kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-07--Talks under way to transfer district council facilities in Stourport

FACILITIES currently owned by Wyre Forest District Council in Stourport could be transferred to the town council as part of plans to protect community services and save money .
The public toilets at Riverside Meadows , the riverside paddling pool and Britannia Gardens play area are just three of the facilities set to transfer ownership as part of Wyre Forest District Council 's Localism agenda .
Negotiations are also under way for Stourport Town Council to take on the open space between Foundry Street and Worcester Street , Lloyds Meadow by the riverside and the land where the Elizabeth Mills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Wyre Forest District Council ’ s cabinet member culture , leisure and community protection , said : “ We are delighted with the progress we have made .
`` By working closely with Stourport Town Council , we are getting agreements in place to hand over some of the key assets in the town .
`` Our Localism initiative is a fantastic opportunity to bring services closer to communities and can give real purpose to the work of town and parish councillors .
`` Often , they can deliver local services more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The financial pressures on the district council are very large and , unless we work closely with town councils and other local organisations , funding for some community based services will reduce or even end .
This is not something we want to do , so our localism strategy enables us to explore new ways to deliver them.
” The district council is also planning to surrender its lease of the Lickhill Community Centre , which is located within the town council 's Memorial Park .
Wyre Forest Council 's agreement to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kings has now ended and the town council has taken over responsibility for the facility .
Meanwhile Stourport Town Council is looking to run more events in the town .
It already organises the Three Kings Parade at Christmas and is in the process of setting up a new events committee .
One of the events it is considering running in future is the popular Country and Western Festival and Rock and Roll event at the Riverside .
This year , the events did not take place due to Covid-19 restrictions .
Councillor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ This is a great opportunity for the community to take ownership of community facilities and become more involved with the running of them .
`` We think this is a really positive move and by working with the district council we can continue to provide local services for local people.
” The Shuttle reported on Tuesday that Wyre Forest District Council is proposing to reduce its overall size and potentially cut staff and sell its office in Kidderminster in an effort to plug a funding gap of £2.7 million over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that by transferring assets , the facilities and services will be protected going forwards , while the council will be able to reduce its spending .
The council is supporting town and parish councils to take ownership of assets or to run services in the form of grants .
Anyone wishing to join the Stourport Town Council events committee should contact Stourport Town Council on enquiries @ stourporttowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01562 732551 .

The public toilets at Riverside Meadows, the riverside paddling pool and Britannia Gardens play area are just three of the facilities set to transfer ownership as part of Wyre Forest District Council's Localism agenda.
Negotiations are also under way for Stourport Town Council to take on the open space between Foundry Street and Worcester Street, Lloyds Meadow by the riverside and the land where the Elizabeth Mills Centre is built.
Councillor Helen Dyke, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member culture, leisure and community protection, said: “We are delighted with the progress we have made.
"By working closely with Stourport Town Council, we are getting agreements in place to hand over some of the key assets in the town.
"Our Localism initiative is a fantastic opportunity to bring services closer to communities and can give real purpose to the work of town and parish councillors.
"Often, they can deliver local services more efficiently and economically than we can.
"The financial pressures on the district council are very large and, unless we work closely with town councils and other local organisations, funding for some community based services will reduce or even end. This is not something we want to do, so our localism strategy enables us to explore new ways to deliver them.”
The district council is also planning to surrender its lease of the Lickhill Community Centre, which is located within the town council's Memorial Park.
Wyre Forest Council's agreement to maintain the multi-use games area in Areley Kings has now ended and the town council has taken over responsibility for the facility.
Meanwhile Stourport Town Council is looking to run more events in the town. It already organises the Three Kings Parade at Christmas and is in the process of setting up a new events committee.
One of the events it is considering running in future is the popular Country and Western Festival and Rock and Roll event at the Riverside. This year, the events did not take place due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Councillor Ken Henderson, Mayor of Stourport said: “This is a great opportunity for the community to take ownership of community facilities and become more involved with the running of them.
"We think this is a really positive move and by working with the district council we can continue to provide local services for local people.”
The Shuttle reported on Tuesday that Wyre Forest District Council is proposing to reduce its overall size and potentially cut staff and sell its office in Kidderminster in an effort to plug a funding gap of £2.7 million over the next three years.
It is hoped that by transferring assets, the facilities and services will be protected going forwards, while the council will be able to reduce its spending.
The council is supporting town and parish councils to take ownership of assets or to run services in the form of grants.
Anyone wishing to join the Stourport Town Council events committee should contact Stourport Town Council on enquiries@stourporttowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01562 732551.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-07--Vehicles display green bows in memory of Kidderminster student

BIN lorries , road sweepers and other vehicles across Wyre Forest have been adorned with green ribbons in support of a campaign started by the father of a Kidderminster student who took his own life .
Mitch 's Law was started by Rob Collins , a lecturer at Kidderminster College , after his son died in 2019 at the age of 16 .
The campaign aims to raise awareness of mental health issues in young people .
Rob said : “ On the April 21 , 2019 our beautiful 16-year-old boy lost his battle to mental health - a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our lives forever .
“ So many individuals and organisations are supporting the campaign including some very big charities .
`` The bows are to show support and to give those who are suffering a voice and hope.
” Wyre Forest District Council is among those showing its support for the initiative by displaying green bows on 67 of its vehicles , including refuse lorries .
Councillor John Thomas , Wyre Forest District Council ’ s cabinet member for operational services , said : “ We believe raising awareness of mental health issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by mental health issues are increasing each year , especially in young men .
`` We hope our vehicles displaying green bows shows support to not only the campaign but the families who have lost loved ones and the people who are suffering with their mental health in the community . ''
Information on how to get involved in supporting Mitch ’ s Law can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/MitchsLaw .

Mitch's Law was started by Rob Collins, a lecturer at Kidderminster College, after his son died in 2019 at the age of 16.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of mental health issues in young people.
Rob said: “On the April 21, 2019 our beautiful 16-year-old boy lost his battle to mental health - a day that we will never forget and changed our lives forever.
“So many individuals and organisations are supporting the campaign including some very big charities.
"The bows are to show support and to give those who are suffering a voice and hope.”
Wyre Forest District Council is among those showing its support for the initiative by displaying green bows on 67 of its vehicles, including refuse lorries.
Councillor John Thomas, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for operational services, said: “We believe raising awareness of mental health issues is extremely important.
"Suicides caused by mental health issues are increasing each year, especially in young men.
"We hope our vehicles displaying green bows shows support to not only the campaign but the families who have lost loved ones and the people who are suffering with their mental health in the community."
Information on how to get involved in supporting Mitch’s Law can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/MitchsLaw.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-07--Road closures for Kidderminster surfacing works start this weekend

TEMPORARY traffic lights and overnight road closures are starting in Kidderminster this weekend to allow for surfacing works .
As part of a scheme to make improvements to transport links in the Churchfields area , overnight road closures are planned at the A456 St Marys Ringway between the Sainsbury ’ s junction and the A451 Stourbridge Road , Blackwell Street , Churchfields and the Horsefair while surfacing works are carried out .
Closures will be in place from Sunday , November 8 from 8pm to 5am for up to 10 nights , excluding weekends .
During the day , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lights .
Diversions will be in place during the closures .
Worcestershire County Council has warned there will be some disruption and noise , but said it `` will do all we can to keep this to a minimum '' .
Councillor Ken Pollock , Worcestershire County Council 's cabinet member for economy and infrastructure , said : `` It ’ s pleasing to see such good progress being made on this important scheme to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow in the area .
“ The works have changed the area completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difference it makes once the works are completed , ahead of new housing being developed in the area . ''
One of the key elements of the Churchfields Highway Improvement Scheme is the new link access from the A456 Ringway roundabout through to Churchfields , which opened in August .
Works have also taken place to convert part of Churchfields into an A-road and works to redesign the gyratory at the Horsefair and change Blackwell Street to a one-way system are ongoing .

As part of a scheme to make improvements to transport links in the Churchfields area, overnight road closures are planned at the A456 St Marys Ringway between the Sainsbury’s junction and the A451 Stourbridge Road, Blackwell Street, Churchfields and the Horsefair while surfacing works are carried out.
Closures will be in place from Sunday, November 8 from 8pm to 5am for up to 10 nights, excluding weekends.
During the day, the junction will be open under temporary traffic lights. Diversions will be in place during the closures.
Worcestershire County Council has warned there will be some disruption and noise, but said it "will do all we can to keep this to a minimum".
Councillor Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said: "It’s pleasing to see such good progress being made on this important scheme to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow in the area.
“The works have changed the area completely and I look forward to seeing the difference it makes once the works are completed, ahead of new housing being developed in the area."
One of the key elements of the Churchfields Highway Improvement Scheme is the new link access from the A456 Ringway roundabout through to Churchfields, which opened in August.
Works have also taken place to convert part of Churchfields into an A-road and works to redesign the gyratory at the Horsefair and change Blackwell Street to a one-way system are ongoing.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-07--Aldi and Lidl middle aisles: What's available from Sunday, November 8?

The latest items hitting the shelves in the middle of Aldi and Lidl on Sunday , November 1 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ retailers .
We 've rounded-up some of the highlights to look out for in each @ @ @ @ @ Aldi are selling winter gear as part of their Special Buys set of deals .
@ @ @ @ @ Pom Knitted Hats for £2.99 each .
Plus , a variety of Ski Neck Warmers @ @ @ @ @ the middle of Lidl this week , the supermarket chain have a range of products @ @ @ @ @ car kits and bathroom essentials .
An Ultimate Speed Car & Motorcycle Battery Charger for @ @ @ @ @ Speed Thermal Windscreen Cover for £2.99 each .
Plus , a Sensiplast Car First Aid @ @ @ @ @ .

We've rounded-up some of the highlights to look out for in each supermarket.
Aldi
This week, Aldi are selling winter gear as part of their Special Buys set of deals.
These include:
A Balco Action Camera for £49.99 each.
An range Adult's Pom Pom Knitted Hats for £2.99 each.
Plus, a variety of Ski Neck Warmers for £2.99 each.
For more details, visit: Aldi.co.uk.
Lidl
In the middle of Lidl this week, the supermarket chain have a range of products on offer - such as car kits and bathroom essentials.
These include:
An Ultimate Speed Car & Motorcycle Battery Charger for £12.99 each.
An Ultimate Speed Thermal Windscreen Cover for £2.99 each.
Plus, a Sensiplast Car First Aid Kit for £4.99 per pack.
For more details, visit Lidl.co.uk.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-07--The Pick Up Artists are on their way to Stourbridge

A GROUP of dedicated volunteers who are helping to keep Kidderminster tidy are setting their sights on cleaning up Stourbridge .
The Pick Up Artists are made up of 40 active volunteers who go out regularly – individually or in groups – ridding Kidderminster and the wider Wyre Forest of litter , from discarded crisp bags to dumped shopping trolleys .
And now the people of Stourbridge look like following their example to help keep the area spick and span .
The Pick Up Artists Stourbridge group has been launched and is seeking volunteers willing to don wellies and gloves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s not just about picking up litter though , the group also do lots of educational work , from nursery children through top Duke of Edinburgh awards for teenagers .
Started by Michelle Medler on the back of a 2018 New Year ’ s resolution , the Artists now have around 1,300 followers and a scores of regular litter pickers out every week keeping their community clean .
“ I am a dog walker and I got fed up seeing the rubbish so I decided to do something about it and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when I was out.
” Said Michelle .
She posted about it on social media , and support came flooding in , including a visit by Wyre Forest District Council who wanted to support the idea .
Now with hi vis jackets and proper equipment the group are regularly making the environment of the town better , from canalside to shopping centre .
The latest venture was at the Co-op store , with the fledgling Stourbridge branch members joining in to learn the arts of a well-organised pick .
Just how successful they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 220 bags of rubbish .
And to criticisms that they are putting people out of a job , Michelle says what they are actually doing is freeing up skilled workers who can concentrate on keeping the area ’ s green spaces and parks at their best .
With a Stourbridge group now launched and local businesses interested in sponsoring them , another town looks set to get a bit of a make-over .
Dudley Council have been approached to see if they will support the group ther way Wyre Forest Council has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown will put a stop to group picks , individuals can still go out with a friend or in a family group .
If you want to join , or for more information , go to The Pick Up Artists Stourbridge Facebook page or https : //www.thepickupartists.co.uk/

The Pick Up Artists are made up of 40 active volunteers who go out regularly – individually or in groups – ridding Kidderminster and the wider Wyre Forest of litter, from discarded crisp bags to dumped shopping trolleys.
And now the people of Stourbridge look like following their example to help keep the area spick and span.
The Pick Up Artists Stourbridge group has been launched and is seeking volunteers willing to don wellies and gloves to help keep their community tidy.
It’s not just about picking up litter though, the group also do lots of educational work, from nursery children through top Duke of Edinburgh awards for teenagers.
Started by Michelle Medler on the back of a 2018 New Year’s resolution, the Artists now have around 1,300 followers and a scores of regular litter pickers out every week keeping their community clean.
“I am a dog walker and I got fed up seeing the rubbish so I decided to do something about it and vowed to pick up litter every day when I was out.” Said Michelle.
She posted about it on social media, and support came flooding in, including a visit by Wyre Forest District Council who wanted to support the idea.
Now with hi vis jackets and proper equipment the group are regularly making the environment of the town better, from canalside to shopping centre.
The latest venture was at the Co-op store, with the fledgling Stourbridge branch members joining in to learn the arts of a well-organised pick.
Just how successful they are is shown by their October haul of 220 bags of rubbish.
And to criticisms that they are putting people out of a job, Michelle says what they are actually doing is freeing up skilled workers who can concentrate on keeping the area’s green spaces and parks at their best.
With a Stourbridge group now launched and local businesses interested in sponsoring them, another town looks set to get a bit of a make-over.
Dudley Council have been approached to see if they will support the group ther way Wyre Forest Council has embraced the idea.
While the latest lockdown will put a stop to group picks, individuals can still go out with a friend or in a family group.
If you want to join, or for more information, go to The Pick Up Artists Stourbridge Facebook page or https://www.thepickupartists.co.uk/


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-07--The Pick Up Artists are on their way to rid us of rubbish


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-07--Our farming awards have a local flavour

Our farming awards have a local flavour

The creators of a unique brand of crisps , dedicated to regional flavours , are the latest backers of our Three Counties Farming Awards .
Two Farmers Crisps was an idea born over a pint and , appropriately , a packet of crisps in a conversation between Sean Mason and Mark Green .
Their local ingredients include using the famous Droitwich salt for their Salt flavours .
They join a long list of celebrities who will be popping in to the live broadcast of the winners ceremony on Facebook page on November 26 .
The Awards recognise outstanding work by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Herefordshire and Gloucestershire .
The show is hosted by BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson and there 's a special appearance from NFU President Minette Batters .
`` We had the potatoes , we had the premises , we had renewable energy and we shared a love of Herefordshire , '' said Sean .
The duo hit the headlines as they introduced the first fully compostable crisp packet .
`` Put it in the compost heap and it will have vanished in six months . ''
The Two Farmers have since added another distinctively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Rare Breeds Pork , supply the Two Farmers for their Hereford Sausage and Mustard flavour .
The commitment to using the real thing for their flavours is also demonstrated in their Cheese and Onion crisps , produced using Charles Martell 's Hereford Hop cheese .
The Tudge partnership fits well with the Two Farmers philosophy of being kind to the planet and managing the countryside in a sustainable way .
Hereford Sausage and Mustard joins the other local flavours in the range - Hereford Bull Shot , Hop Cheese and Onion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Salt and Cider Vinegar , the latter created from ancient apple trees in Sean 's orchards .
For more info go to the awards section of our website .

Two Farmers Crisps was an idea born over a pint and, appropriately, a packet of crisps in a conversation between Sean Mason and Mark Green.
Their local ingredients include using the famous Droitwich salt for their Salt flavours.
They join a long list of celebrities who will be popping in to the live broadcast of the winners ceremony on Facebook page on November 26.
The Awards recognise outstanding work by farmers and agricultural businesses across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.
The show is hosted by BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson and there's a special appearance from NFU President Minette Batters.
"We had the potatoes, we had the premises, we had renewable energy and we shared a love of Herefordshire," said Sean.
The duo hit the headlines as they introduced the first fully compostable crisp packet. "Put it in the compost heap and it will have vanished in six months."
The Two Farmers have since added another distinctively Herefordshire flavour to their crisps.
Tudge's Rare Breeds Pork, supply the Two Farmers for their Hereford Sausage and Mustard flavour.
The commitment to using the real thing for their flavours is also demonstrated in their Cheese and Onion crisps, produced using Charles Martell's Hereford Hop cheese.
The Tudge partnership fits well with the Two Farmers philosophy of being kind to the planet and managing the countryside in a sustainable way.
Hereford Sausage and Mustard joins the other local flavours in the range - Hereford Bull Shot, Hop Cheese and Onion, Lightly Salted (using Droitwich salt) and Salt and Cider Vinegar, the latter created from ancient apple trees in Sean's orchards.
For more info go to the awards section of our website.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-07--Can I still play golf during England's four-week lockdown?

Concerns have been raised as to whether people can play sport during England 's month-long second lockdown .
A new set of restrictions came into force on November 5 and will last until December 2 .
After that , Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that England will return to a tiered set of restrctions , which will be based on the number of coronavirus cases in each area .
Which places have been forced to close for England 's second lockdown ?
Non-essential shops , leisure and entertainment venues must all close .
This includes leisure facilities such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sports facilities including swimming pools , golf courses and driving ranges , dance studios , stables and riding centres , soft play facilities , climbing walls and climbing centres , archery and shooting ranges , water and theme parks .
Also among the venues forces to close are : • Theatres , concert halls , cinemas , museums and galleries , casinos , adult gaming centres and arcades , bingo halls , zoos and other animal attractions will close .
• Hair , beauty and nail salons , tattoo parlours , spas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piercing services , non-medical acupuncture and tanning salons will also close .
Click and collect can continue , and essential shops such as supermarkets , garden centres and shops “ providing essential goods and services ” will remain open .
Bars , pubs and restaurants must stay closed except for delivery or takeaway services .
They will be permitted to sell takeaway alcohol so long as it is pre-ordered online , or via phone or post .
Pre-ordered drinks can be sold to and collected by a customer “ provided the purchaser does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so ” , regulations state .
Hotels , hostels and other accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work and for a limited number of other reasons including people who need accommodation while moving house , to attend a funeral or if they are isolating themselves from others as required by law .
Which places are allowed to remain open during England 's second lockdown ?
Other businesses are permitted to stay open , following Covid-19 Secure guidelines .
This includes those providing essential goods or services , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shops , supermarkets , pharmacies , garden centres , hardware stores , building merchants and off-licences .
• Petrol Stations , car repair and MOT services , bicycle shops , and taxi and vehicle hire businesses .
The majority of public services will continue and people will be able to leave home to visit them .
• The NHS and medical services like GPs and dentists

A new set of restrictions came into force on November 5 and will last until December 2. After that, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that England will return to a tiered set of restrctions, which will be based on the number of coronavirus cases in each area.
Which places have been forced to close for England's second lockdown?
Non-essential shops, leisure and entertainment venues must all close.
Non-essential retail includes clothing and electronics stores, car showrooms, travel agents, betting shops, auction houses, tailors, car washes, tobacco and vape shops.
This includes leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, leisure centres and gyms, sports facilities including swimming pools, golf courses and driving ranges, dance studios, stables and riding centres, soft play facilities, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery and shooting ranges, water and theme parks.
Also among the venues forces to close are:
Theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, adult gaming centres and arcades, bingo halls, zoos and other animal attractions will close.
Hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture and tanning salons will also close.
Click and collect can continue, and essential shops such as supermarkets, garden centres and shops “providing essential goods and services” will remain open.
Bars, pubs and restaurants must stay closed except for delivery or takeaway services.
They will be permitted to sell takeaway alcohol so long as it is pre-ordered online, or via phone or post.
Pre-ordered drinks can be sold to and collected by a customer “provided the purchaser does not enter inside the premises to do so”, regulations state.
Hotels, hostels and other accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work and for a limited number of other reasons including people who need accommodation while moving house, to attend a funeral or if they are isolating themselves from others as required by law.
Which places are allowed to remain open during England's second lockdown?
Other businesses are permitted to stay open, following Covid-19 Secure guidelines.
This includes those providing essential goods or services, including:
Essential retail such as food shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, garden centres, hardware stores, building merchants and off-licences.
Petrol Stations, car repair and MOT services, bicycle shops, and taxi and vehicle hire businesses.
Banks, building societies, post offices, loan providers and money transfer businesses
Funeral directors
Launderettes and dry cleaners
Medical and dental services
Vets and pet shops
Agricultural supplies shops
Storage and distribution facilities
Car parks, public toilets and motorway service areas.
Outdoor playgrounds
What about Public Services?
The majority of public services will continue and people will be able to leave home to visit them.
These include:


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-07--US election: Joe Biden to become the 46th president of the United States

Democrat Joe Biden has passed the threshold of 270 electoral college votes needed for victory in the presidential race .
@ @ @ @ @ called as the winner of Pennsylvania on Saturday , meaning he had an insurmountable lead @ @ @ @ @ White House .
Winning the vote in Wisconsin , Michigan and Arizona – three states @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 – opened up a number of pathways to the presidency for the democratic @ @ @ @ @ victory in Pennsylvania , some four days after polls closed , which saw him over @ @ @ @ @ Trump made a series of unsubstantiated allegations to claim he is being cheated out of @ @ @ @ @ had called for calm as votes in key battleground states were counted well past November @ @

The former vice president was called as the winner of Pennsylvania on Saturday, meaning he had an insurmountable lead in the race for the White House.
Winning the vote in Wisconsin, Michigan and Arizona – three states which voted for Mr Trump in 2016 – opened up a number of pathways to the presidency for the democratic candidate.
And it was victory in Pennsylvania, some four days after polls closed, which saw him over the line.
President Donald Trump made a series of unsubstantiated allegations to claim he is being cheated out of re-election, while Mr Biden had called for calm as votes in key battleground states were counted well past November 3.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-07--How about a life-saving pet bandana?

How about a life-saving pet bandana?

YOU could help save a life with your Christmas shopping this year .
That ’ s the message from the Air Ambulance service who say 18 rescue missions were paid for last year by people raising funds through buying their special Christmas merchandise .
Because it was so successful the service are expanding the merchandise you can buy – including the obligatory face mask .
There are also Pet Bandanas ; limited edition mugs ; Teddy bears and beanie hats among a long list of potential Christmas gifts .
And the goods are available online to make it easier for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
Emma Gray , fundraising and marketing director for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity said this year ’ s range included more bespoke and limited-edition products .
The charity has also partnered with two regional companies for imaginative new products .
The first is a virtual escape room created by Midlands-based gaming firm , Escape Live , and the other is a low-alcoholic beverage brewed in partnership with local Birmingham Brewing Company .
This year also sees the introduction of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity official kids ’ club .
Kids ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome letter , official certificate , invitations to meet the aircrew and to next year ’ s Young Heroes Christmas Party , plus , a selection of charity merchandise , all found within a handy goodie bag .
( Suitable for ages five to 11 ) .
Supporters can also text ‘ MISSIONXMAS ’ to 70085 to donate £3 to help make future missions possible .
To browse the new festive range visit : www.midlandsairambulance.com/shop .

That’s the message from the Air Ambulance service who say 18 rescue missions were paid for last year by people raising funds through buying their special Christmas merchandise.
Because it was so successful the service are expanding the merchandise you can buy – including the obligatory face mask.
There are also Pet Bandanas; limited edition mugs; Teddy bears and beanie hats among a long list of potential Christmas gifts.
And the goods are available online to make it easier for people wanting to avoid the high street this year.
Emma Gray, fundraising and marketing director for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity said this year’s range included more bespoke and limited-edition products.
The charity has also partnered with two regional companies for imaginative new products.
The first is a virtual escape room created by Midlands-based gaming firm, Escape Live, and the other is a low-alcoholic beverage brewed in partnership with local Birmingham Brewing Company.
The new extended range includes:
• Charity branded face coverings
• Limited edition mugs
• Pet bandanas
• Christmas cards
• 30th anniversary Air30 pin badge
• Commemorative diary and pen
• Commemorative calendar and pen
• Christmas bauble
• Beanie hats
• Teddy bear
This year also sees the introduction of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity official kids’ club. Kids’ Crew Membership includes a fun pack with welcome letter, official certificate, invitations to meet the aircrew and to next year’s Young Heroes Christmas Party, plus, a selection of charity merchandise, all found within a handy goodie bag. (Suitable for ages five to 11).
Supporters can also text ‘MISSIONXMAS’ to 70085 to donate £3 to help make future missions possible.
To browse the new festive range visit: www.midlandsairambulance.com/shop.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-08--Lockdown doesn't stop Wyre Forest paying respects on Remembrance Day

PARADES may be cancelled this year due to the coronavirus lockdown , but that has n't stopped community groups across Kidderminster , Bewdley and Stourport from paying their respects to the fallen this Remembrance Day .
Members of the 9th Wyre Forest Scout Troop came up with an original idea to pay respect to Britain 's war dead by filming their own socially-distanced video tribute .
Young Scout leaders came up with the idea of filming members adding a poppy to a wreath and passing it on , while narrators give a speech on the history of Armistice Day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ video , which has since been watched by hundreds of people on social media .
Parent and Scout group volunteer Leanne Baker said : `` On hearing that they wouldn ’ t be able to parade this year , they couldn ’ t let Remembrance Day go by without doing something to remember the fallen .
`` They discussed the whole thing and raised some interesting points in their discussions .
`` The young leaders came up with the ideas , set up and filmed it all and recorded all the narrative .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , getting 30 scouts to do all this in one night was epic .
It shows in the result .
`` It was all done with social distancing in mind as well - it 's just clever filming that makes it look like they were passing it on . ''
The 9th Wyre Forest Scouts have also raised over £100 for the Royal British Legion .
The knitted poppy memorial outside All Saints ' Church in Wribbenhall A Knit and Natter group in Bewdley created a thought-provoking display outside All Saints ' Church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The memorial features two soldiers wading through a field of knitted poppies .
Children at Little Trinity Nursery in Kidderminster created their own poppy window masterpiece to thank the men and women serving in the armed forces .
Nursery children made their own colourful poppy pictures to create the display , and included a special purple poppy wreath to honour the horses , dogs and pigeons throughout history who have lost their lives while serving their country .
Gaynor Carter , nursery manager , said : `` At Little Trinity , we believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn about a wide range of topics and subjects .
`` Earlier this year , we looked at people working in the military , protecting our country and keeping us safe , extremely important as one of our children has a father in the military who was away on service over the summer .
Children at Little Trinity Nursery in front of their Remembrance Day window display “ Age was irrelevant as every child was able to demonstrate and use their individual creative skills to make their poppies , talking about colours and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artwork .
`` They also discussed how lives and families can very often be different , which created opportunities to question and discuss communities and the world.
” In the summer , the nursery organised a collection of military care packages for service men and women overseas .
How are you marking Remembrance Day ?
Send us your stories , pictures or videos to emily.collis @ newsquest.co.uk or leave a comment on social media .

Members of the 9th Wyre Forest Scout Troop came up with an original idea to pay respect to Britain's war dead by filming their own socially-distanced video tribute.
Young Scout leaders came up with the idea of filming members adding a poppy to a wreath and passing it on, while narrators give a speech on the history of Armistice Day.
Around 30 youngsters took part in the video, which has since been watched by hundreds of people on social media.
Parent and Scout group volunteer Leanne Baker said: "On hearing that they wouldn’t be able to parade this year, they couldn’t let Remembrance Day go by without doing something to remember the fallen.
"They discussed the whole thing and raised some interesting points in their discussions.
"The young leaders came up with the ideas, set up and filmed it all and recorded all the narrative. The organisation on the night was brilliant, getting 30 scouts to do all this in one night was epic. It shows in the result.
"It was all done with social distancing in mind as well - it's just clever filming that makes it look like they were passing it on."
The 9th Wyre Forest Scouts have also raised over £100 for the Royal British Legion.
The knitted poppy memorial outside All Saints' Church in Wribbenhall
A Knit and Natter group in Bewdley created a thought-provoking display outside All Saints' Church in Wribbenhall to mark Remembrance Day.
The memorial features two soldiers wading through a field of knitted poppies.
Children at Little Trinity Nursery in Kidderminster created their own poppy window masterpiece to thank the men and women serving in the armed forces.
Nursery children made their own colourful poppy pictures to create the display, and included a special purple poppy wreath to honour the horses, dogs and pigeons throughout history who have lost their lives while serving their country.
Gaynor Carter, nursery manager, said: "At Little Trinity, we believe it’s important that all children learn about a wide range of topics and subjects.
"Earlier this year, we looked at people working in the military, protecting our country and keeping us safe, extremely important as one of our children has a father in the military who was away on service over the summer.
Children at Little Trinity Nursery in front of their Remembrance Day window display
“Age was irrelevant as every child was able to demonstrate and use their individual creative skills to make their poppies, talking about colours and materials as they painted and collaged their artwork.
"They also discussed how lives and families can very often be different, which created opportunities to question and discuss communities and the world.”
In the summer, the nursery organised a collection of military care packages for service men and women overseas.
How are you marking Remembrance Day? Send us your stories, pictures or videos to emily.collis@newsquest.co.uk or leave a comment on social media.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-08--Huge Bewdley home with its own cinema goes up for sale

A 'HIDDEN gem ' home with its own fully-operational cinema has gone on the market in Bewdley .
Forest Glade , a six-bedroom property in Dowles Road , is up for sale and welcoming offers over £1.25 million .
The extensive house is set in three acres of its own private grounds with electronic gated access and is surrounded by woodland .
It features six reception rooms , including an orangery , five bedrooms in the main house and one in an attached bungalow , and its own fully-operational home cinema .
The ground floor comprises a large open plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ island , a large sunroom orangery with underfloor heating , a conservatory , dining room , snug , lounge with multi burning stove , and a utility and cloakroom .
On the first floor , a landing leads on to all five bedrooms - three with en-suites - and a family bathroom .
Outside , the back garden is a sight to behold .
It 's been creatively landscaped to feature a picturesque Japanese-style bridge and an enchanting viewing gazebo to enjoy the waterfall and a 52,000-gallon Koi carp pond and lagoon area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top granite working surfaces , chimney breast with log burner , an outdoor barbecue grill and A door from the triple garage leads to the home cinema room , complete with projector and state-of-the-art sound system .
There is also a secondary gated driveway leading to a steel frame outbuilding which is currently divided into office space , kitchen , bathroom and additional rooms , but could be converted subject to planning permission .
Forest Glade is being sold through RJ Country Homes , which described the property as a `` hidden gem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the full listing here .

Forest Glade, a six-bedroom property in Dowles Road, is up for sale and welcoming offers over £1.25 million.
The extensive house is set in three acres of its own private grounds with electronic gated access and is surrounded by woodland.
It features six reception rooms, including an orangery, five bedrooms in the main house and one in an attached bungalow, and its own fully-operational home cinema.
The ground floor comprises a large open plan kitchen and family room featuring a central island, a large sunroom orangery with underfloor heating, a conservatory, dining room, snug, lounge with multi burning stove, and a utility and cloakroom.
On the first floor, a landing leads on to all five bedrooms - three with en-suites - and a family bathroom.
The floor area covers 6,920 square feet in total.
Outside, the back garden is a sight to behold. It's been creatively landscaped to feature a picturesque Japanese-style bridge and an enchanting viewing gazebo to enjoy the waterfall and a 52,000-gallon Koi carp pond and lagoon area.
An outdoor entertainment suite features rolled top granite working surfaces, chimney breast with log burner, an outdoor barbecue grill and
covered seating areas including a swing seat.
A door from the triple garage leads to the home cinema room, complete with projector and state-of-the-art sound system.
There is also a secondary gated driveway leading to a steel frame outbuilding which is currently divided into office space, kitchen, bathroom and additional rooms, but could be converted subject to planning permission.
Forest Glade is being sold through RJ Country Homes, which described the property as a "hidden gem".
For more information, view the full listing here.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-08--Cartoon creator James Driscoll unveils alien-themed animation

ENTREPRENEUR and cartoon creator James Driscoll is hoping for further animated success with a new series about eco-friendly aliens .
Jim , as he is known locally - who created the successful 1980s cartoon series The Shoe People , has teamed up once again with illustrator Rob Lee , co-creator of Fireman Sam , to devise the new Aliens in My Backpack project .
The pair have worked together for 30 years , including on The Shoe People , and just last year they unveiled plans for a police themed new cartoon Calling Oscar India with the aim of helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now they 're back with another animated offering and this one is out of this world .
Their new CGI Aliens in My Backpack series brings to life a family of characters from a distant planet with ideal ecological settings , who are on a mission to share their secrets with earth .
Production will be handled by Toonz Media Group in India , and Russia 's SoyuzmultFilm Studios , with the partnership responsible for video distribution , licensing and merchandising .
Jim , aged 72 , who was awarded an MBE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said he was delighted to have teamed up with the Russian animation studio - saying it felt like he has come full circle .
He added : `` I had massive success in Russia in 1990 when The Shoe People became the first cartoon from the west to be networked on TV , and it is still fondly remembered today by many people in Russia who are now parents themselves . ''
Jim , who lived in Stourbridge before moving to Chaddesley Corbett , near Kidderminster , came up with the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago and its title changed a few times before he settled on Aliens in my Backpack .
With high hopes for the animated project and its ability to help spread important conservation messages , he 's already thinking up possible merchandise ideas such as an array of collectible children 's toys .
For a sneak preview of the new Aliens show , click here .
Production will start later this year and the first episode is expected to be available to show to potential media and broadcast partners by mid/late 2021 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Create a Scene Studios , is working on the pre-production and has written and recorded a theme song for the series as well as working on creating an outer space radio station for the project – Aliens Intergalactic Digital Radio .

Jim, as he is known locally - who created the successful 1980s cartoon series The Shoe People, has teamed up once again with illustrator Rob Lee, co-creator of Fireman Sam, to devise the new Aliens in My Backpack project.
The pair have worked together for 30 years, including on The Shoe People, and just last year they unveiled plans for a police themed new cartoon Calling Oscar India with the aim of helping to spread important children's safety messages.
Now they're back with another animated offering and this one is out of this world.
Their new CGI Aliens in My Backpack series brings to life a family of characters from a distant planet with ideal ecological settings, who are on a mission to share their secrets with earth.
Production will be handled by Toonz Media Group in India, and Russia's SoyuzmultFilm Studios, with the partnership responsible for video distribution, licensing and merchandising.
Jim, aged 72, who was awarded an MBE for services to publishing in the 1990s, said he was delighted to have teamed up with the Russian animation studio - saying it felt like he has come full circle.
Jim Driscoll MBE
He added: "I had massive success in Russia in 1990 when The Shoe People became the first cartoon from the west to be networked on TV, and it is still fondly remembered today by many people in Russia who are now parents themselves."
Jim, who lived in Stourbridge before moving to Chaddesley Corbett, near Kidderminster, came up with the idea for the new cartoon a couple of years ago and its title changed a few times before he settled on Aliens in my Backpack.
With high hopes for the animated project and its ability to help spread important conservation messages, he's already thinking up possible merchandise ideas such as an array of collectible children's toys.
For a sneak preview of the new Aliens show, click here.
Production will start later this year and the first episode is expected to be available to show to potential media and broadcast partners by mid/late 2021.
Lee Garrett, owner of Stourbridge’s Create a Scene Studios, is working on the pre-production and has written and recorded a theme song for the series as well as working on creating an outer space radio station for the project – Aliens Intergalactic Digital Radio.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-08--Doorstep conmen: How to beat them

Doorstep conmen: How to beat them

THEY are eloquent , persuasive , believable and ruthless – they are out to take as much as they can from you .
These are the cold callers who aren ’ t what they seem , the bogus officials who want the chance to talk you into parting with your money .
While there are many instances when a cold caller might be genuine , police are urging people to follow their advice to ensure they don ’ t get scammed .
Some scammers can be so utterly convincing you can be convinced into paying thousands – even tens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conmen .
So police have put together a foolproof system of keeping the conmen at bay .
They have even talked to a reformed burglar to find out the tricks they use .
Here is your anti-scammers safety list if a stranger calls at your door ( and pass it on to friends , family and neighbours ) : • .
Check who it is by using the spy or look through a front window .
• Always put the chain on before you open the door .
• If you do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their identity card .
Check it carefully , and keep the chain on while you do this .
• If you 're still not sure , ask the caller to come back later .
You can then check their story by phoning the organisation or company they claim to represent .
• Watch out for anyone who says they 're in a hurry .
Do n't let them pressure you .
• If you have any suspicions at all , remember you do n't have to let them in !
• If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police n a non emergency using 101 or in a emergency dial 999 and tell us what 's happened .

These are the cold callers who aren’t what they seem, the bogus officials who want the chance to talk you into parting with your money.
While there are many instances when a cold caller might be genuine, police are urging people to follow their advice to ensure they don’t get scammed.
Some scammers can be so utterly convincing you can be convinced into paying thousands – even tens of thousands of pounds – to these professional conmen.
So police have put together a foolproof system of keeping the conmen at bay.
They have even talked to a reformed burglar to find out the tricks they use.
Here is your anti-scammers safety list if a stranger calls at your door (and pass it on to friends, family and neighbours):
• . Check who it is by using the spy or look through a front window.
• Always put the chain on before you open the door.
• If you don't know the caller, ask to see their identity card. Check it carefully, and keep the chain on while you do this.
• If you're still not sure, ask the caller to come back later. You can then check their story by phoning the organisation or company they claim to represent.
• Ensure your back door is locked.
• Watch out for anyone who says they're in a hurry. Don't let them pressure you.
• If you have any suspicions at all, remember you don't have to let them in!
• Don't exchange cash on the doorstep.
• If you're still not happy, call the police n a non emergency using 101 or in a emergency dial 999 and tell us what's happened.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-09--Man with mental health problems assaulted police officer

A MAN with mental health problems who assaulted a police officer has had his case delayed so he can first be assessed by a psychiatrist .
Jerraldo Collins appeared at Worcester Crown Court via videolink from HMP Hewell and faces a criminal behaviour order and a restraining order if the application is successful .
The 31-year-old was wanted for breaching court bail conditions , but assaulted an officer when they tried to arrest him .
Collins , who has links to Kidderminster , Worcester and Droitwich , was thought to have been in Scotland but was arrested by West Mercia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsequently placed him under arrest , he reportedly assaulted an officer .
His barrister , Adam Western , asked the case to be adjourned until December 10 so Collins could be assessed by a psychiatrist .
The case had been listed for sentence at the hearing last month , but Mr Western said his client had been diagnosed with conditions including psychosis , personality disorder and depression , had been prescribed medication and had spent two periods under the care of Studdert Kennedy House in Worcester .
Mr Western said this assessment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether a medical disposal was appropriate in the case .
Judge Martin Jackson said : “ Mr Western , you ’ re pushing at an open door .
The application does not surprise me .
I don ’ t doubt the court would be helped if there was a medical report to fill in the gaps as it were.
” The judge added : “ I appreciate Mr Collins is in custody .
One wants to ensure there is going to be enough time for a report to be done and seen by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be made.
” Mr Western said he expected the report could be prepared in time .
The defence was given until December 4 to say whether the application for a criminal behaviour order and restraining order was opposed .

Jerraldo Collins appeared at Worcester Crown Court via videolink from HMP Hewell and faces a criminal behaviour order and a restraining order if the application is successful.
The 31-year-old was wanted for breaching court bail conditions, but assaulted an officer when they tried to arrest him.
Collins, who has links to Kidderminster, Worcester and Droitwich, was thought to have been in Scotland but was arrested by West Mercia Police.
When police found Collins and subsequently placed him under arrest, he reportedly assaulted an officer.
His barrister, Adam Western, asked the case to be adjourned until December 10 so Collins could be assessed by a psychiatrist.
The case had been listed for sentence at the hearing last month, but Mr Western said his client had been diagnosed with conditions including psychosis, personality disorder and depression, had been prescribed medication and had spent two periods under the care of Studdert Kennedy House in Worcester.
Mr Western said this assessment and report by the psychiatrist would help decide whether a medical disposal was appropriate in the case.
Judge Martin Jackson said: “Mr Western, you’re pushing at an open door. The application does not surprise me. I don’t doubt the court would be helped if there was a medical report to fill in the gaps as it were.”
The judge added: “I appreciate Mr Collins is in custody. One wants to ensure there is going to be enough time for a report to be done and seen by the probation service and for any enquiries to be made.”
Mr Western said he expected the report could be prepared in time.
The defence was given until December 4 to say whether the application for a criminal behaviour order and restraining order was opposed.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-09--Kidderminster Harriers 1-1 Leamington

Kidderminster Harriers 1-1 Leamington

HARRIERS held on for their first draw of the National League North season as they drew 1-1 with Leamington on a day that Jim Kellermann saw red .
The Reds came into the match on the back of three straight wins but were behind early at Aggborough as a lively Leamington matched them in all departments , going ahead through Kiaman Anderson .
Russ Penn 's charges responded well and levelled ten minutes later as Koby Arthur 's header saw him net on his first start for the club .
The two sides then cancelled each other out in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Harriers being the needless dismissal of Kellermann in the second half having come on as a substitute , given his marching orders for an alleged kick out at Joe Clarke .
The visitors were a lively attacking force throughout and were in front inside four minutes , Jack Edwards ’ shot well saved by goalkeeper Luke Simpson , with Anderson on hand on slam home the loose ball .
Arthur ’ s goal , completing a remarkable personal story of recovery after time out with injury , arrived ten minutes later after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nodded into the net at the far post to cue some great goal celebrations .
The influential Osborne then saw an effort fly wide , with a Lane header closer to the interval keeping Paul Holleran ’ s men on top – Osbourne again in the attack just after the restart with a driven effort into the side netting .
Shy of a Prosser effort , deflected and saved well by Jake Weaver , and another good stop to keep out a low Austin cross , the second half chances were very much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ header over six minutes before being given his marching orders .
kicking out in front of the referee to the award of a straight red card .
In the end it was the visitors who ended the game as brightly as the started it , leaving Harriers grateful for their point – Jim O ’ Connor saying as much after the game , admitting : “ On how the game went , a draw was about right and we ’ ve obviously finished the game with ten men .
“ Coming away with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take it and move forward .
We ’ ve been excellent as of late but weren ’ t quite at the races today .
I will say the character from the lads to come from a goal down again was great .
”

The Reds came into the match on the back of three straight wins but were behind early at Aggborough as a lively Leamington matched them in all departments, going ahead through Kiaman Anderson.
Russ Penn's charges responded well and levelled ten minutes later as Koby Arthur's header saw him net on his first start for the club.
The two sides then cancelled each other out in a competitive, cagey draw - one disappointment for Harriers being the needless dismissal of Kellermann in the second half having come on as a substitute, given his marching orders for an alleged kick out at Joe Clarke.
The visitors were a lively attacking force throughout and were in front inside four minutes, Jack Edwards’ shot well saved by goalkeeper Luke Simpson, with Anderson on hand on slam home the loose ball.
Arthur’s goal, completing a remarkable personal story of recovery after time out with injury, arrived ten minutes later after a fine cross from Sam Austin was nodded into the net at the far post to cue some great goal celebrations.
The influential Osborne then saw an effort fly wide, with a Lane header closer to the interval keeping Paul Holleran’s men on top – Osbourne again in the attack just after the restart with a driven effort into the side netting.
Shy of a Prosser effort, deflected and saved well by Jake Weaver, and another good stop to keep out a low Austin cross, the second half chances were very much at a premium, Kellermann glancing a header over six minutes before being given his marching orders. kicking out in front of the referee to the award of a straight red card.
In the end it was the visitors who ended the game as brightly as the started it, leaving Harriers grateful for their point – Jim O’Connor saying as much after the game, admitting: “On how the game went, a draw was about right and we’ve obviously finished the game with ten men.
“Coming away with a point, we’ve got to take it and move forward. We’ve been excellent as of late but weren’t quite at the races today. I will say the character from the lads to come from a goal down again was great.”
HARRIERS: Simpson, Penny, Richards, Lowe, Montrose, Austin, Morgan-Smith, Hemmings (Maxwell 81), Taylor (Moyo 61), Prosser, Arthur (Kellermann 67)


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-09--Drug offences and stalking increased during lockdown according to latest crime figures

STALKING and drug offences rose in the region despite a drop in crime during lockdown , new figures have shown .
A total of 17,359 crime were recorded by West Mercia between April and June this year , according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) .
The number of reported crimes was down 19 per cent compared to the same time last year including a 21 per cent drop in the number of reports of violence that caused injury and a 10 per cent fall in the number of violent incidents that did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which includes Worcestershire , was one of only a handful of regions in the county which did not see serious crime involving a knife fall during lockdown .
There were 161 such crimes involving a knife reported to police - which include homicide , attempted murder , threats to kill , assaults , robbery , and rape and sexual assault - in April to June , compared to 160 during the same period last year .
The number of incidents of stalking and harassment in West Mercia also increased during the period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up 60 per cent compared to the same time in 2019 when 2,649 incidents were reported .
Reports of sexual offences were down 21 per cent compared to last year with robberies down 38 per cent and shoplifting down 48 per cent .
The number of threats to kill reported increased by 39 per cent - up from 31 to 43 compared to last year .
Drug crimes also shot up 39 per cent between April and June .
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said lockdown had seen some crimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise in others .
“ The crime figures are mostly encouraging , with a decrease in overall crime , '' he said .
`` Covid-19 has changed the lives of all of us and restrictions on movement have contributed to reductions in sexual offences , shoplifting , burglary and robbery .
However , some crime types , particularly online crimes have thrived as people spend more time at home and online .
“ Stalking and harassment isn ’ t reliant on the physical presence of the perpetrator and restrictions have created time and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their behaviour . ''
“ I will continue to make sure that West Mercia police has the resources to deal with reports of stalking and harassment and that services for victims of this horrible crime are available , providing much needed support to cope and recover . ''

A total of 17,359 crime were recorded by West Mercia between April and June this year, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The number of reported crimes was down 19 per cent compared to the same time last year including a 21 per cent drop in the number of reports of violence that caused injury and a 10 per cent fall in the number of violent incidents that did not cause an injury.
West Mercia, which includes Worcestershire, was one of only a handful of regions in the county which did not see serious crime involving a knife fall during lockdown.
There were 161 such crimes involving a knife reported to police - which include homicide, attempted murder, threats to kill, assaults, robbery, and rape and sexual assault - in April to June, compared to 160 during the same period last year.
The number of incidents of stalking and harassment in West Mercia also increased during the period in lockdown between April and June - up 60 per cent compared to the same time in 2019 when 2,649 incidents were reported.
Reports of sexual offences were down 21 per cent compared to last year with robberies down 38 per cent and shoplifting down 48 per cent.
The number of threats to kill reported increased by 39 per cent - up from 31 to 43 compared to last year. Drug crimes also shot up 39 per cent between April and June.
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said lockdown had seen some crimes fall but it had contributed to a rise in others.
“The crime figures are mostly encouraging, with a decrease in overall crime," he said. "Covid-19 has changed the lives of all of us and restrictions on movement have contributed to reductions in sexual offences, shoplifting, burglary and robbery. However, some crime types, particularly online crimes have thrived as people spend more time at home and online.
“Stalking and harassment isn’t reliant on the physical presence of the perpetrator and restrictions have created time and capacity for them to modify or escalate their behaviour."
“I will continue to make sure that West Mercia police has the resources to deal with reports of stalking and harassment and that services for victims of this horrible crime are available, providing much needed support to cope and recover."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-09--Nature at its best with our Advertiser and Shuttle Camera Club

Here are some great shots from our camera club to start the week

As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.
Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.
These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.
It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-09--I'm a Celebrity ... Get me out of here line-up announced

The full line-up for I ’ m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here has been announced .
Sir Mo Farah , Jessica Plummer and Vernon Kay are among the stars who have signed up to brave the bush-tucker trials this year .
Due to the coronavirus pandemic the show will be fimed in the UK for the first time ever , taking place at Gwrych Castle in Wales rather than the Australian jungle .
The series , hosted by Ant and Dec , begins on ITV this Sunday November 15 .
Here ’ s a look at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is joining the jungle ( image - ITV ) .
The long-distance runner is the most successful British track athlete in modern Olympic Games history .
He played a starring role in the London 2012 Olympics and won the gold medal in both the 5,000m and 10,000m at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics .
He was knighted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2017 .
Asked if he will feel under enormous pressure to do well in the trials , he said : “ I think there will be a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I know the eating trials involve yucky stuff but you just have to hold Eastenders actress Jessican Plummer heads to Wales for the show ( image - ITV ) .
The singer-turned-actress joined EastEnders in March 2019 as Chantelle Atkins and made headlines as her character was subjected to long-term mental and physical abuse at the hands of her husband , Gray Atkins ( Toby-Alexander Smith ) .
The storyline eventually ended in tragedy as Chantelle died at the hands of her husband .
Before joining the soap , Plummer was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neon Jungle .
She said : “ I have got all the phobias .
When my friends see me too , they are going to say ‘ what the hell ?
This doesn ’ t make sense.
” “ But I keep having to tell myself that it is good to face your fears.
” The TV presenter and former BBC Radio 1 DJ first found fame as the presenter of Channel 4 ’ s weekend magazine show T4 .
Since then Kay , who is married to Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star Family Fortunes , Beat The Star and Splash !
, The Whole 19 Yards , Home For The Holidays , Let ’ s Get Gold and 1000 Heartbeats .
He also presented his own BBC Radio 1 show between 2004 and 2012 .
He said : “ Mainly I am doing it for my daughters , Phoebe and Amber .
“ It ’ s a show they watch on a regular basis and they get behind the people in the camp .
I think the fact I am involved in it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ And now it is approaching , they are so excited .
Every time I talk about it , I get a double fist pump from them and they are thrilled to be involved.
” Shane Richie is one of this years contestants ( image - ITV ) .
The singer , presenter and comedian is best known for his portrayal of Alfie Moon in EastEnders .
He joined the soap in 2002 and has appeared on and off in Albert Square , as recently as 2019 .
He also starred in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife Kat Slater , played by Jessie Wallace .
He has also hosted game shows including Reflex , Win Your Wish List and Decimate and appeared in musicals including Grease and Scrooge : The Musical .
He said : “ Six hundred calories a day is like a slice of cake on a Sunday .
But I have got to go straight back in the West End to play a drag queen in a dress and so I will look great .
“ To make the kids proud would be so nice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ height of Alfie Moon and they have only seen daddy dressed as a drag queen.
” Radio 1 DJ Jordan North is heading to the Jungle ( image - ITV ) .
The BBC Radio 1 DJ first presented on the station in 2014 and was one of the people who stood in for Matt Edmondson during September 2017 .
He was announced as the new host for the Greatest Hits show on Sunday mornings in 2018 and recently took over the 11am-1pm weekend slot .
He also co-hosts the advice podcast Help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expert William Hanson .
He said : “ I have got so many phobias and fears .
I am worried I will let people down but I also want to give the trials my best go .
“ I hope Radio 1 listeners will get behind me.
” Broadcaster , Victoria Derbyshire is set to brave the wind and rain this year ( image -ITV ) .
The BBC broadcaster presented her self-titled current affairs programme on BBC Two until earlier this year .
After it was leaked that the show would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ absolutely devastated ” .
She has also presented Newsnight and BBC Panorama and is the regular host of BBC News at Nine on BBC One and the standard edition of BBC World News .
In August 2015 Derbyshire announced on Twitter that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and would be having a mastectomy .
She recorded video diaries about her cancer treatment which went viral and were viewed millions of times .
She said : “ I will find it difficult not knowing what is going on in the news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about that .
“ But it will be absolutely surreal .
I keep up with the news minute by minute every day and suddenly there will be a void , but that is also quite thrilling because we will have to fill it by finding out about each other and working as a team .
It will be a digital detox.
” The author and podcast host is best known for her parenting content , Happy Mum , Happy Baby , which is a hit non-fiction book and podcast , in which she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cambridge .
She has also written novels Billy and Me , You ’ re the One That I Want , Dream a Little Dream and Always with Love .
Her brother is The Only Way Is Essex star Mario Falcone and she is married to McFly star Tom Fletcher , with whom she has sons Buzz , Buddy and Max .
She said : “ Years ago we started doing a runner bean challenge which is based on I ’ m A Celebrity .
“ It ’ s where we pretend we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are eating our vegetables really fast .
Challenges like this find a way of becoming part of the family dynamic and I can ’ t wait to do this.
” TV and radio personality Vernon Kay is heading to Wales ( image - ITV ) .
The TV presenter and former BBC Radio 1 DJ first found fame as the presenter of Channel 4 ’ s weekend magazine show T4 .
Since then Kay , who is married to Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly , has hosted shows including All Star Family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
, The Whole 19 Yards , Home For The Holidays , Let ’ s Get Gold and 1000 Heartbeats .
He also presented his own BBC Radio 1 show between 2004 and 2012 .
He said : “ Mainly I am doing it for my daughters , Phoebe and Amber .
“ It ’ s a show they watch on a regular basis and they get behind the people in the camp .
I think the fact I am involved in it will make it even more fun for them .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are so excited .
Every time I talk about it , I get a double fist pump from them and they are thrilled to be involved.
” Best-known for playing Liz McDonald on Corrie , Beverley Callard will be heading into the jungle ( image - ITV ) .
The soap star has played Coronation Street ’ s Liz McDonald on and off since 1989 .
A fixture behind the bar of the Rovers Return , Liz has been at the centre of a number of dramatic storylines , including abuse , infidelity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a brief appearance on the cobbles in 1984 as Gail and Brian Tilsley ’ s friend June Dewhurst .
Callard has also appeared in Emmerdale and played Flo Henshaw in Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps .
She said she has been asked many times before to take part in I ’ m A Celebrity , but decided to take the plunge after making the decision to leave the soap earlier this year .
She added : “ I felt that after 31 years Liz had run her course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said ‘ thank you but no thank you ’ .
But this year , I decided to go for it .
Doing I ’ m A Celebrity is an adventure and definitely out of my comfort zone.
” The Strictly Come Dancing star will be taking on a bush tucker trial or two ( image - ITV ) .
The former Strictly Come Dancing star , the brother of Love Island star Curtis Pritchard , joined the BBC ’ s flagship entertainment show in 2016 , when he was paired with Olympic gymnast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the seventh series of Britain ’ s Got Talent in 2013 , along with his partner Chloe Hewitt , and reached the semi-finals .
His later Strictly pairings were with The Saturdays singer Mollie King , British Paralympian Lauren Steadman and YouTube star Saffron Barker .
He had been confirmed to star in the 2020 professional line-up but announced earlier this year that he was leaving the show to pursue a presenting career .
He said : “ I am unbelievably competitive and whatever the challenge is , I will go for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
“ I really appreciate life and I never take anything for granted .
I will be trying to come back with all the stars every single time and if I don ’ t , I think I will be disappointed.
” The Paralympic gold medallist and F46 javelin thrower was the youngest member of the Great Britain athletics team at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing , when she was 14 years .
Arnold , who has a congenital limb deficiency , took up the sport aged 11 at Cleethorpes Athletics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gold medal at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro with a world record throw of 43.01 metres .
She said : “ I don ’ t want it to be about my disability .
Yes I have a missing arm and I am in the Paralympics but I want to show people nothing stops me and it shouldn ’ t stop anyone else either .
“ I hope by going on the programme , it inspires people .
I want people to look and see that I am scared but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here !
begins on ITV on November 15 .

Sir Mo Farah, Jessica Plummer and Vernon Kay are among the stars who have signed up to brave the bush-tucker trials this year.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic the show will be fimed in the UK for the first time ever, taking place at Gwrych Castle in Wales rather than the Australian jungle.
The series, hosted by Ant and Dec, begins on ITV this Sunday November 15.
Here’s a look at the celebrity contestants:
– Sir Mo Farah, 37
The Olympic gold medalist is joining the jungle (image - ITV).
The long-distance runner is the most successful British track athlete in modern Olympic Games history.
He played a starring role in the London 2012 Olympics and won the gold medal in both the 5,000m and 10,000m at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
He was knighted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2017.
Asked if he will feel under enormous pressure to do well in the trials, he said: “I think there will be a lot of pressure but hopefully it should be good.
“I know the eating trials involve yucky stuff but you just have to hold
your nose and crack on.”
– Jessica Plummer, 28
Eastenders actress Jessican Plummer heads to Wales for the show (image - ITV).
The singer-turned-actress joined EastEnders in March 2019 as Chantelle Atkins and made headlines as her character was subjected to long-term mental and physical abuse at the hands of her husband, Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith).
The storyline eventually ended in tragedy as Chantelle died at the hands of her husband.
Before joining the soap, Plummer was a member of the British girl group Neon Jungle.
She said: “I have got all the phobias. When my friends see me too, they are going to say ‘what the hell? This doesn’t make sense.”
“But I keep having to tell myself that it is good to face your fears.”
– Vernon Kay, 46
The TV presenter and former BBC Radio 1 DJ first found fame as the presenter of Channel 4’s weekend magazine show T4.
Since then Kay, who is married to Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly, has hosted shows including All Star Family Fortunes, Beat The Star and Splash!, The Whole 19 Yards, Home For The Holidays, Let’s Get Gold and 1000 Heartbeats.
He also presented his own BBC Radio 1 show between 2004 and 2012.
He said: “Mainly I am doing it for my daughters, Phoebe and Amber.
“It’s a show they watch on a regular basis and they get behind the people in the camp. I think the fact I am involved in it will make it even more fun for them.
“And now it is approaching, they are so excited. Every time I talk about it, I get a double fist pump from them and they are thrilled to be involved.”
– Shane Richie, 56
Shane Richie is one of this years contestants (image - ITV).
The singer, presenter and comedian is best known for his portrayal of Alfie Moon in EastEnders.
He joined the soap in 2002 and has appeared on and off in Albert Square, as recently as 2019.
He also starred in the spin-off Redwater, about Alfie and his wife Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace.
He has also hosted game shows including Reflex, Win Your Wish List and Decimate and appeared in musicals including Grease and Scrooge: The Musical.
He said: “Six hundred calories a day is like a slice of cake on a Sunday. But I have got to go straight back in the West End to play a drag queen in a dress and so I will look great.
“To make the kids proud would be so nice. They were too young for the height of Alfie Moon and they have only seen daddy dressed as a drag queen.”
– Jordan North, 30
Radio 1 DJ Jordan North is heading to the Jungle (image - ITV).
The BBC Radio 1 DJ first presented on the station in 2014 and was one of the people who stood in for Matt Edmondson during September 2017.
He was announced as the new host for the Greatest Hits show on Sunday mornings in 2018 and recently took over the 11am-1pm weekend slot.
He also co-hosts the advice podcast Help I Sexted My Boss along with etiquette expert William Hanson.
He said: “I have got so many phobias and fears. I am worried I will let people down but I also want to give the trials my best go.
“I hope Radio 1 listeners will get behind me.”
– Victoria Derbyshire, 52
Broadcaster, Victoria Derbyshire is set to brave the wind and rain this year (image -ITV).
The BBC broadcaster presented her self-titled current affairs programme on BBC Two until earlier this year.
After it was leaked that the show would be axed, the journalist said she was “absolutely devastated”.
She has also presented Newsnight and BBC Panorama and is the regular host of BBC News at Nine on BBC One and the standard edition of BBC World News.
In August 2015 Derbyshire announced on Twitter that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and would be having a mastectomy.
She recorded video diaries about her cancer treatment which went viral and were viewed millions of times.
She said: “I will find it difficult not knowing what is going on in the news but there is nothing I can do about that.
“But it will be absolutely surreal. I keep up with the news minute by minute every day and suddenly there will be a void, but that is also quite thrilling because we will have to fill it by finding out about each other and working as a team. It will be a digital detox.”
– Giovanna Fletcher, 35
(Image - ITV)
The author and podcast host is best known for her parenting content, Happy Mum, Happy Baby, which is a hit non-fiction book and podcast, in which she interviews famous mothers including the Duchess of Cambridge.
She has also written novels Billy and Me, You’re the One That I Want, Dream a Little Dream and Always with Love.
Her brother is The Only Way Is Essex star Mario Falcone and she is married to McFly star Tom Fletcher, with whom she has sons Buzz, Buddy and Max.
She said: “Years ago we started doing a runner bean challenge which is based on I’m A Celebrity.
“It’s where we pretend we are doing an eating trial but actually we are eating our vegetables really fast. Challenges like this find a way of becoming part of the family dynamic and I can’t wait to do this.”
– Vernon Kay, 46
TV and radio personality Vernon Kay is heading to Wales (image - ITV).
The TV presenter and former BBC Radio 1 DJ first found fame as the presenter of Channel 4’s weekend magazine show T4.
Since then Kay, who is married to Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly, has hosted shows including All Star Family Fortunes, Beat The Star and Splash!, The Whole 19 Yards, Home For The Holidays, Let’s Get Gold and 1000 Heartbeats.
He also presented his own BBC Radio 1 show between 2004 and 2012.
He said: “Mainly I am doing it for my daughters, Phoebe and Amber.
“It’s a show they watch on a regular basis and they get behind the people in the camp. I think the fact I am involved in it will make it even more fun for them.
“And now it is approaching, they are so excited. Every time I talk about it, I get a double fist pump from them and they are thrilled to be involved.”
– Beverley Callard, 63
Best-known for playing Liz McDonald on Corrie, Beverley Callard will be heading into the jungle (image - ITV).
The soap star has played Coronation Street’s Liz McDonald on and off since 1989.
A fixture behind the bar of the Rovers Return, Liz has been at the centre of a number of dramatic storylines, including abuse, infidelity and kidnapping.
Before that she had made a brief appearance on the cobbles in 1984 as Gail and Brian Tilsley’s friend June Dewhurst.
Callard has also appeared in Emmerdale and played Flo Henshaw in Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps.
She said she has been asked many times before to take part in I’m A Celebrity, but decided to take the plunge after making the decision to leave the soap earlier this year.
She added: “I felt that after 31 years Liz had run her course. And normally, I would have said ‘thank you but no thank you’. But this year, I decided to go for it. Doing I’m A Celebrity is an adventure and definitely out of my comfort zone.”
– AJ Pritchard, 26
The Strictly Come Dancing star will be taking on a bush tucker trial or two (image - ITV).
The former Strictly Come Dancing star, the brother of Love Island star Curtis Pritchard, joined the BBC’s flagship entertainment show in 2016, when he was paired with Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane.
Before that he auditioned for the seventh series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2013, along with his partner Chloe Hewitt, and reached the semi-finals.
His later Strictly pairings were with The Saturdays singer Mollie King, British Paralympian Lauren Steadman and YouTube star Saffron Barker.
He had been confirmed to star in the 2020 professional line-up but announced earlier this year that he was leaving the show to pursue a presenting career.
He said: “I am unbelievably competitive and whatever the challenge is, I will go for it. I will give everything 110%.
“I really appreciate life and I never take anything for granted. I will be
trying to come back with all the stars every single time and if I don’t, I think I will be disappointed.”
– Hollie Arnold, 26
(Image - ITV)
The Paralympic gold medallist and F46 javelin thrower was the youngest member of the Great Britain athletics team at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, when she was 14 years.
Arnold, who has a congenital limb deficiency, took up the sport aged 11 at Cleethorpes Athletics Club in Grimsby.
She won her gold medal at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro with a world record throw of 43.01 metres.
She said: “I don’t want it to be about my disability. Yes I have a missing arm and I am in the Paralympics but I want to show people nothing stops me and it shouldn’t stop anyone else either.
“I hope by going on the programme, it inspires people. I want people to look and see that I am scared but I am giving it a go.”
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! begins on ITV on November 15.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-09--Driving during lockdown could invalidate your car insurance

Drivers across England are being warned that driving during lockdown could invalidate their insurance .
With England currently being under lockdown until December 2 , people are being told to stay at home and only leave for specific reasons .
The Government has published 32 pages of regulations including exceptions to the general stay-at-home message .
Specific reasons include education , for recreational purposes or to buy food and other essential items .
People being found to have left their home for any illegitimate reason could be fined £200 by the police .
If you have an accident while you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your car insurance policy won ’ t cover the damage and you could end up paying thousands of pounds for repairs .
Florence Codjoe , of website Uswitch.com , said : “ You could end up paying thousands for repairs .
`` If you ’ re unsure about cover during lockdown speak to your insurer for clarification.
” She also warned drivers not to cancel insurance unless they have off-street parking , as it 's illegal to park on the road without it - reports Mirror Online .
Specialist motoring lawyer Nick Freeman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celeb clients facing driving charges , said : “ Essential travel is largely defined as shopping for necessities , picking up medical supplies , caring for a vulnerable person and getting to and from work if you can not do so from home .
`` Anything else is not really acceptable .
If you have an accident and can ’ t prove your journey was essential your insurance may be void.
” John Neill , of Castle Insurance Services , said : “ If it ’ s a non-essential journey and being used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there may be grounds for an insurer to reject a claim.
” If you ’ re unsure about cover during the lockdown period then speak to your insurer for clarification .

With England currently being under lockdown until December 2, people are being told to stay at home and only leave for specific reasons.
The Government has published 32 pages of regulations including exceptions to the general stay-at-home message.
Specific reasons include education, for recreational purposes or to buy food and other essential items.
People being found to have left their home for any illegitimate reason could be fined £200 by the police.
Previously, a motoring lawyer had warned drivers that their insurance could be 'void' if they took unnecessary journeys during the lockdown period.
But official advice from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) on motoring issues during the pandemic says: "During lockdown the Government has advised against all but essential travel.
"Motor insurers continue to cover those using their vehicle for commuting to work and NHS volunteering without you having to first tell them.
"You should follow Government restrictions, but if you do use your car for non-essential travel, you will not risk invalidating your car insurance.”
If you’re unsure about cover during the lockdown period then speak to your insurer for clarification.
Motoring lawyer Nick Freeman, known as Mr Loophole for helping celeb clients facing driving charges, previously said: “Essential travel is largely defined as shopping for necessities, picking up medical supplies, caring for a vulnerable person and getting to and from work if you cannot do so from home.
"Anything else is not really acceptable. If you have an accident and can’t prove your journey was essential your insurance may be void.”
This warning was also echoed by website USwitch and insurance company Castle, but disputed by the ABI.
A reminder has also been issued to drivers that even if they are not using their car during the lockdown period, they should refrain from cancelling their policy if their car isn't kept on private land as it is illegal to leave an uninsured car on a road.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-09--Kidderminster Harriers 'legend' behind the club's famous pies has died

A BUSINESSMAN best known for feeding hungry fans at Kidderminster Harriers Football Club , has died after battling an illness .
Lifelong Harriers supporter Brian Murdoch provided the much-loved match day food at the club for 55 years , serving up his famous pies and Aggborough soup .
Mr Murdoch died on Saturday , November 7 at Russell 's Hall Hospital in Dudley , at the age of 81 .
His pies were fan favourites at the club and regularly topped the BBC 's Price of Football survey for being the most expensive in the country .
Mr Murdoch had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Murdoch ’ s Wine Bar and an outside catering business .
On Twitter , Kidderminster Harriers posted : `` It is with great sadness that Kidderminster Harriers have learned of the passing of Brian Murdoch , the heart of food at Aggborough Stadium for almost 60 years . ''
Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the late Harriers legend .
One user Tweeted : `` Very sad news .
The food ’ s an integral part of the Aggborough experience & one of the reasons why many an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Go to any other stadium these days & the food offering isn ’ t a patch on what ’ s offered by the Murdoch ’ s .
`` A sad day , but I hope his legacy lives on . ''
One fan on Facebook said : `` Your pies will always be part of Aggborough 's history and hopefully will continue to be .
A football cuisine legend .
RIP Brian . ''
Mr Murdoch is survived by his wife Joan , four children and 11 grandchildren .
His family have asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funeral arrangements will be announced shortly in accordance with the current government guidelines .

Lifelong Harriers supporter Brian Murdoch provided the much-loved match day food at the club for 55 years, serving up his famous pies and Aggborough soup.
Mr Murdoch died on Saturday, November 7 at Russell's Hall Hospital in Dudley, at the age of 81.
His pies were fan favourites at the club and regularly topped the BBC's Price of Football survey for being the most expensive in the country.
Mr Murdoch had various other business ventures over the years, including Murdoch’s Wine Bar and an outside catering business.
On Twitter, Kidderminster Harriers posted: "It is with great sadness that Kidderminster Harriers have learned of the passing of Brian Murdoch, the heart of food at Aggborough Stadium for almost 60 years."
Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the late Harriers legend. One user Tweeted: "Very sad news. The food’s an integral part of the Aggborough experience & one of the reasons why many an away fan enjoy their visit.
"Go to any other stadium these days & the food offering isn’t a patch on what’s offered by the Murdoch’s.
"A sad day, but I hope his legacy lives on."
One fan on Facebook said: "Your pies will always be part of Aggborough's history and hopefully will continue to be. A football cuisine legend. RIP Brian."
Mr Murdoch is survived by his wife Joan, four children and 11 grandchildren.
His family have asked for privacy at this time and say funeral arrangements will be announced shortly in accordance with the current government guidelines.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-09--Best mince pies 2020 - Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury’s

Tesco , Asda , Aldi , Lidl or Sainsbury ’ s - which major supermarket has the best mince pies ?
We ’ ve tried them all so you don ’ t have to .
With Christmas fast approaching all of the major supermarkets have started introducing their festive food ranges .
Some of the yuletide treats on offer this year are a little odd , like these M & S yumnuts , but the traditional mince pie will forever be a festive favourite .
We have independently blind-tasted these five major supermarket ’ s mince pies , scoring points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quality of pastry .
Given a score out of five for each of the main criteria , the judging panel awarded just one supermarket the golden crown of ‘ best supermarket mince pie 2020 ’ .
Our panel of three people , my lovely housemates , ranked each of the products with a score out of five ( five being the highest and one being the lowest ) , to find out which of the sweet treats was closest to the the grand total of 45 points .
Tesco describes their finest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ packed with a delicious mix of plump vine fruits , Napoleon glacé cherries , festive spices and citrus peel ’ .
The filling is infused with Cognac , French brandy and port which is meant to give the pies a deeper flavour .
Out of a possible 15 the Tesco Finest mince pies scored nine points in each category across the board for taste , texture and pastry .
Scoring a total of 27 out of a possible 45 points , these Tesco Finest mince pies weren ’ t all bad with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for both taste and texture .
Next up we had the standard mince pie from Sainsbury ’ s , at the lower end of the budget they fared well against the critics .
The all butter shortcrust pastry was a real winner for one of our panel members , who awarded them 13 out of a possible 15 points and giving them the highest marks of five for taste .
Overall , out of a possible 45 points across the panel , Sainsbury ’ s mince pies were given 30 points for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mince pies out of the lot , Aldi ’ s Specially Selected range wowed the judges who awarded them a total of 34 points .
Aldi ’ s all butter shortcrust pastry cases are filled with a luxury mincemeat and sweetened dried cranberries which have been infused with brandy .
These mince pies were described as ‘ delicious ’ and the judges even went back for seconds after the tasting panel had finished .
Christmassy in flavour , epitomising this time of year in a taste , the mince pies have perfectly flaky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another Aldi offering , this time we have the budget mince pies coming in at just 79p - but how well do they really compete against the rest ?
On the packaging front these mince-pies weren ’ t as inspiring in design and opted for a more traditional pared-back approach to the boxes .
But , for 79p you really can ’ t argue and they ’ ve been approved by Good Housekeeping .
The 'soft and sweet filling ' was praised by one of our panellists with Aldi 's 79p mine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a possible 15 the Aldi mince pies scored 10 points for taste , eight for texture and seven for pastry .
Being the cheapest mince pies on the block Aldi pastry ’ s got an impressive score of 25 , beating Asda ’ s budget range .
The penultimate mince pies in this supermarket face-off are these from Asda , costing just 87p .
Making the results even more shocking , the judging panel had no idea that these mince pies have been highly commended by Christmas Q 2020 .
The second cheapest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it was only fair to see how this budget treat fared against the rest - could it really hold its own ?
Unfortunately , the Asda mince pie came in at the bottom of the pile and was the worst rated by our panel of judges .
Scoring eight for taste , eight for texture and just six for pastry out of a possible 45 points - the Asda mince pie pulled in just 22 points .
Last but by no means least are Lidl ’ s Deluxe all-butter mince pies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , were these mince pies really any better than the competitor ’ s budget ones ?
Described by our judges as having a ‘ very intense ’ flavour these mince pies pulled in just 23 points , being marked down for taste and texture .
Scores on the doors - here are our judge ’ s favourites : Across the board the premium mince pies have been infused with alcohol and have a deeper level of taste and spice in comparison to their cheaper opponents .
If you have a sweeter tooth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps opt for one of the more budget-friendly mince pies .
If you ’ ve tried any of these mince pies , let us know if you agree with the judges in the comments below .

With Christmas fast approaching all of the major supermarkets have started introducing their festive food ranges.
Some of the yuletide treats on offer this year are a little odd, like these M&S yumnuts, but the traditional mince pie will forever be a festive favourite.
We have independently blind-tasted these five major supermarket’s mince pies, scoring points based on overall taste, texture and the quality of pastry.
Given a score out of five for each of the main criteria, the judging panel awarded just one supermarket the golden crown of ‘best supermarket mince pie 2020’.
Our panel of three people, my lovely housemates, ranked each of the products with a score out of five (five being the highest and one being the lowest), to find out which of the sweet treats was closest to the the grand total of 45 points.
Tesco Finest - £1.75
Tesco describes their finest mince pie as ‘rich crumbly pastry packed with a delicious mix of plump vine fruits, Napoleon glacé cherries, festive spices and citrus peel’.
The filling is infused with Cognac, French brandy and port which is meant to give the pies a deeper flavour.
Out of a possible 15 the Tesco Finest mince pies scored nine points in each category across the board for taste, texture and pastry.
Scoring a total of 27 out of a possible 45 points, these Tesco Finest mince pies weren’t all bad with the other two blind tasters scoring them highly for both taste and texture.
Sainsbury’s - £1.00
Next up we had the standard mince pie from Sainsbury’s, at the lower end of the budget they fared well against the critics.
The all butter shortcrust pastry was a real winner for one of our panel members, who awarded them 13 out of a possible 15 points and giving them the highest marks of five for taste.
Overall, out of a possible 45 points across the panel, Sainsbury’s mince pies were given 30 points for their bargain Christmas favourite.
Aldi Specially Selected - £1.49
The second-most expensive mince pies out of the lot, Aldi’s Specially Selected range wowed the judges who awarded them a total of 34 points.
Aldi’s all butter shortcrust pastry cases are filled with a luxury mincemeat and sweetened dried cranberries which have been infused with brandy.
These mince pies were described as ‘delicious’ and the judges even went back for seconds after the tasting panel had finished.
Christmassy in flavour, epitomising this time of year in a taste, the mince pies have perfectly flaky pastry and a strong, indulgent flavour.
Aldi - 79p
Another Aldi offering, this time we have the budget mince pies coming in at just 79p - but how well do they really compete against the rest?
On the packaging front these mince-pies weren’t as inspiring in design and opted for a more traditional pared-back approach to the boxes.
But, for 79p you really can’t argue and they’ve been approved by Good Housekeeping.
The 'soft and sweet filling' was praised by one of our panellists with Aldi's 79p mine pie being their favourite.
Out of a possible 15 the Aldi mince pies scored 10 points for taste, eight for texture and seven for pastry.
Being the cheapest mince pies on the block Aldi pastry’s got an impressive score of 25, beating Asda’s budget range.
Asda - 87p
The penultimate mince pies in this supermarket face-off are these from Asda, costing just 87p.
Making the results even more shocking, the judging panel had no idea that these mince pies have been highly commended by Christmas Q 2020.
The second cheapest and perhaps incomparable to the premium options, it was only fair to see how this budget treat fared against the rest - could it really hold its own?
Unfortunately, the Asda mince pie came in at the bottom of the pile and was the worst rated by our panel of judges.
Scoring eight for taste, eight for texture and just six for pastry out of a possible 45 points - the Asda mince pie pulled in just 22 points.
Lidl Deluxe - £1.49
Last but by no means least are Lidl’s Deluxe all-butter mince pies.
Also approved by the Good Housekeeping Institute, were these mince pies really any better than the competitor’s budget ones?
Described by our judges as having a ‘very intense’ flavour these mince pies pulled in just 23 points, being marked down for taste and texture.
Scores on the doors - here are our judge’s favourites:
First place - Aldi Specially Selected (34 points)
Second - Sainsbury’s (30 points)
Third - Tesco Finest (27 points)
Fourth - Aldi (25 points)
Fifth - Lidl Deluxe (23 points)
Sixth - Asda (22 points)
Across the board the premium mince pies have been infused with alcohol and have a deeper level of taste and spice in comparison to their cheaper opponents.
If you have a sweeter tooth and like a soft pastry that holds together perhaps opt for one of the more budget-friendly mince pies.
If you’ve tried any of these mince pies, let us know if you agree with the judges in the comments below.