Worcestershire | Archive | 2005 | March

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Stories for 30 March 2005

Leisure

Basement Jaxx The Singles

ANYONE needing further proof that Basement Jaxx have revolutionised the dance music scene in the last 10 years should book a `Rendez- Vu' with their latest album.   more...

Beck Guero

After Mellow Gold, it seemed Beck would soon die out, remembered only as a one-hit wonder.   more...

Bubba Ho-Tep (15)

Bruce Campbell (of Evil Dead fame) plays a wonderfully melancholic Elvis Presley trapped in an ageing body at an old people's rest home in Texas.   more...

The Incredibles (U)

A SURGE of lawsuits from the very citizens they have tried to save forces a group of superheroes into witness protection and mundane lives, vowing never to use their superpowers again.   more...

Musicmaker Live 05 Palace Theatre

GROUP and solo, original and cover versions, serious and amusing just about covers every aspect of the Musicmaker Live 05 performance on March 19.   more...

Erica James: Love and Devotion

Although this sounds like and indeed appears at first glance to be a purely romantic novel - the author has three times been nominated for Romantic Novel of the Year - there is much more to it than that.   more...

There's a slim chance

A DANCE class will start after Easter to help townsfolk lose those extra pounds gained from eating too many chocolate eggs.   more...

Tap your toes

TOE-tappin' townsfolk will be stepping out at an absolute beginners line dancing course starting on Thursday week (April 7) in Bromsgrove.   more...

Shake yourself into spring

A LIVELY show brimming with pizzazz and modern chart hits will be performed by the stars of a Kidderminster drama group.   more...

This tea party will be a special occasion

THERE'S a chance to join Polly Parrot and her friends, Brer Rabbit, Anansi Spider and Ajapa the Tortoise for their very special tea party on Saturday.   more...

Musical magic from ensemble

THE Ecumenical Centre is the venue for Redditch Music Society's latest concert on Saturday evening with a performance by Ensemble Andromeda.   more...

What's On Guide

Thursday, March 31   more...

A dream start to RSC season

THE Royal Shakespeare Company's summer season opens this week with A Midsummer Night's Dream.   more...

Top trio returns to raise lots of laughs

A BRAND new comedy show written by Malcolm Stent - Back to Back - is on tour locally this month.   more...

A show of girl power at theatre

THE Roaring 20s will be brought to life at the Birmingham Hippodrome when Broadway and West End smash hit new musical Thoroughly Modern Millie arrives for a two-week run from Tuesday.   more...

Where to go

Wednesday   more...

Preparing for new hall

A CONCERT is set to take place to raise funds for a new multi-purpose hall for Barnt Green Scouts and Guides.   more...

Heading this way

FOLK music fans are in for a treat when multi-award winning duo John Spiers and Jon Boden come to Bromsgrove.   more...

Top name attraction

AN internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter will be appearing at this week's meeting of Bromsgrove Folk Club.   more...

Top voice

A RUBERY schoogirl is celebrating after winning a competitive arts festival.   more...

News

Legal victory for young lawyers and solicitors

STUDENTS from two county schools are celebrating after winning the first heat in a mock trial competition.   more...

Fabio knows his onions...and plants

A GREEN-fingered garden centre lorry driver who spends his day off studying horticulture has been rewarded for his efforts by his employer.   more...

Reunited with our beloved Shetlands

A FAMILY has been reunited with two of their beloved Shetland ponies which were stolen from a field near Droitwich.   more...

Surprise as green team are winners

A TEAM of gardening buffs from Worcestershire is one step closer to being crowned horticultural champions at the Gardeners' World Live Show in June after winning the local heat of the Great Garden Quiz.   more...

Woofers complete peace stint

SOLDIERS from Worcestershire ensured New Year celebrations in Afghanistan passed peacefully at the end of their six-month stint in the war-torn country.   more...

School's design up for top award

ARCHITECTS who designed a Worcester school have been tipped for a prestigious national award.   more...

Poppy appeal stalwart calls for volunteers

A CHAMPION of the Poppy Appeal who has helped raise more than £350,000 in four decades is looking for someone else to carry on his good work.   more...

Travel warning in wake of quake

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Club receives life-saving equipment

WORCESTER Rugby Club has been presented with its first defibrillator, which will be used to treat people who suffer cardiac arrest in and around the Sixways ground.   more...

Howard aiming to pour oil on Tories' troubled waters

CONSERVATIVE leader Michael Howard was today set to attempt to shift the focus from the political storm surrounding MP and Worcestershire resident Howard Flight.   more...

New plan offers low cost homes

MORE affordable homes, extra school playing fields and 20 acres of recreation ground are included in a revised scheme for Pershore.   more...

Bank stays tight-lipped over cloning

A BANK in Worcestershire has been targeted by card-cloning thieves for the second time in three months.   more...

Fighting dog shot after girl attacked

A JAPANESE fighting dog was shot with a tranquilliser gun after it allegedly attacked a five-year-old girl in the street.   more...

Call to slow traffic before child killed

ANGRY residents have signed a petition to curb speeding traffic in Worcester's Brickfields Road fearing a child could be injured or killed.   more...

Charity is swamped by donations for children

PEOPLE have come to the aid of a charity collecting items for children in need, swamping the organisation with much-needed donations.   more...

SUPERMARKET SWAPS WITH SPORTS CLUB

SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury's has revealed a multi-million pound plan to build a new superstore in Worcester.   more...

What's inside

n Bright colours fill the building and every piece of furniture - from wheelchair height sinks to the intelligent door system - has been designed to make the young people who will use the facility feel as comfortable as possible.   more...

Water helps children unlock their potential

THE new hospice comes complete with a hydrotherapy pool and jacuzzi - not simply things for the children to enjoy, but essential tools to unlock their potential.   more...

I feel so privileged to be working here

RUNNING the new Acorns hospice will be no mean feat - with staff working around-the-clock to ensure high-quality care for the children and their families.   more...

A place to find peace

IT'S not just the interior of the new Acorns hospice that has been designed with great care and attention to detail.   more...

New office for clerk Eric

SALFORD Priors parish clerk Eric Mitchell has a new office after the parish council landed a £5,000 government grant.   more...

It brings us peace of mind to know our girls will be safe and happy

SARAH and Rebecca Aspinall gasp in delight as the door is opened and they get their first glimpse of the new Acorns hospice.   more...

Funding help for wartime events

LOTTERY funding of £6,250 has been awarded to local groups planning events to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.   more...

Faces light up in a magical place

LIKE many people, Caroline Jordan was slightly apprehensive about what she would find when she took her son to the new Acorns hospice.   more...

Boost for business

ALCESTER business bosses packed the town hall last Wednesday night to hear how they can benefit from new networking initiatives and two internet websites.   more...

Hospice has Bev lost for words

APART from the occasional epileptic seizure, little Joshua Loader was the picture of perfect health.   more...

How they raised the £4m with the help of some chap called Lomu

WHEN fund-raisers realised it would take more than £4m to build the new hospice, at first they were overawed at the prospect.   more...

A fresh election promise

ALCESTER'S county councillor Susan Juned is standing down at next month's election to concentrate on her parliamentary campaign.   more...

Thanks for your help - but don't stop now

ACORNS hospice is here thanks to the hard work of the fund-raising public - but the tireless efforts are by no means over.   more...

Entrants share artwork prizes

A COMPETITION to find a logo for the forthcoming Alcester town plan produced just two entries from schoolchildren.   more...

Leisure industry off to flying start

GOOD weather and the clocks springing forward ensured Worcestershire tourism got off to a flying start this season.   more...

Brick plan

ALCESTER residents will have the chance to buy a piece of a brand new building in the town this weekend when fundraisers for the joint Scout and Guide headquarters hit the streets.   more...

Guests drink to the health of pub

SPORTS stars from Worcester were guests of honour at the opening of a newly refurbished pub.   more...

Bonnets on town parade

THERE was a carnival atmosphere in Alcester on Monday when the town hosted its annual Easter parade.   more...

Forum to tackle city's homeless problem

PROPERTY owners are being encouraged to put empty rooms or houses up for rent to tackle Worcester's homeless problem.   more...

Garage raid

THIEVES forced their way into an Alcester garage on Friday night in what police are describing as a ram raid style burglary.   more...

Call to abolish gender pay gap

A LEADING union today called for urgent action to tackle the "chronic" job segregation and undervaluing of the work women do in a bid to close the gender pay gap.   more...

Time to vote on Greig cash

A CRUCIAL meeting which could decide the fate of the Greig Centre will be held next Tuesday.   more...

Police and publicans join forces

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Bonny bonnets

ALCESTER mayor Chris Gough visited Scallywags pre school group last week to judge their Easter bonnet competition.   more...

Training in caring for children

A NATIONAL training programme designed to improve business skills across the childcare sector is set to come to The Pear Tree Hotel, Smite, near Worcester, tomorrow.   more...

Designs for alleyway art

DESIGNS which could be used to liven up Alcester's alleyways have gone on display in the town.   more...

Valuable advice

BIDFORD residents have been warned about the risks of leaving valuables in their cars after another spate of thefts in the area.   more...

Pearl's a winner

PEARL Capewell, from Peterborough, fought off tough competition to win the Heart of England Town Criers Competition in Alcester on Saturday.   more...

Market plan boosts town

ALCESTER will regain its status as a market town next month when the first Farmers Market is set up in Henley Street.   more...

100 years ago

April 1, 1905   more...

50 years ago

April 1, 1955   more...

West Midlands Bird Club

DUE to forecasts for wintry weather, February's indoor meeting and field trip were cancelled.   more...

25 years ago

April 4, 1980   more...

Shirley Chrysanthemum Society

A WELL-attended AGM was opened by president Bryn Griffiths, who thanked everyone for their efforts during the past year.   more...

Dancing delights

LIGHT-footed Redditch youngsters danced the day away at an annual event involving 14 schools.   more...

Redditch Music Society

THE March concert by violinist Ruth Rogers and pianist Martin Cousin was voted one of the best in the society's 43-year history by an enthusiastic audience.   more...

Redditch Choral Society

FOLLOWING the successful concert to celebrate its 40th Anniversary, the society has already sung at the recent civic service and is well into rehearsals of Bach's St Matthew Passion.   more...

Redditch Speakers Club

SUCCESS was achieved recently when two members of the South Midlands Area of Speakers Clubs earned places in the national finals of the speech and evaluation contests to be held in Hinckley in April.   more...

Kington with Dormston WI

PRESIDENT Delice Bayliss welcomed members and a visitor, Margaret Mott.   more...

Kingfisher WI

AT the March meeting, the speaker was Millicent Phillips, the Redditch- born singer who made it to the London Palladium.   more...

Hopwood WI

MEMBERS began the meeting by browsing around the trading table. This month, the theme was items from spring cleaning. Proceeds from the sale helped to boost funds.   more...

Cookhill & District Gardening Association

ON MARCH 14, David Besley gave a presentation on Gardens in Great Britain, which included slides on his visits to Spetchley Gardens and Croome Park in Worcestershire.   more...

Beoley WI

TUESDAY, March 1, marked the 75th birthday of Beoley WI and members celebrated in style.   more...

Astwood Bank Flower Club

GLYNIS Pearce will be chairman for 2005/2006.   more...

Alcester WI

THE March meeting began with a difference as members sang Jerusalem along with the group G4 and a full symphony orchestra - on CD, of course.   more...

Schools unite for festival

YOUNGSTERS from all over Redditch hit the right note recently when they gathered at Tardebigge First School for the Redditch Schools Music Festival.   more...

Brothers' wheel achievement!

TWO brothers reached the summit of their achievements when they cycled 33 miles from Redditch to Malvern.   more...

A frenzy of fundraising

REDDITCH people can take part in several events to raise funds for the Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre.   more...

Time twisting teaser

MYSTERY and magic will abound in sci-fi sensation Inspector Drake and the Time Machine.   more...

Stirring up vital funds

A SUMPTUOUS buffet of Thai food will be on offer at Cookhill Village Hall to raise money for victims of the Asian tsunami disaster.   more...

Willow wonders

GREEN fingered residents can create a beautiful sculpture for their garden at a series of workshops.   more...

Monkey business

CHEEKY monkeys are invited to make some noise in a series of music workshops at Redditch Library.   more...

Branching out for an adventure

A HOLLYWOOD primary school "hoodwinked" its audience with a performance based on events in Sherwood Forest.   more...

Hotel mooted for site near to school

A NEW 40-bedroom hotel could be built next to the Dog Inn at Mappleborough Green.   more...

Pulling strings to get the best

BUDDING Jimi Hendrixs can learn a few tricks of the trade at a new guitar workshop being hosted in Redditch by a musician who has played with some of rock's greatest men.   more...

Alcester & District Local History Society

PICTURES in the Post was the title of a talk on picture postcards. Speaker Trevor Cleaver explained how British postcards had provided a social history of the country during the first half of the 20th century.   more...

Firm is fined £2,000

A SOUTHCREST exhaust pipe manufacturing company was fined £2,000 for inadequate safety measures that left a 21-year-old man with a crushed finger that was later amputated, a court heard.   more...

Sandra drops in

THE wife of Conservative leader Michael Howard had a taste of culture when she dropped into the All Women's House last week.   more...

Blitz on car crime

AN increase in the number of vehicles being stolen and broken into in Redditch and surrounding areas has prompted a stepping up of police patrols.   more...

Tough challenge in store for Mark

A REDDITCH roadrunner is hoping to repeat last year's success when he tackles the London Marathon.   more...

Post mortem after pensioner's death

A MENTALLY handicapped woman died after contracting a stomach infection in a Headless Cross nursing home, an inquest heard.   more...

Trainee sets the benchmark

A PROMISING Redditch firefighter is the 100th in Hereford and Worcester to complete top-level training.   more...

Driver died instantly in crash

A MOTORIST was killed instantly when he lost control of the car he was driving at high speed on a Wythall road, an inquest heard.   more...

Beat bobby on a mission

A REDDITCH beat bobby hopes to forge better links with the community through a series of regular drop-in sessions.   more...

Joy as masts plan rejected

A REDDITCH resident is delighted plans to install further mobile phone masts in Church Hill have been rejected.   more...

Bonny bonnets

BOWS and bonnets were in abundance at a Wythall nursery last week as its young members celebrated Easter.   more...

Bus pledge `no benefit' to town

THE Government's recent Budget pledge of free bus travel for pensioners and the disabled during off-peak hours will "not benefit Redditch", according to the town's Tory spokesman, Karen Lumley.   more...

Quilt display uncovered

A FINE display of work by one of the country's leading quilters has just gone up at Redditch's Forge Mill Museum.   more...

`The doctors let him down'

A REDDITCH woman claims her partner died "a horrendous death" at the Alexandra Hospital and is demanding a better explanation to why he died.   more...

`It's about time I saw what was outside Redditch!'

A REDDITCH man is full of the joys of spring after retiring from the Lakeside factory where he has worked for 50 years.   more...

Scheme to tackle bus woe

MEMBERS of the Matchborough community are jumping on board a scheme to try to tackle antisocial behaviour on buses.   more...

A who's who of TV show

IN a timely move, Studley man Jim Smith has just published a new book all about Doctor Who.   more...

Firm slams refuse fee

A REDDITCH businessman has hit out at "unreasonable" refuse collection cost increases - just six months after the council contracted out the service to a private company.   more...

Swords and sandals

ROMANS and Celts came to life for pupils at Woodrow First School, who battled it out in a workshop last week.   more...

£1m boost for Palace

By Julian Seva   more...

Mystery as body found in woods

A BODY found in woodland near Redditch was that of an adult male who died in "unexplained" circumstances, say detectives.   more...

PITCH BATTLE LOOMS

ANGRY residents want the red card shown to plans to build commercial football pitches on a "priceless piece of public space".   more...

Celebrations for a diamond Spa couple

A SHARED faith has been the secret to a long and happy marriage for one Droitwich Spa couple, who celebrated in their diamond wedding anniversary, last week.   more...

Promoting the budget at stall

THE Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for mid-Worcestershire, held a street stall in Droitwich Spa to promote the recent budget.   more...

Improving their environment

CREATIVE children at a Spa first school got their thinking caps on last week and brainstormed ideas to improve their school environment.   more...

Pair in affray case

TWO men were involved in violence after they had been called to help girls being harassed in the early hours outside the Odeon cinema in Foregate Street, Worcester.   more...

And now for the science bit...

SCHOOLCHILDREN had a visit from a scientific drama group to help them learn about vitamins, minerals and getting a balanced diet.   more...

Spa transformed for VE weekend

DROITWICH Spa will be turned into an amazing film set on VE weekend - May 7 and 8 - thanks to a massive £14,500 grant from the National Lottery.   more...

New service for town pets

POORLY pets in Bromsgrove, whose owners are in difficult financial circumstances, can now turn to the Blue Cross for care.   more...

Cashpoint robber caught on camera

POLICE have released pictures of a man who forced a motorist to take £100 out of a cash machine in Droitwich Spa High Street.   more...

Cash probe call rejected

A CALL for a full investigation into why Bromsgrove taxpayers have been overcharged has been rejected.   more...

The final curtain for medal office

STAFF at Droitwich Spa's Army Medal Office said goodbye as it closed its doors for the final time last Wednesday.   more...

Fight for town seat warms up

WITH Prime Minister Tony Blair expected to officially launch the General Election campaign next Monday, two new candidates have thrown their hats into the Bromsgrove ring.   more...

Workshop drums up interest

YOUNGSTERS got into the groove with a drumming workshop at Cutnall Green First School.   more...

Pubs - use it or lose it

A BROMSGROVE campaigning group is fighting to save the town's traditional pubs.   more...

Car theft warning

AS the days get longer and the weather warmer, police in Bromsgrove are warning motorists to think carefully about car security.   more...

Make voices heard on lido

ALL is not lost for Spa folk campaigning to reopen the Lido - they will get another chance to make their voices heard at a meeting tomorrow (Thursday).   more...

The glamour of Hollywood set to hit town soon

BROMSGROVE'S new arts centre has unveiled some of its forthcoming events.   more...

Grim find in wood

MYSTERY surrounds the gruesome discovery of two bodies over the Easter weekend.   more...

Celebrating Housman

THE director general of the Confederation of British Industry was the guest of honour at an AE Housman commemoration.   more...

It's teddy time

IF you go down to the woods today - you will find a Sidemoor group dressed up as teddy bears.   more...

Never a dull moment

ENTHUSIASTIC children are enjoying a host of activities at an Easter camp.   more...

Chance to put brains into gear

BRAINY Bromsgrovians will have the chance to test their knowledge at a charity quiz night.   more...

Actions speak louder

GREEN youngsters at a town school took to the stage for a special play.   more...

A dash for the cash

KINDHEARTED regulars at a town pub dug deep to help raise cash for a good cause.   more...

It's the Rover's return

Rover - the Bromsgrove Rovers FC mascot - has returned to the Victoria Ground after a five year absence.   more...

Worcester and Birmingham Canal Society

OUR March meeting was an illustrated talk on The Elan Valley given by Kenn Godfrey. He showed slides which had been made from very valuable, Victorian glass plates which had been rescued from a rubbish skip in Birmingham.   more...

Cultural liberty and the growth of UK's citizens

JIM Evans in his letter headlined "Inner City Wasteland", (Tuesday, March 22), is misinformed. In embracing cultural liberty I fail to see what moral or social Pandora's Box has been opened.   more...

Bromsgrove Canine Society

RINGCRAFT   more...

Little guy with all the big ideas

WHEN I joined the local police and saw the size of most of my colleagues, and indeed, the size of the guys who they were arresting, I realised that I had either got to improve my body strength or try other methods to control the unruly.   more...

Chaddesley Gardeners

THE AGM was well attended and four new committee members were voted on board. We were then transported to New Zealand to the gardens created at the homesteads. Marie Paginton injected us with her enthusiasm for the country and for the surprisingly abundant gardens. The most surprising thing was to find that everywhere looked so English. Don't forget to keep July 20 free in your diary for our annual outing. Details later. Visitors always welcome. Our meetings are held at the village hall, Chaddesley Corbett, at 7.30pm for coffee, company and a chat. You don't have to be a gardener to enjoy our evenings.   more...

Pop stars of the future

I WOULD like to thank all the young people who took part in the excellent Pop Icons concert at Malvern Theatre.   more...

Bentley Pauncefoot WI

Mary's hats was the title of our March meeting held at Bentley Village Hall. Mary Holmes, accompanied by an abundance of huge hat boxes,kept us entranced.   more...

A bugle call for veterans

CAN I recommend a short five-day trip with a difference?   more...

Barnt Green Gardeners

The speaker at our March meeting was John Hill, who is a recommended expert on the subject of Alpines.   more...

Hadzor & Oddingley WI

Our president, Jenny Marsh, opened the meeting by welcoming a new member, Sue Lovatt. The delightful flowers for the afternoon had been arranged by Gill Braithwaite and Pat Keen. Diane Bidwell spoke about Awards for All - a government grant and encouraged us to take part in the project and possibly visit Denman. Mary Gray still has a few vacancies on her list for the Spring Food, Flower and Craft Day in May.   more...

Spadesbourne Ladies

OUR 23rd AGM was held at the beginning of March at the Bromsgrove Golf Centre and more than 60 members attended.   more...

Witton WI

Chairman Jenny Kerridge opened our meeting with a welcome to members and visitors. Several letters of appreciation had been received following our recent group meeting when we had entertained our neighbouring WI's County Chairman Suzanne Owen. The talk was an explanation of the use of the DNA service in solving crimes. Our speaker was Mike Jones, a local bee-keeper, who entertained us with the fascinating story of the life of the honey bee and honey production.   more...

Channel hopping

PAN-European retail solutions provider, Torex Retail, has won the contract to implement an innovative self-scan system at Channel Island-based Checkers Superstore, operated by Le Riche.   more...

Plain sailing for cruise specialist

THE largest worldwide seller of Cunard cruises, Victoria Travel, is opening a large call centre in Redditch as part of a major expansion program.   more...

Redditch franchisee is flushed with success

REDDITCH-based Drain Doctor Plumbing has crowned a successful 2004 by being named top franchise at the national group's annual awards.   more...

Firm springs into merger

REDDITCH-based engineering firm Lewis Spring Products has merged with another company and is creating 50 jobs in the process.   more...

A flair for hair

A REDDITCH hairdressers has proved it is a cut above the rest after winning a coveted place in the Midlands regional final of the 50th Anniversary L'Oreal Colour Trophy.   more...

Logistical effort wins space race for library

A HUGE logistics operation to move scattered TV archives to a new home in Leeds has resulted in a 50 per cent space saving, thanks to a Redditch company.   more...

Company's move is all wrapped up

By Julian Seva   more...

Water rises

I SEE the cost of water rates has risen from £328 to £374 - a rise of more than 13 per cent.   more...

Rubbish in the streets

I AGREE with the recent correspondence from a Stoke Heath reader who said that Bromsgrove town centre is looking increasingly run down.   more...

Love place - not litter

I AM the complete Anglophile. I love Britain, her institutions and her people, but I have one criticism. If you will forgive my temerity as a visitor - the condition of many parts of your beautiful country is made appalling with deposits of litter!   more...

Binmen ode

THIS is the poem I've written following the saga of our change over to the wheelie bin collection in Bromsgrove -   more...

Venue offer

I CAN inform Sid and Hilda Payne that there is no shortage of suitable venues for their club in Bromsgrove.   more...

SALT vows to fight on

WE thank AJ Milne for an excellent, thoughtful and constructive letter printed on March 16.   more...

What plan?

A RECENT letter from Spa Conservative Councillor Pam Davey was a fairly pathetic attempt to cover her tracks on her involvement in the closure of the town's lido and the undermining of the SALT plans and proposals.   more...

Damaging

NEVER was so much damage done to so many by so few. That is true of Droitwich and Wychavon councillors.   more...

Better food on the menu

I WOULD like to draw readers' attention to the recent television series `Jamie Olivers School dinners,' in which Jamie implemented a project to improve our children's school meals.   more...

Great joy

SATURDAY afternoon at the Norbury Theatre was an absolute joy. We saw Ladies in Lavender and the theatre was almost full to capacity.   more...

You can assist neighbourhood

SINCE its inception in 1982, Neighbourhood Watch, with its 16,000 schemes covering six million house-holds, has become the largest voluntary organisation in the U.K.   more...

Water rises

I SEE the cost of water rates has risen from £328 to £374 - a rise of more than 13 per cent.   more...

Rubbish in the streets

I AGREE with the recent correspondence from a Stoke Heath reader who said that Bromsgrove town centre is looking increasingly run down.   more...

Love place - not litter

I AM the complete Anglophile. I love Britain, her institutions and her people, but I have one criticism. If you will forgive my temerity as a visitor - the condition of many parts of your beautiful country is made appalling with deposits of litter!   more...

100 years ago April 1, 1905

A female officer was required at the Workhouse, in Bromsgrove, to act as a cook and assistant in house under the direction of the Matron. The salary was £24 a year with board, washing, lodging and uniform, but no beer.   more...

Binmen ode

THIS is the poem I've written following the saga of our change over to the wheelie bin collection in Bromsgrove -   more...

50 years ago April 2, 1955

The amalgamation of Bromsgrove and Redditch police divisions took a step further and there was a surprise in the events. Bromsgrove was regarded the likely location of the headquarters because of the geography of the two towns. But Redditch had protested, saying it would be another slight to their civic pride, prestige and borough aspirations for them to be brought once more under Bromsgrove. A compromise was reached so the HQ would be at Redditch, but it would still be known as Bromsgrove and Redditch.   more...

Venue offer

I CAN inform Sid and Hilda Payne that there is no shortage of suitable venues for their club in Bromsgrove.   more...

25 years ago March 27, 1980

High level talks to sort out Bromsgrove fairs' problems ended in a complete deadlock. Feelings had been running high in town since Jones' fair camped out without consent on Bromsgrove's recreation ground car park. Since then, 1,800 signatures had been collected to petition the council to allow spring and summer fairs on the site. The Showman's Guild of Great Britain had hoped that a compromise would be sorted out to allow Mr Jones to run his fair for the remaining three days of his stay. The Guild was to present a list of alternative sites to the July meeting of the council for consideration.   more...

SALT vows to fight on

WE thank AJ Milne for an excellent, thoughtful and constructive letter printed on March 16.   more...

What plan?

A RECENT letter from Spa Conservative Councillor Pam Davey was a fairly pathetic attempt to cover her tracks on her involvement in the closure of the town's lido and the undermining of the SALT plans and proposals.   more...

Damaging

NEVER was so much damage done to so many by so few. That is true of Droitwich and Wychavon councillors.   more...

Better food on the menu

I WOULD like to draw readers' attention to the recent television series `Jamie Olivers School dinners,' in which Jamie implemented a project to improve our children's school meals.   more...

Great joy

SATURDAY afternoon at the Norbury Theatre was an absolute joy. We saw Ladies in Lavender and the theatre was almost full to capacity.   more...

You can assist neighbourhood

SINCE its inception in 1982, Neighbourhood Watch, with its 16,000 schemes covering six million house-holds, has become the largest voluntary organisation in the U.K.   more...

Wildlife wander

WILDLIFE enthusiasts are invited on a spring walk along the Batchley Brook.   more...

Calls for calming measures

SAMBOURNE Parish Council has approached Warwickshire County Council in a bid to get traffic calming measures installed.   more...

Footpath action plea

AN Alvechurch councillor is demanding action be taken to stop lorries churning up a pavement alongside the A441 between Hopwood island and the M42 island.   more...

Talks held on parking permits

RESIDENTS of a Southcrest road met councillors to talk about parking problems.   more...

Going strong after 75 pints

LIFE-LONG blood donor Anthony Strong, of Astwood Bank, was recently honoured for reaching the milestone of giving 75 pints of blood.   more...

Going swimmingly

FOLLOWING an appeal in the Advertiser, a fish fanatic has stepped in to help the league.   more...

Stamp of approval

THE league raised more than £1,100 in 2004 from the donation of stamps - a huge increase on the previous year.   more...

Shopping spree!

THE league has recently bought some vitally needed pieces of equipment - and is looking to buy several more.   more...

Finger on the musical pulse

THERE are exciting times ahead for Hospital Radio Pulse - one of the most listened to hospital stations in the country.   more...

Robbery at store

A man apparently brandishing a firearm robbed Sainsbury's supermarket in Redditch on Friday.   more...

Room puts Alex ahead

MEMBERS of the Alexandra Hospital's League of Friends were recently invited to visit the multi-disciplinary meeting room at the hospital - which their funding helped to pay for last year.   more...

It's not St John's this time

MENTION the word supermarket development in Worcester and readers will immediately brace themselves for another tedious revelation in the seemingly unending St John's saga.   more...

All smiles as hospice is up and running

LITTLE five-year-old Bede Widdicombe's face says it all as he zooms around the freshly-landscaped gardens of the new Acorns hospice in Worcester.   more...

Joy for June as Willie's dream comes true

WIDOW June Sayce takes a stroll into her garden and her face lights up as she looks out to see a view she has been waiting to witness for a long time - the new Acorns hospice.   more...

After six years of waiting the doors are finally open

ALONG-awaited hospice in Worcester offering care and support for life-limited children has opened its doors for the first time.   more...

First look through doors of hospice

THIS is the first glimpse at the inside of the state-of-the-art hospice which promises 21st Century, high-quality care for children.   more...

Cigs stolen in raid on station

POLICE are appealing for information after three men broke into a Redditch petrol station and stole cigarettes.   more...

Alert on wheel thefts

A SPARE wheel worth £670 was stolen from a Land Rover Discovery after thieves cut the cable securing it.   more...

Piggy bank is raided

THIEVES smashed a child's piggy bank and took its contents in a raid of a house in Headless Cross.   more...

Hunt still on for attackers

MORE than a month after a racially aggravated assault, police are still appealing for information to help catch the culprits.   more...

Call me Camilla

A WOMAN from Tenbury Wells area who has spent the last five years being mistaken for Camilla Parker Bowles, is hoping to cash in on the forthcoming royal wedding.   more...

Mayor visits new site

THE Mayor of Droitwich Councillor Anne Taft visited the multi-million pound Waitrose site off the town's High Street yesterday and given a guided tour by project manager Neil Myers (pictured above).   more...

Infirmary film goes on show

FILM shot at the old site of the Worcester Royal Infirmary by professional artists has been on show at a city arts workshop.   more...

Hospice challenges hikers to walk the Way

KEEN walkers who relish an unusual challenge are being urged to put their best feet forward for a 31-mile dawn `til dusk Worcestershire Way Challenge.   more...

Parish seeks perfect clerk

AN enthusiastic town clerk is needed to join a small council in Pershore.   more...

Fears of Old Trafford on rural fields

PLANS to lease a playing field to a football club have left residents fearing that Malvern will get its own version of Old Trafford, a councillor has said.   more...

Cut cost of water usage with meter

An increase in the cost of water bills landing on doormats earlier this month, has prompted WaterVoice to urge homeowners to consider fitting a water meter to their supply.   more...

Fringe springs into action

A MAJOR festival celebrating the coming of spring is set to go extra-terrestrial this year.   more...

Pick up tips on gardening from experts

A TOP gardener working in the Worcestershire countryside is sharing the trials and tribulations of her job with garden lovers around the world.   more...

Kiosk `must go' to stop louts' mess

A problem phone box and bench is attracting beer-drinking gangs who repeatedly smash the kiosk glass, claims a pensioner.   more...

Duo's delight at new base for budding artists

TWO entrepreneurial artists have joined forces to launch a new creative arts project in Ledbury in April.   more...

Sport

30/3/05 - Pipe leading the County race

TOM Moody admits that James Pipe is ahead in the race to grab the wicketkeeper's gloves.   more...

30/3/05 - Renewed hope over Vaas deal

WORCESTERSHIRE will wait until next week on their Chaminda Vaas decision.   more...

30/3/05 - Awesome April a must in play-off bid

THERE are now six games to go and we simply cannot drop our level of performance if we want to make the Nationwide North play-offs.   more...

Red army march into Blues final

Redditch United 1   more...

Anstiss off as lead slips

REDDITCH threw away a two-goal lead in Saturday's clash with promotion-chasing Kettering Town - and could now find themselves without a keeper.   more...

26/03/05 - Spa's poor four-m goes on

Atherstone Reserves 3 Droitwich Spa Reserves 1   more...

OH dear Alcester!

Alcester 0   more...

26/03/05 - Late rally stings leaders

Shepshed Dynamo 3   more...

Fishers in quarter-final

A SLIM 19-15 victory against neighbours Woodrush saw the Kingfishers safely into the quarter-finals of the North Midlands Shield.   more...

26/03/05 - Maguire at the double

Droitwich Spa 5 Feckenham Reserves 1   more...

26/03/05 - Spartak's top five dreams a reality

Barnt Green Spartak 2 Coventry Marconi 0   more...

Jones on hand to help Villa

Fairfield Villa 1 Burntwood Town 1   more...

26/03/05 - Markman feels the pain

Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Sutton Coldfield Town 0   more...

AC30 in LMS Shield semi-final joy

Advertiser/Messenger League   more...

28/03/05 - Maynard's goal not enough

Bromsgrove Rovers Reserves 1 Boldmere St Michael Reserves 2   more...

28/03/05 - Hanson has hand as Spartak win

Southam United 1 Barnt Green Spartak 2   more...

28/03/05 - Late goals sink plucky Fairfield

Fairfield Villa 1 Wilmcote Sport S&S 2   more...

28/03/05 - Keenahan at the double

Warwick Town 1 Droitwich Spa 3   more...

Ice cool Frost uses his head

Bedworth United 0 Bromsgrove Rovers 1   more...

Kings give Yard stick

Kings Norton A 84   more...

30/3/05 - Gomarsall signing close

TALKS to bring Andy Gomarsall to Sixways are at an advanced stage.   more...

Town's cup joy

PERSHORE Town claimed the honours in an intriguing derby clash last night.   more...

Pershore hit rivals

PERSHORE and Kidderminster Carolians took advantage of a free weekend in the league calendar to notch large friendly victories.   more...

Milestone for trophy

THE 25th anniversary of the Worcestershire Cricket Board Tornado Trophy indoor cricket tournament is being held at the Evesham Cricket Centre of Excellence.   more...

Pritchard's double brings record close

LEDBURY jockey Julian Pritchard continued in his quest to become the most successful Point-to-Point rider in the sport's history as he scored a double at the Croome and West Warwickshire meeting.   more...

Colley determined to stay in Preece revolution

MIDFIELD predator Nick Colley is determined to keep banging in the goals to earn a new deal at Worcester City.   more...

Gomarsall signing close

TALKS to bring Andy Gomarsall to Sixways are at an advanced stage.   more...

Pipe leading the County race

TOM Moody admits that James Pipe is ahead in the race to grab the wicketkeeper's gloves.   more...

Renewed hope over Vaas deal

WORCESTERSHIRE will wait until next week on their Chaminda Vaas decision.   more...

Anstiss off as lead slips

REDDITCH threw away a two-goal lead in Saturday's clash with promotion-chasing Kettering Town - and could now find themselves without a keeper.   more...

Dodds' derby double gives Churchmen points

Alvechurch 2   more...

Red army march into Blues final

Redditch United 1   more...

Drop danger is avoided by Wythall B

WYTHALL B ensured their place in division four of the Stratford Winter League next season with a 2-2 draw away at Stratford, a result that takes them out of the bottom three with one remaining fixture.   more...

Junior smash

The National Junior Club League got under way recently with Alcester under 12s playing Nuneaton.   more...

Stalling at Cadwell

WINYATES Green racer Andy Burbidge said the only positive he could take out of his latest race at Cadwell Park was that he stayed on his bike.   more...

Off to a flier!

ASTWOOD Bank superbike ace Andy Tinsley topped the podium again in the first round of the British Superstock Championship at Brands Hatch on Monday.   more...

Weaving magic!

MAPPLEBOROUGH Green dressage competitor Vikki Weaver has been in inspired form of late culminating in her being hand picked to represent Great Britain.   more...

30/3/05 - Colley determined to stay in Preece revolution

MIDFIELD predator Nick Colley is determined to keep banging in the goals to earn a new deal at Worcester City.   more...

BOSS IN `NO GO' THREAT

STUDLEY manager Kevin Rowlands has threatened to pull his team out of the Worcestershire Senior Cup final if they don't shape up for the remainder of the season.   more...

29/03/05 - Midfielder signing set to ease pain

By Peter McKinney   more...

26/03/05 - Markman feels the pain

Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Sutton Coldfield Town 0   more...

28/03/05 - Ice cool Frost uses his head

Bedworth United 0 Bromsgrove Rovers 1   more...

Caines hits high gear

DROITWICH rider Ellie Caines was more than a match for the boys when she finished fourth in a local league.   more...

Jones takes a tumble

CHRIS Jones was denied the perfect start to the British Superbikes Grand Prix 125cc season after he crashed off at Brands Hatch on Bank Holiday Monday.   more...

29/03/05 - Midfielder signing set to ease pain

By Peter McKinney   more...

  
Restrict search to 30 March 2005

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