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Worcestershire | Archive | 2006 | December

Stories for 22 December 2006

Alcester

Tennis club cash boost

BUDDING Andy Murrays will be given a fighting chance in Alcester after the town's tennis club netted nearly £60,000 for a new facility for youngsters. more...

Business

Businesses warned to beware of bank scams

FIRMS have been warned to be on the look-out for two scams that are doing the rounds this Christmas and new year. more...

Cinema

Double dose of film fantasy

MALVERN Theatres is offering a choice of movies this Christmas. more...

General

Home makeovers top New Year’s resolutions

ACCORDING to a new survey by propertyfinder.com, home makeovers will be all the rage in 2007 as re-decoration tops the New Year's resolutions list. more...

Home makeovers top New Year’s resolutions

ACCORDING to a new survey by propertyfinder.com, home makeovers will be all the rage in 2007 as re-decoration tops the New Year's resolutions list. more...

Home makeovers top New Year’s resolutions

ACCORDING to a new survey by propertyfinder.com, home makeovers will be all the rage in 2007 as re-decoration tops the New Year's resolutions list. more...

Home makeovers top New Year’s resolutions

ACCORDING to a new survey by propertyfinder.com, home makeovers will be all the rage in 2007 as re-decoration tops the New Year's resolutions list. more...

RSPCA list top names for pets in 2006

RESULTS of an RSPCA pet survey show that the name Molly is now the most popular moniker for both cats and dogs. more...

RSPCA list top names for pets in 2006

RESULTS of an RSPCA pet survey show that the name Molly is now the most popular moniker for both cats and dogs. more...

RSPCA list top names for pets in 2006

RESULTS of an RSPCA pet survey show that the name Molly is now the most popular moniker for both cats and dogs. more...

RSPCA list top names for pets in 2006

RESULTS of an RSPCA pet survey show that the name Molly is now the most popular moniker for both cats and dogs. more...

Harriers V Stevenage

May

MAY: Kidderminster musician, Nick Townsend, looked forward to the release of his debut album, which was six years in the making. more...

MAY: Kidderminster musician, Nick Townsend, looked forward to the release of his debut album, which was six years in the making.His collection of songs, ranging from punk to acoustic and including grunge, would be titled "Hell Head First".It featured collaborations with other artists, including rapper, Cynical and drummer, Drew Crumpton, of Kidderminster band, Oak.Nick, frontman of Weak 13, said each song had three or four themes. On the record: Nick Townsend, right, with Drew Crumpton, left and DJ and mascot, Keith Noy. more...

May

April

n APRIL: Budding robot builders gathered at Kidderminster's Broadwaters Scout Hut to put their skills to the test. more...

April

n APRIL: Budding robot builders gathered at Kidderminster's Broadwaters Scout Hut to put their skills to the test. more...

April

n APRIL: Budding robot builders gathered at Kidderminster's Broadwaters Scout Hut to put their skills to the test. more...

April

n APRIL: Budding robot builders gathered at Kidderminster's Broadwaters Scout Hut to put their skills to the test.Eleven children spent two days assembling their robots in readiness for the two-day K*Bot UK competition.The contest, the first of its kind in the country, was organised by Toby Wheeler, of Cookley.He was UK event co-ordinator for K*Bot, which had been holding similar competitions in the United States for several years.Robo kid: Jared Kraemer, 12, with his model. more...

April

APRIL: Budding robot builders gathered at Kidderminster's Broadwaters Scout Hut to put their skills to the test.Eleven children spent two days assembling their robots in readiness for the two-day K*Bot UK competition.The contest, the first of its kind in the country, was organised by Toby Wheeler, of Cookley.He was UK event co-ordinator for K*Bot, which had been holding similar competitions in the United States for several years.Robo kid: Jared Kraemer, 12, with his model. more...

April

APRIL: Eight holidaymakers had to be rescued from a narrowboat that became stranded on the River Severn between Stourport and Bewdley.The two families aboard were trapped after the strong current forced the vessel on to an island in the middle of the river, where it stuck fast.Teams from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue despatched two launches to rescue the families, who were uninjured but "surprised" and "embarrassed" by the number of people who tried to rescue them.Rescuers ferried the passengers to the riverbank, then to a farmhouse for some food.River rescue: Emergency services personnel attempt to free the narrowboat. more...

April

n APRIL: There were plenty of Easter-themed activities planned to keep visitors to Hartlebury Castle entertained.They included Easter egg painting workshops, making crowns and masks, face painting and a puppet theatre.Bewdley Museum, meanwhile, was to be visited by the Worcestershire Guild of weavers, spinners, dryers and lacemakers as part of its Crafts Alive line-up.Displays of corn dolly making would also take place. Easter parade: Hartlebury Museum's development officer, Karen Spry, left and visitor service officer, Rachel Robinson, in seasonal mood. more...

April

APRIL: There were plenty of Easter-themed activities planned to keep visitors to Hartlebury Castle entertained.They included Easter egg painting workshops, making crowns and masks, face painting and a puppet theatre.Bewdley Museum, meanwhile, was to be visited by the Worcestershire Guild of weavers, spinners, dryers and lacemakers as part of its Crafts Alive line-up.Displays of corn dolly making would also take place. Easter parade: Hartlebury Museum's development officer, Karen Spry, left and visitor service officer, Rachel Robinson, in seasonal mood. more...

April

APRIL: Entertainment packing some punch was to be staged at Bewdley Museum on May Day.The Cat's Pyjamas Puppet Company, of Far Forest, would be presenting the Punch and Judy Grand Theatre of Varieties show.Friends of the Museum volunteers were also going to be on hand to give visitors more information about the town and surrounding areas.Oral histories, bringing stories of local people to life, were another attraction, marking the beginning of Museums and Galleries Month.Punch up: Glyn Edwards, of Cat's Pyjamas Puppet Company, with Mr Punch. more...

April

APRIL: Pupils of Comberton First School were getting egg-cited as Easter approached.They celebrated the festival by making colourful bonnets, showing them off by parading around the school's grounds.Around 100 youngsters also got busy in the kitchen, cooking seasonal hot cross buns.The week-long activities, themed around new life, also involved the pupils planting vegetables.Bonnet lassie: Georgia Savarnio sports some colourful headwear. more...

April

APRIL: Cleobury Mortimer's rugby players were preparing for the game of their lives at England's home of the sport.They were to take on Dorking in the final of the Powergen Junior Vase at Twickenham.A mass exodus from Cleobury was expected, as 1,300 fans were set to travel south to show their support.Followers would include Cleobury's Bell Inn Brass Band, who would back the team with a special arrangement of the club's anthem, "Nellie the Elephant".Scrum on down: Cleobury Mortimer's rugby players in action against Stourbridge. more...

March

MARCH: Up and coming music artists were being given the chance to showcase their talents with the launch of a new Kidderminster-based record label.Twisted Melon Records was on the lookout for solo acts, singers, rappers, poets, MCs and DJs, who would have the opportunity to feature on an album.Among the 15 Wyre Forest producers and promoters behind the project was Marc Potter, aka Melo DJ, who had played at events including the Glastonbury Festival.Gigs were also planned to give artists signing up a platform to perform their work.On record: DJ Melo in his recording studio. more...

March

MARCH: Dogs owned by a Rock family put their best paws forward as they prepared to take part in the world's top dog show.The Bettises were entering nine of their canine contenders in Crufts, at Birmingham's NEC.Mum and dad, Denise and Len, who had been showing dogs for 28 years, were joined by three of their children at the event.Daughter, Gemma Bettis, had already made an impact in the run-up to the previous year's Crufts, as she had appeared on posters and leaflets promoting the show.In 2006, she was entering the grooming category for the first time.Brush with fame: Gemma Bettis with Irish red and white setter, Bailey. more...

March

MARCH: Karen Harper knew she would get a chilly reception when she embarked on an adventure that would see her having to brave temperatures plummeting as low as minus 50C.The Caunsall resident was preparing to take part in the Polar Challenge, across the Arctic to the North Pole, in aid of charity.She faced the daunting task of trekkiing 30 miles a day on the 320-mile route in a bid to raise £10,000 in sponsorship for the Starlight Children's Foundation, which granted wishes to terminally ill children.As part of her training regime, she had dragged a tyre filled with bricks for 20 miles, four or five days a week.Tyre-ing effort: Karen Harper training for the Polar Challenge. more...

February

FEBRUARY: A new cycle path between Kidderminster's town centre and railway station was a GP's prescription for healthier residents.Dr Clive Prince, of Bewdley Medical Centre, was backing the scheme, proposed by Worcestershire County Council.As well as making it safer for walkers and cyclists to travel between the town centre and station, he believed it could help reduce heart disease in the area. more...

February

January

JANUARY: Teacher, Chris Barth, got to grips with opponents in the wrestling ring, in contrast to helping his pupils grapple with their IT and business studies.The Wolverley High School teacher, who assumed the identity of Chris Cage for his ring bouts, was bidding for a tag championship on the bill at the River Severn Wrestling Show in Kidderminster.During five years as a wrestler, Chris had broken his neck and coccyx but did not let those injuries deter him as he bounced back each time.Some of of the students he taught were ringside to watch him in action.Ready to rumble: Wrestling teacher, Chris Barth. more...

February

FEBRUARY: Two parishioners had a passage to India to see how their churches' fund-raising efforts were benefiting health and social care in a remote part of the Asian country.Liz Durnell and Niki Davies, members of Stourport's St Wulstan and St Thomas of Canterbury and Bewdley's Holy Family congregations, visited the tribal villages of Garo Hills, in India's north east.They spent five days with priest, Father Sunny Joseph Mavelli, for whom the Wyre Forest churches set up the Sunny Charitable Trust, raising thousands of pounds to help his programme.It was hoped similar trips would become annual events.Indian gifts: Sunny Trust chairman, Liz Durnell, left and treasurer, Niki Davies. more...

February

FEBRUARY: Wyre Forest residents were invited to put forward their ideas to improve safety by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue's new community safety adviser.Becky Whittall's duties would include promoting fire safety by organising community events, building partnerships with other organisations and introducing new awareness-raising initiatives.She would be based at Kidderminster Fire Station and was keen to hear from people from all parts of the community, including young and disabled residents.Her role would also take her out and about to discuss issues face to face. more...

January

JANUARY: Mandi D'Angelo had a ball as Cinderella when Stourport's Monday Night Group staged its annual pantomime.Cathy Carrier played Prince Charming in the production, which followed the tradition of raising money for good causes.The group had generated more than £250,000 over the 25 years since it became a registered charity.Described by joint secretary, Jo Rush, as "good, old-fashioned traditional pantomime," Cinderella had the usual quota of jokes and slapstick humour.Panto time: Mandi D'Angelo, right, as Cinderella, with her Prince Charming, Cathy Carrier. more...

January

JANUARY: The plight of children in Sri Lanka as the country was still recovering from the tsunami a year earlier moved the chairman of a police band to stage a fund-raising concert in Kidderminster.Eddie Barry, of the Band of West Mercia Constabulary, arranged the event at Kidderminster Town Hall, with proceeds going to Project Sri Lanka, which provided education for the children.Kidderminster Valentines and Kidderminster Male Choir performed on the night. more...

January

JANUARY: Guide leader, Katherine Jones, got a flavour of Latin American Guiding as she travelled to Mexico for anniversary celebrations.Seventy-five years of Guiding in the central American country were marked with a camp in Oaxtepec, 60 miles from Mexico City.Katherine, a young leader for 1st Wilden Guides, was among more than 200 people attending the event.She raised the £1,400 funding for her trip with activities including a sponsored swim equivalent to the distance of the English Channel.Mexican hat chance: Katherine Jones. more...

January

John Phillpott

If it's class you want - try a ballet

FIRST it was film stars, followed by singing idols. Then George Best came along and started a whole new ball game that refashioned the sportsman into a god. Latterly, the world has witnessed the emergence of opera celebrities - while at the lower end of the food chain, we see countless dumbed-down invertebrates wriggling in the sediment of the showbiz pond. more...

Kidder News Latest

Club hopes to put an end to ground moans

BEWDLEY Town Football Club is hoping to blow the final whistle on a string of complaints about the redevelopment of its ground by giving residents the chance to discuss their concerns. more...

'Rat run' is closed off

RESIDENTS on a Stourport housing estate have won their battle to get a "rat run" road blocked off. more...

Games area project hit by cable hitch

WORK has been delayed on the creation of a £130,000 multi-use games area in Cookley after energy supplier, E.ON, insisted overhead power cables be removed at a cost of £14,000. more...

Changes to festive bin collection

RESIDENTS whose refuse and recycling collections fall on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Day are being reminded about changes to their service. more...

Taxi tips for a safe journey

PEOPLE out celebrating over the festive season in the Wyre Forest district are being urged to make sure they travel home safely. more...

Send us your New Year celebration pictures

THE Shuttle/Times & News is inviting you to make your Happy New Year a snappy New Year by sending in photos of your celebrations. more...

Send us your New Year celebration pictures

THE Shuttle/Times & News is inviting you to make your Happy New Year a snappy New Year by sending in photos of your celebrations. more...

Send us your New Year celebration pictures

THE Shuttle/Times & News is inviting you to make your Happy New Year a snappy New Year by sending in photos of your celebrations. more...

Consumers advised to be sale savvy

WORCESTERSHIRE County Council is offering sales shoppers some top tips to help them get the most from the post-Christmas sales. more...

Consumers advised to be sale savvy

WORCESTERSHIRE County Council is offering sales shoppers some top tips to help them get the most from the post-Christmas sales. more...

Make sure you get the whole thing this Christmas

WORCESTERSHIRE County Council is warning members of the public to make sure they aren't getting short measures. more...

Latest

Mourners pay tribute to Worcester car crash girl.

MORE than 200 mourners packed out Worcester Crematorium today to remember the �happy young woman� who was killed in a car crash last week. more...

Brave woman tells how she tackled fugitive

A fearless woman has told how she stopped a fugitive on the run in Worcester. more...

Social club gutted by fire

A DISUSED sports and social club in Worcester has been severely damaged by fire. more...

Meet Tip Toes, Inca, Thumper amd Terry - the animals named this year's cutest pets

MEET the animals that have won the hearts and votes of our judges - Worcestershire's bounciest dog, most purrrrfect cat, fabulous small furry animal and our editor's choice pet. more...

Santa's gear up for festive fun

THESE little Santas have been gearing up for Christmas with a few festive songs at their end-of-year fancy dress party. more...

Santas gear up for festive fun

THESE little Santas have been gearing up for Christmas with a few festive songs at their end-of-year fancy dress party. more...

Santas gear up for festive fun

THESE little Santas have been gearing up for Christmas with a few festive songs at their end-of-year fancy dress party. more...

Season of Dread for Rape Victim

RAPE victim Carole Owens is dreading the festive season even more than usual this year. more...

It's just another bizarre day in downtown Kabul

IN his latest despatch from Afghanistan, Major Cliff Dare, a 39-year-old officer from the Cotswolds, attends a three-day conference to discuss the reconstruction of the country and later dines out at a restaurant in Kabul, dressed in civvies but still armed to the teeth. Major Dare is part of a 600-strong group of Royal Marine Commandos and Army Commandos charge with keeping the peace in the country's Helmand province. more...

Shining Tribute To Our Loved Ones

The Journal joins families and friends in remembering loved ones whose names are commemorated in the Vale of Evesham Tree of Light. more...

Marathon man raises £700

EVESHAM businessman Alan Cox was happy to cool down over Christmas after competing in the Barbados marathon in temperatures over 90 degrees earlier in the month. more...

Baby's body: police abandon search

POLICE have abandoned plans to search a landfill site near Pershore for a baby's body as part of an investigation into the possible concealment of birth. more...

Leisure General

Raku exhibition

POTTERY fans can experience the ancient firing technique of Raku at a ceramics and art exhibition at The Gallery in Bevere Lane, Worcester. New paintings by Worcester artist Claire Yates are also on show at the event, which runs until Saturday, December 30. The gallery opens from Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am to 5pm. For further details, call 01905 754484. more...

Oh, happy days are here again

YOUNGSTERS from a local amateur dramatic society are on the road entertaining people in hospices, homes for the elderly, Women's Institutes and other venues with their cabaret. more...

Gordon’s book set to take off

A NEW book gathers together a lifetime of work by a Malvern model aircraft enthusiast. more...

It’s party time

A New Year's Eve party will be held at the Royal Oak, Bromyard Downs, at 7pm. more...

Dance away the hours . . .

KEEN dancers can enjoy a party atmosphere at Alfrick Village Hall on Saturday, January 6. more...

Hoe-down at the town hall

AN ideal chance to burn off some Christmas calories is on offer at Cheltenham Town Hall. more...

Letters

Short-term policy has dug town into a hole

SIR - It is astonishing to read in the Malvern Town Council newsletter that one of the highest priorities of the council is "to ensure that cemetery space in the town will be available in the future" and that "in less than 18 months Malvern Cemetery will have no more space for burials". more...

Lights are cold and not spectacular

SIR - Worcester was promised spectacular Christmas lights this year. Where are they? more...

Free dance lessons is hardly a priority

SIR - Incredibly, a national newspaper has reported that the Government is proposing to subsidise dancing as part of its strategy for getting people off the couch and combating obesity. more...

Council should not ditch coat of arms

SIR - Surely the city of Worcester and Worcester City Council are not one and the same entity. more...

Thanks so much for helping elderly

SIR - Would you please pass on our most sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to, or supported in any way, the late night shopping evening for the elderly and disabled held last month. more...

What do you drive?

SIR - I agree, John Phillpott (Seven Days, November 25) the flashier the car, the smaller the male driver's "equipment" down below. more...

Councillors ‘off patch’

BEFORE Glenn Raybone takes issue with Nigel Knowles for not living in the area he represents as a county councillor (Imaginary danger road, Shuttle/Times & News, November 23) perhaps he should be aware that of the 10 county councillors representing the Wyre Forest area only three live in the divisions they represent. more...

Tortuous trip to hospital

MY daughter had the misfortune of breaking a bone in her foot recently. more...

Not true strays

HOW right of Angela Smith to condemn dog owners for just dumping their dogs when they have had enough of them. more...

Green scheme

Malvern after an absence of over 40 years, I have recently been an occasional reader of your paper in an endeavour to catch up on events in my old home town. more...

It takes guts

GOOD for Angela Smith (Your Letters, December 15), it takes real guts these days to make any comments that may be seen as an attack on so-called animal lovers. more...

Out of touch

I HAVE no doubt that your readership includes a high proportion of Daily Mail readers. Statistically there will be five times as many as there are readers of The Guardian. more...

Memorable day

LAST Saturday, December 16, witnessed the community celebrations in Barnards Green. All the traders and residents participated and in so doing raised a magnificent total of £1,780, all of which will be donated to the League of Friends of Malvern Community Hospital. more...

£250,000 saving

COUN Paul Tuthill (Your Letters, December 15) asks about the net savings likely to be achieved by Malvern Hills District Council's streamlining of its senior management. more...

Hitting those most in need

REGARDING the future of the Malvern Hills Outdoor Education Centre, the question now is not so much "should it remain open?" but "how should it be funded?" more...

No conscience

TWO weeks ago myself and a friend from Worcester went to the Malvern Theatres. We parked our cars in Avenue Road. When we came out, to our shock and horror some mindless yobs had decided to jump on the roof and bonnet of both cars. more...

New charge is immoral

I AM writing to support those commuters who have objected to the car parking charges at Malvern Link station. more...

Resolve to sort out parking

MALVERN Hills district councillor Clive Smith ought to look in his own back yard before attacking Central Trains. more...

Memory Lane

Echoes from the Past

100 years ago On Friday afternoon the annual Court Leet, Court Baron and View of Frankpledge was held at the Foley Arms Hotel. In olden days, the court held power to consign offenders to the stocks or whipping post; now there are other ways of dealing with law-breakers, but the court is still held and various quaint formalities are duly observed when the "twelve or more good and lawful men" are called together. Most of the business is concerned with the commons and waste lands of the Malvern Manor. Malvern News, December 22, 1906. more...

Customers gambled for pints of beer

A CASE of gambling in a pub came up before the magistrates, according to a report in the Malvern News a century ago. more...

A childhood tale of Christmas past

THIS time last year, Grace Loach of Abingdon sent us her memories of how her family moved to Malvern from Cheltenham in 1933. This year, she shares with Gazette readers a distinctly seasonal recollection of years gone by. more...

Music

Kevin sets his sights high after web launch

A WORCESTER singer is setting his sights high after being discovered on MySpace.com. more...

Berts are back for some more laughs

SUPPORTING chart topping bands, getting attention from major record labels - you'd think any band in that position would be dropping their daytime job in a second. more...

Prithee, it is time to head for Ye Olde Fringe

Dust down your codpiece and lace up your bodice - it's time to revisit Elizabethan England. The band Pantagruel are heading to Malvern as part of a Malvern Fringe Arts event. Straight from the royal courts of Germania, the band will perform courtly songs from the pens of great composers, at the Grove, Avenue Road, Great Malvern. Futher entertainment will come from Nonimus Minstrels, Ray Mytton and Tim Cranmore. Entertainments commence from 7.30pm on Saturday, January 29. To reserve a ticket, priced £8, telephone 01684 563313. more...

Dastardly decision to shoot their video in Worcester

WORCESTER band the Dastards have been running riot all over their home town to record their first video. more...

Barflys’ party

POPULAR Upton-upon-Severn band The Barflys are hosting their annual Christmas party at the Marr's Bar tomorrow. more...

Rock and soul

TICKETS are now on sale for a rock and soul concert by Colloosion at Kempley Village Hall on Saturday, January 6 at 7.30pm. There will be a bar and for further details, call 01989 780742. more...

Armonico Consort

TRADITIONAL carols and medieval songs will be performed by candlelight at the Malvern Theatres tonight (Friday). Armonico Consort, which has thrilled audiences throughout the world, visit the venue from 7.30pm. Tickets are £12.50, from the box office on 01684 892277. more...

Country music

COUNTRY music artist Bobby Jones performs at Castlemorton Village Hall at 8.15pm on Saturday, December 30. For details call 01905 427808. Admission is £4.50. more...

Disco date

CHELTENHAM'S Pittville Pump Room will host a New Year's Eve disco from 9pm to 1am. Classic hits from the 50s to the present day will get guests in the party mood, with a two-course meal included. Tickets are £27 on 01242 227979. more...

New band arises from ashes of old

THE New Rope String Band is coming to Colwall Village Hall in the new year. more...

Band at Lamb

THE Pewke Band will be seeing in the new year at the Lamb Inn, West Malvern, from 9pm to late. Admission is £5. more...

West End stars in festive spirit

SHOW-STOPPING songs and Christmas classics will be brought to life at the Malvern Theatres in an evening of all-encompassing festive entertainment. more...

News

Jaques looking towards more Worcs success

AUSTRALIAN batsman Phil Jaques is struggling to understand why he has been overlooked for Test honours this winter - but that is not stopping him from looking forward to another productive season for Worcestershire next year. more...

Brain happy with Sanderson’s versatility

PAT Sanderson does not have a "major preference" about which position he plays in - according to his Warriors boss. more...

Danks relishing Kettering return

MARK Danks does not have particularly fond memories of his time at Kettering Town. more...

Opinion

Well done to Pet Idols and their owners

Worcestershire has a new star this morning, and she's got something X-Factor winner Leona Lewis will never have - namely four legs, a tail and lovely soft fur. more...

Opinion

WORCESTERSHIRE County Council still doesn't seem to have got the message about its treatment of Malvern Hills Primary School. more...

Poetry

WORCESTER MEMORIES OF WHEN I WAS A LAD

Well, back to my days in The Arbo, we were not very rich, in fact poor But I could safely play in the street outside, And we rarely locked our front door. more...

COMING HOME ON CHRISTMAS EVE

I fell asleep going home in the taxi, and he took me the longest way round. more...

Restaurant Reviews

A memorable evening for the wrong reason

THE SWAN, WORCESTER ROAD, HANLEY SWAN Tel: 01684 311870 more...

Review Of 2006

March

THE then Home Secretary Charles Clarke denied the Government was forcing through plans to merge West Merica Police with neighbouring forces during a whistlestop tour of Redditch. Mr Clarke (above) spoke about the possible merger with Warwickshire, Staffordshire and West Midlands forces during his visit to the Batchley Cafe in Poplar Road. The Government later scrapped plans for force mergers. more...

March

FORMER Redditch Council Leader David Cartwright dismissed calls for his resignation as a councillor after investigations into the charity he led called his financial integrity into question. He said he had no intention of standing down following allegations from the Charity Commission about his financial control of Step Out Drop In, a charity which supported the homeless.The failed charity went into liquidation with debts of £380,000. Mr Cartwright denied any wrong doing. more...

March

AN appeal was launched to raise £10,000 to buy a power wheelchair for a severly disabled Winyates man. Craig Evans, 26, had muscle wasting disease Muscular Atrophy and relied heavily on a wheelchair for independence. Sadly, Craig (above) died before he could enjoy his new wheelchair but campaigners kept the appeal going and it has now helped disabled people across the town. more...

February

TRIBUTES were paid by staff at St Augustine's High School after a former English and drama teacher at the school and her baby daughter were found shot dead at their home in Massachusetts, USA. Rachel Entwistle had worked at the school from 2002 until 2005, when she returned to America after the birth of her child, Lillian Rose. Mrs Entwistle's husband Neil was later charged with their murders but the trial has yet to take place. more...

February

FIREFIGHTERS trained in the use of new resuscitation equipment and techniques saved the lives of two Redditch people within days of each other. Training in the use of revival techniques saved an elderly man involved in a chip pan fire in Batchley. The equipment also revived a man in Woodrow when he collapsed following a fire. Pictured are firefighters Jim Wiliams, Andy Carr and Tim Avis. more...

February

January

A £3 million contract was awarded to refurbish Redditch's 92-year-old Palace Theatre. The huge job on the theatre, originally designed by Bertie Crew, was given to William Sapcote & Sons, a company with extensive experience in the conservation of historic buildings. Company managing director Richard Sapcote (pictured) promised that when the building was finished, it would be one of the "finest examples of Edwardian theatrical architecture in the country". more...

January

"SAVE our Alex" was the message which echoed around Redditch as hundreds of campaigners marched through the town centre to the offices of the Strategic Health Authority armed with placards. The protest was held to show the strength of feeling towards proposals to downgrade the Alexandra Hospital, which could mean the loss of vital services, including maternity and paediatrics. more...

Reviews

Cinderella

THE cast of Malvern Theatre's version of Cinderella have a ball, taking the audience along with them in a traditional offering of the seasonal favourite. more...

Cinderella, Malvern Theatres, Unitl January 7

THE cast of Malvern Theatre's version of Cinderella have a ball, taking the audience along with them in a traditional offering of the seasonal favourite. more...

Cinderella - Review: Malvern Theatres

THE show must go on was definitely the motto at the Malvern Theatre's on Saturday. more...

Round-Up

Victims of violence can get panic rooms fitted

PANIC rooms are set to be installed in the homes of domestic violence victims in Worcester. more...

Toilets are upgraded for 24-hour opening

CITY centre revellers will be able to spend a posher penny when a block of public toilets receives an upgrade. more...

Toilets are upgraded for 24-hour opening

CITY centre revellers will be able to spend a posher penny when a block of public toilets receives an upgrade. more...

MALVERN: Top students honoured at annual prize-giving

SUCCESSFUL students at a Malvern school were praised for their efforts at the annual prize-giving. more...

City Mayor gets in the Christmas Spirit

THE Mayor of Worcester enjoyed a traditional telling of the Nativity story earlier this week. Councillor Ian Imray and his wife Mayoress Joan Imray visited St Peter's Pre-School on Monday to watch the first performance of the youngsters' play. "It was absolutely fantasic," said Coun Imray. "It's great when the kids spot mum and dad and their faces light up and they give them a wave. "I've been to more nativities and carol concerts this year than I've had mince pies and every one has been superb." Pre-school manager Sandy Ditchburn said the children gave two performances to ensure as many parents and grandparents as possible could see the play. more...

The best festive lights

It's been tough deciding which house has the best Christmas lights for our Incredible Illuminations competition - but now we have selected a winner. more...

Fine romance after a couple of false starts

A LIFT home from a dance one evening eventually led to lasting love for a Worcester golden wedding couple - but only after two false starts. more...

Discover how to select the right wine to serve with your Christmas turkey

IT is a fact that Christmas dinner is even more delicious when it's washed down with a glass of great wine. more...

Court staff help homeless people

KIND-hearted staff at Worcester Magistrates Court have taken the season of good will literally and chipped in to help some of the people who they see going through the courts. more...

Customers lose out as firm closes

AN unknown number of people have been left out of pocket after a national photographic firm went out of business. more...

Mother, daughter hurt in accident on A449

A WOMAN and her teenage daughter were taken to hospital after being involved in a car crash near Malvern. more...

Questionnaire for carers

CARERS in Worcester are being invited to complete a questionnaire to show how caring has affected their employment and income. more...

Questionnaire for carers

CARERS in Worcester are being invited to complete a questionnaire to show how caring has affected their employment and income. more...

Magician had sex with child

A PROFESSIONAL magician who had unprotected sex three times with a 14-year-old girl has been jailed for two years at Worcester Crown Court. more...

Ricky Tomlinson's View to Christmas Day

Take a look at the link below to see how Ricky Tomlinson spends Christmas Day - more...

Ricky Tomlinson's View to Christmas Day

Take a look at the link below to see how Ricky Tomlinson spends Christmas Day - more...

Hereford races is on

OFFICIALS at Hereford cancelled plans for an inspection at 7.30am and racing goes ahead today. more...

Ricky Tomlinson's View to Christmas Day

Take a look at the link below to see how Ricky Tomlinson spends Christmas Day - more...

Ricky Tomlinson's View to Christmas Day

Take a look at the link below to see how Ricky Tomlinson spends Christmas Day - more...

Hick puts benefit cash back into the county community

GENEROUS Graeme Hick has practiced what so many professional sportsmen preach, by giving something back to grass-roots cricket in Worcestershire. more...

Moffatt denies title challenge of ’Heath

BROADHEATH Belters suffered their first defeat of the season in Worcester Table Tennis League Division Two. more...

Yates’ goodwill to all his players

MARK Yates has proved he is not a scrooge by giving his players Christmas Day off - although he has warned them not to take advantage of his goodwill and go overboard on turkey and booze. more...

Turner demanding professionalism

HEREFORD United chief Graham Turner wants his side to show more professionalism as they enter a hectic fixture schedule. more...

Bills boosted by late Sills goal

HEREFORD finally brought their winless run of five games to an end with an excellent 1-0 victory at Meadow Lane. more...

A creative Christmas

RESIDENTS at a Bromsgrove care home are getting creative this Christmas, with a host of themed arts and crafts activities. more...

New funding for chaplains

PLANS to cut hospital chaplaincy services have been changed following funding from three charity groups. more...

Yobs attack boy

A TEENAGE boy was attacked and robbed by a gang of youths as he walked home from a nightclub. more...

Vehicle break-ins

BEAUTY spots near Bromsgrove have been hit by yet more vehicle break-ins. more...

Fake goods warning

CHRISTMAS bargain hunters are being warned to resist buying fake goods. more...

Four arrests

POLICE made four arrests in Bromsgrove in connection with burglaries and vehicle crimes as part of a major operation across North Worcestershire. more...

M5 crash man charged

A MAN has appeared in court charged with burglary and driving offences after a fatal crash on the M5 near Wychbold. more...

Climate change

ECO-friendly Bromsgrove District Council has pledged to help fight climate change and protect the planet. more...

Grant requests

REQUESTS for cash by two charities could be turned down by a parish council. more...

Healthy schools

A NUMBER of Bromsgrove schools have helped Worcestershire County Council reach its target of helping half of all county schools achieve a top health status with a month to spare. more...

Car broken into

THIEVES caused £200 worth of damage to a Land Rover after smashing a window and taking off with a bag. more...

Nappaccino mornings

A POPULAR parents' group, which has sessions in Bromsgrove, has proved so successful there are now seven different ones held across the county. more...

Bogus callers

BROMSGROVE residents are being warned to check the identity of any callers to their homes before letting them in this Christmas. more...

How democracy works

SCHOOLS from Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa were invited along to County Hall in Worcester to find out how democracy works. more...

Scams warning

RESIDENTS are being warned to be on their guard after a number of scams were reported to police. more...

Creative pupils get arty to scoop award

CREATIVE youngsters at Dodderhill School have won a textile competition for their artistic efforts. more...

New funding for chaplains

PLANS to cut hospital chaplaincy services have been changed following funding from three charity groups. more...

M5 crash man charged

A MAN has appeared in court charged with burglary and driving offences after a fatal crash on the M5 near Wychbold. more...

How democracy works

SCHOOLS from Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa were invited along to County Hall in Worcester to find out how democracy works. more...

Malvern company scoops top award

A Malvern company has scooped the Best Traditional Business prize in the Countryside Alliance Best Rural Retailer competition. more...

Malvern company scoops top award

A Malvern company has scooped the Best Traditional Business prize in the Countryside Alliance Best Rural Retailer competition. more...

Malvern company scoops top award

A Malvern company has scooped the Best Traditional Business prize in the Countryside Alliance Best Rural Retailer competition. more...

Malvern Markers making it big in the US

A MALVERN company is hoping to line up big deals with sports clubs in the United States. more...

Green pupils happy at last

AN environmentally-conscious school constantly turned away as it tried to recycle its cardboard can now be as green as it likes. more...

Festive feel in the Green

SATURDAY'S Christmas extravaganza at Barnards Green was a great success, according to organisers. more...

Pupils pick up charity award

PUPILS from Dyson Perrins CE High School in Malvern have been recognised for their fundraising efforts. more...

Job success is an inspiration

A 58-year-old man from Knightwick is hoping to inspire others who think they are too old to find employment. more...

Dog gives Wendy a reason to soldier on

Wendy Miles found a reason to go on living after giving a home to an abandoned dog. more...

Castle setting for horror film

VIEWERS switching on to see a new made-for-TV film may think the classic tale of horror is a little too close to home. more...

Lights shine to help hospice

Lights of love are shining out across Malvern in aid of St Richard's Hospice. more...

Payout possible over roadworks

BUSINESSES affected by constant roadworks on a Malvern street could be in line for compensation. more...

Groups get early Christmas gifts

EARLY Christmas presents were handed to local community groups, thanks to Malvern Hills Lions Club grants scheme. more...

Tributes to a gifted woman

tributes have been paid to a talented member of the Ledbury community, Priscilla Solven, who has died aged 88. more...

Purr-fect man becomes a cat

A LEDBURY author is celebrating after having a self-published book turned into an audio book, with comedy veteran Leslie Phillips as one of its star voices. more...

Bragging rights are up for grabs

A CHARITY rugby match in Ledbury will be something of a family affair. more...

Outstanding efforts honoured by heads

STUDENTS at Malvern's two high schools had their successes recognised at speech days this week. more...

Former hostel is sold

MYSTERY surrounds the future of the former Malvern Youth Hostel after it was revealed the building had been sold. more...

Group’s trailer stolen

MALVERN Theatre Players face months of fundraising and disruption after the theft of their scenery trailer. more...

Families get mixed news from Farepak

TWO Malvern families hit by the collapse of Farepak received mixed news this week, with one celebrating a full refund and the other receiving just £60. more...

Crash teenager’s death was accident, says coroner

A TEENAGER died on her way to collect her A'Level results due to a fatal combination of wet weather and inexperience on the roads, an inquest heard. more...

Former dairy boss dies, 103

A Malvern woman who lived in the town for 98 years died on her 103rd birthday. more...

Top grades for college’s work

Evesham and Malvern Hills College has been named as one of the top training providers in the country, by the Adult Learning Inspectorate. more...

Donations being put to good use

NEARLY two years after Malvern couple John and Annie Hoften were killed in the tsunami disaster, money raised in their memory is helping to rebuild lives in Thailand. more...

Return to the happy times

MEMORY books packed with photographs and stories about the exciting and busy lives of residents have been compiled at Court House Nursing Home in Malvern. more...

Dear Santa, we need kids quick

MALVERN Hills Primary School is again under threat less than a year after winning the fight for its future. more...

Festive rail strikes looming

TRAIN strikes will cause havoc for people travelling from Malvern's railway stations over the festive period. more...

Tailback misery to be tackled

ONE of the most notorious congestion blackspots on the road from Malvern to Worcester is to be tackled next year. more...

Farewell to head

AFTER a lifetime in teaching, the head of Matchborough First School is retiring on New Year's Eve. more...

Roundup

Badminton: County contest for under-17s

BUDDING badminton players have been invited to take part in the Worcestershire Schools Badminton Association's under-17s championship next month. more...

Badminton: County contest for under-17s

BUDDING badminton players have been invited to take part in the Worcestershire Schools Badminton Association's under-17s championship next month. more...

Judo: Carol singing after referee promotion

SAMURAI Judo Club coach and referee Carol Leverton is celebrating after gaining her National A' Referee Award at the British Senior Championships. more...

Theatre

Eastnor counts on TV Dracula

A STYLISH and sexy re-working of the classic horror story Dracula is being shown on television this Christmas and if you look a little closer you might notice it was filmed just down the road from Worcester. more...

Malvern stages a giant of a musical

HUNDREDS of years ago a huge and hairy giant crash landed on the Welsh border. more...

ROUND-UP: CLAPTRAP GOES-A-CAROLLING

* MIXING Christmas carols, panto madness and the traditional nativity story is a risky business if you don't know what you are doing. more...

Call for those bare essentials

A WORCESTER theatre group is still a cast member short for a musical version of the hit comedy film The Full Monty. more...

Fee, fi, fo and a jolly good helping of fun!

Audiences are in for a giant-sized serving of fun when Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Society stages its next production. more...

Upton

Council meetings

AN Upton councillor is urging members of the public to attend council meetings. Tim Drake said he would like to see more people have their say on issues affecting the town. He said: "We are certainly not a closed shop and would strongly encourage people to come along to meetings and voice their opinions." The council's next meeting is on Tuesday, January 16, at 7.30pm, in Memorial Hall. more...

Bungalow plan

A PLAN for a bungalow at Ryall has been rejected on appeal. The scheme, in the grounds of an existing house named Kantbee, was originally thrown out by Malvern Hills District Council. Applicant M Evans appealed, but a planning inspector upheld the council's decision. more...

Mulled wine

Mulled wine and mince pies will be on offer at Earls Croome Village Hall on Thursday, December 28, at 4pm. A festive songs of praise service follows at 5pm in Earls Croome Church. more...

Free car parking

Parking is free in the Malvern Hills District Council car park on Hanley Road, Upton, today (Friday) and tomorrow. more...

Facelift

Ye Olde Anchor Inn, in Upton, is all set for a facelift. A planning application has been submitted to revamp the ground floor of the High Street property, stripping out the existing kitchen to increase restaurant capacity and creating a new kitchen in a storage area to the rear. There will also be new carpets, curtains and furniture. The town council has raised no objections. more...

Churches celebrate

THREE Upton churches are celebrating 25 years of co-operation. more...

Music event nearly sold out

TICKETS for the latest Upton Arts Music Group event have nearly sold out, two months in advance. more...

Richard wins hamper

Richard Relph, manager at the White Lion Hotel, was the lucky winner of Upton in Bloom's Christmas hamper draw. The draw took place on Saturday, December 16, and was followed by the judging of the Christmas window competition. more...

Flood barriers pass first test

AFTER a successful first outing, Upton's new portable flood barriers could become a familiar sight this winter. more...

Streets packed for festive celebration

HUNDREDS of people packed snow-covered streets as Christmas came early to Upton. more...

Villages

West Malvern

"LIZA of the Laughing Eyes" was the charming description given by Canon Ruth Wintle to her lifelong friend in her address at the funeral of Liza Birley on Tuesday. Liza was the daughter of former West Malvern vicar The Rev. J E C Adams and was a long-time resident of the village. She was probably best known as the lady who ran the egg stall at the old Great Malvern market, in the now Waitrose car park. more...

Powick

LAST Friday night's concert in celebration of Christmas with fun and festivities, held at Powick Church, proved a great success in terms of atmosphere and in the wealth of local talent. more...

Colwall

THE Christingle service will be held on Christmas Eve at 4pm at St James Church, Colwall. All are welcome. more...

Castle Frome

THE Christmas nativity play was a huge success, as was the sale of Christmas decorations, wreaths and cards which raised over £200 for church funds. more...

Callow End

A DELIGHTFUL nativity presentation took place at St James' Church last Sunday morning. more...

Bosbury

Work will start early in the New Year on the first phase of the improvements to the parish hall. This will include a new roof, a new entrance off the car park, replacement of external doors and windows, new double doors giving onto the grass area and the extension and resurfacing of the car park. At the same time, the shop will be enlarged and provision made for a new disabled toilet with external as well as internal access. more...

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