Worcestershire | Archive | 2004 | May

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Stories for 20 May 2004

Leisure

John seeks help to finish music history

AN author who was forced to abandon writing for a year after he was hospitalised by a mystery virus is nearing completion of the first volume of his book.   more...

Jazz star Courtney to headline at park

JAZZ sensation Courtney Pine is to headline this year's outdoor music event at West Midland Safari Park.   more...

Daniel's delight over drama school place

A YOUNG actor from Kidderminster has high hopes of stardom after beating 2,000 other aspiring thespians to one of around 30 places at a London drama school - and a scholarship worth almost £10,000.   more...

Perfecting design of hanging baskets

A FLURRY of flowers will be on display at Worcestershire County Museum on Sunday when a Wolverley gardening enthusiast gives demonstrations on hanging basket making.   more...

Paul following in footsteps of actor Orlando

A SPENNELLS 16-year-old has set his sights on stardom after gaining a place on the same prestigious drama course that launched the career of Hollywood heartthrob, Orlando Bloom.   more...

Full Metal Granny back with spoof on top films

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PRICE: £39.99 PLAYERS: 1 AGE RATING: 15 GENRE: Action FORMAT: PS2/XBOX GRAPHICS: 15/20 SOUND: 15/20

WHEN the emperor of Rome is killed in unusual circumstances, Aruntius, a mad, power-crazed individual succeeds him.   more...

Win tickets to double bill of Shakespeare

SORCERY, power-lust and brutal death lie at its heart, but it is not all doom and gloom - enchantresses, valour and madness stir up an astonishing mix of black comedy, making Macbeth classic entertainment for all.   more...

Russell raising funds to achieve his dream

AFTER years of using his voice to help others, music student, Russell Painter, has discovered the meaning of the phrase "charity begins at home".   more...

Stepping back in time for classic soul night

MUSIC enthusiasts from across the Midlands are to step back in time at Wyre Forest Glades leisure centre for a classic evening of Northern Soul.   more...

Jazz time

A FEAST of swinging sounds will fill the Briars Hotel in Kidderminster tomorrow, courtesy of Worcestershire Jazz Orchestra.   more...

Dance date

YOUNG groovers from Wyre Forest are being given the opportunity to learn their pop idols' dance moves in Kidderminster.   more...

Proms variety

BRASS bands, folk and chamber music are just part of the entertaining mix that make up Shipston Proms from Wednesday, June 23 until Saturday, July 3. There's a chance for talented local performers to take part in a Fame Academy-style contest, with the winning act appearing on stage in the town centre on the last night. Further information about the contest is available from Richard Taylor on 01608 661511 or Tim Porter on 01608 685332.   more...

African rhythms

THE Chililabombwe Praise Choir of Zambia is scheduled for a series of concerts in the area this weekend. The concerts take place at Stour Valley Church at Shipston High School on Saturday at 7.30pm and at Chipping Campden Baptist Church in High Street on Sunday at 10.30am.   more...

Mind-Goggling

THE Gogmagogs present a captivating marriage of musical and theatrical performance in Gumbo Jumbo at The Theatre in Chipping Norton tomorrow at 8pm. The seven classically-trained string musicians provide a carnival of comedy, tragedy and poetry with music which ranges from classical and big-band blues to Madagascan dance rhythms.   more...

Rock and drama a tribute to Roses

PERFORMING more than 3,250 times over the past 16 years has earned blues-rock group The Hamsters their place in musical history.   more...

Irene goes global with paintings

PAINTINGS of a Yellow Hat Tribe by a Cotswolds artist will be exhibited at a farm in Church Westcote this weekend.   more...

Joseph's technicolour career

LESLEY Joseph, who shot to fame as man-hungry neighbour-from-hell Dorien in hit sitcom Birds of a Feather, is coming to Malvern in search of her roots.   more...

Look out you boys, sir's coming back!

A FORMER teacher at Blackminster who became a prolific playwright will return to Evesham with his new production, The Humanitarians.   more...

Village has Faith in drama

THE touching tale of a 75-year-old woman who falls in love for the first time will be brought to life at The Theatre in Chipping Norton.   more...

Dylan's Malvern date

The Wales Theatre Company is to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Dylan Thomas by bringing his classic Under Milk Wood to Malvern.   more...

The Bard with bite!

YORKSHIRE'S celebrated theatre company Northern Broadsides will bring a production of The Merchant of Venice like no other to the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham.   more...

Hugh turns on the tap like a Duck to water!

Rain will quite literally pour on to actor Hugh Duck when he takes to the stage at the Greig Hall in Alcester for the legendary scene from Singing in the Rain.   more...

Wedding doubts give rise to comedy classic

BROADWAY players are busy putting the finishing touches to their latest production to be staged next week at the Lifford Hall.   more...

Greed an echo of silent age

HEROES, villains, melodrama and comedy are staples of silent films and are brought back to vivid life by The Clod Ensemble in their latest production, Greed, at Chipping Norton Theatre. Inspired by Chaplin and Keaton, Greed is a story about marriage and dentistry, the business of love and the love of business.   more...

Young stars

Warwick-based Playbox Theatre Company is launching the first of its new training programmes for young actors in Chipping Campden in September. It will be running a club for five to seven-year-olds, and two performance programmes for eight to 10-year-olds fevery Saturday morning in the town hall   more...

Crafty rabbits find new ways to elude predators

THE deluge of rain we had in April has proved to be a bounty for many of our district's wild plants and animals, with mild and damp conditions being just what many of our springtime plants needed to put on a real spurt of growth.   more...

News

A breath of fresh air

To all who were involved with the trip for the Hot Air Balloon at Oxford last weekend. I was lucky enough to win free tickets with the Journal. My husband, myself and friends went on the Saturday night. It was brilliant, Symphony Orchestra Fantastia. Unfortunately the weather was not right for balloons to go up. Better luck next time. Thanks again.   more...

Pledge over staffing

IN view of the column in the Journal, May 6, referring to the proposed reduction in Physio Therapy Department.   more...

No exceptions to the rules for all people

SO we have another patronising do gooder telling us what we should or should not do as regarding the gipsy site, not camp. Perhaps you should come and live in this area with its stinking fly ridden tip on the horizon Mr Walker and then you would know what you are on about and perhaps we could praise you for being willing to live here.   more...

Sign of the times in the Vale area

On Saturday, May 1, with others, went from Evesham to Spalding, Lincs, for the Flower Festival.   more...

The real truth about state of tooth care

RE the article this week about NHS dentist availability in Gloucestershire I would like to point out my experience. I had to go on a waiting list for a year to receive NHS treatment at the clinic at Bourton Hospital which is open two days a week.   more...

Beyond belief that it's same river area

I AM writing in response to Reg (Snowy) Bailey's letter last week.   more...

Unfounded criticism of modern Vale life

IT IS, perhaps sad that there is not as much river commercial activity - boating and riverside café's as there probably was in the 20s and 30s, but I think Reg Bailey's letter (Evesham Journal, May 13) is most unfounded.   more...

How lucky we are to live in Evesham

I OFTEN wonder when some of the people who write to your column decrying the town last visited Evesham (Reg Bailey's letter, May 13). Of course, we all know that the sun always shone in the 1930's and that there wasn't any crime in those pre-war days.   more...

All the fun of May Fair

SALFORD Priors Primary School pupils had glorious weather at the weekend for their May fair.   more...

Unique bus brings learning to doorstep

A COMMUNITY learning bus which brings information on learning opportunities straight to people's doorsteps visited Salford Priors this week.   more...

Second application for housing on old school site

THE developer of the old Bidford school site in Victoria Road has submitted a second planning application for houses on the site.   more...

Rampant Rabbit is a hit and so is store!

VIBRATORS and furry handcuffs are proving to be big business for a Worcester retailer.   more...

* We've won! Save Our Surgeries campaign set to taste success * Carjack victim attacked * Sixways ch

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Blueprint for the villages complete

A FOUR-YEAR project by residents around Bidford to map out the future of the area has been completed.   more...

Give a dog a home... just for a few weeks

THE search is on for animal lovers in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire to act as foster families for guide dogs.   more...

Memories of a Polar hero

AN exhibition from one of the most celebrated explorations of the 20th century is being held at Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe.   more...

Death crossing

RAIL bosses are considering closing the crossing at Charlton where three people were killed last July.   more...

May 20, 2004

THE draft Identity Cards Bill Consult-ation Paper has been published recently.   more...

Rain hit fete success

A BROADWAY church fete raised £1,691 despite bad weather forcing organisers to move the event from the village green to the Lifford Hall.   more...

New dog litter bins

BROADWAY will have two new dog litter bins after the parish council received a complaint about mess around a footpath entrance. Clerk Eddie Vickers told the council at a meeting last Thursday that the entrance to the footpath onto the Cotswold Way in Church Street was becoming untidy and unpleasant.   more...

Report holds up sentencing of lady stalker

A STALKER from Broadway who breached a restraining order in his bid to pursue a relationship with a titled aristocrat has had his case delayed because a psychiatric report on him was not ready.   more...

I hope they're safe waging illegal war

HOW disturbed I was at the photos of local young people off to war recently shown in the Evening News.   more...

All chain-ge for town's mayor

PERSHORE'S new mayor and the country's longest serving firefighter, Chris Parsons, paid tribute to the hard work of his predecessor Richard Hampton as he accepted his chains of office.   more...

Service not first class

WITH regards to the letters that I've read over the past week or so, it seems the Post Office is operating a service that isn't working, regardless of the cost study beforehand.   more...

Wounding charges

A MAN accused of attacking his estranged wife with a vegetable knife in a pub, and injuring three people who went to her aid, has been remanded in custody.   more...

Issue of women priests puts us in peril of greater threat

THE views of Fr Anthony Shaw (Women who dress as men, You Say Thursday, May 13) sounds very strident and makes for sad reading, especially when churches are trying to work together in spite of their differences.   more...

Emily's poster pride

A poster designed by Vale schoolgirl Emily Young is helping draw the crowds to Pershore Carnival later this month..   more...

It'll be a perfectly adequate stadium

HAVING recently read letters from Messrs Burton and Jones, regarding the proposed football ground development, I agree with their comments.   more...

Kitt the survivor still has a song in her heart

A PERSHORE woman believed to be the oldest living resident in Worcestershire has celebrated her 106th birthday.   more...

Can you stomach the battle on the beaches?

A SAGGY midriff and marble white pins really do not offer much incentive to pour yourself into a skimpy bikini and stride purposely down a Mediterranean beach.   more...

Axe the tax, Brown, or face consequence

BRITAIN has the highest fuel taxes in the western world.   more...

`Let us keep our pre-school sign'

MUMS at a Pershore pre school are in dispute with the district council over a brightly coloured sign outside their premises.   more...

Glasshouse site at Lower Moor

A MASSIVE 20-acre glasshouse construction, the size of nine football pitches, could go up in Lower Moor if district councillors give the plans the go-ahead.   more...

Win a Polo! Find out how you could win a brand new Volkswagon Polo E1.2, only in your Worcester Eve

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Tragic sequel to argument

A MOTHER-of-three drank a bottle of sherry before locking herself in her bedroom and overdosing on anti-depressants after an argument with her partner.   more...

Stylish Jemma poised to join fashion elite

A BEWDLEY teenager is a step closer to achieving her dream job dressing Hollywood film stars after gaining a place at one of the world's leading fashion colleges.   more...

Prices hit a record

RECORD prices for South Devon females were made at the Midland South Devon Cattle Breeders Club's annual show and sale at the new Stratford livestock market at Wincot Lands, Clifford Chambers, in conjunction with the South Devon Herd Book Society.   more...

Chances to wise up on waste

FARMERS will have the opportunity to catch up on the latest news on waste at a Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group event at the end of the month.   more...

Search is on for top British gamekeepers

A SEARCH has been launched to discover the people who have dedicated their lives to the conservation of the countryside, its habitats and wildlife.   more...

Brintons Walking Club

ON Sunday, May 30, there will be a six-mile town and forest trail on "Bewdley's Alleyways and Byways", led by Eric Perks.   more...

Habberley WI

FOLLOWING a discussion on this year's resolutions, members supported all three, but gave the delegate discretion to vote differently after hearing the debate at the annual meeting.   more...

Kidderminster Cycling Club

ON Sunday there will be two rides, both heading for Meriden for the annual Cyclists Meeting and Service.   more...

Kidderminster Central TG

MARION Fox, founder member and past president, resigned from the committee at the annual meeting. The new treasurer is Jean Reynolds.   more...

Franche Ladies

ON Wednesday, June 9, guest presenter Janet Tilley will give a demonstration of quilting, starting at 8pm in Franche village hall, Wolverley Road, Kidderminster.   more...

Stourport Divers

EIGHT scuba divers visited the Plymouth area over the Bank Holiday weekend, where they used the club boat to dive locations including a new wreck/artificial reef, the HMS Scylla sunk in Whitesands bay for members' diving pleasure earlier this year.   more...

Wyre Forest Camcorder Club

AT the annual meeting, offers were elected as follows: chairman Bill Every, vice chairman Marcia Tennant, secretary Roger Jordan, treasurer Bob black, programme secretary Paul Bye, publicity officer Dorothy Every, committee Marguerite Gray, Martin Humphries and Roy Rowles.   more...

Worcestershire Trefoil Club

THE annual meeting was held at Whittington village hall, hosted by the two Worcester guilds. Honoured guests included Elizabeth Mills, president of Girl Guiding Worcestershire, Rosemary Davies, regional commissioner, and Jo Dowling, county commissioner.   more...

Vegetarian Society (Wyre Forest)

ALL are welcome to attend a picnic ramble at the Swan Inn, Chaddesley Corbett, this Sunday at 12noon.   more...

Wyre Forest Group Ramblers Association

A FIVE-MILE walk at Martley will be held on Sunday.   more...

Farmer films the ultimate chick flick

HENS in Broadway are enjoying a Big Brother experience and having their image beamed live into the Harrods store in London.   more...

From the archives

100 Years Ago May 21, 1904   more...

Your legacy could help to comfort dying

VALE residents have been urged to write their wills during St Richard's Hospice's Write A Will Month and to consider leaving a legacy to the charity.   more...

Regulars return to fire-hit Fleece Inn

CUSTOMERS are being welcomed back to the Fleece Inn at Bretforton, months after a fire ripped through the historic National Trust owned pub.   more...

Annita returns from Oz for class of 1949 reunion

MEMBERS of the class of 1949 intake at Prince Henry's Grammar School, Evesham, mulled over old times at a reunion at the Northwick Hotel.   more...

Residents rally over barn use

HUNDREDS of residents have lobbied the district council over the use of a barn for storing animal bedding.   more...

On a mission to cut waste mountain

TWO councils are urging residents to shape up and get ready for the Mission Impossible waste challenge that is set to hit homes all over the district.   more...

Name shame of the rat run

ROAD safety campaigners in Norton near Evesham are preparing to name and shame companies who speed through the village or use it as a shortcut.   more...

500 residents rally to help save Vale club

MORE than 500 Vale residents have signed a petition protesting against plans to demolish Evesham's Ambassador Snooker Club.   more...

Using statute book to beat gangmasters

MID Worcestershire MP Peter Luff has urged that all the lessons of the tragedy at Charlton last year are learned.   more...

Man jailed for five years after three died in crash

A 25-year-old Iraqi who killed three migrant workers when he drove a minibus into the path of a 90mph express train at an unmanned level crossing near the village of Charlton has been jailed for five years.   more...

It's time to invest in bus services

THE news that First's 192 bus service is being withdrawn comes as little surprise. But the blame for the demise of this and many other services across Wyre Forest should not lie with the operator.   more...

All chain-ge for town's mayor

PERSHORE'S new mayor and the country's longest serving firefighter, Chris Parsons, paid tribute to the hard work of his predecessor Richard Hampton as he accepted his chains of office.   more...

Wounding charges

A MAN accused of attacking his estranged wife with a vegetable knife in a pub, and injuring three people who went to her aid, has been remanded in custody.   more...

Anger over third cancelled op

I WOULD like to express my deepest concern after my traumatic experience at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.   more...

Retired GP `sickened' by house graffiti

VANDALS have daubed graffiti on a home in Wick which is at the centre of a long-running planning dispute.   more...

Glasshouse site at Lower Moor

A MASSIVE 20-acre glasshouse construction, the size of nine football pitches, could go up in Lower Moor if district councillors give the plans the go-ahead.   more...

Good experience at hospital unit

I HAVE recently been admitted, on two occasions, to the Beech Unit at Royal Worcestershire Hospital, and would like to make the following observations.   more...

Crisis meeting at Vale jail

INCREASED attacks on staff and between inmates at Long Lartin maximum security prison led to a crisis meeting at the jail.   more...

Streets ahead?

HAVING recently returned from a Spanish resort town, I feel I must once again write and protest at the state of the street cleansing as practised in Wyre Forest.   more...

Overspend is no surprise

THE announcement by National Health Service auditors that Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust has an over-spend of £9.9 million for the year 2002-2003, one of the worst in the country, will come as no surprise to the vast majority of the Wyre Forest electorate.   more...

Are council jobs needed?

WHEN reading last week's Kidderminster Times, I was surprised to see the advertisement for five new and relatively highly paid staff jobs for Wyre Forest District Council.   more...

Tip idea for parking

WITH reference to the letter regarding the problems caused by parking for the Harriers on match days, (Shuttle/Times & News, May 6), I was wondering if something could be done about the old refuse tip on Hoo Road.   more...

Peacocks are not criminals

I FEEL I must comment on the Cookley peacocks and the adverse press pertaining to these birds since the story appeared in the Shuttle/Times & News.   more...

Police plea on boy, 6

PARENTS across Wyre Forest have been warned to be vigilant after a young boy told police he was approached by a man in a car.   more...

Drugs move welcome

HEALTH officials in Worcestershire have welcomed Government moves to make cholesterol-lowering drugs available over the counter at pharmacies.   more...

Addict faces jail

A DRUG addict who tried to burgle a neighbour's home has been remanded in custody.   more...

Women recognised for their DIY skills

MEN do the most DIY around the house, but when it comes to the basic skills, women are equally capable, according to a new study.   more...

Pounding Pitchcroft to raise funds

WALKERS will be stepping out on Sunday to help a Worcester family provide a special room for their disabled son.   more...

Horse-lovers help to boost charities

HORSE-lovers have the chance to saddle up and canter on down to the second Heart of the Counties Show at Worcester Racecourse on Bank Holiday Monday.   more...

Euro octet treat for city jazz fans

EIGHT high-calibre jazz musicians from five different European countries will be raising the roof when they play at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall.   more...

Paper boy's X box joy

A HARD-working Worcester teenager is looking forward to hours of gaming joy - after being awarded a Nintendo Gamecube for his efforts as an Evening News delivery boy.   more...

Beer festival ready to rock

ROCK `N ROLL will be alive and well at a popular beer festival, after organisers and council officials cleared up an entertainment licence dispute.   more...

Hammering it out for hospice

TONY Blair has been told nine out of ten Worcester people back compulsory ID cards.   more...

Can you share your skills?

THE Fun 2 Learn Club will be starting up next month at The Green Centre, in Worcester's Dines Green.   more...

City queuing up for ID cards, says MP

TONY Blair has been told nine out of ten Worcester people back compulsory ID cards.   more...

Record number are scanned for Cancer

A RECORD number of patients are being screened for cancer at a Worcestershire hospital, health officials have revealed.   more...

It's not fare play as far as we can see...

ACCORDING to the adage, you wait ages for one bus and then three come along at once. Not in Worcester - some do not turn up at all anymore.   more...

More mobiles sounding death knell for payphones

A PUBLIC pay phone at Gilvers Lane, Brotheridge Green, near Upton-upon-Severn, has been earmarked for removal after a BT survey of five pay phones in the area.   more...

Tragic sequel to argument

A MOTHER-of-three drank a bottle of sherry before locking herself in her bedroom and overdosing on anti-depressants after an argument with her partner.   more...

WE'VE WON! Leaked new clinics will be built after all

STALLED plans to build or revamp eight Worcestershire GP surgeries look set to go-ahead after all.   more...

Carjack man was `targeted'

A DRIVER who fell victim to a £25,000 carjacking in a Worcestershire village fears he was targeted by a professional gang.   more...

Driving ban as dad tots up points

A BUSINESSMAN has been banned from the roads for six months after driving without insurance, despite claiming it had been an emergency.   more...

Save our trees say traders

TRADERS were alarmed and upset when they saw trees along a city centre street being chopped down this week.   more...

Warrant for arrest

AN arrest warrant has been issued for a man charged with falsifying accounts after he consistently failed to appear in court.   more...

Accused of hitting teenage female

A Worcester man has been accused of beating up a 14-year-old girl.   more...

Canal project `is no plain sailing'

THE DROITWICH canals project will be a disaster for the town, causing landslides, destroying rare birds nest sites, and maybe even posing an explosion threat.   more...

New deputy under fire

A STOURPORT councillor has defended his record as mayor.   more...

`Last-minute' mayor is unanimous choice

AS a publicity-shy non-controversial man, Stourport's new mayor, Allan Wood, breaks the mould of what many think of as a typical politician.   more...

Abused staff under siege

THE manageress of a Stourport off licence says she and her staff suffer a constant stream of abuse and threats from under-age yobs when they refuse to serve alcohol to them.   more...

Showing the will to make it happen

BY the time the sun sets today, a little of our faith in common sense will have been restored and the health of people in the county will be looking forward to better times.   more...

Keep off the grass track

HOW could our inept Wychavon councillors give a travelling circus permission to use and create carnage to the meadow alongside the New Bridge.   more...

Bishop Perowne High School prom - picture special

To order, telephone 01905 742269 and ask for Photographic Administration or e-mail wenphotoadmin@midlands.newsquest.co.uk. QUOTE THE SCHOOL NAME AND PHOTOGRAPH NUMBER   more...

Pershore High School prom - picture special

To order, telephone 01905 742269 and ask for Photographic Administration or e-mail wenphotoadmin@midlands.newsquest.co.uk. QUOTE THE SCHOOL NAME AND PHOTOGRAPH NUMBER   more...

Gardeners urged to ` be nice' to nettles

GARDENERS are being urged to pay tribute to the much-maligned stinging nettle.   more...

POWs' family make moving Japan trip

A STOURPORT family who grew up with "hatred" for the Japanese after two relatives died while serving as prisoners of war in the Far East have told of their heart-rending voyage of reconciliation.   more...

Voters select party under PR system

VOTERS will be asked to make their voices heard on the continent on June 10 by completing a second ballot paper for the European Parl-iament.   more...

113 hopefuls for 43 seats

THE most significant Wyre Forest election for decades has moved into top gear now the final list of more than 100 candidates has been announced for the crucial June 10 vote.   more...

Ten couples in bid for votes

WYRE Forest District Council could be a family affair after next month's election as 10 husband and wife teams line up to contest seats.   more...

Toll house up for sale

A ONCE prominent Stourport building which has sunk into obscurity is creating a wave of interest after going on the market.   more...

Charity appeal for cash and helpers

A CHARITY bereavement service for parents who suffer the death of a grown-up child is desperately seeking more cash help - and more volunteers - to help it thrive in Wyre Forest.   more...

Tent fire horror haunts girls

A TEENAGER who became petrified of the sight of fire after being trapped in a burning tent has taken her first steps towards recovery.   more...

Boycott plan on `anti-gay' vicar invite

FURIOUS councillors were poised to boycott a meeting in an anti-gay row last night after a controversial vicar was invited to lead prayers.   more...

`Walking mayor' dies at age of 91

A KIDDERMINSTER man who became known as the "walking mayor" because of his refusal to use the civic car has died at the age of 91.   more...

BBC roadshow comes to Court

ANYONE who thinks they might have a potentially valuable artefact stashed away in the attic has the chance to get it valued when the BBC's Antiques Roadshow rolls into Witley Court next month.   more...

Raising alarm on bogus bills

A REST home owner in Kidderminster has warned other small businesses to ignore a threatening cash demand from a firm claiming to regulate health and safety laws.   more...

Ceramics firm's contract delight

A STOURPORT technical ceramics components manufacturer has clinched a multi-million pound deal that will secure the jobs of its 320 employees for the next three years.   more...

Chris to carry the Olympic torch

A FORMER Kidderminster Paralympics multi-gold medallist will be among a host of celebrities chosen to carry the Olympic torch on a relay in London.   more...

Gay sex attack cleaner's vow

A CLEANER is determined to carry on her job after she was attacked by a man taking part in gay sex in a Stourport public toilet.   more...

Citizen pledge despite climate change!

A DOCTOR from Kidderm-inster was one of the first people in Worcestershire to take part in the Government's new citizenship ceremony.   more...

`Last-minute' mayor is unanimous choice

AS a publicity-shy non-controversial man, Stourport's new mayor, Allan Wood, breaks the mould of what many think of as a typical politician.   more...

Michael's anger at work on home

A FORMER lung cancer sufferer who went on holiday to escape choking fumes from a renovation of his home said he was horrified to come back and find the place what he described as an "absolute tip".   more...

Shopping made easier for breast-feeding mothers

BREAST-FEEDING mums in Wyre Forest should find a trip to the shops more enjoyable following the hard work of two midwives.   more...

Urgent plea for more bobbies on the beat

COUNCILLORS in Stourport are to write to West Mercia's Chief Constable to ask for more bobbies on the beat.   more...

Ambitious plan to open up river

RADICAL plans are being drawn up to transform the heart of Pershore and open up the town's river frontage for the first time in history.   more...

Heartfelt protest over drinking and vandalism

A STOURPORT town councillor is calling for an alcohol ban on the town's streets following spiralling anti-social behaviour and vandalism.   more...

Tip crews rejecting a number of sacks

CONTAMINATION stickers on recycling bags are being stepped up to warn householders to think carefully about what they put out for Worcester's kerbside collection.   more...

Abused staff under siege

THE manageress of a Stourport off licence says she and her staff suffer a constant stream of abuse and threats from under-age yobs when they refuse to serve alcohol to them.   more...

High-tech health care

HUNDREDS of county patients will receive a faster diagnosis and quicker treatment thanks to the introduction of new hospital technology, it has been revealed.   more...

Can we have our footpath back again?

THE case of a disappearing footpath is to be brought to the attention of highways officers, for the benefit of villagers in Callow End.   more...

Landmark plans strike right note

REVISED plans to convert Kidderminster's landmark Piano Building into flats and shops have hit the right note with council chiefs and conservationists.   more...

Students all set to take the limelight in show

A LIGHT-hearted look at Saturday night television will be the main focus of a stage performance by a group of college students.   more...

Celebrities bat to raise charity cash

TELEVISION presenter Chris Tarrant, actor Robert Powell and weatherman John Kettley will be among the celebrities taking part in a charity cricket match at Birlingham, near Pershore.   more...

Rachael steps out in dad's memory

A WOMAN suffering from arthritis is to embark on a gruelling 22-mile walk after promising her late father she would do it to raise cash for the group which supported his fight against cancer.   more...

Speed camera report is due

MOTORISTS will be able to judge whether speed cameras in Worcestershire are being used as a "cash cow" when a new study is published next month.   more...

Wall is under threat

A PLAN to breach one of Upton-upon-Severn's historic walls is being opposed by the town council.   more...

Man pleads not guilty to theft

THE case of a man charged with stealing a bottle of whiskey has been adjourned after he pleaded not guilty.   more...

Arsonists blamed for print works fire

POLICE believe a fire at a printing works in Stourport was started deliberately and are appealing for anyone who saw anything unusual to come forward.   more...

Childcare experts take a trip to New England

TWO childcare experts have taken a trip across the pond to promote and improve Worcestershire's work in the classroom.   more...

Radio alert helps out 999 services

TRADERS sprang into action to save a frail Bewdley pensioner with the help of a radio alert network set up to catch wandering shoplifters.   more...

Special schools battle backed

TORY Shadow Education Secretary Tim Yeo has agreed to write to Worcestershire County Council in support of parents fighting a controversial shake-up of the special school system.   more...

Legal challenge to Alex Patt closure?

EDUCATION chiefs could be hauled before the High Court in London after a distraught parent vowed to fight the imminent closure of a Wolverley special school.   more...

Governors express surprise at healthy budget

GOVERNORS at Alexander Patterson School expressed "surprise and concern" after being confronted with a healthy school budget, confounding expectations the school would sink into the red.   more...

Disabled `forced into shop traffic'

THE chairman of a group of disabled people lobbying for sloping pavements in Kidderminster's Weavers Wharf car park has responded with scepticism to a pledge their calls will soon be answered.   more...

LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT

A SPIRITED 91-year-old fulfilled her life's ambition yesterday when she enjoyed a surprise helicopter flight of fantasy.   more...

Sport

Cookley crush in Hagley loss

COOKLEY are firmly entrenched at the bottom of Worcestershire League Division Two after being soundly thrashed by Hagley.   more...

Stourport frustrate league rivals

A WINNING draw proved disappointing for Kidderminster Victoria against rivals Stourport at Winterfold House School.   more...

Chaddesley duo head run chase to blitz Bewdley

ANDY Law and Paul Lyman made the most of a perfect batting track to power past Bewdley in Chaddesley Corbett's derby victory on Saturday.   more...

KVCC squad try their hand at bowling

EVERYONE bar wicket-keeper Duncan Willetts had a bowl on Saturday for Kidderminster Victoria.   more...

Garden Centre stop-off

SUNDAY'S B ride consisted of ten Evesham Wheelers who travelled via Offenham, Litt-leton, Pebworth, Quinton, and Ilmington before passing through Shipston to take tea at the garden centre in Toden-ham.   more...

First leg advantage

BIDFORD will take an 11-shot advantage into the second leg of the Bob Dawson Cup at Stratford.   more...

Generous hosts not so friendly on the green

BROADWAY travelled to Barnwood near Gloucester for Saturday's annual fixture when, in a closely-fought game, the visitors lost by seven shots 114-107.   more...

Latest loft times

Evesham & District   more...

Off to steady start

WELFORD have made a moderate start to this summer's Courier League with both teams having earned four points.   more...

Tykes tear up track

SOUTH Yorkshire's double act, Chris and Clayton Round, emerged as the weekend's quickest and fastest racers during last Sunday's Ame-rican Car World Nationals.   more...

Future in safe hands

EVESHAM is rapidly becoming the place for producing top-class triathletes.   more...

Eight generate a new table of fees

ONLY eight people took the time to attend last week's annual general meeting of the Evesham and District Assoc-iation when treasurer Grah-ame Brown reported a loss of "369 from the general account for the 2003/2004 season.   more...

Final place carrot

THE inaugural Pool matches of the PRS League Junior Cup competition have been played in enthusiastic fashion.   more...

B team stay at summit after A team whitewash

Prudden Road Surfacing League   more...

Mixed fortunes

IT'S been a mixed start to the Evesham and District League campaign for the ladies from Evesham Rowing Club.   more...

Bring medals back home

EVESHAM Swimming Club members Suzanne Hampson and Alison Usher continued their successful seasons at the Great Britain Masters National Championships at the Commonwealth Pool in Manchester.   more...

Court play is hot stuff!

THIS year's Alcester Police Schools Netball Tournament took place in glorious sunshine at Studley High School.   more...

Trap triumph

OFFENHAM shooter Mark Hampton has again proved his pedigree among the top guns.   more...

Shine in the sunshine

EVESHAM Rowing Club's juniors and seniors travelled to Shrewsbury last weekend for an enjoyable regatta in the sunshine on the Severn.   more...

Have a night at the races!

HAVING lost its traditional Saturday afternoon slot, it will be interesting to note how attendance figures compare to previous years when Strat-ford Racecourse stages the 46th running of the Intrum Justitia (Horse and Hound Cup) Final Champion Hunters' Steeplechase this weekend.   more...

Top spot in age group but Michelle misses out overall

IT WAS another busy weekend for the triathletes returning from the World Age Championships.   more...

Need extras help!

A TOP score of 32 in the extras column, adequately sums up Pershore's problems at Kington last Saturday.   more...

Results and fixtures

Results   more...

Final place carrot

THE inaugural Pool matches of the PRS League Junior Cup competition have been played in enthusiastic fashion.   more...

B team stay at summit after A team whitewash

Prudden Road Surfacing League   more...

20/5/04 - Supporters chairman backing Duckworth

THE chairman of Worcester's newly-formed supporters' club John Phillips is backing Sixways chairman Cecil Duckworth.   more...

20/5/04 - Sixways chief rallies the fans

JOHN Brain has told Worcester supporters to unite in their hour of need.   more...

Dig in to earn deserved draw

EVESHAM will take enormous heart from last Saturday's draw in their opening Birmingham League Division Three contest.   more...

Annual festival nets trio of new backers

ONE of the UK's premier fishing festivals promises to be bigger and better than ever this year, writes Mervyn Collins.   more...

Terry top of the pile in chase for Centenary Trophy honours

Evesham Jubilee Society   more...

Hectic times on the tees for Broadway youngsters

THERE'S a couple of Cotswolds-based players in Saturday's Gloucestershire Golf Union's Amateur Championships.   more...

Vale pair in Algarve quest

A GOLF trip of a lifetime awaits amateur Gordon Keir and The Vale Golf and Country Club's PGA professional Rob Male if they can come through the next stage of Europe's biggest pro-am competition, the Lombard Trophy.   more...

20/5/04 Friends plan swansong

THE Friends of the Harriers will be aiming to add to their fundraising grand total of around £50,000 before splitting up.   more...

20/5/04 City provide a test

BRISTOL City will be the third higher-ranked opponents to test Kidderminster Harriers in pre-season friendlies.   more...

20/5/04 Reds look at ex-Harriers

REDDITCH United have declared their interest in released trio Mark Yates, Sean Parrish and Matt Gadsby.   more...

20/5/04 Home sweet home for Danny

FORMER Harriers favourite Danny Williams has stepped up to Division Two level by moving back to hometown club Wrexham.   more...

20/5/04 Lewis has will to succeed: Molby

A CRUCIAL part of Jan Molby's squad was finalised this week after two goalkeepers signed on the dotted line at Aggborough.   more...

20/5/04 Bohemians trial for Bo

BO Henriksen is set to turn out for Irish side Bohemians in a friendly with fellow Premier Division side Dublin City tonight.   more...

20/5/04 - City set for first summer signing

WORCESTER City will unveil their first signing of the summer on Monday night according to club chairman Dave Boddy.   more...

Need extras help!

A TOP score of 32 in the extras column, adequately sums up Pershore's problems at Kington last Saturday.   more...

Results and fixtures

Results   more...

Red-hot bowlers make quartet suffer in the sun

NOT all the batsmen made hay in last Saturday's welcome sunshine but players throughout the Cotswold Hills League, supported by John Shepherd Estate Agents, were relieved to get down to come decent action after a couple of frustrating weekends.   more...

Winning baptism

BADSEY'S belated start to life in Division Six of the Worcestershire County Lea-gue ended in a convincing victory against Worcester's third string.   more...

Park nears a milestone as Exhall book spot in semis

EXHALL and Wix-ford completed a successful weekend, with a hard earned 45-run victory in Sunday's opening skirmish of the 2004 npower Village Cup.   more...

20/5/04 - Batty has Gloucs in spin

A DEADLY bowling display by Gareth Batty has put Worcestershire in a powerful position in their Frizzell County Championship Division One match against Gloucestershire at New Road.   more...

20/5/04 - New Road pitch gamble pays off

CHIEF executive Mark Newton has admitted that Worcestershire took `drastic action' during the close season to improve the New Road wicket.   more...

Lethal Lee's in seventh heaven

LEE Shuck has become one of the youngest winners of our Evening News/Fearnley Factory Shop Cricketer of the Week award.   more...

Tretton signs on

HEREFORD United defender Andy Tretton has handed the club a boost by extending his stay at Edgar Street.   more...

Welsh selection for UCW player

WORCESTER Wolves' Ben Potts has won a call-up to the Welsh basketball side.   more...

Batty has Gloucs in spin

A DEADLY bowling display by Gareth Batty has put Worcestershire in a powerful position in their Frizzell County Championship Division One match against Gloucestershire at New Road.   more...

New deal for Bennett

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' out-of-contract midfielder Dean Bennett has agreed to stay at Aggborough.   more...

City set for first summer signing

WORCESTER City will unveil their first signing of the summer on Monday night according to club chairman Dave Boddy.   more...

Supporters chairman backing Duckworth

THE chairman of Worcester's newly-formed supporters' club John Phillips is backing Sixways chairman Cecil Duckworth.   more...

Sixways chief rallies the fans

JOHN Brain has told Worcester supporters to unite in their hour of need.   more...

20/5/04 - New deal for Bennett

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' out-of-contract midfielder Dean Bennett has agreed to stay at Aggborough.   more...

Team recruiting

FERNDALE Youth U-16s are already on the look-out for players next season to form a new team.   more...

OLD BEAR AC

JUNIORS, Stackpool: J Loveridge 4-5, M Shorring 2-12-8dr, Y Loveridge 2-3-8.   more...

GOLDEN MAGGOT AC

PERRY Mountain took first place at Broadheath Fishery's Jam Factory on Saturday, weighing in 45lb 12oz fishing the pole at 13 metres.   more...

Panthers plea

PLAYERS are needed to join next season's Wyre Forest Panthers U-9s.   more...

HETA AC

HETA Pool will host the next match on Sunday which will be drawn at 7am and anglers are asked to take two nets.   more...

REGENT AC

SUNDAY brings the next match with a 7.45am draw on the canal bridges.   more...

Park fall to Devils

RED Devils were top scorers in the Kidderminster Six-a-side League, beating Park FC 9-2.   more...

WRENS NEST AC

TOP Pool, Sunday: B Downing 13-2-0, J Moon 9-4-0. Bottom Pool: J Brooks 10-6-0, G Kershaw 8-10-0.   more...

KIDDERMINSTER & DISTRICT AA

A MATCH has been arranged for Saturday on the pool for affiliated members only with an 8am draw.   more...

Another trophy

BURLISH Olympic Ladies collected their second piece of silverware this season.   more...

TOMKINSONS AC

ANGLERS will meet for a 7.15am draw on Sunday as the club fishes at Willow Marsh Fishery's Sandpiper Pool from 8am until 1pm.   more...

GILT EDGE AC

BONE Mill, Sunday: John Gale 1-12-12, Frank Guest 1-2-8, Peter White 0-14-12.   more...

Football extravaganza

FOOTBALLERS are limbering up for the second year of a Hartlebury tournament.   more...

COCK & MAGPIE RODMASTERS AC

WELLFIELD, Sunday: Tony George 24-13-0, Derek Willis 11-8-0, Reg Bastable 11-5-8, Alan Turner 10-14-8, Dave Smith 7-4-0, Bob Evans 6-5-8.   more...

Phoenix downed in Hospital cup

BRIARS Phoenix were surprised by lower league opposition in their Kidderminster Hospital Sunday Minor Cup final.   more...

WOODWARD GROSVENORS AC

LARFORD Lakes, Sunday: R Campbell 35-0, G Mansell 27-13, H Tombs 25-11, S Campbell 25-1, B Burrows 17-15..   more...

League showdown

AMBITIOUS Bewdley Town should find out today what level they will be playing at next season.   more...

BLACK BOY AC

REAR side Pools: K Beard 8-13, R Moule 8-6, B Reeves 7-2.   more...

PARK INN AC

RESULTS, Poole Hall Abbey Pool, Sunday: Barry Chesson 27-4-0, Dave Peters 17-1-0, Mark Pearce 15-14-0, Dave Harvey 12-15-0.   more...

FRANCHE VILLAGE AC

RESULT, Saturday, Keepers Pool: A Griffiths 26-14, J Williams 23-14, A Plowright 23-7.   more...

WAGGON AND HORSES AC

RESULT, Townsend Fisheries: M Galazewski 10-9, H Sidebottom 7-14, K Billingham 3-12.   more...

POOLE HALL

THERE was some good coarse fishing with weights varying from 22lb to 78lb.   more...

FURNACE MILL FISHERY

RICHARD Brewer, of Green Man AC, won the Sunday Open with 146lb 8oz off peg 36 on Mucky Meadow Pool.   more...

MOORLANDS FARM

WEDNESDAY, 21 fished in medley: Mark Tooze (Midlands Mossely) 142-1, Mal Watson (OGL), Alan James (Mossely) 80-2.   more...

SHATTERFORD LAKES

TROUT fishing topped the day as one angler used a daddy to catch a rainbow with a bag weight of 16lb 8oz.   more...

JESPER CHRISTIANSEN - Forward. 18/6/80. 6ft 3ins. Squad number 10.

Christiansen's signing was another major coup for Harriers director of football Jan Molby in January 2004.   more...

SCOTT RICKARDS - Forward, winger. 3/11/81. Squad number 16.

The pacey striker started off at Derby as a youngster but failed to make a first-team appearance and had trial spells at Walsall, Mansfield and Oldham.   more...

Willow record's smashed

THE Willow Marsh Fishery record was broken on Sunday afternoon.   more...

ADAM MURRAY - Midfield. 30/9/81. 5ft 9ins. Squad number 17.

Once capped by England U-20s and also in the national youth sides, the Birmingham-born midfielder has had a turbulent 2003-04 season.   more...

LEE JENKINS - Midfield, right-back. 28/6/79. 5ft 9ins. Squad number 8.

Jenkins moved on to pastures new in December 2003 on an 18-month contract after 181 games over more than seven seasons at Swansea.   more...

DEAN KEATES - Midfield. 30/6/78. 5ft 6ins. Squad number 11.

The talented midfielder was reunited with Jan Molby in February 2004 after the Dane had initially signed Keates when in charge of Hull.   more...

DEAN BENNETT - Midfield 13/12/77. 6ft. Squad number 7.

Bennett was a then club record buy of £30,000 from rivals Bromsgrove Rovers in January 1999 and proved a goal-scoring menace to Conference opponents in the title-winning season.   more...

CHRIS MCHALE - Centre-half 4/11/82. Squad number 13.

The young centre-half made the substitutes bench for the first time in the Football League at home to Huddersfield on April 12, 2004, but did not feature.   more...

STEVE BURTON - Left-back 10/10/82. 6ft 1ins. Squad number 4.

The defender joined Harriers for a second spell in March 2004, signing a contract until the end of the season.   more...

ABDOU SALL - Centre-half. 1/11/80. 6ft 3ins. Squad number 2.

The giant Senegal-born defender returned to Aggborough on a non-contract basis in February 2004 after training with the club for a few weeks.   more...

WAYNE HATSWELL - Centre-half, left-back. 8/2/75. 6ft. Squad number 22.

The uncompromising defender was Ian Britton's last signing before the manager was sacked in October 2003 and cost Harriers a four-figure fee.   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...

DANNY LEWIS - Goalkeeper.

The promising keeper did enough in friendlies and training with Harriers during season 2003-04 to become Jan Molby's first signing of the summer break.   more...

JOHN DANBY - Goalkeeper. 20/9/83. 6ft 2ins. Squad number 15.

Stepped onto the bench after the release of Brendan Murphy and was needed to make two substitute appearances in season 2001/02, including a league debut at Luton.   more...

Lightning third

CHESS: Kidderminster B finished joint third with Mercia in the major section of Wolverhampton League's annual lightning tournament at Stourbridge.   more...

Gate dominate finals evening

DARTS: Bliss Gate cleaned up in the Banks's Bewdley League by winning most of the awards on offer.   more...

Solid Rock strike gold in rounders

PARISH GAMES: Rock racked up 24 points as they won the Wyre Forest Parish Games' rounders competition.   more...

Worlds is next aim for Paul

MARTIAL ARTS: Fourth dan black belt Paul Acton retained his Senior Men's Open Grade title at the Shukokai Karate National Championships.   more...

County crash

BOWLS: A host of Wyre Forest bowlers were involved as Worcestershire made a disappointing start to their defence of the Midland Counties Trophy.   more...

St Johns in early surge for honours

BOWLS: St Johns A moved top of Kidderminster and District Mid-week League Division One with a 44-shot victory over St Johns Tomkinsons.   more...

Car problems scupper clash

MOTORSPORT: The expected confrontation between the Kidderminster Harriers car of Nathan Freke and Chelsea's Lee Caroline failed to materialise at Knockhill in the TVR Tuscan Challenge.   more...

Samurai show all-round skills

JUDO: A successful few days demonstrated the variety of activity and expertise at Kidderminster's Samurai Judo Club.   more...

Perfect golf shot

GOLF: Junior member Anna Rock dazzled with a hole-in-one on Kidderminster's 10th hole in the Annual Izzo National Club Champions Cup.   more...

Ray's through

GOLF: Lady captain Wendy Ray qualified for the next round of the Health Perception Ladies' Championship at Kidderminster Golf Club.   more...

Betterball best

GOLF: The fine weather attracted a good field for the Lady Captain's Easter competition at Cleobury Mortimer.   more...

Happy at home

GOLF: Little Lakes seniors have recently chalked up strong performances at home, winning three matches.   more...

Charity on course

GOLF: The John Gregg Trophy pairs in aid of the Kemp Hospice created plenty of interest at Wyre Forest men's section.   more...

Ross leads way

GOLF: Ross Hawken Senior triumphed in Habberley Men's Tanser Trophy Division One.   more...

Dazzling Dan

GOLF: Junior Dan Ballinger followed up his hole-in-one feat at Bewdley Pines by showing he can give the adults a run for their money.   more...

Steve leaves rest in his tracks

CYCLING: Wyre Forest Cycle Racing club rider Steve Burns powered to his first victory of the season in the Newport CC 10 mile time trial.   more...

Danby's Dudley joy

MOTORSPORT: Wyre Forest schoolboy Ross Danby continues to blitz the local motorcycle trials.   more...

Brotherton is still the most valuable

HOCKEY: Owen Brotherton retained Stourport firsts' most valuable player accolade at their annual dinner and awards ceremony.   more...

Success in sun for boat club

ROWING: Stourport's juniors were again in tremendous form at Shrewsbury Regatta and Sprint with a string of victories.   more...

Rowers in fine shape for national schools finals

ROWING: There were two double victories for Bewdley at Shrewsbury Regatta over the weekend.   more...

Miles are a success for Ruth

ATHLETICS: Eight Amazing Feet Running Club members contributed to excellent results at the Halesowen Hillock 10-mile multi-terrain race.   more...

County cheer for district athletes

ATHLETICS: Kidderminster and Stourport can boast 16 county title holders after hosting the annual Worcestershire Track and Field Championships on Saturday.   more...

Cricket fixtures

SATURDAY (1.30pm unless stated)   more...

Honours board

BATTING TOP 10   more...

Rushwick rumble

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria U-11s beat Rushwick by 46 runs on Sunday at Chester Road.   more...

Lampitt to speak

FORMER Worcestershire ace Stuart Lampitt will be the guest speaker at Kidderminster and District Cricket Umpire Association's next meeting.   more...

Ten-over contest

WILDEN Village are hosting a 10-by-10 cricket challenge, starting tomorrow.   more...

Nine-wicket haul halts Waggon bid

DAVE Foster's brilliant 9-17 ensured Waggon and Horses had no chance against Spennells B in the Stainweld Sunday League Division A.   more...

Hill conquered

BEWDLEY thirds sit proud on top of Worcestershire League Division Seven.   more...

Total too small

CLEOBURY Mortimer stumbled to 90 all out in Worcestershire League Division Six and paid the price.   more...

Neil among runs

NEIL Fletcher found his touch with the bat quickly in Worcestershire League Division Five.   more...

Lee stars for Brintons

BOWLING star Lee Waldron ensured Brintons continued their fine start with a 31-run success in Division Five.   more...

Chainwire fall like a Stone

STONE claimed their first Worcestershire League Division Five win of the season against rivals Chainwire by 59 runs.   more...

Swifts

20/5/04 No sponge to soak up Swifts worries

STOURPORT Swifts chief Chris Reynolds has been left fuming by the latest exit to rivals Redditch United.   more...

  
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