Redditch News, Redditch Sport, Redditch Leisure - From The Redditch Advertiser

Worcestershire | Archive | 2000 | July

Stories for 26 July 2000

Info

PLACES OF WORSHIP

Alcester Street Methodist Church: 94 Bromsgrove Road, Redditch (01527 66011). more...

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Ambulance, Fire, Police: Dial 999 more...

Leisure

Circle brushing up on technique

Redditch Art Circle welcomes artist Josephine Morgan to its next meeting to demonstrate Chinese brush painting. more...

Drawing up bright ideas

YOUNGSTERS can learn about the Indian craft Rangoli this summer at a workshop in Salford Priors on Wednesday, August 2. more...

Notes on the net will boost bands

TWO Redditch musicians have launched an internet project to promote town and regional music on the web. more...

Touring guitarist is homeward bound

GLOBETROTTING Kidderminster guitarist Mike Sanchez is returning to his home district for a show next month. more...

Classic comedy at stately home

A PROFESSIONAL theatre group has brought open-air productions of one of Shakespeare's classic comedies to Witley Court. more...

Country music show helps to boost funds

A FUND-raising show featuring a tribute to one of the all-time greats of country music is set to be a sell-out. more...

Musical series set to bring park to life

A PERFORMANCE by a band which plays "a mix of classic pop, rock `n' roll, soul and blues" will be one of the highlights of a new musical extravaganza in Kidderminster. more...

Theatre

Witley Court, Great Witley - As You Like It Thursday & Friday. more...

Concert of Music for Christmas Worcester Cathedral Choir Kidderminster Town Hall

IS there a better way to get in the mood for Christmas? more...

JESUS, MY BOY Jonathan Darby, Ombersley Church

FEW professional actors could hold an audience spellbound for over an hour so brilliantly as Jonathan Darby did on Sunday. more...

FENRIS THE WOLF Open Door Theatre Company Kidderminster College

THE play by Ian D Henery was written for children, to teach them a little about Viking gods. The college's performing arts students took it on the road to Wyre Forest primary schools. more...

ALAN DAVIES Glades Arena, Kidderminster

ALAN Davies sent the Glades Arena audience home with a night to remember - but at one stage it did not look that way. more...

MARK BEBBINGTON Kidderminster Library

I felt privileged to hear this recital by one of Britain's best young pianists. more...

SPRING SERENADE Wolverley High School

THE voices of Janet Vine (soprano) and Muriel Russell (mezzo soprano) blended together superbly, and all their duets were delightful, from the bright starting item Sound the Trumpet by Purcell, to the closing Evening Prayer from Hansel and Gretel by Humperdinck. more...

ACTING FOR CHARITY THEATRE Hartlebury Village Hall

RAISING cash for the Odell Centre, ACT treated the audience to a preview of their three-part entry for Worcestershire Theatre Festival 2000. more...

Young Musicians Recital Kidderminster Library

EMILY Payne performed pieces of music from the Baroque period to the Romantic. Her outstanding talent enabled her to play each piece without fault and she even managed to tackle the long Sonata in F minor by Beethoven from memory. more...

VOULEZ VOUS WYRE FOREST GLADES ARENA

GETTING a Kidderminster audience on their feet and singing in the aisles is easier said than done. more...

ROY CHUBBY BROWN WYRE FOREST GLADES ARENA

WHEN Roy Chubby Brown leapt on to the Glades Arena stage those in the audience sensed they were not going to be disappointed by the evening's entertainment. more...

Youth play takes flight

BIRMINGHAM Repertory Theatre's young recruits take to the stage tomorrow to perform a new adaptation of Aristophanes' The Birds. more...

What's On

THURSDAY: Kidderminster: Library - Midland Gershwin Mayerl Society. Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2The Doors Are Open. Birmingham: Ty's Bar - John Burnett's Jazz Bandits. Brierley Hill: Robin R'n'B - Love Train. more...

Small is beautiful

BROADWAY is renowned for its beauty and has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Worcestershire. more...

Fascinating memorials and a haunting tale

THIS is an easy and very pleasant walk in the valleys of the River Teme and its tributary, Leigh Brook. more...

An appealing bookofwalks

This column takes a slightly different form this week because I've been asked to review one of the walks from a recently published book, Leisure Walks from Worcester Bridge, subtitled A selection of walks for all the family. more...

Finest view in England

WHEN you look north-west from much of Worcestershire the horizon is dominated by the distinctive shape of Titterstone Clee Hill. more...

Real treat for birdwatchers

This is a short but very lovely walk which combines a stretch of the Malvern Hills with the peaceful countryside to the west. more...

Book a place in the reserve

THIS is a lovely walk which begins by the River Severn before heading west, following Dowles Brook into Wyre Forest. more...

Delve into a dense dingle

CLIFTON upon Teme occupies an enviable hilltop position with superb views in several directions. more...

Review

SKYLIGHT by David Hare more...

News

The safest way to tan is to fake it

DESPITE the recurring dull weather over the last few weeks, it's that time of year again when we dream of summer holidays and suntans. more...

Shopping around for that perfect Father's Day gift

IT'S that time of year again when we say thanks to the man who we always seem to rely on for those practical things in life - yes, prepare for Father's Day. more...

The veggie revolution has arrived

IT'S that time of year again when our appetites dip, food becomes less of a priority and we tend to shun meat casseroles in favour of a cool, crisp salad. more...

Ace wear for the tennis wannabes

TENNIS fever is sweeping Worcestershire. In case you haven't noticed, Wimbledon is upon us and it seems to have a strange effect on the wannabes. more...

Switch suppliers and save money

IF you're a confused homeowner trying to decide which gas and electricity supplier is the best provider for your house - you're not alone. more...

You don't have to ditch the microwave...

AS our busy lives seem to be getting even more hectic these days, we've become more reliant on convenience and speed. more...

Making sense of the sale bargains

WHEREVER you look on the High Street, it seems to be constant sales - but how do you know when you're getting a real bargain? more...

Living with reminder of nightmare train crash

WE ARE APPROACHING the 50th anniversary of a dramatic rail crash near Worcester which left two steam locomotives on their sides across the tracks at Fernhill Heath. more...

A long haul from farm labourers to kings of the road

FOR much of the 20th Century the name Tansell was almost as familiar on the roads of Worcestershire and of the nation, as are today those of Taylors of Martley and Eddie Stobart. more...

Security at skate park stepped up

SECURITY will be improved at Redditch Skate Park after a park ranger was attacked with a piece of wood as he tried to help a youth involved in an argument. more...

School will be brought to book...

DURING the recent May Bank Holiday, I caught up again with headteacher Barbara Dunn, working away at her school while the pupils were enjoying the week's break. more...

John's small world is on track

WALKING through a lush and colourful back garden, I recently came upon a wonderland in miniature, offering visitors a nostalgic and vivid insight into the bygone Age of Steam. more...

Lesson in etiquette - courtesy of Queen Mum

A PAST Worcester Mayor well remembers a valuable lesson he was given in the intricate art of eating trout - by the Queen Mother! more...

WOMAN, 61 THWARTS CAR THIEF

A 61-YEAR-OLD Redditch woman was left badly bruised after being dragged for more than 50 yards trying to stop a man from stealing her car. more...

City ship that refused to die

MORE infromation is being keenly sought about the life and exploits of the Royal Navy destroyer which proudly carried the Faithful City's name on the high seas - HMS Worcester. more...

Family touched by kind words

A PAST mayor's homage to a big-hearted Worcester coal merchant of yesteryear has brought an emotional response from the coalman's family. more...

Joy over mining

SENIOR figures from a multi-national min company are due to gather at Worcester's Guildhall tomorrow. more...

Economic boom draws new firm to the city

THE booming economy has drawn a self-storage company to move its head office to Worcester. more...

Rosie earns award

OLD Rosie has scooped a new gold award in the Campaign for Real Ale Cider and Perry Championships. more...

Women who followed the recipe for success

THE role of women has come a long way since the first Redditch Advertiser featured the perfect way to bake a flan on its Mainly for Women page. more...

Changing face of town

By property expert JOHN TRUSLOVE more...

Life through a lens: by royal appointment

NOT many people can say they have turned their hobbies into a career but that's exactly what can be said about Mike Cater, the Redditch Advertiser's long-time photographer. more...

JANE HATTON Branch secretary of Diabetes UK

JANE Hatton can be expected to cope well in the Three Peaks Challenge team she joins for charity this month. more...

25 GLORIOUS YEARS

This month marks the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Redditch Advertiser. more...

Arrow Valley Countryside Group

ON June 1, members enjoyed a walk, led by Jean Nokes and Diana Yates, starting from the Ladybird Inn, Aston Fields. more...

Crabbs Cross & Hunt End WI

AN interesting talk was given by John Powell on "Old Victorian Parlour Games." more...

Hopwood WI

Speaker for the evening was Patrick Lynch, who gave a talk on behalf of the Save the Children Fund. more...

JOHN WYATT Thai-boxer

SKINNY schoolboy John Wyatt didn't need sand kicked in his face to undergo a Charles Atlas type transformation. more...

Inkberrow WI

A GARDEN Party took place on July 1 at the home of Stella Wallis and members were able to have strawberry teas on the patio. more...

Ipsley WI

THE July meeting took the form of a 34th birthday party for Ipsley WI and members and guests, including fellow members from Crabbs Cross and Kingfisher WIs. more...

Kingfisher WI

THE bad news at the July meeting was that the speaker had cancelled but fortunately, members of Redditch Operatic Society stepped in and entertained members with a selection of popular songs from the 1940s onwards. more...

Kington with Dormston WI

MEMBERS from Bentley were welcomed at Kington with Dormston good neighbours meeting on July 12. more...

National Women's Register

MEMBERS have taken part in a variety of meetings over the past few weeks, including the chance to join other groups for a fun quiz. more...

Soroptomist International

AT the July meeting, members certainly heard every word spoken by speaker Marion Canning, a lady in an unusual profession for women. more...

Alarming tales of never-never land

THE Citizens Advice Bureau's statistics on the level of debt in Worcester is alarming, to say the least, if not altogether surprising. more...

Keen cricketer is bowling out

THE longest-serving teacher at a Kidderminster school is bowled over at taking early retirement. more...

Flowers and cards on last day of term

A TEACHER from Kidderminster has said a fond farewell to her beloved school after 28 years there. more...

Schoolboy who became deputy head

AFTER more than 35 years at school as boy and man, Ron Broadfield has finally graduated to retirement. more...

Fond farewell to school's cook

YOUNGSTERS at a Kidderminster school have said a fond farewell to a catering supervisor who has left after 26 "wonderful" years. more...

Brown should concentrate on fees, notelitism

SO Oxford University is the latest soft target for a government desperately trying to portray itself as waging war on the class system. more...

American threat just not cricket

THE hopes raised by England's Test triumph over Zimbabwe could be short-lived with the future of cricket under threat in our schools. more...

Schools `among the worst off in country'

IN a week which saw David Blunkett announce new measures to cut red tape and give more powers to headmasters, a Conservative spokesman has claimed Worcestershire pupils are among the worst off in the country. more...

Non-competitive victory for PC lobby

CONGRATULATIONS to the PC brigade which has managed to get musical chairs removed from our classrooms. more...

Mayor's car causes panic at the Commons

THE Mayor of Worcester had security men in a panic at the Commons this week. more...

Further financial sting for students

HARD-UP students could be in for a fresh blow after an `expert' called in to study Britain's top 19 universities said undergraduates should pay top-up fees. more...

Foster has the barn owl society all of a flutter

IT is not a coup that will go down in history. more...

A little respect

MP Jacqui Smith knew how to show due respect to Sir Edward Heath. more...

Another fine mess

DAVID Blunkett has announced his latest initiative to liven up life in the classroom by planning to fine schools which expel too many teenage terrors. more...

Mr Popular he was not

PETER Luff was not Mr Popular with back-bench Tory MPs this week. more...

Own up, whoever you are

THE continuing uncertainty over the fate of Christopher Whitehead High School is causing understandable concern for parents. more...

Tory fortune telling

WILLIAM Hague told the diary almost two years ago that Tony Blair's downfall would be what brought him to power. more...

College is a slave to the PC brigade

ANOTHER week, another victory for the PC brigade, but surely they are taking the mickey with their latest barmy ban. more...

Rebel on a mission

PETER Luff is threatening to rebel against the socialist regime when he visits China in the autumn. more...

Aren't they the sweetest things?

A BIG thumbs up for primary school pupils who say they would rather walk to school with their parents than go by car. more...

Veil of secrecy is finally lifted

AT last! Someone has had the sense to reveal details of Tesco's bid to build on Christopher Whitehead High School. more...

Paper to supply teachers' wants

IF there's one thing guaranteed to make a class full of teenagers breathe a huge sigh of relief it's the news that their next lesson will be taken by a supply teacher. more...

Talented teachers worthy of awards

CASH-strapped budgets, Government initiatives that come along every 10 minutes like buses, disaffected teenagers, the pressures of league tables and inspections and low wages are all things we associate with the teaching profession. more...

More to life than just exam results

IT'S that time of year again. No doubt thousands of teenagers up and down the country are experiencing butterflies in the stomach as they anxiously await their exam results. more...

Above and beyond the call of duty

THERE are cynics out there who'd have you believe that the youth of today isn't what it used to be. more...

We shouldn't have to make a choice

IN an ideal world, I would assume that a school system would provide equal opportunity for children from all kinds of backgrounds. more...

Home-school kids are missing out

LAST weekend I spent a surprisingly warm July Saturday at a close friend's wedding. more...

New rules are a boost for safety

THERE can be few more notorious education stories than that of the Worcestershire boarding school rocked by the skinny-dip teacher scandal. more...

Biz leader slams clipboard cops

THE Institute of Directors has savaged the Government over the amount of red tape in which West Midlands manufacturers are being bound, I see. more...

Plan to put people first is streets ahead

"RECLAIMING the streets" is normally something associated with greasy anarchists who need something to do while they wait for their Girocheques. more...

Sunni and Shia are an explosive mix

NO doubt bigots across the country will be up in arms over the news that Worcestershire is to provide a home for several hundred asylum-seekers in the next 12 months. more...

Daughter's state school failed in doing its job

I WAS very sorry to see home education being given such a negative report in the Evening News (Saturday, July 15). more...

Forks at dawn in Gourmet gripe?

CAN we look forward to a battle of the bulge this autumn as food wars break out in the Marches? more...

Answer lies in railways

IN reply to Jim of Ronkswood, I would say the UK is losing the battle against traffic congestion and air pollution. There are 30,000,000 registered cars, 500,000 trucks plus foreign traffic here and most of these vehicles are concentrated in England. more...

David'splucky escape

WORCESTER City Councillor Richard Udall is making tracks - over one of his colleagues, it seems. more...

Limited outlook regarding education

I WAS disgusted to read the biased and uninformed views on home-based education being expressed by a county councillor in your newspaper. more...

Diverse drivers

DESPITE changing social trends, the differences between girls and boys is highlighted by cars. more...

... Carnival, too

FIASCO certainly sums up Carnival Day. Yes, people were kept away from seeing the floats. All the years the Carnival has been run there has never been anything like it. The floats had a lot of effort put into them only to be let down on the day. more...

All eyes on the road to Norton

INSIGNIFICANT in the great scheme of things it may be, but Norton could prove an electoral headache for Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff. more...

Pitchcroft fiasco

REGARDING the "fiasco" as reported in the Evening News on July 17 over the issue of Pitchcroft belonging to our city as a whole, I would say this is just one more example of David Barlow and Co's legacy from their controlling time in office. more...

David - don't be swept away

SOME weeks ago I suggested that David Barlow's position as leader of the Labour group on Worcester City Council was precarious. more...

That's life

YOU asked us (You Say, July 17) what effect the weather has on us. more...

Serious principles to uphold

HISTORIANS who have studied 17th Century Worcester may know that alderman John Nash left orders in his will for the document to be "publicly read by the Town Clerk at the Guildhall of the said City, on the first Friday in Lent, and he to receive for his trouble five shillings". more...

Where have Tories been all this time?

THE Tories at County Hall must have thought they were on to a winner when the council's planning and regulatory committee grappled with the controversial Kidderminster incinerator issue last Thursday. more...

Finding abetter electoral system is no easy task

THE news that the activist group Making Votes Count has called for electoral change will not spark heated debate in Worcester, even the campaigners concede. more...

Television as an art form

I DESPAIR. Having written about the anti-art brigade masquerading as Worcester city councillors, I have come across a similar attitude among my readers. more...

So where do the Tories stand on Europe?

THE Tories have been portrayed as the party of die-hard Euro-scepticism by the media in the past few months. more...

Quayside the really big issue

FORGET the allegedly desperate need for employment land, without which Worcester's economy will shrivel. What the city needs is an illuminated channel in the quayside - and fast. more...

He's not chuffed with British Rail

RAILWAY privatisation is an issue on which everyone is supposed to be agreed. more...

Is it a protest, or a pantomime?

WYRE Forest MP David Lock came in for a pasting in the satirical magazine Private Eye this month, in an article that repeated now-familiar mantras about Worcestershire Health Authority. more...

It's nimbyism at its nuttiest

AM I the only person to think that the country is being swept by a wave of irrational, anti-scientific prejudice? more...

Only option open

SOME of my readers may have gained the impression from last week's County Commentary that Stuart McNidder, Worcester City Council's director of development services, was in some way opposed to the Millennium Quayhead scheme. more...

Website wonder

I WONDER how many card-carrying Labour hacks in Worcestershire have logged on to New Labour's website to buy merchandise? more...

New £500,000 store will create 12 jobs

TWELVE jobs will be created when a national upholstery specialist opens a new superstore in Kidderminster next month. more...

Skate park set for launch

THE joint owner of a major indoor skateboarding and BMX park set to open in Kidderminster later this year has urged supporters to snap up membership. more...

New man at the helm

BILL Kay has been appointed general manager by Carpets of Kidderminster and its associate firm, Saxon Carpets. more...

Deal is signed

A TOP Kidderminster sales manager has secured a national contract for hotel and conference bookings. more...

Steel board

A STAINLESS steel supplier from Cleobury Mortimer's Forest Park has made five new appointments to its board of directors. more...

Health on the cards

A MAN from Hartlebury is urging people to support a pint-sized idea to improve cancer awareness. more...

Mayor plans legal action against WHA

THE mayor of Kidderminster is threatening legal action in a bid to halt the downgrading of the town's hospital. more...

Good news or second-rate?

HEART attack victims have received a "second rate" service of life-saving drugs after a Government announcement this week, campaigners have claimed. more...

More people wait for ops

MID-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff says the Government has admitted that the county's health service is in a worse state than when it came to power. more...

Cock-up is costly

A COCK-up by health chiefs has left them counting the cost of having to reprint about 300,000 leaflets after getting a helpline number wrong. more...

Acute bed poser

A CRITICAL question about acute beds in Worcestershire remains unanswered after a high-profile debate at Westminster, claim hospital campaigners. more...

Lifeline for town swans

SWANS dying because of irresponsible angling along a stretch of the River Severn in Bewdley have been thrown a lifeline following a special meeting yesterday. more...

WRI was shut

WORCESTER Royal Infirmary was closed to admissions for two days last week, it has been claimed. more...

Organ fund keys in to new appeal

A CHURCH recoiling from the whopping bill it would face to restore its 140-year-old organ has keyed into trouble-free new technology. more...

`Friendly' match ended in court

A RUGBY player had surgery to have two metal plates screwed into his jaw after he was punched during a "friendly game". more...

River tragedy of `the colonel'

THE daughter of an elderly man who fell to his death from the banks of the River Severn has paid tribute to "one of Bewdley's finest old guys". more...

Long, tall Sally is stuck in an S-bend

LIFE is a pain in the neck for long, tall, Sally who has been driven round the bend with an injury. more...

McDonalds bid for third restaurant

FAST food giant McDonalds wants to serve up a hat-trick of treats for its customers in Kidderminster by opening a third restaurant in the town. more...

`He beat me up' claim

A MAN driven to a quiet field had his nose broken after being accused of stealing watches, a jury has been told. more...

Fond farewell and warm welcome

THE Shuttle/Times & News has a new photographer in the frame this week. more...

250,000 die as plague is spread by the army

PLAGUES AND fever epidemics were very much in the news in Berrow's Journal this week 200 years ago. more...

Council to hold back grant cash

HOUSE renovation grants are being withheld by Malvern Hills District Council after a surge in requests for alterations from disabled people. more...

Workers join the cricketing fans

ENJOYMENT of county cricket at Worcester was clearly spreading to the working classes at this time a century ago. more...

Boy, 12, scarred in can explosion

A TWELVE-year-old Kidderminster boy who tried to put out a fire had a hole the "size of a small tangerine" made in his face when an aerosol can beneath the blaze exploded. more...

Kempsey fought for its common

THE 1400 residents of Kempsey were up in arms half-a-century ago. more...

Death of one of the magnificent seven

ONE of the magnificent seven sporting Foster brothers of Worcestershire died at this time exactly half-a-century ago. more...

Nursery bosses leave as buy-out falls through

A BID to buy back crisis-hit Blakedown Nurseries from administrators by the firm's management team has collapsed. more...

Counterfeiters sent to the gallows

TWO Kidderminster men went to the gallows at this time 200 years ago for counterfeiting money. more...

Suffering the sour taste of rationing. . .

A STARK reminder was given by the Journal this week half-a-century ago that sugar rationing was still very much in force in 1950 - five years after the end of the war. more...

Vigilante bid to tackle criminals

TIMES were very hard for the people of Worcester and the surrounding area at this time two centuries ago. more...

Bosnia official to visit town

A VISIT to Kidderminster by a high-profile diplomat is set to be the highlight of a Wyre Forest aid agency's activities this year. more...

In the frame for a new career

A CRAFTSWOMAN from Kidderminster is carving out a new career in the picture framing business. more...

Rape-charge man took his own life

A MAN facing two rape charges was found dead in his car on the day he was due to appear in court. more...

Drivers blamed for damage to bridge

BRITISH Waterways is calling for action to stop large lorries using a 200-year-old canal bridge after the third crash on the structure this year. more...

`Clampdown' sparks anger

SHOPPERS have complained of being "held to ransom" by the introduction of wheel-clamping in a Stourport store's car park. more...

Letter from Westminster by David Lock MP

TRANSPORT issues affect us all. more...

Love has survived after 24-year split

A DEVOTED couple whose love has survived 24 years of separation have vowed to battle immigration red tape in a bid to stay together. more...

We'll revive this issue

HOSPITAL councillors, Conservatives and their allies on Wyre Forest District Council must not be allowed to sneak themselves a whopping 161 per cent increase in allowances. more...

Pathway to family reunion

A VISITOR from Canada searching for his roots was "dumbfounded" when a stroke of good luck added 100 years to his family tree. more...

Persecution proving costly

FOLLOWING the recently published letter pleading for protection of foxes, I wish to raise the issue of badgers. more...

Visit by rugby stars is a tonic for sick youngsters

RUGBY stars "tried" their best to cheer up a pair of fed-up youngsters laid up with broken legs for the summer holidays. more...

Nothing is happening

I UNDERSTAND that the Kidderminster town centre development has again stalled. more...

Training helps to scale the heights

A SUPPORT group for brain injury victims is roping in supporters to raise money to help their families. more...

Ivor, 80, calls it a day - for second time!

A STALWART carpet worker is thinking about retirement ... at the age of 80. more...

Money down the drain

WHAT an utter waste of money! Whose idea was it to block pave the area at the bottom of Church Street in Kidderminster and then a short time afterwards to tarmac Church Street and so damage the block paving with heavy plant? more...

Joshua appeal rolls on in Alcester

Joshua Conway celebrated his second birthday last week with the news that £4,000 has been raised for the hospital where he is being treated for a brain tumour. more...

Democracy v quangos

MAY I thank those people who have so far signed my petition for elected health authorities and health trusts. more...

Popular GP dies at 73

A DOCTOR who spent more than 20 years practising in Wyre Forest has died at the age of 73. more...

Alcester festival draws in the crowds

WORK is already under way to organise next year's Alcester and Arden Folk Festival following an overwhelming response to this year's event. more...

Surprised and disappointed

I WAS surprised and disappointed to read that the councillors on Wyre Forest District Council have just awarded themselves a huge increase in their allowances. more...

Bewdley surveyor loses fight

THE funeral of one of Wyre Forest's most successful and well-known chartered surveyors is taking place tomorrow. more...

Iron Man sees off the competition!

THE Iron Man, a combat robot made in Alcester, clearly scared off the competition on Monday, when designer Mike Parry turned up to the qualifiers of TV show Robot Wars to find no one to fight against. more...

Bargirl was three times over limit

BARMAID Julie Ann Williams was three times over the alcohol limit when she caused a crash in which three vehicles were written off, Kidderminster magistrates have heard. more...

Hypocrisy of whingeing

SO Labour are attacking other Wyre Forest councillors for accepting payments under the new leader and cabinet scheme which has been brought in by their own Labour Government. more...

Alcester homes plan meets fresh objections

MORE than 100 objections have been received about a second controversial planning application to build 400 houses on land west of Alcester. more...

Man is held in custody

MAGISTRATES have refused bail to a 20-year-old Stourport man accused of an £11,000 dwelling house burglary. more...

Picking and choosing...

CARL Shilvock (Shuttle Letters, July 20) must know that in all religions and throughout all ages, people have picked out the bits from their sacred texts that it is convenient for them to follow (and, to be fair to them, possible to do so, in face of all the holy contradictions). more...

Alcester councillors walk out as debate cut chort

COUNCILLORS pushing for recreational paths around Alcester walked out of a Stratford Council meeting last week when the authority's ruling Conservative group cut short a debate on spending cuts. more...

Driver's crown court date

A DRIVER who is charged with threatening to kill a policeman who arrested him has been sent for trial at crown court. more...

We want to know of any problems

I WRITE as a member and vice chairman of Kidder-minster and Disrict Comm-unity Health Council. more...

`Psychotic impulse' led to drug cocktail

A SCHIZOPHRENIC left a disabled woman in a coma after feeding her a potentially lethal cocktail of drugs, a court heard. more...

Chemists rota

REDDITCH town centre rota chemist is Carrington and Turner, Church Green West, open every day except Saturday and Sunday until 7pm. more...

Not possible to please all fans

AS a season ticket holder, I read with disbelief the comments written by RG Clarke (Shuttle Letters, July 20) and Ally Richardson (July 13). more...

Real lesson in babycare

TEENAGERS at Arrow Vale High School will be able to experience virtual parenthood thanks to a gift from Redditch Soroptomist Society. more...

Facing burglary charge trial

MAGISTRATES have sent a Bewdley man for crown court trial on a charge of burglary in the town in May. more...

CASTLE STREET SAFETY

I WELCOME the response from the community health council over my concerns regarding the safety of Castle Street in Worcester and will be interested to hear the views of the Royal Colleges. more...

Brain op `will change my life'

A 50-year-old Batchley woman who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 16 years ago has undergone a revolutionary operation to turn her life around. more...

No verdict from pistol-case jury

A JURY has failed to agree in the case of a Stourport landlord accused of brandishing a pistol at a boatload of firemen on an annual outing. more...

BEWDLEY HOMES EVELOPMENT

RESIDENTS in this area were interested to read in the local press Councillor Oborski's recent comments on the decision not to extend the consultation period for the proposed Kidderminster incinerator. more...

Meeting will air grievances

Residents of a cash-starved estate are meeting to discuss ways to improve their facilities. more...

Thief stole from 12 homes

A BURGLAR who made 12 midnight raids on homes in the Broadwaters and Wolverley districts is set to be sentenced by a crown court judge. more...

Ban would not be solution

I WRITE in reference to the discussion of a ban on fishing for selected areas of the River Severn by Bewdley bridge. more...

Safety fears on play areas

THE decision to defer plans to scrap 145 potentially dangerous play areas across Redditch until September was branded ``totally irresponsible'' on Monday night. more...

Fumes death case retrial

A JUDGE has fixed a retrial in the case of a hotelier charged with the manslaughter of a hotel guest. more...

Now there is a Leader's job

THE reason why the district council didn't have a Leader last year was because under the old system of service committees and sub committees, we didn't need one. more...

Doctor in call for review of reforms

PATIENTS in Worcestershire may find themselves struggling to find a hospital bed, fears a top Redditch doctor. more...

Remember 21-gun salute?

WHILE watching the Queen Mother's Pageant on television, it made me think of her Coronation in 1937. more...

Police probe in road rampage

A POLICEMAN was hurt and five people arrested after joyriders brought havoc to roads in Redditch. more...

New appeal over assault

POLICE are re-appealing for witnesses to an assault which happened outside a Redditch pub on Saturday, April 15. more...

Theatre makes a dramatic loss

A PRODUCTION of Macbeth at the Palace Theatre resulted in a £27,000 loss for Redditch Council, it has been revealed. more...

Leaping in to help

AN Oakenshaw man has lost a stone in weight in order to do a parachute jump on Saturday to raise money for Redditch Special Olympics. more...

Doctor in call for review of reforms

PATIENTS in Worcestershire may find themselves struggling to find a hospital bed, fears a top Redditch doctor. more...

Leaping in to help

AN Oakenshaw man has lost a stone in weight in order to do a parachute jump on Saturday to raise money for Redditch Special Olympics. more...

It's entirely your own fault, Watts

NO, no, this cannot be," said I, stepping groggily into the lounge still bleary-eyed and deprived of sleep after a late return from La Belle France on a decidedly jittery hovercraft. more...

Come back, Mr Darcy, all is forgiven...

IT'S a total wonder how I passed my English Literature `0' level exam, taken in that lost, long, hot summer sometime in the middle 1960s. more...

And did those feet in ancient times...

ONE of the fundamental flaws in contemporary society - that is, apart from our legendary self-loathing for British history and culture - is the denial of the role religion has played in forming this nation. more...

Ring road`dream' a route to disaster

IN Greek mythology, the Gorgon was a creature that had snakes instead of hair. more...

Ambitious plans to renovate waterways system unveiled

WORCESTERSHIRE'S share of a £200m British Waterway's rescue package was due to be unveiled today. more...

Warning on tranquillisers

DRUGS believed to have been either lost or stolen from a house in Droitwich could be lethal in the wrong hands, police have warned. more...

Susan spots the stars

A DROITWICH woman was back at work on the tills at the town's Safeway supermarket hours after rubbing shoulders with Hollywood star George Clooney. more...

My sadness at pool closure

AS a long time user of Studley swimming pool, I am very disappointed both at its forthcoming long-term closure and of the treatment of the staff. more...

Elderly lose out

THIS has been a week when the elderly of Worcestershire have lost out yet again on what I believe are their basic rights. more...

Caring head

MAY we, through your Letter Page, wish Mr Hale, headteacher of Bridley Moor High School, a long and happy retirement. more...

Oversley no longer so green

Those of us who are resident in Oversley Green count ourselves as fortunate to live in such a loveley place. more...

We trust parents to make good choices on schools

WHEN Richard Timney writes to the Advertiser, he should disclose that he is married to our Labour MP. more...

Pupils' plight in exam year

I AM writing in reply to Richard Timney's letter (Advertiser, July 19) regarding Conservative policy on education. more...

Jacqui Smith MP writes from Westminster

THE Parliamentary session is drawing to a close this week. more...

Singing praises

WITH reference to an article in your issue of July 12, the Primrose Choir performed for us on Saturday as arranged and we had a most enjoyable evening. more...

Spend this cash wisely

THE council ran up a debt, which the town and its residents have had to put up with. Only now do they see the way clear for about five year's time to clear this debt. more...

Taste of the arts on offer

CAN I express my thanks to all the societies and organisations that took part in the Redditch Arts Festival free taster day at NEW College on Saturday, July 8. more...

Budget options a separate issue

I REFER to the letter last week from Councillor Pulsford regarding the proposed budget options approved by the council. more...

Not part of the strategy

I WRITE with reference to last week's letter from the new Tory councillor for Astwood Bank and Feckenham. more...

Loo closures a backward step

I READ that our forward-looking Labour council is proposing to implement a large number of so-called budget options. more...

Intensive care beds transfer `a disgrace'

INTENSIVE care beds at Kidderminster General are to be downgraded within the next week, it was revealed today. more...

Decision deferred on farmers' charity disco

LICENSING watchdogs have deferred a decision on proposals for a Young Farmers' charity fund-raising disco on a Kidderminster farm. more...

Psychotic girl gave out drug cocktail

A SCHIZOPHRENIC put a disabled woman in a coma after feeding her a potentially-lethal cocktail of drugs, a court was told. more...

Drumming up fun

SUMMER holidays started last week when Wyre Forest activities kicked of with a lesson in African drumming. more...

Leader cuts pay by half

THE leader of Wyre Forest District Council has given himself a 50 per cent pay cut as the row over controversial allowance hikes continues. more...

Petition calls for debt relief for Third World

ABOUT 1,000 Wyre Forest folk have signed a petition calling for the cancellation of debt by the poorest countries. more...

FLAMING LUNATICS

LIVES were put at risk by "reckless" arsonists who started a series of fires on the outskirts of Worcester. more...

Intensive care beds transfer `a disgrace'

INTENSIVE care beds at Kidderminster General are to be downgraded within the next week, it was revealed today. more...

WRI was shut

WORCESTER Royal Infirmary was closed to admissions for two days last week, it has been claimed. more...

Diabetic stole cash to buy food

A DIABETIC stole money from a friend so she could fund her expensive sugar-free diet. more...

Car free figures a mystery for city

A "REMARKABLY" low reading for pollution in northern Worcester during this year's Car Free Day has left city council officers bewildered. more...

Quay designs to be studied

A MEETING will take place next month so designs for transforming Worcester's South Quay can be studied. more...

Sports court bid aims for the best

MEMBERS of St Peter's Parish Council may approach local authorities around Britain in their bid to win youngsters the best open-air sports court possible. more...

Staff endure high winds and a lot of hot air

GUSTING winds proved too much for council staff after they received a blasting from St Peter's folk about the housekeeping on their estate. more...

Psychotic girl gave out drug cocktail

A SCHIZOPHRENIC put a disabled woman in a coma after feeding her a potentially-lethal cocktail of drugs, a court was told. more...

Don't let debt get out of control - warning

DEBT in Worcester is on the increase with people being warned to not let financial matters get out of control before they seek help. more...

Sport

On the up

Competing at the English Schools Athletics Championships topped an incredible year for throwing specialist Sam Cater. more...

Trio start on Olympic trail

A TRIO of Redditch swimmers have their sights fixed this week on making the Great Britain Olympic Squad heading to Sydney. more...

Studley success

STUDLEY BKL bounced back from Thursday's 1-0 friendly defeat by Solihull Borough with a single goal victory of their own over Kidderminster Harriers. more...

Players on Red alert

REDDITCH United are aiming to boost their attacking options after assistant manager Larry Chambers confirmed they are speaking to a striker. more...

26/7/00 - United hit back to earn draw

HEREFORD United remain unbeaten in their pre-season programme but for the second game running they turned in a disjointed display in a 1-1 draw with Dr Marten's Premier League side Halesowen Town last night. more...

25/7/00 - Cotter injury hits City plans

KEY summer signing Mick Cotter looks like missing much of Worcester City's pre-season as he struggles with a cartilage problem. more...

25/7/00 - Wyatt on target as City win opener

NEW signing Mike Wyatt capped an impressive display with a debut goal in Worcester City's 4-0 victory over Pershore Town at the Midland Combination side's King George's ground. more...

26/7/00 - Sixways quartet complete title plan

WORCESTER Rugby Club have snapped up four more new players to take their number of close-season signings to 19. more...

Angling round-up by John Bushell

No comment about the weather this week, as I sit here contemplating about my very burnt nose! more...

Villa winners

THE two lucky Redditch Advertiser/Aston Villa prize winners are Toni Wheeler of Church Hill North and Joseph Dodd of Enfield. more...

Double joy for Cross boys

HEADLESS Cross under-7s have a double reason to celebrate the summer having won two of the town's mini soccer tournaments. more...

Women turn match around

ALCESTER'S Yardley Wood League A team entertained Selly Park last week, knowing they would not have an easy task to overcome the current league leaders. more...

In a league of their own

UNRIVALLED is the only word to be used when describing the sporting achievements of Moatfield Middle School's Year 8 girls. more...

Record win for Arrows

THE Redditch Arrows played to their champion status in crushing a below strength Strathclyde Sheriffs with a club record 87-0 win. more...

Athletes stay in the hunt for promotion

Midland Men's Track & Field league Division Three more...

Title chase heats up

The run-in to the end of the PRS South Warwickshire Tennis Summer League division one season is proving a tense struggle at the top with results this week throwing it wide open. more...

World record for Bronwen

BROMSGROVE & REDDITCH runner Bronwen Cardy smashed the World Veterans record 10,000m for Women Over 45s at Watford on Saturday. more...

16/7/00 - Rhodes left to rue McGrath overs decision

ACTING captain Steve Rhodes was a ton-up hero for Worcestershire on Saturday - and yesterday was being branded a villian. more...

05/07/00 - Trophy defeat a cruel blow

THERE was no second chance for Worcestershire as they slipped to a five-run defeat in their replayed NatWest Trophy third round tie with Gloucestershire. more...

05/07/00 - Athey backs side

WORCESTERSHIRE coach Bill Athey is backing his side to bounce back from their NatWest Trophy heartbreak. more...

6/7/00 - Seventh knee op for Spiring

WORCESTERSHIRE batsman Reuben Spiring will miss the rest of the season after learning that he needs a seventh operation on his injured knee. more...

11/07/00 - Hospital tests for pace prospect Kabir

WORCESTERSHIRE are awaiting the result of a medical check on young paceman Kabir Ali before finalising their side for the County Championship Division Two match against Nottinghamshire which opens at New Road tomorrow. more...

15/7/00 - Crunch clash against old rivals

WORCESTERSHIRE face bitter rivals Gloucestershire tomorrow for the first time since their controversial NatWest Trophy replay with a rallying call from New Road coach Bill Athey. more...

17/7/00 - Fun times to be had back at New Road

I ENJOYED my playing return to New Road last weekend, albeit that the cricket was very much for fun and not for real. more...

18/7/00 - Pipe poised to make his Worcs debut

JAMES Pipe is in line to make his County Championship debut for table-topping Worcestershire in the division two match against Essex which opens at Chelmsford tomorrow. more...

24/7/00 - Angry Athey hits out at his players

BILL Athey hurled a few bouncers at his players following Worcestershire's four-wicket defeat against Essex at Chelmsford. more...

Cricket fixtures

2pm start unless otherwise stated more...

Alcester & Ragley 1sts lost to Bidford 1sts

THIS derby match packed plenty of excitement as the visitors won with just two balls remaining. more...

Marconi 2nds beat Wythall 2nds by 10 wickets

Some poor batting on a poor pitch saw Wythall collapse to 73ao, the only batsman to gain runs being Spooner,24. more...

Wythall 1sts beat Marconi 1sts by 3 runs

Wythall batted first and posted 210-8 in their 50 overs, Hussain getting 102no, and Matt Elwell and Martin Priest Chipping in with 26 and 29 respectively. more...

Barnards Green lost to Feckenham 3rds by 4 wickets

LEAGUE leaders Barnards Green won the toss and opted to bat first on a good track. An early wicket for Shah brought in Goodman, who helped opener Lewis take the score into the 70s. Lewis batted soundly to record 83 and skipper Wheeler hit 39 to boost the total to 208-7 in their 45 overs. Shah bowled consistently well for his return of 3-45. more...

Worcester Nomads 2nds lost to Feckenham 2nds by 74 runs

FECKENHAM batted first and openers Iain Morgan with 36 and Graham Blundell, 19, laid the foundations for a good total. more...

Feckenham 1sts lost to Worcester Nomads 1sts by 5 wickets

FECKENHAM were put into bat at Mill Lane by a Nomads side on a winning run. more...

Redditch 3rds beat Blossomfield 3rds by 1 wicket

REDDITCH 3rds claimed an exciting one wicket victory over Blossomfield who posted 196 with Taylor making 106no. Will Wilson 6-56 took the bowling honours and there were two wickets for Paul Lees and one for Fiaz. more...

Harriers progress pleases Molby

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Jan Molby was de-lighted with his side's performance in last night's goalless draw against Farum in Denmark. more...

Redditch 2nds winning draw against Belbroughton 2nds

ON a good batting pitch Redditch and Belbroughton were involved in a very exciting drawn game where both had chances to win. more...

Belbroughton 1sts v Redditch 1sts - winning draw for Redditch

TAKING first innings Chris Gibson, 48, and Dan Protherough, 16, gave Redditch a sound start. Then Luke Wells, 80, and Marcus Busfield, 58 increased the scoring rate and with Brian Powell, 24, and Geoff Russell, 13no, Redditch totalled 267-5 from their 50 overs. more...

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