Worcestershire | Archive | 2005 | March

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Stories for 4 March 2005

Leisure

Punk rocked the cradle for teen talent Nomad

THEY say experiences you have as a baby can have a profound effect on how you develop in life.   more...

Sit back and be spellbound by singer whose words are her own

ONCE a librarian, then a restaurateur, musician June Tabor has always been a singer of songs where words matter as much as the music.   more...

Official Receivers move in

A HIGH-energy soul show is on the cards for Worcester this weekend as the band the Official Receivers turn up to the city for a gig.   more...

Show of Hands ready for Huntingdon

ONE half of one of England's most successful acoustic roots duos will be gracing the stage at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall tonight.   more...

Slowburner set to smoulder

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Kir's the word when it comes to mum

A STRAW pole among various assorted mums showed that Champagne and chocolates come way down their Mothers' Day list.   more...

What's on

Theatre March   more...

Show aims to capture the wartime spirit

A powerful evocation of the wartime spirit takes place at Malvern Wells Village Hall with the show We'll Meet Again.   more...

Cinemas

Malvern Cinema: The Aviator (15) 7.30pm, Sun & Thurs 4pm.   more...

What's on at your local theatre

Mar 5: First Prize Billy by Angela Lanyon. The Swan Theatre, Worcester. Box office: 01905 611427.   more...

Classy and easy listening music in your area

Moments from Opera, a professional touring production by Hatstand Opera. Hilarious scenes and hear-rending areas from the world's greatest operas. Box office 01905 770154. Further information on 01905 795619 or see www.hatstand opera .co.uk The Norbury Theatre, Droitwich Spa www. norburytheatre.co.uk   more...

All the latest gigs and where to find them

Mar 4: Slowburner, Marr's Bar, Worcester; Phil Beer Band, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester; Dropkick Murphys, Carling Academy, Birmingham; Martin Carthy, Riverside Folk & Acoustic Club, Stourport-on-Severn Boat Club; Rise plus The Gaskins, Bar Academy, Birmingham.   more...

Events in and around Worcester

Mar 4: Brian and Philomena invite you to an evening of ballroom and sequence dancing at Powick Village Hall, Powick, Worcester. Bring your own refreshments. Telephone Brian or Philomena on 01905 454338 for further details.   more...

Petula's still a sweetheart of our times

CONSIDERING she is no doubt a multi-millionaire, extremely hectic and admits doing interviews isn't "her favourite thing", Petula Clark CBE could not have been nicer.   more...

Were you at the Swan when it first opened in 1965?

The Swan Theatre Amateur Company is presenting the play Cider With Rosie at the Swan in June.   more...

Tribute to violin great

JAZZ violinist Mike Piggott will pay tribute to Stephan Grappelli at a concert at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall on Thursday (March 10).   more...

A weekend treat for music lovers

MUSIC lovers are in for a double treat next weekend at Malvern Theatres.   more...

She'll be having fun so why not join in?

NOT all grandmothers can belt out the blues, but a singer visiting Malvern next week is set to thrill audiences with her powerful voice.   more...

Joseph n Review: Malvern Theatres

The colour, energy and vibrant soundtrack of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream-coat make it a show that is almost impossible not to enjoy.   more...

`Flicker' & `Transtep' n Review: Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company, Malvern Theatres

THE effect of Shobana Jeyasingh's imaginative choreography in combination with Michael Nyman's innovative score was a dynamic interpretation of dance and movement.   more...

News

Bosch award for top city plumber

A ST John's plumbing and heating specialist has been honoured in the fifth annual Worcester Bosch Environment 2010 Awards.   more...

Plea to cut red tape

THE Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned the main parties that only radical action will convince firms that politicians are serious about tackling red tape.   more...

Takeover

A TECHNOLOGY and consulting firm that has an office in Malvern has been taken over.   more...

Van success

SOUTH Hereford Van Centre has reported its best ever sales, more than doubling its year-on-year growth for commercial vehicle sales alone.   more...

* Memorial to Eddie * Motorists braced for Easter delays * Action stations to combat flu * England s

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Echoes from the Past

100 years ago   more...

Army under fire for cost of damage to land

KEEP Off Our Common was the blunt message being sent out by Castlemorton Parish Council to the army 50 years ago.   more...

Schools urged to set up rifle clubs

A LETTER printed in the Malvern Gazette 100 years ago shows up starkly the difference in attitudes between our Edwardian forefathers and ourselves.   more...

Wasn't it the Tories who first came up with PFI?

I READ with astonishment the article in the Evening News regarding MP Peter Luff demanding action on the bed shortages at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.   more...

Lib Dems' faulty green credentials

UNLIKE Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Mary Dhonau ("I'm proud to stand", Letters, Friday, February 25), I am not new to party politics.   more...

Extra £25 for OAPs

FRANK Jones is right to be concerned about the future of his pension as long as Britain remains in the EU.   more...

We believe in pluralism

ONE of your writers suggests elections are a simple choice between Labour and Conservative   more...

Counterfeit culture

WEST Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer's article (Worcester News, Thursday, February 24) regarding the financing of the required new hospital for Malvern, prompts the question... why not finance this proposed new building direct with Government-created new money?   more...

Worried about cuts

THE Civic Society has real worries about the effects of two austerity cuts made by Worcester City Council, both of which must be harmful to the local environment.   more...

Cost of all this waste

I READ Sundeep Kumar's recent article regarding the council's refuse recyclable scheme with interest and a sense of hopelessness.   more...

Bradders on Friday

Sorry to talk about sport again this week, but I played golf on Saturday.   more...

Centenary time to look forward as well as back

The centenary of Rotary International has provided the ideal opportunity for Rotary clubs in the Malvern Hills area to reflect on the good work they have done and look forward to the future.   more...

Final fly-past sad event for Gordon

FORMER RAF Corporal Gordon Acock will be putting on his old forage cap and squadron tie for a special ceremony next weekend.   more...

Evening with a legend

FOOTBALL legend Tommy Smith MBE is the guest at a special event being organised by Eastnor Cricket Club.   more...

Hope centre boss close to quitting

The manager of Bromyard's Hope Centre has warned that she will scrap the whole project if the latest planning application is refused.   more...

New lease of life for neglected spring

A LONG-neglected spring at St Anne's Well will be brought back to life as part of the forthcoming restoration project.   more...

Claire's ready to fight for tenants

TENANTS having problems with their neighbours should not suffer in silence, according to Elgar Housing Association's anti-social behaviour officer.   more...

Opinion

ONE of the big changes in politics in the past 20 years has been the rise of `people power'. It's the upside of a society that has become less deferential.   more...

College abandons plan to change dining arrangements

Malvern College has decided not to change on-site dining facilities, following a meeting with parents.   more...

Disabled driver left stranded

A DISABLED driver was left stranded in his home after thieves stole his car windscreen.   more...

Rhian relishes national role

A MALVERN Wells woman is to take up the reigns as president of the National Association of Ladies Circles.   more...

MP opens new military test site

A NEW site for testing military equipment was being formally opened today (Friday) at North Site in Malvern.   more...

School plans new extension

MALVERN Parish CE Primary School is looking forward to getting a new extension this year.   more...

Major fires off a salvo at visiting police chief

Chief Constable Paul West was buttonholed in Ledbury by a retired army major and told he was the first police officer seen on the beat there for four years.   more...

Awards will honour selfless youngsters

The search is underway to find the area's most outstanding youngsters.   more...

New-look crime liaison group relaunched

A reformed Police Community Consultative Group for the Malvern Hills area meets for the first time this month.   more...

Village will get low-cost homes

A PLAN to build eight affordable homes on land near Leigh Road, Alfrick, has been given the go-ahead.   more...

Don't all agree

MOST of the town we are encouraged to believe is very much in favour of the Ledbury by-pass proposal (Ledbury Reporter, February 25), so perhaps a little sceptical opposition to even things up will do no harm.   more...

Tory leader questions Splash overspend

THE leader of the Conservative group on Malvern Hills District Council wants to know when the overspend on the Splash refurbishment will be discussed in public.   more...

Second class

I AM shocked and dismayed at the decision of Ledbury Town Council to support retention of the barrier on the road between Biddulph Way and Oakland Drive. This decision equals treating the residents of Deer Park as second class citizens. As such, maybe those same residents might claim to pay second class Council Tax.   more...

Man suffers burns in explosion

A MAN suffered burns to his face and hands after an explosion in his garage in Geraldine Road, Malvern, on Wednesday night.   more...

Bus benefits

AS a resident of Old Hollow for the last 20 years, I was amazed in this recent cold spell that the gritting lorries have managed to get up this road for the first time.   more...

Rat-run road row rumbles on

Residents of Lower Chase Road, Malvern, are unhappy with proposals to prevent motorists ignoring `No Through Traffic' signs and using the road as a rat-run.   more...

Much achieved

THE public consultation meetings are over and I firmly believe the many hundreds of people who braved the diabolical weather to tell the board of South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust and its officers so clearly of their aspirations, achieved a great deal.   more...

Hollywood beckons for psychic duo

A Malvern psychic and her partner are set to star in a Hollywood TV show.   more...

Want a fair deal

I ASSUME minor injuries units at Evesham, Bromsgrove and many others exist because it is effective and efficient to do so.   more...

Could be worse

AS the owner of a property which is physically part of the Runnings Park estate, I would like to add my voice to that of Sarah Rouse (Your Letters, February 25). I too support the development of the Runnings Park complex as currently proposed.   more...

Residents welcome bid to monitor traffic in village

Residents in Upper Welland have welcomed moves by the parish council to put a stop to traffic speeding through the village.   more...

Rare experience

Many of your readers who saw the recent fireball would have had a once in a lifetime experience. They may wish to know some more facts about the event, one which I was also lucky enough to see for the first time after 50 years of sky watching.   more...

Speed sign on way as fundraisers hit target

THREE years of fundraising to get traffic-calming measures in Welland has finally paid off.   more...

Children are risking lives

Why do hundreds of our children have to risk their lives every day crossing the Poolbrook Road going to and from The Chase high school?   more...

Syringe found in public toilet

ADDICTS could be injecting heroin in the public toilets on Victoria Road in Malvern.   more...

Council should think again

THE report (Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter, February 25) suggesting the road over the Colwall railway bridge will be reduced to a single lane to delay its deterioration, is surely missing the point.   more...

Priority given to saving hospital site

THE Seaford Court site for Malvern's new hospital must not be broken up, says Malvern Town Council.   more...

Arrests linked to £2m raid at Madresfield Court

TWO men and a woman were arrested this week in connection with a series of country house burglaries, including a £2 million raid at Madresfield Court.   more...

Raids threat to businesses

A SPATE of thefts on Blackmore Park Industrial Estate has led one business owner to question whether he should remain open.   more...

Staff learn how to clean up act

MALVERN refuse and recycling collectors have cleaned up their act after a series of role-play workshops.   more...

Band D home to pay £1,223

THE average council taxpayer in a band D property will pay £1,223.70 in 2005/6.   more...

Police warn young with drinks

POLICE caught 53 under 18s drinking alcohol in Malvern on Friday night and have written to all their parents.   more...

Venue calls for support

MALVERN residents will be able to take advantage of free or discounted entry to events at the Three Counties Showground under a new scheme.   more...

Don't wait for a child to die

PARENTS have renewed calls to install crossings near The Chase high school in Malvern after a boy was hit by a car last week.   more...

Testing time

UPTON Scouts will host a quiz night tonight (Friday).   more...

Coffee cash

A COFFEE morning takes place at Beechwood care home on Tuesday, March 19. The event runs from 10.30am to noon and includes a raffle, tombola and cakes.   more...

Three shops change hands

Three shops in Upton are under new ownership.   more...

TIC in plea for Shelterbox

A Fundraising drive to buy a £490 Shelterbox has been launched by Upton TIC.   more...

Upton news in brief...

n DRIVERS in Upton could face delays as traffic lights are once again installed on the bridge. The lights will go up on Tuesday (March 8) and remain in place for six weeks while Worcestershire County Council completes the final stages of work on the viaduct.   more...

Fair was brilliant finale for Daisy

FAMILY and friends gathered at Upton Memorial Hall for veteran fundraiser Daisy Souza's final charity event.   more...

Fair heralds the return of market

AN event showcasing the best local produce and crafts Upton has to offer is planned to raise the town's profile.   more...

Something for everyone

SITUATED directly opposite St Nicholas Church in Droitwich, the Salvation Army hall couldn't be any more different.   more...

County farmer backs cull calls

NEW Government guidelines have been published to help farmers combat bovine TB.   more...

Bag some double bargains for tots

IT can be hard enough affording clothes for a new-born baby, but when you have twins or triplets there often needs to be serious belt-tightening.   more...

Not convinced by MMR study

A NEW study claiming to provide the strongest evidence yet that no link exists between the MMR jab and increasing autism rates has been rejected by a Worcestershire mum whose autistic son received the MMR combined vaccination.   more...

No treatment for the elderly

ELDERLY patients are having to wait up to six months for mental health appointments after three Worcestershire clinics, scheduled for the next three months, were cancelled.   more...

Paddling pool theft leaves them in the cold

A FAMILY was left bemused after thieves launched a targeted raid on their home - and stole a paddling pool.   more...

Action stations to combat flu

WORCESTERSHIRE is "as well prepared as possible" for a flu pandemic, according to the head of public health.   more...

Motorists braced for Easter delays

ONE million pounds of road improvements could delay Easter holiday motorists.   more...

Racing pigeons set to soar at auction

SOME of the raciest birds in Worcestershire will be up for sale in a charity auction.   more...

Volunteers needed

A SCHEME offering impoverished children from Belarus a trip-of-a-lifetime to Malvern could be under threat if more volunteers cannot be found.   more...

MEMORIAL TO EDDIE

THE memory of a popular brickie who died last December will live forever in his final project.   more...

Are we geared up for flu?

THE news that Worcestershire is "as well prepared as possible" to combat any possible world flu epidemic should be reassuring.   more...

A few tips from a top author who says `anyone can do it'

I ALWAYS look forward to World Book Day. This is the day when authors and illustrators like me come out of their holes like moles, blinking in the sunlight and feel suddenly needed, and, dare I say it, important.   more...

WEST MALVERN Correspondent: Mr C Jackson Tel: 01684 310068

"IN the spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love..." says the poet. So it is appropriate that international singing stars Richard Chew and Cheryl Pickering have chosen the title Love Bade Me Welcome for a concert they will be giving at St James's Church at 7.30pm a week tomorrow, Saturday, March 12.   more...

WELLINGTON HEATH Correspondent: Mrs P Jacobs Tel: 01531 634941

THE drop-in event Make your Mark held last Saturday brought nearly 100 residents through the day. There were lots of ideas, including enforcing the speed limit and finding a flat games area for young people, but all the responses have yet to be analysed. The organisers thank everyone for their support, especially for the raffle, which raised £62 for the Parish Plan funds.   more...

WELLAND Correspondent: Mr S Try Tel: 01684 310068.

THERE are just a few village notes for this week. Firstly, as treasurer of The Friends of Welland, I am pleased to announce that the ferret race night on February 5 raised in excess of £900 for the road-calming effort in the village and a further £175 was raised for the Tsunami Appeal by way of the raffle on the night. So, on behalf of the organisers of the event, I have been asked to say thank you to all who came and supported us on the evening and also a big thank-you to all the owners of the ferrets and the people who helped in front, and behind the scenes, without whom the event would not have been as enjoyable as it was.   more...

STAUNTON Correspondent: Mrs U Groves-Smith Tel: 01452 840273

THE Get Together coffee morning for Staunton Church will be held on Wednesday (March 9) from 10am to noon, when there will be a bring and buy and raffle. Everyone is welcome at Johnstone Close lounge, Staunton.   more...

POWICK Correspondent: Mrs M Allsopp Tel: 01905 830746

TOMORROW (Saturday) a gardeners' market will be held at Powick Parish Hall from 9.30am to 1pm. This is the first of a regular booking in Powick.   more...

PENDOCK Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287

This really applies to the whole benefice, plus the contribution of £640 from a deanery supper held at Bushley recently, it is with great pride and with a lump in my throat that I announce that the earthquake appeal total is now over £9,000. What a supreme effort from everyone. This is a figure one just didn't dream of when fundraising started. To everyone, no matter how small their contribution, heartfelt thanks.   more...

MADRESFIELD AND GUARLFORD Correspondent: Mrs M Allsopp Tel: 01905 830746

THIS Sunday is Mothering Sunday and the service at St Mary's Church, Guarlford, will be Holy Communion at 8am. The family service at St Mary's, Madresfield, will take place at 11am.   more...

CRADLEY Correspondent: Nell Holden

KEEP Smiling Through, a 40's night with the Greenwood Voices will take place at Cradley Village Hall on March 19. The evening starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £10, including a two-course fish and chip supper. There will also be a bar. Dress in the spirit of the era please! To book or for more information please call Judi Creed-Newton on 01886 880 534.   more...

COLWALL Correspondent: Mrs P Hockett Tel: 01684 564872

THE gardens of Old Country Farm, Mathon, (Hellebore collection) are open from 2-5pm on March 4, 5 and 6. This is in aid of Action Aid and Herefordshire Nature Trust.   more...

CASTLEMORTON Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287

FRIENDS of Castlemorton School are holding a family quiz evening on Friday, March 18, from 7pm to 9pm. Adults £2.50, children under 12 £1 to include refreshments. Teams can be arranged on the evening. For tickets please telephone (01684) 833339.   more...

BROMESBERROW Correspondent: Mrs U Groves-Smith Tel: 01452 840273

A JUMBLE sale for which the proceeds will be split between Bromesberrow St Mary's Nursery and Toddler Group and the Tsunami Appeal will be held at the village hall tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm. In addition to jumble there will also be a cake stall, raffle and refreshments.   more...

BOSBURY Correspondent: Mrs R Krinks Tel: 01531 640076

Tonight (Friday) sees the first concert of the Music at Bosbury 2005 series at 7.30pm at Holy Trinity Church. Tickets £6 adult, £3 child, £15 family to include a drink and nibbles. All proceeds to church funds. Entitled Music for Pleasure, it features music for flute, organ, piano, voices and trumpet.   more...

BIRTSMORTON Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287

CONGRATULATIONS to the boys of Ledbury Swifts U11s football team on winning through to the final of the Tony Cole Cup, beating Westfields 1-0. The final will be held at Hereford United's ground at Edgar Street (date to be announced). Come and support local lads and goalie Thomas Whatmore, who is playing his first season with the club.   more...

BERROW Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287

THIS Sunday (March 6), as you are probably aware, is Mothering Sunday. There will be a special service for all the family commencing at 10am with little posies of flowers for that very special person, mum. Coffee and biscuits will be served after the service. Come on everyone let's make a special effort, it costs nothing.   more...

Children join in the fun for hospice PJ day

YOUNGSTERS at a nursery got ready for bed early as they donned pyjamas in aid of Worcester's St Richard's Hospice.   more...

It could be yours ... a church of tin

ONE of Worcestershire's "tin tabernacles" - the prefabricated church buildings dating from the late 1800s - is looking for a new owner.   more...

Driver was on wrong side of the road

A LORRY driver died after his vehicle crossed over into the opposite carriageway and crashed head on with another HGV, an inquest heard.   more...

Paintings found after police raids

ARTWORK stolen from one of Worcestershire's best-known stately homes has been recovered following a series of raids across the south-east of England.   more...

Arts mark a milestone

VILLAGERS will mark the re-opening of a community hall with an arts and crafts exhibition.   more...

Healthy eating... that's Sarah's core skill

HEALTHY meals are on the menu at Worcestershire Royal Hospital restaurant to increase staff and visitors' intake of fruit and vegetables.   more...

Restaurants told to tighten up after raids

RESTAURANTS, pubs and fast-food outlets are being urged to tighten security after six burglaries or attempted break-ins in one day.   more...

I had a go and I'm still here!

DEDICATED staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital who have clocked up more than 450 years' service between them were recognised at a Long Service Award Ceremony yesterday.   more...

We want more black PCs

WEST Mercia Constabulary has launched a recruitment drive to get more black and Asian officers on the beat.   more...

It's a fair deal for all

A MAJOR initiative to ensure farmers in developing countries get a good price for their produce is set to get a boost this month with Fairtrade Fortnight.   more...

Sport

4/3/05 - England slammed by Moody

TOM Moody has hit out at England's selectors over Vikram Solanki.   more...

4/3/05 - Watkiss sets a victory objective

MORE than local pride is at stake when Cheltenham Town invade Kidderminster on Saturday for Harriers' most passionate Coca-Cola League Two derby.   more...

4/3/05 - Trio on the world stage

PAT Sanderson and Chris Horsman will both start in tomorrow's IRB Rugby Aid match at Twickenham (2.30pm).   more...

O'Toole ban will not be critical: Busst

EVESHAM United manager Dave Busst has one enforced change to make at home to Swindon Supermarine tomorrow (3pm) with the suspension of captain Gavin O'Toole.   more...

Skipper: We can turn Trophy form into promotion bid

CAPTAIN Tony James reckons Hereford United's FA Trophy success should rub off on their Nationwide Conference promotion bid.   more...

Watkiss sets a victory objective

MORE than local pride is at stake when Cheltenham Town invade Kidderminster on Saturday for Harriers' most passionate Coca-Cola League Two derby.   more...

Trio on the world stage

PAT Sanderson and Chris Horsman will both start in tomorrow's IRB Rugby Aid match at Twickenham (2.30pm).   more...

The future is bright for Sixways success

CECIL Duckworth will carry on spending to make Worcester one of England's premier clubs.   more...

Midfield maestros tipped to hit target

WORCESTER City player-manager Andy Preece believes it is only a matter of time before his midfield maestros hit the goalscoring trail.   more...

Preece rib injury halts comeback

ANDY Preece is out of tomorrow's Nationwide North showdown with rock-bottom Bradford Park Avenue after suffering a recurrence of a rib injury.   more...

England slammed by Moody

TOM Moody has hit out at England's selectors over Vikram Solanki.   more...

4/3/05 - Midfield maestros tipped to hit target

WORCESTER City player-manager Andy Preece believes it is only a matter of time before his midfield maestros hit the goalscoring trail.   more...

4/3/05 - Preece rib injury halts comeback

ANDY Preece is out of tomorrow's Nationwide North showdown with rock-bottom Bradford Park Avenue after suffering a recurrence of a rib injury.   more...

4/3/05 - The future is bright for Sixways success

CECIL Duckworth will carry on spending to make Worcester one of England's premier clubs.   more...

  
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