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Stories for 10 February 2006
Leisure
What's On
Theatre February more...
Grab a place in the cast
BILLY Liar, Keith Waterhouse's comedy set in 60s Britain, is the next production by Malvern Theatre Players. more...
Swan line-up
THE musical Annie comes to Worcester's Swan Theatre from Thursday to Saturday, February 16-18. more...
At the Roses
Elvis: That's the Way it Was sees Steve Ballard showcase the King's classics at Tewkesbury's Roses Theatre on Sunday at 7.30pm. Tickets are £14.50 (concs £13.50). more...
Courtyard events
ATTIC Tales, a children's show based on Aesop's fables, comes to the Courtyard Theatre, Hereford tomorrow (Saturday) at 2.45pm. Tickets are £5.50. more...
Pantomime had a happy ending
WHITBOURNE Amateur Dramatic Society is bringing to life a pantomime version of a classic fairytale, that once saved a theatre from closure. more...
Pigeon fun
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! is the next children's production at Malvern Theatres, on Saturday, February 18, at 11am and 2pm. Penned by Sesame Street writer and animator Mo Willams, it is suitable for children aged three to eight and follows a pigeon's bid to convince a bus driver to let it have a go. Tickets are £6 on 01684 892277. more...
Dance display to tickle your fancy
HIGH kicks, black stockings and petticoats come to Malvern Theatres next weekend when traditional French music hall show Paris Can Can springs into town. more...
Filling a great actor's kilt!
IT'S not easy taking on a role only played once before and then by one of Britain's greatest actors. more...
New adaptation
THE most recent film adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (PG), starring Kiera Knightly and Matthew MacFadyen, is a Forum Film Special at Malvern Theatres. on Wednesday, February 15, at 8.15pm. more...
On the march
NATURE documentary March of the Penguins (U) comes to Malvern Cinema today (Friday). The film shows how Emperor Penguins migrate through the wastes of Antarctica to their breeding grounds. It is on daily at 7.15pm. From tomorrow (Saturday) and for the rest of the week, there will be 3pm matinees. more...
Hot rockin'
FIVE-piece rock-and-roll band The Rocking Bedsteads are playing at the Swan Hotel, Upton, on Friday, February 17, at 9pm. Admission is free. more...
Anniversary tribute continues
English Symphony Orch-estra's Beethoven series continues on Friday, February 17. more...
Band's milestone performance
ROCK band Taxi is playing its 100th gig this weekend. more...
Three Kings gig
MUSICIANS Carol Lee Sampson and Tyler Massey perform at the Three Kings, Hanley Castle, on Sunday at 8.45pm. more...
Katz claw way back to stage
ROCK group Ipanema Katz, once described by the late DJ Tommy Vance as "one of my favourite bands", is reforming for a one-off reunion gig in Malvern more...
Private Lives Review: Malvern Theatres
LOVE and hate are two closely linked emotions in Private Lives, Noël Coward's witty play about the romantic exploits of wealthy socialites. more...
Savour it while you can
WINTER flowers and early daffodils are on display at Barnards Green House, Poolbrook Road, Malvern, on Sunday. more...
New exhibition
Colwall artist June Allen is holding her first solo exhibition at the Malvern Hills Gallery, Worcester Road, until the end of February. more...
Throw a pot
EASTNOR Pottery is holding half-term holiday workshops on Wednesday and Thursday, February 15-16. Children will make flower pots, which will then be glazed and ready for collection a few weeks later. Workshops are for ages four to eight on Wednesday and nine to 12 on Thursday. Places cost £14. Contact 01531 633886 to book. more...
Grateful thanks 86 years later
AN Australian artist has donated a book of her work to Malvern Library. more...
Street Art is in the can
AN Australian artist has donated a book of her work to Malvern Library. more...
Dance away
A BARN dance is being held at Colwall Village Hall in aid of St Richard's Hospice. The Whiffeldy Ceilidh Band will provide the music at the event, on Saturday, March 4, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10, including two-course supper, from 01684 575357. more...
News
From marsh to our city's centrepiece
WHEN the Worcester pilgrim came this way in the 15th Century, bound for Santiago de Compostela, the area was known as the Diglis marshes, a low-lying swamp next to the River Severn. more...
School's existing site could not be adapted
SIR - Daniel Bentley's recent article attributes to MP Mike Foster an ambition "to knock this school down". This is hardly an appropriate way to refer to Christopher Whitehead Language College and pre-supposes the possibility of a replacement being built on the same site. more...
Chrissies decision lets us all down
SIR - Once again, a story has appeared in the Worcester News regarding the future of Christopher Whitehead (January 25) and once again, the pupils, staff, parents, school governors, and the community of St John's have been let down. more...
Does walking have to be a problem?
SIR - With regard to the rebuilding of Christopher Whitehead, surely the answer would be to start the rebuilding on the ground reserved for the new sports centre with the gradual demolition of the old school. When completed, the sports centre could be built farther up Malvern Road if Sainsbury's is given the go-ahead for its new store. As for the sports ground, both King's School and Worcester Royal Grammar School children have to walk to their sports fields - so what is the problem? more...
Megabucks UK and basic services
SIR - Bring out your dead, another casualty of cuts is about to be announced? The item about Suckley Post Offices evokes warm idyllic postcard images of rural Britain and I can almost hear the bell ringing as the shop door opens and smell the honeysuckle. more...
Wardens should be given medals
SIR - The current system of residential wardens must not be allowed to cease. These wardens have always acted above and beyond the call of duty. They deserve gongs - more...
I'm surprised by rises in bus fares
SIR - I was delighted to see the implementation of the Government's free bus services to pensioners and the disabled, and support the transport sustainability initiatives. more...
My memories of a fine gentleman
SIR - I read with interest the mayor's letter about more...
What life's like when you have to juggle work and your family
THE decision about whether to return to work after having a child can be a straightforward one for a lot of people - but for very different reasons. more...
Echoes from the Past
100 years ago more...
Famous hand font's creator
THE dedication of a new font at St Andrew's Church, Poolbrook, was reported in the Gazette 25 years ago. more...
Dim view taken of gas
THE quality of the gas being supplied to Malvern was on the agenda when Malvern Urban District Council met, the Malvern News reported a century ago. more...
Winter's fun was not shared by all
MALVERN was gripped by wintry weather 50 years ago, as the above picture from front page of the Gazette shows. more...
DAVE BRADLEY FRIDAY FEELING
Birthdays are very special are they not? And when you get a `big one' it's well worth celebrating. more...
A whole basket of fun at the museum
Youngsters can beat the half-term blues with crafts including puppet making, clay work, origami and carnival mask making at the County Museum in Hartlebury Castle next week. Six crafts will be on offer from Tuesday, February 14, to Friday, February 17. The event is one of the first since the museum re-opened after the first stage of building work. Activities will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Entry is reduced to £2 for adults and 75p for children during the work. Activities leader Heather Goodwin is shown with craft materials. Picture by Marie Myers. 06536301 more...
Fruit doing well despite lack of rain say farmers
FRUIT farmers said the lack of rainfall this winter had not affected growth of their crops so far - but they could start suffering unless a deluge arrived soon. more...
Niece tries to crack case of missing aunt
THE disappearance of young Mary Gwilliam in Kempsey in the 1920s has remained a mystery for around 80 years. more...
Safari park's star attraction gets ready to make debut
THE latest addition to West Midland Safari Park is set to make a big entrance when the popular visitor attraction re-opens to the public this weekend. more...
Staff have stars in their eyes for Acorns
SHOPPERS could be seeing stars when they visit a Worcester opticians tomorrow. more...
How to get hitched without any hitches
BRIDES and bridegrooms-to-be will be flocking to Worcester on Sunday for the fifth Worcester News wedding fair. more...
New assistant chief of police
AN OFFICER with almost 30 years experience has been appointed the new Assistant Chief Constable of West Mercia police. more...
Play time given the top marks
A NURSERY is celebrating after receiving a ringing endorsement in an inspection report. more...
Flog It star is special lunch guest
FANS of celebrity auctioneer Philip Serrell can share lunch with the television personality at Evesham Golf Club next month. more...
I declare this gym open
A NEW community gym for people of all shapes and sizes has opened in Worcester. more...
Muslims disgusted at sex doll insult to Islam
Muslims are disgusted by an adult toy on sale in Worcester because they say it disrespects the prophet Mohammed. more...
No toilets but night truckers still unzip
VISITING lorry drivers are causing a stink by relieving themselves while parking overnight close to houses. more...
Home is the place to deal with rubbish
WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has hit back at Worcester MP Mike Foster's criticism of a lack of green waste collection in the city. more...
How cranes, cement and a few sausages are helping to make Diglis our very own Canary Wharf
FOR decades the good burghers of Worcester have never quite known what to do with Diglis Basin, that sprawl of boatyards and industrial businesses crammed higgledy-piggledy between the River Severn and Bath Road just south of the city centre. more...
Give us our pub back, say locals
Two hundred people have signed a petition calling for a The Cliffe Arms in Mathon to be reopened. more...
TPO too late, say residents
TREE Preservation Orders at North Site in Malvern are "too little, too late", according to the leader of a campaigning residents' group. more...
Angels with dirty faces are a powerhouse in women's rugby
IT'S not often a reporter gets up close and personal with 20 young ladies. more...
Robert gets star billing at party
A SURPRISE 70th birthday party was a real showstopper for a man who has played a major part in the local arts scene for more than 55 years. more...
Villagers fear farm site plan
WELLAND residents fear a business development could ruin the village and put lives at risk. more...
Family of year win pizza prize
A year's supply of pizza is on its way to a family from Upper Welland. more...
Opinion
RACISM in football is a big issue right now, and quite rightly, so we were sorry to hear of one of our own local clubs being involved in a racist allegation. more...
Felling to bring back lost views
LONG-lost views and Victorian footpaths will be restored under proposals to tackle overgrown areas on the Malvern Hills. more...
Pair find harmony in 70 years of marriage
A Malvern couple are celebrating 70 years of marriage. more...
Tribute paid to sporting legend
A Malvern man who was one of the great names in British post-war cycling and an Olympic medal-winner has died, aged 83. more...
Friends remember life lived to the full
TRIBUTES have been paid to the landlord of the Rose and Lion pub, after his death from cancer aged just 43. more...
Chemists end rota as PCT cash halted
CHEMISTS in Malvern are closing the door on out-of-hours opening from the end of March. more...
GP service must be improved, says PCT boss
THE local out-of-hours GP service must be improved, the chief executive of South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust has acknowledged. more...
Demand made for staff costs
Malvern Town Council will use the Freedom of Information Act to demand details of staff salaries at Worcestershire County Council. more...
Grandad-to-be killed on bike
A MALVERN man was killed six weeks before the birth of his first grandson. more...
Primary care trust boss will face public over new hospital project
QUESTIONS will be asked about Malvern's new hospital project at a public meeting at Malvern Theatres on Friday, March 24.Malvern Town Council has called the meeting to give people a chance to push for progress on the hospital plans. Town council chairman Ralph Madden said it was deliberately taking a lead in pressing the case for a new hospital."We had hoped to hold this meeting in December but with the delay in the business plan and then Mike Ridley (the former PCT chief executive) leaving, we had to delay it," he said.The chief speaker will be Paul Bates, new chief executive of South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, who will face public questions about the project for the first time. He will give a talk about the new hospital, which came a step closer to reality last week when its outline business plan was approved.Coun Madden said Mr Bates would also be covering things like new surgeries and other changes in healthcare delivery. Mr Bates's talk will be followed by questions from the the public.Coun Madden said confirmed participants include MP Sir Michael Spicer, PCT chairman David Barlow and Dr James Mather of the Court Road surgery. It is also hoped that acute hospital trust chief executive John Roskill and veteran hospital campaigner Pat Merrick will be able to attend.Questions should be submitted in advance of the meeting. Arrangements for this will be announced closer to the date. more...
Bill is last hope
HOW we sympathise with David Goodwin and others on Newtown Road, Malvern, fighting to save a garden oasis from being developed. more...
Romance in the air for second chance couples
ROMANCE is in the air this Valentine's Day for two Malvern couples celebrating another chance at love after meeting through a singles club. more...
Help with hotel
WITH reference to your photograph in Malvern Memories (January 27), which showed four people standing outside what was the Belle Vue Hotel. The regency porch doorway is now the entrance to Oliver's wine bar. more...
Dumped in it!
people left out of pocket after hundreds of pounds were accidentally taken from 1,400 bank accounts have been told they will get their money back. more...
Read with dismay
I read with dismay the letters encouraging the idea of a `train' up the hills. more...
Great pleasure
REFERRING to letters sent in by Jenny Field and Steve Harrison (Your Letters, January 27) regarding the idea of a land train to help people get up on the hills, I entirely agree with both of them. more...
Why not join us?
FURTHER to Barbara Dodd's letter (Your Letters, January 27) regarding the litter she witnessed between Townsend Way and Barnards Green, we would wish to point out that a certain stretch of this road is regularly cleaned by three voluntary litter wardens who are members of the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust. more...
Malaise has set in
YOUR issue last week perfectly illustrates the present malaise in local government. more...
Creating `non-job'
I read with dismay your report last week that Worcestershire County Council has created yet another highly paid "non-job" under the title head of community leadership. more...
`System' still rewards elite
I READ with incredulity and anger how `the system' continues to reward the elite. `Retiring' at 49 years on a full police pension probably gives the new head of community leadership much more than many who have to work for a further 15 years, and that is without being paid by the county council. more...
Policy clearly isn't working
I REFER to the letter from Angela Smith (Your Letters, January 13) regarding the enduring problem of dog poo on the pavements, hill paths and playing fields of Malvern. more...
Upton news in brief . . .
A Valentine's disco for under-11s takes place at the Hill Centre, Upton, tonight (Friday), from 7pm to 9pm. The Little Party People event includes games with prizes to be won. Entry is £2. more...
Rockers top bill
AN evening of live music takes place at Upton Rugby Club in Old Street on Saturday, February 18, at 7pm. Acclaimed rockers Keiko will head the bill for the final Playing the Field event. Tickets are £5 on 07793 600166. more...
Heading for Hungary
TEACHERS from primary schools in Upton, Hanley Swan, Longdon are Pendock preparing for a trip to Hungary. more...
Folk festival is saved
Upton's annual folk festival will go-ahead this year after all. more...
Join us, says rescue crew
MERCIA Inshore Search and Rescue is holding a recruitment day at Cruisers Restaurant, Upton Marina, on Sunday (February 12), from 10am to noon. more...
History at their fingertips
PUPILS at Upton CE Primary School have been enjoying history lessons with a difference. more...
March start for new GP surgery
BUILDING work on Upton's £5.2million new medical centre at Tunnel Hill will begin by mid-March. more...
West Malvern
There will be a coffee morning, with cake and bring-and-buy stalls, from 10am-noon tomorrow (Saturday) at 31 Croft Bank, the home of Heather and David Hayward. more...
STAUNTON
STAUNTON and District Over-60s Club celebrated their anniversary with a party beginning with a varied buffet lunch, which had been prepared by Nanette Bevan and June Barry, with a choice of drinks served by Dot and Sheila. more...
POWICK
Sunday's morning service at St Peter's Church celebrated Candlemas, when The Rev. Douglas Walker blessed the candles to be used during the year. This Sunday, a family service will be led by Jim Bullett at 11am. more...
Cradley
A Quiz night will be held tonight (Friday) at Cradley School, in aid of Friends of Cradley School. Doors open at 8.30pm, tickets are £10 for a team of four, to include a cold buffet. A bar will also be available. To book a table, call the school office. more...
COLWALL
CASTLEMORTON
JULIE Richie is coming to talk to Castlemorton Gardening Club on Thursday, February 16 at the parish hall at 7.45pm. more...
CASTLEMORTON COMMON
SATURDAY, February 25 is the date of the Castlemorton Common Association annual social supper at the village hall. more...
CALLOW END
CALLING all mums and toddlers! Kiddies' Corner, a new playgroup for babies and toddlers up to four years of age, now meets on a Monday afternoon at Callow End Village Hall. more...
BOSBURY
fundraising for a major refurbishment of the parish hall continues on Saturday, February 18 at 8pm with a country and western evening, led by popular local singer Steve Chase. Tickets are £4 on the door, to include refreshments. more...
BROMSBERROW
BROMESBERROW Gardening and Social Club got off to a fine start to the new year with a good attendance for interesting talk by Jim Cherry. more...
BERROW
PLEASE can you dig out, delve or sort out any saleable item for our big jumble sale on Saturday, February 18 at Berrow/Pendock Village Hall at 2pm. All money raised will be given to the County Air Ambulance. Bring along your goods during Saturday morning. more...
Sport
3/2/06 - Town in poor run
MALVERN slumped to a third successive defeat on Saturday, despite an improved performance. more...
3/2/06 - Nine-man Town get crucial win
MALVERN Town put three straight defeats behind them and new signing Duncan Willetts got the winner on Tuesday night. more...
10/2/06 - Endacott strike not enough
MALVERN started this West Midlands division one game in fine style, passing well and stretching a team who struggled early on. more...
9/2/06 - Hodnett out on loan
WORCESTER City's teenage defender Danny Hodnett has joined neighbours Evesham United on loan. more...
9/2/06 - Boss issues a battlecry
ANDY Preece has called on Worcester City's players to show greater fight against sides battling for their Nationwide North lives. more...
10/2/06 - Morrison demands City give their all
ANDY Morrison talks as forcefully off the pitch as he performed on it during his days at Huddersfield Town and Manchester City. more...
10/2/06 - Teenager has City future: Preece
DANNY Hodnett still has a bright future at Worcester City despite being loaned to Evesham United, according to manager Andy Preece. more...
3/2/06 - Crucial points grabbed
MALVERN secured vital league points by overwhelming their visitors, who had been comprehensive winners of the reverse fixture in the autumn. more...
10/2/06 - Pirates stung by the busy Bees
NO excuses were needed from the Malvern Pirates after they were soundly beaten by a more organised and determined Birmingham and Solihull side. more...
10/2/06 - U16s march through to semi-finals
MALVERN U16s had a difficult game on Sunday as right from the start, Sutton Coldfield showed they were a powerful and determined team. more...
10/2/06 - Junior Soccer Scene
MALVERN Town U16s returned to Mercian Festival League duty this week and travelled to FC Phoenix U16s. more...
10/2/06 - New chairman elected
MARK Smith has been elected the new chairman of Leigh & Bransford Badgers FC. more...
10/2/06 - Any old football kit?
DOES your school or football club have any old football kit - shirts, shorts, socks, football boots, shin pads etc that you would like to see go to a good cause? more...
10/2/06 - County ties
CROSS KEYS have been drawn at home in the quarter-finals of the WFA Sunday Minor Cup. more...
10/2/06 - West at home
WEST Malvern return to Worcester League division one action tomorrow (Saturday) when they entertain Goodrest Sports. more...
10/2/06 - Cruised to third win on the trot
HAVING played poorly the week before, a change in formation and a committed performance saw Powick secure maximum points against Pershore Manor with their third win in succession. more...
10/2/06 - Going hard for Anchor
HIGH-RIDING Comer Rangers comfortably beat Anchor Falcons on Sunday in this Worcester division two encounter at Dysons. more...
10/2/06 - Stu Hart inspires Powick
RADAR began this fixture the better of the two sides and Powick were finding it difficult to string many passes together. more...
10/2/06 - One over the eight as Bell Inn 98 celebrate at the top
BELL Inn 98 consolidated their position at the top of the league with a convincing win over Ledbury Rangers. more...
10/2/06 - Neil Bond out with leg injury
ANGERS travelled to Darlaston on Saturday and were beaten for the second time this season by the side that are currently second from bottom of the West Midlands League division one table. more...
10/2/06 - Late goal sinks Ladies
MALVERN Town Ladies FC travelled to Droitwich Spa in a Kidderminster league game. more...
10/2/06 - Ground clearing
COLWALL CC players, friends and family are reminded that Sunday (February 12) is grounds day from 10.30am onwards. more...
10/2/06 - Junior coaching
AFTER a successful season in 2005, Eastnor Cricket Club youth section will be holding coaching sessions for girls and boys at the Ledbury Leisure Centre. more...
10/2/06 - Visit to the top team
MALVERN RFC have a difficult game tomorrow (Saturday) when they visit Midlands Two West leaders Broadstreet (2.15pm). more...
10/2/06 - Alex training with the Baggies
MALVERN youngster Alex Bradley has been chosen to train with Premiership side West Bromwich Albion at their development centre at Ledbury. more...
10/2/06 - Fencer wins open event
MALVERN fencer Sam Stockley, Worcestershire's top foilist, has won the Aldershot Open men's foil tournament from a field of 68 fencers. more...
10/2/06 - Town drop vital points to rivals
MALVERN Town lost to fellow Midland Alliance championship contenders Stourbridge after a hard-fought game in which they deserved a share of the points. more...
9/2/06 - Back injury improving all the time
LIFE has started to get a bit easier this week and the pain in my back is starting to disappear. more...
10/2/06 - Jake has sights on 'Fleet victory
VERSATILE Jake Sedgemore should get a chance to stamp his authority on Kidderminster Harriers' midfield tomorrow. more...
10/2/06 - Teams
MALVERN RFC more...
10/2/06 - Visit to top team
MALVERN RFC have a difficult game tomorrow (Saturday) when they visit Midlands Two West leaders Broadstreet (2.15pm). more...
10/2/06 - Fixtures
SATURDAY more...
10/2/06 - Much-changed side bitten by the Adders
ATHERSTONE ADDERS 13, MALVERN 0 more...
10/2/06 - Colwall stay top after win
COLWALL Women's Hockey Club won a hard-fought battle against bottom club Stroud at Stratford Park on Saturday. more...
10/2/06 - Gymnasts put on the style in annual event
MALVERN Hills Gymnastics Club held its annual club competition and open day. more...
10/2/06 - National finals for race duo
PUPILS from West Malvern's St James's School took the first two places at the County Cross Country Championships at Bredon School on Saturday. more...
10/2/06 - Ledbury Lions chase leaders
LEDBURY Lions have moved eight points clear in second place in division two of the Brewin Dolphin Securities sponsored Malvern Table Tennis League. more...
10/2/06 - National service can help narrow the gap
WORCESTER may not have had a fixture but last weekend was still an important one for the club. more...
10/2/06 - Going hard for Anchor
HIGH-RIDING Comer Rangers comfortably beat Anchor Falcons on Sunday in this Worcester division two encounter at Dysons. more...
10/2/06 - Go fishing
GO Fishing Show 2006, Europe's largest fishing show, will be casting off at Birmingham's NEC from March 3-5. more...
10/2/06 - Tickets for open contest
MALVERN United anglers are holding an open contest on their water on the Severn at Holdfast on Sunday, March 12. more...
9/2/06 - City duo keep places for Spanish inquisition
WORCESTER rugby stars Joanne Yapp and Nicola Crawford have kept their places amid a string of changes in England Women's side. more...
9/2/06 - Holloway triggers win
WORCESTER Rugby Club Under 16s eased into the semi-finals of the North Midlands Knockout Cup with a crushing 35-0 victory over visitors Woodrush. more...
9/2/06 - Blaze starts Six Nations Italy test
RICHARD Blaze will again represent England Under 21s tonight against their Italian counterparts in the Six Nations clash at Biella RFC. more...
9/2/06 - Warriors called up for England
TWO Worcester Warriors players will tackle Italy tomorrow as England Under 19s head to Tre Fontane, Rome. more...
10/2/06 - Lennard gets a start
WORCESTER Warriors full-back Jamie Lennard retains his place in the starting line-up for England Students' game against Italy Under 25s in Sardinia today. more...
10/2/06 - England squad call for George
BROMSGROVE School student George Thomas has become the seventh North Midlands player to be included in the England Under 18 training squad for a camp at Castlecroft in Wolverhampton and RAF Cosford from February 16 to 19. more...
10/2/06 - Full debut for Kiwi flanker
NEW Zealander Tom Harding will make his first start for Warriors in tomorrow's Sixways showdown with top-of-the-table Sale Sharks (2pm). more...
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