Weather
Redditch News, Redditch Sport, Redditch Leisure - From The Redditch Advertiser
Get involved! Send your photos, video, news & views by texting RA NEWS to 80360 or e-mail us
Stories for 4 April 2003
Info
Dyslexia
Registrar
Drugs
Probation Service
Post Offices
Police/Community Safety
Inland Revenue
Housing Associations
Gas
Diabetes
Environment
Schools (Special)
Community Groups
Courts
Schools (Independent)
Coeliac
Schools
Community Centres
Nurseries and Playgroups
Cemeteries
Children
British Waterways
Learning Disabilities
Charity Shops
Benefits Agency
Educational Services
WOMEN'S GROUPS
Cameo, Ladies' Luncheon Club, Mothers' Union, National Women's Register, Soroptimists, Women's Fellowship, Wives Groups, Women's Aid, Women's Circle, Women's Country Club & Women's Institute more...
Education Authorities
Colleges
SPORT
American Football, Angling, Archery, Badminton, Bowling, Chess, Cricket,Cycling, Darts, Fencing, Fitness, Football, Golf, Hockey, Martial Arts, Motorcycling, Roller Hockey, Sports Centres, Swimming, Tennis, Yoga, Rugby, Skipping, Snooker & Special Olympics more...
Bereavement
Asthma
Alcoholism
Advocacy
Young Farmers' Clubs
Young People
Women's Institutes
Women's Groups
Voluntary Work
Veterinary Surgeons
Transport
Tourist Information
Theatres, Cinemas and Groups
St John Ambulance
Sport
Scouts and Cubs
Schools
Royal British Legion
Round Table
Rotary Clubs
Registrars
Registered Playgroups
Red Cross
Recycling & Waste Disposal
Public Libraries
Post Offices
Political Organisations
Places to visit
Physiotherapists
Parish Council Clerks
Parent and toddler groups
Osteopaths
Organisations for the Elderly
Opthalmic Services
Music
Members of Parliament
Malvern Town Council
Malvern Hills District Council
Malvern Hills Conservators
Lions Clubs
Legal Advice
Hospitals
Hospices
Horticulture
Homeopaths
Holistic Massage
Hobbies
Health, Care and Advice
Guides and Brownies
Government Departments
Funeral Directors
Farming Organisations
Family Planning Clinics
Emergency Services
Doctors and District Nurses
Dentists
Courts
Conservation
Chiropractors
Chiropodists
Child-minders & Parent and toddler groups
Chemists
Charities
Business Organisations
Arts & Crafts
Armed Services
Animal Societies
Alternative therapies
Advice
Wrestling
Volleyball
Trampolining
Tennis
Table Tennis
Swimming
Squash
Sports Facilities
Snooker and Pool
Shooting
Scuba Diving
Rugby
Rowing and Sailing
Playing Fields Associations
Orienteering
Martial Arts
Marina
Leisure Centres
Keep Fit
Hockey
Gymnastics
Golf
WRVS
Football
Women's Support Groups
Fitness
Women's Institutes
Darts and Dominoes
Townswomen's Guilds
Cycling
Soroptimists
Cricket
Mothers Union
Crib
Miscellaneous
Chess
Ladies Circle
Bowling
Inner Wheel
Basketball
Health and Beauty Exercise
Badminton
Athletics
Angling Clubs/Fisheries
Religious Organisations
Places of Worship
AMBULANCE, FIRE, POLICE, ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER
Who to contact in an emergency... more...
MPs
Political
County Council Services
Worcester City Council
Wychavon District Council
Malvern Hills District Council
County Services - Worcester area
County Services - Droitwich Area
County Councillors - Worcester Area
County Councillors - Malvern Hills Area
County Councillors - Wychavon Area
County Councillors - Wyre Forest
Droitwich Spa Town Council
Malvern Hills District Council
Hospitals
Health Centres & Clinics
Dentists - Worcester Area
Dentists - Droitwich Area
St John Ambulance
Community Midwives
Ophthalmic Services
Health Care and Support Groups
Ambulance Services
Chiropodists
Doctors - Droitwich area
Registered pre-school playgroups - Worcester area
Registered pre-school playgroups - Droitwich area
Creches - Worcester area
Creches - Droitwich area - full day care
Schools - Maintained Primary/Junior
Schools - Middle
Schools - Secondary
Schools - Independent
Colleges
Schools - Special
Clubs and societies
Young Farmers
Music, Dance, Film and Theatre
Conservation, Nature and History Societies
Tourist Attractions
Animal Societies, vets and RSPCA
Arts and Crafts
Tourism
Groups for the Elderly
Flower Clubs
Shopping Centres
Round Table
Pleasure Cruises
Lions Clubs
Inner Wheel
Nightclubs
Rotary Clubs
Women's Institutes
Nature and Conservation
Women's Groups
TWG
Museums
Scouts
Guides
Libraries
Youth Groups
Tourist Information Centres
Leisure Parks
Places to visit
Restaurants
Kites
Chinese Restaurants
Greek Restaurants
Heritage
Indian Restaurants
Italian Restaurants
Halls
Mediterranean Restaurants
Mexican Restaurants
Caravan Park
Thai Restaurants
Takeaways/ Delivery Service
Carnivals
Department Store Cafes/ Restaurants
Bridge
Hotels
Cafe/Coffee Shops
Rail
Café Bars
Public Houses
Buses
Nightclubs
Regular Army
Territorial Army
Army Cadets
Air Cadets
Sea Cadets
Ex-Service Groups
Royal British Legion
Government Offices
Police Stations and Courts
MPs
Libraries and Museums
Training
Registrar
Fire Services
Job Centres
Careers and Job Centres
Transport
Careers Advice
Advice Bureaux
WYRE FOREST DC DIRECT DIAL
Community Council
Post Offices
Weather
Churches - Anglican
Churches - Ecumenical
Churches - Baptist
Methodist Circuit Ministers
Supernumary Ministers
Churches - United Reformed
Churches - Other Denominations
Salvation Army
Religious Groups
Useful sources of advice
Funeral Directors
Car dealers
Sports Facilities
Angling Clubs
Archery Clubs
Athletics Clubs
Badminton Clubs
Basketball Clubs
Billiards & Snooker Clubs
Bowls Clubs
Bridge Clubs
Boxing Clubs
Canoeing Clubs
Chess Clubs
Cricket Clubs
Croquet Clubs
Cycling Clubs
Dragon Boat Clubs
Football Clubs
Golf Clubs
Hockey Clubs
Martial Arts Clubs
Social Clubs
Motoring Clubs
Mountainering Clubs
Netball Clubs
Racing Clubs
Scottish
Rambling Clubs
Rowing Clubs
Rugby Clubs
Rotary Clubs
Sailing Clubs
Skittles Clubs
Squash Clubs
Round Table
Swimming Clubs
Table Tennis Clubs
Tai Chi Clubs
Tennis Clubs
Miscellaneous
Ex-Services
Amnesty International
Support Groups
Sheltered Housing For Elderly
Retirement and Social Clubs
Physiotherapists
Residential and Retirement Homes
Opticians
Luncheon Clubs
Miscellaneous
Learning Disabilities Accommodation
Hypnotherapists
Hospitals
Hearing
Doctors
Chiropodists
In an emergency...
Ambulance Service Training
Acupuncture
Business Groups
Writing
ASSOCIATIONS, CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
Puppets
Photography
Orchestra
Lacemaking
Floral Art
Dancing Schools
Dance Groups
Choirs, Choral and Operatic Societies
Calligraphy
AGRICULTURE
AIR SPORT
ANGLING
ARCHERY
ATHLETICS
ASSOCIATIONS
BENEFITS AGENCY
BOWLS
BOXING
BRIDGE
CAREERS
CHEMISTS
CHESS
CHURCHES
CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAUX
CONSERVATION
COUNTY COUNCILS
COUNTY COURTS
CRIBBAGE
CRICKET
CROWN COURT
CYCLING
DARTS
DENTISTS
Vets
DISTRICT COUNCILS
DISTRICT VALUERS
DOCTORS
ELECTRICTY
EMERGENCIES
Horse Training
EURO MPs
EX-SERVICE
FENCING
Animal Welfare
FOOTBALL
FOR THE ELDERLY
GAS
GOLF
HOCKEY
HM TAXES
JOURNAL CORRESPONDENTS
LIBRARIES
MPs
MAGISTRATES
MARKETS
MARRIAGE GUIDANCE
Youth Services
MARTIAL ARTS
MOTOR CYCLING
Youth Groups
MUSEUMS
Youth Centres
NFU
NSPCC
Scouts
NETBALL
OPTICIANS
PARISH COUNCILS
Guides
PDSA
PLAYGROUPS
Girls Brigade
POLICE
RAILWAYS
Boys Brigade
RED CROSS
Barnardo's
Widows
REGISTRARS
ROWING
Award Schemes
RSPCA
RUGBY
Victim Support
SAMARITANS
Air Training Corps
SCHOOLS
Toc H
SAILING
SHOOTING
SJAB
Stroke
SKITTLES
SPORTS COUNCILS
SPORTS CLUBS
Samaritans
SQUASH
SWIMMING
St John Ambulance
TABLE TENNIS
TENNIS
Red Cross
TOWN COUNCILS
TOURISM
TRADING STANDARDS
Phab
VETS
Osteoporosis
VOLUNTEERS
WATER
WIs
WI MARKETS
WRVS
YOUNG FARMERS
Meals on Wheels
Water
Homestart
Waste Disposal
Heart Foundation
Vehicles
Headway Kidderminster
Valuation Office
Tenants Associations
Leisure
Evesham from the air
The picture was taken from a (French) Jodel aircraft piloted by John Scott out of Bidford airport on Wednesday, February 5. more...
Snappy tale in a race against time
n Fury by G M Ford (Macmillan, £10.99) more...
Skilful biography of a 60s rocker
Mick Ronson: The Spider With The Platinum Hair by Weird & Gilly (Independent Music Press, £12.99) more...
Nasty poker game
Isabella and the Strange Death of Edward II by Paul Doherty (Constable & Robinson, £17.99) more...
Arc of military triumph
Joan Of Arc: A Military Leader by Kelly Devries (Sutton, £7.99) more...
Handy to have around
The Home DIY Expert by Dr D G Hessayon (Expert Books, £6.99). more...
Paris from a Brit's eye
An Englishman In Paris by Michael Sadler (Pocket Books, £6.99) more...
Rock on back to a story of the 60s
Lime Street Blues by Maureen Lee (Orion, £9.99). more...
Check out the value of those ageing LPs
Collectables Price Guide 2003 by Judith Miller (Dorling Kindersley, £17.99). more...
Formula fantasy is second in trilogy
Inquisition by Anselm Audley (Earthlight, £6.99) more...
Tedium before lift-off
Flight by Victoria Glendinning (Scribner Paperback, £6.99). more...
World of whimsy in the bilgy bog
The Wishing Bone and other poems by Stephen Mitchell (Walker Books, £10.99) more...
Roller-coaster ride to find a dark angel
Mr Candid by Jules Hardy (Simon & Schuster, £10). more...
Traits revealed in handwriting
Learn To Interpret Handwriting edited by Peter West (Foulsham/Quantum £8.99) more...
Keys to skills
Letter-writing, e-mail and Texting by Helen Smith (Foulsham, £4.99). more...
Still swinging: The changing man of jazz
FOR long-time lovers of jazz there's a treat in store at Huntingdon Hall next Thursday. more...
`Cracking' tale returns
A MODERN classic will be revived at Kidderminster's Rose Theatre next week when the Nonentities stage Educating Rita on the play's 25th birthday. more...
Fashion takes to stage
THE town hall in Kidderminster is to play host to a fashion show for brides-to-be, children and anyone looking for a new summer wardrobe. more...
Choir sing in tribute to former member
A CHOIR in Kidderminster will be singing a tribute on Saturday in memory of one of its longest serving members who has died. more...
Final event to help raise hospice cash
A SEVENTIES rock spectacular in Kidderminster tomorrow evening will be the pinnacle of two years' fundraising events for a new Worcester children's hospice. more...
Concert proves a hit for town mayor
FOUR hundred people crammed into Kidderminster Town Hall last Friday to see the cream of the district's music makers - and raise hundreds of pounds for a youth fund. more...
Choir return to entertain crowds
A WELSH choir make a long-overdue return to Kidderminster this weekend. more...
Live music on offer at town pub
LIVE Wednesday night music is set to become a regular feature in Kidderminster town centre with the Swan pub announcing its April programme. more...
Blunder hits club opening
PLANS to invite Wyre Forest revellers to the opening of a new Kidderminster nightclub were almost stamped out by a post office blunder. more...
Office Suite Everyman, Cheltenham
WATCHING a play written in the late 70s is rather akin to looking at old family photos or cine films. more...
Of Mice and Men Malvern Theatres
DREAMS turned literally to dust for millions of Americans during the 1930s Depression yet it did not stop people hankering after a better life. more...
Making sure the show will go on
A PHILANDERER who lies to his long-suffering wife; some things never change. more...
Stories told with warmth and wit
AN evening of entertainment with Rabbi Lionel Blue will take place at Malvern Theatres. more...
Chance to launch a career on the stage
A NEW youth theatre worker in Malvern has appealed to budding thespians to get involved. more...
In the footsteps of the immortal bard
A YOUNG actor from Colwall will be appearing in a production of Shakes-peare's Macbeth at the home of the bard himself, Stratford upon Avon. more...
Revamp sees theatres go from strength to strength
FIVE years ago this month, Malvern Theatres opened its doors after a multi-million pound revamp. more...
Hi-de-Hi headliner
DETAILS of this year's pantomime at the Malvern Theatres have been announced. more...
Hugh Grant stars
HUGH Grant and Sandra Bullock star in romantic comedy Two Weeks Notice (12A), showing at Malvern Cinema from today (Friday). more...
Reflecting a sculptor's art
THE Gallery, Stratford, hosts Reflected, an exhibition of sculpture by Ros Stoddart, beginning on Monday and running until Sunday, May 18. more...
Exhibition of rugs
SAMARKAND Galleries in Brewery Yard, Stow, is playing host to an exhibition of antique and contemporary Persian rugs until Saturday, April 12. The flatweaves range from cow covers to bread cloths and include wheat sacks. more...
The rise and rise of David
THE creator of Reginald Perrin, David Nobbs, will talk about his illustrious career at The Theatre in Chipping Norton next Thursday. more...
What's on guide
Thursday, April 3 more...
Take a journey with loved poet
DRAMA and literature lovers alike are in for a real treat with a dramatised presentation and discussion of poet and novelist, Rudyard Kipling's life this Friday night. more...
Pershore from the air
The photo was taken looking north with the cricket club in the foreground and Pershore Abbey in the centre. To order a copy, quote reference dc2917-sky25 more...
Easter walk
TOWNSFOLK are being asked to dust off their bonnets in preparation for an Easter bonnet parade and egg hunt later this month. more...
A view of Pershore
The picture was taken from a (French) Jodel aircraft piloted by John Scott out of Bidford airport on Wednesday, February 5. more...
Evesham's two towers
The picture was taken from a (French) Jodel aircraft piloted by John Scott out of Bidford airport on Wednesday, February 5. more...
Elmley Castle from the air
The picture was taken from a (French) Jodel aircraft piloted by John Scott out of Bidford airport on Wednesday, February 5. To order, quote Fly 34. more...
Now, a play what I wrote
BUDDING Shakespeares will have the opportunity to get their voices heard at the Swan Playwrights next meeting. more...
Theatre
Rose, Kidderminster - Educating Rita, Monday until April 12. more...
Win tickets to bike show
Visitors will see three wheel spinning days of action as The Bike Show rides into The NEC between April 25-27. more...
Win tickets to BBC Good Homes Shiow
If you fancy a perfect day out - you will be at home when the BBC Good Homes Show returns to The NEC, May 8 until 11 with even more ideas to get you in the mood for "Summer Living." more...
Win family tickets to Drayton Manor theme park
Drayton Manor familt theme park has opened its gates for a new action packed, magical season which includes the opening of a new multi-million pound family attraction during the Easter holidays. more...
First of a series
A SERIES of organ recitals is beginning at Malvern's Church of the Ascension in Somers Park Avenue. more...
Singing to beat of African drums
AN African beat will be accompanying the Cradley Singers during their latest concert. more...
Groove at Marr's Bar
SONGS by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Chic and Average White Band will kick start the tunes at the Marr's Bar, courtesy of cover band Beyond the Groove. The 10-piece group plays tonight at a cost of £5 on the door. more...
He's a national treasure
DESCRIBED as a `national treasure', veteran entertainer George Melly takes to the stage at Huntingdon Hall alongside acclaimed trumpeter Digby Fairweather. more...
Folk night at the Café Malvernia
CANADIAN duo Nathan Curry and Linda Miller will be performing in Malvern Wells on Saturday evening (April 12). more...
Band mixes classic with contemporary
A MIXTURE of traditional and contemporary big band tunes is promised for a concert in Ledbury. more...
Season packs in song, dance, film and concerts
MALVERN Theatres' new season will be punctuated by operetta, dance, film and concerts. more...
Orff in the mix
MALVERN Festival Chorus will be staging Orff's Carmina Burana at Malvern Theatres. more...
July 26, 2001 - Marshlands
VISITING a marshland in summer time can leave you with the feeling that you have taken a trip to a far distant land. more...
August 8, 2001 - Belted Galloway cattle
BIG fluffy Belted Galloway cattle wandering through head height scrub and grassland may create a bit of a spectacle but does it really benefit our wildlife or is it just a way of giving cows holidays? more...
August 9, 2001 - Life on the beach
MANY of us will have or will be planning to take a trip to the seaside this summer to relax and enjoy the natural facilities found at the beach. more...
16 August, 2001 - Habberley Valley
HABBERLEY Valley Nature Reserve is a location many people visit over the holidays to take in the beauty of the landscape, enjoy a stroll and relax in the countryside. more...
August 23, 2001 - Puxton Marsh
RECENTLY my duties as Countryside and Conservation Officer for Wyre Forest District Council took me for a walk along the River Stour near Puxton Marshes. more...
August 30, 2001 - The end of summer
IT might be a rather pessimistic observation, but it would seem that the nature reserves are already starting to show the first signs of the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. more...
Recruiting rangers
A HOST of exciting conservation and outdoor activities are in the pipeline with the re-vamp of the Young Rangers Club. more...
September 6, 2001 - Birds of prey
A SIGHT I often take pleasure in is of magnificent birds of prey twisting in thermals or tearing across woodland clearings in the sky above the reserves. more...
Muddy rangers out in the wild
OVER the past few years, the Young Rangers Club has grown to be very popular with its members. more...
Autumn time
AUTUMN is always a time of change and this is reflected in the work of the Wyre Forest District Council Rangers. more...
Beetles at Puxton Marsh
ON a recent visit to Puxton Marsh, Kidderminster, I encountered a rather impressive beetle. more...
October 4, 2001 - Canada geese
FOR the last few weeks our skies have been filled with formations of foreign birds. more...
Autumn woodland walks
A WALK through the countryside at this time of year has always been a favourite of mine as it blends some of the most beautiful features of autumn with a last chance to get a glimpse of the remnants of summer wildlife. more...
Butterflies
LIFE as a butterfly is rather hazardous. Butterflies are seen by many a creature as a welcome snack. more...
River Severn and River Stour
MAYBE it is just me, but one of the things I enjoy is taking a trip across some of the bogs, wetlands or marshes we find in our district. more...
Fly Agaric Toadstool
THIS year has been a particularly good year for the Fly Agaric Toadstool which has been made famous in children's stories because of its and white speckled appearance. more...
Earthworms
AT first glance the humble earthworm appears to have no human characteristics, but if you take a closer look you will see it has a surprising number of similarities. more...
Grazing Animal Project
CATTLE in the Grazing Animals Project have been on the heathlands of the Rifle Range and Devils Spittleful nature reserves for a few weeks now. more...
Cattle grazing
THE cattle grazing on the Rifle Range and Devils Spittleful Nature Reserves have been munching away on the heath. more...
Mild weather
THIS month has been remarkably mild so far with only the occasional frost. more...
Beech trees
ALL the deciduous trees this year put on a fantastic autumn colour show, transforming our country landscape in the most delightful way. more...
Burlish Top
BURLISH Top is one of the districts' heathland nature reserves. On a recent visit I was rewarded with a beautiful and yet completely unexpected scene. more...
Grey squirrels
THE festive season is upon us and many of us will be sending each other Christmas cards. more...
Nature Notes
IT is always nice to spend a few moments reflecting on the previous months at this time of year. more...
Burlish Top Nature Reserve
OVER the festive season I decided I needed a break from eating and making small talk with relatives. more...
Ponds
IT would seem to me this summer there are more puddles to be found on the nature reserves than usual. more...
Borneo heath forests
WHILE the weather recently has produced some of the most stunning displays of natural beauty, it has to be said that for many people the icy roads and freezing mornings can become a bit tedious. The warmer days of summer seem a lifetime away. more...
Horse flies
MY job is to manage the nature reserves of the Wyre Forest district. more...
Dog's mercury
AS the frost and snow of the New Year period melt, the first green leaves to be seen in the woody areas of Habberley Valley are thoseof the small and unobtrusive plant called dog's mercury. more...
Wetlands, bogs and woodland
THESE days low-lying wetlands, bogs and wet woodlands are habitats which are under threat from the pressure of mankind. more...
Broadleaf woodlands
They say that in our world, change is the only constant, and change is recognised as something that leads to uncertainty, and can lead to stress. more...
Lowland heaths
THE good weather we had last week brought out the best in the district lowland heaths. more...
Ranger service
Summer has always been a hectic time ever since I started working for the Wyre Forest District Council Ranger Service. This year was no exception, and, if anything was even more busy. more...
Water rail
RECENTLY, the owner of one of the Stourport caravan sites that borders the local nature reserve of Redstone Marsh telephoned me. more...
Rocking chums with big pedigree
VETERANS of the folk and rock scene have teamed up as Plainsong and will bring their own brand of harmony to Cheltenham Town Hall next Tuesday. more...
Fingers in the ears as punks roar in
A BAND riding a noisy punk rock wave play Cheltenham Town Hall next Wednesday. more...
Hurcott pools and woods
BEFORE opening the new nature reserve of Hurcott pools and wood in October last year, a huge amount of work was needed to make the site safe for visitors. more...
The weasel
When out for a stroll in the countryside it is quite a sobering thought that maybe, just a few metres away hidden in the undergrowth lurks a predator which has a fabled reputation for being one of the most ferocious and vicious on earth. more...
Abba fans meet their Waterloo
THE sound of Swedish super troupers Abba will stir 1970s and 80s nostalgia for fans of the group at The Roses theatre, Tewkesbury on Saturday. more...
Amphibians
During the early half of this month, weather and ground conditions were wet. Heavy rain and the high levels of water combined with mild weather created miserable conditions. But, it provided the ideal conditions for amphibian wildlife to begin their springtime activity. more...
Heath spiders
One animal which always seems to be around in abundance at this time of year is the spider. more...
Marble galls
Looking at an oak tree at this time of year you will see the tree is still mostly dormant. more...
Getting ready for winter
AS we move into October and the weather starts to turn we often start to think about getting out our warmer winter clothing. more...
Blackthorn
AT this time of year when most trees are still bare and lifeless, blackthorn comes into bloom. more...
Foxes
I HAVE always harboured a soft spot for foxes. more...
What's On Guide
Thursday, April 3 more...
Misty marshes
OCTOBER has given us our first few chilly days. One consequence of this is the low lying land which runs along the district's major river corridors has been shrouded in a deep creepy mist. more...
Tomorrow's Heathland Heritage
AS with all things in life, money is an important part of the fuel which drives the conservation works in Wyre Forest. more...
Trio add to season
REDDITCH Music Society's season of classical concerts continues on Saturday with the visit of the award winning Trio Tagore. more...
A treat for garden lovers at the Hall
RAGLEY Hall, Alcester, will be opening its doors for the new season on Thursday, April 10, immediately followed by the Spring Gardeners Weekend on April 12 and 13. more...
Kidderminster Male Choir Town Hall, Kidderminster
THE choir were joined by Holborne Brass Ensemble, who began brilliantly, transporting us to New Orleans as they walked through the audience playing Just a Closer Walk with Thee. more...
A rare glimpse of lizards
AS the weather begins to warm up many of the rarely seen residents of local nature reserves slowly wake up from hibernation. more...
Fungi
AT last, as far as the fungi are concerned, autumn has arrived. more...
ROY "CHUBBY" BROWN Glades Arena
PEOPLE easily offended were warned to stay away from the Roy "Chubby" Brown show and I hope for their sake they took note of the warning. more...
THE CEMETERY CLUB Rose Theatre until Saturday
DESPITE its title, this is not a dreary play. more...
Nesting birds
THE wildlife which comes to mind most readily at Easter are birds preparing nests and watching over clutches of newly laid eggs. more...
Crack willow
LAST week's high winds saw the end of many fine trees. more...
TRIO MAGGIORE Kidderminster Library
THE Classical Music Society's latest "Live At The Library", provided an evening of piano trios. more...
CIDER WITH ROSIE Rose Theatre until Saturday
THE childhood of Laurie Lee unfolds in a series of "pictures", accompanied by glorious dialogue. more...
Blooming nature reserves
GOOD weather, especially at this time of the year, always seems to bring out the best in a nature reserve. more...
Galloway cattle
For four years, Wyre Forest District Council's nature reserves have been managed with the help of grazing animals. more...
WEST MIDLANDS LIGHT ORCHESTRA Town Hall, Kidderminster, Friday
THIS year's concert which comprised part of Kidderminster Carnival celebrations featured the music of Cole Porter. more...
THE THREEPENNY OPERA By Bertolt Brecht Rose Theatre, Kidderminster
I REALLY enjoyed this performance by Kidderminster College students, who had created a clever set and had gone to a great deal of trouble with their costumes. more...
Mosquitoes
FOR most of us who prefer to avoid being attacked by squadrons of bloodthirsty mosquitoes with the unsightly lumps and itching that result, this month and the early part of Maywill be our last chance to visit the new nature reserve of Hurcott Pools and Wood. more...
Meadow sweet still blooming
IT may have been a wet month, but in terms of temperature it has been very mild. more...
Wyre Forest Symphony Orchestra Kidderminster Town Hall, Saturday
THE orchestra played well in the first half, and got even better in the second. more...
A SUMMER SERENADE Stourport Choral and Operatic Society Kidderminster Town Hall
THE concert marked the return of musical director Judith Standing, and Angela Savage made a most impressive Kidderminster debut as accompanist. more...
Butterflies
MOST of us either when we were at school or, from an early age, learned a little about the lifecycle of butterflies. more...
A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL Rose Theatre, Kidderminster
AS I am not usually a fan of Alan Ayckbourn's plays, my enjoyment of this production was probably largely due to the first class interpretation by Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society. more...
Redstone Marsh nature reserve
Redstone Marsh nature reserve has a split character. There is a woodland area which extends from the marsh and it is this area which people mainly use as a short cut from the Walshes estate to Stourport town centre. more...
Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell Rose Theatre The Nonentities
DOWNING my eighth vodka in the Rose Theatre bar before Monday night's performance, I pondered with some scorn the ridiculous cliché that all journalists are heavy-drinking slobs. more...
Arctic terns
There are animals which will now be casting their eyes at British shores to spend the summer months here after avoiding the cold of the English winter in the warmer climes of southern Europe or even Africa. more...
Owls
MOST of the trees have now lost their leaves and things are really starting to look quite bare. more...
JANINE SMITH Kidderminster Library
THE latest in the Classical Music Society's Live at the Library series featured popular local pianist Janine Smith. more...
MUSIC FOR TWO VIOLINS Bewdley Institute
On Sunday I spent a relaxing afternoon being entertained by the supremely talented husband and wife duo from Stourbridge, Nic Fallowfield and Linda Rhodes. more...
Nightingales
Here in the Wyre Forest district visitors from Africa are arriving. more...
Evergreens
NOW the trees are almost if not completely bare, there are some things which seem to stand out in the woodlands, things which may well have previously gone unnoticed. more...
FUNNY MONEY The Nonentities, The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster
Resident group The Nonentities turned their attention to farce, a notoriously difficult genre to perform, with their latest production at The Rose. more...
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Carpet Trades Operatic Society Civic Centre, Stourport
There are many good performances in this production, with excellent versions of those wonderful songs, but the show is dominated by Nigel Preece. more...
Four-legged volunteers
THE rangers special four- legged conservation volunteers have returned to the Wyre Forest District Council's nature reserves. more...
Managing trees
ONE of the hardest things about managing nature reserves is looking after the trees. more...
Kidderminster Male Choir 97th Anniversary Concert Kidderminster Town Hall
YOU never feel short-changed by Kidderminster Male Choir, and this superb concert was no exception. more...
DUNCAN HONEYBOURNE Kidderminster Library
DUNCAN Honeybourne's display as a piano virtuoso at the latest Live at the Library presentation by the Classical Music Society, was especially notable as he had endured a six-and-a-half hour drive to get to Kidderminster, having been held up in traffic, and arrived with 10 minutes to spare. more...
Nature reserve pools
AS the weather begins to warm up, the heathland nature reserves become increasingly devoid of water. more...
Looking back at 2002
IN common with many people, I like to spend a few moments at the start of a new year reflecting on the highlights of the previous year. more...
AN OLDE TYME MUSIC HALL Stourport Choral and Operatic Society Town Hall, Saturday
THE familiar strains of Down at the Old Bull and Bush opened this evening of nostalgia when the audience joined in the choruses with gusto. more...
THE MAIDS Nonentities Rose Theatre until Saturday
THE story features two maids, sisters, working for the same "madame". more...
Daybreak
THE dark evenings of January can be dismal and I often find myself longing for warm, sunny summer evenings. more...
WYRE FOREST SYMPHONY CONCERT Kidderminster Town Hall
I WAS impressed by the orchestra's new musical director Damian Penfold when he appeared at Music For You, which gave a taste of great things to come - and I was not disappointed on Saturday. more...
Bats
ON warm late spring or early summer evenings, just as dusk is setting in you may catch a glimpse of one of our most acrobatic flying creatures. more...
THE MURDER OF MARIA MARTEN OR THE RED BARN - THE NONENTITIES
Rose Theatre, until Saturday more...
Marshland flora
THE woods at Hurcott Pools and Wood nature reserve have a wonderful appeal. more...
Adapting to urban life
With the expansion of towns and cities and the intensification of agriculture to support an ever-increasing human population, a tremendous strain has been put on the natural world. more...
BEWDLEY CHORAL SOCIETY St Anne's Church, Bewdley
IF Rachel Greenwood, already known to us as a violinist and now making her debut as conductor of Bewdley Choral Society, was at all nervous, there was no sign of it. more...
KIDDERMINSTER MALE CHOIR CONCERT Kidderminster Town Hall
THE opening carols sung by Kidderminster Male Choir were somewhat marred by the sound of money chinking and the tearing of raffle tickets at the back of the hall. more...
Wetland nature reserves
COME high summer, most of the wetland nature reserves are covered with tall, rank vegetation. more...
Lowland heaths
Reading through the various publications which relate to my work, an article by English Nature caught my eye. more...
THE PRINCE OF HOMBURG THE SWAN, RSC, STRATFORD
AFTER poor reviews of some current shows and the uproar over the radical re-structuring of the company, the RSC needed a hit - The Prince of Homburg, I suspect, isn't it. more...
ST JOHN PASSION MASTERCLASS Geoffrey Weaver Baxter Church, Kidderminster
BACH has become very much a symbol of all that is correct and orthodox. more...
Cattle grazing
IT has been four years now since cattle grazing was introduced on Wyre Forest nature reserves. more...
Warm weather
January has been another strange month with regard to the weather. more...
THREE TALL WOMEN Rose Theatre until Saturday
THIS thought-provoking and perceptive play captures the problems of growing old and the thoughtlessness of youth. more...
JANINE SMITH and DAWN GWILT Kidderminster Library
IT is impossible not to feel admiration at the decision of cellist Dawn Gwilt and pianist Janine Smith to play both the Bantock and Rachmaninov Sonatas in a single evening, and then not to feel dissatisfaction at criticising this choice. more...
Grass snakes
I will always remember my first encounter with grass snakes at Puxton Marsh. more...
Snakes
I recently saw a wildlife documentary, which featured a river python attacking, constricting and then consuming an antelope. This was quite a stunning bit of footage and I could not help but be impressed by this magnificent snake. more...
FLATSPIN WARWICK ARTS CENTRE
COMEDY is a funny old business and farce particularly so. Or not, depending on your taste. more...
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE, STRATFORD
AFTER some disappointing recent productions at the RSC, their winter season came gloriously to life with a visually ravishing production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. more...
Heathland birds
WHEN they think of heath birds, most people imagine skylarks soaring above the heather or a kestrel hovering with amazing skill, ready to pounce on a hapless mouse. more...
GARTH MARENGHI MAC, BIRMINGHAM
FOR those of you who missed the comedy act Garth Marenghi (Duke of Darkness) at the MAC, Birmingham, on Thursday, stop kicking yourselves. It was awful. Not just plain awful, but real fancy. more...
THE STROKES BIRMINGHAM ACADEMY
ONLY those with a fondness for walking around with paper bags on their heads will have missed the hype surrounding this impossibly cool New York five-piece band. more...
Putting on the glitz
AN innovative new version of Nutcracker! visits Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday. more...
Birds
HOW many times have you watched a nature programme on TV, and seen the colour and grace of many of the world's bird species and thought: "I wish we had some of those in my back garden"? more...
Dance group gives it five
A NEW studio theatre, part of the Birmingham Hippodrome complex, premieres Bare Bones 2003 - five new works created by internationally renowned choreographers. more...
CAROUSEL Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society Rose Theatre
IT'S rather like visiting an old friend to see a production of this wonderful Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, and the KODS' latest version does not disappoint. more...
Kids' Brum curtain call
ALMOST 250 young people are set to perform at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham on Monday night in A Night of Cabaret. more...
NEUTRINO The MAC, Birmingham
HOT on the heels of the dire Perrier award-winning Garth Marenghi show, Unlimited Theatre's Neutrino, which also won acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival, brought real thrills to the MAC. more...
Signs of spring
February had some wonderfully warm and sunny days, which after what had been a drab, but relatively mild winter were most welcome. more...
Night of food, glorious food
THE Bulls Head Inn, Inkberrow, is the venue for Mouthpiece Theatre Company's next production on Saturday. more...
SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT Acting for Charity Theatre
This performance was virtually a dress rehearsal for the group's entry in the annual Worcestershire Theatre Festival, which is being held this year in Evesham. more...
Scenery moves centre stage
STUDLEY Operatic Society's rehearsals for Cole Porter's High Society, to be held at Redditch's Palace Theatre from April 29, are in full swing. more...
WYRE FOREST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Town Hall, Kidderminster
THE concert on Saturday began with the rousing Academic Overture by Brahms - I particularly love the final Gaudeamus Igitur passage. The brass section had a few problems in the opening passage but the rest of the piece was played well. more...
Conservation plans
I have to admit it even feels a bit strange to me, but it is at this time of year decisions are taken to plan the conservation work for the next 12 months. more...
Get a slice of Mr Loaf
THE thirteenth anniversary tour of Steve Steinman's tribute show The Meat Loaf Story - Heaven Can Wait stops off at Redditch's Palace Theatre on Saturday. more...
THE CLEARING Birmingham Rep
HELEN should be a name that launched a thousand trips, if the performance of The Clearing I saw at Birm- ingham Rep, is anything to go by. more...
TROJAN WOMEN King's School, Worcester
COR phew! Entertainment of the ancient Greek kind came to Worcester and the viewing was far from comfortable. Trojan Women, by Euripides, narrates the fall of Troy at the hands of the Greeks, the subsequent slaughter and the taking into slavery of Hekabe, Queen of Troy, and her kin. more...
Frogs
AS we come out of a mild winter and get ever closer to the joys of spring, we see wildlife beginning its new year. more...
WAITING FOR GODOT Swan Theatre, Worcester
NEARLY 50 years on after its premiere, Waiting for Godot, voted the most significant English language play of the 20th century in a recent Royal National Theatre poll, has lost none of its ability to amuse, bewilder and exasperate. more...
YEALIN AND CHAELIN CHUNG Kidderminster Library
THE two Korean sisters delighted the audience on Friday night when they made their recital debut at the 28th Young Musicians Recital organised by the Classical Music Society. more...
CHANDOS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Forum Theatre, Malvern
THE Songs of a Wayfarer that began an evening of Mahler, were a perfect counter to the titanic Sixth Symphony. more...
BEWDLEY CHORAL SOCIETY St Anne's Church, Bewdley
IT is very easy to hide rough edges in performance with sheer weight of sound or numbers, so the forces arrayed at St Anne's Church under Rachel Greenwood, just 17 players supporting 50 or so singers, were certainly vulnerable. more...
SPRINGTIME SWINGTIME Kidderminster Town Hall
KIDDERMINSTER Male Choir were in excellent voice on Saturday evening, with songs to please every taste, while their guests, Worcestershire Jazz Orchestra, had us all tapping our feet. more...
TOP GIRLS Warwick Arts Centre
CARYL Churchill's Top Girls was voted number 16 in a recent poll of the best plays of the past 100 years. I must confess I'd never heard of it before reading rave reviews of the Oxford Stage Company's excellent touring revival but - having seen it - I am now wiser but hard-pressed to easily describe it. more...
HEAVENLY MAC, Birmingham
HAILED as "the theatre of the 21st century" by The Guardian, Frantic Assembly had a lot to live up to and, inevitably, Heavenly, their latest touring show, did not quite hit these lofty heights. more...
ST JOHN PASSION by JS BACH Kidderminster Choral Society Kidderminster Town Hall
THIS is the lesser of Bach's two Passion settings that survive; two are lost, probably irretrievably. more...
HOBSON'S CHOICE, Birmingham Rep
THE revival of Hobson's Choice, best known for the film version starring John Mills and Charles Laughton, seemed a somewhat odd choice by recently appointed Birmingham Rep artistic director Jonathan Church, being a period piece - 1880 to be exact - if ever there was one. more...
CROOKED HOUSE The Tap House, Kidderminster
ALTHOUGH not a massive Crowded House fan, I personally find their laid-back sound the perfect accompaniment to those idyllic, lazy summer evenings. more...
A CHASTE MAID IN CHEAPSIDE Malvern Theatres
TO say this Chaste Maid was on the cheap side would be like saying Liberace's taste was a little brash. It must rank as one of the single worst pieces of theatre I've seen. more...
SINGLE SPIES Birmingham Rep
THE new season at the Birmingham Rep is proving very much a matter of two halves. more...
KATHERINE HOWARD Rose Theatre until Saturday
THE Nonentities have again triumphed, as this story of Henry VIII's fifth queen kept the audience riveted throughout and provided a most enjoyable theatrical evening. more...
THE SLIPPER AND THE ROSE Stourport Choral and Operatic Society Civic Centre, Stourport
YOU can visit the fairytale world of Cinderella at the Civic this week, where the popular film comes to life with sumptuous costumes. more...
ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Royal Shakespeare Theatre
OUTSIDE, objectors to the proposed redevelopment of the Stratford theatres (Hands Off Our Theatre) were protesting - in the most genteel way. more...
ROY MASSEY ORGAN RECITAL St Anne's Church, Bewdley
IT is always going to upset the purists to see old organs dismantled and digital pipe-less organs put in their place. more...
EDWARD III Swan Theatre, RSC
AFTER the fire and colour of Antony and Cleopatra which opened the new season, Edward III, now officially attributed to Shakespeare and never before staged at Stratford, was a drab affair. more...
KIDDERMINSTER AND HUSUM TWINNING ASSOCIATION, SILVER JUBILEE CONCERT Kidderminster Male Choir and Th
BOTH choirs will be visiting Husum next year, and this concert in celebration of the twinning of the towns, raised cash to help towards the trip. more...
SORROWS AND REJOICINGS Warwick Arts Centre
A CRACK cast, critical acclaim and the only performances outside London of a new play by veteran South African playwright Athol Fugard proved an insufficient draw at Warwick Arts Centre. more...
EASTWARD HO! The Swan, Stratford
TWO bright stars have risen out of this east - Lucy Pitman-Wallace, director of this rarely performed Jacobean caper and Amanda Drew, aka Gertrude, a comic tour-de-force as a would-be social climber. more...
ELIZABETH REX Birmingham Rep
BOUQUETS for Birmingham Rep and its director Jonathan Church for securing the UK premiere of Elizabeth Rex by Canadian playwright Timothy Findley - the second UK premiere at the venue following the recent hosting of the much acclaimed The Clearing at The Door. Plaudits too to Stephanie Beacham who is first rate as the Virgin Queen, near the end of her reign as the play opens. more...
Amy's View Rose Theatre, Kidderminster
ANYONE wanting an evening of light entertainment had probably better steer clear of this play, which runs at The Rose until Saturday. more...
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford
BUY, beg or steal a ticket to see Much Ado about Nothing at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre which is a joy from start to finish. more...
HELMET The Door, Birmingham Rep
HATS off to the Rep for staging theatre aimed at a younger/less traditional audience. more...
Mid-week music placed on tap
NEW monthly mid-week music will be hitting the Tardebigge pub every first Wednesday in the month. more...
Hitman Hanks takes to the road
WHETHER he's the likeable everyman who gets the girl in Sleepless in Seattle, lost on a desert island in Cast Away, or even as the voice of a toy cowboy in the Toy Story movies, Tom Hanks always seems to be the good guy. more...
THE THREE SISTERS, Malvern Theatres
IT has been observed that Chekhov is our second national playwright so strong an echo does he seem to find our collective consciousness, so often are his plays performed. more...
How grim Hannibal met the Tooth Fairy
IT was a daunting prospect, but I think it sort of worked out," veteran British actor Sir Anthony Hopkins says about revisiting Hollywood's favourite psychopath, Hannibal Lecter, for a third time. more...
Will Triple X see off James Bond?
ARE the days of the suave James Bond numbered? Is he about to be usurped by a louder, brasher new spy hero, more in tune with the rave generation? more...
THE ROMAN ACTOR The Swan, Stratford
IN a comeback comparable with England's restored World Cup hopes, the RSC at Stratford continues to ride the crest of a wave with its latest offering at The Swan. more...
LA TRAVIATA Ukrainian National Opera of Odessa Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
Verdi's glorious music again brought Dumas' "fallen woman" to life in style at the Alex last week. more...
Bond on show
An exhibition of paintings and drawings by Robert Bond opens at Redditch Library on Saturday. more...
WOMAN IN BLACK Malvern Theatres
IT could be I'm a lot braver than I thought. Either that or Malvern theatregoers are a nervous lot, judging from the jangled nerves on display during this touring production of Woman in Black. more...
DAVID QUIGLEY Kidderminster Library
I AM so grateful this talented young pianist managed to fit Kidderminster into his busy schedule. more...
Easter fun sewn up
REDDITCH YMCA is hosting fun activities over Easter. more...
Sandra's so sexy
THEY'VE spent months flirting and fuelling speculation that they're an item - but Hugh Grant's definitely not dating Sandra Bullock. more...
THE WINSLOW BOY Rose Theatre until Saturday.
THE Nonentities close their current season in style with this popular Terence Rattigan play, based on a true story. more...
De Niro's dilemma... you laughing at me?
ROBERT De Niro is transformed from a tough-talking mobster to an all-singing, all-dancing would-be Broadway star in his new comedy. more...
`When anyone says I'm pretty, I can't believe it'
There's no more respected actress working today in the film industry than Julianne Moore. The slim, luminous redhead is up there with the likes of Meryl Streep and Susan Sarandon, women who avoided any sex symbol packaging and have been allowed to shine on screen. more...
AS YOU LIKE IT Witley Court
IT is the second production of this popular Shakepearean comedy to open this month and the second to be rained on, if not off. more...
Tiny package packed full of talented energy
Actors becoming romantically involved while making a film together is almost an occupational hazard in Hollywood - but sometimes it's a match made in publicity heaven. more...
Bad boy's star is rising
LOOK out Hollywood there's a new bad boy in town. And it's fair to say that even Tinseltown has never seen anything quite like Irish actor Colin Farrell. more...
EMO PHILIPS Warwick Arts Centre
"I went out on a first date but I don't think I'll see her again. She got mad when I didn't open the car door - I just swam to the surface." more...
MINORITY REPORT UCI Cinema, Merry Hill
A FEW of the things you will need if you are planning to see this film are a two-litre supply of your favourite soft drink, 10 tonnes of popcorn and a strong bladder. more...
THE AMATEURS The Boars Head Tap House, Kidderminster
DESPITE being the entertainment reporter for the Shuttle/Times and News, I don't see as many of Kidderminster's bands in action as I would like. more...
SCOOBY-DOO (PG) UCI, Merry Hill
BEING a Scooby-Doo fan since childhood, it was a real treat to see my favourite cartoon characters transformed into real-life by actors. more...
SUMMER CONCERT Stourport Choral and Operatic Society Kidderminster Town Hall
ONCE again I enjoyed a relaxing evening of beautiful music, very varied, and well-performed in the company of this talented society. more...
Of Mice and Men n Review, Malvern Theatres
IN the news for all the wrong reasons lately, Matthew Kelly silenced his critics with a fantastic performance in Of Mice and Men. more...
HONK Civic Centre, Stourport
BASED on Hans Andersen's fairy tale, this is certainly not an "Ugly Duckling" of a show - it is most definitely a swan. more...
The Demon Headmaster n Review, Malvern Theatre Players, Malvern Theatres
acted against a set built on two levels a lively group of younger members of MTP presented themselves as pupils of St Campion's School. more...
Viennese Classics n Review, English Symphony Orchestra, Malvern Theatres
William Boughton, conducting the ESO, paid homage to three towering composers in Viennese Classics. more...
THE MATING GAME Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society, Rose Theatre, September 4-7
THE action revolves around Draycott Harris, a successful television chat-show host, who, contrary to his image, has had no luck with women. more...
A Minor Operation n Review, Conquest Theatre, Bromyard
WITH a war going on it might be easy to forget what a state the NHS is in. more...
LAURETTA BLOOMER AND ROBERT PUTOWSKI Kidderminster Library Friday, September 27
THE latest in the Classical Music Society's series of Live at the Library recitals began with Beethoven's Sonata in D Major. I was rather disappointed at a lack-lustre performance, though Bloomer was impressive, especially in the first movement. more...
RED DRAGON UCI, Merry Hill
Anthony Hopkins returns as charismatic cannibal Dr Hannibal Lecter in the prequel to Silence of the Lambs. more...
Time and Time Again The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster
I MIGHT have thought twice before going to see this play had I been half-awake and realised it was by Alan Ayckbourn. more...
THE SOUND OF MUSIC Civic Centre, Stourport
I SPENT a wonderful evening in the company of the Von Trapp family, courtesy of Carpet Trades Operatic Society. more...
BEWDLEY FESTIVAL
PAUL DANIELS more...
BEWDLEY FESTIVAL
GERMAINE GREER more...
BEWDLEY FESTIVAL
JULIAN LLOYD WEBBER more...
KIDDERMINSTER MALE CHOIR Town Hall, Kidderminster
IT is small wonder the Kidderminster Male Choir is so popular, as they have such a broad repertoire, with something to please everyone. more...
Lindisfarne
FOLK legends Lindisfarne finally arrived in Bewdley - a lifelong dream, the lead singer joked - on Friday to the delight of their Wyre Forest fans. more...
TONY BENN
TONY Benn appeared "unmuzzled" in front of a respectable festival audience to win over hearts and minds to his "subversive" agenda last Thursday. more...
Stephen Dorril
THE murky world of British intelligence was the intriguing topic of Kidderminster-born and bred author Stephen Dorril's talk. more...
28 Days Later.... UCI, Merry Hill
BLOODTHIRSTY zombies which actually move faster than a drugged tortoise? What a great premise for a horror film, I thought. more...
Simply the beauty of his music
n Chill with Satie more...
FORTIES MELODIES Stourport Choral and Operatic Society Kidderminster Town Hall
YOU did not have to be around at the time of the Second World War to enjoy this sing-a-long evening as the songs are so well-known. more...
His writing for voices is the best
Ave Verum Corpus - Motets and Anthems of William Byrd - The Cambridge Singers, directed by John Rutter more...
A DECADE OF KODYS Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section Wolverley Memorial Hall
A DECADE OF KODYS more...
Tasty treats from Baroque flute master
Johann Joachim Quantz Flute Sonatas, Mary Oleskiewicz, Baroque Transverse Flute more...
SARAH BETH BRIGGS Piano recital Kidderminster Library
OF all the recitals organised at this venue by the Classical Music Society, this rates as one of the best, and there has, surely, never been a more talented artiste there. more...
Raw vitality captured in simple songs
English Song Series: Ralph Vaughan Williams - On Wenlock Edge - Five Mystical Songs more...
The Freddie Starr Show Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre
A NIGHT of music, jokes and lots of innuendo - the Freddie Starr show was warmly received by its Kidderminster audience. more...
A journey through time and space
There is Sweet Music - English Choral Songs 1890-1950. The Cambridge Singers directed by John Rutter. more...
THE INNOCENTS The Nonentities, Rose Theatre, Kidderminster, until Saturday.
THEY don't make 'em like this anymore! more...
A journey through time and space
n There is Sweet Music - English Choral Songs 1890-1950. The Cambridge Singers directed by John Rutter. more...
THE KING'S DIVISION WATERLOO BAND Kidderminster Town Hall, December 6
THERE was a really relaxed and friendly atmosphere on Friday night, not least because of the band's musical director, Captain RW Hopla, who introduced the items with jokes and quips, often taking the rise out of his talented musicians. more...
Songs for slumberland from all around the world
Ninna Nanna, 1500-2002 sung by Montserrat Figueras (Alia Vox Audio CD) more...
KIDDERMINSTER MALE CHOIR CHRISTMAS CHARITY CONCERT Town Hall, Kidderminster
I ALWAYS look forward to this annual event, and am never disappointed. more...
Selection of comforting favourites
Chill with Rachmaninov, Various Artists more...
CAROLS AND CHRISTMAS MUSIC Stourport Choral and Operatic Society Civic Centre, Friday
THERE is always a special moment at this annual event, when children from the audience join Santa on stage and sing Away in a Manger. This year just a few children went forward, including one dressed, she said, as a princess, but Santa thought she was an angel, and the children sang so beautifully that members of the choir, and audience (me included) had to reach for our hankies. more...
Holy Grail of a choral collection
Hail! Queen of Heaven. Music in Honour of the Virgin Mary by The Cambridge Singers directed by John Rutter. Collegium Records. more...
ALICE IN WONDERLAND Kidderminster College
I have seen better productions than this at the college, but the cast were good, costumes colourful and imaginative and my young grandson enjoyed it immensely. more...
VIENNESE CONCERT Midland Concert Orchestra Kidderminster Town Hall
THE atmosphere of Vienna's Musikwerein was recreated in the second of what must now surely have become an annual New Year's Day concert. more...
GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Rose Theatre, Kidderminster Until Saturday
THE Nonentities' inaugural offering of 2003 is perhaps a debatable choice - and one not helped by the decision to try to adopt American accents for David Mamet's script about desperate salesmen. more...
BAND OF WEST MERCIA CONSTABULARY Kidderminster Town Hall, Saturday
THE band made a shaky start to this concert in aid of the Kidderminster Mayor's charity fund, making an error at the end of the National Anthem, and they didn't appear to know how to end Olympic Fanfare and Theme by John Williams. more...
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN UCI Cinema, Merry Hill
The story of Frank Abagnale Jr shows that teenagers really can make their dreams come true - as a Pan Am airline pilot, hospital doctor or qualified lawyer. more...
The Beauty Queen of Leenane The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster.
AFTER the decidedly ropey American accents in Glengarry Glen Ross, The Nonentities went from the ridiculous to the sublime in their latest production. more...
HALF A SIXPENCE Rose Theatre, Kidderminster Until Saturday
Flash Bang Wallop! what a show by Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society. more...
HOME FRONT Acting for Charity Theatre Baxter School, Kidderminster.
THE only prize that has, so far, eluded this talented group at Worcestershire Theatre Festival, is the one for an original play, so Vicky Bagnall and Jane Finch have written one. more...
LA TRAVIATA Polish State Opera of Wroclaw Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton
NO matter how often I see this wonderful Verdi opera, I still get a buzz out of that glorious music, from the excitement of the opening party scene, to the emotional ending. more...
AN EVENING WITH RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN Kidderminster Town Hall
STOURPORT Choral and Operatic Society's spring concert comprised songs from musicals, such as The King and I, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Carousel and Oklahoma!. more...
Coming soon... In The Garden
A new regular feature from the green-fingered team at the Kidderminster Shuttle/Times. more...
What's On
THURSDAY: Kidderminster: Town Hall - Tim Morris Lunchtime Organ Recital. Gainsborough House Hotel - The Classic Pop Show. Worcester: Huntingdon Hall - Simon Mayor and Hilary James. Stourbridge: Rock Cafe 2000 - Bad Obsession. Birmingham: Symphony Hall - Counter Phrases. Brierley Hill: Robin R'n'B - The Beach Boys Inc. Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2 - Deepest Purple. Civic Hall - Hall and Oates. Courtyard, Hereford - Orchestra of the Swan Family Concert. more...
Not such a good life
EVERYMAN Youth Theatre at Cheltenham will present the story of a group of convicts sent to colonise Australia in Our Country's Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker next week. It tells the story of a fleet of 11 ships carrying 736 convicts who were sent to Australia by the government in May 1787. more...
Expecting great things...
UNICORN Theatres is aiming its version of Dickens's Great Expectations, beginning at Malvern Theatres on Wednesday, at audiences aged nine to 14. more...
World at their feet
THERE will be some fancy footwork at Tewkesbury's Roses theatre next Wednesday when Transitions Dance Company members strut their stuff. more...
The chase is on for laughs
BISHAMPTON Barnstormers next production is the Whitehall farce Chase Me Comrade by Ray Cooney, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday next week at 8 pm in the village hall, Broad Lane, Bishampton more...
No handbag for Paul's Bracknell
A NEW small-scale theatre company is unveiling its first production from Wednesday, April 9-12 at the Playhouse Theatre, Bath Road, Cheltenham, with a cast of just two actors, each of whom will be performing solo for an hour, and in one case trying to pass himself off as Oscar Wilde's infamous matriarch Lady Bracknell. more...
Sixties hits back in full live show
MUSIC-lovers will be able to enjoy a trip down memory lane when The Solid Silver 60s Show hits the road once again. more...
Bonebox lads earn national respect with Big Issue vote
A musician has gained some national recognition after his band's LP was voted best alternative album of the year. more...
Destiny brought Kelly stardom
DESTINY'S Child diva Kelly Rowland will be thrilling fans when she comes to Wolverhampton Civic Hall. more...
Stumble along to Celtic culture as Battlefield Band entertain
THE Battlefield Band play the kind of music you dream of stumbling across in some remote pub and sing along to drunk out of your mind, without knowing any of the words. more...
Jessica's at home in Bronte country
I suppose as a rather crooked crow flies, Malvern could be described as about halfway between Royal Tunbridge Wells and the Yorkshire Moors. more...
Up the Junction
A VERY British tale of burning desire snuffed out by the constraints of society is being staged at Hereford's Courtyard Theatre. more...
Too dangerous to screen City showing for a film that hit problems
BACK in the early 1980s a Hereford film-maker made a documentary about the protest against a cruise missile base that was considered so dangerous that ITV refused to screen it nationally. more...
Café venue for Melting Pot's Valued Friends
MEMBERS of Worcester's Melting Pot theatre company will be stepping into the shoes of the likes of Jane Horrocks, Martin Clunes and Peter Capaldi. more...
Herring's show not for the easily offended
IF you are offended by descriptions of a man's manhood then you had better think twice before booking to see Richard Herring when his tour comes to Hereford next month. more...
I take my hat off to you, Tommy
AFTER rising to fame as one half of a double act, Jerome Flynn is now all alone on the stage - and wearing a fez. more...
Dancing to the lost sounds of Africa
BAWREN Tavaziva is one of the top choreographer composers working in the Black British dance scene today, and his latest mission is to stop the rhythms of his Zimbabwean homeland being forgotten. more...
Mice as nice Kelly
REVIEW: Of Mice and Men at the Festival Theatre, Malvern (until Saturday, April 5) more...
Celebrities line up for literary festival
BOOKER Prize winners, famous actors and a host of other celebrities are to descend on Cheltenham this weekend. more...
Delightful town, popular with visitors
Upton-upon-Severn is a delightful small town very popular with summer visitors. more...
No sign of creatures great or small
The rock which constitutes the Malvern Hills is a type of granite and it's among the oldest rock in England, so old that it contains no fossils because it pre-dates life on earth. more...
Bridge was the scene of a skirmish
The fields flanking the River Teme at Powick are known as Powick Hams, or sometimes Powick Commons. more...
Poetic journey to the station
This delightful linear walk leads through woods, meadows and orchards between the rail stations at Ledbury and Colwall. more...
Pastoral area of many gems
One of the most popular walking areas in Worcestershire lies just to the east of Droitwich where pleasant, pastoral countryside contains such gems as Piper's Hill Common and Hanbury Park. more...
Now's the time to walk this Way
IT'S always nice to hear from readers who enjoy doing these walks and it's interesting that so many of the letters and phone calls I receive concern the Worcestershire Way. more...
Lush green country and ancient trees
This lovely walk takes you through the lush green country to the north of Bromyard, providing glimpses of the secluded valley of the River Frome, and visiting the site of the deserted mediaeval village of Edwyn Ralph. more...
Loads to enjoy from Bewdley
A MONTH has gone by since we featured the first stage of the Worcestershire Way, so here's the second stage, a gorgeous walk of hills and valleys, woods and meadows from Bewdley to Abberley. more...
Loop the loop in Avon valley
This is an unexpectedly lovely walk above the Avon valley on the edge of Evesham. more...
Beauty at the edge of town
THE Rivers Severn and Teme play a big part in this lovely walk on the edge of town. It doesn't feel like an edge-of-town walk: once Diglis is left behind the downstream view is simply gorgeous, the Severn's well-wooded banks providing a lush green backdrop for the narrowboats and cruisers navigating this surprisingly rural stretch. more...
Small village with a big past
Those of you watching Simon Schama's BBC2 series, a History of Britain, may have been interested last week to see the Worcestershire village of Dodford featured. more...
Easy route for a summer afternoon
This is one of the easiest and pleasantest walks imaginable and ideal for a summer afternoon. more...
This is the Way to view country
IT'S time to tackle the third stage of the Worcestershire Way and, for many people, this may be the very finest stretch of the entire walk. more...
Don't let the rape stop you
THESE walks don't always work out as planned, especially in the east of the county, which has more than its share of neglected and deliberately obstructed footpaths. more...
Unique in England
AFTER the difficulties encountered last week in south-east Worcestershire, it seemed a good idea to head for an area where footpath problems are almost unknown - and where better than the Cotswolds? more...
Way to go for views, wildlife and rare trees
We left the Worcestershire Way a month ago at Knightwick so this is where we pick it up again for the fourth stage, a beautiful walk along the limestone ridges of the Suckley Hills. more...
On the trail of history
TEWKESBURY'S a remarkable town, with an enormous number of beautiful buildings surviving from the 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries. more...
A fine share of Cotswolds
Worcestershire's share of the Cotswolds may be small, but it's enormously popular: Broadway is always thronged with visitors. more...
Beauty from dereliction
THE Severn Valley Country Park spans the River Severn a couple of miles north of Upper Arley, linking the former coal-mining communities of Alveley and Highley. more...
Meadows and kilns on Way
THOSE of you who have been following my month-by-month hike down the Worcestershire Way since April will know that the end is in sight. You could easily complete the walk in one final day, but it would be a shame to rush through such lovely scenery so this is only the penultimate stage, just a short walk that will take you as far as Colwall Station. more...
Paths are on the wild side
This is another of those walks, which didn't turn out like it was meant to, defeated by the atrocious state of some of the footpaths. more...
End in sight
THIS is the final stage of the Worcestershire Way - though it's all in Herefordshire. more...
Saxon track
Astwood Bank developed in linear fashion along the Ridgeway, a prehistoric trackway which ran along the ridge which now forms the border between Worcestershire and Warwickshire just to the south of Redditch. more...
Panoramic views across the county
One of the most striking aspects of this lovely figure-of-eight walk is the panoramic view across Worcestershire that greets you when you reach the top of the ridge which runs to the south of Cleobury Mortimer. more...
Narrowboats line the trip
The Worcester and Birmingham Canal was built between 1791 and 1815 but enjoyed only a few decades of prosperity before it was superseded by the railway, after the Birmingham and Gloucester line opened in 1840. more...
Beautiful trees in Royal Forest
IN the Middle Ages a large area of north Worcestershire, south Shropshire and south Staffordshire was covered by a mixture of woodland and heath known as Kinver Forest. more...
Dazzling displays of bright autumn colours
NOW that autumn is here, the trees have already started to change colour, though it's a slow process which will continue in some species until December. more...
Oaks, owls and Elgar
Small, irregularly shaped fields, ancient hedgerows and lots of oak trees characterise this enjoyable walk close to town. more...
Up hills and down dales
With over 100 miles of footpaths in the Malvern Hills, it would be difficult to exhaust the walking possibilities. more...
Rare birds and a quiet valley
THE parish of Ombersley is one of the most intensively farmed in the county, so it's not particularly rich in wildlife. more...
Uncommon charms
THIS delightful walk has much to recommend it, but for many people the best bit will probably be from Knightwick Manor to The Grove Farm, where the path runs through a charming secluded valley then climbs gently uphill to give good views of the surrounding countryside. more...
An abundance of insects and other invertebrates
Documentary records show that Monkwood was granted to the monks of Worcester Priory in the 8th Century. more...
From salt town to county town
EVERY area has its classic walks which can't be improved upon and which are familiar to most local walkers. more...
Fine views and rock houses...
OPINIONS vary as to what makes a good winter walk. One thing is certain, however - the type of soil can play a huge part. more...
Fresh air, exercise and no mud at all
THE weather may have changed by the time you read this but, at the time of writing, the rain has been falling for weeks and shows no sign of relenting. more...
Discover some hidden assets
Ledbury was founded around 720, when a church was built close to the intersection of two important roads. more...
Rich legacy of buildings
Much of north-east Worcestershire used to be covered by Feckenham Forest, near Dormston, of which only tiny remnants survive today. more...
Saxon past in village church
Clifton upon Teme is a bit of a misnomer for a village which actually perches 194m above the River Teme on top of Clifton Hill. more...
Wildwood is forest's past
After the glaciers retreated at the end of the last Ice Age, Britain acquired a covering of broad-leaved woodland as the climate warmed up. Countryside historians refer to this woodland as "the wildwood". more...
Stunnning scenery with hidden treasure
Tucked away just out of sight and sound of the main road, Cradley is a charming little place nestling comfortably in the folds of the wooded limestone hills which rise just to the west of the Malverns. more...
Life on the Common is thriving
Castlemorton Common was once part of Malvern Forest, which was one of several Royal Forests designated by William I as hunting territory for himself and his successors. more...
Ferns 'n folly at Kyre Park
There are many good walks around Tenbury Wells, but this is one of the best. more...
Sandy heath and acid bog
Hartlebury Common belongs to the county council and was designated the county's first Local Nature Reserve in 1979. more...
Charm of the village centre
Hanley Castle is a small village today but was once much more important and might easily have grown into a town had Upton not overtaken it. more...
Tracking down traces of canal
In 1792 work started on the construction of the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire canal, to provide a link between Hereford and the River Severn at Gloucester. more...
Village post box has its own thatched roof
This attractive walk is a sort of figure-of-eight based on Inkberrow, so it's possible to do just half of it if you prefer to keep things short. But it's worth doing all of it if you can, perhaps taking a lunch break close to the halfway point at one of Inkberrow's two pubs. more...
Water, water everywhere!
ONE of the things which makes this walk so enjoyable is water: it's everywhere, and that means lots of birds. more...
Hop along to Suckley kilns
It may still be cold at times but the signs of spring are everywhere. more...
Killer vicar left to starve
BROUGHTON Hackett is a former farming community where att-ractive old cottages still survive among the modern developments. more...
News
Battle is on for district control
THE countdown to this year's Wyre Forest District Council elections has begun with the passing of Tuesday's deadline for nominations. more...
The Redditch Society
THE last talk was by Brendan Flynn, Curator of Fine Art at Birmingham Art Gallery, who spoke about the 'Pre-Raphaelites in the Birmingham Collection'. more...
Studley Operatic Society
REHEARSALS for High Society are going well and members are really looking forward to performing this year's show at the Palace Theatre from April 29-May 3. more...
Christmas Day on Snowdon
A GRANDFATHER will forego the comforts of family life on Christmas day to tackle the highest mountain in Wales to boost Kemp Hospice's building appeal. more...
Thanks for the party for Bidford's OAPs
I WOULD like to express, on behalf of my husband and I and I am sure, all the senior citizens concerned, our sincerest gratitude to Richard, Eve and all the caring committee of lovely people who contributed such a wonderful effort in providing a lovely party for the senior citizens of Bidford at Bidford Crawford Hall. A most enjoyable meal, lovely entertainment, lovely service in a lovely atmosphere by lovely people. We would like to think those caring people will be treated in a similar way when they become senior citizens. Many thanks again. more...
Redditch Photographic Society
ON March 18, the society enjoyed an audio visual lecture by Brian Jeffs entitled 'Himalayan Trek'. more...
Code of conduct to blame for exodus?
WITH the date of the parish council elections, getting nearer, some councils may find them short of the full number of people, short of the required number, even the most enthusiastic are put off by the Code of Conduct to be signed. more...
Redditch Animal Welfare Group
SINCE the start of the year members have taken part in demonstrations in Bromsgrove against Adidas for allegedly using Kangaroo skin to make football boots and have demonstrated outside two shops in Solihull which sell fur coats. more...
Treasury and cash in Gulf conflict
YOUR readers may be tempted to feel hard done by at the moment, with penny-pinched Worcestershire's paltry Central Government Education funding and their local Hospitals under threat from unsolicited debts! more...
Ladies Probus Club of Alcester
ON March 12, the visitors luncheon was held, which was very well attended by members and guests. more...
January 6, 1900
UNCONFIRMED reports via a Boer source claimed Capt Vernon, son of Sir Harry Vernon, from Hanbury Hall, had been killed at Mafeking, in South Africa. more...
Uncalled for view on certain religion
REFERENCE Evesham Journal `Waiting to hear from silent minority?' more...
`Babes' will add to workers' fund-raising
HEROES and villains will tread the boards next weekend to pull in the crowds and drum up cash for Kemp Hospice. more...
January 13, 1900
AT a meeting of Bromsgrove Rural District Council members heard a report by Dr Swete that there had been 23 births this month -- nine boys and 14 girls. more...
Defending the faith during the Iraq War
IT was very noble of John Spencer to reply to my letter of March 20, headed Waiting to Hear from the Silent Minority. more...
Kington with Dormston WI
PRESIDENT Jenny Cox welcomed members to the March meeting. more...
January 20, 1900
THE guardians at Bromsgrove's workhouse advertised in the Messenger for a cook. The successful applicant could expect a salary of £20 per year to include board, food and washing -- but not beer. more...
An alternative view on council tax rise
COUNCILLOR Pam Price has written to you about Council Tax (Journal March 27). She has to defend her seat in Alcester on May 1, yet she has written to you from the Liberal Democrat headquarters in Stratford. more...
Hopwood WI
Everyone had enjoyed the recent dinner at NEW College. The luncheon club has resumed its monthly lunches and lists were on display for various proposed outings. more...
Welcome for switch to hotel conversion
REACTION to Kemp Hospice's plan to move to new ready-made premises - at a huge saving - has been universally positive, according to the campaign manager. more...
Substitute 2nd verse adds a point of view
SHOULD our National Anthem properly be regarded as a hymn? It is a supplication addressed to God, and it appears in virtually every major hymn book, but its origins and authorship are obscure. more...
Bordesley Historical Society
THE society has lectures during the winter and outings during the summer. more...
January 27, 1900
BOURNHEATH was in mourning following the death of the five-year-old son of Mr and Mrs Fox. more...
Astwood Bank Flower Club
THERE was a very good attendance at the March meeting. Mrs Joyce Pinfield demonstrated six beautiful arrangements, which were then raffled as prizes. more...
Alcester WI
AFTER a warm welcome from the president, the speaker Maggi Cotton was introduced. more...
February 10, 1900
THE father of little Fred and Bessie Wall complained to Bromsgrove School Board -- which oversaw the area's schools -- that they had been savagely caned by Mr Jones, headmaster at Rashwood school where they were pupils. more...
Alcester Conservative Ladies Luncheon Club
THE February meeting was the AGM. The committee was thanked by chairman Mrs Helen Winder for their support during the past year. more...
February 17, 1900
CECIL Harmsworth, mid-Worcestershire's Liberal candidate in the forthcoming General Election, spoke to supporters at a rally in Aston Fields, Bromsgrove. more...
Haunted by 1943 crash
A WYTHALL man is on the hunt for information almost 60 years after a terrible wartime air crash near Redditch which has left him haunted. more...
Thumbs up to hospice
A HOSPICE has been given the green light to open an enlarged day centre at a Kidderminster hotel. more...
February 24, 1900
POTENTIAL landlords made their way to the sale of the Red Lion Public House, in Alvechurch. Bidding started at £300 and, after some spirited competition, it was sold to Henry Ward for £545. more...
March 3, 1900
A LOYAL Bromsgrove Rovers fan wrote to the Messenger suggesting townsfolk should show their appreciation of the club's recent success by going to more games. more...
Gift of artist is a winner
A SNOW-dusted scene of a church is selling like hot cakes as Kemp Hospice's Christmas card - boosting its appeal and earning the artist a bottle of champagne. more...
March 10, 1900
FREDERICK Rutter, of Bournheath, was charged on a warrant for being in arrears for £1 4s 6d (£1.22.5p) in regard to an order made by the bench calling on him to pay 3s 6d (17.5p) a week towards the support of a child of Amelia Griffin. more...
March 17, 1900
BROMSGROVE Rovers' impressive unbeaten run since October 14 ended when they lost 1-0 to Birmingham Junior League's bottom club, Windsor Street Gas, at the Nechells ground. more...
Roger switches on boost appeal
A SPECTACULAR seasonal sight has been unveiled to tempt people to dig deep for the Kemp Hospice appeal. more...
March 24, 1900
ALTHOUGH no longer a rarity on the roads, a motor car still attracted considerable attention. more...
March 31, 1900
THREE Bromsgrove bakers appeared before town magistrates charged with failing to carry proper scales on their carts while delivering bread. more...
April 7, 1900
BROMSGROVE Urban District Council elections broke all records this week -- more residents placed their vote and John Brazier, who headed the list, polled more votes than any other candidate before. more...
April 14, 1900
BEN Juggins, Walter Perrins and Alfred Hall, three lads from Aston Fields, found themselves in front of Bromsgrove magistrates charged with annoying residents of Factory Road by playing football with a paper ball. more...
April 21, 1900
THE Easter holidays were marred by gale force winds which never let up from Good Friday through to Tuesday. Even the oldest Bromsgrove residents could not recall such a "boisterous Easter", the Messenger said. It seriously disrupted outdoor activities such as cycling and football and many people preferred to stay by their firesides. more...
April 28, 1900
ABEL and Leo Jelfs, from Catshill, appeared before Bromsgrove magistrates charged with assaulting their other brother, Heber. The three were involved in a brawl on Heber's Horse Course allotment in the village after a disagreement over the land. The bench dismissed the case against Leo but fined Abel 1s (5p) with 10s 6d (52.5p) costs. more...
Champagne time for Geoff, 80
AN active eighty-year-old who is showing no signs of slowing down his fund-raising drive has received an early Christmas present. more...
May 5, 1900
A YOUNG pauper living at Bromsgrove Workhouse, said to be a bad boy and incorrigible, had been given nine strokes of the birch rod for breaking windows and stealing. more...
May 12, 1900
A RECENT farm fire at Bournheath, near Bromsgrove, where firemen had experienced serious problems obtaining water with a hand operated pump, led to renewed calls for steam equipment to be purchased. more...
Joy tinged with sadness
STAFF and patients at Kemp Hospice toasted their last Christmas at the current premises - with the New Year set to signal a fresh start. more...
May 19, 1900
FIFTY students who worked hard through the winter learning French and shorthand were put to the test during end of term exams. more...
May 26, 1900
THE half-yearly Court Leet and Court Baron of Lord Windsor was held at the Town Hall. more...
CBI chief will host concert
A CONCERT compered by one of the country's top industrialists is set to bring in £5,000 for Kemp Hospice. more...
June 2, 1900
THE parents of Pt William Dyers, who lived in Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, learned this week of his death from dysentery while serving with the 2nd Worcesters fighting the Boers in Bloemfontein. more...
June 9, 1900
HE sudden death of William Llewellyn, from Elmshurst, a Bromsgrove worthy in the true sense, saddened many townsfolk. more...
Thanks for decade of open air concerts
THE guardians of a unique garden - which they have opened in aid of Kemp Hospice for a decade - are the latest recipients of a sparkling gift. more...
June 16, 1900
100 years ago more...
June 23, 1900
CHARLES Gibbs, aged 31, a baker by profession, appeared in the dock at the Worcester Quarter Sessions charged with stealing various items, including clothing, from his employer, Charles Taplid, of Upton Warren. more...
Climber's festive trek to top of mountain
A COMPASSIONATE climber who experienced a "totally different" Christmas up a mountain for Kemp Hospice has survived to tell the tale - and collect his sponsorship. more...
Parish issues
SALFORD Priors Parish Council will be holding its annual meeting at the Salford Priors Memorial Hall next Tuesday.The meeting starts at 8pm. more...
100 years ago June 30, 1900
ALL Saints' Church, in Bromsgrove, took space in the Messenger to advertise its forthcoming garden fete at the vicarage. Included in a packed programme would be a parade of decorated cycles, a gymkhana, maypole dancing and a washing competition. Admission was 6d (2.5p) and 2d (1p) to park bicycles. more...
Annual meeting
BIDFORD'S annual parish meeting will be held in the parish meeting room at Bidford Primary School in Bramley Way on Monday, April 14. The meeting starts at 7.30pm. more...
100 years ago
A PECULIAR accident happened in Sidemoor, Bromsgrove. Mr Waldron, of Catshill, was driving in Broad Street when the seat of his cart tilted back and Mrs Giles and Mrs Horton, who were riding with him, were thrown to the ground. Dr Rowland was sent for and it was found both women had severe bruising. more...
Hospice work ready to start
WORK will start before the end of the month to convert a former hotel into Kemp Hospice's new enlarged day care centre. more...
July 14, 1900
EDWIN Docker, north Worcestershire coroner, held an inquest at the Turk's Head pub, in Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, into the death of Edward Wallis, of Peter's Finger. The nailer died the previous week in unusual circumstances. His wife, Ann, said the 48-year-old was in good health but addicted to drink. She found him lying dead on his bedroom floor. A doctor said there was no definite fracture to his skull, but a clot of blood was pressed on the brain. Both his liver and kidneys had stopped working from alcohol abuse. The jury returned a verdict of death from excessive indulgence in alcohol. more...
Call blocker wins award
AN Worcester-based IT company has won an award for an innovative product that stops the scourge of unwanted tele-marketing calls to homes. more...
July 14, 1900
100 years ago more...
Record-breaking price for new home in Worcester area
A PROPERTY development company has sold a new-build home for what could be a record price in the Worcester area. more...
July 21, 1900
WITH the soft fruit season now in full swing, the courts would be kept busy during the next few weeks dealing with what Bromsgrove's police chief, Supt Jeffreys, called "fruit picking nuisances" -- travelling casual workers. more...
Talbot is celebrating
A WORCESTER pub is celebrating after its parent company was named Pub Company of the Year in a prestigious awards scheme. more...
August 4, 1900
CHARLES Tandy was hauled before Bromsgrove Petty Sessions charged with being drunk in charge of a pony and trap in Stoke Heath. more...
Band pulls out the stops
ONE of the best brass bands in the country will again be pulling in the crowds in aid of Kemp Hospice next month. more...
August 11, 1900
TWO Droitwich soldiers, who had been invalided home from the war in South Africa, took part in a procession at Droitwich horticultural show held in Brine Baths Park, courtesy of John Corbett. more...
August 18, 1900
SUPPORTERS who packed into the Roe Buck pub, in High Street, for Bromsgrove Rovers' annual meeting heard the club was £45 in the red. more...
September 1, 1900
CONSCIENTIOUS objector Frederick Cullupp, a signalman from Stoke Works, successfully applied to Droitwich magistrates for his daughter to be exempted from compulsory vaccination. more...
September 8, 1900
WILLIAM Newport, a pauper at Droitwich Workhouse, was given 21 days' jail and hard labour by Spa magistrates who found him guilty of punching Mr Loader, the master, in the face. more...
Alas, poor Peter, I know him well
POOR Peter Luff. Last week, he was the subject of a scathing letter in the Evening News in the wake of the Swan Theatre saga. more...
September 19, 2002
PARLIAMENT is being recalled for one day on September 24 to debate the Iraq issue in a way I am led to believe that will be designed to avoid Government embarrassment. more...
September 15, 1900
THE swarm of bees which had gathered inside the large lamp in front of the Bell Inn, in Bromsgrove, on Wednesday was still there on Friday. more...
MP Bill breaks cover to claim the SAS
FROM the moment hostilities broke out in Iraq, I had been wondering which man would make the first move - Paul Keetch or Bill Wiggin. more...
September 22, 1900
AT a meeting of Bromsgrove Rural District Council, the chairman, the Rev C Stockdale, mentioned an outbreak of scarlet fever at Stoke Pound where the inspector said four people were removed to the Infectious Hospital without notification being sent to him from the doctor. more...
Piece of cake for family firm
FOR more than a year Kemp Hospice has been enjoying the sweet taste of a cake company's generosity. more...
September 29, 1900
A TRAMP who refused to perform his allotted tasks at Bromsgrove Workhouse seriously -- and assaulted the labour master -- paid a heavy price. Wm Barnes appeared in the dock at Bromsgrove Petty Sessions charged with neglecting to work, wilfully and maliciously breaking a lock and a pane of glass and assaulting the labour master, Charles Edmunds. more...
October 6, 1900
THE sitting Member of Parliament for East Worcestershire was returned to the House of Commons after standing unopposed. more...
October 3, 2002
LAST week I attended a valuable meeting of the Wyre Forest Youth Strategy Group. more...
October 13, 1900
NEWS that Pt B Twigg of the Worcestershire Yeomanry had been seriously injured fighting the Boers had got back to his family in Bromsgrove. more...
October 20, 1900
A NOVEL performance was set to take place at Bromsgrove's Drill Hall. A military drama, entitled For the Colours, would feature 14 Zulu chiefs and warriors brought over especially to England to appear in the main scene -- The Defence of Rorke's Drift. more...
October 10, 2002
A SUNDAY newspaper raised an alarm about possible closure of 60 hospitals due to the Government's plans for Foundation Hospitals. more...
October 27, 1900
WYCHBOLD'S recently opened telegraph office was doing good business. In the three weeks since it opened some 100 messages had passed through. This was good news for Dodderhill Parish Council which had guaranteed to underwrite any loss. more...
November 3, 1900
BROMSGROVE Urban District Council called a public meeting of ratepayers at the Drill Hall to consider the authority's plan to buy Llewellin's site to base the New Market and to consider the alternatives. A good turnout was expected. more...
October 17, 2002
BY coincidence I have been contacted by considerable numbers of people who have been fined for exceeding the reduced 30 mph speed limit on Chester Road South and also by others who feel that speed limits in other places are too high for safety. more...
November 10, 1900
THE Vicar of Bromsgrove said the conditions working men lived in were an obstacle to religion. more...
November 17, 1900
A SIDEMOOR man was charged twice with drunkenness on consecutive days, after 47 previous court appearances for the same crime. more...
October 24, 2002
I AM concerned that some constituents who have received fixed penalties for breaching the 40mph speed limit on Chester Road South in Kidderminster have written to me saying they have been advised on my behalf not to pay the fine. more...
November 24, 1900
A CURIOUS accident happened in Droitwich Spa on Monday night when a herd of cattle belonging to Mr Wall was being driven along High Street. more...
December 1, 1900
PLAYING a game of pitch and toss for money at the back of Market Street landed two men, James Giles, of Stourbridge Street, and Fred Stanton, from Church Street, in the dock at Bromsgrove Police Court. more...
December 8, 1900
THE name Housman, already distinguished in various forms of literature, had appeared again on a new volume by another member of the talented family. more...
December 15, 1900
BENEVOLENT members of Droitwich Board of Guardians decided to give an extra 1/- (5p) a week during the harsh winter months to paupers receiving relief but who still lived in their own homes. It had been proposed by the chairman, Sir Harry Vernon, from Hanbury. But board member the Rev Hammond claimed such a large increase would lead to much jealously and proposed halving it to 6d. A 1/- increase would mean the board having to find an additional £300 to £400 every three months. more...
November 14, 2002
LAST week was hectic with two debates in the House of Commons in which I took part and several votes to conclude outstanding business before the parliamentary session ended last Thursday. more...
December 22, 1900
THE post office in Bromsgrove was urging residents to post early for Christmas and, in any event, as early on December 24 as possible to ensure local delivery on Christmas Day. more...
January 5, 1901
WALTER Cotton, aged 24, a nailer, and Sam Pugh, 26, a labourer, appeared before the grand jury at the Epiphany Quarter Sessions, in Worcester, accused of stealing three tame fowl from Mr Lloyd, of Bromsgrove. more...
November 21, 2002
THE Severnside North flood defences were impressive when they were in position in Bewdley last week. more...
Brass raises brass
A WORLD-CLASS brass band is set to bring in up to £1,500 after hundreds flocked to Kidderminster Town Hall to see an "amazing" performance. more...
January 12, 1901
A CHRISTMAS concert was held at the Institute in Bromsgrove to raise cash for the parish church Sunday school treat. more...
January 19, 1901
A COW being driven down Bromsgrove High Street by a youth employed by Mr Lloyd ran off and entered Mr Noake's chemist shop. more...
January 26, 1901
NEWS of Queen Victoria's death cast a deep gloom over Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa. more...
February 9, 1901
THE Royal funeral on Saturday meant a solemn holiday for most people in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa. more...
On target for darts pledge
A DARTS marathon is aiming to hit its target of raising at least £1,000 for the Kemp Hospice appeal. more...
December 5, 2002
I VISITED Bewdley High School to meet 120 students from Year 10 to talk about life as an MP and to answer questions. more...
February 16, 1901
THE upper classes' almost constant complaints about the difficulty of obtaining good servant girls prompted two such young Bromsgrove women to write to the Messenger. more...
February 23, 1901
DESPITE the valiant efforts of her husband and Mr Dobbs -- a neighbour who fetched her brandy -- Jane, the 55-year-old wife of labourer George Brooks, of Alcester Road, Finstall, died in the middle of the night following a coughing fit. more...
Appeal for computer
THE Kemp Hospice appeals office needs a computer. more...
March 2, 1901
GEORGE Phillips, from Sidemoor, was brought in front of Bromsgrove magistrates charged with using foul language in his own home, but within earshot of the general public. more...
March 9, 1901
THE Chief Constable of Worcestershire announced record levels of convictions for drunkenness in the county, with Droitwich Spa being the third most intoxicated town where one in 73 people had been before magistrates for the offence. more...
December 19, 2002
I SUFFERED one of the aggravations of parliamentary life earlier this week when I sat through the whole of a debate for over five hours without a break and was not called to speak. more...
Plea for PC
THE Kemp Hospice appeals office has renewed its plea for a computer. more...
March 16, 1901
A WOUNDED soldier discharged from Bromsgrove Cottage Hospital started a fight with an Imperial Yeoman in Worcester when he said the other man was "no class," had been no further than Aldershot and that his kind could not be depended on by this country. The Yeoman knocked the wounded Irish Fusilier down into the gutter and stunned him. George Hughes, the Yeoman, was fined 5s (25p) while the fusilier was fined 2s 6d (12.5p) after Rev G F Hooper testified he suffered from enteric, which made him liable to excitement. more...
March 23, 1901
THOMAS Monkton, a boy living in Worcester Street, was brought before Bromsgrove magistrates charged with using a catapult in the road near his home. He was fined 2/6 (12.5p) including costs. more...
January 9, 2003
IDO hope everyone had as good a Christmas holiday as I did - seeing many family members. more...
April 6, 1901
PUPILS playing whip and top at Stoke Prior School were annoying people living nearby. Mr Carter had made an unsuccessful attempt to claim 3/- (15p) from Bromsgrove School Board for broken windows at his home caused by tops spinning out of control. more...
April 13, 1901
THE deputy clerk of Bromsgrove Urban District Council had received letters from the four boys who had broken one of its lamps. Each had expressed his sorrow and agreed to pay a share of the damage. more...
January 16, 2003
IT has been an interesting week. I took part in the debate on the Opposition Day Motion on Foundation Hospitals. more...
Workers happily pay up for appeal
EMPLOYEES at a Wyre Forest computer firm have been tucking in to help the Kemp Hospice Appeal. more...
April 20, 1901
WOMEN in Bromsgrove were keeping up with the sudden return of the fashion of wearing earrings. However, the prejudices against having ears pierced was very strong. Jewellers were getting round this by making them with gold clamps to hide the holes in ear lobes. more...
Hair styles on show
NEW College hairdressing students will be demonstrating their skills at a presentation next week. more...
April 27, 1901
"SALT King" John Corbett, one of Worcestershire's most worthy sons and a captain of British industry, died at his home at Impney, Droitwich Spa, on Monday, aged 84. more...
£600 raised by a nose!
A BELATED Red Nose Day was held at Trinity High School last week, netting more than £600 for good causes. more...
Sneak preview of new hospice home
STAFF and volunteers who had a look round Kemp Hospice's future home have predicted patients will "adore" the change. more...
January 23, 2003
The main news of the week is the devastating annual audit letter from the district auditor to the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust. more...
May 4, 1901
THE funerals of Sarah Broomfield and her mother, Harriet Laugher, took place at Bromsgrove cemetery. more...
May 11, 1901
A MEETING of parishioners and members of All Saints' Church met in the nearby schoolroom in Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, to discuss installing a peal of bells in the tower. more...
Make way for blade battle
YOUNGSTERS aged five to 11 are invited to battle it out to become the supreme Beyblading champion of Redditch at a tournament at Astwood Bank First School more...
May 18, 1901
MEMBERS and friends of Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club attended the annual supper at the club room of the Boat Inn to hear about the team's progress. more...
Slick on the draw
CHILDREN drew on the skills of a professional artist on Thursday when he visited St Stephen's First School in Abbeydale. more...
May 25, 1901
JOHN Richardson of Mill Fields appeared before Bromsgrove magistrates on a charge of not having a dog licence. more...
Licence to thrill
PUPILS at a Redditch first school used the movements and gestures of James Bond as part of a dance workshop. more...
June 1, 1901
JOHN Plain, a shopkeeper from Dunhampstead, appeared before Droitwich Spa magistrates charged with selling adulterated salt butter. more...
Success figured
A group of pupils from Trinity High School proved they all have a head for figures by winning awards in the National Maths Challenge. more...
100 years ago June 15, 1901
FOUR Birmingham men John Moore, Frederick Marriott, Henry Swatkins and Peter Farrell all said to be of dubious character and known associates of thieves, card sharpers and pickpockets appeared before Bromsgrove magistrates on felony charges committed at Rubery races earlier this month. more...
February 20, 2002
FIRST this week a word of warning! If you receive incapacity benefit you require 50 weekly credits per year. more...
100 years ago June 22, 1901
HUNDREDS of people lined the route from Bromsgrove Parish Church to Kidderminster Road to catch a glimpse of newly-weds Bromsgrove GP Dr Francis Coaker and his bride, Diana Carey, whose father was also a town doctor. more...
Parish says no to new homes plan
VIEWS of St Laurence's Church in Alvechurch would be affected by plans to build new houses, according to a Bromsgrove Council report. more...
June 29, 1901
HANNAH Guise, of Lloyds Yard, Worcester Street, Bromsgrove, appeared before town magistrates charged with using foul language in her own home to the annoyance of her neighbours. more...
February 27, 2003
AS I could not return to London as usual on Monday evening I was at the mercy of the railways to get me to London on Tuesday in time for Mr Blair's statement on Iraq. more...
100 years ago July 13, 1901
A CHAPLAIN serving in the Boer War reported that one night in Orange River Colony, the password for their camp was "Bromsgrove". Rev J L Findlay, former curate of St John's Church, was chaplain to a Worcestershire regiment in South Africa. "Send me more Messengers," he wrote to friends back home. more...
July 20, 1901
A DODFORD woman was fined 40s (£2) by Birmingham Police Court for harassing a passenger on a train from Birmingham to Selly Oak. more...
Learning centre on the move
REDDITCH Learndirect courses have been moved to a new venue on Prospect Hill. more...
Who has answers?
Visitors at Wythall Forum's next event on Monday will discuss questions posed by Barbara Nash. more...
Children to benefit from £1m
YOUNGSTERS in three areas of Redditch are to be asked what sort of facilities they would like to see provided as part of a £1.3 million pioneering project. more...
Spotlight on county news
RESIDENTS in Alvechurch, Beoley, Tardebigge and Wythall are invited to another spotlight meeting next week to keep them up to date with issues going on around them. more...
100 years ago August 3, 1901
THE topsy-turvy nature of the seasons this year was highlighted by Mr Read, from Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, who said he had been picking mushrooms from his garden for the past six weeks. more...
Voice launch
New project Voices will be launched at Birchensale Middle School on Saturday. more...
Comic success
Studley High School raised an impressive £1,780 for Comic Relief with lots of fun events throughout the day. more...
100 years ago August 10, 1901
PAUPER inmates at Droitwich Spa workhouse were to be trained in firefighting techniques when the ruling guardians got round to buying a hose. The cost-conscious guardians, who were forever looking for ways of saving money, were considering the plan after receiving a bill for £12/13/6 (£12.67.5p) from the town's fire brigade, who were called to deal with a blaze in the laundry. To make matters worse they didn't get their money's worth as it was out on their arrival more...
Scandal and exile ends the glittering career of an earl
MEMBERS of the Worcestershire nobility were very much in the news in Berrow's Journal this week exactly a century ago. more...
August 17, 1901
ALBERT Field, aged 18 months, was killed when he was run over by a horse pulling a bread cart in Gibb Lane, Catshill, where he had been playing with other youngsters. more...
Water gift for children with bottle
A 'WATER is cool' policy has been adopted by Tardebigge First School after giving all its children sturdy water bottles to drink from. more...
Fined for falling asleep in charge of a horse and trap
BEFORE the City Magistrates Court in 1901 was William Hughes, a butcher of The Shambles, Worcester who, reported the Journal, had pleaded guilty to being asleep in charge of a horse and trap at Spetchley, and was fined 7/6d plus costs. more...
100 years ago September 21, 1901
AT the start of the cricket season The Messenger had offered a prize of a bat worth a guinea (£1.5p) to the local player with the best batting average. more...
Graduates all set to shine in Cathedral
THOUSANDS of graduates will finally receive their degrees in a series of prestigious ceremonies at Worcester Cathedral. more...
City spire when it had a church
ON an inspiring religious note, the Journal of 200 years ago this week sought public subscriptions towards the urgent restoration of one of Worcester's most prominent and familiar landmarks. more...
100 years ago October 5, 1901
A PUBLIC meeting chaired by Dr Roden was held in Droitwich Town Hall to discuss forming a hockey club in the Spa. It was agreed that subscriptions be 2/6 (12.5p) a year. more...
Suite dreams come true
A BRAND new ICT suite has been officially opened at St Mary's RC Primary School in Studley by BBC television news presenter Nick Owen. more...
Top prize for Beryl's work
THE role of the German resistance during the Second World War proved to be an award-winning topic for a Herefordshire scholar. more...
Methodists come in for strong criticism
RELIGIOUS intolerance and prejudice was clearly rife in and around the Faithful City 250 years ago, judging by a remarkable report in the Worcester Journal for this week of 1751. more...
A model day for flying
MEMBERS of a Redditch club were on cloud nine at the weekend as the sun shone and they got the chance to enjoy their favourite pastime. more...
October 12, 1901
THE gales which had swept the district left a trail of damage in their wake. In Droitwich, a large elm tree snapped off in the grounds of the Worcestershire Hotel and landed in a small garden nearby. more...
School on TV
Walkwood Middle School became the set for a TV show when the Children's BBC Crush team visited for a day. more...
Faithful City marks the Restoration of Charles II
ON a celebratory note, the Journal of 250 years ago reported a day of special events in 1751 to mark the anniversary of the Restoration to the Throne of Charles II. more...
October 26, 1901
BROMSGROVE'S ancient Court Leet met for its autumn meeting in the Town Hall to elect a new Bailiff. The Reeve, traditionally the Bailiff elect, had left the area so the honour went to Thomas Roper. more...
Legion meal
The Astwood Bank branch of the Royal British Legion celebrated its 70th anniversary on Friday with a meal at the Bulls Head in Inkberrow. more...
November 2, 1901
ALFRED Byny, of Hanover Street, appeared before Bromsgrove magistrates charged with stealing a pea gun from his employer, William Newman, of Charford Farm. more...
April 3, 2003
SEVERAL people have written to me about the problem of high hedges. more...
City company almost landed in the pea soup
THIS week 100 years ago, panic was caused at a Worcester sauce and canning factory when a gigantic food order arrived from Whitehall. more...
100 years ago November 9, 1901
A DRUNKEN sailor was found lying helplessly on a railway embankment in Barnt Green after falling from a train travelling from Hull to Bridgnorth. more...
A family's tales of going to blazes
IT was the Sayce family that Worcester people urged to go to blazes in late Victorian and Edwardian times! more...
100 years ago November 16, 1901
SERGEANT G Housman, the youngest son of the late Edward Housman, solicitor of Perry Hall, Bromsgrove, had been killed in action in the South African war. more...
When girl power came to the railways
WONDERFUL years working on steam trains at Worcester during the last war are fondly remembered by Mrs Peggy Edwards, of Ronkswood. more...
Class award for school
A WYTHALL school has been presented with a prestigious award which acknowledges high standards in the work place. more...
When the force was with us...
THIS nostalgic montage of pictures of Boys - and Girls - in Blue comes from the heyday and, alas, final years of the Worcester City Police Force. more...
New move may be council tonic
AMBITIOUS plans could see Wythall Parish Council move to the same site as a new health centre being planned for the village. more...
The city man who wouldn't be beaten
ONE of Worcester's familiar and popular personalities is the ever courageous Don Baker. more...
Could be just your cup of tea
STUDLEY Baptist Church has embarked on a new venture with a Wednesday morning tea room and gift shop. more...
Champagne reward for hero of Ankerdine Hill
SCALING Ankerdine Hill on a bicycle a century back appears to have been seen then as almost akin to climbing Everest on foot -- at least, that's the impression given by an item in the Journal 100 years ago this week more...
Nets spoilt in just one day
THOUSANDS of pounds worth of equipment bought for Studley youngsters was vandalised after just one day. more...
All change for the euro
AS steadfast Sterling-lovers, we may have turned a blind eye to the launch of the single currency on Tuesday. more...
Generation game goes back 150 years
THE Bennett family of Callow End, near Worcester, have been familiar figures in the life of the village for six generations and for well over a century, from at least mid-Victorian times. more...
Parish meet
Residents in the Alvechurch parish are invited to the annual parish meeting tonight. more...
Plan ahead for a smooth ride
THOUSANDS of British families will be taking to the ski slopes for the first time over the next few months and despite high expectations it can all go downhill - fast. more...
Celebration time for 1,200 college students
THE first batch of students collecting their degrees attended their University College Worcester graduation ceremony yesterday. more...
Couple have helped bring out the best in youngsters
GENERATIONS of amateur soccer players in and around Worcester owe much to the likes of 78 years-old Bert Powell, who selflessly devoted half-a-century of voluntary service to local football. more...
Savoury spread is still a kitchen mate
LOVE it or hate it, Marmite still reigns as one of our favourite foods, despite being created 100-years-ago around the time Edward VII was crowned. more...
Village outlets in fight for life
OBJECTORS to road closure at Wyre Piddle when the new bypass is opened are expected to oppose the traffic orders, according to county councillor Liz Tucker. more...
Death masks survive at city medical centre
READERS have rapidly solved the "Where are they now?" mystery I recently posed over the whereabouts of death masks of convicts, who went to the gallows at the former Worcester County Jail in Castle Street. more...
New collection may just swing it for old M&S
We all know fashion is a fickle thing - but for Marks & Spencer, this adage is particularly true. more...
Vale memories recalled in book
MEMORIES of the Vale of Evesham as it was in the 1950s and 1960s are brought back to life in pictures in a new book Worcestershire Living Memories. more...
Life had to change
ALEXANDRA Gordon always wanted to study for a degree in art, but in her earlier life it never happened. more...
Tales of Willie still surfacing
ALMOST unbelievably, 72 years after his death, fresh stories still comes to my ears of the remarkable generosity and loving care shown to Worcester people by the legendary Woodbine Willie. more...
Pottering and teapots
THE stunning splendour of apple and fruit tree blossom in a beautiful English village, relaxing in the gardens of a pleasing teashop watching the world go by, the exhilaration of strolling in clear fresh air on a green hillside - these are a few of author Roger Noyce's favourite things. more...
Book-keeping was not exciting enough
A JOB book-keeping was not enough to excite UCW graduate Rachel Pritchard. more...
Flying cars - they're a vision of the future
If you're standing on a delayed train and reading the latest about Britain's transport crisis, travelling to work in a flying car sounds like a fantasy. more...
Never too late to stub it out
WITH all the warnings around no smoker can claim ignorance about the health risks attached to the habit but it's something that tends to be pushed to one side when the craving kicks in. more...
Let's slim down our waste-line
THE biggest campaign to cut down on waste ever to be launched in Worcestershire got under way at the Hill and Moor site near Pershore this week. more...
Honoured for training skills
ONCE a professional rugby league player, Alan Curless is now involved with the education and training of young people across the two counties. more...
Talking Newspaper has 90 year-old remembering
MEMORY Lane continues to receive reader responses to earlier pieces about the former St Nicholas Girls' School at Worcester. more...
A Revenge Valentine for the one you're off
IT'S the day when singletons eventually start imagining happy couples skipping past hand-in-hand as they walk down the road. more...
Bowling along to a funeral on the local green
SINCE the time of the Neanderthals, the dead have been buried using ceremonies which have followed similar patterns for hundreds of years at a time. more...
Cricket club finds another six years of history
WHILE Evesham Cricket Club is having an excellent season - currently topping the League by some distance - interest continues in the history of the club, with more coming to light following the recent article in the Journal. more...
Re-union brings trio together for first time in 50 years
SOMEWHAT self-indulgent, maybe, but I hope I can be forgiven for regaling readers with my own pleasure and surprise at a recent re-union. more...
Overdosing on comfort telly to escape reality
IN the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, pundits predicted a rise in the popularity of serious and "hard hitting" television programmes. more...
Start planning your jubilee celebrations
The Queen's Golden Jubilee promises to be a celebration like no other. But if you haven't been invited to a party at the palace, organise a right royal knees-up in your own backyard. more...
Keys to successful learning
PERSHORE folk are logging on in their droves to take advantage of a new learning facility in the town. Since it opened on the site of Seals outfitters in June more than 150 people have become members of Pershore On-line. more...
The comedy artiste, band leader and mayor
SOMBRE may have been his surname but Jack Blackman brought light, colour and cheer to the Worcester scene for more than a-quarter-of-a-century as a dance band leader, compere and comedian. more...
Old favourites enjoying boom
TODAY'S kid-ults may have succumbed to the irresistible lure of the PlayStation and Harry Potter, but mention classics like Basil Brush and a smile will surely follow. more...
After Popstars and Pop Idol it's Totstars
Throughout showbiz history there are many tales of child stars rising to the pinnacle of fame only to come crashing down as they grow older. more...
Michael's sketches capture life in RAF
A REGULAR contributor to the pages of the Journal with his sketches of the local scene, Michael J. Barnard has recalled his time with the Air Training Corps in bringing many of them together in a new book. more...
Top marks for all
The last of three days of graduation ceremonies brought to you by the Worcester Evening News. more...
Re-union bash for former residents of a Worcester street
CALLING all people who lived in the Foxwell Street area of Worcester between 1930 and 1945, or who went to Red Hill School during the same 15-year period. more...
The bear essentials for top Mother's Day
THE thought of becoming a mum is both exciting and daunting - I should know, I'm giving it a go myself this August and I'm on the edge of my seat, literally. more...
Remembering the Titanic 90 years on
For most of us, the sinking of the "unsinkable" Titanic is a tragic piece of history, an unforgettable disaster of the 20th century. more...
100 years ago November 23, 1901
THE demolition of the old Indigo Works, in Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, was yet another lost link with the town's past, the Messenger said. more...
The big guns who helped win the war
SIMPLE patriotism and a realisation that he was helping finish off something started by the 1914-18 war was the reason behind Denis Falvey's decision to join the Royal Artillery before World War Two after what he described as a 20-year half time break. more...
Top marks for all
The second of three days of graduation ceremonies brought to you by the Worcester Evening News. more...
Cromwell causes city unrest with plaque hopes
A SECOND BATTLE OF WORCESTER - this time in words, not slaughter and bloodshed - was breaking out between Royalists and Cromwell supporters at this time 50 years ago. The war of words in 1951 was mainly in the Council Chamber of the Guildhall and came three centuries after the original fateful battle of September 3, 1651. This year is, of course, the 350th anniversary of the Battle of Worcester. more...
£6,000 prize for the quit-smoking champ
THERE'S no getting away from the fact that, for millions, a fantastic night out, a worthwhile teabreak or simply a peaceful moment go hand-in-hand with the click of lighter and a long, satisfying drag. more...
Clem thanks his lucky stars
DURING the Second World War, the average number of missions flown by Allied bomber crews before something nasty happened to them was seven. more...
November 30, 1901
MR J Wright, from Sagebury Terrace, Stoke Works, received the sad news from two of his comrades that his son, Pt E Wright, had been shot and killed at Pampasfontein, in South Africa, on October 24. more...
130 years of life on county's beat
ON the face of it, From Fruit Trees to Furnaces does not sound much like a book about the police, but Mr Pooler said the title reflected the different aspects of Worcestershire. more...
NEWS ITEMS DOWN THE YEARS
Blooms boom in fashions forum
Spring is in the air and flowers are blooming and that's just in the high street. more...
Toll routes to offer riders a safer option Off-road scheme for horses is on track
AMONG a whole host of outdoor activities that hit the buffers last year when foot-and-mouth paralysed the countryside was an innovative scheme to make life easier for horse riders. more...
December 14, 1901
A WORKING MEN'S social club opened in Catshill creating great excitement in the district. Some years ago a reading room had been created, but had closed though lack of interest. more...
Top marks for all
The first of three days of graduation ceremonies brought to you by the Worcester Evening News. more...
Rival camps honoured King and Parliament
WE'RE aproaching the 50th anniversary of the Second Battle of Worcester which, unlike the awful carnage of the first, was simply a war of words between Royalist and Cromwellian factions. more...
Choose the palette for perfect lips
A QUICK slick of lipstick can instantly transform your face, so it's no surprise it is considered the most essential item in a woman's make-up bag - if not in life. more...
Society moving on since the Jubilee
WHAT a difference 25 years makes. A generation after the Queen's Silver Jubilee, British society has definitely moved on. more...
100 years ago January 4, 1902
SOME pub landlords in Bromsgrove had already found a loophole in the new act which came into force on January 1, banning children under 14 from buying intoxicating liquor - they fastened down the corks with gummed paper. more...
A haunting memory
They all pulled together through dangers, more...
Putting smiles back on faces
YANKS at the dentists in Worcester a century ago certainly didn't mean the painful pulling out of teeth! more...
...but the business is still booming
TYING the knot is officially back in fashion, but that magical day doesn't come cheap. more...
Who'll be singing at the next tribute?
WITH more people tuning into the Party At The Palace than the England v Sweden match, it's obvious that the Jubilee pop concert was a massive success. more...
100 years ago January 11, 1902
RUBERY Hill Asylum advertised in the Messenger for male attendants, preferably those skilled in bookbinding and gardening, at a salary of £28 per year including board and uniform. It would rise by £2 a year to a maximum of £34. more...
Hospice offers invaluable care for cancer sufferers
BEING diagnosed with cancer is traumatic enough, but much more so if people have few family and friends to support them. more...
Back on track, the first female guard
MY article a few weeks ago about the women who served as railway guards on the steam trains of wartime Worcester overlooked at least one of those worthy young ladies. more...
Mobile giants WAP up market
DID you know footie fans will be able to watch Saturday goals on their mobile phones within three years? more...
Seeing the point of protecting your eyes
OUR eyesight, arguably the most precious of the senses, is all too easily strained and fatigued by the long office hours and polluted cities of modern life. more...
100 years ago January 18, 1902
VILLAGERS and staff employed at the Isaac Nash scythe works in Belbroughton risked their lives when they formed a human chain to use buckets of water to tackle a blaze at the factory. They also managed to move tens of thousands of scythe blades and hay knives from a nearby warehouse which was in danger of catching fire. Firemen, summoned from Stourbridge, took an hour to reach the scene by which time the immediate danger was over. more...
Locals are raising money and a smile
IT'S November - it must be time for Children in Need! more...
Principal looks at life from other side
THE principal of Worcester College of Technology found out what it was like to be on the receiving end of a graduation ceremony when he was awarded an honorary degree from the University College Worcester. more...
Pulling the pints down the generations
MILLIONS of pints must have been pulled for Worcester people by the Roberts family of publicans during much of the 20th Century. more...
Why not share your memories with us
THOSE of you with enough years on the clock might like to jog the old memory bank - while those of you too young to be able to remember back 50 years might enjoy a brief history lesson. more...
Author denies `the real Bond' claims
A FORMER Second World War special agent now living in the Cotswolds dismisses claims that he was the model for Ian Fleming's hero James Bond. more...
Teacher takes learning prize
A HEADTEACHER at a Shropshire primary school has combined teaching with her own learning. more...
Young happy to cash in on credit
OUR parents and grandparents would never have dreamt of missing a mortgage repayment and using the cash to pay for a holiday. They'd have seen such behaviour as downright irresponsible. more...
More Mr Darcy than Mr Nasty
HE may not wear breeches any more but the British gentleman is not dead. In fact he is alive and well and heralding in a new age of romance. more...
100 years ago February 8, 1902
TRAMP William Meysey found himself in front of Bromsgrove magistrates charged with sleeping rough in Mr Banner's hay barn at Lickey Square and having no means of subsistence, not even a pipe, tobacco or matches. He told the bench he was walking from Birmingham to Wales in search of work and had sought shelter in the barn from a snowstorm. He was let off on condition he left the district forthwith. more...
Time to rethink rubbish re-use
RETHINKING rubbish is the purpose of a new website which has been launched in Worcestershire. more...
Winner of the Bosch award
THE owner of a Malvern business collected an award for his management skills at his graduation ceremony. more...
Brothers born with entertainment in their blood
THE three Bowley brothers - Jim, Mike and Wal - have given much enjoyment on the Worcester music and entertainment scene during the past half-a-century or so. more...
At the very bottom of an age-old problem
WITH a snotty sprog on the way, I'm forced to contemplate the inevitable. more...
Why gentlemen still prefer this blonde
WITH her platinum blonde hair, scarlet pout and trademark wiggle, Marilyn Monroe was the 20th Century's ultimate sex symbol. more...
50 years ago February 9, 1952
THERE was an upset at a land sale held at the Golden Cross Hotel in Bromsgrove when town auctioneer A Victor Powell was suddenly forced to withdraw a 16 acre plot at Broad Street Sidemoor, belonging to Mr Rencher at the last minute. The district council, which previously had twice been offered the site, dramatically declared its intention to put a compulsory purchase order on it. more...
A sad time for victims of the British winter
THE festive season is fast approaching but for many it is hardly a time of joy. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a much publicised winter depression which reputedly affects about half a million people each year. more...
Three generations of serving the essentials
A RARE selection of old photographs of Worcester scenes and personalities graces Memory Lane as the lives of three generations of the Bryan family are traced. more...
Cut the growth in garden crime
READ the News Shorts which line the Evening News and you can't fail to spot intriguing tales of stolen mowers and pilfered power tools. more...
Being a man can be bad for your health
FOR centuries women have been thought of as the weaker sex but a new US study has revealed the opposite - men's health and well-being is much more at risk than women at every point during their - usually much shorter - lives. more...
25 years ago February 4, 1977
LEE Garry, of Margesson Drive, Barnt Green, was fast making a name for himself in the under 14s world of badminton. Having won almost all the local and county tournaments, he recently had added the Sussex Open Junior Trophy to his tally. more...
Carefree karters do not count the cost
IT'S an expensive experience in terms of tangible rewards but youngsters and adults alike - in the words of Kevin Keegan - just love it! more...
Mystery box of photos spark a search for Doc
DETECTIVE work is again asked of Memory Lane readers as I try, to identify the doctor who compiled 13 photo albums, now in the possession of the Worcester City Museum. more...
New diet aiming to cut out the calories
IT'S taken as read by many that putting on shed loads of weight stems from eating too much and exercising too little. more...
Train body and mind to defy growing old
IT'S your birthday. But as you blow out the candles on the cake your heart sinks - another year, another step towards old age. more...
Helping families deal with trauma
FOLLOWING so much heartache in the Vale in the wake of the M25 coach crash, The Journal looks at the role of police family liaison officers, who have been on hand for the families more...
The cataloguing of a company history
CALLING all past and present employees, agents and customers of Kay's who may have memories or memorabilia to impart about this 207 year-old Worcester company. more...
Path to a perfect pad fraught with danger
You're looking around house number 20 on your list. It seems perfect but if only...... more...
Chips are down for the couch potatoes
Slumping on the sofa like Jim Royle to channel surf while munching through a packet of crisps might seem the perfect indulgence after a hard day at work. more...
25 years ago February 11, 1977
FORMER North Bromsgrove High School pupil Elizabeth Williams, aged 21, had been successful in winning through to the forthcoming Miss ATV beauty contest. more...
It's proof that you are never too old to try to learn
YOU are never too old to learn, as one Evesham mother discovered when she signed up for a national Learndirect course two years ago. more...
Church search
THE search is on for a private or Government enterprise willing to back ambitious plans for the redevelopment of a Headless Cross church. more...
Henry tells it how it was...
BBC Antiques Roadshow expert Henry Sandon of Worcester has told me of a highly amusing incident witnessed on Pitchcroft about a century ago. more...
Flexible friends control the stars
WHETHER crabby Cancer or sassy Scorpio, your star sign could determine how you use your flexible friend, according to a new study. more...
Beer? Ugh!
In recent years women have been catching up with men on everything from pay to job prospects - and even drinking habits. more...
50 years ago February 16, 1952
THE death occurred at his home - Blackmore Lodge in Bromsgrove - of Mr Louis Kings, the chief test engineer at the Longbridge car plant. He was 63. Thirty years ago he had worked alongside Herbert Austin, in great secrecy, to develop Britain's first "baby" car. more...
The jaws of the credit trap are open
AS shoppers make their annual trips to buy Christmas presents for their loved ones, the temptation of spending that little bit more becomes irresistible when confronted with that friend called credit. more...
Couple face no charges
A COUPLE have been released without charge following the death of a Winyates woman two months ago. more...
A testament of time for 300 year-old Friends
THE Religious Society of Friends - The Quakers - have now been influential figures on the Worcester scene for almost 350 years. more...
Novelty gems fuel the footie
ARE wa David Beckham da, are wa David Beckham da..." more...
Exorcize stress with a daily dose of exercise
Most people would say they have suffered from stress at some point in their life, whether it is work-related, linked to a major event or just the pace of modern life. more...
100 years ago February 15, 1902
JAMES Vines, lock keeper of Astwood, Droitwich, appeared before Spa magistrates charged with setting rabbit snares on Sir Harry Vernon's land at Astwood. The court heard William Sergeant, his gamekeeper had caught him in the act after keeping watch in a field all night. Vines was fined 10/- (50p) with 7/6 (37.5p) costs. more...
The Moore the merrier
A RECENT chance meeting in Worcester Cathedral with a young woman from Canada has prompted me to give this week's insight into a family who had a significant impact on the community life of the Faithful City through most of the 20th Century. more...
Most dads will be happy with a card this Father's Day - but a new survey reveals they could ask for
WORLD Cup fever may have rendered dads inactive at present, but you may be surprised to learn how much the average father does in return for a pair of socks on Father's Day. more...
Real pain in the back for adults
Whether it's a slight tweak as you turn your head to talk to a colleague or a more serious injury such as a slipped disc, most people have experienced some sort of back pain. more...
100 years ago February 22, 1902
RESIDENTS were urged to voice exciting ideas to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII at a public meeting called by Bromsgrove Urban District Council. more...
Posties gear up to deliver a million cards in a week
ONE of the great joys of Christmas is getting extra post, with messages of goodwill falling onto the mat alongside the regular clutch of credit card bills and junk mail. more...
Olympic donation
THE town branch of Matalan has donated £1,400 towards new sweatshirts for Redditch Special Olympics. more...
Right royal conspiracy?
A CONSPIRACY theory is emerging, five centuries on, surrounding the death of Arthur Tudor, the 15 year-old Prince of Wales, at Ludlow Castle in 1502. more...
Instant and easy, but is it safe for the High Street?
ANYONE who saw the TV documentary Saving Face a few weeks ago is probably in two minds about the quick-fix wrinkle blasting surgery, Botox. more...
Health Commentary Special n SAD sufferers can find relief by sitting in front of a box
Let there more...
50 years ago February 23, 1952
PLANS were afoot to build an adult learning centre at Colmers Farm Secondary Modern Boys School, in Bristol Road South. It would provide a meeting place for adults to enjoy cultural and recreational activities. more...
`Don't have one for the road' is police's warning to drivers
DRINKERS in Vale pubs this Christmas will be confronted by the image of a man in a wheelchair staring back at them from their beer mats. more...
Unit opens to recruit
REDDITCH'S 37 Signal Regiment opened its unit as part of a high-profile recruitment campaign launched on Saturday. more...
Families were at home in the hall
The fascinating and painstakingly researched new book Perdiswell Past and Present by Joan Hinks tells us much about the well-to-do families who lived in the country mansion which stood at the heart of the area. more...
Mother's coming to stay? Place is a tip? Never fear...
YOUR mother, no matter how much you love her, can always terrify you with the simple words: "I thought I might stay for a few days". more...
TB went out with the Victorians... didn't it?
MOTHER-of-two Sarah Jinks is among the new generation of people who are mysteriously catching TB. more...
25 years ago February 18, 1977
READERS were told work on the M42 would begin within the coming year. Plans were discussed at a joint meeting of Bromsgrove District Council and Hereford and Worcester County Council. Community leaders also said the new motorway would hopefully be linked with the M5 by 1982/83. more...
All the world's a stage as website reveals RSC's hidden treasures
TUCKED away on an industrial estate in Stratford, an inconspicuous doorway leads into a warehouse of hidden treasures. more...
Paras offer help to families
THE town branch of the Parachute Regimental Association is offering help and support to Redditch families who may have relatives out in the Gulf at the moment. more...
Happy ending to lost albums saga
MANY readers have telephoned or written in since I recently published a portrait photograph taken more than half-a-century ago. more...
100 years ago March 1, 1902
BROMSGROVE Musical Club was tuning up for its annual concert at the Drill Hall. more...
Beware of dangers during cold snap
THIS week's cold snap has highlighted the difficulties and dangers posed by sub-zero temperatures. more...
Babies bounce to music
YOU'RE never too young to boogie - that's certainly the philosophy of one Kidderminster teacher who has just struck up a series of new music classes for babies. more...
Are you getting all ready to pucker up?
Are you ready to pucker up and delight someone you fancy? If not - why not? more...
Weighty issue must be tackled globally
IT is said that when the USA sneezes, the rest of the world catches a cold. more...
50 years ago March 1, 1952
TALENTED actors from a parish near Bromsgrove set the stage alight when they presented a Welsh comedy to fellow villagers. St Andrew's Dramatic Society members starred in Wishing Well, a humorous play about a country inn. more...
Rail line supporters have two reasons to celebrate
THE year 2003 will be a double anniversary for the Oxford to Worcester rail service - or the Cotswold Line, as it is often known. more...
Spar move
A Winyates convenience store has been sold after almost two decades in the same ownership. more...
Richard's handouts down the centuries
WORCESTER people are still benefiting from the generosity of a wealthy city clothier and merchant who lived four centuries ago. more...
Going veggie is great - if you can do without meat
I CAN safely say that I would die if I tried to become a vegetarian. The only vegetables I like are mushy peas and sweetcorn, and there are only so many satisfying meals you can make out of those. more...
This hospital's nursing wage bill has gone up by millions since 2001...
WORCESTERSHIRE Royal Hospital has been hit by an expensive double whammy this year, which is wasting precious resources at an alarming rate. more...
50 years ago February 25, 1977
BROMSGROVE community leaders wanted detailed information before they would accept that more than half of 117 homes modernised in Catshill suffered from varying degrees of damp. The complaints were raised at Bromsgrove District Council's housing and health committee after Bromsgrove MP Hall Miller and two councillors visited the estate. They found 61 homes had damp and in some mushrooms were growing out of walls. The authority's environmental health expert said condensation and rising damp caused the problems. Councillors called for a detailed study. more...
Plea as drivers force riders off the roads
HORSES are dying and being maimed as a result of drivers speeding along country lanes, a Broadway vet believes. more...
Leading rivals a pretty dance
A TALENTED young dancer hopes to add to her awards at a festival next month. more...
Couple made re-union a possibility
IN today's insular stay-at-home, armchair TV society, it was a delight the other evening to attend a large-scale re-union in Worcester with all its human hubbub. more...
New town HQ for area police division
THE headquarters of West Mercia's largest policing division have been set up in Kidderminster following boundary changes designed to help the fight against crime. more...
Save your skin with a bottle of the finest factor
IT has always struck me as being a particularly British custom that we lie on a beach and stay there until our skin is seriously damaged, but apparently we're novices compared to the Australians. more...
Bid to beat Britain's biggest killer
LUNG cancer is the biggest killer of both men and women in the UK, with 40,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. more...
100 years ago March 8, 1902
RESIDENTS in the north of Bromsgrove were to meet next week at Lickey End Board School to decided on what form the celebrations to mark King Edward VII's coronation in June would take. One of the chief considerations would be money, as the urban district council was unlikely to chip in. more...
Pupil's report led to village school's story
A HISTORY of Badsey First School, for publication to coincide with the 150th anniversary in 2004, is being written by Maureen Spinks, a committee member of The Badsey Society. more...
Crash passenger dies
A WARWICK man died after a car crash on the A435 Hollywood bypass. more...
Full steam ahead for the war effort
Sixty years ago, the people of Pershore and surrounding villages raised a staggering £200,000 to fund a new Royal Navy Corvette. more...
Swing a song of golf clubs
EVERY year, The Open golf championship is responsible for thousands of rational people taking up the most addictive, infuriating game known to man. more...
Reach for the stars
WITH a whole new year ahead, who knows what 2003 will have in store? more...
Police step up their conmen crackdown
ELDERLY and vulnerable people all over the country are increasingly being targeted by conmen who are out to rob them of their savings. more...
Rail users in survey
REDDITCH train users will be asked to take part in the first ever commuters' survey this month. more...
China crisis with its list of archives
ROYAL Worcester, a major employer in the Faithful City for 250 years, is looking for the help of past and present employees and their families and descendants. more...
Jodie makes a model date
PAGE Three wannabe Jodie Wilkins claims she was born to be a glamour model. more...
Be prepared for queues, expense
THE summer holidays are here and children everywhere have been released from their schools and left in the hands of their despairing parents. more...
People need a greater say in future of NHS
2002 was another busy year for Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor. Richard Babington asked him what he feels he achieved last year, and what his aims are for this year. more...
50 years ago March 8, 1952
A PROPOSAL by Mr W Neal that subscriptions for members of Bromsgrove Cricket Club be increased was resoundingly rejected at their annual meeting held at the Golden Cross Hotel. more...
Boffins who brought us the white sliced loaf
TUCKED away in a quiet corner of the Cotswolds is a remarkable research organisation that helps to safeguard the quality of our food and is one of the biggest employers in the area. more...
Jabs on the menu
POORLY pooches and queasy cats will now be able to enjoy the services of a new pet vaccination clinic which opened on Monday in Wythall. more...
Atten'shun as museum's war project takes aim
YOUR military musuem needs you ...that's the clarion call to ex-servicemen of the Worcester area! more...
Best buys for southpaws, cack-handers and mollie dookers
THEY look like normal people, smell like normal people and even sound like normal people. They usually behave quite acceptably in public and can even hold down regular jobs. more...
Act now before services vanish
ANYONE who witnessed last week's board meeting of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust would not exactly be filled with confidence. more...
25 years ago March 4, 1977
STANLEY Nokes of Quarry Lane, Bromsgrove, realised a dream that tantalised millions of people every week, when he won a fortune on the pools. He was shocked when a representative from Littlewoods called to say he had won at least £20,000, but was even more surprised later to learn he had in fact scooped a £38,703 dividend. more...
End of an era as village's historic post office closes
THE closure of Broadway Post Office marks the end of an era. For more than 100 years villagers have bought stamps, picked up their pensions and stopped to chat in the same building which has witnessed historical events on a local and national scale. more...
Time to set stage on fire
RESIDENTS are invited to showcase their talents as part of the huge Community Arts Festival Event (CAFÉ) being held in Redditch this summer. more...
Christmas past - 1945
OLD-TIME XMAS ATMOSPHERE - "Christmas this year should be an extremely happy one. It is the first peaceful festival since 1938. For weeks the stores have been crowded and, although there was not a great choice of presents, shoppers managed to find something, and cards and calendars, though expensive, seemed to be more plentiful. more...
Launch of home support
PEOPLE at risk in Wyre Forest could be helped to live independently by a new programme which started up this week. more...
Ale and hearty with that feminine touch
THE Worcester Beer and Cider Festival is sure to delight drinkers from all over the region this weekend. more...
Act now before services vanish
ANYONE who witnessed last week's board meeting of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust would not exactly be filled with confidence. more...
100 years ago March 15, 1902
DISTRICT councillors in Bromsgrove were split over deciding on the future use of Crown Close which the authority had acquired for recreational purposes. The Recreation Ground at Parkside had recently closed forcing youngsters to play football and cricket on the Green resulting in damage to the grass and trees. Cllr Routh told colleagues at a meeting that if the hobbledehoys were banned bad language would diminish and more room would be made for youngsters who wished simply to stretch their legs. more...
Car giant to shed 80 jobs
REDDITCH-based car spares giant Halfords is to shed 80 jobs from its Washford headquarters. more...
Christmas past - 1944
SIXTH CHRISTMAS OF WAR - "Modified cheerfulness might best describe the atmosphere of any assembly of people in Britain this Christmas. more...
Over 50s army on the rise
THESE days, everyone seems to want to be young. Old people are a nuisance, tolerated rather than respected by society and ridiculed by young people who think that listening to Slipknot makes them cool. more...
Fears for future of community hospitals
THE financial problems faced by Worcester's health organisations have been well documented in recent months. more...
50 years ago March 15, 1952
A COMMUNAL wash house was included in a list of "wants," put forward by Cofton Hackett residents who attended the annual parish meeting in Rednal's Gospel Mission. Other requests were for a village hall and additional bus services. more...
Toll riding is proving small price to pay for piece of mind
THE horrific statistics regarding the number of dead and injured horses on local roads highlighted in the Journal on January 16 brought home just how hazardous and dangerous taking a horse out on the road really was, said Angela Gay, of Fladbury - a champion of Toll Rides. more...
Prison fire
A woman prisoner was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation after a cell fire at HMP Brockhill yesterday. more...
Christmas past - 1943
HOME MADE CHRISTMAS - "The festive season in 1943 is going to be a home made Christmas for most British people. There are few things suitable for gifts on the market, and most of them are subject to 100 per cent purchase tax. more...
Recipe for success in the classroom breakfast: Don't start the day running on empty
SEPTEMBER is almost upon us, and the nation's children have stopped complaining about being bored as a feeling of impending doom washes over them. more...
This care home owner has lots of spare beds...
HOW many people does it take to decide where a 94-year-old woman should live? more...
25 years ago March 11, 1977
BROMSGROVE'S branch of the Womens' Institute, the oldest in the district, celebrate its 60th birthday. The inaugural meeting chaired by Lady Plymouth had been held in the ladies' waiting room at Bromsgrove railway station. more...
When we were all asked to `belt up'
MOST people today would never dream of getting into a car and not belting up for the ride. more...
Fountain facelift
A MUCH-LOVED Redditch landmark is having a free facelift. more...
Christmas past - 1942
CHOCOLATE QUEUES AGAIN - "When we were issued with personal ration books, we thought we had done with queuing for chocolate and sweets. more...
New look town pub needs 20 extra staff
OPENING time is just around the corner for a Kidderminster pub after a facelift costing nearly £500,000. more...
Digital TV isn't just monkeying around
AN auction of ITV Digital's knitted monkey mascots this week acts as a stark reminder of the perils of taking on BSkyB at the digital game. more...
We've done our bit... it's your turn, Tony
Evening News reporter Sundeep Kumar travelled down to London on Saturday to gauge the mood of Worcester people attending the peace protest march against a war on Iraq. more...
100 years ago March 22, 1902
AMONG the tenders accepted by Droitwich Board of Guardians for the supply of goods and services to the workhouse for the next 12 months were: Haircuts and shaving paupers, Mr Beddoe £2 for six months, milk 8d (3.5p) a gallon Jabez Dunn, Hampton Lovett, and coal 14/6 (72.5p) per ton supplied by Underwood and Co. more...
Gardener Bill creates a jewel in the village
THIRTY years after taking over a bare patch of ground, a former diamond worker has created a jewel in the centre of Bretforton. more...
Children say it with flowers
POSIES were given out at a Mother's Day service at St Mary's Church on Sunday. more...
Christmas past - 1941
POSTAL RUSH - "With many postmen away at the war, a lot of temporary delivery personnel have had to be hurriedly recruited, including 26 women and 59 schoolboys, primarily from the King's School, Royal Grammar School and the Technical School. more...
50 years ago March 22, 1952
A RECORD 101 blood donors turned up when the mobile unit visited Bromsgrove recently. Red Cross nurses took care of bandaging the donor's, while WVS volunteers kept them supplied with cups of tea. more...
How 60s pop idol Adam turned actor
SIXTIES pop idol, Adam Faith is on stage in Stratford this month and Malvern in April, staring in the comedy, Love and Marriage. more...
Dentist on the run
DENTIST Andrew Stanley is getting his teeth into the London marathon. more...
Recruitment drive attracts India's finest
THE problems faced by Worcestershire's health service have been well documented in recent months. more...
25 years ago March 18, 1977
A MOVE to give Bromsgrove borough status was overturned by district councillors. The motion failed by one vote to get the necessary two thirds majority in the council chamber. more...
From the archives
100 Years Ago more...
Christmas past - 1940
PEACE AND GOODWILL - "To think of Peace and Goodwill at this present moment in history may seem to some ironical. Millions of men, armed with the most ingenious weapons of destruction the world has ever seen, are engaged in an orgy of killing, maiming and burning. more...
999 crews at risk in Britain's yob society
WITH demanding targets, stressful working conditions and long hours, NHS staff have a lot on their plates at the best of times. more...
100 years ago March 29, 1902
PING-PONG enthusiasts were preparing for a tournament at All Saints' Schoolroom, in Bromsgrove. Residents were urged to support local players at the two-day event. Admission was 6d (2 1/2p). more...
Finding consensus among the figures
WORCESTERSHIRE has more than 30,000 extra residents than it did 12 years ago and the males are continuing to lose the county's battle of the sexes. more...
Christmas past
TELLING and often poignant insights into the happinesses, heartaches and hardships of Christmases in wartime Worcester are drawn here from the Evening News bound archives for the early 1940s. more...
Opening doors to medieval history
THE past will open up to visitors on Saturday when there's a chance to look inside Kidderminster's oldest building. more...
50 years ago March 29, 1952
COFTON Hackett Youth Club, which was forced to close in 1951, reopened and was now going from strength to strength. Youngsters met at West Heath Village Hall and enjoyed activities including drama, sports and reading. Visitors also taught the youngsters about acrobatics and hypnotism. more...
Catalogue is a tribute to artist friend
A TRIBUTE to Vale of Evesham artist William Thomas Rawlinson has been paid by his friend Peter Stewart, of Evesham, in the form of a catalogue of his works. more...
Mary stands her ground over St George's Lane
APPARENT euphoria among the Worcester sporting public for the City FC's proposed move from St George's Lane to a new purpose-built football stadium is not shared, at least for one, by Mrs Mary Saunders. more...
An adventurous 20 years for playground
THE Evesham Adventure Playground Association has had a rocky ride from its humble beginnings in a Scout hut with no electricity to the new £250,000 centre opened in Woodlands five years ago. more...
Bungalow Ben's life spent helping others
Memory Lane this week looks at the life of Benjamin Bray, a Worcester builder who was one time licensee of the Crown & Anchor pub in Hylton Road and long-term steward of the city's Conservative Club. more...
Vintage carpet plays a star role in movie
CARPET firm Woodward Grosvenor has landed a starring role in film star Jackie Chan's new movie. more...
25 years ago March 25, 1977
ONE of the most forceful indictments of the intolerable conditions Bromsgrove shoppers had to endure on the busy days in the High Street, came from the town's planning officer, John Tozer. In a frank document given to Bromsgrove District Council planning committee members, he said Bromsgrove needed interesting buildings, attractive shops and shoppers required protection from bad weather and heavy traffic. more...
D-day survivor recalls behind-the-lines perils
A WAR veteran who left his family home in Pershore to fight for king and country has been dipping into his memories to help create an historical record. more...
Joe's painful role as the Coroner's Officer
A POLICEMAN'S lot is clearly not a happy one when he is assigned to the role of Coroner's Officer and has to deal solely with death, as in the case of the late Joe Freeman at Worcester. more...
Transport top of village's agenda
BIDFORD'S B50 Appraisal Group has highlighted public transport as one of the main issues to be addressed in the village. more...
100 years ago April 5, 1902
DROITWICH Town Council was deeply upset at discovering that the River Salwarpe was being systematically polluted by effluent from Bromsgrove Sewage Farm, mainly after dark. more...
No easy options in health future
SINCE the proposal to close Pershore Cottage Hospital was revealed in the Journal last week, many Vale people have been left wondering how the transfer of services to Heathlands Residential Home could successfully work. The need to make radical changes to save costs was brought about by a huge £5.7 projected budget deficit incurred by the South Worcestershire Health Trust, inherited in part from the previous health authority when it was disbanded 12 months ago. This week an open meeting of the Trust Board revealed the details. Phil Sunderland and Pat Smith report... more...
Happy days treading the boards at the Theatre Royal
MY recent feature on Christmases past in Worcester during the Second World War evoked much nostalgia for Beryl Gough, who for many years, has been well-known locally as a dancer and choreographer. more...
New name for fitness centres
GYMS at Wyre Forest leisure centres have been given a fresh look and new name to signal the arrival of management company DC Leisure. more...
50 years ago April 5, 1952
BROMSGROVE'S first traffic warden was sworn in by town magistrates on Tuesday. He was retired policeman John Tasker who had spent much of his 28 years in the force on the Catshill beat. Clad in a blue mackintosh and peaked cap and sporting white gloves his duty was to help pupils at Stourbridge Road School cross the busy main road. more...
Cheerful Harold was always ready to party
FONDLY remembered this week are a popular Shambles character of yesteryear and a once-familiar landmark building in the heart of Worcester. more...
25 years ago April 1, 1977
A 15-YEAR-OLD physically handicapped boy, Adrian Holmes of Brueton Avenue was voted Bromsgrove Sports Council's junior male personality of the year. Adrian had an 18-inch steel brace in his back. The supreme men's award went to top-flight soccer referee John Yates. more...
Boom-time as racing goes festive
THOUSANDS of visitors have begun to descend on the Cotswolds, the Vale of Evesham and Stratford for the premier event of the National Hunt calendar. more...
Family fortunes in seed and hop sales
FLEETINGLY back in the spotlight is a Worcester family firm which ran a thriving hop and seed merchants business from three landmark city buildings through much of the 20th Century. more...
100 years ago April 12, 1902
A BRADLEY Green farmer reported a freak among a new hatch of ducklings. One had four wings and four legs. more...
Elderly face radical shake-up in the way pensions are paid
PENSIONERS and people on benefits are being persuaded by the government to have all entitlements paid directly into their bank accounts from Tuesday, April 1. more...
Constructed to make an impression
TO me, and I am sure others, one of the most impressive buildings in the Worcester suburbs is the large scale, Georgian-style block occupied by Kays in Northwick Avenue, Barbourne. more...
Verdict on waste
DISTRICT councillors are set to formally oppose "incineration" elements of the county council's plans for the future of waste disposal when they meet on Monday. more...
50 years ago April 12, 1952
BUOYED by Labour's recent seat gains on the county council, Bromsgrove Trades Council decided to stage the town's first May day rally to protest against the Tory government's policies. more...
Rail service on the right lines!
RAILWAY companies have taken a lot of stick in recent times so it was nice to hear of a railway that has been building up a head of steam. more...
The good old, bad old days of Lowesmoor
LIFE at Lowesmoor, Worcester, of the 1920s and 30s is vividly remembered by the surviving members of the Tunstall family. more...
25 years ago April 8, 1977
THE giant sails of the Danzey Green windmill, Avoncroft museum's latest acquisition were turning again for the first time in a century. The mill, dating from about 1800, had been re-erected and restored at the Stoke Heath museum at a cost of some £4,000. more...
For or against six-term year?
SCHOOLS in Worcestershire and Warwickshire could be about to give children and teachers a well-earned break by doubling the number of terms. more...
Garden gates open for good causes
GREEN-FINGERED gardeners will be opening their gates to raise money for charity this month. more...
Heading for a nuts and berries old age
WE'RE all heading blindly into a poverty-stricken old age and many of us won't be able to retire until we're 95, according to recent scaremongering. more...
100 years ago April 19, 1902
INMATES at Bromsgrove's workhouse were unhappy with the broth, bread and cheese that made up the regular Monday menu. The ruling guardians decided instead to give them beef stew containing fat, flour, carrots and onions. The change would cost less than 2/- (10p) per day. more...
An uncommon life for a lad on Common Road
THE years from the 1930s to the 1950s were among the most austere in living memory. They also encompassed great changes, particularly in a predominantly rural area like the Vale of Evesham. more...
999 girl hailed a hero
A PREGNANT mum who passed out for more than 10 minutes at her Church Hill home has praised the quick thinking of her daughter. more...
Do you feel fit enough to plan holiday?
AS winter approaches and the nation sinks into darkness and depression once again, many people start to plan next year's summer holiday to give themselves something to look forward to. more...
50 years ago April 19, 1952
RECENT wet weather followed by warm sunshine had suited local crops of early potatoes. It seemed likely that farmers would be digging in May well ahead of the traditional June 24, Bromsgrove Fair Day, date. more...
Parent on school run is an `accident waiting to happen'
VALE parents who drive their children to schools have been warned a serious accident is inevitable unless they leave their cars at home. more...
Nightmare wait for mum
A SOUTHCREST mum is anxiously waiting to hear from her soldier son who is fighting in Iraq. more...
Three-acre reserve hit by grass blaze
A LEADING firefighter has warned of the dangers of children deliberately starting grass fires after the weekend saw 14 outdoor blazes. more...
Don't kill kitty with kindness
ONCE upon a time, pets knew their place and managed to go about their daily business without being smothered with human affection. more...
25 years ago April 15, 1977
THE new headmaster at South Bromsgrove High School to replace Dennis Matthews, who had retired, was his deputy Alan Baker. He said his task would be to promote academic achievement and good behaviour. more...
Dambusters-style raid... to deliver soap and pyjamas!
WITH such great concern over our Evesham Community Hospital and its future, says local historian Michael J Barnard, I feel this story is so appropriate at this time and, like the bond between these three pilots, our hospital today has the same bond between patients and staff and means so very much to so many people. more...
Prisoners found hanged
A MAN given two life sentences for the murder of his young sons has been found hanged in Blakenhurst Prison. more...
Adding up to a victory
TWO Alcester youngsters have proved to be top of the class when it comes to maths. more...
Sink the pirates and keep music biz afloat
THE music industry has been struggling to stay afloat ever since the invention of recording equipment. more...
Chris blazes a trail for firefighting colleagues
PERSHORE firefighter Chris Parsons is celebrating a record 40 years service. more...
Revamp for school
WELFORD Primary School will be getting rid of three of its temporary classrooms as part of a major clearout by Warwickshire County Council. more...
No legal challenge on Piano Building listing
DEVELOPERS have abandoned any hope of overturning the "listed" status controversially bestowed on Kidderminster's Piano Building by conservationists. more...
It's mobile madness and talk isn't cheap!
WHETHER you love them or hate them, mobile phones are now a huge a part of everyday life. more...
100 years ago April 26, 1902
PUBLIC meetings to arrange celebrations to mark the forthcoming coronation in June were being held in villages all around Bromsgrove. While everyone agreed events should equal those associated with the late Queen's diamond jubilee, the cost as always was the overriding consideration. At Stoke Prior it had been agreed the 240 or so village youngsters would be given a tea as would the aged poor residents. more...
Be kind to your car before it dies on you
FOR many of us, cars are our biggest expense after rent or mortgage payments. more...
50 years ago April 26, 1952
THE inaugural meeting of the Worcestershire Guild of Artist Craftsmen was held in Bromsgrove Library. Its aim was to further an interest in traditional skills. The meeting elected Robert Pancheri as its president. more...
Tea rooms up for cup
HILLERS Garden tea rooms have been short-listed for a national award. more...
Weapons handed in for gun amnesty
SHOTGUNS, handguns and knives have already been handed in, just two days after Wyre Forest police joined a national firearms amnesty. more...
Single life is on the move POP: Have we got the fastest moving chart in the world?
it all started with Al Martino, who sang Here In My Heart, and 50 years later we're all still buying love songs as DJ Sammy is sitting pretty at the top of the charts with Heaven. more...
25 years ago April 22, 1977
KIND hearted staff at Bromsgrove General Hospital had raised £2,500 to buy their own electrically powered internal ambulance to ferry patients around the complex. more...
Town set for Friday custom
THE Alcester Good Friday Procession of Witness will be taking place on Friday, April 18. more...
All I want for Christmas...
FATHER Christmas will have his work cut out to keep up with consumer demand this year. more...
100 years ago May 3, 1902
TWO Bournheath lads, John Hurley and George Reynolds, paid dearly for stealing a rabbit from a snare on Mr Blakeway's land at Chaddesley Corbett, when they were hauled before Kidderminster magistrates. Evidence was given by Francis Bennet, who was employed as a rabbit catcher by Mr Blakeway. He told the court that while many of his snares had been sprung the coneys were missing. Hurley was fined 40/- (£2) and Reynolds £1. more...
Playing for a new team
Walking into the Tindall's home, it is impossible not to feel awe-struck by the black and white pictures of Mike's footballing days which line the hallway. more...
Village issues BT battle cry
BIDFORD residents have launched a campaign to get broadband internet service for the village. more...
Autumn stroll by riverbank and woodland
RIBBESFORD Wood belongs to the Forestry Commission but it isn't just gloomy conifers. There is lots of broad-leaved woodland too, which is particularly beautiful in November. more...
50 years ago May 3, 1952
HOUSEWIVES in Bromsgrove were being slow to collect the new issue ration books which had been a fact of life since 1940. Eleven clerks were on duty in the Congregational Schoolroom to hand out the 27,000 books to residents living in the urban district of Bromsgrove, but so far only half had been given out. Around 2,500 books could be issued in a day. more...
Nifty Nev gears up for latest challenge
WHEN Neville Dewson decides to get on his bike and take a hike, he goes all the way. more...
Three cheers for chairs
TWO new wheelchairs have been donated to Alcester Volunteer Bureau. more...
Gritters at oil spill
PART of Kidderminster's road network was plunged into chaos when an industrial vehicle began spewing out cooking oil. more...
Surf your way through crowds
IRONICALLY for a Christian festival, Christmas shopping can be sheer hell. more...
25 years ago April 29, 1977
A TOTAL of 555 people were on the dole in Bromsgrove, 385 men and 170 women. The figures did not include young people or students. more...
School's birdfeed scoop
OUR Lady's Catholic School has been the first of eight schools across the county to get a £200 wild bird feeding pack. more...
100 years ago May 10, 1902
BROMSGROVE Charities Board took out an advertisement in the Messenger to advise eligible people residing in the All Saints district of Bromsgrove that the tenancy of an alms house was available. Prospective tenants had to be poor, aged not less than 60, have lived in the area for three years and not received any Poor Law Relief. more...
Park seeks extension
A CARAVAN park near Bidford could be opening for more months of the year - despite objections from residents and Bidford Parish Council. more...
Police warn on stranger danger
A BOY who was asked to get into a stranger's car on his way home from school has sparked a police warning. more...
Making sure Christmas is all wrapped up
ONCE the ordeal of buying Christmas presents is over, an equally miserable task awaits you. more...
50 years ago May 10, 1952
SIDNEY Farr, assistant clerk to Droitwich Rural District Council, decided to retire after clocking up 52 years' service. During that time he had only been absent for two weeks due to illness. more...
Brothers with a meating of minds
A FAMILY firm of butchers, one of the best-known in Worcestershire, is celebrating its centenary this year. more...
Village action plan unveiled to council
THE Bidford B50 appraisal group has drawn up an action plan for the village. more...
All the magic of the movies
WHEN my slightly obsessed other half discovered he could actually be Lord of the Rings' rugged ranger Aragorn in the latest PlayStation offering, I thought his head might fall off. more...
25 years ago May 6, 1977
BROMSGROVE'S proposed new Western Relief Road would be planned to have the minimum impact on Crown Close, Bromsgrove's quiet, green backwater the district council claimed. However, the disadvantages would have to be weighed against the advantage of easing the traffic congestion in the town. more...
Betty's stories bring a lost age sharply into focus
THE title of one of the arresting pen pictures of Worcester past - so eloquently painted in words by the late Betty Fulcher - is Jemima and Charlie more...
Bus tickets on offer
ELDERLY Alcestrians will now be able to qualify for cheap public transport. more...
Man found hanging in attic
A MAN reported missing for more than three weeks has been found hanging in the loft of his Kidderminster home. more...
Tree-t the pine to a new look
PUTTING up the tree is generally when that cosy Christmassy feeling kicks in. more...
100 years ago May 17, 1902
THE Bromsgrove Charities board was seeking a married couple to fill a vacancy in a town almshouse. An advert in the Bromsgrove Messenger said the applicants must be poor, of good character, have lived in the parish of All Saints for three years and be aged 60-plus. more...
Time is called at the tea bar
FINALLY, and sadly, to be disbanded next month are a group of volunteers who, for the past 67 years, have brought refreshment to hundreds of thousands of patients, out-patients and visitors to the historic Worcester Royal Infirmary at Castle Street. more...
Season starts at Ragley
RAGLEY Hall opens its doors for the new season on April 10. more...
From desk to the disco
The festive season can be one long social whirl, and not all of those invites will be at the weekend. So it can be difficult to find the time after work to glam up for the evening - and often you don't even have time to go home. more...
Collective views look back to hospital of a century ago
WITH Worcester Royal Infirmary in its final days, I reproduce three photographs here of the historic hospital exactly a century ago. more...
Man forced into car and robbed
A 20-year-old man was robbed by two men with Irish accents in Hopkins Precinct on Saturday night. more...
Widower choked on food
A RETIRED research chemist died after he choked on his food at a family meal, an inquest heard. more...
Why students must watch their debts
IT'S time to put the past 12 months behind you, think of more resolutions to break and plan a bright new future. more...
50 years ago May 17, 1952
FIT Bromsgrove men were being sought to work as locomotive firemen. The London Midland region of British Railways wanted workers aged 18 to 30 to enter the one-month training programme for the position. Successful applicants could expect to work a 44-hour week, with paid holiday and free protective clothing. There would be opportunities to train as a driver. more...
A hundred years of history and service
... and it cost just £1,575 more...
A new year to make a start on a new you
NEW Year's Day can only mean two things - a hangover and a sense of guilt after drinking and eating too much over the Christmas period. more...
25 years ago May 13, 1977
TOWN MP Hal Miller raised questions about six historic chartist cottages in Dodford, in the House of Commons. The recent listing of the cottages was now the subject of a complaint to the Local Commissioners and the MP hoped to draw the government's attention to the consequences of the listing for the residents and to appeal for the restrictions to be lifted. more...
Happy days are here again...
FORTY people gathering for a cheery re-union to-night will readily testify that Worcester's Happy Land very much lived up to its name in their "wonderful" childhood days of the 1930s and early 1940s. more...
Drive to cut road deaths
TWO speed cameras on the A46 between Alcester and Stratford are to be switched on soon. more...
Pocket money power of the `tweenagers'
When I was young, £1 pocket money was like winning the Lottery every week, with bells on. more...
100 years ago May 14, 1902
THE Sick and Dividend Club at the Ewe and Lamb pub at Stoke Health, Bromsgrove, held its annual sports day on Whit Monday, when around 1,200 turned up to watch. There was a variety of events including hammer throwing and races for all ages. One of the highlights was the womens' race for a first prize of a pig. more...
Family's joint history was a cut above rest
A RECENT Memory Lane photograph of Worcester from the 1920s brought a very interesting call from a local man whose forebears, it turns out, were butchers in The Shambles for at least a century. more...
What to buy when guilt factor strikes
FOR the first time, my New Year's resolutions include thrashing myself at the gym, nibbling lettuce leaves and regularly flushing myself out with water. more...
50 years ago May 23, 1952
A MEETING of his creditors heard that Maurice Booth, aged 61, lessee of the Salters' Cinema and Diana Cafe in Droitwich had assets of only £110 to meet debts of £2,483. Mr Booth, of Fernhill Heath, had taken on the cinema's lease in 1948 for £30 a week rent. more...
Treasure trove of a shy, talented artist
MEMORY Lane pays belated homage to quite an accomplished Worcester amateur artist of yesteryear. more...
Romantic gift ideas to make Valentine's Day a date to remember
IF you're in a couple, there's one rule in life. DON'T FORGET VALENTINE'S DAY! more...
25 years ago May 20, 1977
AN attempt by the minority Labour group on Bromsgrove District Council to get their veteran leader Cllr Henry Webley installed as vice-chairman to mark the silver jubilee had failed. The holder of an MBE, he was the only member of the council to have been honoured by the Queen. Cllr Jim Bekenn from Hagley won the vote overwhelmingly. more...
A sad day for the Nurses' League
NOSTALGIA and sadness are naturally felt by the 337 members of the Worcester Royal Infirmary Nurses' League at the closure of the historic hospital at Castle Street. more...
No harm in haggling for those bargains
THERE'S an art to haggling as I discovered in Kenya. more...
100 years ago May 31, 1902
THE living of Hanbury had been offered and accepted by the Rev Reginald Harvey of Bristol. The living was the gift of Sir Harry Vernon, Bart. of Hanbury Hall. more...
Printer turns limelight on mini Theatre Royal
TUCKED away behind the scenes off Worcester's Angel Street is a small-scale mock version of the auditorium of the city's former historic Theatre Royal. more...
50 years ago May 31, 1952
WORK had started on the construction of the new traffic island at the junction of Alvechurch Road and Cofton Road. It would be used as a turning point for buses when new services were introduced following the scrapping of trams in July. more...
Days when `rock spivs' ruled roost
During the Second World War, a girl would do anything for an American soldier if there was "candy" on offer. more...
25 years ago May 27, 1977
A NUMBER of silver birch trees and Queen Elizabeth roses were to be planted in Sanders Park. They had been given to Bromsgrove District Council by Roseacre Nursery at Hagley to mark the Queen's forthcoming Silver Jubilee. more...
Anniversary is right on track
THIS summer marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of the railway line between Stourbridge and Evesham, which extended the train network to Droitwich, Pershore and Fladbury. more...
Waging war on those enemies of sleep
WHILE worries about a war with Iraq drew more than a million protesters to last week's mammoth demonstration in London, nearly one in five of us are also being plagued by that very fear at night. more...
100 years ago June 2, 1902
FOLK living in the north of Bromsgrove were becoming healthier and living longer, it was revealed. In a report to North Bromsgrove District Council, the medical officer said in the first five months of this year there had been 18 deaths compared with 44 during the corresponding period in 1901. During May there had been 14 births and three deaths, one from accidental poisoning, and three cases of scarlet fever all among pupils at Dodford School. more...
Royal link with lonely tomb
OCCASIONALLY, I have glanced at an impressive tomb in a fairly isolated position within Worcester Cathedral, but only recently have I been aware of the noble personage whose remains lie below it. more...
Mobile phones move into the third generation
ONCE upon a time, a mobile phone was a device about the size of a house brick. more...
50 years ago June 7, 1952
TWO members of Bromsgrove Youth Organisation met with a tragic accident while canoeing on the lake at Hewell Grange, Tardebigge. The youths, John Hollis, aged 17 from Churchfields and Brian Jones, 18, from Broad Street, Sidemoor, were members of the club's canoeing group which was holding its first outing of the season. more...
Praise be for the welcome given to a community
THIS summer marks the 70th anniversary of the opening of the Bromwich Road Mission - the lasting legacy of a member of the famous Cadbury chocolate-making family who lived in Worcester and was a significant local benefactor. more...
Can you cut it with credit?
YOUNG people today would rather go into the red than do without designer jeans and nights on the town. more...
Richard Cadbury... man with a mission
WORCESTER High Street was closed to traffic and lined by silent crowds on the day of the funeral of Richard Cadbury in 1935. more...
Measure for measure it's a regular rip-off
WOULD you really notice if your beer is a tad too much froth and not enough of the good stuff? more...
25 years ago June 3, 1977
THE Queen's Silver Jubilee was the main talking point in Bromsgrove. The event would be celebrated with street parties, a carnival and a bonfire, barbecue and music in Sanders Park. The town was gaily decorated and workers from Garringtons at Aston Fields had undertaken to hang garlands and bunting from the Market Hall. more...
Nomads bat on to field events and celebrations
SEVENTY-five not out and progressing confidently towards a century - that's the Worcester Nomads Cricket Club. more...
Problems of climbing up the property ladder
Just where do people find their deposits or afford their mortgage repayments? more...
100 years ago June 7, 1902
TRAMPS seeking a night's board and lodging at Bromsgrove's Workhouse in Birmingham Road would not in future need a police ticket verifying that they were a genuine and deserving case. The practice was being discontinued because police were too busy. more...
Pulling of the pints through two centuries
REMARKABLY, a country pub near the village of Ombersley, has now been owned and run by the same family for more than 150 years. more...
OAPs mourn as pension books hit the dustbin
This week, Post Offices across Britain began to feel the effects of a shake-up hailed as the "death of the pension book". From now on, instead of an over-the-counter service, the new Government payment system will see pension money paid directly into a bank, building society account or Post Office Card Account. more...
50 years ago June 14, 1952
PLANS to celebrate next year's Coronation were being drawn up by the district council. Bromsgrove had a good reputation for celebrating royal events in style. In 1937 the town was picked out by the BBC and many private commentators as being one of the three best decorated places in the Midlands. more...
UPDATED September 28 - Brintons, Corporation Street
Brintons factory in Corporation Street provided employment for hundreds of carpet workers. Corporation Street, 1969 more...
Annie saved by corrugated iron
ANOTHER tale of a miraculous escape from death in the Meco bombing has been told me in the wake of my recent feature on that fateful day - October 3, 1940. more...
25 years ago June 10, 1977
THE swimming pool at North Bromsgrove High School could be one of several at schools that may be drained and left unused it was revealed. The cost of ongoing repairs and maintenance was proving too costly for the cash-strapped county council. more...
Thanks are due for the city's women volunteers
MEMORY Lane pays homage this week to the teams of volunteer women who, down the past 62 years, have run an invaluable service for the needy in Worcester. more...
100 years ago June 21, 1902
REVELLERS in Droitwich were to be denied extra drinking time in the Spa's pubs during the forthcoming Coronation celebrations magistrates decided, following a plea by the local licensed victuallers' association for an extra hour on June 26 and 27. The bench said 6 to 11pm was long enough. But in Bromsgrove pubs would be open until midnight for four days next week but that was also in consideration of the town's annual midsummer fair. more...
Trio chalk up two centuries of heavenly music
Jim has memories of Elgar: more...
50 years ago June 21, 1952
TWO shocks made Bromsgrove School's annual Commemoration Day one of the most remarkable ever. The head, the Rev Walters, senior master Major Mashiter and the Chaplain announced their retirement. And the main guest, World War II legless Group Captain Douglas Bader, was late arriving. Having piloted his own aircraft to Wolverhampton, the weather closed in and he had to return to base at Croydon and drive the 120 miles to Bromsgrove. more...
It's last orders one more time
THE weekend "party nights" atmosphere and sing-alongs at the Cock Inn, Tybridge Street, during the 1950s are fondly remembered by Muriel and Arthur Cotterill of Kingsbury Road, Worcester. more...
25 years ago June 17, 1977
BELBROUGHTON Parish News won the competition for the best-duplicated parish magazine in the Worcester diocese. Catshill were third. more...
100 years ago June 28, 1902
THE sad news, less than two days before it was set to take place, that the Coronation would have to be postponed because of the King's grave illness was met with disbelief in Bromsgrove at first. Organisers of the many celebratory events in the town and surrounding villages hastily met to make alternative arrangements. In most cases it was decided to go ahead with planned teas and lunches for the old and young but to postpone other events. Bunting and other forms of decoration would be scaled down until more details of the illness were known. The Messenger kept residents informed about the King's condition by posting regular bulletins from Buckingham Palace in its office windows. more...
Family wealth built on seeds
GASCOYNE House, the historic riverside warehouse apartments block at South Quay, is now Worcester's only prominent reminder of a once flourishing city family business. more...
50 years ago June 28, 1952
THE Rev J Crofts was given a cordial welcome by parishioners at All Saints Church in Bromsgrove when he was installed as the new vicar, the second in 18 months. In the congregation was his father who had been rector of Romsley from 1935-41. more...
Bert's lifetime spent in slippery sales
FONDLY remembered is a well-known Worcester High Street shop which was frequently an eye-catching feature of the city centre scene through the first half of the 20th Century. more...
25 years ago June 24, 1977
RUMOUR and speculation surrounded a plan to stage a punk rock festival at a venue in Bromsgrove on Bank Holiday Monday. The organisers said details were being kept secret to prevent an anticipated flood of objections. more...
Bishop's horrific death at the stake
A PAST Bishop of Worcester suffered one of the most horrific of deaths in being burnt at the stake. more...
Freemasonry's 270 years of lodges in Worcestershire
It's believed Freemasonry had its roots even earlier, in local associations formed by master craftsmen in the art of stone masonry, together with other local "worthies." more...
100 years ago July 5, 1902
POSTPONED coronation celebrations went off with a bang at Breakback, in Bromsgrove. The town was finally allowed to go ahead with its High Wood bonfire and fireworks following permission from the chairman of the National Movement, Viscount Cranbourne. Despite the King's continuing illness, it was declared beacons should be lit and 4,000 people turned out in Bromsgrove. more...
A short history of Mr and Mrs Day's Dairies...
I've been learning all about the hard-working dynasty from Mrs Betty Brown (maiden name, Worthington) who, with husband Derek, was the last in the family line to trade in Lowesmoor. more...
50 years ago July 5, 1952
BROMSGROVE Rovers revealed it had serious money troubles and gate prices would have to go up. The club had suffered £318 losses in 1951/52 and bosses decided to hike ticket prices in a bid to stem its cash crisis. Ticket prices showed that men had to pay more than women to watch the town's team play. more...
Mum's memoirs in hidden notebooks
FOND recollections of Lowesmoor in the 1920s and 30s and of her courtship and marriage are highlighted in the hand-written memoirs of Kathleen Worthington, who died two years ago at the age of 86. more...
25 years ago July 1, 1977
MEMBERS of the newly formed Lickey End Hospital Tenants' Association were shocked to discover an area of ground designated as a play area for staff children since 1957 was about to be developed. Following negotiations with the Health Authority, the Red Cross was planning to build new headquarters and car parking on the land set aside for hospital staff children. The other space would be lost when the M42 was built. more...
Echoes from the Past
100 years ago more...
Worcester's college with a worldwide reputation
WORCESTER'S nationally-renowned College for the Blind is celebrating its centenary on its present site. more...
100 years ago July 12, 1902
THE date for the execution of Samuel Middleton, who had been found guilty of murdering his wife at Foxlydiate, had been set for July 15 at Worcester Jail. He was reported to be indifferent and not appearing to dread the fate that awaited him. He had recently been visited by his son to whom he had given 9/- (45p). He would be allowed to see his children for the last time four days before he was hanged. more...
Pilot killed as plane spirals down
AN RAF aircraft crashed just outside Malvern 50 years ago this week, killing the pilot. more...
Quay memories of an old Worcester quarter
COLOURFUL times half-a-century ago amid the former closely-knit riverside community of houses, shops, pubs, lodging houses, scrapyards and warehouses of Worcester's Quay Street area are fondly remembered by Robert Wardell. more...
50 years ago July 12, 1952
BROMSGROVE Youth Organisation in New Road, looked set to be wound up and taken over by Worcestershire County Council after the founder, Major Ryland, had indicated that he intended to move away from the district. It was felt the facility would not be able to function satisfactorily without him at the helm. In 1945 the buildings, running track and playing field had cost £15,000. more...
Search for farm facts
JANET White from Kidderminster wants to find out any information she can about a farm near Malvern. more...
Work colleague Doc was a true county legend
WHEN I joined the staff of the Evening News as a boy, 48 years ago, the group advertising manager of Berrow's Newspapers was a charming chap named Harold Gibbons. more...
25 years ago July 8, 1977
PAST and present staff and their families at the Blue Bird toffee factory at Hunnington enjoyed an open day to celebrate the firm's golden jubilee. more...
Pop singer Monty leaves town shaken, not stirred
THE appearance of popular singer Monty Norman in Malvern was being advertised in the Gazette of April 3, 1953. more...
Elgar's steamy night in Paris immortalised in memoirs
STEAMY nights in Paris were experienced in the summer of 1880 by Worcester's most famous son, Edward Elgar, and his future brother-in-law, Charles Pipe. more...
100 years ago July 19, 1902
WILLIAM Deeley, aged 16, from Rubery Lane, Rubery, a non-swimmer who worked as an engine cleaner at Frankley waterworks, drowned in Cofton reservoir while bathing. Pc Jakeman spent an hour trying to find him but to no avail. Later his body was recovered and taken to the Hare and Hounds pub where an inquest was held. And Albert Pantall, six, whose father James was a carpenter from Stoke Pound, also drowned while taking a dip in the canal near his home. more...
50 years ago July 19, 1952
NINE records tumbled when Bromsgrove High School held its annual sports day. Hibbins won the inter house competition. more...
Eighty years on and Ernest is still a server at his church
A WIDE circle of friends and neighbours have, this weekend, been helping Worcester "born and bred" Ernest Smith celebrate his 90th birthday. more...
25 years ago July 15, 1977
REPRESENTATIVES of more than 1,000 people who had signed a petition protesting about a plan to build a pub in a residential area of Bromsgrove packed a public inquiry in the town this week. Allied Breweries had a plan to build the pub on the corner of New Road and Fordhouse Road. more...
A cheery smile, a jaunty hat... the pose that growers trusted
GEOFF Budd is something of a legend with the farming community of Worcestershire. more...
100 years ago July 26, 1902
A BROMSGROVE man was told it was "most disgraceful to hit a woman" when he was fined 10s 9d 6d by the chairman of Bromsgrove Petty Sessions. Eoch Wilkes, of Staple Hill, was found guilty of assaulting elderly Jane Layton, also of Staple Hill, after he met her in the street and subjected her to bad language. He also threatened to smother her and jump on her before hitting her in the face. more...
The fishy business that led to salmon wars on stretches of the Severn
THERE was certainly something fishy going on at Upton-upon-Severn in the 1600s and 1700s as far as Worcester people were concerned. more...
The beastly truth behind the Bull Ring
I AM often asked how Worcester's Bull Ring got its name but the answer is, alas, very unsavoury. more...
50 years ago July 26, 1952
SANITATION in Stoke Prior was again raised at a meeting of the parish council where members called for more frequent rubbish collections because some people were waiting three or four weeks compared to the previous two week wait. The problem was made worse by the current hot spell. more...
From disaster to delight... Elgar's Dream masterpiece
ANOTHER significant milestone in the history of the Three Choirs, the world's oldest choral music festival, is reached this evening with the special Centenary performance at Worcester of Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius. more...
25 years ago July 22, 1977
HORDES of `invaders' driving across the Birmingham city boundary into the Bromsgrove district are believed to be largely responsible for vandalism, excessive noise and even arson in the Rednal area at weekends, the Messenger reported. It was reported that most of the visitors were said to come for one purpose only - to "play" the gaming machines or enjoy bingo in amusement arcades in Lickey Road. The allegations surfaced after an application by Smarts Automatics (Birmingham) Ltd to add a two-storey extension to the rear of their much criticised arcade brought a storm of protest at a meeting on Bromsgrove District Council's planning committee. The application was rejected. more...
Global warming? No, just August weather
WE tend to blame global warming for the extremes of weather Britain and Europe has seen this August, yet a quick trip through the bound archives of Berrow's Journal suggests that these spectacular climatic conditions are nothing new for the eighth month of the year. more...
100 years ago August 9, 1902
FRANK Fletcher from Staple Hill, found himself in front of Bromsgrove magistrates charged with using bad language in Marlbrook. He was fined a hefty 5/- (25p) plus 7/6 (37.5p) costs or in default 14 days' hard labour. The chairman of the bench, Mr White, remarked that this type of offence was becoming more frequent and in his opinion a fine of not less than £1 was more appropriate. more...
Global warming? No, just August weather
THE glaringly obvious can often be missed as, in my case, with the late realisation that Worcestershire villages with "castle" in their names, once actually had ... castles! more...
50 years ago August 9, 1952
A FLOWER show organised by hard-up Bromsgrove Rovers at their Victoria Ground to help boost their dwindling finances fell victim to the storms and apparent apathy of exhibitors and the paying public. A boxing tournament at Whitsun, again to raise cash, had been washed out by the weather. more...
Mum pleads for son's education
AN EVESHAM mum is appealing for someone to educate her nine-year-old son who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. more...
The idea that never really did hold water
THANK goodness, many will say, that a ludicrous and much-published idea of the redevelopment-crazed 1960s never came to fruition at Worcester! more...
25 years ago August 5, 1977
THERE was growing concern that more people in Bromsgrove, especially housewives and the elderly, were becoming increasingly dependent on anti-depressants, tranquillisers and similar drugs for non-medical purposes. The disturbing news was contained in a report which revealed that last year the NHS drugs bill for Bromsgrove was an astonishing £100,000. more...
Smoke adds to atmospheric scene of the city
THE year this atmospheric view of Tallow Hill, Worcester, was captured on camera is, I'm afraid, not recorded, though the photograph appears to me to have been taken sometime between the First and Second World Wars. more...
100 years ago August 16, 1902
Cycle dealer cleared after 12mph speed case
A WELL-known Worcester cycle dealer was in court this week a century ago for speeding in his automobile. He was alleged to have been travelling at more than 12 miles an hour! more...
50 years ago August 16, 1952
25 years ago August 12, 1977
News Items Down The Years
1802: On Tuesday, a violent storm of rain fell on the Parish of Abberley, attended by thunder and lightning. A beautiful old oak, containing three tons of timber and gracing the ground of Mrs Blayny, was shattered by a lightning strike in a most dramatic manner. A bomb or large quantity of gunpowder lodged in the tree and fired could not have had such a devastating impact. more...
100 years ago August 23, 1902
SOON after fears that Bromsgrove was heading for an outbreak of smallpox were proved to be unfounded, the prospect of a scarlet fever epidemic hitting the area loomed. Prior to the start of the month no cases had been reported but now there were between 40 and 50 patients suffering from the illness at the infectious diseases hospital at Hill Top. more...
The sporting purveyors of city's West side stories
FOR more that a century, a local family firm has been delivering the news every day to the people of Worcester's Westside. more...
50 years ago August 23, 1952
THERE was a sad ending to a full-scale operation to rescue a carthorse belonging to Mr Webb, who had got stuck in a water-filled ditch at Walmers Farm, Wychbold, during a violent thunder storm. After many hours of toil it was finally freed by firefighters with the aid of a large mobile crane, but died within minutes of being hauled out. more...
One family's acheivements through the Sandys of time
AN EMINENT yet controversial Archbishop of York in the turbulent 16th Century stands out prominently in the long and complex lineage of the present Lord Sandys of Ombersley Court. more...
Build up town's part, Spa urged
SPA residents are being urged to nominate their favourite historic town buildings to help raise the profile of Droitwich. more...
Eye in the sky shows lost city
A BIRD'S eye view of the heart of Worcester exactly half a century ago - recently spotted by me in our archives - offers a telling insight into the dramatic and sweeping changes seen in the cityscape over the past 50 years. more...
25 years ago August 19, 1977
STEPHEN Tallet, 19, from Edwin Crescent, Charford, Bromsgrove, got a shock when he went to put on his shoes after enjoying a spot of sunbathing near Tardebigge reservoir. Feeling something with his toe he poked his hand in and out slithered an 18-inch long grass snake. more...
Hall marks its 80th year
TODAY marks the 80th anniversary of the official opening of the War Memorial Hall at Fernhill Heath. more...
100 Years ago September 6, 1902
Lucy Caldwell, from Station Street, found herself up before Bromsgrove Petty Sessions charged with stealing firewood from homes under construction in Bromsgrove. Sgt Wagstaff stated he had witnessed the defendant in the Ednall Lane houses picking up wood and putting it in her apron. Joseph Tilt, who was constructing the homes, claimed that pilfering had become a common problem and that he had lost wood from other sites. But he showed compassion and asked the bench to be as merciful as possible as Mrs Caldwell was previously a respectable woman. She pleaded guilty but claimed she did not intend to do anything wrong and was let off paying a hefty fine of 18s. (90p) more...
Churches guide will in-spire you
A CONCISE and extremely useful booklet guide to the churches and chapels of Worcester is now available at only around 50p. more...
Gardening great is remembered
A POPULAR TV gardener, with deep roots in Droitwich Spa, has died aged 84. more...
50 years ago September 6, 1952
A Marlbrook man was cheated out of his hard earnings when Birmingham man James Patrick McIlroy was found guilty of obtaining £6 from Birmingham Road resident Reginald Ironmonger under false pretences. The thirty-two-year old was sentenced to two months in prison, while a further two charges were brought against him for embezzling money handed to him by coach parties, which he should have handed over to his employer in Great Barr. In a statement the defendant said that he had spent all the money on backing horses and had lost it all. more...
MBE made city's friend proud
IT was with deep personal sadness I learnt on return from holiday of the death of my friend Bill Gwilliam, at the age of 90. more...
Local elections - the race is on
THE ELECTION build-up is officially underway after the announcement of candidates vying for votes in Droitwich Spa. more...
25 years ago September 2, 1977
Officials of Bromsgrove Farmers Club were looking forward to their annual open Agricultural and Horse Show, held at Kingsland Hill Farm, Wychbold. This was due to `a marvellous sponsorship' for a very full and attractive programme. Highlights included hot air balloon rides, a goat section, a grand parade of cattle and clay pigeon shooting. more...
In memory of Bill and Mrs Satan
SEVERAL times on our many meetings, I asked Bill Gwilliam which of all the tales he had researched in his lifetime was his favourite, and his answer was always the same. more...
Costcutter flogged booze to teenagers
TRADERS in Droitwich Spa have been hauled before the courts for selling teenagers booze. more...
100 years ago September 20, 1902
THE number of tramps seeking outdoor relief at Droitwich Workhouse during the past fortnight had numbered 144 compared with a more modest 84 for the same period last year. The ruling Guardians, who as always kept a very close watch on the purse strings, conclude the increase had been as a result of the great number of hop pickers who had recently crossed the county in search of work - which this year had not been plentiful. more...
Help to solve mystery of Hall organ
SOMEBODY recently asked me a very pertinent question about Worcester's past but, alas, I didn't know the answer. more...
Chippie ready for frying visit
SOMETHING fishy will be going on at a Spa chip shop later this week. more...
50 years ago September 20, 1952
A FEATURE of the first ever fundraising fete organised by the new Friends of Bromsgrove Hospitals organisation and held at Hill Top chest hospital, was a colour film of an operatiin being performed on a girl. The Friends aimed to raise cash to provide comforts and amenities for patients not available on the NHS. The fete raised £200. more...
EVAN JASPER, President of the Royal British Legion in Bewdley and former postman.
IF ever there was a model ``jolly postman'' it should have been Evan Jasper. more...
Whatever happened to boy pulled from canal?
IT would be fascinating to discover if Kenneth Mears, who at the age of four was rescued from drowning in the canal at Worcester in 1938, is still alive, and where he can be found. more...
Bishop's choice
THE Bishop of Dudley, the Rt Rev David Walker, will visit Broadway next Thursday to interview prospective vicars for St Michael and All Angels' Church. more...
Nose job for birthday boy
ALMOST 750 years after his death, St Richard of Droitwich Spa has been given a nose job. more...
25 years ago September 16, 1977
SCENES reminiscent of wartime were on view in Bromsgrove as houswives queued all day to buy bread when bakery workers employed by the national firms went on strike. Independent family firms Robinsons and Godsells were working flat out to meet the increased demand. more...
MARGARET WATKINS College performing arts head.
PUTTING your children on the stage can be difficult, as Margaret Watkins will testify. more...
Catching up on home news
A KIDDERMINSTER soldier is getting a weekly dose of news from the home front - through his beloved Shuttle. more...
Have local plan say
BROMSGROVE residents are being urged to speak up and help plan future development in the district. more...
Community loses hard-working duo
DAVID and Jane Storer, who have run the post office at Aston Somerville for the past 15 years, are leaving the village. more...
100 years ago September 27, 1902
A START was made this week on laying mains water pipes from New Road to The Eachway in Rubery. The work was expected to be completed by the end of the month. It was good news for those householders who daily formed a procession to fetch their water in buckets. more...
IAN HARDICKER Special school head.
THE description ``special school'' seems misplaced to anyone who visits Stourminster School, Kidderminster. more...
Museum staff still wondering just what brought Bert to Worcester
ALBERT the Albatross is celebrating his 100th birthday as a conspicuous feature of the Worcester Museum display in Foregate Street. more...
A part in a TV cereal!
BROADWAY became a film set when the Weetabix crew arrived in the village to film their latest commercial. more...
50 years ago September 27, 1952
BROMSGROVE Urban District Council had preliminarily voted to spend £1,500 out of the rates to buy bunting, garlands, and other items to decorate the town for next June's coronation festivities. Councillor Bill Kings suggested the cash be better spent laying out the proposed new Sanders Park off Kidderminster Road, which he believed to be a more fitting and permanent reminder of the royal event. more...
Birthday on the frontline for Richard
ROYAL Marine Richard Jenkins has told his family in Wolverley he will write again when the "big push" to overthrow Saddam Hussein is over. more...
A strange way to celebrate the Peace
A SERIES of fascinating photographs I have discovered in the pictorial archives of Berrow's Journal - the world's oldest surviving newspaper - reveal that Worcester people chose unusual, if not rather strange ways to mount Peace Celebrations in the summer of 1919. more...
Jealous jailbird
A JEALOUS lover attacked his girlfriend after she confessed to being unfaithful while he was serving a prison sentence, Worcester Crown Court was told. more...
25 years ago September 23, 1977
CARPENTER Dennis Grubb, of Dragoon Fields, Aston Fields, Bromsgrove, celebrated having notched up 50 years membership of the Union of Construction and Allied Trades Technicians. He had learned his trade at the Bromsgrove Guild and later worked for wood carvers Pancheri and Hack. To mark the occasion, the union presented him with life membership and a silver medal at a party held at the Dragoon Hotel. more...
Did the Grandstand ever collapse?
CAN Memory Lane readers answer a couple of posers I have been set but can't answer? more...
BRIAN GLASS, Businessman and musician.
LIVING every day as if it was his last is Brian Glass's motto in life and his own experiences seem to bear out that principle. more...
Short history of a Wesleyian chapel
HAD it survived, the fourth Methodist church to be built in Pump Street, Worcester, would be celebrating its centenary this week. more...
Aspiring toward safety checks
A DETAILED study of the condition of the lofty 198-foot sandstone spire at St John's Parish Church in Bromsgrove began on Monday. more...
Leader quits
ONE well-known name missing from the Droitwich Spa Town Council candidates' list is that of current leader Pam Davey. more...
Town centre vigil
A VIGIL for peace will be held outside Kidderminster Town Hall on Saturday. more...
Huge fires failed to close Worcester's Theatre Royal
n EXACTLY 90 years ago and again now, the fate of Worcester's theatre - then the Royal and now the Swan - hung precariously in the balance. more...
Boost to holidays
by Pete Lammas more...
Faye just keeps on running
AN energetic Droitwich woman is going for the double by completing her second marathon in a matter of months. more...
THELMA SMITH Community volunteer.
IT was what can only be described as a ``gaffe'' when the health visitor called on Thelma Smith on her 75th birthday and asked kindly if she would like to be put in touch with the Stourport Day Centre. more...
Sad loss of a St John's character
WORCESTER'S Westside has lost one of its most amiable and friendly characters with the death of Horace Perks. more...
£9.5 MILLION NOD TO BOATING BOOMTOWN
by SARAH CHAMBERS more...
ROBERTA CARRADINE, Gardener, reiki healer, founder member of Wyre Forest Permaculture Group.
IT was finding out about a serious heart condition that led Roberta Carradine to leave a high-flying job and look to her roots. more...
Thrilled by phone call
TERRITORIAL Army centre caretaker and storeman Eileen and Jonathan Berrow were thrilled to hear the voice of soldier daughter Catherine when she phoned from her base near Basra in Iraq. more...
Mediaeval heart of Worcester that's lost forever
THIS atmospheric and vintage set of photographs offer a reminder of a once bustling hub of humanity right in the historic heart of Worcester. more...
Saving the orangery
URGENT repairs to a leaky roof at a historic mansion near Droitwich Spa began this week. more...
Last survivor the 1952 wreath-laying ceremony
RECENTLY, in my weekly feature for Berrow's Worcester Journal, I published what I considered a very significant photograph taken in the Faithful City exactly half-a-century ago. more...
Super Sarah scoops award
HARD work and a caring attitude added up to success for a Barclays bank workers from Droitwich Spa. more...
Hoping for TV glimpse
THE wife-to-be of a Bewdley soldier in the thick of the action in the Gulf has spoken about the agony of her last moments of contact with her fiance. more...
A long gone city pub that had a history of smuggling
LEGEND has it that the corner building in this vintage photograph from the 1920s was once a smugglers' haunt. more...
`The best squadron in Britain'
THE Worcester Air Training Corps had much to celebrate at this time 50 years ago after being adjudged "the best squadron in Great Britain". more...
JIM MURDOCH Ex-Town Constable
BEWDLEY has lately been paying tribute to a Scotsman who may never have lived in the town and become one of its most prominent citizens had it not been for love. more...
Labourers feel pinch of poverty
A CENTURY ago, the City Fathers at Worcester were faced with a local unemployment crisis which had plunged many local families into poverty and hardship. more...
Newspaper's burglar alert
THE Worcester Journal found it necessary exactly 200 years ago to warn local people to take extra precautions in protecting their homes against a gang of burglars. more...
SIMON ARBUTHNOTT Retiring headteacher of Winterfold House School, Chaddesley Corbett.
IT will truly be the end of an era when Simon Arbuthnott leaves the helm of the Chaddesley Corbett school he has been involved with since the age of four. more...
Enemies brought together by death
CLOSE in death yet arch enemies in life - that was to be the ironic fate of two remarkable and colourful Worcester characters of the 17th Century, whose ornate tombs lie opposite each other in St Helen's Church off High Street. more...
Trip of a lifetime
Isabel Ward is gearing herself up for the trip of a lifetime. more...
100 years ago October 4, 1902
A COURT in Worcester heard how two Bromsgrove men were spotted riding their cycles in a "furious" fashion at 18 mph downhill at Holt Fleet from the direction of Ombersley. Shop assistant John Field, from Stoney Hill, and Ronald McGilchrist, an ironmonger from Worcester Road, were each fined 7/6 (37.5p) plus 10/6 (52.5p) costs. more...
City's historic church
A church may well have stood on the site of St Helen's since Roman times though the present building dates in part from the 11th or 12th Centuries. more...
It's the end of an era
A FEW tears were shed as the remaining workers at the former UEF factory left for the final time last Friday. more...
50 years ago October 4, 1952
A PARTY of members of Bromsgrove Round Table, plus representatives from the Worcester branch, spent a day down a coal mine when they were guests of Mid Cannock Colliery. more...
Former mayor's special day
FAST approaching his 100th birthday is a past Mayor of Worcester and former owner of a city radio and television shop for many years. more...
25 years ago September 20, 1977
THE secret, which had been closely guarded for months, was finally out. more...
Sam was the man with the Evening News pitch
SAM Smith was the name of the popular newspaper seller whose "pitch" for many years was outside Worcester's Foregate Street station. more...
100 years ago October 11, 1902
A COACHMAN died after being kicked by the horse he was clipping for his master, Dr Ambrose, of Barnt Green. An inquest jury sitting at the Victoria Hotel in the village, returned an accidental death verdict on 34-year-old Edward Jones, who died a day after the incident. A fund for the deceased's dependants had been launched to which Dr Ambrsose had contributed £5. The coroner and jurors had also made donations. more...
Miller's tale of family life at Mildenham
AN intimate history of Mildenham Mill was written in 1974, by Denis Watts, the last member of a family who owned and ran the water mill for a century. more...
50 years ago October 11, 1952
HANBURY Bowling club held its annual meeting at the Vernon Arms. Fifty-four members, including many from Bromsgrove, sat down to a capital goose supper followed by entertainment, which included an accordionist. Dennis Baylis won the club championship. more...
Nurse who cared for Sir Edward
FOR Kathleen Harrison, the pinnacle of her lengthy career in the caring profession was perhaps reached when she nursed composer Sir Edward Elgar through his last five months of life. more...
25 years ago October 11, 1977
BROMSGROVE would soon be featured on the world squash map when a new club built by town building firm William Weaver opened in Worcester Road. The town's MP Hal Miller was to perform the opening ceremony. more...
MAGGIE KING, Headteacher at Stourport High School
MAGGIE King looks back on more than 11 years of achievement as she leaves the school gates for the last time as headteacher today. more...
Centenarian looks back to concert party days
THE Faithful City has been home to Gladys Milton throughout the 100 years of her life to date. more...
100 years ago October 18, 1902
RESIDENTS in Finstall, Bromsgrove, asked the Post Office to consider making deliveries to the village on Sundays, a service already enjoyed by their neighbours in Aston Fields. The application was being made through Stoke Prior Parish Council which appeared to be divided on the issue. At a meeting, its chairman, the Rev Stockdale, commented that London, the World's greatest city, managed perfectly well without one, therefore so could Finstall who only had a handful of residents. The pro-lobby felt they had a strong hand as Bromsgrove's MP Austen Chamberlain had recently joined the Cabinet as Postmaster General. more...
50 years ago October 18, 1952
THE design for a new coat of arms had been agreed by Bromsgrove Rural District Council. It consisted of a sickle to represent industry, a demi crosier because of Bishop Latimer's association with Alvechurch, a beech tree to signify Frankley Beeches and the four stones of Clent, supported by a green and white wreath. Beneath would be the motto in Latin, "By Service Let Us Govern." more...
Hypocrisy... and the grim reality of war
CAN we please be spared the cant about what can be "decently" shown on television from the war in Iraq? more...
Lich Gate craftsman whose violins are prized instruments
WE'VE all heard of the famous and valuable "Strad" violins made in Italy, during the 17th and 18th Centuries by the Stradivari family. more...
Worcs & B'ham Canal Society
THE society exists to promote the use and well being of our local canal which many people enjoy, whether for boating, walking, cycling or fishing. We meet at The Boat and Railway in Stoke Prior on the first Tuesday of each month, except July and August, at 8pm. There will be a gathering of boats over the early May Bank Holiday weekend, May 2 - 5, on the canal by Tylers Lock at Tardebigge, with entertainment, stalls, displays and on the Monday - a duck race. Visitors will be very welcome. more...
25 years ago October 11, 1977
AVONCROFT Museum's latest exhibit, Forge Cottage which had been rescued from Wellington in Herefordshire, was being erected at the popular tourist attraction at Stoke Heath in Bromsgrove. more...
ANDREW NOTT Farmer
FARMERS who are young, fit, prepared to weather the financial storms of farming and keep in tune with new conservation ideas are few and far between. more...
Ode to jobsworths and their diligence
CONGRATULATIONS to the Department of Internal Revenue on the slaughter of a goose that lays golden eggs. more...
Ninety-year-olds still going strong
THERE can be few people in this country able to match the achievement of a Worcester brother and three sisters who are now all in their 90s - the entire tally of children of a once well-known city couple. more...
100 years ago November 1, 1902
ASPIRING gardeners were invited to learn more about potting, planting and pruning at Bromsgrove School of Science and Art. The New Road school was offering free tickets for a lecture on gardening. They were available from Thomas Horton. more...
Excuses for conflict
FRAN Richman (Evening News, Tuesday, March 25) opens and ends with criticism of the Church, asking "where is the boldness of the church?" when writing on the horrors of Saddam Hussein. more...
Illustrious family spent 60 years at the same address
WITH the last remaining historic house in Worcester's Tybridge Street now restored and converted into a large veterinary practice, it's timely to remember the last family to live in this elegant Georgian property. more...
Advantage Pershore
VISITORS to Pershore can now take a different view of the town by using a new walkway. more...
Tories to blame for EU sell-out
I FOUND the Eurosceptic façade of Conservative MEP Phillip Bushill-Matthew distinctly unpalatable (You Say, March 29). more...
Stanbrook's sisterly act of subterfuge
WITH the remaining 28 or so nuns proposing to sell up and move from Stanbrook Abbey, Callow End, it's perhaps timely to re-visit a Memory Lane article I wrote almost two decades ago. more...
Civic crime crackdown
A CRACKDOWN on crime and anti-social behaviour on the streets of Evesham and Pershore could be boosted by neighbourhood and street wardens providing high visibility patrols. more...
50 years ago November 1, 1952
FIREFIGHTERS were scrambled to All Saints Hospital when a fire broke out in the east wing. Patients were carried from smoke-filled wards and the staff rooms were completely gutted. The Women's Voluntary Service managed to serve hot meals to distressed patients and help them settle into new wards. Three roofs in the east block were destroyed, along with the block's day room. It is believed the blaze began in the kitchen. more...
DOREEN REYNOLDS Dog show judge
DOREEN Reynolds will always be content with her life as long as there is happiness in it. more...
Worcester's gormless morons on my trail
AFTER reading N Taylor's letter (You Say, Thursday, March 27) I was reminded of when I lived in Bath Road less than 12 months ago. more...
Perrins' pepperbox will return to city
A SUPERB example of the work of Worcester gunsmith John Perrins - a master craftsman in the city for 60 years through the Victorian era - is about become a prized local museum piece. more...
Robots are programmed into school period
A ROBOTICS specialist held workshops for students and gave a lecture on robots in space at Pershore High School this week. more...
25 years ago October 28, 1977
A VOCAL section of Bromsgrove and Redditch Community Health Council was critical of the new strategy document concerning health care in the district, for the next two years. A number of town members said the document assumed a new district general hospital would be built on the Woodrow site at Redditch. They feared Bromsgrove faced a serious number of bed losses but they were told that regardless of where casualty services were sited, they would have to be shared between Bromsgrove and Redditch patients. more...
ARTHUR PAGE Charity worker
LIVING in a town where the River Severn flows through provides ample opportunities for boating enthusiasts, but there are few who can have done as much for others as Arthur Page. more...
Steam ahead
NOW that the warmer weather is with us once more, I daresay that the steamers will soon be plying their trade up and down the Severn. more...
History at the gallop for a house in Castle Street
A CHANCE letter from Canada to a Memory Lane reader has thrown the spotlight on the fascinating past of a prominent and recently restored Georgian property in Worcester. more...
`They don't trust the Trust'
WEST Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer this week asked for the Government to step in and save Pershore Cottage Hospital from closure. more...
25 years ago
BROMSGROVE and Droitwich was enjoying a new homes boom with several new estates presently under construction. In Grayshott Close, Bromsgrove, new semi-detached houses were on the market for £12,175 while at Friarscroft four bedroomed detached properties were selling for £21,500. In Droitwich, at Hillview Estate, three bed semis were being snapped up for £10,950. more...
A hard slog
AT their meeting in Camp David last week, Tony Blair and George Bush both said that the war in Iraq would go on for as long as it takes. more...
High days for the Battler who turned professional
BACK in the 1930s and 40s, Worcester was a positive mecca for amateur boxing, but very few of the well-known local names who then fought in the ring for the pure love it ever took the courageous step of turning professional. more...
50 years ago November 8, 1952
BOB McArthur, a 26-year-old American, stopped off briefly in Bromsgrove while making a round the world tour on his bike for bet which if he succeeded would land him a cool $10,000. His specially adapted cycle which was equipped with a harpoon for spearing fish, aroused much interest from shoppers in High Street. more...
MARY BAULK Puppeteer
IT is rare for an everyday occupation to bring a great deal of enjoyment - but do not tell that to Kidderminster puppeteer Mary Baulk. more...
100 years ago November 8, 1902
GEORGE Dyer, James Price, Herbert Stanley, Fred Kite and brothers George and Fred Insull appeared before Droitwich magistrates charged with letting off fireworks in Church Lane, Hanbury. All were fined 3/- (15p) except the Insulls who got away more lightly with a fine of 2/- (10p) each. more...
City's duo of the Swinging Sixties
TAKING a bow in the Memory Lane spotlight this week is a prime mover on the Worcester entertainment and pop scene for two decades from the Swinging Sixties. more...
100 years ago November 15,1902
MEMBERS of Droitwich Rural District Council, at a meeting, declined to support a plea from councillors in Yeovil who wanted to see a ten mph speed restriction put on all motor vehicles. Cllr Philips remarked it was "ridiculously slow" and barely the speed of a "good donkey." They did however support some form of identifying markings on vehicles to enable them to be traced if need be. more...
Colleague's recollections of Worcester's Lady in White
FOND memories of the late and eccentric Elsie Wood, for years a familiar figure on the Worcester street scene and nicknamed The White Lady, have been sent me by 77 year-old Miss Jean Turner. more...
50 years ago November 8, 1952
FRANCIS Millinchip, aged 11, a Rubery Wolf Cub in the St Chad's pack who had both his legs amputated below the knee, was presented with a Cornwall certificate as a reward for his unfailing cheerfulness. more...
25 years ago November 4, 1977
ABBA and their Name of the Game was at number one in the singles charts in Bromsgrove with the Bee Gees How Deep is your Love in from nowhere at number seven. more...
JULIE SAUNDERS, Librarian and children's author.
IT was by a twist of fate that Julie Saunders became a librarian at Stourport and started writing books with her husband Dave. more...
A city under siege
THIS summer marks the centenary of the start of the so-called Siege of Worcester 1903-4 when the city was cast into total chaos as it prepared for the arrival of its electric trams. more...
100 years ago November 22, 1902
OPINIONS were divided on the suitability of a new stone and marble pulpit to be installed in St John's Parish Church, Bromsgrove. Some believed it would be out of place in the fine old building. The present oak pulpit had replaced an elaborate three decker wooden structure in the nave, built in 1744 for £41. Further, elaborate decoration had added an extra £20 to the cost. more...
ERNIE ADDERLEY Drains supervisor.
UNBLOCKING drains, sandbagging flooded homes and wading through sewage are among the doubtful joys of the council's drain supervisor. more...
Delving into the Dingle dynasty
A LONG-FORGOTTEN but once prominent and prosperous "City Father" of Worcester in Victorian times is the subject of this week's Memory Lane. more...
50 years ago November 22, 1952
MORE prehistoric finds had been unearthed at a gravel pit at Upton Warren, following the exciting discoveries last year. The latest was a part of a mammoth and a rhino jaw, complete with teeth. more...
GEOFF RICHARDSON Railway buff and charity worker
A CHANCE visit to the memorabilia shop at the Severn Valley Railway in Bewdley was the beginning of a railway buff's loyal 18 years voluntary work there. more...
A life that had more than its share of sorrows and traumas
THE indomitable spirit of Annie (Nancy) Hancock of Worcester radiates out from the sorrows and hardships of much of her life as recounted in her memoirs, published recently in book form. more...
25 years ago November 18, 1977
SO far there had been no emergency calls to Bromsgrove Fire Station since the start of the national firemen's' strike in support of a wage claim. It would remain to be seen if the retained men would, as they had promised, cross the picket line if a life or death emergency arose. more...
TIM MORRIS District Organist
TIM Morris would say Kidderminster is lucky to have a "gem" of an organ so admired it draws visitors from as far away as Australia and America. more...
100 years ago November 29, 1902
A LARGE gathering met at Droitwich Spa Town Hall to discuss the formation of a Ratepayers' Association. The organisers stressed it must not be antagonistic towards the town council, but should play a helping role to enable residents to speak with one voice. more...
50 years ago November 29, 1952
THE BISTO kids were heading Bromsgrove's way. Housewives were told to look out for their car carrying the pair and if they called and you could show them a packet of the famous gravy powder you could win a £1 voucher. more...
DR PERIS JONES University lecturer and chairman of the Midlands Rail Users Consultative Committee.
IT was a life-long interest in public transport dating back to a term in charge of the passenger transport authority Centro which started Dr Jones's involvement with the national railways' watchdog. more...
25 years ago November 25, 1977
IT was the thrill of a lifetime for 16-year-old Bromsgrove Schoolboy Michael Banner when he won a prize to meet Prime Minister Jim Callaghan at 10 Downing Street. Michael, from Stratford Road, won the prize in an essay competition organised by Hansard. more...
CLIVE WEBSTER New Kidderminster town crier
CIVIC events in Kidderminster are unlikely to pass quietly now Clive Webster has been chosen as the new town crier. more...
100 years ago December 6, 1902
THE Kensit Preachers were in Bromsgrove conducting their crusade against ritualism at the Drill Hall. Their talk was titled England's Betrayal. The speaker took the stand as a member of the Church of England opposed `a conspiracy conducted by lawless clergy aided and abetted by Romanising bishops'. more...
JEAN FRY School music director
THE successes of Burlish Middle School choir would make anyone think Jean Fry was blessed with a collection of angels under her baton. more...
50 years ago December 6, 1952
THERE was excitement among Finstall Women's Institute (WI) members when the opening of their meeting was recorded for the Archers world famous radio show. Programme bosses needed a typical WI meeting opening for a forthcoming episode. The women sang Jerusalem and club president Mrs Wales addressed members. more...
EDWARD LESZCZYNSKI Worcestershire Wildlife Trust
PEOPLE who care deeply about wildlife and the area around them are not easy to come by. That is not the case with Edward Leszczynski, however, who became consultancy manager at the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust in January. more...
25 years ago December 2, 1977
PLANNERS were preparing a three day exhibition of blueprints for the proposed Bromsgrove Eastern By-Pass scheme. Residents were invited to view the plans at Bromsgrove Council House, in Birmingham Road and a surveyor would be on hand to answer their questions. Work on the new road was expected to start in 1979 at an estimated cost of £2,750,000. The original £5m plans for a dual carriageway were scrapped for a cheaper single carriageway road. The display coincided with the opening of several hundred yards of new western inner relief road through Crown Close. more...
DR COLIN STARKIE, Former medical officer of health.
DR Colin Starkie has played an incredible role in the medical and social history of Wyre Forest district. more...
100 years ago December 13, 1902
CHRISTMAS shoppers were being urged to take a look at the gift selection in Whitfields, the Bromsgrove outfitters. The Worcester Road shop boasted a large selection of festive presents including handkerchiefs, travel rugs, braces and leggings. more...
JEANNETTE BALDWIN Stroke rehabilitation worker.
CAN you imagine being suddenly cut down in your prime and left helpless, unable to talk or walk? more...
50 years ago December 13,1952
COMMUNITY chiefs decided the time had come to demolish former prisoner of war huts in Cofton Hackett. Bromsgrove Rural District Council said they needed costly repairs and were uneconomic to run. The occupants, many of whom had originally been squatters at All Saints Hospital, would be rehoused in the district. more...
25 years ago December 9, 1977
A PEAL of four bells was rung for the first time at Christ Church, in Catshill, to celebrate the church's 139th birthday. The bells were dedicated by the Rev Michael Smith during a special family service organised by the young people's group of the junior church, with their leader Bob Miller. more...
100 years ago December 20, 1902
FIGURES obtained from last year's census revealed that far from being dead the handmade nailing trade in Bromsgrove still employed 964, people split equally between men and women. However, these figures served to highlight the industry was in decline when compared to the 1851 census which showed that 3,119 were earned their living at the nail block. more...
50 years ago December 20, 1952
A FIREMAN had to be lowered down the face of a cliff in Leach Green Lane, Rednal, to rescue a dog trapped on a ledge. The animal, which was none the worse for its ordeal, belonged to Mr Johnson from Leach Heath Lane. more...
ISOBEL DALE Non-executive health trust director.
ANYONE drawn to a key role in influencing important changes in the way society is organised would envy Isobel Dale's CV. more...
25 years ago December 16, 1977
ANOTHER battle in the campaign to stop the M42 was lost this week. A High Court ruling in London removed one of the last obstacles to the proposed motorway. Protestors from Bromsgrove were dismayed to hear judge Sir Douglas Frank say: "There must come a point when the rights of objectors ends and the freedom of a minister to implement policy begins." more...
DAVID WALKER Former prisoner-of-war and headteacher.
THE Greek Government is set to recognise David Walker's service during the Second World War by awarding him a medal. more...
100 years ago December 27,1902
MRS Unite from Blackwell Court, near Bromsgrove had again this year made her usual generous gesture by arranging for meat and coal to be delivered to poor and needy families in the district. more...
50 years ago December 27,1952
A PLAN to establish a light industrial zone on the outskirts of Bromsgrove at Aston Fields was announced by the town council. It would help restore Market Street where there were factories, into an amenity area. Eleven half-acre plots were proposed to be screened by a wide belt of trees and existing and new roads to the site would be modified and built. more...
ANDY KIRK, Magician
A KIDDERMINSTER man is enjoying every minute of his working life after conjuring up the careers of his dreams. more...
25 years ago December 23, 1977
CONFIRMATION that Fine Fare supermarket was to be offered the plum former cattle market site in Bromsgrove resulted in a Tory-Labour row at the Council House. Labour Councillor Henry Webley maintained the ruling Conservatives had not given Tesco, the other contender, which already had a store in High Street, a fair chance of acquiring it. Tesco had planned to have an in-store bakery and a rooftop car park. more...
MIKE LEWIS Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts
LIFE took an abrupt right-angle turn for Mike Lewis the day he was told to wear glasses. more...
100 years ago January 3, 1903
WILLIAM Starfield, a tramp, appeared at Bromsgrove police court charged with refusing to break his allotted 13 hundredweight of stone in return for a night's board and lodging at the town's workhouse. His excuse was that he was too cold and hungry, the amount of food he had been given he said was not enough to "keep a spider alive." Magistrates were told tramps were given a hammock and two blankets and that the ward was heated to the regulation 56 degrees F. He had also been given the customary ration of eight ounces of bread for his supper. He was sentenced to 14-days' hard labour at Worcester Jail. more...
50 years ago January 3, 1953
DR Alan Nunn May, 41, a former lecturer and member of a Barnt Green family, who had been sentenced to ten years' jail in 1946 for communicating information about atomic research was released from Wakefield prison very early on Monday. He did however, manage to dodge the 30 or so pressmen waiting by the gate. more...
25 years ago December 30, 1977
THE sales were in full swing with many shops in Bromsgrove taking large adverts in the Messenger. John Justin in High Street had men's suits on offer at £17.99 and shirts for just £2.59. Avalon three-piece suites at £244 were selling well at Baylis furnishers also in High Street. Among the many holiday ads Universal Travel had Laker air trips to New York for £89. more...
100 years ago January 10, 1903
PERSISTENT drunks appearing before magistrates in Bromsgrove and Droitwich would pay higher fines in line with new national licensing laws aimed at trying to cut drinking. However, many believed it went against the fundamental right of the individual contained in Magna Carta that a man should be allowed to regulate his own thirst. The Messenger observed that drink-related problems in Bromsgrove were fewer in 1903 than ten or 20 years earlier. more...
REV GERALD ENGLAND Baxter United Reformed Church, Minister
IT'S a long way from Kimberley to Kidderminster, but bridging huge gaps is all in a day's work for Wyre Forest's very own bagpipe-playing church minister. more...
50 years ago January 10, 1953
A PLEA by the authorities in Droitwich that the Spa should get its own full-time ambulance fell on deaf ears. It was said it was not necessary as there had only been 11 accidents in the past six months and 18 emergencies requiring an ambulance. Presently one was sent from Worcester and took 15 minutes to arrive. more...
25 years ago January 6, 1978
AN eminent local GP, Dr Michael Drury from Church Hill, Belbroughton, was awarded the OBE in the New Year's honours list. Considered to be one of Britain's leading academics he was also a senior tutor at Birmingham university. more...
100 years ago January 17, 1903
A TOTAL of 32 cases of scarlet fever, in Bromsgrove during December and the first two weeks of this month, had been notified to the town's medical officer Dr Kidd. He suspected that in the case of children, the epidemic was being made worse by parents "concealing" their children and allowing them to mix with others during the peeling stage. more...
World of work can be students' oyster
EXAMS may be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean students will stop being tested. more...
50 years ago January 17, 1953
SOME 65 veteran members of Bromsgrove Labour Club sat down to their annual supper. Most of them had supported the club since its formation in 1927. A capital meal had been prepared by Mrs Dyer, Mrs H Webley, wife of the secretary, and Mrs Troth the stewardess. more...
Schools' future lies in shape of pyramid
COUNCILLOR June Longmuir can't be accused of mincing her words. more...
25 years ago January 13, 1978
PUPILS in Bromsgrove were taking packed lunches because of the small portions dished out by schools, the town's Trades Council claimed after receiving complaints from parents. Presently one in four youngsters were in receipt of free meals. more...
ANN BALDARO Youth worker
ANYONE who has experience of dealing with youngsters of today would know the wide range of skills needed to be a youth worker. more...
First steps into brave new world of college
PUPILS at Elgar Technology College are marking the end of what has been a transitional year for the school. more...
100 years ago January 24, 1903
THE first of four men only Sunday afternoon services was held at St John's Church in Bromsgrove. A fairly large congregation turned up to hear the vicar give his sermon on the subject "Workingmen and the Church." The aim was to encourage more men to attend services. Coincidentally, a letter signed by someone calling themselves "a well wisher of the poor" appeared in the Messenger suggesting that special simple "plain language" services be held at St John especially for the poorer classes. more...
Something to celebrate
CONGRATULATIONS all round for those celebrating various awards this term. more...
50 years ago January 24, 1953
THE £1,500 out of the rates Bromsgrove Urban District Council had set aside to pay for the forthcoming coronation festivities looked woefully inadequate. It would not stretch to pay for fireworks and floodlights and decent souvenirs for adults and children alike. At the last coronation in 1953, the council had initially earmarked £500, but later had been forced to dip into its coffers for another £250. more...
Providing answers to parents' questions
TUCKED away in a small office in the middle of Worcester are the answers to all parents' questions about schools. more...
25 years ago January 20,1978
GOVERNORS at North Bromsgrove High School were to make representations to the county council for £29,000 to refurbish the school's swimming pool which had fallen into disrepair. more...
The week the world came to school in city's Stanley Road
THERE are different reactions to be had when you mention to a school that you would like to drop in. more...
100 years ago January 31, 1903
BROMSGROVE and Stoke Prior were thrown into a high state of excitement when inmates at Stoke Reformatory rebelled and escaped. The Messenger said: "If the emergency had not been met promptly and determinedly the outcome might have been serious, but the active measures which were taken to restore order were successful, and soon the rebellion fizzled out." more...
GRAHAM CAMPBELL Headteacher and canoe expert
THE image of "old chalky", of Dennis the Menace fame, may be long outdated. more...
Weeks of freedom or stir-crazy tantrum time?
WE'RE all going on a summer holiday, fun and laughter for a week or two - or is it really tantrums and tears for a mammoth six weeks? more...
TED EBURY Former Scout Council district secretary
FOR someone who only joined his first Scout group because he was persuaded to by his father, Kidderminster's Ted Ebury has gone on to record a remarkable list of achievements. more...
The signs they are a-changing
BOB Dylan once sang that the times they are a-changing. And for students at Royal Grammar School, Worcester, this is ringing true. more...
50 years ago January 31, 1953
VICAR of Cofton Hackett, Rev H.R. Chaffer, made a plea to Bromsgrovians not to overlook the spiritual significance of the coronation amid all the festivities. He said: "I feel we must stress that the essence of the coronation is not all the parties, or even the pomp and circumstance. It is primarily a religious function." more...
Lick them into shape with milk
MILK might be cool for cats but it's also cool for kids. Whoever discovered that the calcium-rich liquid, routinely suckled by calves, was full of goodness for humans, too, struck oil. more...
25 years ago January 27, 1978
SKATEBOARD crazy youngsters were warned that they were likely to be disappointed because Bromsgrove would most probably be the last town in the West Midlands to get its own skateboard ramp. A request by the Recreation committee to build a skateboard ramp in Sander's Park was turned down. more...
The 16-plus course that is growing in popularity
EVERY summer there is a rush of anxiety and stress as thousands of pupils wait for their exam results. more...
100 years ago February 7, 1903
A COMPLAINT was made at Bromsgrove Rural District Council about the manner in which swine fever regulations were administered. It was stated that it was of great inconvenience to farmers that no one had been at Redditch police station to sign the removal orders, last week. 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...
50 years ago February 7, 1953
FINANCES had so improved at Bromsgrove Parish Church that the vicar had to `blink and look twice' at them. The Rev FG Shepherd said he was grateful for the help and kindness - in the form of gifts and co-operation. more...
AVIS FIELD Kemp Hospice volunteer
CONSIDERING the effort Stourport's Avis Field puts into her work as a volunteer worker at Kemp Hospice, it is small wonder she has any time left to enjoy the whole array of hobbies she has. more...
Forget male boffins - science's future could well be female
Think science and you're likely to conjure up images of boys peering into test tubes, plus Michael Faraday, Albert Einstein and Bunsen burners. more...
25 years ago February 3, 1978
MOTORISTS were warned against panic buying of petrol in the light of a possible tanker driver's strike. One garage proprietor commented: "A complete disregard of this timely warning simply means a drying up of supplies much sooner than expected." more...
School all set for stardom
FAME Academy, Popstars and Pop Idol will have nothing on pupils at a Worcester school in the years to come. more...
100 years ago February 14, 1903
BROMSGROVE Nail Forgers Ltd held their 14th annual general meeting. The chairman expressed his pleasure at the favourable state of the balance sheet. He remarked the provident fund had also been most useful, in the case of the death of a member a £4 grant was made to relatives. more...
Learning lessons from the past and looking to the future
ONE hundred and fifty years ago the relatives of pupils at Inkberrow First School were starting their first day in the classroom. more...
50 years ago February 14, 1953
A FURTHER extension of Bromsgrove District Council's housing estates in the Rock Hill area was suggested at the General Purposes Committee. The surveyor was preparing a report on the possibilities of further houses being built at Millfields and Fox Lane. more...
King's benefits from that feel-good factor
IF the Government comes up with a test to see if private schools should keep their charitable status then The King's School, Worcester, should pass with flying colours. more...
25 years ago February 10, 1978
LICKY End Methodists had a big disappointment when they heard that plans to build a new church and hall had been turned down by planners. more...
Touching down for best of both worlds
WHAT do you do if you want to focus on becoming a professional rugby player, but get a degree as well? more...
100 years ago February 21, 1903
WILLIAM Sparkes, a saltmaker from Union Lane, appeared before Droitwich magistrates on a "nuisance" charge." He had committed the offence while hopelessly drunk at Stoke Works Railway Station. Stationmaster George Barker told the court that several people had complained about his conduct. He was fined 10/- (50p) with 7/6 (37.5p) costs. more...
Army career is force to be reckoned with
IF you're about to leave school and are still unsure of what you want to do in life then look no further than the Army. more...
50 years ago February 21, 1953
A YOUNG police constable stationed at Bromsgrove, Victor Jones, 23, died when his motorcycle skidded on ice at Spring Pools as he returned home to Rubery after a spell on night duty in the town. His body was found next to his machine by an early morning motorist. more...
The student with officer potential
COMMITTING yourself to a career when you are still studying for your GCSEs might seem a bit premature for the majority of city youngsters. more...
Secret lives of students in city
THERE'S more to student life than books and beer. That's evident just by wandering through the Students' Union building at University College Worcester's campus in St John's. more...
25 years ago February 17, 1978
HOOLIGANS and vandals were making life a misery for scores of people in Rubery especially the elderly who were afraid to venture out after dark. Gang warfare between pupils at schools in the area was also a cause of concern for local people. A lack of amenities was one reason put forward for the problem. more...
Army offers key to exam success for youngsters
EXAMS don't end when you join the Army. Although teenagers see joining up as a way of escaping the rigours of classrooms and exams, education is the key to success. more...
100 years ago February 28, 1903
AN inquest was held at Powick Lunatic Asylum into the sad death of 49-year-old inmate George Spicer, from Droitwich Spa. George died from haemorrhaging caused by a four-and-a-half inch long beef rib bone having been lodged in his gullet for a week. Staff, who were cleared of any blame by the coroner, said he had not complained of being in pain. more...
Beauty therapy is more than skin deep
LEARNING how to be a beauty therapist is not just about having a go at each other's make-up. more...
50 years ago February 28, 1953
TWO members of Bromsgrove Women's Voluntary Service, Mrs Butcher, of the Old Forge, Park Gat, and Mrs Graves, from Marlborough Avenue, have joined a national "flying squad" of volunteers to help with the East Anglian flood disaster. The two women had helped serve some 100,000 meals to the stricken victims. more...
25 years ago February 24, 1978
TUESDAY'S rain falling on already freezing footpaths and roads in the Bromsgrove district quickly turned them into skating rinks. Long queues of patients nursing a variety of broken bones and sprains caused by the slippery surfaces built up at hospital casualty units. The cold snap was also responsible for a 92-year-old woman being taken to hospital who was suffering from hypothermia. more...
Send us your Red Nose Day pictures
THIS is Worcester, will be featuring a photo gallery of as many local events as possible from the Comic Relief Red Nose Day on Friday, March 14. As well as comprehensive coverage from the Worcester Evening News - we want you to send us your pictures. So get clicking, choose one favourite pic from your event and then email your snap to our Web Content Producer, karl.smallman@midlands.newsquest.co.uk. We can't promise to use every picture, but we'll do our best! Please include as much information about your event as you can - such as the location, the people involved and - of course - how much you've raised! more...
Jump on the bus to study
SITTING at a computer learning how to get the most out of information and communication technology is not just confined to youngsters in school classrooms. more...
100 years ago March 28, 1903
HENRY Smith, of no fixed abode, was brought up at Bromsgrove Police Court charged with assaulting William Simpson, a lamplighter, at Rock Hill, while he was doing his rounds. The bench heard a fight ensued after Simpson refused to give Smith a copper with which to buy tobacco. Simpson was slightly injured and his pole was damaged. Magistrates took a dim view of Smith's behaviour and sent him to Worcester Jail for 14 days' hard labour. more...
Scholarship to launch ladies into basketball
A PARTNERSHIP between University College Worcester and the Wolves basketball team has slam-dunked another first for the county. more...
50 years ago March 28, 1953
BROMSGROVE firemen had answered 28 calls so far throughout March, nearly half of them during the past week. Chimney fires accounted for most but the men had also been kept busy dealing with grass fires caused by the recent very dry spell. more...
STEVE THOMAS Harriers' media development manager
AFTER supporting the club as a teenager, Steve Thomas has just landed his dream job - as Kidderminster Harriers' new media development manager. more...
Challenge to ensure that improvement continues
AS Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, I speak independently and impartially, without fear or favour, on the state of the English education system. more...
25 years ago March 24, 1978
A FULL military funeral was to be held in Bromsgrove for young town soldier Lance Corporal David Jones, 23, who, with a colleague, had been shot while on patrol in County Londonderry. He had planned to marry this week. more...
Sowing the seeds for forest schools
IF you go down to the woods today you're sure of a big surprise. If you go down to the woods today you'd better go in disguise. more...
100 years ago April 4, 1903
THE horse road running through Stoke Works, the middle of which formed the boundary between Bromsgrove and Droitwich, was in a terrible state of repair. And the path in front of Sagebury Terrace, which was the responsibility of the Salt Union, was no better. But before they would consider adopting it, the council was to insist that large boulders be spaced at intervals along the path's edge to stop vehicle mounting it. more...
Special planning for Chrissies' new vision
WHEN a new school for Worcester is built it will mark the end of years of relentless criticism aimed at a city establishment. more...
50 years ago April 4, 1953
GIL Merrick, the Birmingham City and England goalkeeper, had agreed to present two monster solid chocolate Easter eggs to young cripple patients at the Forelands Hospital in Bromsgrove. They were gifts of Dudley Rotary Club. more...
Beacon School is a real shining light
NO ONE can deny that Pershore High School is a busy place. Every week, the achievements of its pupils and coverage of the activities on offer feature in the Evening News. more...
25 years ago March 31, 1978
BROMSGROVE Rugby Club was back home after a successful Easter tour to Apeldoorn in Holland where they had won two games. more...
ERIC KENT ChildLine area fund-raiser.
ERIC Kent is a man on a mission with his work for children's charity ChildLine. more...
The love affair with music starts here
HIDDEN away in the basement of Worcester College of Technology the record producers and musicians of the future are learning the tricks of the trade. more...
Working together to bring better quality
It seems like the Government might have got something right in education for once. more...
KATE BENNETT Manager, Wyre Forest CAB
A WOMAN with a natural talent for organisation has pledged to bring a Wyre Forest advice service up to date for the 21st century. more...
Benefits of being educated at home
ELEVEN-year-old Louisa Harper has only spent one day in school. She was seven and discovered she could only have a drawing class once a week. more...
CAROLE SWINGLER Bewdley Festival organiser
TWO happenings in the life of Carole Swingler have made the last few weeks a time of celebration. more...
Pupils prove they have a voice on war
TWELVE years ago counselling teams from Worcestershire County Council's education psychology teams prepared to hold sessions in its high schools to help with the effects of the Gulf War. more...
Fears grows as Cliffey House School prepares for closure
DECISIONS about the education of young people are never going to be easy ones to make. more...
LIN HICKINBOTTOM Dance troupe administrator
DANCE has always played a big part in the life of Lin Hickinbottom. more...
COLIN SIMMONDS Painter and art teacher.
IF the traditional image of a painter's life is of isolation in a garret with only an easel for company, it does not fit with Colin Simmonds, of Kidderminster. more...
PAT SIMMONDS Chief officer Wyre Forest Age Concern
AUTUMN is a busy time for Pat Simmonds. It is the season for grant applications and preparing for Christmas at Age Concern's Tulip Tree Centre in Castle Road, Kidderminster. more...
From the archives
100 years ago - March 29 1902 more...
PC JOHN BULMER Football liaison intelligence officer
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers fan John Bulmer attends all the club's games - home and away - but does not see much of the action on the pitch. more...
From the archives
100 years ago - April 5, 1902 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - April 12, 1902 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - April 19, 1902 more...
TERRY SMITH Harriers' business development manager
TERRY Smith may be quick with a wisecrack but he's also been rapid in taking advantage of the new commerical opportunities open to Kidderminster Harriers in the Football League. more...
From the archives
100 years ago - April 26, 1902 more...
SHEILA SALMON Kidderminster's charity Christmas card organiser
GETTING on with what life throws at you is a philosophy that has served Sheila Salmon well during challenging times. more...
From the archives
100 years ago - May 3, 1902 more...
CAROLINE SCHUBERT Kidderminster Police media liaison and public relations officer
A NEW face will be saying `allo, allo, allo' to the media and public after taking up a community relations role at Kidderminster Police Station. more...
From the archives
100 years ago - May 24, 1902 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - May 31, 1902 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - June 7, 1902 more...
ERIC (the fish) DAVIES Fishmonger
FOR Eric Davies, there was only one solution to the problem of finding good fish for dinner. Become a fishmonger! more...
From the archives
100 years ago - June 14, 1902 more...
MOLLY DOWELL Artist and art teacher
MOLLY Dowell sees herself as a crusader in the cause of art, which has been an abiding passion from the days of her childhood. more...
From the archives
100 years ago - June 21 1902 more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
CHRIS CONNOR Chairman Stop Kidderminster Incinerator campaign
THIS week has seen another crest in the storm waves that have gathered over plans for a giant incinerator in Kidderminster. more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
From the archives
100 years ago- more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
LARRY BILLINGSLEY Royal British Legion Kidderminster branch secretary and chairman of Parachute Regi
PREVENTING boatloads of Jewish refugees entering Palestine from continental Europe was among Larry Billingsley's duties as a serviceman with the Parachute Regiment policing the territory during the post Second World War years. more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
TOM PARRY RSPCA volunteer
WHEN Tom Parry answered a newspaper advertisement for an RSPCA volunteer, a new world opened up to him. more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
LOUISE MILLS Sports Development Officer
LOUISE Mills was once a county gymnastic champion but now she is helping nurture sporting talent for the future. more...
`Conmen' campaign support
A HOUSING company has joined our "Keep `Em Out" campaign targeting distraction burglars. more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
JOHN COPE Award winning butcher
MEAT sellers are in every shopping street, but butchers are becoming a rare breed. more...
Pensioner is latest victim of conmen
POLICE are hunting a pair of conmen who got into the home of an elderly Kidderminster woman - and made off with £140. more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
PHIL RUDLIN Wyre Forest wildlife ranger
FINDING somebody in a job which they never wish to retire from is something of a rarity but it is the "great" situation animal lover Phil Rudlin finds himself in. more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
PAT JONES Member of Bewdley Civic Society and Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator
IF something is happening in Bewdley then Pat Jones is sure to know about it. more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
DOROTHY McCLURG British Heart Foundation volunteer
CELEBRATION was in the air in more ways than one for a 90-year-old Kidderminster woman last week. more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
ANNE WILKINS Real ale expert, Bewdley
THERE is nothing unusual about celebrating your birthday with a glass of beer - unless the drink in your glass has been brewed for the occasion. more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
Hi-tech way to beat cons
SOCIAL services chiefs have pledged to install dozens of hi-tech doorway devices in the homes of elderly folk to stop them falling foul of conmen callers. more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
`Disgusting' toilets cleaned up
SWIFT clean-up action has been taken after watchdogs slammed the disabled toilets at a health centre as "disgusting". more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
Trust loan to be repaid in month
A £7.5 MILLION loan awarded last week to the loss-making trust which runs Kidderminster Hospital has to be re-paid by the end of the month. more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
JUSTIN PARKER Musical director Kidderminster Male Choir
JUSTIN Parker is a happy man. But then, he has every reason to be. more...
Unit needed in town - MP
RENEWED calls have been made for an assessment unit to be set up at Kidderminster Hospital in a bid to cut waiting times at Worcester's accident and emergency department. more...
Worcester Road, Kidderminster
An abattoir on the Worcester Road, Kidderminster - pictured above, taken circa 1980 - has been replaced by a petrol station and McDonald's drive-thru. more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
JILL FAIRBROTHER-MILLIS Stourport Civic Society secretary
FINDING ways to spend time after retirement may present a problem to some, but Stourport's Jill Fairbrother-Millis is faced with no such dilemma. more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
Man, 65, died after surgery
A STOURPORT man who died following surgery at Worcestershire Royal Hospital this month was the victim of "hard luck", according to the county's coroner. more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
LES JONES Amazing Feet Running Club, president
FANATICAL Aston Villa supporter Les Jones completed two very different marathons during the glorious weekend of his team's last FA Cup final appearance a year ago. more...
From the archives
100 years ago. more...
WYNNE FREEMAN Ballroom dance teacher
BALLROOM dance teacher Wynne Freeman has rubbed shoulders with all the greats - Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, Black Sabbath, Marc Bolan. more...
Widow to get safety device
A KINDLY widow who let youngsters into her home for a drink, only to discover later they had stolen cash from her, will be among the first in the district to get a free doorway device reminding her not to let strangers in. more...
Mill Street Hospital, Kidderminster
The picture above shows Kidderminster General Hospital in Mill Street, taken in 1984, prior to the complete re-location to its current site in Sutton Road, the outside of the Victorian building appears virtually unchanged, being turned into a development of apartments. The former car park is now a housing estate, pictured below. more...
From the archives
100 Years Ago more...
PAULINE ANNIS Stourport Civic Society Chairman
PUTTING something back into the town she has come to admire is the inspiration behind the work of Stourport's Pauline Annis. more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
ANETTE RODAL-ROUSE Bridal specialist, make-up artist and therapist
THE decision to give up the glittering world of modelling may surprise thousands of women who aspire to become a catwalk queen, but for Anette Rodal-Rouse it was the wisest choice she ever made. more...
From the archives
100 Years Ago more...
REG CHAPMAN Cleobury Mortimer town crier
RETIREMENT usually brings the opportunity for rest, relaxation and generally living the quiet life. more...
From the archives
100 Years Ago more...
From the archives
100 Years Ago January 24 1903 more...
Mill Street, Kidderminster
The demolition of buildings in Mill Street, Kidderminster, are the subject of the picture above taken in 1976. The levelling of the buildings revealed the rear view of the Church Street properties and, more significantly, the school rooms of the Baxter Church. more...
From the archives
100 Years Ago January 31 1903 more...
BOB DREW Co-founder and treasurer Classical Music Society.
IN 1968, at the height of the Swinging Sixties, while the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix ruled the nation's airwaves, a musical `revolution' of a much gentler sort was getting under way in Kidderminster. more...
From the archives
100 Years Ago February 7 1903 more...
From the archives
100 Years Ago February 21 1903 more...
Drivers must learn to cut speed and obey the limits
DEAR EDITOR -- I wouldn't normally write to a newspaper, however this is a subject that I am getting increasingly annoyed by. more...
From the archives
100 Years Ago February 28 1903 more...
GORDON WARD Wilden "Jack of all trades"
WITH more strings to his bow than Nigel Kennedy, Gordon Ward, chair of governors, freelance photographer, electrical engineer, inveterate traveller, gardener, fundraiser and pillar of the community, is not a man to let the grass grow under his feet, least of all his own. more...
Public transport continues to decline
DEAR EDITOR -- In your edition of March 12 where the Mayoress of Droitwich expressed she would be travelling on public transport, I thought - well let's hope we can get something done. more...
From the archives
100 Years Ago March 7 1903 more...
Land Oak junction, Kidderminster
The Land Oak public house, Kidderminster, demolished in 1932 to widen Chester Road North. The public house which presently stands on the junction is pictured below. more...
From the archives March 14 1903
100 Years Ago March 14 1903 more...
Offering support for all mothers
DEAR EDITOR -- I am pleased to see the NSPCC campaigning, with the support of Fiona Phillips, to protect babies and toddlers. more...
From the archives
100 Years Ago March 21 1903 more...
ANDY HOLMES Landlord, Bridge Inn, Stourport
MIXING business with pleasure is sometimes described as a dangerous thing, but Stourport pub landlord Andy Holmes has no such worries. more...
From the archives
100 Years Ago March 28 1903 more...
ELLEN COE Oldington and Foley Park Community Network community development worker
FULFILLING a teenage ambition to work in a job helping the community has left Ellen Coe contented in her work. more...
From the archives - 100 Years Ago April 4 1903
The decision of the Mayor and Corporation of Evesham to attend the performance of the "Elijah" at All Saints Church on Thursday, is a noteworthy circumstance. It is quite a new and most welcome departure. To be able to render worthily the great work of a great master is very creditable indeed in a town like Evesham. It has been only made possible by years of devoted application and study and the appreciation of it officially by the head of the Municipality. It is both gratifying and promising. It opens up a most interesting view of what is possible in furthering the higher life and the purer enjoyments of the community by the enlarged actions of its Municipal governors. more...
Improving times for Westlands
DEAR EDITOR -- I feel that that your front-page story in the March 19 Droitwch edition gave an unbalanced picture of an interview I gave to your paper. more...
Minster Road, Stourport
The footbridge and level crossing in Minster Road, Stourport, were still in use in the picture above, taken in the 1970s, looking toward Kidderminster. more...
Music provided a night to remember
DEAR EDITOR -- It was on the night of Saturday, March 22, in the peace and tranquility of the lovely old church of St Johns, that we attended Barnt Green Choral Society `Reflection and Celebration' and listened to the music of the great composers so beautifully and adequately performed by the student soloists from the Birmingham Conservatoire of Music. more...
Stunning victory for hospital campaign
HEALTH campaigner Dr Richard Taylor obliterated the opposition in a landslide General Election victory in Wyre Forest. more...
June 28, 2001
AFTER the initial excitement of arriving at Westminster it has been hard work for my secretary and myself coping with masses of correspondence punctuated by periods of high adrenalin flow waiting to be called to speak. more...
July 19, 2001
TO my amazement I have now been an MP for six weeks. more...
July 26, 2001
AFTER a hectic last week of my first Parliamentary session, the House adjourned for the summer recess on July 20. more...
August 2, 2001
THE House of Commons is in recess so I will take this opportunity of telling you about the Parliamentary Health Select Committee. more...
September 13, 2001
I AM writing this on the day the civilised world has been paralysed by the horror of the terrorist attacks on civilian targets in the USA. more...
September 27, 2001
I HAVE been continuing my summer recess task of up-dating myself about as many local issues as possible. more...
October 4, 2001
THE recommendations of the long-awaited Darzi report are welcome and I regard them as a first step in restoring sanity to the county's hospital services. more...
November 22, 2001
I REGRET that I did not achieve an oral question to the Health Secretary last week and I was not called to speak at an adjournment debate on flood defences. more...
November 29, 2001
I NOW know why the House of Commons appears so empty on television except for Prime Minister's Question Time. more...
December 6, 2001
CONCERN about local hospital services remains high. more...
December 13, 2001
I HAVE had an informative meeting with the chief constable of West Mercia Police and met several of his senior officers and the director of finance. more...
January 10, 2002
THE House of Commons restarted on Tuesday. It was like returning to school with some homesickness! more...
Alcester
LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY: Coalbrookdale and the Ironbridge Gorge was the subject of the most recent meeting of the Local History Society, the speaker, Brian Draper. more...
January 24, 2001
THE Parliamentary Health Select Committee has started its investigation into the functions of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). more...
March 21, 2002
THE hospital battle is accelerating and spreading. more...
Rethink on `road to nowhere'
AN infamous road junction which sends frustrated drivers on a quarter-of-a-mile detour could be given the boot following an outcry by residents. more...
April 18, 2002
Excellent statements from Government and Shadow Ministers had an amazing degree of unanimity during a debate on the Middle East. more...
Police pledge on riverside bikers
POLICE are to set the record straight over a row about noisy bikers that has been raging in Bewdley for years. more...
May 2, 2002
It was a great privilege for my wife and myself to attend the presentation of the loyal more...
May 9, 2002
A real rebellion in Wyre Forest - this was how the Rev Martin Smyth, Ulster Unionist MP for Belfast South, couched his congratulations to me after Health Concern's stunning results in last week's local elections. more...
May 30, 2002
LAST week we debated the Lords' amendments to the NHS Reform Bill. more...
June 6, 2002
I ENJOYED every minute of the Whitsun/Jubilee recess. more...
Horse-power wins the day on television
A BATTLE of the beasts has taken place to settle an ancient dispute. more...
Cowslip or mistletoe for Worcestershire?
THE two finalists for the County Flower of Worcestershire are cowslip and mistletoe. more...
July 4, 2002
CHILTERN Railways plan to start the through-train service from Kidderminster to Marylebone at the end of September. more...
RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION
The Wyre Forest group's walk on Sunday, April 13, will be at Guiting Power, in the Cotswolds. more...
WYRE FOREST CAMCORDER CLUB
The annual documentary competition for the Evergreen Cup was won by George Johns, with Miles of Mills, having travelled extensively to record sites of former water mills. more...
New website is in class of its own
OLD boys and girls of Wyre Forest can reminisce about their school days with the launch of a new Shuttle/Times and News website. more...
WORCESTERSHIRE ME SUPPORT GROUP
This group usually meets on the third Wednesday of the month, but to accommodate school holidays, the next meeting will be on April 30. more...
STOURBRIDGE AND KIDDERMINSTER CAGE BIRD SOCIETY
There were two speakers at the March meeting - John Beddows and Reg Martin. more...
BRITISH SUGARCRAFT GUILD
The Wyre Forest branch will hold its monthly meeting at Stourport Community Centre, Memorial Park, Lickhill Road, on Thursday, April 10 at 7.30pm, when Cassie Brown will demonstrate Water Features for Cakes. more...
LICKHILL WI
At the March meeting, tributes were paid to the late Heather Finney, who recently lost her battle against cancer. more...
FRIENDS OF KIDDERMINSTER CARPET MUSEUM TRUST
The second annual meeting will be held on April 15, at Kidderminster Library. more...
CLASSICAL MUSIC SOCIETY
A change has had to be made to the programme in July. Unfortunately, president Beryl Chempin will be unable to present Grieg - Man of Integrity on July 11. more...
KIDDERMINSTER RAILWAY CIRCLE
On Wednesday in the booking hall at Severn Valley railway station, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, Peter Gilbert will give a presentation entitled Steam on the 60s and now. more...
KIDDERMINSTER CYCLING CLUB
The annual 300-kilometre event will start from Wolverley Memorial Hall on Saturday at 7am, riders heading for Tregaron, in mid-Wales. There will be no rides on Sunday. more...
From the archives
100 years ago - May 11, 1901 more...
CHADDESLEY CORBETT GARDENERS' CLUB
Margaret Sheward, administrator of the special plant unit at Pershore College, brought her expertise to the March meeting, accompanying her talk with slides and advice for propagating. more...
From the archives
100 years ago - May 18, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - May 25, 1901 more...
BEWDLEY LABOUR PARTY
The guest speaker at the branch meeting at the Cock and Magpie, Bewdley, was PC Barter, local beat manager with West Mercia Police. more...
Five-star Lygon on market `for £18m'
THE internationally renowned Lygon Arms in Broadway will be sold if the owner, the Savoy Group, gets the offer it wants. more...
From the archives
100 years ago - June 1, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - June 8, 1901 more...
ARLEY AND DISTRICT WI
Ladies from Trimpley joined the group for a demonstration of Virgin Vie cosmetics on March 17. more...
From the archives
100 years ago - June 15, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - June 22, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - June 29, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - July 6, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - July 13, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - July 20, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - July 27, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - August 3, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - August 17, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - August 24, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - August 31, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - September 7, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - September 21, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - September 28, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - October 12, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - October 19, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - October 26, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - November 2, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - November 9, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - November 16, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - November 23, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - November 30, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - December 7, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - December 14, 1901 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - January 4, 1902 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - January 11, 1902 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - January 18, 1902 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - January 25, 1902 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - February 1 1902 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - February 8, 1902 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - February 15 1902 more...
From the archives
100 years ago - February 22 1902 more...
Club out to beat polio
MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Colwall will be playing their part in the fight against polio. more...
From the archives
100 years ago - March 1 1902 more...
Mums to face new future
MUMS in the Malvern Hills area are being offered a chance to rediscover themselves as individuals before their children fly the nest. more...
From the archives
100 years ago - March 15 1902 more...
John lands top Elgar job
ELGAR Housing Association has appointed a new housing manager. more...
They can't wait to start!
RUNNERS from the Malvern area are under starter's order for the London Marathon. more...
From the archives
100 years ago - March 22 1902 more...
Cash prize up for grabs
A CASH prize of £1,000 is up for grabs for the most innovative sustainability project in the Three Counties. more...
Alan sets his sights high
A Disabled man from Cradley is to climb a 4,000ft mountain to raise money for forces charities. more...
Opinion
THE publication this week of the list of candidates for district, town and parish elections kicks off a month's campaigning leading up to the vote on May 1. more...
School unveils safer travel scheme
TRAVELLING to school is set to become safer and more environmentally friendly thanks to a £19,000 scheme. more...
Centre marks its 10th anniversary
LYTTELTON Well is holding a day of celebration to mark its tenth anniversary. more...
MP sees bleak future ahead
PROBLEMS with the economy and divisions within the Labour Party will strengthen the Tory cause, according to MP Sir Michael Spicer. more...
Hing Tai site plan wins over neighbouring residents
SCALED down plans for a residential development in Powick have won the approval of nearby residents who opposed two previous schemes. more...
Mayor learns a valuable lesson
THE difficulties faced by visually impaired people in Malvern have been demonstrated by the town's mayor. more...
Health probe by MEP
WEST Midlands MEP Liz Lynne has met campaigners demonstrating against plans to move two surgeries to Townsend Way, Malvern. more...
MP takes petiton on to the streets
SIR Michael Spicer took to the streets of Upton in the latest stage of his Save Worcestershire campaign. more...
Antiques centre planned for town
AN empty building in Malvern's town centre is set to be transformed into an antiques centre. more...
Anti-war protesters keep up vigil
WITH the Iraq conflict into its second week, anti-war protests have continued in Malvern. more...
No more of this Euro nonsense
I WAS delighted to read the feature by "Peterborough" in the Daily Mail of March 26 in which he referred to those in authority as "politically-correct twerps" for even considering desecrating our glorious 15th Century Market House by the addition of a "21st Century stairway and lift". more...
Theatres' future is in their hands
PROMINENT figures in the struggle to shape the future of the Malvern Theatres have been recruited on to an expanded board. more...
From the archives
100 years ago more...
An invincible wall
WE are hearing and seeing on radio and television how sandstorms sometimes hinder progress in the Iraqi desert, but it does not convey the discomfort that is actually encountered. more...
Software beats wall of silence
A PIONEERING software programme developed in Malvern that helps deaf people communicate was released this week. more...
Is this progress?
WHEN I was a lad - admittedly 90 years ago - letters were delivered thrice daily, at the times of breakfast, lunch and tea. more...
Owner fined after dog dies
A DOG-owner whose Staffordshire bull terrier cross killed another dog has been fined. more...
Grids a danger
THE letter from Jill Jakeman (Your Letters, March 28) regarding the proposals for cattle grids on Castlemor-ton Common prompts me to respond as one of what she describes as the "short-sighted, selfish and uncompromising people" who strongly oppose the scheme. more...
Get it checked out!
A BLOOD pressure check day is being held across the Malvern area to raise awareness of the risk of suffering a stroke. more...
Cuts target the elderly
I WENT to the meeting of the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust on April 26. At this meeting it reported a deficiency of two per cent in its budget, which was hardly surprising considering it had no contingency reserve. more...
A minority who are endangering lives
AS a resident of Pickersleigh Grove, I am heartened by Mr G Lewis's concern about school traffic (Your Letter, March 21). So at least one parent has the courage to raise the subject. Perhaps more will now rally round and effect some action. more...
Flow of time marked by water clock
A unique water clock was officially unveiled at Malvern Theatres last Friday. more...
College's open day is success
EVESHAM College's open day last week attracted more than 200 prospective students and £60 for charity. more...
Crossing needed
PEOPLE take the shortest route to where they are going - walking or by car. Thank goodness there is a new crossing in the Green from Dobsons to Avenue Road. If it wasn't for all the traffic in the mornings and afternoons there wouldn't be a need for a crossing there. At least there are still flowers left - and the new tree in the middle. more...
David visits palace to collect OBE
FORMER headteacher David Fawbert has collected his OBE at Buckingham Palace. more...
Police amnesty set to net illegal guns
ANYONE in the Vale and Warwickshire possessing illegal weapons or ammunition has a month to surrender them without fear of prosecution under a police amnesty. more...
Better answers
It's good to see Upton Town Council receiving support for its opposition to turning the town centre into an alcohol-free zone. more...
Sunshine brings out visitors for annual daffodil day
CROWDS flocked to Madresfield Court, near Malvern, for its Daffodil Sunday open day. more...
Take action on village floods!
WESTON Sub Edge parish councillors say action must be taken to prevent recurring flooding in the village. more...
Strange priorities
AM I alone in finding it ironic that at a time when the South Worcester-shire Primary Care Trust is proposing to axe vital local health services because it is £5 million in the red, the Government is spending £75 million of our money every day on a war the majority of the people didn't want and is of dubious morality? more...
Party takes EU battle to court
A POLITICAL party led by a local businessman is taking legal action to force a referendum on the future of the UK in Europe. more...
Civic crime crackdown
A CRACKDOWN on crime and anti-social behaviour on the streets of Evesham and Pershore could be boosted by neighbourhood and street wardens providing high visibility patrols. more...
Centre offers access
A NEW access centre for education opened its doors in Malvern Link on Monday. more...
Blossom Trail is put on map
JOURNALISTS from across the country were given a Spring Blossom tour of the Vale of Evesham last weekend. more...
I know it's wrong
IN response to the letter from Jerry Jenkins (Your Letters, March 28), I wonder how we are ever to know the full facts behind the movements of politicians bent on war. more...
US TV seeks out Ben
AN antiques expert from Colwall is to appear on an American gameshow when it films in Malvern. more...
Less for more
Your readers may have noticed that, surprise, surprise, the dreaded Council Tax demand for 2003-4 has arrived with a heavy thud on the doormat, an increase in the County Council element of 13 per cent, District Council up four per cent, Parish Precept (Malvern Wells) up 10 per cent, Hills Conservators up two per cent, and West Mercia Police up a whopping 14.5 per cent. more...
Dates set for grid meetings
A plan to install cattle grids on the commons are to be discussed at public meetings in Welland and Castlemorton. more...
Hannah goes to Africa to teach
A VALE student is planning a trip to Africa to work on a community project and hopes local businesses will come up with the cash that will enable her to take part. more...
Take an interest
Upon moving back to Malvern last year I was made aware of the alarming situation surrounding the financial and administrative position of the town council. I not only wrote to the council and the Malvern Gazette but also attended the council meetings to ask questions and gain an understanding of the actual position. more...
Residents face a healthier future
LANGLAND residents will become fitter and happier thanks to its new £118,000 "green gym". more...
Police changes backed in Vale
CHANGES in local policing arrangements, which came into force on Tuesday, have been welcomed in the Vale of Evesham. more...
Looking as good as ever
THE large amount of correspondence that has been generated over the last few weeks by the management of the Malvern Hills is testimony to the interest and concern shown by local people to our greatest asset, the Malvern Hills and Commons. more...
Directors pay tribute to Neil
MALVERN'S Dr Neil Phillips has been thanked for his work after standing down as the national chairman of The Fitness League. more...
Writing's on the wall for Craig
YOUNG people put their creative skills to the test at the Evesham Youth Event. more...
Talk of sell-off is unsettling
IT is important local residents realise Malvern Town Council is not the sole occupant of the former Manders building. more...
Romance endures wartime separation
A CHANCE meeting at the Winter Gardens in 1949 sparked a romance that would withstand years of separation to end in happy marriage. more...
Road divides Vale villagers
CONTROVERSIAL plans to stop cars travelling through Wyre Piddle were put on display in the village this week. more...
Election list released
WYCHAVON District Council has announced the final list of candidates who will be standing in this year's district council elections. more...
Fight goes on for cinema and preservation
ENGLISH Heritage has long since recognised the merit of the Piano Building. more...
Bindaree at the double at Aintree
COTSWOLD racing trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies is hoping for a historic double after news that Bindaree has been given the all clear to run in this year's Martell Cognac Grand National. more...
Shoe shop in step to be Britain's best
A MALVERN shoe shop has been judged one of the top three men's footwear businesses in Britain. more...
Tea treat
RIPPLE Women's Institute will be serving up afternoon tea at Ripple Parish Hall on Monday (April 7), from 5pm to 7pm. more...
Family firm hit after lorry blaze at depot
FOUR lorries at an Evesham haulage firm were destroyed in a suspected arson attack just days before a security patrol was due to start. more...
Town is soulless architectural scrapyard
I WAS saddened, but not surprised, to read Mike Oborski's outrageous attack on the civic society (Letters, March 27). more...
Pupils take part in Priory workshops
AROUND 160 children from across the Malvern area took part in a series of religious workshops at Malvern Priory. more...
Sale aids hospice
A TABLE-top sale is being held in Upton to raise money for the Acorns Children's Hospice. The sale, which will also feature a raffle, takes place at the Memorial Hall tomorrow (Saturday), from 10am to noon. more...
Snubbed by the Minister
AN Evesham mother who single-handedly launched a countywide campaign for fairer funding in education claims to have been snubbed by a Government minister. more...
Decision on surgeries delayed to consider land offer
THE decision on whether two Malvern GP surgeries should be moved has been pushed back to May. more...
Fashionable gathering
EARLS Croome WI's next meeting will feature Josephine Powell giving a demonstration of Weekender's Fashions. The meeting is at Earls Croome Village Hall on Tuesday (April 8), at 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome. more...
Vale couple tell of life in the war zone
A VALE couple now living in Kuwait have developed the same resilient attitude of the Kuwaiti people and vowed to stay where they are despite the war in neighbouring Iraq. more...
Water appeal praise
I WOULD like to take this opportunity to thank Severn Trent Water customers who gave so generously to our WaterAid appeal. more...
Car crash woman `critical'
A WOMAN is in a critical but stable condition following a car crash near Welland. more...
Friends hold fundraiser
THE Hanley Swan Friends of St Michael's Hospice are holding a coffee morning at Ambleside, Roberts End. There will be cakes, a bring and buy sale, greetings cards and a raffle at the event on Tuesday (April 8), from 10.30am to noon. more...
Speeders in frame for cameras spots
VALE motorists have been given an advance warning to stick to the speed limit after it was announced that Worcestershire is to have safety cameras for the first time. more...
Hostage case: guilty plea
A Malvern man who took a woman hostage has pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and affray. more...
Easy listening
AN evening of barbershop quartet music, courtesy of Liquidity, takes place at Hanley Swan Village Hall. more...
`Experts' at using old buildings?
I READ with interest the letter from P Parker in the Shuttle/Times and News (March 20) regarding the Piano Building listing. more...
£900,000 tech fund for firms
A £900,000 fund to provide new technology for rural businesses in the Malvern Hills and Herefordshire area has been launched. more...
Hall plays host to fair
CAKES, books, plants, bric-a-brac and a raffle will feature at St Gabriel's WI Easter Fair at Hanley Swan Village Hall, tomorrow (Saturday), from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Admission is 50p. more...
Vandals in snub to wartime dead
A TREE planted in memory of Britain's war dead has been destroyed by vandals after just two weeks. more...
Flowing talk
AN illustrated talk on the River Wye, from its source in the Welsh moun- tains to Hereford, takes place at Hanley Swan Village Hall, today (Fri- day). more...
Kennedy in rare appearance
violinist Nigel Kennedy will be appearing at the the Forum, at Malvern Theatres, for the first time for five years. more...
Family matters
A TALK on family history at the record office has been organised by Upton Civic Society. The talk, given by Tony Wherry, takes place at Upton Memorial Hall on Wednesday, April 9, at 7.30pm. Admission is 50p for members and £1.50 for visitors. more...
Challenge to silent majority
SOME time ago I decided to take no further part in public controversy, but the negative and sometimes inaccurate criticisms directed at Kidderminster Civic Society in recent correspondence have forced me to reconsider. more...
Teams face fun test
A FUN quiz in aid of Earls Croome and Strensham Church takes place at Earls Croome Village Hall tonight (Friday). Teams of four are recommended and entry is £2.50, including light refreshments. more...
Becoming a no-go area
I AM baffled by the continual time and attention allotted to Linden Avenue in Kidderminster. more...
`Flexible approach' key to hospital at Seaford Court site
PART of the Seaford Court site may have to be sold off to help pay for a new hospital for Malvern. more...
Serving its members
Anyone for tennis? That's the question being asked by Hanley and Upton Tennis Club, which is looking forward to the start of the season. more...
MTAG ready to take the reins
MALVERN Town Action Group is within two seats of seizing control of the town council - before a single vote is even cast. more...
Warning on callers
UPTON'S beat manager has issued advice for residents following a rise in the number of bogus callers in the area. more...
Safety efforts frustrated
I NOTICED some broken pieces of concrete slabs in the road outside my house which had presumably fallen from a passing vehicle. more...
Llama could be new friend to flock
A LLAMA could be used to guard sheep on the Malvern Hills. more...
Car cause of anger
RESIDENTS near Upton are fuming after an abandoned car was left outside their homes for more than a week. more...
Spellbound by science
A DAY of eye-catching science demonstrations went with a bang at Cliffey House School last Friday. more...
Jewellery snatched
BURGLARS smashed a glass door panel and stole £500 worth of jewellery from a Kidderminster shop's display at the weekend. more...
Be strong while your men do their jobs
MY heart goes out to the parents and families of our men in the Gulf, but I would urge them not to show their emotions in the newspapers, where they might read them. more...
Doctors count cost of raid at surgery
THIEVES struck at the doctors' surgery in Upton making off with computer equipment worth several thousand pounds and causing damage of a £1,000. more...
Is the writing on the wall for spray can yobs?
NOW here's a bit of a coincidence for you all. It's a story of celebrity, strange quirks of fate . . . and some signs of the times. more...
Men admit violence
TWO men have admitted threatening violence in the home of a Kidderminster man over an alleged debt. more...
I can't keep quiet over hypocrisy
I FEEL I must respond to the "Back Our Boys Plea" (Shuttle/Times & News, March 20). more...
Girl hurt in gang attack
A TEENAGE girl was attacked and her hair singed while she was delivering newspapers in Kidderminster. more...
Jail for two involved in fracas over noise
GAS was sprayed inside a flat after two men called to complain about noise from a karaoke machine, Worcester Crown Court heard. more...
Windmill could be a home
A FORMER Alvechurch corn mill is set to be converted if plans are given the go-ahead next week. more...
Pothole patrol launch
A PATROL car will soon be seen around the streets of Redditch specifically looking for any potholes. more...
Conserving woodlands
THE woodland areas of the town will be the focus of new five-year conservation project announced by Redditch Council. more...
Farm signs wrangle
ENFORCEMENT action may be taken to ensure unauthorised signs directing people to a Beoley poultry farm are removed. more...
Foster carer is honoured
A REDDITCH woman has been honoured for 35 years as a foster carer. more...
Update for campaigners
Villagers turned out in force to oppose plans for an animal carcass incinerator in Astwood Bank. more...
How utterly peculia!
NEW signs put up in Matchborough have inadvertently renamed Redditch's hospital. more...
Council crushed over vandals
PLAY areas in Wythall have been vandalised so much, the parish council is to hand them back to the district council. more...
New lanes
New white lane markings have been painted around the traffic island on the Alvechurch Highway near Sainsbury's to improve safety. more...
Market views sought
SHOPPERS are being asked for their opinions on the troubled Redditch Market in a bid to see it moved back to Church Green. more...
Council in skills push
A TRAINING centre for budding bricklayers, plumbers and plasterers looks set to be built in Redditch. more...
Bus axe could strike again
HUNDREDS of residents could be left stranded when a popular bus route is axed by a firm which stepped in to run it 18 months ago. more...
New town base for benefit team
STOURPORT JobCentre has become the base for a new team, managing additional benefit payments to people on job training schemes throughout Worcestershire and Herefordshire. more...
St John's School, Kidderminster - 1908
The pupils of St John's School, Kidderminster, are featured in this picture, taken in 1908. more...
Kidderminster Grammar School - 1951
THIS picture is of a successful Kidderminster Grammar School rugby team from March 1951. more...
Harry Cheshire 1st XI football team 1949/50.
Back: Don Wridgeway, Norman Maiden, Trevor Owen, Bryan Johnson, Alec Bennett, Dave Rogers, Dave Lewis, Geoff Lee?, Eddie Motterham, Terry Taylor, Jack Trenchard. more...
King Charles I School form 4 alpha in 1953
Pictured (l-r): back row JV Anthoine, J Todd, RK Drewe, JW Baker, GF Lumb, IJ Gillis, PA Clayton, DC Aston; centre row H Hodgkinson, GD Dredge, AR Palmer, DA Isaacs, PGF Davies, BA Jones, PJ Groves, HR Grant, JE Pointon, JI Taylor; front row GJ Kiteley, GF Catlin, GR Millward, J Davies, NW Parmenter, Mr HR Launchberry, KC Rogers, JA Pound, DA Hughes, WC Bewick, MJ Barnard. more...
Pilot to remain
A PILOT scheme set up to deal with people's complaints about the health service has been given an extension. more...
Appeal for new nurse
TOWNSPEOPLE will be asked to dig deep to support this year's countywide Macmillan appeal to fund the post of a gynaecology nurse to support women with cancer. more...
25 years ago
October 28, 1977 more...
Anger as hop growers besiege city seedsmen
THE 1901 Worcester Hop, Sheep and Cheese Fair was marred by what the Journal headlined as "Disturbance at the Hop Market," though it sounds to have been more like a riot! more...
Record entry of sheep in city fair
WORCESTER'S historic Hop, Cheese and Sheep Fair was still a firm feature of the local calendar in 1951 and the Journal was able to report a record entry of sheep for sale at the city's cattle market. more...
All the latest movies and where to find them
LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS (12A) more...
Bitter controversy over plans for a public house
THE centenary of the city's Diglis House Hotel as licensed premises is reached this autumn, judging from a report in Berrow's Worcester Journal for this week of 1901. more...
Notorious drunk `Nobby' sends the city his thanks
News items down the years
1801: To be let - an elegant Country Residence called "Barbourne Place," just 10 minutes walk from the City of Worcester. A truly desirable house and premises with about five acres of excellent land, together with stabling, coach houses, gardens, wash-house and brewhouse. The accommodation in the house is on three storeys with four rooms on each. The premises are fitted up at much expense and are calculated for the immediate reception of a genteel family. more...
Worcester man the star of a top circus
THE Big Top was coming to Worcester at this time 50 years ago, creating much excitement among local youngsters. more...
Scouts 'pick' Nose for charity
CHRIS Tarrant and The Scout Association have joined forces to encourage millions of ex-Scouts to help raise thousands of pounds towards Red Nose Day 2003 by joining the new website www.scoutsreunited.co.uk more...
Constable to rescue when a horse bolts
A CENTURY ago this week, Berrow's Worcester Journal reported on "a sensational incident which occurred in Broad Street on Wednesday''. more...
Comic Relief crazy
STAFF at Evesham and Pershore Housing Association got into the spirit of Red Nose Day on Friday by donning their red noses and coming into work with mad hair. more...
News items down the years
1801: Mr J. Griffiths, Original Umbrella and Parasol Maker of Worcester, gratefully acknowledges the very distinguished patronage he has received from his numerous Friends and the Public and most respectfully informs them that he has removed from Goose Lane (today, St Swithin's Street) to No.64 High Street near The Cross where he shall be enabled to carry on business more extensively than hitherto and hopes to experience the continuance of their generous support. more...
It's all red-iculous
FACE-pulling, head-shaving, leg-waxing and eating 35 litres of ice cream are on the menu for thousands of people as the two counties goes crazy with fun and comic capers for Red Nose Day. more...
Swimming tragedy in the Severn
DEEP concern was expressed by Berrow's Journal this week 100 years ago over the drowning of a young man in Worcester's only public swimming facility of the time - the "Corporation Barge," a floating wooden contraption moored alongside Pitchcroft. more...
Droitwich Youth Club Shave-a-thon
YOUTH WORKER Jonny Jones, with the clippers, ready to shave more heads with three already done l to r: Daniel Thorley, Adam Croney and Ross Duggan, Scott Rooney and James Harpa. more...
Constable to the rescue as dogs lock jaws in city
A DETAILED account of a furious dog fight in The Tything, Worcester, a century ago this week was recounted in highly amusing terms by Crowquill in his Journal comment column of 1901. more...
Droitwich Youth Club Shave-a-thon
YOUTH worker Jonny Jones - with the clippers - ready to shave Scott Rooney's hair with support from Ross Duggan who's already feeling the cold! more...
Events diary
May 26: Open gardens, lunches, teas and cookery demonstrations, Ashford Carbonnel, near Ludlow. more...
Workmen make a macabre find in city Cathedral
A MACABRE but fascinating find was made in Worcester Cathedral at this time 250 years ago. more...
Worcester Royal Grammar School - Blind Date
Blind date at RGS for Red Nose Day. Contestant Nick Moriaty with Jessie Parker (left) and Heather Griffiths. more...
Aussies give public a show for their money
THE visit of the Australian touring team to play Worcestershire at the New Road Ground 100 years ago brought an off-beat description of the game from "Crowquill" in his Journal comment column. more...
Defford cum Besford School
Red Nose Day at Defford Cum Besford: Jamie Davenport (front) with, from left: Sophie Halliday, Carla Nichols and Laura Denning. more...
Bringing you the news
IN the coming weeks, the Shuttle/Times and News will feature an interview with new Kemp Hospice manager Mike Rowan who will share his thoughts on developments at the Kidderminster centre. more...
Defford cum Besford School
Red Nose Day at Defford Cum Besford: Class 3 dressed all in red. more...
A free service to the community
UNLIKE many hospices run as part of the NHS or by national charities, Kemp Hospice has been an independent venture run almost entirely on voluntary contributions for more than two decades. more...
Defford cum Besford School
Red Nose Day at Defford Cum Besford: Carla Nichols finds Red Nose Day hair raising! more...
Defford cum Besford School
Red Nose Day at Defford Cum Besford: Laura Denning has a bad hair day! more...
Worcester College of Technology
Worcester College of Technology (St Andrews Building) colouring peoples hair for comic relief: Rebecca Davies (left) and Kirsty Brown, both art and design students, colouring Gemma Laylands hair. more...
Warndon Junior School
Big hair day for Red Nose Day at Warndon Junior School: Students and teachers showing off their new hair styles. more...
Lurching from one crisis to another
MANY people around Worcestershire, inside the health service and out, will hold their heads in horror and mutter "not again!" at today's Front Page lead and this response. more...
St Mary's Convent School
Denim for Diabetes Day at St Mary's Convert School: Organisers Zoe Whitehouse and Emily Burnett jump for joy at the event's success. more...
Groups give £40,000 lift
TWO of the biggest donors to the Kemp Hospice Appeal have handed over £20,000 each and demonstrated the depth of support for the project. more...
Consider another eloquent answer
IN the wake of September 11, the strength of a democracy has been summed up a million times: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." more...
St Mary's Convent School
Denim for Diabetes Day at St Mary's Convert School: Emily Burnett, Zoe Whitehouse, Natalie Kelsey and Rosanna Margane. more...
It's time to scrap parental choice
THERE'S a familiar sound to the calls of concern coming from parents who've branded Worcester's school intake system a "shambles". more...
Jane bags a class pass
THE green-fingered skills of an employee at Badger Nurseries in Mappleborough Green have paid off after she passed a training scheme with flying colours. more...
St Mary's Convent School
Denim for Diabetes Day at St Mary's Convert School: Emily Burnett, Zoe Whitehouse, Natalie Kelsey and Rosanna Margane. more...
News of Oscar winner was a hit
IT was so exciting to read of Jacquie Barnbrook's Oscar award (Advertiser, March 26). more...
Bundles of Fun Playgroup
Bundles of Fun playgroup join in for Comic Relief: Owner/manager Nicole Marshall with Fraya Lines and Charlie Kerr and the biscuits they made. more...
I was islander in Paradise!
REGARDING the Memory Lane photograph of the Paradise Islanders in your March 12 issue. more...
Thornton House Special School
Thornton House Special School celebrate with lots of red hair. more...
How we can ALL help...
THE campaign for a new hospice for Wyre Forest has made a tremendous start - but the momentum needs to continue. more...
Rise leaves me hungry
I HAVE received my new council tax statement with its big hike in charges. more...
Let's avert this TV mountain
YOUR correspondent (Don't listen to TV claims, Letters, March 26) should read what was printed in my letter of March 12. more...
Thornton House Special School
Thornton House Special School winners of the hair day with headteacher Hugh Thomas, from left: Heather Cave, Kimberley Edwards, Louise Rolls and Chloe Draper. more...
Safer routes set up without our views
I AM amazed the Safer Routes to School funding that is being spent around the town has not produced a great deal of comment in your columns. more...
Thornton House Special School
Thornton House Special School headteacher Hugh Thomas with pupil Chloe Draper. more...
Letter from Westminster
LAST Friday, I spoke at a conference in Worcester considering support for vulnerable women. more...
Snappy Snaps
A Cyberman from Snappy Snaps collecting for Red Nose Day in Worcester High Street. more...
Customers not left high and dry
SEVERN Trent Water does not leave customers high and dry while investing over £4 million to improve water supplies in Redditch and the surrounding areas (Advertiser, March 12). more...
Snappy Snaps
A Cyberman and Dalek from Snappy Snaps collecting for Red Nose Day in Worcester High Street. more...
The worst of both worlds
COUNCILLOR Gavin Smithers has once again declined an open invitation to give details of what his Tory Party would focus on if elected in the May local elections (Letters, March 26). more...
Hydrowater Motor Studios
Red Nose Day: Hydrowater Motor Studios - Martin Jones and Jamie Preece. more...
Is this plan a non-starter?
LIKE many of your readers, I have cause to be grateful to the facilities of the Cottage Hospital, and have followed with care and concern the items and correspondence in your columns as well as the documents put out by the local authority. more...
Hydrowater Motor Studios
Red Nose Day: Hydrowater Motor Studios staff with dyed red hair. more...
Sainsbury - Blackpole
Paul Mitchell gets a close shave from Patrick O'Connell at Sainsbury, Blackpole. more...
Peace in our town please
MAY I use your Letters Page to appeal for peace - in Redditch. more...
Sainsbury - Blackpole
STAFF receive money handed over from Droitwich Rugby Club, from left: Craig Powell, Margaret Mariano, Patsy Nicholls, Paul Edwards (Droitwich Rugby Club) and Nigel Fox. more...
Tribute paid to hospice
THE wife of a former patient at Kemp Hospice has paid tribute to its care for her husband - and highlighted the much-needed benefits from the planned £2.2 million expansion. more...
Horses are ruining park
IT is always dog owners who get a bad press over their use of Arrow Valley Park. Yet it must be admitted dog owners are probably the main users of this wonderful resource. more...
Pershore High School
Pershore High School pupils eating banana, ice cream and cream from a rainwater gutter. From left: Tom Clegg and Ace Harman. more...
An outrage of a theft
IN 1992 my mother-in-law, Barbara Beaman, was voted Citizen of the Year for a second time by the residents of Studley, largely because of the voluntary work she does for charity and worthy causes within the community. more...
Pershore High School
Pershore High School pupils eating banana, ice cream and cream from a rainwater gutter. Tom Clegg drinks the dregs! more...
Marathon cash goes to fund
THE whole community continues to back Kemp's appeal and this week a police officer finally decided what to do with the money he raised in the London Marathon. more...
Police must stop these no-goods
I READ with interest and disbelief your article regarding youths hurling boulders from bridges onto cars (Advertiser, March 26). more...
We are losing identity amid chaos
I WRITE on behalf of many church leaders and people who are fed up with the liberal view being so constantly expressed with regard to Iraq. more...
The Three Pears, Warndon
From left: Robert Issacs (kitchen manager), Amy Fox, Jasmine Edwards, Val Edwards (deputy manager), Niki Fox (bar team leader), Sarah Evans (bar trainer) enjoy the fun and games on Red Nose Day. more...
The Three Pears, Warndon
From left: Robert Issacs (kitchen manager), Val Edwards (deputy manager) and Sarah Evans (bar trainer). more...
The Three Pears, Warndon
From left: Sarah Evans (bar trainer) with customers Gareth Stephens, Steve Corker and Pete Greensmith. more...
Drama's new role in ABCs
TWO troublesome youngsters who have signed up to Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) have since taken up drama, a recent report has highlighted. more...
Care for the mind as well as the body
DESPITE her cancer, Kemp Hospice gave Julie Smith her pride and dignity back. more...
The Three Pears, Warndon
From left: Val Edwards (deputy manager), Robert Issacs (kitchen manager) and Sarah Evans (bar trainer). more...
The Three Pears, Warndon
From left: Kevin Slade (waiter), 'Beefy' the dog who was held for ransom, Alan Kipps (general manager), Val Edwards (deputy manager), Shelly Orr (waiter). more...
Gun threat on worker
A MAN used a gun to threaten a woman at a Matchborough newsagents. more...
Replica gun man jailed
Police fled in fear when a man poked a gun out of his letterbox in a block of flats. more...
Bobby's drop-in invites
ANY Church Hill, Matchborough or Winyates residents wanting to discuss police-related matters or quality of life issues are being urged to pop along to regular surgeries. more...
Hospice booster
A SALE of bric-a-brac, cakes and toys is being held in aid of Kemp Hospice. more...
Willersey
MOBILE LIBRARY: The County Mobile Library will visit Willersey on April 15 and 29 - Collin Close at 2.40pm and The Bell Inn at 3.05pm. more...
Wickhamford
GARDENING CLUB: The club held its spring show at the village hall on March 26. Local landscape gardener John Allen (formerly of Lisbon Nurseries) judged the entries. While the turnout was low this year, the actual number of entries was high in some classes, highlighting the efforts of all who were able to attend. more...
Target day to test skills
A SHOOTING afternoon is aiming to keep the Kemp appeal on target this weekend. more...
Shipston
ARTS AND CRAFTS SOCIETY: The AGM was held on Tuesday, March 18. The retiring chairman, Mr Les Freeman, presided. Mr Freeman thanked the members of the society for their support during the previous three years. Mrs Christina Farrant proposed a vote of thanks to Les for his hard work as chairman. more...
Mickleton
GARDENING CLUB: It was a great privilege for the club to welcome Stefan Buczacki, when he came to help raise funds for King George's Hall Development Fund on Tuesday, March 25. All tickets had sold out for this event and chairman, Bridget Maslin, welcomed members and visitors from local gardening clubs. more...
Pershore
FILM AT NUMBER 8: With Pershore and District Film Society, Saturday, April 5 at 7.30pm, Love's Labours Lost, 1hr 33mins. more...
Vale shares an interest
A VALE of Evesham nurseryman seeking to buy Littleton and Badsey Growers - now BHGS - shares is still waiting for the board to finalise the mechanism by which buyers and sellers are matched. more...
Fladbury
PARISH COUNCIL: Notes from the meeting held on March 17: more...
Police in division shake-up
POLICING arrangements for Redditch changed yesterday with the formation of a new division. more...
Evesham
RAFA: The AGM took place at the Working Men's Club. more...
Officers to break the beat
Police officers will be taking to the streets tomorrow in a pioneering project aimed at breaking down barriers. more...
Bredon
PLAYGROUP SUCCESS: A nearly-new sale of clothes, toys and baby equipment took a brilliant total of more than £900. The organisers will keep one third of this, and two thirds will go back to the vendors. The £300 will be used to boost flagging playgroup funds. The committee would like to thank everyone who supported this event. more...
Man confessed to child abuse
Crown Court correspondent more...
25 years ago
March 31, 1978 more...
Bourton-on-the-Hill
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING: The annual parish meeting was held on Monday night. The chairman reported that this was her last meeting as chairman before she retired at the forthcoming local election. During the last year the council had assumed responsibility for the Millennium Wood and a new bus shelter had been built to celebrate the Jubilee. more...
Assaults denied
AN 81-year-old pensioner has denied sex attacks on a woman on a bus in Redditch. more...
50 years ago
April 3, 1953 more...
Teeing off in aid of charity
GOLFERS will club together this autumn to raise thousands for Kemp's multi-million pound appeal. more...
Bidford
OUT AND ABOUT: Don't forget Bidford Village Quiz to raise funds for hall refurbishment, Friday, 7pm. more...
Protests over birching
MAGISTRATES at Worcester were in a spot of bother with human rights campaigners 100 years ago over the birching of a teenage boy. more...
100 years ago
April 4, 1903 more...
Planning those Pitchcroft trees.
MEASURES to "beautify" Pitchcroft were very much in the minds of Worcester citizens and the City Council at this time 100 years ago. more...
News Items Down the Years
1803: At Hereford Assizes yesterday, Jane Fletcher, aged only 15, for the murder of her new born bastard child, was capitally convicted and sentenced to death. more...
Soap story of 1903
AS I have pointed out before, there were never any photographs in the Berrow's Worcester Journal of a century ago, only the occasional advertisement illustration such as the impressive one reproduced here. more...
Concern at young children being sent to live in Canada
ORPHAN boys and girls from Worcester, some as young as six, were being sent as emigrants to Canada at this time a century ago. more...
News Items Down the Years
New Post Office for city
WORCESTER'S new Head Post Office in Foregate Street was completed and officially opened at this time exactly half-a-century. more...
City mourns loss of Queen Mary
THIS week exactly 50 years ago, the people of Worcester shared in the nation's mourning at the death of Queen Mary, widow of George V and mother of Edward VIII and George VI. more...
Ingratiating message as assassination bid fails
A MESSAGE in the most ingratiating terms was sent by the Mayor and Corporation of Worcester to George III at this time exactly 200 years ago. The King had just escaped another assassination attempt. more...
Firms set to move to site
A FORMER Kidderminster carpet factory is to be broken up into industrial units and offices for rent while new owners consider its future. more...
Preparing for a war with France
AFTER a gap of a year or so in hostilities, Britain was again preparing to be at war with France around this time two centuries ago. more...
Owzat for keen fund-raisers?
FINES have been astronomical at a cricket club this season - but the players have been happy to pay them. more...
Concern over `weak coffin bearers'
A BERROW'S Journal report of a century ago on a meeting of the governors of the Worcester Workhouse makes very amusing, if somewhat disturbing reading. more...
Joy at cash aid for gipsy site
RESIDENTS of a run-down Stourport gipsy site will see wide-ranging improvements after a refurbishment project was awarded more than half a million pounds. more...
Swine fever strikes 50 and 100 years ago
SWINE Fever struck Worcestershire at this time both 50 years and a century ago. more...
Fears grows as Cliffey House School prepares for closure `Most parents don't believe it will work'
DECISIONS about the education of young people are never going to be easy ones to make. more...
Prejudice against tramps a century ago
PUBLIC prejudice against tramps seems to have been fairly widespread 100 years ago, particularly as most of the wayfarers had to be supported on the rates as occasional workhouse inmates. more...
Help charity by `racing for life'
WOMEN in Wyre Forest have the chance to put their best foot forward for charity and get fit at the same time. more...
Tragic plane crash
TRAGICALLY, a young pilot based at RAF Pershore was killed in a plane crash near Malvern at this time 50 years ago. more...
Hands on for hospice
HEALING hands will be invigorating an appeal when a masseur attempts a day-long marathon for charity. more...
Vet nurse wins claim
A TRAINEE veterinary nurse from Stourport has won a fight for compensation for unfair dismissal following complaints about a rat-infested Stourbridge surgery. more...
News Items Down the Years
West Malvern Correspondent: Colin Jackson Tel: 01684 577604
The board room at the Orange Grove was packed on Wednesday for the AGM of the Society of Friends of St James's Church and the slide show of old Malvern postcards which followed. A successful year of fundraising was reported, with the Friends currently meeting the payments due for the completed section of the roof renewal project. Chairman Laurie Gregory however pointed out that the larger area of the nave roof remained to be tackled and that there would be a need for further substantial funds for that project. He expressed some impatience with the lack of progress on the provision of toilets in the church, towards which the Friends had offered £10,000 last September. However he was assured by PCC members that the plan was moving forward, even if slowly due to the church's being a listed building and the need to involve the diocese in the issue. The officers were re-elected unopposed, namely Laurie Gregory (chairman), Jerry Tudge (treasurer), Norman Bennett (secretary) and Rosemary Herbert (membership secretary). The slide show of old postcards from a large collection built up by Peter Garner provoked much reminiscence and discussion - and some controversy - especially among the native West Malvernians present! more...
From clay pigeons to gardens...
A CLAY pigeon shoot in aid of the building appeal was such a hit it will be repeated. more...
WELLINGTON HEATH Correspondent: Mrs P Jacobs Tel: 01531 634941
THERE will be another extra meeting of the PCC on Tuesday, April 8, at 7.30pm, to consider a planning application for Pegs Farm. more...
UPLEADON Correspondent: Mrs S Martin Tel: 01684 562714
THE Mothering Sunday service at Upleadon Church was well attended. It was conducted by Mrs Jessie Williams who had also prepared the posies presented by the children to their mums. The children also coloured in cards during the service. Mr Bert Vye accompanied the singing by playing on the organ. more...
STAUNTON Correspondent: Mrs U Groves-Smith Tel: 01452 840273
THE March walk of Staunton and District Rambling Club took place in brilliant sunshine and started from the lay by near the Rose and Crown, Redmarley then heading across fields and stiles to the Old Vicarage and on through Redmarley churchyard, which was vibrant with daffodils, then setting out in the direction of Ryton and skirting Grove Coppice, before turning towards Lintridge and passing alongside the many acres of strawberry beds. The ramblers followed the minor road towards Redmarley, before finding the path across fields and seeing the free range pigs.They then passed through nursery land for shrubs and trees and headed for Hazeldine Wood and over Drury Lane, where the 20 members had an easy downhill walk back to the cars, having covered a distance of five miles with much of interest to see. Tom Goldring was the leader. more...
POWICK Correspondent: Mrs M Allsopp Tel: 01905 830746
THE family service for Mothering Sunday was well attended by families from Powick (St Peter's) and Callow End (St James's). The service at 11am, at St Peter's Church, began with members of the junior church singing When You're down and Troubled, accompanied on piano by Thomas Nichol. The Reverend David Nichol led the service with Lindall Brown playing the organ. Bible readings were by Louisa Sandy, Sally Green and Lindsey Brassington and children's prayers were read by Nicola Sandy, Katherine Green and Rosie Colton. Posies of daffodils and spring flowers had been prepared by junior church leaders and Jo Walker and Roslyn Mason and were distributed to mothers by Brownies Catherine Nichol, Hannah Whittal-Williams and Hayley Brassington. more...
PENDOCK Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287
THE Pendock grand jumble sale raised £250. The raffle winners were: more...
Windfall for town projects
A SHARE of £14 million is on its way to two communities to help make them a better place to live. more...
OXENHALL Correspondent: Mrs S Martin Tel: 01684 562714
THE annual parochial church meeting for St Anne's Church, Oxenhall, was held in the parish hall on Tuesday, March 18. The rector, the Reverend Patricia Phillips, was present and Mr Binny Brooks, lay chairman, chaired the meeting. The churchwardens, Mr Fred Baldwin and Mr Binny Brooks, were re-elected. The members of the parochial church council were also re-elected en bloc. Mrs Kath Rees was re-elected secretary of the parochial church council and Mrs Mary Bowers as treasurer. The main business of the newly-elected parochial church council was to discuss the new path from the car park steps and through the churchyard. more...
Biggest event's aim is £10,000
THE biggest fund-raising event yet in aid of Kemp Hos-pice's multi-million pound appeal will be staged next month. more...
COLWALL Correspondent: Mrs P Hockett Tel: 01684 564872
THE next meeting of the Wyche and Colwall Horticultural Society takes place on Monday (April 7), at 7.30pm, in the village hall. The speaker will be Mrs Kim Hurst from the Cottage Herbery, at Boraston, near Tenbury Wells. The title of her talk will be A Taste of Herbs. Visitors are always welcome (£2). For further details ring 01684 540598. more...
New-look college tops exam tables
THE much-maligned Baxter College, formerly Harry Cheshire High, is the best-performing state school in Kidderminster based on exam results at A and AS level, according to new league tables released today. more...
CASTLEMORTON Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287
A REMINDER about the jumble sale tomorrow (Saturday) in the parish hall, at 2pm. Plenty of jumble, bric-a-brac, teas and a r