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Stories for 17 July 2007
Alcester
Students were good sports!
ALCESTER Grammar School pupils took on an Olympian challenge as they continued to forge links with their Chinese counterparts. more...
Flag blow to local reserve
THE River Arrow Local Nature Reserve in Alcester has lost its prestigious Green Flag award, which makes a statement as to the quality of the experience the visitor can expect. more...
Booze ban for centre
By David Searle IT has been recommended that Alcester town centre should become an alcohol restricted zone after several alcohol-related antisocial incidents. more...
Booze ban for centre
By David Searle IT has been recommended that Alcester town centre should become an alcohol restricted zone after several alcohol-related antisocial incidents. more...
Booze ban for centre
IT has been recommended that Alcester town centre should become an alcohol restricted zone after several alcohol-related antisocial incidents. more...
Road closed after diesel spillage
THE main road in Aston Cantlow had to be closed to traffic on Sunday, July 15 following a large diesel spillage. more...
Before The 1900'S
July 14 to July 21
250 Years Ago: more...
Bishop Perowne Prom
Bishop Perowne Prom
Olivia Harris, Jo Neary, Emma Eccelston, Kelly Turberfield, Daisy Foulkes, Emma-Leigh Stubbins and Becky Taylor all ready for their prom. more...
Bishop Perowne Prom
Sophie Hope, Emily John, Amy Band and Philippa Harding hoping for a good time at their Prom. more...
Business
Third win for Tyrrells
TYRRELLS Potato Chips - one of Herefordshire's best business success stories - has won a top award for the third year running. more...
Third win for Tyrrells
TYRRELLS Potato Chips - one of Herefordshire's best business success stories - has won a top award for the third year running. more...
Business News
Depot in tyre donation
AN Alcester tyre depot has donated some hard wearing tyres to help young people enjoy an adventurous time. more...
Scheme to boost productivity
AUTOMOTIVE suppliers in Redditch are being urged to take part in a £1.7m initiative aimed to boost productivity and increase global competitiveness. more...
Plumbers urged to go green
PLUMBING Trade Supplies (PTS) on Washford Drive is encouraging plumbers to go green in Redditch by offering training programmes and eco-friendly information. more...
Couple help find a balance
ON-site massages are just one of a range of services a company will be offering people to help fight the grind of daily life. more...
Christopher Whitehead Proms
Christopher Whitehead Prom
Verity Gwilliam and her three best friends. more...
Christopher Whitehead Prom
All aboard the party bus! more...
Community News
WYCHBOLD WI
THE June meeting was well attended. The speaker was Barbara Maskell who had brought a host of Japanese items to illustrate the culture into which her daughter had married some 12 years ago. more...
WHITTINGTON AND DISTRICT WI
HELENA Downham, our president, was in the chair at the June meeting and welcomed us all, introducing a new member Myrna Coxall. more...
ROTARY CLUB OF DROITWICH SPA
IN June we held our handover meeting at St Andrews House Hotel. more...
WORCESTER ANGLO HELLENIC CLUB
THE AGM for the Worcester Anglo Hellenic Club was held at the Worcester Golf and Country Club on Thursday, June 28. more...
Sir Douglas Bader's widow at book launch
Lady Joan Bader, wife of the late Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader - famous for being a spirited RAF pilot despite severe disability - attended the official launch of two new books by Worcester authors. more...
Education
How we help children step up to high school
MOST people will never forget their first day at big' school. I know I won't. I had gone from a small village school with around 60 pupils, to a school filled with more than 800. more...
How we help children step up to high school
MOST people will never forget their first day at big' school. I know I won't. I had gone from a small village school with around 60 pupils, to a school filled with more than 800. more...
Equestrian
Phillipa is riding for a rosette at UK competition
A SCHOOLGIRL from Worcester hopes to be in the ribbons' today as she takes part in the largest disabled equestrian event in the world. more...
Gardening
How to get your sodden flowers blooming again
The terrible weather we've been having has already taken its toll on patio pots, hanging baskets and containers which have ended up looking as bedraggled as their owners. more...
Good enough to eat: Stop climbing beans climbing
If your climbing beans have reached the top of their supports, pinch out the tip of the leading shoot to encourage plants to make more sideshoots lower down which should give you a better harvest. more...
Good enough to eat: Stop climbing beans climbing
If your climbing beans have reached the top of their supports, pinch out the tip of the leading shoot to encourage plants to make more sideshoots lower down which should give you a better harvest. more...
Three ways to...
Keep your herbs going more...
Best of the bunch: Impatiens (Busy Lizzie)
If you want something with a bit more pizzazz than traditional busy Lizzies, go for the many New Guinea types, which are bigger and bolder than their low-growing relatives. more...
What to do this week - July 14
* Clear algae, blanket weeds and debris from ponds, and keep them topped up * Order catalogues for next year's spring-flowering bulbs * Give the lawn a quick-acting summer feed, especially if a spring feed was not done * Cut back sideshoots on gooseberries to four or five leaves, or just beyond the fruit clusters. This will speed ripening (by increasing sun on the fruits), encourage fruit bud formation for next year, and control aphids on the new growth. more...
What to do this week - July 14
* Clear algae, blanket weeds and debris from ponds, and keep them topped up * Order catalogues for next year's spring-flowering bulbs * Give the lawn a quick-acting summer feed, especially if a spring feed was not done * Cut back sideshoots on gooseberries to four or five leaves, or just beyond the fruit clusters. This will speed ripening (by increasing sun on the fruits), encourage fruit bud formation for next year, and control aphids on the new growth. more...
What to do this week - July 14
* Clear algae, blanket weeds and debris from ponds, and keep them topped up more...
In Brief
Day trip offer
PEOPLE are being invited to join the Sunset Pensioners Club for a day trip to Weston-Super-Mare. more...
Donor appeal
THERE'S a chance for people to do something amazing by giving blood on Friday. more...
Kidder News Latest
Fire destroys barn
A DERELICT barn full of chipboard has been destroyed by fire. more...
Fire destroys barn
A DERELICT barn full of chipboard has been destroyed by fire. more...
Fire destroys barn
A DERELICT barn full of chipboard has been destroyed by fire. more...
Fire destroys barn
A DERELICT barn full of chipboard has been destroyed by fire. more...
Fire destroys barn
A DERELICT barn full of chipboard has been destroyed by fire. more...
Firefighters battle dry dock blaze
FIREFIGHTERS are battling a blaze at a Stourport dry dock following a call in the early hours of the morning. more...
Firefighters battle dry dock blaze
FIREFIGHTERS are battling a blaze at a Stourport dry dock following a call in the early hours of the morning. more...
Firefighters battle dry dock blaze
FIREFIGHTERS are battling a blaze at a Stourport dry dock following a call in the early hours of the morning. more...
Cash boost for flood relief
WYRE Forest District Council has been awarded £100,000 from the Government's Flood Recovery Grant Scheme to support the work is it doing to help residents affected by the recent floods. more...
Railway gala day key to fund-raising
SEVERN Valley Railway's Bewdley Station Gala Day, next Saturday, has taken on added significance as the company battles back from flood damage along the line. more...
Railway gala day key to fund-raising
SEVERN Valley Railway's Bewdley Station Gala Day, next Saturday, has taken on added significance as the company battles back from flood damage along the line. more...
Water-wide pupils earn award
A GROUP of year 10 students at a Kidderminster school are celebrating week after receiving an award from Severn Trent Water. more...
Water-wise pupils earn award
A GROUP of year 10 students at a Kidderminster school are celebrating week after receiving an award from Severn Trent Water. more...
Water-wise pupils earn award
A GROUP of year 10 students at a Kidderminster school are celebrating after receiving an award from Severn Trent Water. more...
Water-wise pupils earn award
A GROUP of year 10 students at a Kidderminster school are celebrating after receiving an award from Severn Trent Water. more...
Water-wise pupils earn award
A GROUP of year 10 students at a Kidderminster school are celebrating after receiving an award from Severn Trent Water. more...
Bewdley park among England's best
THE Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens in Bewdley has been named among the best parks and green spaces in England and Wales. more...
Bewdley park among England's best
THE Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens in Bewdley has been named among the best parks and green spaces in England and Wales. more...
Reading challenge to youngsters
YOUNG readers have been challenged to boost their reading in their school summer holidays. more...
Reading challenge to youngsters
YOUNG people have been challenged to boost their reading in their school summer holidays. more...
Reading challenge to youngsters
YOUNG people have been challenged to boost their reading in their school summer holidays. more...
Stourport race ace on reality TV show
STOURPORT-based international racing driver, Tim Matthews, will head the judging panel on a wannabe Formula 1 drivers' reality television show. more...
Building society boosts rail repair fund
AT least £20,000 is being donated to the Severn Valley Railway Flood Damage Appeal by West Bromwich Building Society. more...
Building society boosts rail repair fund
AT least £20,000 is being donated to the Severn Valley Railway Flood Damage Appeal by West Bromwich Building Society. more...
Building society boosts rail repair fund
AT least £20,000 is being donated to the Severn Valley Railway Flood Damage Appeal by West Bromwich Building Society. more...
Food stolen in freezer raid
KIDDERMINSTER police are appealing for information about a burglary in which £250 worth of food was taken from a freezer. more...
Last Days At School
Children spread sunny smiles
SCHOOLCHILDREN have presented an aid worker with a laptop computer to help disadvantaged people living in India.Youngsters and staff at St Wulstan's RC Primary School, Stourport, have been raising money for charity The Sunny Trust which provides funding for aid organisation, Bakdil. The group's director Father Sunny Mavelil visited the Elmfield Walk school to receive the laptop, which cost more than £400, during a six week visit to Wyre Forest. Pictured are pupils, Andrew Charuk and Sofie Bullock, both 11, presenting Father Sunny Mavelil with the new laptop. more...
Farewell to 'real asset'
PUPILS and teachers have been saying goodbye to several staff members who are leaving as part of the Wyre Forest schools shake-up. Dianne Symons, a teaching assistant, is among 19 people receiving a huge thank you from schoolchildren at Marlpool First School, Kidderminster, before it closes for good. Mrs Symons, of Bewdley Hill, has two grandchildren attending the school where she has worked for 29 years. She joined as a dinner lady in 1978 and later becoming a teaching assistant also helping in the office. more...
Farewell to 'real asset'
PUPILS and teachers have been saying goodbye to several staff members who are leaving as part of the Wyre Forest schools shake-up. Dianne Symons, a teaching assistant, is among 19 people receiving a huge thank you from schoolchildren at Marlpool First School, Kidderminster, before it closes for good. Mrs Symons, of Bewdley Hill, has two grandchildren attending the school where she has worked for 29 years. She joined as a dinner lady in 1978 and later becoming a teaching assistant also helping in the office. She said: "I'm going to miss it dreadfully. It's a brilliant school." Sarah Power, headteacher, said: "I've only been here for one year but Dianne has definitely been a real asset to the school. She has given so much exceptional service and when we come back in September we're going to be phoning Dianne I'm sure." Dianne is pictured with grandchildren and pupils, left, Rebecca Baylie, nine, and Ellie Symons, three. more...
Learning to create mythical creatures
STAFF and pupils at Birchen Coppice First School in Kidderminster were given lessons in the art of felt making during their art week. The youngsters were introduced to the skill during a class held by artist, Sally Harper, from Birmingham. The theme was mythical creatures and children designed mermaids and cyclops with each class making their own banner. Frances Rochelle, art co-ordinator at the school, said: "The pupils have never done felt making before and we wanted to do something new." Troy Cope, 5, and Lucy Owen, 7, are pictured with their design. more...
Read all about school life
JUNIOR journalists have been producing a village magazine telling people all about life at their school. Children at Cookley Sebright First School, Lea Lane, have put together the newsletter full of jokes, poems and several news items for parents and residents. Householders in Cookley and nearby Caunsall will receive their copies in the next two weeks. Pupils have already taken their own editions home after breaking up on Tuesday. Pictured with their front cover competition entries are, from left, Georgina Pyke, 8, Aaliyah Walsh, 9, and Holly Legister, 6. more...
Balloons mark end of an era
MORE than 80 balloons were released by pupils and staff to mark the end of an era at Areley Common First School. Attached to each one was a favourite memory of their time at the school, which shut its doors for the final time on Tuesday. The school, which dates back to 1871 and had been in its current building for 42 years, had 75 pupils aged between three and nine, as well as 16 members of staff. Simon Tapp, who has been headteacher for five years, said: "It is sad that the school is closing but we have been working for the last two years to make sure it is smoothest possible move for the children when they go to their new schools. In our picture, pupils prepare to tuck into a huge cake. more...
Clementine garden is best of the bunch
Green-fingered children at Wribbenhall Middle School had a blooming good time as they bade a fond farewell on Tuesday. Pupils decided to say their goodbyes with flowers by entering the Bewdley in Bloom contest and have seen their hard work rewarded after scooping a top prize. The judges were so impressed with their miniature version of the town's Severn Valley Railway station, clementine garden inspired by the Oranges And Lemons nursery rhyme and wildlife garden with a pond they handed them the title of best school. Eco-schools co-ordinator, Lynda Williams, said: "It is fantastic. It is a real credit to the children and all their hard work. The children wanted it to be the best ever Bewdley in Bloom entry as a celebration of the life of Wribbenhall Middle School and I think it definitely is the best." Pictured, from left, are Abi Sinclair, 12, Haydon Stanyard, 11, and Dexter Lawley, 12. more...
Poignant week ends with firework finale
SWEET-toothed children in Stone tucked into a cake with a difference as they celebrated their final days in the classroom. A picnic lunch was just one of the ways pupils and staff at Stone CE First School were marking its closure after more than 100 years of lessons. A cake decorated with a picture of the school, followed by an afternoon of fun and games, went down a treat with youngsters on Monday. It was followed by a church service on Tuesday, where the 30 students were presented with a Bible by the governors and a dictionary from Friends of Stone CE First School. Headteacher of 10 years, Sue Hardwick, said everyone was sad but determined to celebrate the school's history. She added: "It was first announced in 2003, so it has been a long time coming and you almost felt like it wasn't going to happen. The children were upset about the thought of moving but they have all visited their new schools and had a good time and made some friends, so they feel a bit better now." The week of celebrations will finish with a firework finale with clowns and a hog roast will be held tomorrow, when the school bell will ring for the last time. Pictured, from left, are Amy Moore, Sam Moore, Anneke Van 'Eerden and Joshua Sabin. more...
Pupils to enter purple patch
TIMELORD, Doctor Who, took children back to the 70s during a special end-of-year assembly at Cookley Sebright First School. It was presented by pupils, aged seven and eight, who dressed up in clothes from the decade, to show what life was like when the school was founded, in 1973, also the year in which hit TV show Life on Mars was set. Presentations were also made to staff members leaving the Lea Lane site and on Tuesday, pupils and teachers enjoyed a grand garden party, with plenty of fun and games, including giant inflatable slides, to mark the last day of term. A new primary school will be opening in September and headteacher of 11 years, Martin de Vine, said he was excited about the future. He added: "It is more an evolution than a revolution in Cookley. We are just expanding so there is no real change. We have a new uniform, which is purple, the colour of intellect and learning, and we expect some major building work on the school premises in the next few years." Pictured, from left, are Ellie Jones, 6, Katie Wood, 5, Marcus Bradley and Michael Harrison, 6. more...
Dancing and making music during activity week
SWOOPING birds of prey and other education workshops have been entertaining pupils at one Wyre Forest's largest first schools. The boys and girls of Burlish Park First School, Stourport, enjoyed a packed activity week with visits by dancers, musicians and some feathered friends. An animal handler brought a menagerie of wildlife including a snake and a tarantula. Schoolchildren and staff also got to handle a hawk and a Merlin Falcon in an outdoor demonstration of the birds' natural hunting and flying abilities on the school field. Worcestershire Youth Music dropped by to let pupils have a go on the clarinet, keyboard, flute and violin. The group's introductory visit was linked to the school plans to offer music lessons when it reopens as Burlish Community Primary under new head, Janet Bickerton. An African drumming workshop, Afro-Caribbean dance group and a visit by Worcestershire County Council's road safety roadshow helped to round off the activity week. Pupil numbers will rise from 384 to 450 with youngsters wearing a new school badge - which they helped to pick. Pictured are Afro-Caribbean dance teacher, centre, Tamita Mason, with, back, from left, Alex Cook, and Taylor Monger, both 9, with Kayleigh Bough, 9. more...
Latest
Fire at boatyard
FIREFIGHTERS were called to a blaze at a Worcestershire boatyard in the early hours of this morning. more...
I'm not mad - just a good swimmer
A MAN who sparked a major rescue operation on the river Severn has defended his right to go swimming and says he is not mad but a very confident swimmer. more...
I'm not mad - just a good swimmer
A MAN who sparked a major rescue operation on the river Severn has defended his right to go swimming and says he is not mad but a very confident swimmer. more...
Fortnightly rubbish bin collection is here to stay
FORTNIGHTLY bin collections in Worcester are here to stay - despite an influential committee of MPs labelling alternate services a blunder. more...
Hospital delays have left my boy’s skin in a mess
A WORCESTER dad has spoken of his disgust about delays in getting treatment for his six-year-old son who suffers with a contagious skin disease. more...
Hospital delays have left my boy’s skin in a mess
A WORCESTER dad has spoken of his disgust about delays in getting treatment for his six-year-old son who suffers with a contagious skin disease. more...
MALVERN: Dad threw glass at his wife, breaking her jaw
A WIFE suffered a broken jaw after her husband hurled a beer glass at her. more...
MALVERN: Dad threw glass at his wife, breaking her jaw
A WIFE suffered a broken jaw after her husband hurled a beer glass at her. more...
Fortnightly rubbish bin collection is here to stay
FORTNIGHTLY bin collections in Worcester are here to stay - despite an influential committee of MPs labelling alternate services a blunder. more...
Beer fans preparing to taste cream of the hop
THE best beers and bands will add some punch to what is being billed as the biggest beer festival to hit Worcester. more...
Burglar took £300 after distracting his victim
A HOUSE-bound woman was tricked out of £300 by a distraction burglar. more...
Dad rode to London to fight for his son
A MAN who cycled more than 100 miles to raise money for his son trapped in Dubai has so far collected £1,000. more...
Find out why they want to close control room
WEST Midlands Ambulance Service is calling on people across Worcestershire to take a look at the consultation document on plans to close the Bransford control centre. more...
Pupils asked to help stamp out vandalism
PUPILS throughout south Worcestershire have been asked to help fight vandalism in the summer holidays. more...
MALVERN: Worn-out grave digger needs to be replaced
MALVERN Town Council may have to dig deep into its budget next year to replace a worn out grave excavator. more...
Secrets of the Malverns
BOOKS about the Malvern area are legion. After all, it is one of the most beautiful parts of the country and the outline of the famous hills a well-known landmark. So it takes a brave soul to compile another. more...
Sally picked as one of 10 rural heroes for work in community
SALLY Stringer, who owns Beckford Stores and post office in the vale village just south of Evesham, has been picked as one of 10 national Rural Heroes' to represent a decade of rural change and determination. more...
Unattended candle causes house fire
PEOPLE are being reminded never to leave lit candles unattended after a "near miss" in Worcester. more...
Bike death tragedy of groom to be
A motorcyclist who died following a crash in Droitwich was due to have a secret Las Vegas wedding in October. more...
Man rescued as boatyard goes up in flames
A MAN was pulled to safety moments before fire at a Worcestershire boatyard got out of control. more...
Distraction burglars hit Worcestershire homes
DISTRACTION burglars have targeted three Worcestershire homes in two and a half hours. more...
Petition against power station grows
MORE than 2,300 people have now signed a petition to put a stop to plans for a power station in Tenbury Wells. more...
£3.2m plan to revamp city shopping centre
VISITORS to a Worcester shopping centre could soon be enjoying improved surroundings after plans for a £3.2m upgrade were announced. more...
£3.2m plan to revamp city shopping centre
VISITORS to a Worcester shopping centre could soon be enjoying improved surroundings after plans for a £3.2m upgrade were announced. more...
Heavy rain causes flash flooding in Tenbury Wells
FLASH flooding is causing major problems in Tenbury Wells after heavy rain lashed the town today. more...
Heavy rain causes flash flooding in Tenbury Wells
FLASH flooding has brought more misery to parts of Worcestershire today when freak storms hit the county. more...
Send us your flood pictures
Are you in Tenbury Wells? more...
Abseiling protestor urges council to save outdoor centre threat
A MAN abseiled down the side of Worcester's County Hall in a last-ditch attempt to save an outdoor education centre from closure. more...
MP's mystery illness finally diagnosed
THE mystery illness that caused a Hereford MP to fall ill while on an international flight more than a week ago has finally been diagnosed. more...
Evesham prepares to greet Harry
EVESHAM residents are being invited to attend the new launch of the Harry Potter book, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, at the WH Smith store on Bridge Street at midnight on Friday. more...
Bright report for Bright Beginnings
CHILDREN at a Vale nursery are in safe hands, according to education inspectors. more...
Last farewell to "the donkey man"
TRIBUTES have been paid to a life-long Hampton resident who was known to generations of Evesham children as 'the donkey man'. more...
Quiz raises money for hospital ward
A WOMAN from Pershore has raised enough money with a charity evening to fund new equipment for Evesham Community Hospital. more...
River Fesitval is huge success
ORGANISERS of the annual Evesham River Fesitval could hardly believe their eyes on Saturday morning. more...
River Festival is huge success
ORGANISERS of the annual Evesham River Festival could hardly believe their eyes on Saturday morning. more...
Fund is boosted by Becks appeal
A week ago, Studley boss Lee Adams was a worried man. Players were thin on the ground and he had a friendly with FC United of Manchester looming. more...
Fund is boosted by Becks appeal
A WEEK ago, Studley boss Lee Adams was a worried man. Players were thin on the ground and he had a friendly with FC United of Manchester looming. more...
Fund is boosted by Becks appeal
A WEEK ago, Studley boss Lee Adams was a worried man. Players were thin on the ground and he had a friendly with FC United of Manchester looming. more...
Golden wonder
Alcester Grammar School pupil Rory Sullivan has won a gold medal as part of Great Britain's Junior 16 rowing squad. more...
Golden wonder
ALCESTER Grammar School pupil Rory Sullivan has won a gold medal as part of Great Britain's Junior 16 rowing squad. more...
Latets
Boy chased by man with knife
A 12-YEAR-old boy had to make a terrified dash through a car park at the Kingfisher Centre last Sunday after he was chased by a man wielding a knife. more...
Call for small-scale scheme at stadium
AFTER ambitious plans for the Abbey Stadium fell through, councillors are calling for a smaller development to be started immediately to make up for the broken promises Redditch people have endured. more...
Order to thwart yob, 12
A REDDITCH troublemaker has become one of the youngest children in the West Mercia region to be given a Criminal Antisocial Behaviour Order (CRASBO). more...
Alex claims branded ‘lies’
THE head of the county's hospitals service is calling on Save the Alex campaigners to withdraw "scurrilous" remarks included in a press statement which now features on their website. more...
Letters
Mob made bus driver aware of its feelings
SIR - Your report of an altercation between motorists sending flood-waves through Powick residents' houses took my memory back 45 years and more. more...
Do we still need to have city council?
SIR - Brian Hunt's letter (June 29) supported my recent thinking. more...
You can’t ignore the legacy of Iraq
SIR - Thank you for writing the truth in: "(Blair's) legacy? Iraq. Whatever his achievements, history will link him inextricably with that word" (Comment, June 27). more...
PCT is taking good care of us at night
SIR - My husband was taken ill one evening. By 1am he was in great pain, so for the first time ever, I had to contact Worcestershire Primary Care Trust. more...
Photo from the 60s
SIR - The picture featured in the Worcester News (Letters, July 4) was the railway yard at Shrub Hill in the early 1960s. It was taken from Railway Walk, off Rainbow Hill. There were approximately 90 engines in the siding. Some of the sheds are still there surrounded by brambles and rubbish. more...
Let nurses smoke
SIR - The reason nurses smoke, Mrs King (Letters, June 27) is to try to alleviate the great stress their very demanding jobs cause. I would sooner be cared for by a smoking nurse than none at all. more...
Let shoppers have final say
THERE seems to be a mixed opinion regarding Tesco wanting to build another store in Stourport and whilst most people object to the development for sound reasons, there seem to be a number of readers who will welcome any intrusion to save a few shillings on their weekly shopping bill - so why not let the residents of Stourport decide? more...
Local Walks
Ankerdine Hill, Worcester
Ankerdine Hill may be little more than a bump in the landscape but it is remarkable for the steepness of its slopes. more...
Opinion
We should be able to cope with rubbish
THE only sensible way to encourage recycling or a poor return for your council tax? A necessary move to help the environment or an open invitation to vermin? more...
Phillpot Files
I could cry over leading ballet man’s retirement
THERE must have been much beating of breasts, a tsunami of tears not to mention untold amounts of wailing across the nation. And that's just the men. more...
The sophisticated carts even had steering
MIKE Pryce's recent piece about Worcester's boy bike racers reminded me of another harmless pursuit of long ago. more...
I think I smell a rat from these water works
lA NUMBER of houses in my street share a mains water connection. That's fine by me - even if the pressure does occasionally drop when someone next door decides to run a bath. more...
I think I smell a rat from these water works
* A NUMBER of houses in my street share a mains water connection. That's fine by me - even if the pressure does occasionally drop when someone next door decides to run a bath. more...
Gardens should be green, not a sea of browns
TELEVISION programmes and trade exhibitions are still flogging the idea that the perfect garden should be just another room, albeit without a ceiling. more...
I long for lost days of white shirts and slacks
IF you walk down Worcester High Street on a summer's day, it's possible to see how men's casual wear has changed down the years. more...
10am’s rather early for cider
WALKING over Sabrina Bridge one morning this week, I passed a young man swigging from a can of cider. It wasn't yet 10am. more...
Reports
Royals cup dream ends in nightmare
KADEER Ali, Hamish Marshall and Chris Taylor all scored over 30 as Gloucestershire Gladiators eased past Worcestershire Royals by seven wickets in a rain-hit Twenty20 Cup quarter-final at Bristol. more...
Reviews
Hole in the Wall, Hopton Wafers
IT should have been picnic rugs on the lawn, brightly coloured summer togs and a balmy summer's evening. more...
River Festival
Photo by Anthony Sanger-Davies
Lancaster bomber flying over the crowds at the River Festival. more...
Photo by Anthony Sanger-Davies
Lancaster Bomber flying across the crowds at the River Festival. more...
Photo by Anthony Sanger-Davies
A Lancaster Bomber flying past the crowds at the River Festival. more...
Round-Up
City's leader's anguish over young
THE leader of the city council has revealed his anguish about young people being turned off from politics. more...
Interest rate hits Worcester housing market
THE pace of house price increases slowed in Worcester during June, as the effects of the recent interest rate increases start to work their way through the market, according to the latest RICS' UK housing market survey. more...
Dudley call-up
STOURPORT Hockey Club's Joel Dudley has won a place in the England Under 16s side for the Four Nations Tournament. more...
Charles high in class on tough opener
CHARLES Adrian managed two second finishes in class in Sencon Formula Four team's first outing. more...
Super-charged record is smashed at Shelsley
THE Midland Automobile Club staged top-flight hill climb action at the famous Shelsley Walsh course. more...
Green secure place in final of Tansell Cup
BARNARDS Green defeated Worcester City Police by six wickets in the Tansell Cup semi-finals. more...
Students belt up at exam
THE Independent Tae Kwon Do Schools Federation held their black belt grading at Worcester's Nunnery Wood Sports Centre. more...
Rahim is champion at world contest
STUDENTS competed in the TAGB Tae Kwon Do Eighth Open World Championships at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham. more...
New Bulls signings primed for run-out
HEREFORD United will take their four new signings plus a host of trialists to kick-off the pre-season programme. more...
Harj building a successful path
A BUSY businessman is setting his sights on a British title after an impressive start to bodybuilding competitions. more...
County girls excel on national stage
HEREFORDSHIRE and Worcestershire 12 and under girls won the bronze medal at the Inter County Cup national finals. more...
Whitehead blow for Harriers
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have been hit by a pre-season injury blow to skipper Stuart Whitehead. more...
An arresting day out
HUNDREDS of people packed into Bromsgrove police station's open day last Sunday despite the atrocious weather. more...
An arresting day out
HUNDREDS of people packed into Bromsgrove police station's open day last Sunday despite the atrocious weather. more...
Education centre
A £3m STATE of the art education centre has opened at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch. more...
Cigarette fire
BROMSGROVE firefighters were called to a small blaze at 4.12am on Monday when a car mounted a barrier just outside of the hard shoulder, southbound on the M5 between junction 4 and 5. more...
He’s enjoying a good read
YOUNGSTERS are being encouraged to enjoy books this summer by taking part in a reading challenge. more...
Helping to keep it flying
A CLASSIC car rally has helped boost a life-saving county service by more than £500. more...
Festival fever set for town
A HOST of attractions are being drawn up for this year's eagerly anticipated heritage event in Droitwich Spa. more...
MP’s joy at new classroom plan
AS part of a whistle-stop tour of Redditch on Friday, town MP and Home Secretary Jacqui Smith visited Webheath First School to look at the proposed site for its new classrooms. more...
In the footsteps of the Fab Four
STUDENTS from Redditch want to follow in the footsteps of the Beatles by releasing vinyl records with the help of Abbey Road Studios. more...
Going wild for books
WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has issued its annual challenge to young readers for the summer holidays. more...
Just so cool!
THE crowds turned out on Saturday to Batchley's Cool by the Pool despite the absence of the official opener, Redditch MP Jacqui Smith, the new Home Secretary, who had to return early to Westminster. more...
Bears’ picnic
YOUNGSTERS from Tardebigge are preparing for their annual teddy bears' picnic which takes place at Tardebigge Community Hall on Wednesday, August 21 from 11am-2pm. more...
Jogger shot in leg with pellet
A MAN was hit in the leg with a pellet as he jogged into a Redditch park. more...
Roundup
Moseley mauled by Super-Taylor
A CENTURY by James Taylor inspired Kidderminster Victoria to an emphatic 57 run win over Moseley on Saturday in Birmingham. more...
Kidderminster in cup joy
KIDDERMINSTER Victoria booked their place in the last 16 of the Cockspur National Knockout Cup by defeating Banbury in a thrilling match on Sunday. more...
Rain ruins Bewdley's ground unveiling
THE bad weather rained on Bewdley Town's parade for the second time in a week as Tuesday night's re-arranged friendly against Kidderminster Harriers was rained off. more...
Schools News
School judged to be failing has now turned the corner
A SCHOOL in Worcester that was deemed to be failing is on its way to coming out of special measures. more...
School judged to be failing has now turned the corner
A SCHOOL in Worcester that was deemed to be failing is on its way to coming out of special measures. more...
School judged to be failing has now turned the corner
A SCHOOL in Worcester that was deemed to be failing is on its way to coming out of special measures. more...
A tale of school days
A PLAY based on a day in a Worcester school is being performed by a group of pupils in the city. more...
We're fascinated by this giant snail
SNAKES, spiders and giant snails were among the mini-beasts examined by children at an Ombersley playgroup as part of a project about animals. Fearless youngsters from the Three Bears Ombersley pre-school handled tarantulas and other creepy crawlies brought into the playgroup by educational workshop provider Zoolab on Friday, July 13. The visit was part of a topic about mini-beasts studied by the children at the pre-school, which meets at the Memorial Hall, Sandy's Road, Ombersley. Above are Harry, left, and Toby looking at a giant snail. Picture by Simon Rogers. 28098201 more...
We're fascinated by this giant snail
SNAKES, spiders and giant snails were among the mini-beasts examined by children at an Ombersley playgroup as part of a project about animals. Fearless youngsters from the Three Bears Ombersley pre-school handled tarantulas and other creepy crawlies brought into the playgroup by educational workshop provider Zoolab on Friday, July 13. The visit was part of a topic about mini-beasts studied by the children at the pre-school, which meets at the Memorial Hall, Sandy's Road, Ombersley. Above are Harry, left, and Toby looking at a giant snail. Picture by Simon Rogers. 28098201 more...
Fat Sam's grand slam at Pershore High
FAT Sam's Grand Slam came to Pershore High School when a cast of more than 50 pupils performed the hit musical Bugsy Malone. With show stopping tunes, toe tapping dance numbers and the odd custard pie, the musical, set in 1920s New York, had the audience singing and dancing in the aisles. Bugsy Malone was played by James Gullick, above right, Blousey Brown was Olivia Adams, centre, and Josh Allen, left, was Leroy. Director Anna smith said: "The cast worked so hard in less than two months to create such a high calibre performance." Picture by Simon Rogers. 28091801 more...
Children give a magical performance
A MAGICAL fairy tale has left pupils at a Worcestershire school flying high. more...
Team-bonding event transforms pond area
SIXTH form students at a special school in Worcester can now party in style after a local business completed a landscaping project. more...
Fat Sam's grand slam at Pershore High
FAT Sam's Grand Slam came to Pershore High School when a cast of more than 50 pupils performed the hit musical Bugsy Malone. With show stopping tunes, toe tapping dance numbers and the odd custard pie, the musical, set in 1920s New York, had the audience singing and dancing in the aisles. Bugsy Malone was played by James Gullick, above right, Blousey Brown was Olivia Adams, centre, and Josh Allen, left, was Leroy. Director Anna smith said: "The cast worked so hard in less than two months to create such a high calibre performance." Picture by Simon Rogers. 28091801 more...
Our new lunch club shows we’re healthy
HEALTHY pupils at a Worcestershire school are rejoicing after picking up a national award. more...
Society
Bewdley
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - At the June meeting, members were treated to an illustrated talk on propagation. more...
Stourport Dry Dock Blaze
Fire destroys barn
A derelict barn full of chipboard on the A449 near Kidderminster has been destroyed by fire. more...
Engulfed structure
Crews tackled the blaze which had completely engulfed the 20 metre by 10 metre structure, part of the Sand Hill Nursery, near Goldness Corner. more...
Two crews battle fire
Two crews from the Castle Road fire station's White Watch attended the scene with backup from two water carrier units, from Evesham and Leominster. more...
Jet hoses used to battle flames
Firefighters were called at 12.15am and used jet hoses to battle flames. The fire was out by 4am. more...
Nobody injured
Nobody was injured but the barn was "totally destroyed" according to firefighter Ian Chamberlain. more...
Dry dock blaze
An investigation is to be launched into the cause of a blaze at a Stourport dry dock. Five crews from Kidderminster, Bewdley and Worcestershire were called to Sandy Lane Industrial Estate at 5.45am, today, and were still at the scene at 7.45am. more...
Firefighter taken to hospital
One firefighter was taken by ambulance to Kidderminster Hospital after suffering an ankle injury during attempts to tackle the fire at the dry dock. more...
The Changing Environment
Various forms of rain
Rain is merely one phase in the perpetual recycling of the world's constant supply of water. Vapour in the air condenses as cloud, from which falls rain, snow or hail. Precipitation forms in various ways, the main one's being frontal, convectional and orographic rain. more...
This Week In........
14 July to 21 July
This week in 1957: more...
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