kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-19--Perseid meteor shower: How to see it and when it will peak

The Perseid meteor shower is now visible in the skies across the UK for the next few weeks .
However the event , which kicks off in mid-July , won ’ t hit its ‘ peak ’ until a month later .
Once in full flow , the spectacular display could produce up to 100 ‘ shooting stars ’ an hour .
When is the shower set to peak ?
The shower is expected to peak on the night of Wednesday , August 12 , 2020 - though the evenings preceding and following that date will also offer excellent views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perseids are an annual meteor shower that peaks in August .
In 2020 , they technically take place between the dates of July 17 and August 24 .
The phenomenon is caused by debris from the tail of the Swift-Tuttle comet entering the Earth ’ s atmosphere and burning up , appearing as bright streaks of light crossing the sky .
The particles - which can be as small as a grain of sand - meet a fiery end after roughly a thousand years , as part of the comet ’ s dust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the point from which they appear , known as the radiant , lies in the constellation of Perseus .
When is the best time to see them ?
Although the shower peaks on August 12 , you ’ ll be able to see a number of shooting stars a couple of nights either side of that date .
Unfortunately , you may have to stay up late or set your alarm for an early start if you want to spot the best of the display .
The ideal time for meteor-spotting is when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 1am and the onset of dawn .
How regular will the meteors be ?
The Perseids are one of the more active meteor showers on stargazers ’ calendars , producing an average of between 60 and 100 shooting stars an hour at their peak .
The shower in 2017 ’ s was especially active , delivering up to 150 meteors an hour at its height .
While the shooting stars this year won ’ t be quite as regular , stargazers can still expect to see around 70 of them an hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the Perseids ?
Meteor showers are typically visible with the naked eye , so no special equipment is needed , but those in rural areas with minimal light pollution will have a clearer view .
Heading out to a dark spot is the best plan of action , but stargazers should allow around 20 minutes for their eyes to become accustomed to the dark .
Patience is also a virtue , with shooting stars tending to appear in clusters , followed by a lull .
The meteors will appear to come from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the north eastern part of the sky , although they should be visible from any point .
A cloudy night could still scupper your chances of spotting any meteors , however , so keep your eye on weather forecasts .

However the event, which kicks off in mid-July, won’t hit its ‘peak’ until a month later.
Once in full flow, the spectacular display could produce up to 100 ‘shooting stars’ an hour.
When is the shower set to peak?
The shower is expected to peak on the night of Wednesday, August 12, 2020 - though the evenings preceding and following that date will also offer excellent views.
What are the Perseids?
The Perseids are an annual meteor shower that peaks in August.
In 2020, they technically take place between the dates of July 17 and August 24.
The phenomenon is caused by debris from the tail of the Swift-Tuttle comet entering the Earth’s atmosphere and burning up, appearing as bright streaks of light crossing the sky.
The particles - which can be as small as a grain of sand - meet a fiery end after roughly a thousand years, as part of the comet’s dust cloud.
The Perseids are so-called because the point from which they appear, known as the radiant, lies in the constellation of Perseus.
When is the best time to see them?
Although the shower peaks on August 12, you’ll be able to see a number of shooting stars a couple of nights either side of that date.
Unfortunately, you may have to stay up late or set your alarm for an early start if you want to spot the best of the display.
The ideal time for meteor-spotting is when the sky is at its darkest - between 1am and the onset of dawn.
How regular will the meteors be?
The Perseids are one of the more active meteor showers on stargazers’ calendars, producing an average of between 60 and 100 shooting stars an hour at their peak.
The shower in 2017’s was especially active, delivering up to 150 meteors an hour at its height.
While the shooting stars this year won’t be quite as regular, stargazers can still expect to see around 70 of them an hour.
Do I need special equipment to see the Perseids?
Meteor showers are typically visible with the naked eye, so no special equipment is needed, but those in rural areas with minimal light pollution will have a clearer view.
Heading out to a dark spot is the best plan of action, but stargazers should allow around 20 minutes for their eyes to become accustomed to the dark.
Patience is also a virtue, with shooting stars tending to appear in clusters, followed by a lull.
The meteors will appear to come from the direction of the Perseus constellation in the north eastern part of the sky, although they should be visible from any point.
A cloudy night could still scupper your chances of spotting any meteors, however, so keep your eye on weather forecasts.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-20--Stourport students complete Race for Life from home

KIND-hearted staff and students from Stourport High School have raised more than £1,000 for Cancer Research UK by completing a virtual version of the charity ’ s Race for Life .
They set themselves individual challenges including distance running , walking , rowing , cycling and even roller skating .
PE teacher Vicki Maffei , who walked 50km in five days , said : “ We normally hold the race on the penultimate Friday of the summer term and were determined to still do something for the charity , even with the current Covid-19 restrictions .
“ Like all charities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much income because of the cancellation of fundraising events , which will impact on the search for more effective treatments for this dreadful disease.
” Challengers included year seven student Mia Westwood , who roller skated five times a day around a car park for 10 days , Richard Darkins , from year 10 , who ran 10km and Connie Court , from year seven , and her mum Nikki who completed an 87km bike ride .
Head of year 10 Andy Ames ran 5km for 10 days , PE teacher Claire Duffell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teacher Nikki Maclure completed five separate challenges including rowing 5000km , 50 minutes of pilates and a 5km run .
Mrs Maffei added : “ We ’ ve raised £1,062 and sponsorship money is still coming in .
I am so proud of all the staff , students and their families who have taken part and sponsored us.
” Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so at fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/stourport-high-school-virtual-race-for-life .

They set themselves individual challenges including distance running, walking, rowing, cycling and even roller skating.
PE teacher Vicki Maffei, who walked 50km in five days, said: “We normally hold the race on the penultimate Friday of the summer term and were determined to still do something for the charity, even with the current Covid-19 restrictions.
“Like all charities, Cancer Research UK has lost so much income because of the cancellation of fundraising events, which will impact on the search for more effective treatments for this dreadful disease.”
Challengers included year seven student Mia Westwood, who roller skated five times a day around a car park for 10 days, Richard Darkins, from year 10, who ran 10km and Connie Court, from year seven, and her mum Nikki who completed an 87km bike ride.
Head of year 10 Andy Ames ran 5km for 10 days, PE teacher Claire Duffell walked 100km in 10 days and music teacher Nikki Maclure completed five separate challenges including rowing 5000km, 50 minutes of pilates and a 5km run.
Mrs Maffei added: “We’ve raised £1,062 and sponsorship money is still coming in. I am so proud of all the staff, students and their families who have taken part and sponsored us.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so at fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/stourport-high-school-virtual-race-for-life.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-20--Kidderminster woman's shock as piece of plastic found in eye

A WOMAN from Kidderminster was shocked to find out a pain in her eye was being caused by a piece of plastic which had become embedded in her cornea .
Louise Bagnall , 54 , made an appointment with her local optician after experiencing eye pain during lockdown .
The 54-year-old had no idea the visit would help to uncover an alarming foreign body lodged in the front of her eyeball .
`` I was very concerned as my eyes are also my ears , '' says Louise , who is hearing impaired .
`` I ’ d already popped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drops and then went onto Specsavers . ''
An optician at the Kidderminster store , Jonathan Lee , performed an eye examination and found a piece of plastic had entered Louise 's eye and tucked itself into her cornea .
Louise told him how she had recently been fixing her hoover when a piece of plastic shattered in front of her face .
She had n't realised at the time that a shard of the plastic had made its way into her eye , but said she started to experience irritation and sensitivity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how serious the situation was , Jonathan immediately referred to Louise to Birmingham Medical Eye Centre ( BMEC ) .
Louise said : `` At BMEC , I was seen by a specialist who administered drops to numb my eye before using tweezers to remove the fragment , which was thought to be a piece of plastic .
`` I was also prescribed ointment to use for a week to help the healing process . ''
The next day , Louise visited Specsavers again for reassurance .
She said : `` I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were .
Now that more and more people are having to wear masks , it prevents my ability to lip read and makes it very difficult to communicate .
`` My hearing dog George is always a comfort to me , but it ’ s become even more beneficial to have him by my side to inform people that I ’ m deaf .
`` The staff at Specsavers fully understood my predicament and changed to shields when they were with me .
The irritation in my eye felt much better after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jonathan said : `` We ’ re pleased to hear that Louise is no longer experiencing any discomfort in her eye .
`` Cases like Louise ’ s highlight just how important eyesight is in everyday life .
If you experience change in vision or eye pain , it ’ s important to get it checked straight away by an optician . ''

Louise Bagnall, 54, made an appointment with her local optician after experiencing eye pain during lockdown. The 54-year-old had no idea the visit would help to uncover an alarming foreign body lodged in the front of her eyeball.
"I was very concerned as my eyes are also my ears," says Louise, who is hearing impaired. "I’d already popped to the chemist to buy some eye drops and then went onto Specsavers."
An optician at the Kidderminster store, Jonathan Lee, performed an eye examination and found a piece of plastic had entered Louise's eye and tucked itself into her cornea.
Louise told him how she had recently been fixing her hoover when a piece of plastic shattered in front of her face. She hadn't realised at the time that a shard of the plastic had made its way into her eye, but said she started to experience irritation and sensitivity to bright light shortly afterwards.
Realising how serious the situation was, Jonathan immediately referred to Louise to Birmingham Medical Eye Centre (BMEC).
Louise said: "At BMEC, I was seen by a specialist who administered drops to numb my eye before using tweezers to remove the fragment, which was thought to be a piece of plastic.
"I was also prescribed ointment to use for a week to help the healing process."
The next day, Louise visited Specsavers again for reassurance.
She said: "I can’t express how wonderful the staff were. Now that more and more people are having to wear masks, it prevents my ability to lip read and makes it very difficult to communicate.
"My hearing dog George is always a comfort to me, but it’s become even more beneficial to have him by my side to inform people that I’m deaf.
"The staff at Specsavers fully understood my predicament and changed to shields when they were with me. The irritation in my eye felt much better after a couple of days."
Specsavers optician Jonathan said: "We’re pleased to hear that Louise is no longer experiencing any discomfort in her eye.
"Cases like Louise’s highlight just how important eyesight is in everyday life. If you experience change in vision or eye pain, it’s important to get it checked straight away by an optician."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-20--Universal Credit: When and why housing payments will change

A number of changes involving Universal Credit are set to come into force .
Universal Credit can include a payment specifically designated for certain housing costs , which can help with rent payments to a private landlord , housing association or interest payments on a mortgage .
However , the rules for this are set to change in August 2020 .
Universal Credit claimants will , in some cases , be able to agree to have their housing costs paid directly to their landlords instead of to them personally .
This is done under the ‘ alternative payment arrangement ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments are paid on a four-weekly basis and the remaining Universal Credit payments are paid monthly , some people have said that this difference in payment dates can lead to difficulties for both parties .
When will the changes happen ?
In order to solve this problem , Neil Couling , the Universal Credit Director General , recently announced that payment changes would be coming in August .
Mr Couling wrote to colleagues on July 9 in order to give them an update on Universal Credit housing costs , stating : “ When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December , I set out our plans to start a small scale test with a group of Social Landlords to align the way that we pay Managed Payments to Landlords ( MPtL ) with a claimant ’ s Assessment Period .
“ We will begin rolling this feature out to all Portal landlords , commencing next month.
” This means that landlords will receive the housing cost element at the same time as their tenant receives their Universal Credit payment .
They will also be able to access payment information via the Landlord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place .
Mr Couling added : “ This should greatly improve your ability to manage payments and reconcile UC housing costs , helping you to support your tenants during this period.
” The letter also explained that the roll-out approach is currently being finalised , and that those it applies to will be contacted two weeks before their go-live date .
They will also then be issued with detailed guidance to help them use the new feature and obtain support , if needed .
How to apply for housing payments In order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can make a claim through your online Universal Credit account .
Housing support can be received even if the claimant does not have a permanent address , as the claimant can use the address of : • A hostel where they are staying You can use your local Jobcentre Plus address if you do not have any other address you can use .

Universal Credit can include a payment specifically designated for certain housing costs, which can help with rent payments to a private landlord, housing association or interest payments on a mortgage.
However, the rules for this are set to change in August 2020.
Why are housing payments changing?
Universal Credit claimants will, in some cases, be able to agree to have their housing costs paid directly to their landlords instead of to them personally. This is done under the ‘alternative payment arrangement’ system.
However, as the housing payments are paid on a four-weekly basis and the remaining Universal Credit payments are paid monthly, some people have said that this difference in payment dates can lead to difficulties for both parties.
When will the changes happen?
In order to solve this problem, Neil Couling, the Universal Credit Director General, recently announced that payment changes would be coming in August.
Mr Couling wrote to colleagues on July 9 in order to give them an update on Universal Credit housing costs, stating: “When I last wrote to you in late December, I set out our plans to start a small scale test with a group of Social Landlords to align the way that we pay Managed Payments to Landlords (MPtL) with a claimant’s Assessment Period.
“We will begin rolling this feature out to all Portal landlords, commencing next month.”
This means that landlords will receive the housing cost element at the same time as their tenant receives their Universal Credit payment. They will also be able to access payment information via the Landlord Portal, where a managed payment is in place.
Mr Couling added: “This should greatly improve your ability to manage payments and reconcile UC housing costs, helping you to support your tenants during this period.”
The letter also explained that the roll-out approach is currently being finalised, and that those it applies to will be contacted two weeks before their go-live date.
They will also then be issued with detailed guidance to help them use the new feature and obtain support, if needed.
How to apply for housing payments
In order to apply for housing payments, you can make a claim through your online Universal Credit account.
Housing support can be received even if the claimant does not have a permanent address, as the claimant can use the address of:
A hostel where they are staying
A family member or friend
You can use your local Jobcentre Plus address if you do not have any other address you can use.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-20--Application for new Kidderminster special school is approved

PLANS to open a new school for children with behavioural , social and emotional needs has taken a step forwards after a bid was approved by the government .
An application by the Rivers Church of England Academy Trust to build a 60-place primary school on the site of the old Sladen Middle School in Hurcott Road has been approved , meaning the trust can move forward with the project .
Councillor Marcus Hart , Worcestershire County Council ’ s cabinet member for education , said : “ We are really pleased that an application from the Rivers C of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing them to open an alternative provision free school in the Wyre Forest area .
`` The new school will allow us to continue the progress and improvements we are making , to help children across the county reach their full potential .
`` We look forward to extending our strong working relationship with The Rivers Trust , who already run 12 schools across the county . ''
The government announced on Sunday , July 19 that 3,000 new school places are to be created for children with special educational needs and disabilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 35 new special free schools are expected to be up and running from September 2022 .
The new Kidderminster school , which would be named the Unity Academy , is still subject to a full planning application being approved .
The school will be tailored to the individual needs of children and their families , offering a highly-personalised and alternative curriculum which will help prepare children to reintegrate back into mainstream schools .
Early plans for the Unity Academy were announced at the start of this year , and Wyre Forest was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provision due to the “ lack of capacity ” in the current system , “ deprivation ” in the area and the “ strong support ” shown for the plans by local headteachers .
The old Sladen Middle School was demolished in 2009 .

An application by the Rivers Church of England Academy Trust to build a 60-place primary school on the site of the old Sladen Middle School in Hurcott Road has been approved, meaning the trust can move forward with the project.
Councillor Marcus Hart, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for education, said: “We are really pleased that an application from the Rivers C of E Academy Trust has been approved, allowing them to open an alternative provision free school in the Wyre Forest area.
"The new school will allow us to continue the progress and improvements we are making, to help children across the county reach their full potential.
"We look forward to extending our strong working relationship with The Rivers Trust, who already run 12 schools across the county."
The government announced on Sunday, July 19 that 3,000 new school places are to be created for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Staffed by specially trained teachers, the 35 new special free schools are expected to be up and running from September 2022.
The new Kidderminster school, which would be named the Unity Academy, is still subject to a full planning application being approved.
The school will be tailored to the individual needs of children and their families, offering a highly-personalised and alternative curriculum which will help prepare children to reintegrate back into mainstream schools.
Early plans for the Unity Academy were announced at the start of this year, and Wyre Forest was identified as having a need for the provision due to the “lack of capacity” in the current system, “deprivation” in the area and the “strong support” shown for the plans by local headteachers.
The old Sladen Middle School was demolished in 2009.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-20--Kidderminster's Reel Cinema has closed permanently

KIDDERMINSTER 's only cinema has closed its doors permanently .
Reel Cinema has announced it will not be welcoming customers back to its Green Street venue after the coronavirus lockdown , after previously delaying its July reopening .
In an announcement to its `` valued customers '' on Facebook , Reel said : `` With a heavy heart we had to take the decision to not reopen Reel cinema Kidderminster and is now permanently closed .
`` We would like to say a huge thank you to all our customers .
we sincerely appreciate your kind support over the years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , seeing our local community grow and bringing you so many fantastic movies . ''
Reel is yet to divulge the reasons behind its decision to close the Kidderminster branch , as its other sites across the country are scheduled to reopen by July 31 .
The cinema had previously announced plans to reopen its Kidderminster site in July , but had to delay the opening at the start of the month after the release dates for Christopher Nolan 's Tenet and Disney 's Mulan were pushed back .
An announcement from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With no new movies to show you , we have made the reluctant decision to keep our doors closed for a while longer . ''
The Shuttle has approached Reel Cinemas for comment .

Reel Cinema has announced it will not be welcoming customers back to its Green Street venue after the coronavirus lockdown, after previously delaying its July reopening.
In an announcement to its "valued customers" on Facebook, Reel said: "With a heavy heart we had to take the decision to not reopen Reel cinema Kidderminster and is now permanently closed.
"We would like to say a huge thank you to all our customers. we sincerely appreciate your kind support over the years.
"We have thoroughly enjoyed serving you, seeing our local community grow and bringing you so many fantastic movies."
Reel is yet to divulge the reasons behind its decision to close the Kidderminster branch, as its other sites across the country are scheduled to reopen by July 31.
The cinema had previously announced plans to reopen its Kidderminster site in July, but had to delay the opening at the start of the month after the release dates for Christopher Nolan's Tenet and Disney's Mulan were pushed back.
An announcement from Reel on July 1 said: "With no new movies to show you, we have made the reluctant decision to keep our doors closed for a while longer."
The Shuttle has approached Reel Cinemas for comment.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-20--950 jobs at risk at Marks & Spencer

950 jobs at risk at Marks & Spencer

MARKS & Spencer has said 950 jobs are at risk as part of plans to reduce store management and head office roles .
The high street retailer , which has a store at Weavers Wharf in Kidderminster , said the proposals will help move the company to “ a leaner , faster retail management structure ” as it accelerates its transformation plan after being disrupted by the coronavirus lockdown .
M & S said it has now started collective consultation with employee representatives and has set out plans to first offer voluntary redundancy to affected staff .
It said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company ’ s head office , property and store management areas , although it has not said which stores will be affected .
Sacha Berendji , director of retail , operations and property at M & S , said : “ Our proposals reflect an important next step in our Never The Same Again programme to accelerate our transformation and become a stronger , leaner and more resilient business .
“ Through the crisis we have seen how we can work faster and more flexibly by empowering store teams and it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of working .
“ Our priority now is to support all those affected through the consultation process and beyond .
”

The high street retailer, which has a store at Weavers Wharf in Kidderminster, said the proposals will help move the company to “a leaner, faster retail management structure” as it accelerates its transformation plan after being disrupted by the coronavirus lockdown.
M&S said it has now started collective consultation with employee representatives and has set out plans to first offer voluntary redundancy to affected staff.
It said the cuts are set to impact roles in the company’s head office, property and store management areas, although it has not said which stores will be affected.
Sacha Berendji, director of retail, operations and property at M&S, said: “Our proposals reflect an important next step in our Never The Same Again programme to accelerate our transformation and become a stronger, leaner and more resilient business.
“Through the crisis we have seen how we can work faster and more flexibly by empowering store teams and it’s essential that we embed that way of working.
“Our priority now is to support all those affected through the consultation process and beyond.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-20--Kidderminster man pens book for people fed up with politics

A NEW author from Kidderminster has shared his ideas on how to improve the capitalist democratic system in his first book .
Christopher Morrall , who works in recruitment , penned The Capitalist Party Manifesto while travelling through Latin America and finding that people felt `` disconnected and discontented '' with politics and politicians around the world .
The 36-year-old said : `` I ’ ve always had an interest in politics since my university days and decided to write the book after noticing so many similarities where people are disconnected and discontented with politics and politicians around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt to change the system we have which is often the call of the far left , it would be better to improve the capitalist democratic system .
`` The book goes into depth into why capitalism and democracy is struggling at present , such as the prevalence of career politicians , lack of career background related to ministerial positions , revolving door politics and so on - and what we could do to make capitalism work . ''
The Capitalist Party Manifesto proposes a range of measures to change the capitalist system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , reducing reliance on career politicians by opening up politics to more people without a pre-determined interest to enter politics , and having a wider portion of the populace either running for office or working within the government by introducing a civic duty service similar to that of the jury system .
Christopher said : `` The book is small and affordable and can appeal to everybody , especially those fed up with politics .
`` I wanted a book that would appeal to Joe Public - not just those that work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the book on Amazon , click here .

Christopher Morrall, who works in recruitment, penned The Capitalist Party Manifesto while travelling through Latin America and finding that people felt "disconnected and discontented" with politics and politicians around the world.
The 36-year-old said: "I’ve always had an interest in politics since my university days and decided to write the book after noticing so many similarities where people are disconnected and discontented with politics and politicians around the world.
"I realised that rather than attempt to change the system we have which is often the call of the far left, it would be better to improve the capitalist democratic system.
"The book goes into depth into why capitalism and democracy is struggling at present, such as the prevalence of career politicians, lack of career background related to ministerial positions, revolving door politics and so on - and what we could do to make capitalism work."
The Capitalist Party Manifesto proposes a range of measures to change the capitalist system, including limiting political careers to 10 years, reducing reliance on career politicians by opening up politics to more people without a pre-determined interest to enter politics, and having a wider portion of the populace either running for office or working within the government by introducing a civic duty service similar to that of the jury system.
Christopher said: "The book is small and affordable and can appeal to everybody, especially those fed up with politics.
"I wanted a book that would appeal to Joe Public - not just those that work or follow politics."
To buy the book on Amazon, click here.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-20--Kidderminster nursery sends care packages to armed forces

PAINTINGS , drawings and cards were created by children at a Kidderminster nursery to be included in personal care packages destined for members of the armed forces serving overseas .
Little Trinity Nursery began making the care packages because a parent of one of its pupils is currently serving in the Middle East .
Nursery manager Gaynor Carter said : “ We have a child in nursery whose father is in the armed forces and currently serving in the Middle East until the end of September so we thought it would be wonderful if we could do something to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many men and women serving our country and spending long periods of time away from their loved ones .
“ We decided we would love to send care packages and invited our parents to donate items of toiletries and snacks and encouraged all our children , those in nursery and at home , to make pictures and cards with a message of thanks so that they could be included.
” The care packages , which are the size of a shoe box , were filled with donated items and handmade pictures created by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collected for transportation on Friday , July 17 .
Gaynor added : “ Thank you to all our mums , dads and children for their generosity and for showing these brave and courageous men and women that they are valued , and they all have our support .
”

Little Trinity Nursery began making the care packages because a parent of one of its pupils is currently serving in the Middle East.
Nursery manager Gaynor Carter said: “We have a child in nursery whose father is in the armed forces and currently serving in the Middle East until the end of September so we thought it would be wonderful if we could do something to show our appreciation and support for all the many men and women serving our country and spending long periods of time away from their loved ones.
“We decided we would love to send care packages and invited our parents to donate items of toiletries and snacks and encouraged all our children, those in nursery and at home, to make pictures and cards with a message of thanks so that they could be included.”
The care packages, which are the size of a shoe box, were filled with donated items and handmade pictures created by the children, before being wrapped and collected for transportation on Friday, July 17.
Gaynor added: “Thank you to all our mums, dads and children for their generosity and for showing these brave and courageous men and women that they are valued, and they all have our support.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-20--Covid-19: Oxford University vaccine is 'safe and induces immune reaction'

The Covid-19 vaccine being developed at the University of Oxford is 'safe and induces an immune reaction ' - findings of the first phases of the study suggest .
Here 's everything we know so far .
What have the University of Oxford said ?
The findings on the Oxford vaccine trial were published in medical journal - The Lancet .
Professor Sarah Gilbert , of the University of Oxford , said : “ There is still much work to be done before we can confirm if our vaccine will help manage the Covid-19 pandemic , but these early results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing to test our vaccine in phase-three trials , we need to learn more about the virus – for example , we still do not know how strong an immune response we need to provoke to effectively protect against Sars-Cov-2 infection .
“ If our vaccine is effective , it is a promising option as these types of vaccine can be manufactured at large scale .
“ A successful vaccine against Sars-Cov-2 could be used to prevent infection , disease and death in the whole population , with high-risk populations such as hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccination.
” What has the reaction been to the news ?
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said : “ Today ’ s results are extremely encouraging , taking us one step closer to finding a successful vaccine to protect millions in the UK and across the world .
“ Backed by £84 million Government investment for the vaccine ’ s development and manufacture , the agility and speed with which the University of Oxford have been working is outstanding .
“ I am very proud of what they have achieved so far.
” Kate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vaccine Taskforce added : “ The UK is fortunate to have such outstanding academic innovators working alongside the highly experienced global team at AstraZeneca .
“ This partnership is working at exceptional speed to demonstrate the safety and clinical effectiveness of the chadox vaccine in protecting people against COVID-19 infection .
”

Here's everything we know so far.
What have the University of Oxford said?
The findings on the Oxford vaccine trial were published in medical journal - The Lancet.
Professor Sarah Gilbert, of the University of Oxford, said: “There is still much work to be done before we can confirm if our vaccine will help manage the Covid-19 pandemic, but these early results hold promise.
“As well as continuing to test our vaccine in phase-three trials, we need to learn more about the virus – for example, we still do not know how strong an immune response we need to provoke to effectively protect against Sars-Cov-2 infection.
“If our vaccine is effective, it is a promising option as these types of vaccine can be manufactured at large scale.
“A successful vaccine against Sars-Cov-2 could be used to prevent infection, disease and death in the whole population, with high-risk populations such as hospital workers and older adults prioritised to receive vaccination.”
What has the reaction been to the news?
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: “Today’s results are extremely encouraging, taking us one step closer to finding a successful vaccine to protect millions in the UK and across the world.
“Backed by £84 million Government investment for the vaccine’s development and manufacture, the agility and speed with which the University of Oxford have been working is outstanding.
“I am very proud of what they have achieved so far.”
Kate Bingham, chair of the UK's Vaccine Taskforce added: “The UK is fortunate to have such outstanding academic innovators working alongside the highly experienced global team at AstraZeneca.
“This partnership is working at exceptional speed to demonstrate the safety and clinical effectiveness of the chadox vaccine in protecting people against COVID-19 infection.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-21--West Midland Safari Park says goodbye to young white rhino

THE first white rhino born at West Midland Safari Park in 10 years has left Bewdley for a new life in Germany .
While the park was closed for three months due to the coronavirus lockdown , staff at West Midland Safari Park were busy behind the scenes organising Ecozu 's transfer as part of a white rhino breeding programme .
The Park is home to a `` crash '' of southern white rhinos , which are part of a European Endangered Species Programme .
This is a collaboration between hundreds of European zoos to ensure the long-term survival of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ecozu was the first of his species born at the park in 10 years .
The male calf has since enjoyed four years at the Midlands attraction , but on Wednesday , July 15 , staff said an emotional farewell to the cheeky youngster as he left the park for a new life at a safari park in Germany .
Ecozu was born at West Midland Safari Park in 2016 Lisa Watkins , head keeper of ungulates , said “ Ekozu was our first rhino born since his dad , 10 years previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team .
`` We will miss his cheeky ways and his morning greetings for a fuss , but we are really pleased he is going to Serengeti Park , where we are sure he will feel right at home .
“ Ekozu will be greatly missed by the team who have watched him grow and taken exceptional care of him since he was born .
`` His departure comes after a great deal of planning and a collaboration between European zoos , working towards the same goal of conserving these amazing animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a hit with the female rhinos and will eventually sire his own family.
” Ecozu left the park for a new life in Germany on Wednesday The birth and move of Ekozu have been particularly important for Sarah Smith , the park ’ s veterinary nurse , who has taken part in some key research and co-authored an important paper on the parturition ( the act of giving birth ) of rhinos in zoological settings .
The paper ’ s author , Dr Robert Hermes , is a veterinarian researcher at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berlin and has worked closely with the park with several of their species , as an internationally recognised expert of wildlife reproduction .
Sarah said : “ Breeding overall is exceptionally important for the future of the rhino as a species , not only to increase numbers , but to also protect the breeding females alongside recognising and understanding any difficulties they may face during the whole process of pregnancy and parturition .
The young white rhino had lived at West Midland Safari Park for four years “ This research has helped us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and given us an insight into how best to deal with them .
`` We are extremely lucky to have a successful breeding programme and are grateful to be able to work closely with Robert Hermes and his team to be part of the research and future of the species . ''
Another important collaboration West Midland Safari Park has been involved in , is a partnership with Save the Rhino International ( SRI ) , alongside other zoos , to raise a phenomenal £179,968 to support rhino conservation efforts across Africa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park held various fundraising activities for a particular project to support the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary , which is home to the only viable captive population of Sumatran rhinos in the world .
Crucial funds raised by SRI , the Park and other partners , helped build extra enclosures and improve facilities , doubling the space available to breed this critically endangered species ( fewer than 80 individuals remain ) , and ensuring the highest standards of care , to help grow the population of an animal that without action , could become extinct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once again open to guests , staff hope to continue their work with rhino conservation and guests can help by making a donation to any of the donation pots around site .

While the park was closed for three months due to the coronavirus lockdown, staff at West Midland Safari Park were busy behind the scenes organising Ecozu's transfer as part of a white rhino breeding programme.
The Park is home to a "crash" of southern white rhinos, which are part of a European Endangered Species Programme. This is a collaboration between hundreds of European zoos to ensure the long-term survival of endangered species.
In March 2016, Ecozu was the first of his species born at the park in 10 years. The male calf has since enjoyed four years at the Midlands attraction, but on Wednesday, July 15, staff said an emotional farewell to the cheeky youngster as he left the park for a new life at a safari park in Germany.
Ecozu was born at West Midland Safari Park in 2016
Lisa Watkins, head keeper of ungulates, said “Ekozu was our first rhino born since his dad, 10 years previously, so he is particularly special to the team.
"We will miss his cheeky ways and his morning greetings for a fuss, but we are really pleased he is going to Serengeti Park, where we are sure he will feel right at home.
“Ekozu will be greatly missed by the team who have watched him grow and taken exceptional care of him since he was born.
"His departure comes after a great deal of planning and a collaboration between European zoos, working towards the same goal of conserving these amazing animals.
"We hope that Ekozu will be a hit with the female rhinos and will eventually sire his own family.”
Ecozu left the park for a new life in Germany on Wednesday
The birth and move of Ekozu have been particularly important for Sarah Smith, the park’s veterinary nurse, who has taken part in some key research and co-authored an important paper on the parturition (the act of giving birth) of rhinos in zoological settings.
The paper’s author, Dr Robert Hermes, is a veterinarian researcher at the Leibniz-Institute of Zoo and Wildlife Research in Berlin and has worked closely with the park with several of their species, as an internationally recognised expert of wildlife reproduction.
Sarah said: “Breeding overall is exceptionally important for the future of the rhino as a species, not only to increase numbers, but to also protect the breeding females alongside recognising and understanding any difficulties they may face during the whole process of pregnancy and parturition.
The young white rhino had lived at West Midland Safari Park for four years
“This research has helped us identify different situations that arise in varying cases and given us an insight into how best to deal with them.
"We are extremely lucky to have a successful breeding programme and are grateful to be able to work closely with Robert Hermes and his team to be part of the research and future of the species."
Another important collaboration West Midland Safari Park has been involved in, is a partnership with Save the Rhino International (SRI), alongside other zoos, to raise a phenomenal £179,968 to support rhino conservation efforts across Africa and Asia.
Last year, the park held various fundraising activities for a particular project to support the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, which is home to the only viable captive population of Sumatran rhinos in the world.
Crucial funds raised by SRI, the Park and other partners, helped build extra enclosures and improve facilities, doubling the space available to breed this critically endangered species (fewer than 80 individuals remain), and ensuring the highest standards of care, to help grow the population of an animal that without action, could become extinct.
Now West Midland Safari Park is once again open to guests, staff hope to continue their work with rhino conservation and guests can help by making a donation to any of the donation pots around site.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-21--Fans boost Kidderminster Harriers player budget

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers fans have raised more than £5,000 to boost manager Russ Penn ’ s playing budget .
The club launched its Boost the Budget Crowdfunder scheme earlier this year in a bid to increase manager Russ Penn 's player recruitment funds ahead of the new season .
With two weeks to go until the fundraiser draws to a close , £5,000 has been donated by 80 Harriers fans in exchange for a unique range of rewards and experiences .
Penn said : `` There ’ s a tremendous feel-good factor around the place at the minute and the fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I ’ ve said before that , where this kind of thing is concerned , every bit does help .
`` I know some people have donated larger sums and some have thrown in £5 or £10 .
Every donation is really appreciated by everybody .
“ The fans know I will do everything I can to reward their generosity with results this season , and any support they can keep on giving us in the next couple of weeks will be absolutely massive for us.
” It is hoped that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stadium soon , with the government and the FA advice suggesting the new season might begin in September .
Fans looking to donate to the fundraiser can visit harriers.co.uk/boostthebudget .

The club launched its Boost the Budget Crowdfunder scheme earlier this year in a bid to increase manager Russ Penn's player recruitment funds ahead of the new season.
With two weeks to go until the fundraiser draws to a close, £5,000 has been donated by 80 Harriers fans in exchange for a unique range of rewards and experiences.
Penn said: "There’s a tremendous feel-good factor around the place at the minute and the fans are playing a real part in that.
"I’ve said before that, where this kind of thing is concerned, every bit does help.
"I know some people have donated larger sums and some have thrown in £5 or £10. Every donation is really appreciated by everybody.
“The fans know I will do everything I can to reward their generosity with results this season, and any support they can keep on giving us in the next couple of weeks will be absolutely massive for us.”
It is hoped that live football will be returning to Aggborough Stadium soon, with the government and the FA advice suggesting the new season might begin in September.
Fans looking to donate to the fundraiser can visit harriers.co.uk/boostthebudget.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-21--Kidderminster sports bar reopens after lockdown refurb

STAFF at a Kidderminster sports bar took advantage of the coronavirus lockdown to carry out a refurbishment which has seen the venue kitted out with new equipment .
During its 16-week closure , 8 Ball and Arrows in Green Street underwent an £8,000 revamp including three new pool tables , a match play table , two new dart boards , two card tables and an entertainment area .
The Green Street sports bar has been kitted out with new games equipment The Green Street bar has also been repainted and its women 's toilets expanded and revamped , plus a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General manager Marie Osborne said : `` It 's been a lot of work in 16 weeks .
`` The whole bar has been redecorated and we 've opened up the two rooms so there 's a lot more space and everything has been updated .
8 Ball and Arrows in Kidderminster has undergone an £8,000 refurbishment '' We did try to do the refurb just before the lockdown , but because we were still open it was just impossible , so in some ways this lockdown was a blessing because it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of work that we probably would n't have been able to do otherwise . ''
Customers are advised to book in advance to guarantee a table , however walk-ins are also accepted .
The women 's toilets at 8 Ball and Arrows have been refurbished Social distancing measures have been installed , including hand sanitiser stations , spaced out tables and new signage .
Search 8 Ball and Arrows on Facebook for more information .

During its 16-week closure, 8 Ball and Arrows in Green Street underwent an £8,000 revamp including three new pool tables, a match play table, two new dart boards, two card tables and an entertainment area.
The Green Street sports bar has been kitted out with new games equipment
The Green Street bar has also been repainted and its women's toilets expanded and revamped, plus a semi-roof installed in the smoking area.
General manager Marie Osborne said: "It's been a lot of work in 16 weeks.
"The whole bar has been redecorated and we've opened up the two rooms so there's a lot more space and everything has been updated.
8 Ball and Arrows in Kidderminster has undergone an £8,000 refurbishment
"We did try to do the refurb just before the lockdown, but because we were still open it was just impossible, so in some ways this lockdown was a blessing because it has allowed us to carry out a lot of work that we probably wouldn't have been able to do otherwise."
Customers are advised to book in advance to guarantee a table, however walk-ins are also accepted.
The women's toilets at 8 Ball and Arrows have been refurbished
Social distancing measures have been installed, including hand sanitiser stations, spaced out tables and new signage.
Search 8 Ball and Arrows on Facebook for more information.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-21--Petition for nature square on Kidderminster Crown House site

NEARLY 500 people have signed a petition calling for the former Crown House site in Kidderminster to be turned into a green space - instead of another council-run car park .
The residents are backing calls for a `` nature square '' in place of the demolished office building in the Bull Ring , featuring trees , foliage , bird baths , solar lighting , benches , art , a water feature and picnic area .
Wyre Forest District Council is currently developing the space into a temporary car park while it waits on the result of a funding bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stourport resident Nikki Moore , 28 , who launched the Change.org petition , said : `` I 've been noticing a lot of discussion about the Crown House site on Facebook and a lot of people are unhappy about another car park being built in the town .
`` Kidderminster is turning into a concrete jungle .
It 's already looking like a sad town as it is , we need a bit of happiness and colour .
`` I walk past on my way to work and Kidderminster has hardly any shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons to visit the town .
`` There are enough car parks as it is and they are all over-charged and under-used .
Another one would be a complete waste of money .
• Application for new Kidderminster special school is approved '' The council is building a temporary car park while it decides what to do with the land , but why not save that money and go straight to the point and give the people of Kidderminster something they actually want ? ''
Nikki 's petition has so far attracted nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a local Kidderminster Gardens group .
`` This would definitely give people a reason to visit Kidderminster again , '' said Nikki , who works at B & Q in Kidderminster .
`` It could be gated and locked at night to keep it secure and would create a new meeting area for friends and family in the town centre .
`` We could even have a memorial in the square for people that have died from coronavirus . ''
Work to demolish the eyesore Crown House was completed in March .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early 1970s but had been empty for a number of years since the Post Office and emergency dental practice vacated in 2016 .
The eight-storey building was once rated among the top 10 ugliest buildings in Britain .
The old Crown House was once rated among the 10 ugliest buildings in Britain Councillor Fran Oborski , Wyre Forest District Council ’ s deputy leader and cabinet member for economic regeneration , planning and capital investment , said : “ We ’ re delighted Crown House has been demolished .
It took a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formal tenant , Telereal Trillium , to reach a successful agreement to demolish the site at no cost to the taxpayer .
“ We always believed that the removal of Crown House from the town centre landscape would be a major step forward .
`` The long-term future of the Crown House site is one of the proposals we have put forward for funding from the Government ’ s Future High Streets Fund .
`` A degree of patience will be required though and it will take some time before we are able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but in the meantime we want to make use of the space to help people park close to the town and easily access the shops and services that are available .
”

The residents are backing calls for a "nature square" in place of the demolished office building in the Bull Ring, featuring trees, foliage, bird baths, solar lighting, benches, art, a water feature and picnic area.
Wyre Forest District Council is currently developing the space into a temporary car park while it waits on the result of a funding bid towards long-term plans for the land.
Stourport resident Nikki Moore, 28, who launched the Change.org petition, said: "I've been noticing a lot of discussion about the Crown House site on Facebook and a lot of people are unhappy about another car park being built in the town.
"Kidderminster is turning into a concrete jungle. It's already looking like a sad town as it is, we need a bit of happiness and colour.
"I walk past on my way to work and Kidderminster has hardly any shops anymore so people are running out of reasons to visit the town.
"There are enough car parks as it is and they are all over-charged and under-used. Another one would be a complete waste of money.
Read more:
"The council is building a temporary car park while it decides what to do with the land, but why not save that money and go straight to the point and give the people of Kidderminster something they actually want?"
Nikki's petition has so far attracted nearly 450 signatures and gained the support of a local Kidderminster Gardens group.
"This would definitely give people a reason to visit Kidderminster again," said Nikki, who works at B&Q in Kidderminster. "It could be gated and locked at night to keep it secure and would create a new meeting area for friends and family in the town centre.
"We could even have a memorial in the square for people that have died from coronavirus."
Work to demolish the eyesore Crown House was completed in March. The old office building was built in the early 1970s but had been empty for a number of years since the Post Office and emergency dental practice vacated in 2016.
The eight-storey building was once rated among the top 10 ugliest buildings in Britain.
The old Crown House was once rated among the 10 ugliest buildings in Britain
Councillor Fran Oborski, Wyre Forest District Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economic regeneration, planning and capital investment, said: “We’re delighted Crown House has been demolished. It took a number of years for the council and its formal tenant, Telereal Trillium, to reach a successful agreement to demolish the site at no cost to the taxpayer.
“We always believed that the removal of Crown House from the town centre landscape would be a major step forward.
"The long-term future of the Crown House site is one of the proposals we have put forward for funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.
"A degree of patience will be required though and it will take some time before we are able to deliver a financially viable final vision but in the meantime we want to make use of the space to help people park close to the town and easily access the shops and services that are available.”
View the petition here.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-21--Up to 15 jobs to be lost as Kidderminster Reel cinema closes

BOSSES at Kidderminster 's Reel Cinema say the branch had been struggling for some time before its closure was announced this week .
The Green Street venue announced on Wednesday , July 20 it will not be reopening after the coronavirus lockdown .
In an announcement to its `` valued customers '' on Facebook , Reel said : `` With a heavy heart we had to take the decision to not reopen Reel cinema , Kidderminster and is now permanently closed .
`` We would like to say a huge thank you to all our customers .
we sincerely appreciate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have thoroughly enjoyed serving you , seeing our local community grow and bringing you so many fantastic movies . ''
Reel has since revealed to The Shuttle that the Kidderminster cinema had been `` struggling for viability for some time '' before the decision was made to close .
Property consultant Chris Morgan-Giles said : `` The site has been struggling for viability for some time and regrettably , the Covid situation has pushed it over the edge .
`` The additional costs incurred in reopening it under new regulations mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The cinema had previously announced plans to reopen its Kidderminster site in July , but had to delay the opening at the start of the month after the release dates for Christopher Nolan 's Tenet and Disney 's Mulan were pushed back - a factor Reel has said `` certainly did not help the situation '' .
Redundancy consultations are now under way with between 10 and 15 full and part-time staff .
Owners say they will be given the opportunity to apply for other positions in the company .
Reel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled to reopen by July 31 .

The Green Street venue announced on Wednesday, July 20 it will not be reopening after the coronavirus lockdown.
In an announcement to its "valued customers" on Facebook, Reel said: "With a heavy heart we had to take the decision to not reopen Reel cinema, Kidderminster and is now permanently closed.
"We would like to say a huge thank you to all our customers. we sincerely appreciate your kind support over the years.
"We have thoroughly enjoyed serving you, seeing our local community grow and bringing you so many fantastic movies."
Reel has since revealed to The Shuttle that the Kidderminster cinema had been "struggling for viability for some time" before the decision was made to close.
Property consultant Chris Morgan-Giles said: "The site has been struggling for viability for some time and regrettably, the Covid situation has pushed it over the edge.
"The additional costs incurred in reopening it under new regulations mean it was just not viable to reopen."
The cinema had previously announced plans to reopen its Kidderminster site in July, but had to delay the opening at the start of the month after the release dates for Christopher Nolan's Tenet and Disney's Mulan were pushed back - a factor Reel has said "certainly did not help the situation".
Redundancy consultations are now under way with between 10 and 15 full and part-time staff. Owners say they will be given the opportunity to apply for other positions in the company.
Reel's other branches across the country are scheduled to reopen by July 31.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-21--Club cricket returns with a new post-lockdown format

COMPETITIVE recreational cricket returned on Saturday after a long , enforced lay off due to the Coronavirus pandemic .
The season started with clubs recognising the enormous efforts and sacrifices made by our NHS staff and key workers with a minutes applause followed by taking the knee to show support for Black Lives Matter .
Due to the loss of over half of the season the structures of both the Birmingham & District League and Worcestershire County League have changed to a number of regional group-based competitions .
In Birmingham League Group Four , Kidderminster lost by 67 runs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barnards Green by 51 runs andHalesowen defeated Omberley by three wickets .
The Worcestershire League cup competition sees the 24 teams who made up the Premier Division and Division One divided in to four regional groups of six .
In Group A Old Hill , Oldswinford and Stourbridge Social and Lye for whom Waqas Ahmed posted a second innings 90 not out all started the season positively with wins in the new 80 over ( 40 overs a side ) win/lose format .
In Cup Group B Chris Ridings compiled a fine 91 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass the three hundred mark in their win at Feckenham , whilst Chaddesley Corbett and Astwood Bank also started the season with comfortable wins .
Brockhampton all-rounder Nick Powell took 4-15 in the first innings to dismiss visitors Colwall at the Parks which ultimately helped seal a tight two wicket win , whilst Old Elizabethans and Worcester Nomads also started with wins in Cup Group C. M Harris ( 85* ) laid the foundations for Bewdley who beat Hagley by 12 runs in Cup Group D. Droitwich Spa made the trip to Cookley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win and Stourport-on-Severn were the other team that started positively in the group as they chased down Ombersley 2nd XI 's first innings total for the loss of six wickets .
The Trophy Competition is structured the same way as the Cup with four regional groups of six teams made up of the original teams who would have contested Division Two and Division Three .
In Group A Troy Lee ( 75 ) helped Netherton post a first innings total that proved too many for visiting Enville to chase , Tom Genders ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a comfortable six wicket win at home to Himley 2nd XI and Hassan Akram ( 4-22 ) ensured Halesowen 2nd XI got off to a winning start against Harborne 3rd XI at Seth Somers Park Richard Pretty scored an excellent first innings century ( 103 ) and Sean Jenkins followed with 4-22 to help Himbleton seal victory against Barnt Green 2nd XI in Trophy Group B. Greg Chinn ( 100 ) also started with a century for Bromsgrove 2nd XI but a fine undefeated ( 99* ) in the second innings from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bank 2nd XI and in the other match Redditch 2nd XI fought back to share the spoils in what must have been a pulsating game at Avoncroft largely thanks to Daniel Protherough 's second innings haul of ( 5-27 ) which included the key wicket of home team opener Dan Elliot ( 106 ) who ’ s dismissal seemed to trigger a batting collapse as they lost the last eight wickets for just thirty-three runs to finish tied on 210 when it seemed victory was well within reach .
In Trophy Group C @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kempsey and Barnards Green 2nd XI who defeated Brockhampton 2nd XI by forty one runs despite a fine second innings ( 83 ) from Max Foster .
The other match in the group saw local rivals Bartestree & Lugwardine and Eastnor share the spoils as both were dismissed for 110 in a low scoring tied match dominated by the bowlers .
Andrew Kimberlin ( 140 ) and Phil Pountney ( 4-5 ) ensured Kidderminster started with a bang against Rushwick at Chester Road in Trophy Group D. Old Vigornians won the battle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a comfortable margin thanks to a second innings half century from Henry Armstrong ( 69 ) and Daniel Johnson cracked a quickfire first innings ( 77 ) to help Martley post a first innings that proved enough to overcome Worcester 2nd XI who fell short by 19 runs .
The Vase Competition is the title that Division Four and Five sides are chasing this season as the 24 teams that originally made up the two Divisions have again been split into four regional groups of six teams .
In Vase Group A Mohammed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a three wicket victory against Halesowen 3rd XI , Jawad Nazir ( 67 ) top scored for Netherton 2nd XI as they amassed a big first innings total which proved too many for Harborne 4th XI to chase down and Romsley & Hunnington cruised to an eight wicket victory at home to Coombs Wood 2nd XI .
Alvechurch & Hopwood got off to winning ways by beating Bromsgrove 3rd XI by two wickets at the Hedges Ground in Vase Group B .
Other winners in the Group were Droitwich Spa 2nd XI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight wickets at St. Peters Field and Five Ways Old Edwardians for whom Jonathan Bassett took ( 4-21 ) in the first innings and Usmaan Mahmood ( 75 ) scored a second innings half century to secure victory by seven wickets against Hagley 2nd XI at Hagley Park .
In Vase Group C Worcester Nomads 2nd XI made a winning start on the road against Colwall 2nd XI at Stowe Lane , West Malvern made the short trip to Hanley Castle & Upton and walked away with a three wicket win despite ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first innings for the home side and Christopher Holtom took ( 4-21 ) in the first innings for Pershore which helped restrict visitors Malvern to a total that the home team passed for the loss of four wickets .
Mohammed Jevaad Nazir ( 94 ) , Hassam Munir ( 4-22 ) and Muhammad Aqib ( 4-25 ) ensured Stourbridge 2nd XI started their Vase Group D campaign off with a twenty run win against Chaddesley Corbett 2nd XI at Longmore despite the best efforts of Amar Sodha ( 97 ) who fell just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the home side in the second innings .
Jamie Greenwood ( 4-22 ) returned excellent first innings figures for Claverley in their seven wicket win against Bewdley 2nd XI and Stourport-on-Severn 2nd XI began their campaign with a nineteen run win against Alveley .
All teams in their associated Competition Groups will play each other twice over the shortened season , ten matches per team .
All Group matches finish on Saturday 19th September with the four group winners in each Competition then progressing to a semi-final stage with the winners progressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The original twenty-four teams who made up Divisions Six and Seven will be playing for the Regional Shield .
In Group A Nick Kates ( 93 ) helped Belbroughton 2nd XI post a first innings target that proved too many for Pedmore 2nd XI to chase despite a valiant ( 95 ) from David Meehan , Ian Smith ( 62* ) guided Kidderminster 3rd XI to victory against visiting Himley 3rd XI at Chester Road and Oldswinford & Stourbridge Social 2nd XI beat Stourbridge 3rd XI by twenty runs at the Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led Birlingham 1st XI to a convincing nine wicket win against Harvington in Shield Group B. Cutnall Green also started with a win as they chased down Bromsgrove ’ s first inning total which was largely inspired by Mark Bilborough ( 90 ) to win by four wickets and Barnt Green 3rd XI beat Feckenham 2nd XI by ten wickets to get off to a flying start In Group C Edd Oliver ( 71* ) and Max Rowley ( 5-31 ) helped Bromyard 2nd XI beat local rivals Bartestree & Lugwardine 2nd XI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 ) and a late flurry helped Rushwick 2nd XI over the line against Old Vigornians 2nd XI , however performance of the day in the Group went to Tim Walsh ( 137 ) who ensured Burghill Tillington and Weobley 2nd XI started with a convincing win against Bredon 2nd XI for who Josh Arnett scored ( 76 ) .
Umar Ijaz ( 5-15 ) bamboozled Stourport-on-Severn 3rd XI in the second innings to help Claverley 2nd XI start positively in Group D , Enville 2nd XI produced an excellent team effort to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the match between Cleobury Mortimer 1st XI and Highley 1st XI are yet to be reported .
The Regional Plate Competition features the twenty-four teams who were originally positioned in Divisions 8 & 9 .
In Plate Group A Sam Preece ( 115 ) and Jonathan Preece ( 4-17 ) helped Halesowen 4th XI get the season off to a winning start as they overcame Romsley & Hunnington 2nd XI by a comfortable margin .
Himley 4th XI Captain Akil Kapasii ( 93 ) led from the front by guiding his team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2nd XI and the match between Old Halesonians and Harborne was abandoned due to travellers on the ground .
David Apperley ( 173 ) smashed the joint highest individual score of the day for Avoncroft 2nd XI in their victory over Alvechurch & Hopwood 2nd XI in Plate Group B. Himbleton 2nd XI also got off to a winning start by compiling an excellent first innings total that proved too many for Astwood Bank 4th XI to chase and Cookhill 1st XI completed the days win treble by dismissing Five Ways Old Edwardians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their first inning total .
In Plate Group C the three winning teams were Kempsey 2nd XI who beat Hanley Castle & Upton 2nd XI by six wickets at Plovers Rise despite a valiant ( 61 ) from James Webber in the first innings , Old Elizabethans 3rd XI who beat Worcester 3rd XI by 3 wickets in a tight game at Neel Park and West Malvern 2nd XI for whom Club Captain Kevin Gilbert ( 117* ) rolled back the years to score an excellent undefeated first innings century which led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In Plate Group D Tenbury Wells 1st XI started with a win against Droitwich Spa 3rd XI at Penlu .
Chris Harler ( 63 ) scored a first innings half century and Dan Millman ( 5-17 ) and Robert Bond ( 4-24 ) followed up in the second innings to ensure Stone 1st XI kept up with the pace as they defeated Chaddesley Corbett 3rd XI by a comfortable margin and Ombersley 3rd XI chased down Martley 2nd XIs first innings total thanks to an undefeated half century from Cameron Taylor ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winners .
The Regional Salver is the prize that teams in the original Division 10 & 11 are now playing for .
This competition sees three groups of 6 teams playing each other once over a five game season with the winners of the groups and the best runner up progressing to the semi-final stage with the winners contesting the final .
In Regional Salver Group A , Akram Farook ( 6-10 ) ensured Harborne 6th XI got off to a winning start by beating visitors Enville 3rd XI by thirty one runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first innings total that secured victory against Coombs Wood 3rd XI and Stourbridge 4th XI beat Oldswinford * Stourbridge Social by seven wickets to get their campaign off to a winning start .
In Salver Group B Kit Thornton ( 62* ) guided newcomers Buffalo Barnstormers to a comprehensive nine wicket win against Redditch Entaco 4th XI , Bewdley 3rd XI beat local rivals Stourport-on-Severn convincingly and Droitwich Spa 4th XI beat Belbroughton 3rd XI by nine wickets to post their first win of the season .
Robert Wilson ( 173 ) ensured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a winning start by steering his team to an unassailable first innings total against Malvern 2nd XI in Salver Group C. Sam Eastwood ( 4-36 ) ensured newcomers Bosbury 1st started with a win as they beat Worcester 4th XI by eight wickets at Norton Barracks and finally the match between Bromyard 3rd XI and Old Elizabethans 4th XI is yet to be reported .
The Division 12 Summer Division features two Groups of six teams .
Each team will play each other once in their respective groups with the two group winners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Summer Division Group A there were wins for Halesowen 5th XI who beat Himley 5th XI by 20 runs despite a fine effort from Joe Wright ( Under 12 ) who would have made his parents proud by scoring his maiden senior half century on his senior debut for the club .
Newcomers Cookhill 2nd XI started with a victory against Cookley 3rd XI for whom Russell Rhodes scored ( 101 ) and T Smith ( 79 ) helped Pedmore 3rd XI beat newcomers Barnt Green 4th XI in a tight game at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the star in Summer Division Group B as his excellent undefeated century helped Worcester Nomads 3rd XI gain victory against Pershore 4th XI .
Mark Notley ( 107* ) and Joe Tagg ( 105 ) led Bredon 3rd XI to a comfortable season opening win against Tenbury Wells 2nd XI and Harry Thompson ( 4-4 ) helped Rushwick 3rd XI seal their first victory of the season on the road against Eastnor 2nd XI .
All in all an excellent all-round start to the season saw seventy four matches contested in safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thanks of the WCL goes to all of its member clubs for the efforts made .

The season started with clubs recognising the enormous efforts and sacrifices made by our NHS staff and key workers with a minutes applause followed by taking the knee to show support for Black Lives Matter.
Due to the loss of over half of the season the structures of both the Birmingham & District League and Worcestershire County League have changed to a number of regional group-based competitions.
In Birmingham League Group Four, Kidderminster lost by 67 runs to Barnt Green, Bromsgrove were beaten by Barnards Green by 51 runs andHalesowen defeated Omberley by three wickets.
The Worcestershire League cup competition sees the 24 teams who made up the Premier Division and Division One divided in to four regional groups of six.
In Group A Old Hill, Oldswinford and Stourbridge Social and Lye for whom Waqas Ahmed posted a second innings 90 not out all started the season positively with wins in the new 80 over (40 overs a side) win/lose format.
In Cup Group B Chris Ridings compiled a fine 91 in the first innings to help Pershore pass the three hundred mark in their win at Feckenham, whilst Chaddesley Corbett and Astwood Bank also started the season with comfortable wins.
Brockhampton all-rounder Nick Powell took 4-15 in the first innings to dismiss visitors Colwall at the Parks which ultimately helped seal a tight two wicket win, whilst Old Elizabethans and Worcester Nomads also started with wins in Cup Group C.
M Harris (85*) laid the foundations for Bewdley who beat Hagley by 12 runs in Cup Group D. Droitwich Spa made the trip to Cookley and came away with a 20 run win and Stourport-on-Severn were the other team that started positively in the group as they chased down Ombersley 2nd XI's first innings total for the loss of six wickets.
The Trophy Competition is structured the same way as the Cup with four regional groups of six teams made up of the original teams who would have contested Division Two and Division Three.
In Group A Troy Lee (75) helped Netherton post a first innings total that proved too many for visiting Enville to chase, Tom Genders (72) guided Old Hill 2nd XI to a comfortable six wicket win at home to Himley 2nd XI and Hassan Akram (4-22) ensured Halesowen 2nd XI got off to a winning start against Harborne 3rd XI at Seth Somers Park
Richard Pretty scored an excellent first innings century (103) and Sean Jenkins followed with 4-22 to help Himbleton seal victory against Barnt Green 2nd XI in Trophy Group B. Greg Chinn (100) also started with a century for Bromsgrove 2nd XI but a fine undefeated (99*) in the second innings from Adam Warbrick stole the show for Astwood Bank 2nd XI and in the other match Redditch 2nd XI fought back to share the spoils in what must have been a pulsating game at Avoncroft largely thanks to Daniel Protherough's second innings haul of (5-27) which included the key wicket of home team opener Dan Elliot (106) who’s dismissal seemed to trigger a batting collapse as they lost the last eight wickets for just thirty-three runs to finish tied on 210 when it seemed victory was well within reach.
In Trophy Group C there were wins for Bredon who beat Kempsey and Barnards Green 2nd XI who defeated Brockhampton 2nd XI by forty one runs despite a fine second innings (83) from Max Foster. The other match in the group saw local rivals Bartestree & Lugwardine and Eastnor share the spoils as both were dismissed for 110 in a low scoring tied match dominated by the bowlers.
Andrew Kimberlin (140) and Phil Pountney (4-5) ensured Kidderminster started with a bang against Rushwick at Chester Road in Trophy Group D. Old Vigornians won the battle of Worcester against Old Elizabethans 2nd XI by a comfortable margin thanks to a second innings half century from Henry Armstrong (69) and Daniel Johnson cracked a quickfire first innings (77) to help Martley post a first innings that proved enough to overcome Worcester 2nd XI who fell short by 19 runs.
The Vase Competition is the title that Division Four and Five sides are chasing this season as the 24 teams that originally made up the two Divisions have again been split into four regional groups of six teams.
In Vase Group A Mohammed Husnain (75) steered Lye 2nd to a three wicket victory against Halesowen 3rd XI, Jawad Nazir (67) top scored for Netherton 2nd XI as they amassed a big first innings total which proved too many for Harborne 4th XI to chase down and Romsley & Hunnington cruised to an eight wicket victory at home to Coombs Wood 2nd XI.
Alvechurch & Hopwood got off to winning ways by beating Bromsgrove 3rd XI by two wickets at the Hedges Ground in Vase Group B. Other winners in the Group were Droitwich Spa 2nd XI who beat Astwood Bank 3rd XI by eight wickets at St. Peters Field and Five Ways Old Edwardians for whom Jonathan Bassett took (4-21) in the first innings and Usmaan Mahmood (75) scored a second innings half century to secure victory by seven wickets against Hagley 2nd XI at Hagley Park.
In Vase Group C Worcester Nomads 2nd XI made a winning start on the road against Colwall 2nd XI at Stowe Lane, West Malvern made the short trip to Hanley Castle & Upton and walked away with a three wicket win despite (75) from Alexander Woods in the first innings for the home side and Christopher Holtom took (4-21) in the first innings for Pershore which helped restrict visitors Malvern to a total that the home team passed for the loss of four wickets.
Mohammed Jevaad Nazir (94), Hassam Munir (4-22) and Muhammad Aqib (4-25) ensured Stourbridge 2nd XI started their Vase Group D campaign off with a twenty run win against Chaddesley Corbett 2nd XI at Longmore despite the best efforts of Amar Sodha (97) who fell just three runs short of a deserved century for the home side in the second innings. Jamie Greenwood (4-22) returned excellent first innings figures for Claverley in their seven wicket win against Bewdley 2nd XI and Stourport-on-Severn 2nd XI began their campaign with a nineteen run win against Alveley.
All teams in their associated Competition Groups will play each other twice over the shortened season, ten matches per team. All Group matches finish on Saturday 19th September with the four group winners in each Competition then progressing to a semi-final stage with the winners progressing to the final of their associated Competition.
Stuart Lampitt
The original twenty-four teams who made up Divisions Six and Seven will be playing for the Regional Shield.
In Group A Nick Kates (93) helped Belbroughton 2nd XI post a first innings target that proved too many for Pedmore 2nd XI to chase despite a valiant (95) from David Meehan, Ian Smith (62*) guided Kidderminster 3rd XI to victory against visiting Himley 3rd XI at Chester Road and Oldswinford & Stourbridge Social 2nd XI beat Stourbridge 3rd XI by twenty runs at the Green Field.
Sam Robinson (73*) led Birlingham 1st XI to a convincing nine wicket win against Harvington in Shield Group B. Cutnall Green also started with a win as they chased down Bromsgrove’s first inning total which was largely inspired by Mark Bilborough (90) to win by four wickets and Barnt Green 3rd XI beat Feckenham 2nd XI by ten wickets to get off to a flying start
In Group C Edd Oliver (71*) and Max Rowley (5-31) helped Bromyard 2nd XI beat local rivals Bartestree & Lugwardine 2nd XI by twenty runs , Dave Francis (50) and a late flurry helped Rushwick 2nd XI over the line against Old Vigornians 2nd XI, however performance of the day in the Group went to Tim Walsh (137) who ensured Burghill Tillington and Weobley 2nd XI started with a convincing win against Bredon 2nd XI for who Josh Arnett scored (76).
Umar Ijaz (5-15) bamboozled Stourport-on-Severn 3rd XI in the second innings to help Claverley 2nd XI start positively in Group D, Enville 2nd XI produced an excellent team effort to beat comprehensively and finally the summary scorecards from the match between Cleobury Mortimer 1st XI and Highley 1st XI are yet to be reported.
The Regional Plate Competition features the twenty-four teams who were originally positioned in Divisions 8 & 9.
In Plate Group A Sam Preece (115) and Jonathan Preece (4-17) helped Halesowen 4th XI get the season off to a winning start as they overcame Romsley & Hunnington 2nd XI by a comfortable margin. Himley 4th XI Captain Akil Kapasii (93) led from the front by guiding his team to a seven wicket win against Alveley 2nd XI and the match between Old Halesonians and Harborne was abandoned due to travellers on the ground.
David Apperley (173) smashed the joint highest individual score of the day for Avoncroft 2nd XI in their victory over Alvechurch & Hopwood 2nd XI in Plate Group B. Himbleton 2nd XI also got off to a winning start by compiling an excellent first innings total that proved too many for Astwood Bank 4th XI to chase and Cookhill 1st XI completed the days win treble by dismissing Five Ways Old Edwardians 2nd XI twenty five runs short of their first inning total.
In Plate Group C the three winning teams were Kempsey 2nd XI who beat Hanley Castle & Upton 2nd XI by six wickets at Plovers Rise despite a valiant (61) from James Webber in the first innings, Old Elizabethans 3rd XI who beat Worcester 3rd XI by 3 wickets in a tight game at Neel Park and West Malvern 2nd XI for whom Club Captain Kevin Gilbert (117*) rolled back the years to score an excellent undefeated first innings century which led to a convincing win against Evesham 1st XI.
In Plate Group D Tenbury Wells 1st XI started with a win against Droitwich Spa 3rd XI at Penlu. Chris Harler (63) scored a first innings half century and Dan Millman (5-17) and Robert Bond (4-24) followed up in the second innings to ensure Stone 1st XI kept up with the pace as they defeated Chaddesley Corbett 3rd XI by a comfortable margin and Ombersley 3rd XI chased down Martley 2nd XIs first innings total thanks to an undefeated half century from Cameron Taylor (50*) to complete the trio of winners.
The Regional Salver is the prize that teams in the original Division 10 & 11 are now playing for. This competition sees three groups of 6 teams playing each other once over a five game season with the winners of the groups and the best runner up progressing to the semi-final stage with the winners contesting the final.
In Regional Salver Group A, Akram Farook (6-10) ensured Harborne 6th XI got off to a winning start by beating visitors Enville 3rd XI by thirty one runs, Netherton 3rd XI scored a huge first innings total that secured victory against Coombs Wood 3rd XI and Stourbridge 4th XI beat Oldswinford * Stourbridge Social by seven wickets to get their campaign off to a winning start.
In Salver Group B Kit Thornton (62*) guided newcomers Buffalo Barnstormers to a comprehensive nine wicket win against Redditch Entaco 4th XI, Bewdley 3rd XI beat local rivals Stourport-on-Severn convincingly and Droitwich Spa 4th XI beat Belbroughton 3rd XI by nine wickets to post their first win of the season.
Robert Wilson (173) ensured Barnards Green 3rd XI got off to a winning start by steering his team to an unassailable first innings total against Malvern 2nd XI in Salver Group C. Sam Eastwood (4-36) ensured newcomers Bosbury 1st started with a win as they beat Worcester 4th XI by eight wickets at Norton Barracks and finally the match between Bromyard 3rd XI and Old Elizabethans 4th XI is yet to be reported.
The Division 12 Summer Division features two Groups of six teams. Each team will play each other once in their respective groups with the two group winners progressing to contest the Final.
In Summer Division Group A there were wins for Halesowen 5th XI who beat Himley 5th XI by 20 runs despite a fine effort from Joe Wright (Under 12) who would have made his parents proud by scoring his maiden senior half century on his senior debut for the club. Newcomers Cookhill 2nd XI started with a victory against Cookley 3rd XI for whom Russell Rhodes scored (101) and T Smith (79) helped Pedmore 3rd XI beat newcomers Barnt Green 4th XI in a tight game at Blakedown.
Sam Jones (160*) was the star in Summer Division Group B as his excellent undefeated century helped Worcester Nomads 3rd XI gain victory against Pershore 4th XI. Mark Notley (107*) and Joe Tagg (105) led Bredon 3rd XI to a comfortable season opening win against Tenbury Wells 2nd XI and Harry Thompson (4-4) helped Rushwick 3rd XI seal their first victory of the season on the road against Eastnor 2nd XI.
All in all an excellent all-round start to the season saw seventy four matches contested in safely controlled and well sanitised environments. The thanks of the WCL goes to all of its member clubs for the efforts made.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-22--Police in Kidderminster after concerns for man on top of car park

A ROAD was cordoned off by police in Kidderminster town centre after concerns were raised for the welfare of a @ @ @ @ @ multi-storey car park .
Blackwell Street was blocked off this morning ( Wednesday , July @ @ @ @ @ were at the scene from 8.30am .
Police and ambulance services attended and witnesses described @ @ @ @ @ top of the Swan Centre car park building .
Police were called to the scene @ @ @ @ @ Photographs sent to The Shuttle show at least three police officers at the scene outside @ @ @ @ @ park .
A spokesman for West Mercia Police said : `` We were called to @ @ @ @ @ a man at 8.30am today in Blackwell Street , Kidderminster .
`` He is safe @ @ @ @ @ '' For help and advice or for someone to talk to , contact the Samaritans @ @ @ @ @ 123 or email jo @ samaritans.org .

Blackwell Street was blocked off this morning (Wednesday, July 22) while emergency services were at the scene from 8.30am.
Police and ambulance services attended and witnesses described seeing a man stood on top of the Swan Centre car park building.
Police were called to the scene in Blackwell Street at 8.30am
Photographs sent to The Shuttle show at least three police officers at the scene outside the NCP shopping centre car park.
A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "We were called to a concern for safety of a man at 8.30am today in Blackwell Street, Kidderminster.
"Officers attended and a man was located.
"He is safe and with ambulance colleagues."
West Midlands Ambulance Service was approached for comment.
For help and advice or for someone to talk to, contact the Samaritans charity for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-22--Loyal British Legion chairman has died after cancer battle

A DEVOTED member of Cookley and Wolverley 's Royal British Legion for 30 years has died .
Clive Wallbank had served the branch in many roles over the last three decades , including as standard bearer , treasurer and most recently , up until his death , as chairman .
Alongside his wife Karen , Clive helped to raise several thousands of pounds over the years for the Poppy Appeal by organising Wolverley Carnival and holding daily bucket collections every November .
He was also the organiser behind Wolverley and Cookley 's annual Remembrance Day parades .
Clive was born @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life living in Kidderminster .
In his youth , he served in the Queen 's Own Hussars , driving tanks in Germany and Bovington from 1968 to 1971 , before being medically discharged .
He maintained a strong connection to the military throughout his life - through his service to the Royal British Legion and with annual visits to the Tank Museum at Bovington .
A father-of-one and grandfather to two , Clive passed away on July 8 , aged 71 , following a two-year battle with oesophageal cancer .
Paying tribute to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` He liked making model tanks in his spare time and anything to do with the British Legion , he loved .
He lived and breathed it .
`` He was a really happy guy , he would do anything for anybody .
No one had a bad word to say about him and he never had a bad word for anybody else .
`` He was a much-loved member of the community , living on Comberton estate for over 40 years .
`` He shall be very dearly missed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cookley and Wolverley Royal British Legion Branch . ''
A funeral will be held this Thursday .
Any donations in Clive 's memory will be split between Macmillan Cancer Support and the Royal British Legion .
Cheques should be made out to B Ince , of Bewdley , DY12 2DX .

Clive Wallbank had served the branch in many roles over the last three decades, including as standard bearer, treasurer and most recently, up until his death, as chairman.
Alongside his wife Karen, Clive helped to raise several thousands of pounds over the years for the Poppy Appeal by organising Wolverley Carnival and holding daily bucket collections every November.
He was also the organiser behind Wolverley and Cookley's annual Remembrance Day parades.
Clive was born in Birmingham but spent much of his life living in Kidderminster. In his youth, he served in the Queen's Own Hussars, driving tanks in Germany and Bovington from 1968 to 1971, before being medically discharged.
He maintained a strong connection to the military throughout his life - through his service to the Royal British Legion and with annual visits to the Tank Museum at Bovington.
A father-of-one and grandfather to two, Clive passed away on July 8, aged 71, following a two-year battle with oesophageal cancer.
Paying tribute to him, his daughter Felicity Harrison, said: "He liked making model tanks in his spare time and anything to do with the British Legion, he loved. He lived and breathed it.
"He was a really happy guy, he would do anything for anybody. No one had a bad word to say about him and he never had a bad word for anybody else.
"He was a much-loved member of the community, living on Comberton estate for over 40 years.
"He shall be very dearly missed by his family and friends and all of the Cookley and Wolverley Royal British Legion Branch."
A funeral will be held this Thursday. Any donations in Clive's memory will be split between Macmillan Cancer Support and the Royal British Legion. Cheques should be made out to B Ince, of Bewdley, DY12 2DX.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-22--Kidderminster splash pad to reopen but Bewdley pool's future uncertain

THE splash pad in Kidderminster 's Brinton Park will reopen tomorrow ( Thursday ) for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown .
Wyre Forest District Council is reopening the gates to its popular splash pad from 11am to 4pm daily after relaunching the district 's play areas on Saturday ( July 18 ) .
Leader of Wyre Forest District Council , Councillor Graham Ballinger , said : “ I ’ m delighted our splashpad in Brinton Park is reopening .
With the easing of the lockdown , our parks team has worked tirelessly to make sure our splashpad and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to .
“ If you are planning to visit please make sure you follow the government ’ s coronavirus guidelines , the rules we have put in place as well as taking home any litter to help us keep the district a safe , clean and green living environment.
” The council is asking all visitors to follow the government 's coronavirus guidelines and has introduced extra measures to ensure people 's safety - including two council officers being on site at all times .
Signs going up in the splash pad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following rules : • All children must be supervised by a responsible adult • Make sure you are social distancing • Bring your own hand sanitiser and make sure children use it before and after using the splash pad • The splash pad will be limited to a maximum of 12 persons at any time • During busy sessions , the splash pad will be limited to 20-minute sessions The district council has confirmed it will not be reopening its Northwood Lane paddling pool in Bewdley after a group set to take over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving the future of the pool in doubt .
Councillor John Thomas , cabinet member for operational services , said : “ We understand paddling pools are popular attractions in the district so we ’ ve been working closely with local town councils through our localism agenda to secure their future .
“ Plans were in place to transfer Northwood Lane paddling pool over to Bewdley Town Council .
`` The town council had made arrangements to give funding to a volunteer group , Friends of Northwood Lane , who were going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pool .
Unfortunately , the group has now folded leaving the future of the pool in doubt .
`` We will continue to work with Bewdley Town Council to hopefully find a positive resolution .
”

Wyre Forest District Council is reopening the gates to its popular splash pad from 11am to 4pm daily after relaunching the district's play areas on Saturday (July 18).
Leader of Wyre Forest District Council, Councillor Graham Ballinger, said: “I’m delighted our splashpad in Brinton Park is reopening. With the easing of the lockdown, our parks team has worked tirelessly to make sure our splashpad and play areas are safe for visitors to return to.
“If you are planning to visit please make sure you follow the government’s coronavirus guidelines, the rules we have put in place as well as taking home any litter to help us keep the district a safe, clean and green living environment.”
The council is asking all visitors to follow the government's coronavirus guidelines and has introduced extra measures to ensure people's safety - including two council officers being on site at all times.
Signs going up in the splash pad will ask visitors to abide by the following rules:
All children must be supervised by a responsible adult
Make sure you are social distancing
Bring your own hand sanitiser and make sure children use it before and after using the splash pad
The splash pad will be limited to a maximum of 12 persons at any time
During busy sessions, the splash pad will be limited to 20-minute sessions
The district council has also confirmed it will not be reopening its Northwood Lane paddling pool in Bewdley.
Councillor John Thomas, cabinet member for operational services, said: “We understand paddling pools are popular attractions in the district so we’ve been working closely with local town councils through our localism agenda to secure their future.
“Plans were in place to transfer Northwood Lane paddling pool over to Bewdley Town Council.
"The town council had made arrangements to give funding to a volunteer group, Friends of [Riverside North], who were going to take responsibility for the running of the pool. Unfortunately, the group has now folded leaving the future of the pool in doubt.
"We will continue to work with Bewdley Town Council to hopefully find a positive resolution.”
Gemma Robson, chairman of the Friends of Riverside North, denied the group had folded, and said plans to fund maintenance works to the pool had been placed on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Gemma said: "Discussions are ongoing between Wyre Forest District Council and Bewdley Town Council so we couldn’t offer our money or help with the pool because we didn’t know who would own it.
"The coronavirus pandemic has put everything on hold and to get the pool ready for this summer was just not possible, so unfortunately it will not be opening this year.
"Once discussions between the councils have concluded, we can then step in to help."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-22--Kidderminster recycling centre will finally reopen

AN open date has been announced for Kidderminster 's household recycling centre .
The Worcester Road tip will be the last of Worcestershire 's recycling centre to reopen from the coronavirus lockdown on Monday , July 27 .
Worcestershire County Council said in June there were `` particular challenges '' with reopening the Kidderminster centre due to the potential for queueing outside .
Councillor Tony Miller , Worcestershire County Council 's cabinet member for environment , said : “ I ’ m pleased that we are now in a position where we can re-open Kidderminster Household Recycling Centre .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to help ensure that people are able to use the site safely and so that we can keep the impact on local businesses and the local road network down to a minimum .
“ Please ensure that you make a booking and are aware of the current social distancing restrictions before visiting the site.
” A booking system will be in place on site to help minimise queuing and the impact this will have on the local businesses and surrounding roads .
Bookings must be made prior to visiting the site via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be made available to book from today .
Access to the site will not be permitted without a booking and no pedestrian access is allowed .
The site will be open from 8am to 5pm , with the last appointment available at 4.45pm .
Strict social distancing measures will be in place , meaning staff will not be able to provide assistance to visitors .
Those who are self-isolating or live with anyone showing Covid-19 symptoms must not visit any of the county 's tips .

The Worcester Road tip will be the last of Worcestershire's recycling centre to reopen from the coronavirus lockdown on Monday, July 27.
Worcestershire County Council said in June there were "particular challenges" with reopening the Kidderminster centre due to the potential for queueing outside.
Councillor Tony Miller, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for environment, said: “I’m pleased that we are now in a position where we can re-open Kidderminster Household Recycling Centre.
"The booking system has been put in place to help ensure that people are able to use the site safely and so that we can keep the impact on local businesses and the local road network down to a minimum.
“Please ensure that you make a booking and are aware of the current social distancing restrictions before visiting the site.”
A booking system will be in place on site to help minimise queuing and the impact this will have on the local businesses and surrounding roads.
Bookings must be made prior to visiting the site via the county council website and appointments will be made available to book from today.
Access to the site will not be permitted without a booking and no pedestrian access is allowed.
To book, visit worcestershire.gov.uk/directory_record/5377/kidderminster.
The site will be open from 8am to 5pm, with the last appointment available at 4.45pm.
Strict social distancing measures will be in place, meaning staff will not be able to provide assistance to visitors.
Those who are self-isolating or live with anyone showing Covid-19 symptoms must not visit any of the county's tips.