Archive - Friday, 6 June 2003
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Technology on the move for business
A BUSINESSMAN has come up with a "lifestyle travel concept" that could revolutionise road travel for company executives. Tony Holliday has spent two years developing a purpose-designed vehicle that serves as a mobile office for up to eight passengers.
Poorly designed websites could damage firms' trading
A RECENT survey by technology company Postcode Anywhere shows many online businesses are failing to capitalise on the full potential of e-commerce by placing obstacles in the way of likely customers. The opportunity to reduce sale costs by putting the
Advised to claim if you've lost cash
THE Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) is encouraging consumers who have lost money through dealings with firms declared "in default" to claim compensation. Declaring a firm in default opens the way for anyone who has lost money as a result
Post Office shake-up benefits fear
THE Government has been accused of deliberately discouraging people from setting up new-style accounts for pensions and benefits - jeopardising the future of scores of Worcestershire post offices. Ministers wants to tackle millions of pounds of benefits
6/6/03 - Colwall Thirds crush leaders
COLWALL maintained their winning ways by winning at top-of-the-table Belbroughton by a convincing eight wickets. BELBROUGHTON III v COLWALL III Fielding a blend of youth and experience Colwall asked the home side to bat first with the former showing the
6/6/03 - Flynn's second century
BARNARDS Green hosted Stourbridge in a Worcestershire Sunday Club Cricket League Division One game. BARNARDS GREEN I v STOURBRIDGE I On winning the toss skipper Kevin Ratcliffe had no hesitation in deciding to bat. The Green got off to a rapid start despite
6/6/03 - Matthew hits 73no for West
STONE visited West Malvern for a Division Six Crusader Worcester League fixture, won the toss and invited their hosts to bat. WEST MALVERN v STONE Powell and Logan bowled their 12 overs for less than 40 runs apiece, but Matthew Blackbourn batted steadily
6/6/03 - Depleted Hanley's show improves
HANLEY Castle and Upton travelled to South Staffordshire for this Crusader Worcestershire League Division Four encounter. AMBLECOTE v HANLEY CASTLE & UPTON Having only previously finished one game this season due to rain, both teams were anxious to
Theatre June Until 7-Mrs Warren's Profession by George Bernard Shaw at the Festival Theatre, Malvern Theatres. 2.30pm and 8pm. £12-£20. Box Office (01684) 892277. Until 7-Sullivan to Strauss performed by Worcester Gilbert & Sullivan Society at the
6/6/03 - Weights improve with heat
THE weights in the Malvern United Angling Association's spring league continue to improve as the weather warms up and the latest two contests saw most competitors getting amongst the fish. The first was won by Ron Thomas, who continued his recent good
Their message of hope
NEW cases of breast cancer have hit record levels - but patients have never stood a better chance of surviving the disease. No one knows that better than friends Anne Suffield and Dianne Page, who call themselves "bosom pals" after both losing a breast
Exhibitions in and around Worcester
Until July 4: Cabins Under The Stars, a colourful collection of quilts stitched by students at The Groomery Study Centre, at The Gallery, Droitwich Spa Library. Telephone 01905 773292 for details. July 7 - Aug 2: From Apple Blossom to Acorns. Watercolour
Events taking place in and around Worcester
June 6: A double bill Country & Western evening at Royal British Legion Club, Salwarpe Road, Droitwich, with Russ Jones and Steve Chase. For further information contact Wilf Saunders on 01905 771540. June 6: The gardens at White Cottage, Earls Common
6/6/03 - Hall has County eyeing victory
A FINE all-round performance from Andrew Hall put Worcestershire in a commanding position in the Frizzell County Championship Division Two match with leaders Somerset at Bath. Hall hit six sixes and 11 fours in his 104 as Worcestershire moved their overnight
6/6/03 - Huggins blasts Seconds
WORCESTERSHIRE were put under the cosh by Northamptonshire's batsmen on the second day of their Second XI Championship encounter at Kidderminster's Chester Road ground. The visitors piled up 500-9 in their first innings before declaring, led by Tom Huggins
Mystery attack
The Man Without a Past (Mies Vailla Menneisyytta) (12) is showing at the Forum, Malvern, on Wednesday, June 11, at 8.15pm. The film was nominated for the best foreign language film at the 2002 Oscars and for the Palme d'Or at Cannes A man is beaten nearly
100 years ago This year Whitsuntide has gone far towards redeeming the reputation of Bank Holidays as a popular institution. The weather could have been hardly more delightful and as a consequence, thousands of excursionists from every part, and more
Help put leaf on the tree
CANADIAN Glen McKenzie is looking for help in tracing his family tree. Mr McKenzie, of Swan River, Manitoba, is looking for any relatives of his grandfather's brother, George Henry Edwards, who was living at Heath Farm, Tedstone Wafer, near Bromyard.
Paige is a true queen of the musical scene
IF there is one queen of the British musical scene then it has to be Elaine Paige. She has earned international recognition for her lead roles in Evita, Cats, Chess, Sunset Boulevard and Piaf. But now the diva is turning her back on the toe-tapping world
Why wasn't this pensions change phased in?
GOVERNMENT Press officer Andrew Flaxman (You Say, May 30) says pensioners now have more in choice in how they get their pensions and benefits. So how come the two million pensioners who were still using their pension books and post offices were not asked
Under no illusion about the BNP
ANYONE is entitled to stand for election in our democracy. But Worcester people are entitled to know what they stand for. The Ronkswood woman who has announced her intention to stand for the BNP says "they're not racist" and are "not as bad as people
Steep hill to climb
WORCESTERSHIRE is very fortunate. It has two venerable institutions that can claim to be the "Oldest In The World". First, we have your sister newspaper, Berrow's Worcester Journal. Founded in 1690, it is certainly old, but still vibrant and, hopefully
Pensioners... don't let them bully you!
AS one would expect, the letter from Andrew Flaxman of the Pension Service (You Say, May 30) ignores the problems of the new system. Pensioners are being urged to open a bank or post office account to receive their state pension. If they open the latter
6/6/03 - College play in cup final
MALVERN College have been enjoying a successful season, seven victories and only one defeat, and this has been capped by reaching the final of the Chesterton Cup. This takes place on the County Ground at Worcester on Sunday, June 8, starting at 1pm, when
6/6/03 - Sam Hardcastle is player of the year
MALVERN RFC's top scorer Sam Hardcastle was the popular choice for last season's player of the year. His performances both at scrum half and on the wing had made him a great favourite with spectators and teammates alike. James Daniell, a regular prop
6/6/03 - Malvern go fourth
MALVERN travelled to Cookley for their third league match of the week and came away with a maximum 24 points due almost entirely to an unbroken sixth wicket partnership of 150 between Rob Francis and Jeremy Lee. COOKLEY v MALVERN Cookley batted first
Marrs music
SOUL band the Official Receivers will be on stage at the Marr's Bar, Worcester tomorrow (Saturday). They are followed on Sunday by Cajun band Savoy Courville and on Thursday by The Levellers, under the guise of acoustic outfit Drunk in Public. Details
Choral treat
THE Beaumaris Singers will give a concert of choral and organ music at Great Witley Church on Saturday, June 21, at 7. 30pm. The programme includes works by Bach, Elgar, Mozart, Brahms and Mendelsohhn. For details, call 01299 896437.
6/6/03 - Training is underway
FITNESS training has started on Tuesday evenings at 7pm, whilst full training begins on July 1. All players old and new, will be welcomed. The provisional fixture list published by the RFU has thrown up a tough local derby against Hereford for the second
6/6/03 - Fixtures ...
SATURDAY CRICKET WEST OF ENGLAND CLUBS GLOS/WILTS Division One: Colwall v Goatacre. Division One 2nd XIs: Malmesbury v Colwall II. CRUSADER WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE Division One: Bromyard v Droitwich Spa, Eastnor v Chaddesley Corbett. Division One
6/6/03 - Day out for Arden sailors
LAST week members of Arden Sailing Club from Defford near Pershore made their annual trip to the Saundersfoot Regatta. With some 100 boats taking part thrills and spills were guaranteed. The first Arden Sailing Club boat was Niall Campbell and Jane Smee
Excellent entry for charity event
Worcestershire Grass-track Club runs its Acorns Children's Hospice Trust charity meeting on Sunday. The venue is Offerton Farm, Hindlip and practice starts at 11am with the first race at 1pm. A star studded entry includes Cumbrian ace John Pepper, club
Records in danger again at Shelsley
THE first visit this year of the country's fastest accelerating hill climb cars to Shelsley Walsh takes place this weekend. Sunday's meeting, which features rounds 11 and 12 of the British Hillclimb Championship, is sure to see the outright record tested
Bakery move more likely
PLANS for a wholesale bakery in Corse could be approved at the second attempt. Planning permission is being requested to change the use of a barn/stables and agricultural land on the Tewkesbury to Worcester Road, near the junction with the A417. This
Huggins blasts Seconds
Aquila caught out by storm
THE electricity network suffered three months' of faults in one day during the storm last October. This was claimed by Aquila spokesman Kenton Bradbury at the Malvern Area Joint Councillor Forum this week. The forum, which includes representatives from
Signing sparks war of words
THE war of words between Worcester and Orrell intensified last night following Drew Hickey's move. Orrell are seething after Worcester signed their Australian number eight and accused the Sixways club of trying to destabilise their preparations for the
Home threat to conservation area
A MOVE to develop homes in Corse is facing opposition from planners. Gloucester-based JHS Land Ltd has applied for planning permission for seven detached houses with garages and an estate road on land next to Grangebrook and Corse Grange. Permission already
Red Cross honour for couple
CALLOW End couple Hazel and Fred Woolhead have been presented with special commendations by the Red Cross. Mr and Mrs Woolhead joined the Red Cross Home from Hospital scheme in 1996. Mr Woolhead had retired from the fire service some years previously
Pledge given on power cuts
ANGRY residents confronted a top representative of power distributor Aquila to demand an end to frequent power cuts. Kenton Bradbury, the firm's asset management managing director, was at Earl's Croome Village Hall to talk about the damage and disruption
Glass used to re-surface M50
MOTORISTS using the M50 are driving over broken glass - but without any risk of puncturing their tyres. Part of the road was re-surfaced using glass from local bottle banks which was crushed and mixed with limestone and bitumen. It is the first time the
FOLLOWING a recent protest organised against the use of kangaroo leather (and the associated slaughter of thousands of orphaned Joeys) it has come to my attention that Malvern Sports, Graham Road, DO NOT stock such footwear. They are therefore to be recommended
Long suffering
I WOULD like to thank the Conservators for providing the Country Landowners' Association with a most informative and interesting walk and talk on the politics, history, geology and economics of the Malvern Hills. We were all provided with an excellent
First and last visit
I HAVE just made my first and possibly last trip to the newly-refurbished tip, sorry recycling centre, in Malvern Link with some garden waste. There were no more than a dozen cars in front of me, all of whom would have fitted into the old yard with room
I WOULD like to congratulate the parks department or whoever looks after our parks and open spaces for the great job they do. It's a real pleasure to walk about them and enjoy them. REV B F FORSTER, Park View, Abbey Road, Great Malvern.
Malvern's a maze
ASK any Malvern doctor and they will probably agree the inhabitants of Malvern frequently suffer from 'signisitis' (Your Letters, May 16) but health considerations apart the duplication of road signs can be counter-productive. A paucity of signs, however
Green revolution is launched in county
householders in Here-fordshire joined a multi-million campaign to in-crease recycling this week. For the first time, residents are being asked to sort their rubbish into different coloured bags, so recyclables can be identified and reused. Herefordshire
Setting bull loose
HOW nice that the market has been allowed to return to its original site. I made my own effort to go and visit last week, but it was so far away I couldn't even see it! Pushed away over to the farthest most point of the Waitrose car park. Our lovely market
Volunteers rewarded
WORCESTERSHIRE Lifestyles picked up the £100 first prize at the Malvern Volunteering Awards at Upper Hall, Holy Trinity Church, on Monday. The group, which works with disabled people, was judged to be exceptionally welcoming to volunteers with additional
It doesn't work
Well, well, well. Who'd have expected it? Council Tax is due again and guess what? It's gone up by another 12 per cent. Here we all are, enjoying the lowest inflation and interest rates we've had for decades and yet our poor local authorities just can't
Reward to see faces light up
A BIG thank you to all your readers, my friends and family who were so very generous with so many good wishes and donations. The support given to me when I took to the sky on a wing and a prayer was terrific. A total of £4,200 has been raised, £3,000
Bid to get wildlife survey cash fails
A BID to gain funding for a comprehensive survey of wildlife in the Malvern Hills has failed. The Malvern Hills Conservators wanted to give an officer the task of documenting the district's flora and fauna. The authority applied to the Government's Aggregate
Flow of time set to resume
The water clock at Malvern Theatres should soon be running properly again. The clock is currently switched off for cleaning, which has to be carried out every three months. Theatre spokesman Louise Russell said: "It all has to be cleaned out and new liquid
MP pledges to fight mast
MP Sir MICHAEL Spicer has said he would fight the construction of a 33- metre high mast at Great Malvern Station. Network Rail wants to erect the mast as part of a new digital communication system called GAM-R. However, the MP for West Worcester-shire
Sex clinic to be replaced
MALVERN'S sexual health clinic for young people is to close and an alternative service set up. South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust approved the move at a meeting on Wednesday (June 4). A non-clinical "Time 4 U" service will replace the Malvern clinic
Protest puzzle to circus boss
A CIRCUS boss has hit back at animal rights campaigners who have been protesting outside his show. Protesters from Malvern have been picketing Jolly's Circus, currently encamped at Monksfield Farm car boot site on Worcester Road, between Malvern and Powick
Missing man sparks hunt
A search is under way for a Malvern man who has been missing for over a week. Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them if they have any knowledge of the whereabouts of 25-year-old Christopher Scully. The slightly-built, 6ft-tall Mr Scully, who
Good mix of shops gives town reason to be positive
Great Malvern has much to be positive about, according to a report on the future of the town centre. The report, Putting the Great back into Great Malvern, was compiled by Lee Robson, head of community and economic development at Malvern Hills District
Society follows river route
UPTON Civic Society is running a coach trip following the course of the the River Teme. Brian Draper MBE, who has worked for various river authorities for over 40 years, will give a commentary on the surrounding countryside during the trip on Tuesday,
Wait and see on Waitrose report
a report on the impact of Waitrose on Great Malvern town centre was completed in March, but the public may have to wait until September to see its results. The report was to have been unveiled at a public meeting on the future of the town centre due to
BBC to broadcast service
ST Nicholas' Church in Earl's Croome will be the location for a 30-minute radio programme to be broadcast locally. The church will host Service of the Word on Monday, June 23, which will be broadcast on BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester the following
Gold award for school arts
HANLEY Castle High School has been presented with an Artsmark Gold award for its commitment to the arts. The award, made by Arts Council England, recognises schools that provide opportunities across all art forms from drama to music, design to literature
Join hunt for treasure
A TREASURE hunt is being organised by Worcester and District Young Parkinson's in Upton. The event takes place on Tuesday, June 17, at 7.30pm. Anyone interested in taking part should to meet at Hanley Road car park, next to the Texaco garage. It will
Pupils dance with delight
A DOZEN dancing youngsters from Hanley Swan returned from Birmingham tired but happy after appearing on stage at the Hippodrome. The seven girls and five boys from St Gabriel's with St Mary's Primary School performed alongside schools and other groups
Why Pete loves Meat Loaf
IT'S massive, it's meaty - and it will be the ultimate big night out for Meat Loaf fans. I am talking about Meat Loaf - The Show, performed by none other than Peat Loaf. Peat will be performing classic hits such as Dead Ringer For Love, Bat Out Of Hell
Mature face in field of music
Grandaddy may not look like your granddad, but they have a somewhat mature impression. Well let's face it - they are hardly your average fresh-faced boy band barely out of nappies, and that makes them so much better, as far as I can see. I had the pleasure
Tribute bands holding court
PEOPLE will be able to dance their way through the 60s to the 90s when music from Abba and the Beatles is played at an outdoor gig. Tribute act, Abba UK, and covers band Tom the Frop will be taking to the stage at Hopton Court, Hopton Wafers, near Cleobury
6/6/03 - Signing sparks war of words
Little Voice but a big show
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice is coming to Hereford. The story, of Little Voice's ability to impersonate famous singers making her a showbiz draw, has been a box office hit since its first performance in 1992. It opened yesterday (Thursday) and runs
Great chance
MEMBERS of the Malvern Theatre Players participated on stage for a professional production at the Malvern Theatres. The Royal National Theatre's production of An Inspector Calls, which ran last week, featured seven members of MTP in the roles of spectators
Textiles show
TEXTILE works large and small were mounted on the walls of the Barry Jackson Room, Malvern for a new exhibition by local artists. The Creative Textiles exhibition features work by Group Purple, seven artists from around the three counties. Member Sylvia
A PLAY by a Malvern playwright is one of three new short productions being staged in Worcester. Ali Oxtoby's black comedy Matt's Song follows three young people who confront their demons as they carry out a friend's last wish on the Malvern Hills. The
Talks will make art more accessible
A SERIES of art talks in Cradley aim to explain why artists distort reality. Presenting Art Talks in the barn at Home End Farm is quirky artist Filbert Splosh, previously a grammar school head known as Paul Priestley. Geared to make art more accessible
Arts & Crafts movement inspires gallery show
ARTWORK created for people to treasure for a lifetime will be on show at the Foal Yard Gallery. Ceramics, glass, furniture, ironwork, pewter and paintings inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement will be exhibited at the Bransford venue. Resident craftsman
Welland Correspondent Stephen Try Tel: 01684 310068.
Congratulations to the Winners of this year's 'garden on a plate' competition at the Gardener's Market at Welland Village Hall. They were: Under 5s: 1 Kimberley Doogan, 2 Sian Cousins, 3 Oriella Marucci; 5-9 years old: 1 Tom Arrowsmith, 2 Declan Reynolds
POWICK Correspondent: Mrs M Allsopp Tel: 01905 830746
HURRY along tomorrow (Saturday) for the first summer fete of the season - Powick Church annual fete being held in and around Powick Parish Hall. Opening at noon, the fete will provide all the usual stalls and attractions including hot lunches and, later
PENDOCK Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287
JANET will be running a stall at the fete at Pendock School tomorrow (Saturday), if you have any items suitable for her tombola stall, please will you let Janet have them. Raffle tickets are on sale for the fete. Prizes include two tickets for the Autumn
MADRESFIELD & GUARLFORD Correspondent: Mrs M Allsopp Tel: 01905 830746
DON'T miss a weekend of music being staged in Madresfield on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22 in aid of the bell restoration at Madresfield. On Saturday at 10.30am there is a children's concert (with coffee), tickets £2.50. At 7.30pm Bath Chantry
CORSE Correspondent: U Groves-Smith Tel: GL 840273
ELEVEN members of the public were present at the bi-monthly meeting of Corse Parish Council and heard the chairman, Coun Pat Lewis, confirm that a planning application in respect of Grangebrook/ Corse Grange (erection of seven new dwellings) has been
COLWALL Correspondent: Mrs P Hockett Tel: 01684 564872
ORDE Vocum, a professional chamber choir from Hereford sing Madrigals, Romantic and Fun Songs at St James Church, Colwall on Saturday, June 14 at 7pm. Tickets are available from John Goodwin Estate Agents, Colwall or call Phil Probert on (01684) 540506
CALLOW END Correspondent: Mrs M Allsopp Tel: 01905 830746
CALLOW End Primary School holds its school fete on Saturday, June 21 from 3pm-5pm. There will be a bouncy castle, go-karts, wellie wanging, face painting and beat the goalie for the children. There will be a cake stall, plant stall, toys and games, cream
BUSHLEY Correspondent: Mrs M Wilkes Tel: 01684 293435
THERE will be a concert in St Peter's Church on Wednesday, June 11 commencing at 7.30pm. This will be a rather special event, as Alison Martin will be playing Music for a Summer Evening on the harp. Alison, who was born in Bushley, began learning the
Career was ruined by careless driver
A POLICE chief from Badsey whose career was ruined at the hands of a careless driver, has been forced to take early retirement because of his injuries. Forty-nine-year-old Ian Browning has called it a day after 28 years with West Mercia Police Force.
It's a dog's strife as Dan feared stolen
A FAMOUS Herefordshire dog has vanished, feared stolen. A wooden carving of Dan the bulldog, which inspired composer Sir Edward Elgar, has been snatched from his watchful position near the banks of the River Wye in Hereford over the weekend. A search
Virtual 'Civil War' breaks out in city
VIRTUAL "Civil War" raged again in the Faithful City of Worcester at this time half-a-century ago with a tussle in words and actions between Royalists and "Parliamentarians". In this week of 1953, supporters of the Royalist cause gathered in New Street
Watching pennies at Powick makes for light work...
SAVINGS of £1,000 made on last year's street lighting bill for Powick parish will help to pay for further improvements to the lights. The parish council, which has handed over responsibility for its lighting to Worcestershire County Council, has set aside
News Items Down the Years
1803: The hop planters of the County of Worcester are requested to meet at the Talbot Inn, Claines, near Worcester, on June 22 at 12 o'clock in the forenoon to consider and sign a petition to Parliament effectually to suppress the use of quassia (a bitter
Let's tackle travellers
POLITICIANS in Worcestershire are to hold a brainstorming session to find ways of tackling traveller invasions. A special meeting has been set up by Droitwich Spa Town Council to discuss the problem, which has recently affected the area. The meeting is
Binbag attack was 'fuelled by alcohol'
A LABOURER who attacked his ex-girlfriend with a black binbag full of his belongings appeared in court yesterday. Blair Mercer had been living with Helen James, but when she called off the relationship, he moved out, Worcester magistrates heard. Sally
Somefin different to boost charity
AN ADVENTUROUS youth worker will be plunging into the deep when she swims with sharks in her latest charity challenge. Clair Green, who works at Tolladine Community Centre, Worcester, will be mixing with basking and hammerhead sharks for up to an hour
Theft is caught on CCTV
A MAN was caught stealing on CCTV after shop staff realised that some missing items had not been paid for. Dean Bickerstaff stole toiletries from Boots in Pershore and put them in a rucksack, Worcester Magistrates Court heard yesterday. Sally Hill, prosecuting
Tesco's plan is rejected
CITY planners have recommended blocking Tesco's scheme to demolish Christopher Whitehead School to make way for a new supermarket. Reasons for refusal include the impact the store would have on shops in the district centre, the loss of the school from
Bulmers deal wins backing
CIDER-makers Bulmers welcomed the announcement today that the Scottish and Newcastle take-over bid had been accepted by a majority of shareholders. By the 3pm deadline yesterday more than 70 per cent of the ordinary share capital of the Hereford-based
TV chiefs set to woo Nush
BIG Brother's Malvern housemate, Nush, may be keeping a low profile in the house, but her keep-fit antics and stunning looks have not gone unnoticed by Playboy TV chiefs. The adult entertainment channel is reportedly ready to line the 23-year-old up with
City gridlock as M5 crash brings traffic to standstill
THERE was gridlock in Worcester after a motorcyclist smashed into the M5 central reservation and brought the motorway to a standstill. The 40-year-old rider suffered "very severe" leg and arm injuries when his bike crashed on the northbound carriageway
Water torture
A COUPLE are fuming after neighbours cut off the water supply they share before flying abroad for a two-week holiday. Rob Grant, aged 31, and his fiance, Cara Nash, 23, have been told that because the stop tap controlling water supply for three houses
Variety and great views
THIS is a beautiful walk which has many possible variations, four of which are considered here. At its simplest, it's a case of following the Severn Way upstream from Bewdley to Upper Arley, crossing the river and then following the Worcestershire Way
Brick company builds solid profit forecasts
INTERIM results for a Worcestershire brick manufacturer are ahead of expectations. Baggeridge Brick has six factories across the West Midlands employing about 530 people, including two factories at Hartlebury, near Droitwich. The company has had a good
Timely reminder is best Bard none
A FEW weeks ago, I stuck the boot into DEFRA for a particularly bad Parliamentary. Back on April 11, Peter Luff had asked the department if it had any new advice to farms in Worcestershire on dealing with fallen stock. When the answer finally turned up
In a class of his own
THEY may not always see eye to eye, but Worcestershire Headteachers' Forum clearly thinks a lot of Mike Foster. In its latest newsletter, the forum has promoted him to the post of junior education minister. Mike is actually a Parliamentary aide to Higher
Bite-sized digest unlocks the mystery of computers
The Rough Guide to Personal Computers (How to Choose and Use a PC) by Peter Buckley and Duncan Clark (Rough Guides, £6) AT last... a plain speaking, no nonsense pocket-sized book to guide the bewildered computer user through the seemingly closed world
Split timing pays
Control Your Divorce - The Questions To Answer by Jody Beveridge and Jan Bennett (Foulsham Publishing, £8.99) IT is often said that bereavement is the most traumatic event with which people have to deal. That's undoubtedly true, but divorce runs it a
Racism on paper
Darby by Jonathon Scott Fuqua (Walker, £5.99) Darby Carmichael decides that she wants to become a newspaper girl in a bid to tell the truth about life, as she sees it. True to her determination her little column in the Bennettsville Times is famous in
Fowl play with wit
Artemis Fowl - The Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer (Puffin Books, £12.99) THINGS are changing for Artemis Fowl, and not all are for the best. He must resign himself to going straight! With his father rescued from the Russian Mafia and his mother determined
6/6/03 - Teams ...
BARNARDS GREEN CC Saturday, June 7 1st XI v Enville (Away). Meet 12.10pm. R Williams (Capt), G Glendinning (Wkt), J Doughty, T Williams, C Smedley, R Richards, T Clarke, I Scullion, J Clarke, P Drinkwater, D Flynn. 2nd XI v Enville (Home). Meet 1.20m.
6/6/03 - Colwall II in poor start
ON a beautiful day at Stowe Lane, Colwall Seconds were put to the sword by the visiting Swindon. COLWALL II V SWINDON II Electing to bat first Colwall got off to poor start loosing five wickets for 19 runs. The wickets were shared between B Willis and
6/6/03 - Round the wickets
BARNARDS Green Singles completed their first match of the season and emerged victorious by 53 runs in a very high scoring encounter away at Teme Valley. Skipper Steve Freeman was delighted when his opposite number asked the Green to make first use of
6/6/03 - Disappointing defeat for Nomads 1sts
WORCESTER Nomads 1st XI lost in disappointing fashion at the weekend to Astwood Bank in the Crusader Worcestershire League Division Two. WORCESTER NOMADS v ASTWOOD BANK The batsmen didn't live up to expectations, and despite the best efforts of the bowling
6/6/03 - Colwall's highest
COLWALL had the satisfaction of recording their highest score of the season so far in this league defeat of Swindon on Saturday. SWINDON v COLWALL Batting first, openers Majid and Tom Wolfendale gave the visitors the best possible start, with a first
Hollywood meets the glamour of Broadway
FROM the Hollywood big screen and the plush curtains of the Broadway stage, the magic of movies and musicals comes to Malvern for one night only. Hollywood and Broadway takes the highlights of some of the world's top films and stage shows and blends them
Classical and easy listening - what's on near you
June 6: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Box office 0121 780 3333 or book on-line: www.cbso.co.uk June 6: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Box office 0121 780 3333 or book on-line:
Live gigs in and around Worcester
June 6: The Roots, Drummonds, Worcester. June 7: Ronnie James Duo, Sketchleys Club, Worcester; Re-action, Barbourne Ex-Servicemen's Club, Worcester; Official Receivers, The Marr's Bar, Worcester. June 8: Pazzazzi, Barbourne Ex-Servicemen's Club, Worcester
Screen pair in romance
HELENA Bonham-Carter and Olivia Williams star in The Heart of Me (15), at Malvern Cinema from today (Friday). A romantic drama set in the 1930s, it features Bonham-Carter as a woman helplessly in love with her sister's husband (Paul Bettany). The Heart
Salvation Army marking a landmark anniversary
THE Salvation Army is celebrating its 120th anniversary in the town with open days at its church and community centre in Newtown Road. Among the highlights of the event will be an exhibition showing the history of the organisation in Malvern through a
Sell-out talk simply poetry in Motion!
THE 19th poet laureate, Andrew Motion, is coming to Worcestershire to give a reading of his work. Motion, pictured right, who was made poet laureate in 1999, will be giving the latest talk for Stoke Prior-based literary group Words. Born in London in
Independents are anti-Labour
OH DEAR, Brian Hunt, secretary of the so-called Association of Independents, has got it wrong yet again. He claims (You Say, June 2) that Labour members of the city planning committee think that "major planning decisions should be made by unelected officers
6/6/03 - Time trial date for bike riders
MALVERN'S cycling club, Velo Club Sevale, is inviting novice riders to try a 5.5 mile time trial at Hanley Swan on Tuesday (June 10) at 7pm. All types of bicycles are acceptable and there is a minimum age of 12 years unless riding on the back of a tandem
6/6/03 - Dave Irish is new skipper
DAVE Irish was voted in unopposed as first XV captain at the SGM of Malvern RFC when the playing structure for next season was settled. Darren Handy takes over the second team with Phil Hammond in charge of the development XV. This is a new departure
6/6/03 - Rowing honours for Zac Purchase
BUSHLEY rower Zac Purchase, a pupil at King's School, Worcester, won one of the most celebrated races of his career at the National Schools Regatta at Nottingham. He became the proud holder of the Men's Championship Single Sculls title, an honour which
6/6/03 - Eastnor crash at Bank
EASTNOR skipper Jim Sandford may have rued the day at the end of this Village KO round three tie when he asked the home side to bat, what a wonderful thing hindsight is! ASTWOOD BANK v EASTNOR But his side made a good start keeping the openers well pegged
6/6/03 - Tons for Flynn and Hancock
BARNARDS Green welcomed WCL Division Three newcomers Dominies and Guild to North End Lane on a beautiful afternoon. BARNARDS GREEN v DOMINIES & GUILD On winning the toss Green skipper Rich Williams opted to bat. The Green started badly on a good pitch
Coronation marked at Three Choirs Festival
THE annual Three Choirs Festival this summer comes to Hereford with concerts, talks, exhibitions and a lively fringe. The composer Hector Berlioz is one of the main focuses of this year's event, with performances of L'enfance du Christ and Les Nuits d't
All the latest movies and where to catch them
ANGER MANAGEMENT (15): The unlikely double-act of Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler strike box office gold in comedy about America's therapy culture. Odeon, Worcester 12.00, 2.30, 5.30, 8.30. UCI Merry Hill (11.15 Sat/Sun), 12.45, 2.00, 3.45, 4.30, 6.15
6/6/03 - Captain is impressed
THE Captain's Day at the Worcestershire Golf Club attracted 185 members who were intent on making impressive performances and the captain Simon Tinkler was not disappointed. There is no doubt that the early morning players had the best of the weather
Pitchcroft all smiles!
WORCESTER'S National Hunt neeting at Pitchcroft tomorrow is proving to be a star attraction. Steve Harley of Cockney Rebel fame is coming to watch the racing before going on to perform at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall tomorrow evening. There are six races
Hostel creates wildlife haven
VOLUNTEERS from Worcester, Birmingham and even Lancashire visited Malvern Youth Hostel last weekend with spades in their hands. They came to help create a wildlife garden at the hostel, off Peachfield Road. Hostel manager Graham Wood said: "They were
Dry spell faced by swimmers
CHILDREN may be left high and dry by Malvern's Splash swimming pool unless they sign up for lessons during the summer holidays. For the first time, Splash has decided to run swimming classes for youngsters throughout the summer - and parents have been
Mullen delight at Master signing
EVESHAM United manager Phil Mullen has snapped up Kirk Master from Halesowen Town. The diminutive Master is a skilful forward or midfielder and joins ex-Worcester City midfielder Marc Burrow as Mullen's first signings of the summer. "I'm delighted to
Hickey out to make a big impact
DREW Hickey is looking forward to teaming up with former university chum Ben Hinshelwood after signing for Wor-cester Rugby Club. The 25-year-old made the switch from Orrell to Sixways this week and immediately sought out his old buddy from Sydney University
Layout of tip causes confusion
The new-look household waste disposal tip at Newland, near Malvern, has opened for business after months of refurbishment. John Lashley, operations director of site operators Severn Waste Services, said Monday's opening went "very smoothly". However,
Hall has County eyeing victory
THE new advertising campaign for Malvern Water certainly achieves the first aim of any good advert, it makes you look twice. Inevitably the humour that underlies this campaign will not be to everyone's taste. The best thing about the idea is that it makes
High-tech boost to business skills
A NEW £500,000 high-tech learning centre could be created on a Malvern industrial estate. It will use state-of-the-art technology to help train workers, who in turn will help keep the district's businesses competitive. If planning permission is granted
Festival will mark jubilee
A FESTIVAL of fun is being held in West Malvern to celebrate the golden jubilee of the Queen's coronation. One of the centrepieces of the weekend event is a re-enactment of a village sports day held in 1887 to mark the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria
Grazing to help rare plant life
A CAREFULLY regulated grazing regime will be introduced on part of the Malvern Hills to encourage rare plants to flourish. The Malvern Hills Conservators will fund the project using money from the Government's Countryside Stewardship Scheme. More than
Communities to benefit from grants
COMMUNITY groups interested in applying for money as part of a new Malvern Hills District Council initiative are being urged to do so before June 13. Money is available as part of the Community Projects Grant Scheme to help projects and groups that will
Decision in balance for Crown plan
HEREFORDSHIRE planners are due to meet today (Friday) to debate the future of the Crown Inn, Cradley. The building's owner, David Woodward, has applied for planning permission to convert a barn at the premises into bed-and-breakfast accommodation and
Show is back on track after crisis
ORGANISERS of the Three Counties Countryside Show are confident next week's event will mark a recovery from the foot and mouth crisis. The show was cancelled during the nationwide outbreak in 2001 and last year, when livestock was banned from being transported
Youth forced to leave
RURAL communities need to be more proactive in promoting career opportunities for young people, according to the county's Rural Youth Work Team. Senior youth worker Ian Layton addressed members of the Southern Area Joint Councillor Forum at Earl's Croome
Decision on landmark
A PLANNING application to paint a milestone on the A44 Bromyard Road, Knightwick, has been approved. The county highways authority wants to paint the 19th Century sandstone structure, which is grade II listed, to make it more visible so it is not hit
Salary review angers Unison
UNISON has warned of industrial action, saying a job evaluation by Here-fordshire Council will end in staff losing money. The public sector union, which has been in negotiations with the council over the review for the last four years, is to ballot its
Does anyone have faith?
I AM concerned on the viability and operation of the digital CCTV cameras in Malvern. I live within 100 metres of a surveillance camera. Despite this, week by week my fears rise in the early hours of the morning due to some disturbance or other. Some
Parish officer is about to patrol
Ledbury's new parish officer, Mark Read, will be on the beat in less than a fortnight after beginning training this week. Mr Read, 43, from Malvern, will meet Ledbury mayor Coun Keith Francis on Tuesday, to discuss his role in the community. Unlike the
Sepia-tinged past
Your letters page rarely passes without a contribution from a correspondent determined, in one way or another, to warn us against the creeping "Europeanisation" of every aspect of our lives (and often lump in an anti-Blair message for good measure). Your
Wall repairs complete
WELLS Road has reopened to traffic following the early completion of repairs to a retaining wall. Poolbrook-based contractors M Walsh and Sons finished work on the stone wall, between Wells Road and Hanley Terrace in 13 weeks, three weeks ahead of schedule
More please!
I ATTENDED the Kennedy concert on Friday, May 9, also sitting in row F (six from the front) and was spellbound right the way through. If Ms Dean (Your Letters, May 23) is a true fan she would know that Nigel's three greatest passions are Bach, jazz and
Home Zone play area bid
ORGANISERS of a Home Zone project at a Malvern Link housing estate are hoping to find someone to take care of a proposed new play area. The project aims to make the area around Duke of Edinburgh Way safe for pedestrians and cyclists. After lengthy and
Subdued Nush needs to shine
DURING her second week in TV's Big Brother house, Malvern contestant Nush has been quiet and subdued. The 23-year-old University College Worcester student, whose real name is Annuzska Nowak, seems to have had trouble coming to terms with reality TV. Last
'Bohemian' town inspires controversial ads
A series of adverts launched for one of the area's most famous exports, Malvern Water, is proving controversial with some. The adverts are being used in national newspapers and magazines as part of the first ever promotional campaign for the product by
Where are other sites?
I WOULD like to reply to the letter sent in by Mr Peter Pumfrey (Your Letters, May 23) regarding a meeting held in Upton on the proposed new medical centre. I attended that meeting and, as reported earlier, I am in full support of the building and the
Bike pair saddle up for end-to-end challenge
A PAIR of enthusiastic cyclists are saddling up for separate attempts to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats. Wil Leaper, of Colwall, and Enos Turnbull, from Malvern, were both setting off from Cornwall today (Friday). Mr Leaper aims to pedal the length
6/6/03 - Wanderers U13s tour
A PARTY of 34 boys, parents and friends from Malvern Town Wanderers U13s set off, for the second year in succession, on their Bank Holiday weekend tour of Belgium and Holland based in Mols, near Antwerp. The tour started off in very wet conditions at
Plant sale raises £618
A PLANT sale at Holly Green on Saturday, May 24, raised £618 for the Friends of Beechwood.
Phone firm can go ahead
A NEW mobile phone mast is to be erected at Osebury Rock, near Blacks Well, Knightwick. T-Mobile UK Ltd wants a 15-metre tower with three antennas at the site, not far from two existing masts. The parish council has objected to the plan, saying that telecommunication
Festival fundraiser
A CAR boot sale takes place at Upton Sports Field on Sunday, June 15, from noon to 4pm, in aid of the town's water festival.
Waxing lyrical about art
ENCAUSTIC art is the subject of a talk by Lucy Garner at a meeting of Earl's Croome WI at the village hall on Tuesday, June 10. The technique uses paint consisting of pigment mixed with beeswax and fixed with heat after its application.
Hospice garden party
A GARDEN party for St Richard's Hospice takes place at 1 Welland Road, Upton, on Sunday, June 15, at 2pm. There will be a cake stall, tombola, lucky dip, raffle, white elephant stall, games, plant stall and tea and coffee.
Ready to set sail
An evening cruise on the MV Conway Castle takes place on Saturday, June 14, at 7.30pm for an 8pm departure. Tickets are £6, from Anenome Studios, Anchor Preservation Society or on 01684 591097. The Grand Gold Cup Afloat Race Night Cruise aboard the MV
Anthony takes on key role
A NEW town centre co-ordinator for the Malvern Hills district was appointed this week. Anthony Collis, whose work will include developing the council's plans to revitalise Great Malvern town centre, is due to start work on June 23. His experience includes
Learning to log on
AN introduction to the internet will be given at two free workshops at Upton library. The Online@Upton courses take place on Tuesday, June 10, with Basic Computer and Internet from 9.30am to 12.45pm and Introduction to Graphics from 1.30pm to 4.45pm.
New Malvern hospital may open in 2006
MALVERN may finally have its long-awaited new hospital in 2006. Health chiefs agreed this week to move two Malvern surgeries to Pickersleigh Road and committed themselves to opening a hospital at Seaford Court in 2006. Malvern Hills District Council unanimously
Dad saves life of new baby son
A QUICK-thinking Malvern man saved his new baby son from strangulation during a dramatic home birth. Stevie Smith had to deliver his son at his Moat Way home after partner Kim Roberts suddenly went into labour. Ms Roberts, aged 23, felt a pain in her
Seeking future growth
GARDENERS are being sought to help raise funds for Earl's Croome and Strensham Church. A plant sale is planned for May 2004 and church officials are appealing now for anyone willing to grow a few extra trays of plants to sell. Contact 01684 294651 or
Fair for young rowers
A SUMMER fair will take place in Upton to raise money for the town rowing club. The fair is at the Memorial Hall tomorrow (Saturday), from 9.30am, and will include the usual selection of stalls. Money raised will be used to buy new equipment for the junior
Branch meets
THE AGM of the Upton branch of the RNLI takes place at the Church Rooms on Monday, June 9, at 7.30pm.
MP's surgery
MP Sir Michael Spicer will hold a surgery at Upton Memorial Hall tomorrow (Saturday), at 10am.
Time yet to stand
WOULD-be Upton town councillors have until Thursday, June 12, to put themselves forward for co-option. A lack of interest before the May elections means there are four vacancies, two in Longdon Heath and two in the Hook ward. Anyone interested should
Residents urged to back new bloom bid
People in Upton are being urged to help the town excel in the Britain in Bloom competition. The Royal Horticultural Society event will see towns and cities across the UK compete in the prestigious annual event. Upton last entered the competition two years
Malvern Festival Chorus Review: Carmina Plus
Carmina Burana by Orff was the major work for MFC's summer concert. Experiencing a surge of popularity, with choral societies throughout the land singing this piece at the present time, the audience here received this interpretation very appreciatively
A surge of rarely heard compostions
Rondo of the Waves - Sibelius. Lahti Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Osmo Vanska. BIS-CD-1445 STEREO. Ask people what they know about Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), and the reply will likely be Finlandia, his best-known work. However, The Oceanides, a tonal
A mysterious band by no other name
THE band Alias are something of a mystery. It's no surprise really, considering lead singer Adrian Styles has impersonated Liam Gallagher on television but will not reveal a lot more about it. All Adrian tells me is he used to be a Liam Gallagher lookalike
6/6/03 - Hickey out to make a big impact
WODYS given unique gift for raffle
A PHOTOGRAPH signed by the cast of Coronation Street has been donated to Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society's Youth Section as a raffle prize. The treasured prize was donated by Roy Hudd, who plays undertaker Archie Shuttleworth on the ITV soap.
From hills to water
ARTIST Hazel Sherlock, whose paintings are currently on show at the Paper Moon caf, Malvern Link, moved to Malvern in 2001. Before that, she lived in the seaside town of Lyme Regis in Dorset, and her paintings, many of them seascapes, reflect her choice
Look at past
IMAGES of Madresfield and Powick are be displayed on the internet. They will be among 38 watercolours of 18th and 19th Century Worcestershire by Worcester-born Edward Francis Burney available to view at http://www.worcestershire. gov.uk/home/cs-records-burney-watercolours.htm
Apostles centenary work records Elgar's struggle
ELGAR'S oratorio The Apostles, regarded as one of the pinnacles of the composer's career, celebrates its centenary this year. To mark the occasion, author Michael Foster is bringing out Plotting Gigantic Worx: The story of Elgar's Apostles Trilogy. It
West Malvern Correspondent Colin Jackson Tel: 01684 377604.
West Malvern Garden & Nature Club have decided to offer non-members the chance to take up the handful of unbooked places remaining for their two forthcoming midweek coach trips to outstanding horticultural venues. The first, on Tuesday, July 1, is
UPLEADON Correspondent: Mrs S Martin Tel: 01684 562714
ON Monday, May 26 Upleadon Village Hall was the venue for a well attended bingo evening. Mrs Jessie Williams was the caller. This was Jessie's first time as the caller and it was much appreciated. The evening was organised by members of Upleadon Over
BOSBURY Correspondent: Mrs R Krinks Tel: 01531 640076
TONIGHT (Friday) at the Bell Inn, a quiz night organised by the Parish Hall fundraising committee. Entry charge is £6 per team of four. They hope you can encourage friends and neighbours to form a team and join them for a fun evening. The quiz starts
Pall-bearer used mouth-to-mouth
A PALL-BEARER used mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to save the life of a fellow coffin-bearer who suffered a heart attack as they prepared for a funeral. Sixty-nine-year-old John Watkins became dizzy and collapsed by the side of the hearse, outside the undertakers
Sense of humour was tickled
AN advertisement in the Worcester Journal for this week 200 years ago tickled my sense of humour and is certainly worth quoting in full. Published in June 1803, it read: "Tennent, Ladies Stay and Corset Maker of No.8 Goose Lane, Worcester" (now St Swithin's
Building work on hold
MAJOR archaeological finds in Droitwich that could be of national importance have unearthed some unexpected problems for a new £1m development. Water-logged timber, bits of leather and animal bones from the Roman and mediaeval periods have been found
Helping hand for sufferers
SOUTH Worcestershire Primary Care Trust is offering a free six-week course to anyone living with a long-term illness. The Expert Patients Programme, is a course designed to help people manage their condition and build on their own coping skills. It will
Anger as time called at pub
ANOTHER village pub has been lost to a rural community after an appeal inspector overturned a Malvern Hills planning decision. The Worcestershire Arms, at Stoke Bliss, can now be turned into a house, following the example of two other local pubs, the
Country in mourning as couple married...
THE whole country was in mourning at the time when Ivor and Brenda Cox announced they were getting married. The Worcester couple got engaged the same week that King George VI died, which brought a premature end to their celebrations. "It wasn't the best
Enjoy a break with tetsudo
MARTIAL arts fans can get punches for nothing and kicks for free as a relatively new martial arts discipline comes to Worcester. Tetsudo, a form of karate, gives both a full mental and physical workout and is hitting Warndon Villages courtesy of instructor
County prepared for terror attack
THE first updated decontamination unit to be used after a chemical or biological attack on Britain has arrived in Worcestershire. Teams from Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade have been learning to use the specially-designed tents, which can be put up
Passport boost for D-Day
VETERANS of the Second World War will be given free passports to travel to France for the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings. The announcement came in time for today's 59th anniversary of the start of the Allied liberation of mainland Europe. The
Navy doctor gives rower all-clear after rescue
THE BRITISH rower injured in the Indian Ocean when his boat was battered during severe storms has been given the all-clear by a navy doctor. Mike Noel-Smith was torn from his seat and smashed against the side of the boat during an epic challenge to row
Just married... 15 years on
A COUPLE will marry today - 15 years after getting engaged. Martin Millman , from Droitwich, will finally tie the knot with Julie Booton, manager at West Midlands Co-op Travel's branch in Kidderminster, at St George's Church, Kidderminster. Mr Millman
Director hits back at course criticism
EMBATTLED chiefs at Worcester racecourse have hit back at a national newspaper which claims the ground is in "shameful decline". Director of the racecourse Derek Prodger has written a two-page letter to The Times in response to an article criticising
Driver injured in car crash horror
A DRIVER who suffered both leg and head injuries after his car was in collision with a tipper lorry in Malvern, was described as "comfortable" this morning. Firefighters used specialist cutting equipment to free the man from the crumpled wreckage of his
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