wythall and Tardebigge - to make sure their names are on the Register of Electors so they can vote in the district council elections on May 1.   more...

Postal vote reminder

ANYONE wishing to vote by post or by proxy in the April 3 Crabbs Cross by-election can do so by contacting Redditch Council election office.   more...

Green light is due

PLANS to build 12 houses in Hollywood are set to be given the go-ahead on Monday, despite residents' concerns.   more...

Taxi colour clash fear

REDDITCH Council could be heading for a clash with town licensed taxi drivers after proposals to make all hackney carriages the same colour.   more...

Summer opening

A HEALTH and fitness club will finally be opened in the Kingfisher Centre within six months, it has been revealed.   more...

£0.5m allocated to disabled upgrade

AN extra £500,000 will be spent installing disabled facilities in people's homes across the town, it has been announced.   more...

Debate set for cinema

A DECISION on whether or not to allow the demolition of a town centre car park to create a cinema and three restaurants will be made next month.   more...

Charity disco

A FUNDRAISING event to help fund a urology nurse at the Alexandra Hospital is being held on Friday in Tardebigge.   more...

Vexed question of health cutbacks

WORCESTERSHIRE'S beleaguered health chiefs faced a barrage of angry questions at yesterday's public meeting.   more...

Letter from Westminster

AT a public meeting organised by local churches this week, I met people concerned about world affairs and poverty.   more...

Yes or no was all I needed

I WAS very pleased Mrs Wells was interested enough to respond to my letter (Advertiser, February 12).   more...

Tom is like a father to us!

I HAVE been horrified by the recent attacks on Councillor Tom Wareing.   more...

Spankingly odd image emerged

G BECK writes (Letters, February 26), in respect of Saddam Hussein, that 'there are times when naughty boys need a damn good smack'.   more...

Mercy for adddict, 18

A heroin addict has been freed from custody by a judge for the probation service to assess her suitability for therapy work to kick the habit.   more...

Post office was given notice

I REFER to your article regarding Cookhill post office, which reads as if I just closed it (Advertiser, February 19).   more...

Hall's circus night was a joy

I WRITE as a visitor from Malvern who, after listening to the depressing news in the media, welcomed a change of mood.   more...

Play article amazed me

I WAS amazed to read the article 'Residents in play area snub' in your issue of February 19.   more...

Politicians should sacrifice popularity

INTELLIGENT politicians not only give careful thought to the formulation of policy, but even greater careful thought to the possible outcomes of their policy decisions, before monitoring the implementation of such policies.   more...

Actions speak louder than words

IN the days when people's cheques were verified manually in banks, there used to be doubt about what was going on when 'words and figures differ'.   more...

Swords taken

A CACHE of dangerous martial arts weapons, air rifles and entertainment equipment have been stolen during a burglary at a Webheath house.   more...

Snatched bag had £300 in

A WOMAN in her 60s had her handbag containing £300 cash snatched while she was walking along a Wythall road.   more...

Man battered by a stranger

A judge watched a security video showing a former soldier battering a man in a street attack outside a bus stop.   more...

No jail for burgling parents

A drug addict who stole goods worth more than £1,000 from his parents' home has been given a chance by a judge.   more...

Cocaine is seized

HEROIN, cocaine and cannabis were seized by police during a number of raids across Redditch and Bromsgrove on Friday.   more...

Escalator wait

SHOPPERS may have to wait another two weeks before an escalator from the Kingfisher Centre down to the bus station is repaired after it was vandalised.   more...

Heart death arrests

A MAN and woman were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of a 42-year-old Winyates woman on Thursday.   more...

25 years ago

March 3, 1978   more...

50 years ago

March 6, 1953   more...

100 years ago

March 7, 1903   more...

Trust director defends debt

THE finance director of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Alexandra Hospital, has defended his position over the authority's £6 million debt.   more...

Expulsion decision to be discussed

THE Governors' Discipline Committee at Tenbury High School met yesterday (March 5) to hear an appeal from the two students expelled for supplying cannabis cake to other pupils without their knowledge.   more...

Deadline looms for Gannett grant applications

TIME is fast running out for grant applications to the Gannett Foundation, the charity arm of Gannett Co Inc, owner of Newsquest Media Group, publishers of The Ludlow and Tenbury Advertisers.   more...

Town's famous four attractions missing from tourism guide

A RIGHT royal bloomer has been dropped by Worcestershire County Council's Tourism Unit.   more...

MP meeting fire chief on station fears

TENBURY MP Bill Wiggin is to meet Hereford and Worcester's Chief Fire Officer following local concerns that the review of fire services ordered by the Government could become a smokescreen for cost-cutting and fire station closures.   more...

Young Farmers hold charity muck lug

GREETE Young Farmers' Club are out to prove the old adage that where there's muck there's brass.   more...

Burglary and affray denied

A 21-year-old Tenbury man has appeared before Shrewsbury Crown Court accused of burglary and affray charges. Christopher Southall of Wheelers Orchard, denied burglary at a cottage in Greete and stealing jewellery. He also denies a charge of threatening unlawful violence towards another person. Both offences are alleged to have taken place on November 8 last year. Southall was on Monday granted conditional bail to await trial.   more...

Elderly resident robbed of £90

POLICE are seeking information about thieves who stole £90 from the home of an elderly resident while claiming to be Water Board officials. In the incident at Bine Lane, Rock, at about 11.20 on February 26, the offenders made a forced entry. When disturbed by the occupant, they claimed they were from the Water Board and asked to see the occupant's pension book. Loose change was also included in the haul. The offenders were described as approximately 5ft 10 ins to 5ft 11in tall, both wearing dark clothing.   more...

So who is Worcester's fastest pancake flinger? It's a toss-up!

IT was all flipping good fun when a pair ofWorcester pharmacy workers raced along a city street to keep alive a British tradition.   more...

A byte of what you fancy...

COMPUTER courses for beginners have proved so popular in Callow End that two more are due to start shortly.   more...

Route to fair jobs

BARRIERS to working for disabled people will be knocked down at a new jobs fair doing the rounds.   more...

Banned for bike crime

A WORCESTER man has been banned from driving for a year after being caught riding a motorcycle without insurance.   more...

Rally bids raise cash for appeal

THE chance to drive a world rally car around a professional circuit proved to be the most popular lot at an auction held to raise money for vital scientific research.   more...

Councillors back stadium

THE long-awaited new football stadium for Worcester City has taken a major step forward.   more...

Homes on restaurant site set for nod

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to demolish Powick's New Hing Tai restaurant and build 13 new homes on the site is likely to be given planning approval tonight.   more...

Robbery charge man is cleared

A Worcester bingo hall worker has been cleared of carrying out a robbery at knifepoint on a stranger he had met a few minutes before on a city railway station.   more...

Woman's death

AN elderly woman, whom detectives suspected was murdered, died of natural causes an inquest has heard.   more...

Why being caught on this camera could be a really crushing blow

CAR tax cheats have a new enemy to dodge - state-of-the-art Stingray cameras are coming to the two counties.   more...

What has happened to our EU cash, asks Euro-MP

A Worcestershire Euro-MP has attacked the Government and European Commission following a report highlighting the mismanagement of European funds.   more...

Worries over marina plan

A LARGE holiday village at Upton Marina could change the character of Upton-upon-Severn, according to opponents of the scheme.   more...

Don't drink this vodka

VODKA-lovers are being warned to avoid a certain brand that could make them blind and cause them to have trouble breathing.   more...

Smile! It's a chance to win

MORE than a hundred of the county's cutest children have already been nominated by their proud parents for this year's Evening News Baby of the Year competition.   more...

We want to make a difference

THE Evening News in conjunction with Worceter Round Table is giving away cash for worthy causes - and it could be your club or group that benefits!   more...

Totally unexpected

ATTEMPTS to transfer some health service costs to social services have been greeted with astonishment by a leading county councillor.   more...

Over-limit landlord `should have known better'

THE landlord of a Malvern pub has been banned from driving after being found to be almost three times over the limit.   more...

Pushing out frontiers

ART lovers are being treated to a "provocative" new exhibition that has set up in the county.   more...

Minister to probe claim `city has highest fares'

TRANSPORT Minister John Spellar is to investigate claims that Worcester has the highest bus fares in Britain.   more...

Naomi back as PC is arrested

A POLICEMAN who went missing with a 15-year-old Worcester schoolgirl sparking a nationwide hunt is due to be questioned today.   more...

800 jobs go in depot closure

ALMOST 800 jobs in Worcester are to go, following confirmation that Sainsbury's is to close its distribution depot in the city.   more...

Sport

Junior football round-up

Castlehurst U11s 1 Hanbury U11s 10   more...

Huge entries for race

THE Harkaway Club point-to-point has a massive 257 entries for its nine race card, which gets underway at noon at the popular Chaddesley Corbett course this Saturday.   more...

Trio into last four

THREE Droitwich Spa boxers have secured semi-final places at the National Schools' Boxing Championships.   more...

Town claim vital points

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV secured two more vital points in the quest for Midlands One survival with a 23-15 victory over Hinckley.   more...

Academy set for new home

A SELF-DEFENCE instructor from Aston Fields is about to realise his dream by opening a new home for the British Free Fighting Academy.   more...

Spa keep up their title push

PROMOTION is still very much on the cards for Droitwich Spa RFC First XV after a 22-13 victory over Earlsdon last Saturday.   more...

5/3/03 - Rhodes sets glory target

STEVE Rhodes is backing Worcestershire County Cricket Club to shed last season's nearly-man tag and win promotion.   more...

Bromsgrove Rovers fixtures and results 2002/2003

HOME, away   more...

Rovers mourn loss of a star

FLOWERS and written tributes line the gates of Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club to mark the life of Ashley Read.   more...

KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS FC MATCH FACTS - 2002/2003

Sat July 13 Stratford Town (a) 1-1 Lewis   more...

Football- Peter guns down Two Gates with a brace

Two Gates 1 Tenbury United 2-   more...

Football- Vass fires in winner to claim all three points at Pelsall

Pelsall Villa 0 Ludlow Town 1-   more...

Rugby- Castle respond after stern words during the interval

Birchfield 7 pts Bishop's Castle 21   more...

Cycling- Chris starts the new season in the style he finished the last one

THE weather was kind when six members of Ludlow Cycling Club travelled to Severn Stoke near Worcester at the for the Wyre Forest CRC 10 mile time-trial.   more...

Bridge- Ruth and Bill take honours with a Mitchell movement

AT the latest meeting of Cleobury Mortimer Bridge Club a Mitchell movement was played over five tables with the following results.   more...

Rugby- Victory snatched from their grasp in final minutes

Ludlow 22 pts Old Saltleians 23   more...

Rugby- Solid performance sees Cleobury take the points

Cleobury Mortimer 16 pts   more...

Indoor Cricket- Sweet taste of success as British Sugar take top knockout trophies

WITH the indoor league finishing earlier this year Cleobury Mortimer Indoor Cricket League decided to run a knockout handicap cup over two weeks, with the handicap being worked out on the number of points accumulated at the first half of the league season (or the Brookes/Hassan Method as it has now become known).   more...

Football- Hillmen bounce visitors out of cup

Clee Hill 5 Morda Res 3   more...

Football- `Vale are made to work hard for Premier League win

Springvale Rovers 1 Oldington United 0   more...

Volleyball- Two home wins see Cleobury Ladies ease their relegation worries

Cleobury Ladies played a crucial home double header in National League Division II. After a six-match losing streak the team desperately needed two wins to stop the descent into the relegation zone.   more...

Hockey- Becki`s stunning shot puts the brake on promotion challengers

Bromsgrove Ladies 1 Tenbury Ladies 1-   more...

Football- Weather plays a part as Colts draw

Ewyas Harold Reserves 2 Leintwardine Colts 2   more...

Football- Colts bow out of the Bucknell Cup

Leintwardine Colts 1 Newcastle 2   more...

Mixed fortunes

FOUR Bromsgrove netballers featured in mixed fortunes for county sides last weekend.   more...

Multi-terrain

PETER Hawcroft led the way for Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletics Club at last Sunday's Amazing Treat Eight.   more...

Fun in the gym

YOUNGSTERS got the chance to try out their gymnastics skills at Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre.   more...

Top teams cruise past lower ranks

COMFORTABLE victories were the order of the day in the latest round of matches in the Bromsgrove and District Table Tennis League.   more...

Spa driver passes test

A PORSCHE racer from Droitwich Spa has completed a promising two-day test in preparation for the British GT Championship.   more...

5/3/03 - Sixways quartet in England team

FOUR Worcester players have been included in the England U19 rugby squad for the international against Italy at Macclesfield's Priory Park ground on Friday.   more...

5/3/03 - Team deserves a rewarding finish

AS a manager you are always looking to improve the team but over the close season this squad probably needs the least amount of surgery since I've been at the club.   more...

Freefall fear as fate sealed

FIVE Ways Old Edwardians have to avoid going into freefall when they are relegated to North Midlands Two according to prop forward Ian Carter.   more...

Alcester win at last gasp

ALCESTER won the bragging rights with a last gasp derby win over basement boys Claverdon.   more...

It's all to play for now

THE Powergen North Midlands One title race is set to go to the wire after leaders Solihull lost 29-18 to second placed Worcester Wanderers at the weekend.   more...

Caught in drop war

REDDITCH were dragged back into the relegation zone at the weekend after arch rivals Woodrush suffered a shock home defeat to lowly Stourport.   more...

Angry chief vows return

AFTER having relegation confirmed at the weekend, Kings Norton are already looking to the new season and angry skipper Pete May has promised to get his side in shape with fitness testing due to start this week.   more...

Kidderminster Harriers 1 Southend United 0

Tuesday, March 4, 2003   more...

Where to fish

THE Birmingham Anglers Association has booked the following waters for this week.   more...

Angling round-up

THERE were 39 Starlets Veterans out last Tuesday taking part in their latest Winter League event at Woodlands View's Barley and Hay pools.   more...

Title success at first attempt

BROMSGROVE Town Boys U10s B have won a league title at their first attempt.   more...

Sunday net double

LATEST results from the Central Sports Redditch and South Warwickshire Combination.   more...

Olympic stumble

NEW Olympic dropped valuable home points at the top of the Advertiser/Messenger Football League as they were held 4-4 against nine-man Victoria Barnt Green.   more...

Villa out of the cup

TWO goals in the first 12 minutes ended Fairfield Villa's interest in the Smedley Crooke Cup as they lost 3-0 at Northfield Town in the quarter-finals.   more...

Spartak go top

TWO victories inside a week have propelled Barnt Green Spartak to the top of Midland Combination division two.   more...

Rovers mourn loss of a star

FLOWERS and written tributes line the gates of Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club to mark the life of Ashley Read.   more...

5/3/03 - St Johns A remain in front

In the Nationwide Doors and Windows Worcester Billiards League, St Johns B still lead St Stephens A by one point after the sides drew 2-2.   more...

5/3/03 - Wednesday results

results from the Wednesday divisions of the E & E Engineering Worcester Friendly Skittle League:   more...

Junior rugby round-up

Bromsgrove RFC U16s 10 Droitwich Spa RFC U16s 19   more...

Charity trophy

BROMSGROVE RFC Veterans are half way to winning a charity trophy against rivals Redditch.   more...

Shail eager to make up lost time at Lane

MARK Shail may have emerged battered and bruised from his encounter with Adie Mings but after missing so much of the season he relished every second of his clash with the Chippenham man-mountain.   more...

Team deserves a rewarding finish

The John Barton column   more...

National final is reached

Worcester reached the final of the RFUW U16 Cup with a 70-5 victory over Camberley in the semi-final at Lichfield.   more...

Head event proves popular

CLUBS from near and far converged on Worcester for the city's annual Head of the River regatta.   more...

County's joy at avoiding drop

WORCESTERSHIRE preserved their place in Division Two of the English Counties Netball League with a 52-45 victory over North Durham.   more...

Harriers breathe life into play-off hopes

JOHN Melligan breathed new life into Kidderminster Harriers' promotion hopes with a second half winner in last night's 1-0 victory over Southend United at Aggborough.   more...

Sixways quartet in England team

FOUR Worcester players have been included in the England U19 rugby squad for the international against Italy at Macclesfield's Priory Park ground on Friday.   more...

Rhodes sets glory target

STEVE Rhodes is backing Worcestershire County Cricket Club to shed last season's nearly-man tag and win promotion.   more...

05/03/03 - Leadbetter in sights

REDS boss Rod Brown is hoping to add a new striker to his attacking options.   more...

05/03/03 - Football plan is off target

A £4.5 million windfall to transform Redditch United FC has not yet been secured.   more...

South's title

SOUTH Bromsgrove High School have won the inaugural Bromsgrove Cricket Club six-a-side tournament.   more...

ANDY BISHOP - Forward. 19/10/82. 6ft. Squad number 27.

Has joined Harriers on loan for the season from Division One side Walsall to gain experience of first-team football.   more...

BO HENRIKSEN - Forward. 7/2/75. 5ft 10ins. Squad number 12.

A player with an impressive reputation in homeland Denmark, Henriksen signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Aggborough in February 2002.   more...

DREWE BROUGHTON - Forward. 25/10/78. 6ft 3ins. Squad number 9.

Tall target-man who made an immediate impact with his aggression, spirit and goal-scoring on being signed for £50,000 from Peterborough in January 2001.   more...

JOHN MELLIGAN - Midfielder. 11/2/82. 5ft 9ins. Squad number 24.

Signed on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers for the season, the creative Dublin-born playmaker has made a good impression and extended his deal for a second month.   more...

SEAN FLYNN - Midfield. 13/3/68. 5ft 8ins. Squad number 21.

Vastly-experienced Flynn took over the captaincy in Mark Blake's absence after putting pen to paper on a year's deal before the first league game with Lincoln.   more...

SEAN PARRISH - Midfield. 14/3/72. 5ft 10ins. Squad number 8.

Summer signing Parrish has enjoyed three promotions before from Division Three, twice with Northampton Town and once with Chesterfield.   more...

SAM SHILTON - Left midfield. 21/7/78. 5ft 11ins. Squad number 11.

The son of former England goalkeeping legend Peter spent two seasons at Hartlepool before his free transfer move to Third Division opposition Harriers.   more...

DANNY WILLIAMS - Midfield 12/7/79. 6ft 1in. Squad number 4.

After starting off as a trainee at Liverpool, Williams was released at the age of 19 to return to his native Wrexham.   more...

DION SCOTT - Centre-back. 24/12/80. 5ft 11ins. Squad number 25.

Scott joined Harriers on a non-contract basis in late January and made a solid Football League full debut against Bournemouth in defence.   more...

KENNY COLEMAN - Right-back, centre-back. 20/9/82. 6ft. Squad number 26.

The third player signed by Ian Britton on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers this season, following Mark Clyde and John Melligan.   more...

ADIE SMITH - Centre-back, right-back, midfield. 11/8/73. 5ft 10ins. Squad number 6.

Another Mr Versatile, long-serving Smith signed for Harriers in 1997 for £19,000 from non-league rivals Bromsgrove Rovers.   more...

CRAIG HINTON - Centre-back, right-back, midfield. 26/11/77. 6ft. Squad number 5.

Versatile Hinton began his career at right-back before reverting to a centre-half role during the Conference championship-winning season.   more...

FRASER DIGBY - Goalkeeper. 23/4/67. 6ft 1ins. Squad number 18.

Digby is a vastly experienced keeper who was signed before the first game of February against Bournemouth in order to add his know-how to a young defence.   more...

Facts, figures and fixtures 2002/2003 season

  more...

No criticism over Redditch defeat

REDDITCH United Women manager Steve Tayler said his side would have beaten any other team in their league in the weekend's semi final but came up against a very strong Ross Town outfit.   more...

Cross win their way to first final

HEADLESS Cross Ladies have reached their first ever final despite losing star striker Mandy Ellicott for Sunday's 1-0 semi final win over Fairfield Villa.   more...

Critic Gary's bet stirs fans

BLUES Ladies' campaign to hit sports presenter Gary Newbon in the pocket has been gathering steam this week.   more...

Ten men nab draw

By Matt Smith   more...

No walk in the Park!

A CUP final awaits Alvechurch - but it won't be at Villa Park.   more...

5/3/03 - Shail eager to make up lost time at Lane

MARK Shail may have emerged battered and bruised from his encounter with Adie Mings but after missing so much of the season he relished every second of his clash with the Chippenham man-mountain.   more...

Gemma's goal

A SUPERB individual goal from Gemma Darbyshire helped Droitwich Spa Ladies Hockey Club Second XI defeat Bromsgrove Seconds 2-0.   more...

Spa double

DROITWICH Spa Hockey Club Men's First XI recorded their second win in a row with a 2-1 victory at Old Silhillians last Saturday.   more...

Dead leg for Barratt

FECKENHAM were set to be without former Studley and Redditch midfielder Gavin Barratt for last night's Worcester Royal Infirmary quarter final at Pershore.   more...

Crunch derby match

REDDITCH have to beat arch rivals Bromsgrove at the weekend to have any chance of winning promotion.   more...

Match could decide drop

REDDITCH Ladies Hockey Club have their best chance of getting off the foot of the Midlands Region Hockey Womens League Conference at the weekend.   more...

Blues capped

BIRMINGHAM City Ladies have had a handful of their rising stars picked for England under 19s duty.   more...

Club docked points for an illegal player

BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Men's First XI have have been dealt a double blow in their West Midlands One survival quest.   more...

Bees batter Church

STUDLEY breezed into their third successive Worcestershire Senior Urn final with a 5-1 demolition of neighbours Alvechurch last night.   more...

Millers out

FECKENHAM'S Worcester Royal Infirmary cup hopes were ended with a dismal 3-1 defeat at Pershore last night.   more...

5/3/03 More woe from Lincolnshire

HARRIERS 1 SCUNTHORPE 3   more...

5/3/03 Melligan magic inspires Harriers

HARRIERS 1 SOUTHEND 0   more...

05/03/03 - Rovers mourn loss of a star

FLOWERS and written tributes line the gates of Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club to mark the life of Ashley Read.   more...

01/03/03 - Bromsgrove Rovers v Cinderford Town

AS a mark of respect to Ashley Read and his family, Bromsgrove Rovers have taken the decision to postpone this match.   more...

Rugby- Rousing finish secures home win

Tenbury 14 pts Bredon Star 13   more...

  
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