A DRIVER who ploughed into a taxi at night while drunk killing two Redditch men was today jailed for eight-and-a-half years. Graham Bessant's powerful Jaguar XJ6 shunted the cab off the road into a tree minutes after he left a nightclub. Cabbie Zahid
A TRIAL exercise in seizing untaxed vehicles has been declared a success by police. In June, a six-month trial was started, giving North Worcestershire Police greater powers to seize and crush vehicles used by persistent criminals and antisocial drivers
THE Vatican is the destination for a group of St Augustine's Catholic High School pupils who will hear the Pope speak in St Peter's Square. The trip to Rome is part of a six-day visit in March which will also see students perform concerts in the centre
THE Kingfisher Centre bucked the national trend with outstanding trading figures during the Christmas period. In the week before Christmas, visitor numbers were up by 7.3 per cent against the national average for the same week last year. The beginning
THE British Touring Car Champion made a pit-stop in Redditch to sign autographs for fans. Matt Neal stopped by at Halfords' head office in Washford West and talked to fans about his recent victory. He has become the first driver in the modern era to
REDDITCH recycling crusaders have taken going green into their own hands and opened a shop in a former spring factory. Boomerang, a recycling shop in Mount Pleasant, is offering a free collection for unwanted items. The business was the idea of Jim
THE sights of Studley can be enjoyed all year round thanks to a new calendar. Photographs include village churches, pubs and even the fire station. Resident Judith Ash took all the pictures herself and all the profit she makes will go towards Studley
A GANG of men, one of them brandishing a metal bar, robbed a town centre chip shop and ripped a phone from the wall to stop terrified staff calling for help. Shortly before 6.30pm on Monday, January 8, a gang of about 10-20 Asian men wearing hooded tops
DESPITE spending her first Christmas in hospital, a 10-month-old baby girl from Brockhill met Santa and opened presents. Eleri Edwards was rushed to the Alexandra Hospital on Christmas Eve after her mum, Louise, found her being sick and she was unresponsive
RECORD-breaking musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at Malvern Theatres from Monday, January 22 to Saturday, January 27. Telling the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colours, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical
NEWLY appointed local policing officers in Greenlands and Lodge Park are asking residents to speak out about any issues they feel are important. Officers Pc Kate Massey and Pc Carrie Smith are inviting locals to attend their next Partners and Communities
HARMONICA virtuoso Brendan Power and guitar whizz Frank Kilkelly are to perform live in Headless Cross. The duo play at St Luke's Church in Evesham Road on Friday, January 19 at 7.30pm. The evening promises to combine blues, jazz, Irish and Bulgarian
A HARD-hitting play starts the New Year programme at the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham. JD Productions presents Close Your Eyes and See until Saturday, January 13 at 7.45pm and Monday, January 15 to Saturday, January 20 at 2.45pm. The play follows
HUDSON - COOK Claire and Jeff 24-12-2006 Congratulations on your engagement With lots of love and best wishes for your future together Mum and Dad xxx Published in paper 10/01/2007
NANNY BRADSHAW Left us on 29th December 2006 The valleys were calling your name Onwards with your journey you went Our love for you will forever go on Always in our hearts Leanne and Darren xxxx Published in paper 10/01/2007
JOAN DAVIS Taken from us 31/12/06 Thank you Joan for five lovely years That ended too soon in a flood of tears But the memories you left help me recall That the times spent together were the best times of all Missing you so much Love always John X Published
GWYNNETH BRADSHAW 01.02.1923 - 29.12.2006 We only met up a few times but we felt we knew you a lifetime Love Barbara & Paul Thompson xxx Published in paper 10/01/2007
GWYNNETH BRADSHAW 01.02.1923 - 29.12.2006 Always in my thoughts Such a lovely friend Love Clarice Broadbent xx Published in paper 10/01/2007
NAN Bradshaw 01.02.1923 - 29.12.2006 God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be So he put his arms around you and whispered 'Come to me' A golden heart stopped beating Hard working hands at rest He broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes
BRADSHAW GWYNNETH A BELOVED MOTHER 1.2.1923 - 29.12.2006 Rest your head now Mother dear You tried so hard to stay with us here Your life's work is finally done Go now and walk your beloved hills and valleys Goodnight God Bless Love you always xxx Jane
STYLER TED Formerly of Headless Cross and Redditch on 4th January 2007, in Cirencester Hospital. Dear Father of Kay. Cremation at Kingsdown Crematorium, Swindon on Tuesday 16th January at 1.30pm Family flowers only, donations if desired to Cirencester
MY NANNY BRAD Gentle Jesus up above Please send Nanny all my love Way up there so very high She's the brightest star in the sky Night night Nanny Sleep tight Love Evie xxxxxx Published in paper 10/01/2007
BRADSHAW GWYNNETH 01 Feb 1923 - 29 Dec 2006 Mum is a special word A word that brings to mind your big warm smile, Your helping hands Your way of being kind Devotion to our family A word of patience to Mum is a special word Because it stands for you Loving
BRADSHAW GWYNNETH 1.2.1923 - 29.12.2006 Beyond the rainbow's end, there lies The land of love and light Where shadows never dim the skies For you Mother there is no night And though the loss is hard to bear Of a mother who was loved so dear I know that
MCGHEE Joseph Died peacefully Monday 1st January 2007 Much loved Son of Mary, Husband of Ann and Father of Stuart Now at peace Joe We will never forget you Published in paper 10/01/2007
THOMAS Brenda Margaret Aged 76 years Peacefully at the Alexandra Hospital on Thursday 21st December 2006. Beloved wife of David. The funeral service for Brenda will take place at the Redditch Crematorium on Friday 12th January 2007 at 11.45 a.m. Family
WARING Mildred Eliza Millie 07.01.07 Died peacefully with family around her. The pillar of the family. Millie will be gone but not forgotten. Desperately missed by her three sons David, Paul and John, their wives and partners, grandchildren and great
AULTON John Richard Of Alcester Passed away on 31st December 2006 at the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch. Aged 68 years. Dad to Martine and Scott. Grandad to Geno. We will miss you. Funeral to take place at Redditch Crematorium on Friday 12th January 2007
JOAN DAVIS Suddenly taken from us at the Alexandra Hospital Joan was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by her Sister Margaret and Brother-in-law Alan and the family in Auckland, New Zealand Sleep in peace darling girl Published in paper 10/01/2007
DONNA KENDRICK 13.01.89 18 TODAY Happy Birthday Dinky Donna have a wonderful day Love Mum, Dad, Tom, Katie, Nan xxx Published in paper 10/01/2007
HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY HOLLY BAYLISS-SIMMONS 11th January Love Mum, Mike, Jack and the animals Published in paper 10/01/2007
GUESS WHO? HAPPY 30TH LUCY DUTTON Have a lovely day Lots of love hugs & kisses Your Big Sis Cheryl & Tony xxxx Published in paper 10/01/2007
JAKE LEWIS-GAWN Neil and Shirley would like to thank family, friends, neighbours and his school friends who attended Jake's funeral on 4.1.07. Also a special thank you to Jake's Uncle Pete. Thank you all for the kind thoughts, cards and flowers also your
THE EMPLOYEES OF MICRO SPRINGS & PRESSWORKS CO. LIMITED Would like to thank Mrs A. Woodward and the Directors for their Xmas Bonus, also wishing them a Happy and Prosperous New Year Published in paper 10/01/2007
DENNIS WALTON 19.5.23 - 11.1.06 DAD Missing you every day Love always Sandra Published in paper 10/01/2007
JEAN BARR Jan 11 2001 Jean another year has passed and the world has changed so much since we lost you Because you were simply the best Always in our hearts and thoughts Albert, Hub Sons, Daughters, Daughters-in-law and Grandchildren Published in paper
MALCOLM LOWE 11th Jan 2002 Precious memories of my dear Husband Always in my thoughts Forever in my heart So dearly loved So sadly missed Loving Wife Wendy xxxxx Published in paper 10/01/2007
DONNELLY MARION BLANCHE In loving memory of Mother passed away 9.1.95 R.I.P Maureen & Eric Published in paper 10/01/2007
TOMKINS DAVID 8th Jan also Birthday Memories 21st Feb Two years have passed since I lost you my darling You were my life I am nothing since you've gone I love and miss you so much Sleep tight my love and God Bless Your ever grieving Wife Rose Published
PLANT JOHN 10th January 2006 Really was 'The day the music died' But, 'I can still remember how the music used to make us smile' Always in our thoughts Pam and John Published in paper 10/01/2007
STRAIN CHRIS 07.01.94 Lovingly remembered today and always Mom, Dad, Colette and Richard Published in paper 10/01/2007
CHAFFE MICK 13.1.2002 BEST DAD IN THE WORLD Five years have passed since you went away but not a day goes by when we don't think of you. We have so many special memories and so badly wish we could make many more together. You are such a huge part of our
CHAFFE MICK 13.1.2002 MY HUSBAND Five years without you - still nothing eases the pain of missing you. Memories we made together see me through each day. The love you gave so unconditionally will last me a lifetime. I'll always keep a part of you with
JOHN PLANT 10-1-06 Not a day do I forget you In my heart you're always near As I loved you Now I miss you As it dawns another year A year has gone since you left us but it feels a lifetime I miss you so much Love you always Val Published in paper 10/
JOHN PLANT 10-1-06 I can't believe a year has passed Not a day goes by that I don't think about you Dad. I miss you so much Until we meet again Love always Batty Natty Published in paper 10/01/2007
TEASDALE John Died 6th January 2006 Silent thoughts, Sweet memories, Sadly missed by Rose, Neil, Philip, Stuart, Nicky, Julia and all the Grandchildren. Published in paper 10/01/2007
PETER HOLDEN In memory of our dear Son, Brother and Uncle Forever in our hearts Mum, Marvin, Joanne, Richard, Ami and Emily Published in paper 10/01/2007
BROWNE STEPHEN RICHARD JANUARY 10th 2006 Aged 26 A Son, Brother and Uncle but most importantly a friend Taken from us so suddenly one year ago, to leave a pain for all to show So dearly loved and missed by us all With fondest memories for us all to recall
JAMES THOMAS GREEN Not a day do I forget you. In my heart you are always near. As I loved you, so I miss you. As it dawns another year. Loving Wife Pauline xxx Published in paper 10/01/2007
JOHN PLANT 10/8/49 - 10/1/06 One year has passed But the memories and wonderful times we had will last forever "Here Comes the Sun" God Bless John Chris, Steph, Gary, Sue Published in paper 10/01/2007
LITTLE BRO' Love and miss you so much You will be in our hearts forever God bless See you in our dreams Love you always Big Sis, Yvonne, Bill and family Published in paper 10/01/2007
JAMES GREEN 21.1.46 - 11.1.04 Memories of our Dad Jim Gone but never forgotten With love Amanda, Julie and families Published in paper 10/01/2007
BEVERLEY RICHARDS With a happy face and a heart of gold We miss you so much our darling Daughter Sleep tight Bev until we meet again Love you Mom and Dad xx Published in paper 10/01/2007
PAULINE HACKERS 15-01-06 Treasured memories to a loving Wife, Mam and Nannie Always in our thoughts Forever in our hearts All our love From Husband Eddy Daughter and Son-in-law Stephanie and Craig Grandbairns Charlotte and Jessica Published in paper
GWYNNETH BRADSHAW Fell asleep 29th December 2006 You saw the angels coming To take you to sit in Gods beautiful garden Where the birds always sing and the sun never sets God Bless Mom Love always Jean and David xxxx Published in paper 10/01/2007
BRADSHAW GWEN The most dear friend and neighbour anyone could have wished for Will be so very sadly missed Mrs Randle, Ralph, Jenny, Martin and Laura Published in paper 10/01/2007
JOAN DAVIS 31-12-06 A very special lady who will be very sadly missed now and forever God Bless Dennis Published in paper 10/01/2007
GWEN BRADSHAW A beautiful memory Dearer than gold Of a nan whose worth can never be told Love Neal & Angela Published in paper 10/01/2007
GWEN BRADSHAW Died 29.12.06 A golden heart stopped beating Hard working hands laid to rest As a Friend and Mother you were simply the best Love John & Janis Published in paper 10/01/2007
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ERNEST JOHN GANDERTON of Cookhill 01 Dec 1913 - 03 Jan 2007 From his Wife Aimee Son Maurice & Fiancee "Jackie" Daughter Glynnis & Son-in-law Bill Grand-daughter Heather & partner Tony Grandson Robert Great Grand-daughter
TONY DONNELLY 11.11.45 - 3.1.07 In loving memory of a great person who will always be in our thoughts All our love Alan, Sue, Paul, Sarah, Christian, Elodie and Luke Published in paper 10/01/2007
FRANCE Joyce Passed away peacefully in her sleep 4th January 2007. Reunited with beloved Husband Henry. Dear Mother of Kaye. Much loved Grandmother of Sarah. Funeral service to take place at Redditch Crematorium on Monday 15th January at 3.30 pm. Enquiries
MEAKER Annie Peacefully on 6th January 2007,In the Primrose Ward atthe Princess of Wales Hospital,Aged 85 years Annie's funeral service will be held atRedditch Crematoriumon Tuesday 16th January at 11.00am. Family flowers only please, donations if desiredfor
DONNELLY Tony Peacefully at his home after a long illness, aged 61 years. Beloved Husband of Pam, cherished Dad to Stephen and Anne and their partners Jan and Matt. A much loved Grandad to Amy, Georgia and Ellie. Tony will be greatly missed by all who
JOAN DAVIS NEE WILLS Passed away 31st December Aged 70 Beloved Sister, Sister in Law and Auntie Joan was like a beautiful rose and will be sadly missed Don, Val, Rebecca, Elizabeth and Children Published in paper 10/01/2007
STANSFIELD VINNIE Aged 97 years Dearly loved Mum, Grandma and Great Grandma. Passed away peacefully on 25th December 2006. Will be sadly missed by Brian, Wendy and family and Margaret and family. The funeral will have taken place at Redditch Crematorium
FOSTER AUSTIN Passed away peacefully on 28th December 2006 Aged 64 years Loving Husband of Margaret. Caring Father and Father-in-law of Andrew and Kathrin, Julie and Andi, Alison and Ian. Dedicated Grandfather to Sian, Beth, Bridie, Sophie, Georgia and
TRAPP VINCENT ARCHIBALD Formerly of Station Road, Wythall Died on 26th December 2006 at Shrubbery Nursing Home, Kidderminster Service in Celebration of his Life to be held at Kingswood Parsonage, Packhorse Lane, Hollywood B47 5DH Saturday 20th January
SENIOR ALLAN Happy 40th Birthday for the 13th Hope you enjoy your night Lots of love from Julie, Lewis & Charley xxx Published in paper 10/01/2007
PHILLIP STEPHEN EVANS 14.1.53 - 27.12.2004 Remembering you on your Birthday Still loving and missing you Mam and Family Published in paper 10/01/2007
JOHN PLANT 10-01-06 Remembering a brave friend never far from our thoughts "Great Balls of Fire" Jackie and Bob Published in paper 10/01/2007
IN LOVING MEMORY OF DENNIS WALTON Fell asleep 11th January 2006 You are always in my thoughts and forever in my heart Thinking of you today and everyday All my love Lorna xxx Published in paper 10/01/2007
BEV RICHARDS A Special Wife and Mum Always in our thoughts and such love in our hearts Pete and Luke xx Published in paper 10/01/2007
JOHN PLANT 10-1-06 Loving and kind in all his ways Upright and just to the end of his days Sincere and kind in heart and mind What beautiful memories my Dad left behind Love you always Nathan Published in paper 10/01/2007
JOHN PLANT 'My ikky bro' Missing you so much but remembering the happy times Love you always from Maria, Bill and families Published in paper 10/01/2007
HAZEL ELIZABETH MURRAY 9th January 2004 PETER ANTHONY MURRAY 17th January 2003 Another year has passed but memories of you never fade. You are loved and missed more than words can say Lovingly remembered always Paul and Dale, Sue, Ant, Dan and Family
JOHN PLANT 10.08.1949 - 10.01.2006 PLANTY Your presence we miss Your memory we treasure Think of you often Forgetting you never From all your mates at Ryeford Engineering Ltd Published in paper 10/01/2007
WILLIAMS MARIAN 14th January 1996 Quietly with love your memory I treasure Love always Ken Also Marians' Sister ALICE EIRWEN EDWARDS 15th January 1996 Always in my thoughts Love Ken Published in paper 10/01/2007
A DIRECTOR of a town charity is stepping down after years of dedicated work. Muriel Clarke helped set up Carers Careline, which supports Redditch people caring for sick, elderly or vulnerable friends or family, in 1988 and has served the organisation
GRUMPY, Dopey, Sleepy and friends are putting on their dancing shoes for the Starlight School of Dance production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The Winyates East dance school is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year and young dancers are preparing
BUDDING ballroom dancers left disappointed after finding a new course was fully subscribed should not throw their dancing shoes away just yet.Due to popular demand, NEW College will be offering a second 10-week beginners class in ballroom and Latin American
PEOPLE with the January blues who are looking to brighten up their appearance can visit a student beauty therapy evening. As part of their course, beauty therapy students at NEW College have organised the event on Monday, January 15 from 5.30-8.30pm
A SCHOOL has been told it provides a happy environment for children after its latest Ofsted inspection. Beoley First School received a satisfactory rating and is described as a caring school where the family environment is something to be valued and
A GLAMOUR model from Redditch looks poised to reach the top of her career ladder after being asked to pose for a test shoot for Playboy magazine. CC, from Church Hill, has been approved to test for both UK and US Playboy and will work with a make-up
A REDDITCH management expert is holding a workshop which will help businesses put quality first. Alan Clark, head of Key Business Improvement and a former general manager of the Redditch-based automotive parts firm Bauer Springs, is warning British manufacturing
THANKS to lessons paid for by the Big Lottery Fund, pupils at a Redditch school swam circles around the competition to win last year's district championships. Years 5 and 6 from Walkwood Middle School won a total of nine gold, seven silver and four bronze
PLANS are under way for a mobile medical centre to be housed temporarily at the Abbey Stadium site. The proposal, by Mercury Health, forms part of the NHS initiative for independent sector diagnostic facilities and will be one of 52 sites across the
SISTERS were certainly doing it for themselves when two Redditch girls took part in a disabled gymnastic event. Emma Stockton, 22, and Claire Stockton, 26, won a silver and two gold medals between them for their floor and bar work in the Jersey Sports
Five Ways Old Eds 8 Bloxwich 8 EDS halted their losing run with a welcome point on a heavy Masshouse pitch, a promising preparation for Saturday's relegation scrap at bottom side Yardley & District (ko 2.15pm). The Five Ways defence, marshalled by fly-half
Stafford 0 Solihull 24 SOLIHULL triumphed in a dour, rain-sodden match in their first outing in the New Year. It was a slow and often fractious encounter against a lowly Stafford who are scrapping for survival at the foot of the league. By the end
Bournville 14 Kings Norton 5 KINGS Norton coach Clive Chapman conceded his charges have blown their title chances with defeat at unbeaten leaders Bournville. "We are now playing for second place," said Chapman. "I don't believe Bournville will lose
Upton 17 Alcester 17 THE key to Alcester's victory in the reverse fixture was domination of the scrum by the red and blacks pack which saw them score three push-over tries. And a repeat looked likely when inside ten minutes Alcester took the lead
Woodrush 26 Southam 15 WOODRUSH turned the tables on a Southam side who had proved their nemesis until Saturday's highly-charged encounter, a match-winning performance from a Woodrush pack who had previously capitulated to the Warwick-shire opponents
REDDITCH VC return to action at home to Malvern on Sunday (ko 2pm), chasing second place. VC need victory to keep the third-placed visitors at arm's length. Tony Taylor's side will have to make do without absent duo Emily Johnson and Olivia Nicholson
SHAUN Cunnington is hoping for a change in the weather ahead of this weekend's derby clash with Midland Alliance neighbours Studley. Alvechurch have managed just one league game at Lye Meadow since the end of October. "It is frustrating because we have
THE cups take centre stage for Feckenham this week with key games planned for tonight and the weekend. But boss Lee Ross admits the Worcestershire Senior Urn clash with neighbours Studley (ko 7.45pm) is almost certain to be postponed with the Valley
A LOOK at the substitutes' bench on Saturday explains why Studley boss Lee Adams faces a selection headache over the next few days. The Bees are set to play Feckenham in the Worcestershire Senior Urn tonight but a waterlogged pitch looks likely to delay
Birmingham Athletic 4 Headless Cross Ladies 1 VICTORY at home to relegation-candidates Burlish Olympic on Sunday (ko 2pm) will ease Headless Cross Ladies' own fears of suffering successive relegations. Mandy Hill's side sit second from bottom four points
BIRMINGHAM City Ladies have been handed the ultimate motivation for beating Manchester City in a rearranged FA Cup tie on Sunday (ko 2pm). The initial attempt to take on the lower division visitors fell victim to a waterlogged Valley Stadium pitch at
REDDITCH Ladies Hockey Club emphasised their title ambitions with a 6-5 friendly win at a West Witney side who play three divisions above them in South Division One. Equalisers from Sophie Laxton, Emma Allsop, Anna Stafford, Becky Southwell and Helen
THE weekend saw the first round of the Redditch individual canal league on the Stratford canal at Kings Heath. The winner on peg 10 was Barry Cogan with 2lb 10oz of roach on bread punch. Second was Dave Hinds (2lb 8oz), third John Hynde (2lb 6oz). Section
DEPENDING on the number of teams promoted from Midlands Six West (SW), the tremendous effort behind Redditch RFC's flying start to the season could all have been undone by successive defeats to Dudley Wasps. Saturday's 24-11 reverse at Heathbrook means
REDDITCH United chairman Steve Rossiter admits the club are 'pulling out all the stops' in a bid to make sure Saturday's FA Trophy clash with Conference leaders Dagenham & Redbridge can go ahead. Torrential rain forced Saturday's match with fellow Conference
