Worcestershire | Archive | 2005 | April

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Stories for 1 April 2005

Leisure

Guitar legend in solo mode

ROCK guitarist and former Genesis member Steve Hackett will be showing off his musical talents in Worcester next week with a visit to the city.   more...

Energy from country

AN energetic blend of folk and country music will be served up at Worcester's Marr's Bar this weekend as the group Clearwood play a gig there.   more...

Rumour has it the band will cover all great hits

"BIG Love" will be "Everywhere" in Worcester's Huntingdon Hall tonight as Fleetwood Mac covers band Rumours Of... takes to the stage at the city venue.   more...

School bands to battle it out

A QUARTET of rock hopefuls from Bewdley High School are hoping to wow judges as they compete for top place in a regional music competition.   more...

REVIEWS with Joby Mullens

ATHLETE - HALF LIGHT/TOURIST   more...

Charting the course of vintage labels

READER, Mr MN of Worcester, wrote and asked if I could suggest a vintage chart that he could download from his computer.   more...

Whats on at your local theatre

Until Apr 2: Oscar Wilde's explosively funny comedy Lord Arthur Savile's Crime, starring Russ Abbot, Sara Crowe, Henry McGee and Josephine Tewson, at Malvern Theatres. Box office: 01684 892277.   more...

Classy and easy listening music

April 8: The English Symphony Orchestra is delighted to welcome to Malvern Theatres one of the world's most eminent baroque violinists - Monica Huggett, to perform an evening of Vivaldi entitled Four Seasons, as part of the orchestras 2005 Spring Season. Box office: 01684 892277.   more...

All the latest Gigs and where to find them

Mar 31: Free Bands For Free Quid: Fans of Kate, Hinterland and Superheroes, Marr's Bar, Worcester; The Shore, Bar Academy, Birmingham; A night with Wayne Marshall, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton.   more...

Exhibitions in and around Worcester

March 18 onwards: From Worcester to the Hills, an exhibition of paintings at the Shires Gallery, Sidbury, Worcester. For further details telephone 01905 616333.   more...

Events in and around Worcester

April 1: The Malvern fund-raisers for St Richard's Hospice are holding a quiz evening at Powick Village Hall. Tickets available from Joan Shiner on 01684 563269   more...

Henry just can't wait to shine in Malvern

HE has worked with Hollywood A-list stars Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant and Christian Slater, been nominated for seven Olivier awards and won two - yet Henry Goodman can't wait for his appearance in Malvern.   more...

News

Can you help the church appeal?

A RENEWED appeal has been made for donations to pay for vital restoration works at a church in St John's, Worcester.   more...

Karl is a fit father for big City run

AN attempt to get fit turned into a serious training programme for a Kempsey father-of-two when he decided to run in the London marathon.   more...

Permit scheme set to end street car chaos

AFTER almost six years of discussions and delays, residents of the Arboretum in Worcester could soon have their much-needed parking scheme.   more...

Parish's poll to save the Spa pool

MORE than 200 Droitwich residents have voted to hold a ballot in a last-ditch attempt to save the town's Lido.   more...

Backing for country pub's tourist venture

A country pub near Worcester could be extended to provide more tourist accommodation for the area.   more...

Warning: Don't buy pinched cigarettes

SMOKERS have been warned to be wary of offers of cigarettes for sale following the theft of £2,000 worth of various brands.   more...

`It's a real privilege to be the Sheriff'

ESTATE agent, auctioneer and charity fund-raiser Andrew Grant has been sworn in as High Sheriff of Herefordshire and Worcestershire.   more...

Hospital staff say no to park `n' pay

HEALTH chiefs have had to go back to the drawing board over plans to charge staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital up to £500 a year to park at work.   more...

I'M NO PERVERT - Ordeal of man cleared of having sex with 14-year-old girl

A MAN accused of having sex with a 14-year-old girl has spoken of how he has struggled to overcome being branded a paedophile.   more...

First aid trainers reach 20,000 mark

A TEAM dedicated to teaching people life-saving skills is preparing to celebrate training 20,000 people.   more...

Katrina makes waves in the plumbing world

A KIDDERMINSTER woman is making her mark in a traditionally male trade, thanks to a leading Worcester property company.   more...

Click for links to go global

BUSINESSES in Worcestershire are being invited to make possible new international marketing links through a free online service.   more...

Agencies' illegal fears

EMPLOYMENT agencies say they fear being "tarnished with the same brush" as illegal gangmasters.   more...

A chance to meet the best

STUDENTS interested in expanding their business knowledge can meet entrepreneurs at a special event later this month.   more...

* I'm no pervert * Hospital staff say no to park 'n' pay * There's gold in them thar hills * Gomarsa

  more...

Skills to go on show

MORE than 1,000 employers from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire have been invited to the unveiling of new skills plans for the two counties.   more...

Echoes from the Past

100 years ago   more...

Ann goes in search of ancestors

ANN Lakin, from Basingstoke, has contacted the Malvern Gazette asking for help in tracing her family tree.   more...

Allies join forces to hold war game

RESIDENTS of Bromyard Downs had to put up with the howls of low-flying jets 25 years ago.   more...

Wise words greet opening of school

THE official opening of the Chase School was the big news in the Gazette 50 years ago.   more...

shoebox service

VALE folk who support the annual shoebox appeal are being urged to attend a church service this Sunday to hear from the executive director of Samaritans Purse.   more...

Unbalanced rubbish that affects faith in politicians

IS there any chance of the average voter taking politicians and their supporters seriously when we read people like Matt Lamb writing such unbalanced rubbish (Letters, Saturday March 26 and also Monday, March 28)?   more...

Ape tests are vital for research

BRITAIN'S leading science and medical organisations have just announced they are backing a study to examine the scientific basis of research using non-human primates.   more...

Policy must be changed

MANY primary school children have special talents in mathematics, IT, science, language, technology, sport, dance or drama.   more...

Jumping on bandwagon

REGARDING Labour's pre-election "mini manifesto" for children, containing commitment to healthier school meals and a crackdown on junk food advertising, this comes after Jamie's School Dinners TV programme, in which the TV chef tries to cook healthier options for pupils to try to improve what they eat.   more...

Lib-Dems far to Left

DAVID Insull (Letters, Thursday, March 24) needs to be realistic. The fact is that the Liberal-Democrats are now far to the Left of Blair's party.   more...

Bradders on Friday

DID you see Doctor Who quit this week? Who, you might ask?   more...

Rower Colin in golden day

MALVERN rower Colin Scott was in a jubilant mood this week after his team won the second most important event on Boat Race day - and set a new record at the same time.   more...

Disbelief greets bus stop move

A decision by Malvern Town council not to replace the bus stop on Belle Vue Terrace and instead to try and build a new one at Abbey Road has angered parish councillors in Malvern Wells.   more...

Pub draw to aid unit

A prize draw to raise money for a brain injury unit in Ledbury takes place at the Cross Keys pub in Malvern.   more...

School to open up facilities

A range of public sports facilities could be created at the Down's School in Colwall.   more...

Hills a magnet to Easter crowd

THE Malvern Hills proved to be a magnet for visitors over the Easter break, with thousands flocking to the area.   more...

Church path is key to affordable homes plan

A CHURCH path lies at the centre of an affordable housing scheme being considered next week.   more...

Opinion

RESIDENTS of Barnards Green and Poolbrook are becoming increasingly concerned by QinetiQ's plans for its site and it is not hard to see why.   more...

Hills parking cost cut

CONCESSIONARY parking on the Malvern Hills will be made available to residents of Guarlford, Malvern, Malvern Wells, West Malvern, Colwall and Mathon.   more...

Homes plan `not fit for purpose'

CRADLEY residents unhappy about plans for 15 homes on the site of the old primary school had their say at a meeting this week.   more...

Children's groups get share of grant money

Children's organisations shared £1,100 in the second phase of a grant scheme run by Malvern Hills Lions Club in association with the Malvern Gazette.   more...

QinetiQ says Poolbrook Gate could become main entry

QINETIQ's Poolbrook Gate, off Longridge Road, looks set to become the site's main entrance in the long term.   more...

Homes plan is `threat to nursery'

A children's nursery in Malvern could be forced to close by a proposed housing development, its manager has warned.   more...

Chipmunks stolen

TWO pet chipmunks and two quail were stolen from a garden in Charles Way, Malvern, between on Friday and Saturday, March 25 and 26. A shed in the garden of another house on Charles Way was broken into the same night but nothing was stolen.   more...

Pub is named pick of pumps

A MALVERN pub has been given an accolade by local beer lovers.   more...

Message for Ann

ANN, you are the daughter of Olga. Olga married my dad's older brother who we always knew as Jim but think he was actually christened Ernest James Jones and lived in the Malvern Link area. While married, Jim and Olga had a daughter Olive.   more...

Petition sent in

WAS QinetiQ's Ben White correct last week when he said (page five) there would be no need for road improvements around the Poolbrook gate to deal with the increase in traffic when this entrance is used for visitors?   more...

Middle of muddle

CONCERNING the proposed plan by QinetiQ and policy concerning traffic in the Court Road and Poolbrook areas, perhaps some of the erudite minds in the area can solve the riddle of the following two statements.   more...

Family friendly

I write with reference to the attitude of First Group in terms of a good old-fashioned family day out.   more...

Being fobbed off

ACCORDING to one national newspaper, the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust had a deficit of £23.812m in 2003-4, making it the third most heavily indebted NHS Trust in the country.   more...

We are listening

AS the portfolio holder responsible for the Sling Lane proposals, I really must take issue with some of the comments from John and Monica Denham (Your Letters, March 25).   more...

Effort well worthwhile

A HUGE thank you to everyone who came to experience our spectacular musical It's a Mystery! Without a church packed full, our efforts would have fallen rather flat!   more...

And they call this progress?

WHAT has happened to the police force in Ledbury?   more...

Seeking spirits

A CHARITY evening of clairvoyance takes place at Earl's Croome Village Hall on Saturday, April 9, at 7.30pm. Sharon Cound will be guest medium. Admission is £4. Proceeds will go towards opening a Centre for the Deaf in the Wyre Forest.   more...

Narrow view

LIFE on the Narrow Boats is the title of an Upton Civic Society talk at the town's memorial hall on Wednesday (April 6) at 7.30pm. Meanwhile, the Severn Used Narrowboat Show will take place at Upton Marina on May 28-30.   more...

Eyes down

IT'S eyes down for a bingo evening at Beechwood Residential Home, Upton, on Tuesday (April 5) at 7pm for 7.30pm. Organised by the home's friends association the event will raise funds for residents and day care clients. It will include a raffle and refreshments.   more...

Quiz challenge

A "University Challenge" Quiz night with a light supper takes place at The Swan Hotel, Upton, at 8pm on Saturday, April 9. Entry is £5.50.   more...

Castaways AGM

THE AGM of the Castaways Cruising Club takes place in the cocktail lounge at The Swan Hotel, Upton, at 11.45am on Sunday, April 10.   more...

Dance to help church

BALLROOM, modern and sequence dancing will all be on offer at a supper dance at Upton Memorial Hall on Friday, April 15.   more...

Viaduct nearly ready

TRAFFIC should be rolling over Upton's new viaduct by the end of this month or early in May.   more...

Booters boost project funds

SUNNY weather attracted both tourists and townsfolk to a car boot sale at Upton CE Primary School last Saturday.   more...

Festivals back in 2006

UPTON'S Cajun and Zydeco festival is set to return in 2006.   more...

Play area target in spate of vandalism

Shattered glass and rubbish were strewn across a car park and children's play area in Upton.   more...

Let the staff park for free

WE have always said the idea that hospital workers should be made to pay to park at their place of work is both unworkable and unthinkable.   more...

Easter uprising for Asia hotel director

WHILE residents of Malvern relaxed over the Easter weekend, one local man found himself trapped in the middle of riots, gunfire and looting.   more...

Land sale plan to ease traffic trouble at science park turning

MALVERN Hills Conservators could sell some land for highways improvements as part of a multi-million pound development of Malvern Hills Science Park.   more...

Permit scheme set to end street car chaos

AFTER almost six years of discussions and delays, residents of the Arboretum in Worcester could soon have their much-needed parking scheme.   more...

Are golf clubs teed off with problems?

WITH the US Masters about to tee off next week, golfing fans will be trying to curb their growing excitement while those not so keen on the sport may be yawning at the prospect.   more...

West Malvern Correspondent: Colin Jackson Tel: 01684 577604

The annual parish meeting at the village hall on Monday week, April 11, at 7.15pm will afford residents a rare chance to hear and question directly three people responsible for many of the key services in the village. They are Ivor Pumfrey, MHDC's head of environmental services, which manages rubbish collection and recycling, street sweeping and the gas lamps; Mike Davis, head of the Highways Partnership, which deals with road maintenance, speed limits and gully clearance; and WPC Wendy Saunders, our police beat manager.   more...

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

St James Church, Staunton, was looking beautiful for Easter Day, with the lilies at the altar and the flower arrangements, which had been done by the ladies who beautify the church with flowers throughout the year. There was a large congregation at the family service, conducted by Canon John Evans with The Rev. Penny Hamer. Easter hymns were accompanied by Margaret Riley at the organ and the reader was John Luard.   more...

POWICK Correspondent: Mrs M Allsopp Tel: 01905 830746

PASTURES new were explored by Powick Parish Ramblers last Thursday morning on a five-mile walk around Inkberrow.   more...

Cradley Correspondent: N G Holden

A Quiz night will be held at Cradley Royal British Legion tomorrow (Saturday) in aid of the Evergreens. Doors open at 8.30pm and tickets are £5 for teams of four. There will be a raffle and the bar will be available.   more...

COLWALL Correspondent: Mrs P Hockett Tel: 01684 564872

COLWALL Royal British Legion is holding two fundraising events in aid of Acorns Children's Hospice.   more...

CALLOW END Correspondent: Mrs M Allsopp Tel: 01905 830746

IT was with sadness that people in Callow End learned of the death of Connie McEvoy (known affectionatally as Mrs Mac) at the age of 93. She touched the lives of so many people and was always giving of herself for the benefit of others. She was an active member of Callow End WI and responsible for many of the WI pantomimes. Thoughts and prayers are offered to her daughter Sister Margaret-Mary and her extended family at Stanbrook Abbey.   more...

BOSBURY Correspondent: Mrs R Krinks Tel: 01531 640076

FOLLOWING the Easter break, line-dancing starts again on tonight (Friday) at the Parish Hall from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.   more...

There's gold in them thar hills

THERE could be gold in them hills after a lucky Norwegian fisherman netted nuggets in the sleepy countryside of south Worcestershire.   more...

Film fest breaks all records on box office

PLANS are already underway for the next Borderlines Film Festival following its success this year.   more...

Triple fire calls keep crews on their toes

FIRE alarms kept crews from Worcester busy this morning when three went off inthe space of an hour.   more...

Enjoy a day out at top theatre festival

THE Worcestershire Theatre Festival is set to be staged, promising entertainment from a host of acting, singing and dancing groups.   more...

Chance for the die-hard bikers

CLASSIC bike enthusiasts will have a chance to pick up parts for their treasured wheels at a show in Malvern this weekend.   more...

Frog scheme is spawning help

A NEW hop-line has been spawned for homeowners worried about thousands of frogs' eggs in their garden ponds.   more...

Revamp soaks up lottery windfall

TOURISM in Worcestershire was given a boost after plans to revitalise the "rundown" canal basins in Stourport-on-Severn landed a £1.7m Lottery grant.   more...

From acrophobia to addiction in one step

OKAY so it wasn't so much a leap as rolling off the side of a plane.   more...

Villagers greet the ambassador

THE ambassador of El Salvador and his wife made a special trip to the village of Far Forest to thank residents for helping a poverty-stricken area of their country.   more...

MP's fury as youth facilities in city are locked up

WORCESTER MP Michael Foster is demanding to know why youth facilities in the city are being locked up during the school holidays.   more...

Sport

League ready to give green light for United's move up

COMMON Road should be given the green light to stage Southern League Premier Division matches today when the ground is inspected for a second time, writes Mervyn Collins.   more...

The mean machine keeps rolling on

Corby Tn 0, Evesham Utd 1   more...

Crowd can give a lift to high-flyers

THE last time Evesham United lost at Common Road was more than four months ago when Mangotsfield, 3-1 winners at Stourport on Monday night, were the winners.   more...

1/4/05 - Defence get a second chance

STUART Watkiss has given the thumbs-up to his improving back four after their Bank Holiday setback.   more...

1/4/05 - Warming up for opening Scots test

Alex Rae's tour diary during Under 19 World Championships   more...

Eight or above is Swifts mission

DAVE Titterton has challenged his Stourport Swifts squad to book the club a top-eight finish in Southern League Division One West.   more...

Mullen hunts for precious Rovers win

BROMSGROVE Rovers can put one foot in the play-offs if they return victorious from Brackley Town tomorrow (3pm).   more...

Busst: Fate is in our own hands

EVESHAM United manager Dave Busst insists the chase for automatic promotion will not be settled by tomorrow's home showdown against Yate (3pm).   more...

Turner demands an end to Bulls red card streak

GRAHAM Turner insists more indiscipline at Stevenage Borough tomorrow could prove costly in his side's bid for a Nationwide Conference play-off spot.   more...

Defence get a second chance

STUART Watkiss has given the thumbs-up to his improving back four after their Bank Holiday setback.   more...

Heeley: Relaxed outlook is vital

CAPTAIN Carl Heeley believes Worcester City's relaxed approach could prove the key to stealing a play-off place.   more...

City boss blocks Snape approach

ANDY Preece rejected rivals Moor Green's attempts to take John Snape on loan before yesterday's transfer deadline.   more...

Gomarsall set to sign

ANDY Gomarsall will finally become a Worcester player today.   more...

Jermaine's on the ball

Evesham Utd 3, Stourport Swifts 0   more...

The mean machine keeps rolling on

Corby Tn 0, Evesham Utd 1   more...

League ready to give green light for United's move up

COMMON Road should be given the green light to stage Southern League Premier Division matches today when the ground is inspected for a second time, writes Mervyn Collins.   more...

Crowd can give a lift to high-flyers

THE last time Evesham United lost at Common Road was more than four months ago when Mangotsfield, 3-1 winners at Stourport on Monday night, were the winners.   more...

1/4/05 - Heeley: Relaxed outlook is vital

CAPTAIN Carl Heeley believes Worcester City's relaxed approach could prove the key to stealing a play-off place.   more...

1/4/05 - City boss blocks Snape approach

ANDY Preece rejected rivals Moor Green's attempts to take John Snape on loan before yesterday's transfer deadline.   more...

1/4/05 - Brain goes extra mile for signing

WORCESTER have revealed that John Brain made a Monday night dash to secure Shane Drahm's signature.   more...

  
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