News of Redditch Through Local Newspapers

THROUGH LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

Taken from the Index of Newspaper Documents (2005 – 2016)

This Document……..

We have been researching the history of Redditch as reported in newspapers as events happened. We have collected together over 15,000 clips of such events and these have been organised into about 200 categories. Each of these documents reports the newspaper clips for that category in chronological sequence. At the start of each document is an index to the contents of that document.

This document represents the index for the ”Through Local Newspaper” document which gives an overall view by Local Newspapers of the years 2005 to 2016.

These documents have been created to enable those interested in researching, or just reading about Redditch history, and opportunity to see what topics have been included in the detailed documents, which, for copyright reasons, cannot be put on-line.

The detail documents are accessible off-line at shows, exhibitions and other events organised by the Redditch Local History Society.

Newspaper Titles - 2

News of Redditch

(Document 2005)

Contents

The Redditch Society –( January) 4

The Redditch Society –( February) 4

The Redditch Society – (February) 4

Redditch Society – (March) 5

Minister to help at church – (February) 6

Redi business plan is agreed – (March) 7

Site earmarked for holocaust memorial – (March) 7

The Redditch Society – (March) 8

New Stage School to open in Redditch – (April) 8

Shows provide a good send-off for theatre – (April) 9

Church to mark 60th VE day with remembrance service – (April) 10

The Redditch Society – (April) 10

Memorial in place – (April) 11

Wartime memories fondly recalled – (April) 12

Town plans are announced – (May) 13

Saying thanks as church reaches 150 – St Stephen’s Church – (July) 14

Dismay as town snubs VJ Day commemorations – (August) 15

Council vows to back lottery bid – (August) 16

Vicar opts to go back to school – (September) 17

Society set for exciting season – (September) 18 3

Delve into Palace’s rich history – (October) 19

Call for Mayor to apologise in schools debate – (October) 20

Nostalgic look at the war – (November) 21

Time capsule unearthed – (December) 22

Past is revealed by time capsule – (December) 23

Past is revealed by time capsule – (December) continued 24

Acknowledgements 25

News of Redditch

(Document 2006)

Contents

Good News Cheers the Alex Marchers – (January) 5

Sainsbury's gets the go-ahead to expand – (January) 6

Fears mount Alex services may face the axe – (February) 7

The Redditch Society – (February) 8

AT & T move threat stirs job fears - (March) 8

AT & T denies rumours of mass redundancies – (April) 9

Jack Straw visits Redditch – (April) 9

Bon Anniversaire – A celebration marking 50 years of friendship with the borough’s French twin was enjoyed by residents – (May) 10

Skatepark set to see top skills – (May) 11

Refit for Tesco - TESCO supermarket is moving to a higher level after building work to create a second floor started – (May) 12

Campaign is set to help churches – (June) 13

Campaign is set to help churches (June) continued 14

Organ extravaganza is a memorial – (June) 14

New church chaplain – St Stephen’s – (July) 15

25 years ago - July 24 1981 - DRY rot is threatening Redditch Parish Church and essential repair work must start immediately. 16

Singers scoop sponsor - ARROW Vale Singers have scooped another sponsor for their 30th Anniversary Concert in October – (August) 16

Redi Centre Courses starting in September – (August) 17

Society’s new head welcomes new faces – (September) 18

Society's opening night – (September) 18

Protest rally against possible service cuts at the Alex – (October) 19

Mayor to host charity concert – (October) 19

25 years ago - October 9, 1981 - THE finishing touches are being made to Church Green by the development corporation – (October) 20

Alex protesters mean business – (October) 21

Diary of Events (November) 24

Time to remember our fighting heroes – November 25

Pottery talk by Roadshow star – (November) 26

War dead honoured – (November) 27

Bordesley Historical Society – (November) 29

Abundance of well-known songs superbly performed – (November) 30

Royal reward for charity stalwart – (November) 31

Society offers invitation – (December) 32

Birthday concert - THE conductor of Redditch Choral Society celebrated her 80th birthday by leading a Christmas concert – (December) 32

Diary of Events - December 33

Gala joy for town - REDDITCH Swimming Club held their Diddy Gala at Droitwich, securing a safe third position behind Camphill and the hosts – (December) 34

Friends in bid to keep chaplains – (December) 35

Praying for a new vicar – St George’s Church – (December) 36

Redi Centre Achievements Remain High – (December) 37

Acknowledgements 38

News of Redditch

(Document 2007)

Contents

The Redditch Society – (January) 4

25 years ago - Feburary 11, 1982 4

Snowdrops on show – (February) 5

The Redditch Society – (March) 6

Redditch Music Society – (March) 7

Church marks slavery end – (March) 8

Redditch mourns devoted mayoress – (March) 8

Historic union – (April) 9

Church petitions against Alex cuts (April) 9

Fountain gets a spring spruce-up – (April) 10

50 years ago - April 26, 1957 12

100 years ago - April 27, 1907 12

‘Our Favourite Sings’ at St Luke’s – (May) 13

Society set for tour - (May) 13

Reduced hours at Alex baby unit – (June) 14

Warm welcome at church – (July) 15

Church celebrates with music – (August) 16

Event raises cash for flood damage – (August) 17

Talk to focus on Idle Women – (August) 18

The Redditch Society – (September) 19

Redditch Society –(November) 20

Broadway to the Palace for Jekyll – (November) 20

Society all set for spectacular show – (November) 21

Society to build on show success – (December) 22

Opposing views over new medical centre – (December) 23

The Redditch Society –( January 4th 2008) 23

The Redditch Society – (December) 24

Acknowledgements 25

News of Redditch

(Document 2008)

Contents

The Redditch Society – (February) 4

Daughter pays a nostalgic tribute – (February) 5

Just in the nick of time – (March) 6

On the cards – (March) 7

Award for top musical – (April) 8

National award for Jekyll and Hyde – (April) 9

Redditch Operatic society – Annual General Meeting – (May) 10

On Saturday, June 7, the third annual Redditch Green Fair will take place 11

Churches will mark Abbey’s anniversary – (June) 12

Lend a hand in Afghanistan – (July) 13

Going back in time – (July) 14

Demolition of Dingleside School gets under way – (September) 15

Redditch Society - (September) 16

Ice rink plan revealed to boost town centre – (October) 17

A trip down memory lane – (October) 18

Stage set for comedy musical – (October) 19

Services mark Remembrance – (November) 20

Fire sweeps through town centre restaurant – (November) 22

Fire brought town centre to standstill – (November) 23

War time memories – (November) 24

Cast impress in unfamiliar production – (November) 25

The Redditch Society – (November) 26

Have your say on town's future – (November) 26

Joy to visit – (November) 27

The Redditch Society – (December) 27

Acknowledgements 28

News of Redditch

(Document 2009)

Contents

News in brief – Space talk – (January) 4

Society’s talk – (February) 5

Celebrating 21 years of Redi Centre 5

Fears over centre’s future sparks calls – (March) 6

Village starts carnival fun – (April) 7

Redditch Operatic Society – Annual General Meeting – (April) 8

The Redditch Society – (April) 8

New Headless Cross church is named – (June) 9

Ready to stage a major celebration – (June) 10

Redditch MP's anger over power-sharing agreement – (July) 11

Double victory for green spaces in Redditch – (August) 12

Plans to transform St Stephen’s – (August) 12

Memories of Redditch Youth House needed for 40th anniversary – (September) 13

Generation gap to be bridged for Redditch Youth House anniversary – (October) 14

Enthusiastic response to Headless Cross Green renovation plans – (October) 15

Row erupts over Smith petition – (October) 16

Stage set for comedy musical – (October) 17

Community orchard work starts in Headless Cross – (November) 18

Redditch Operatic Society celebrates 50th anniversary with The Hot Mikado – (November) 19

Moving tributes but dismay at poor turnout – (November) 20

The Redditch Society – (December) 21

Christmas as it used to be – (December) 22

Jack sows beans for panto season – (December) 23

Acknowledgements 24

News of Redditch

(Document 2010)

Contents

Have your say on plans for new Headless Cross community centre – (January) 4

Concert hits the right notes – (January) 5

Weekend of snowdrops and celebration at Beoley church – (February) 6

Redditch church could be forced to close – (March) 7

Town urged to support soldiers – (March) 8

Head fears the impact of closing St George’s – (March) 9

NEW College pulls out of REDI Centre negotiations as funding cuts loom – (March) 10

Thousands turn out to witness our troops receive Freedom of Borough – (March) 11

First tree planted at new Headless Cross community orchard – (March) 12

Golden shows – (May) 13

Your town and your memories – (May) 14

Redditch church appeal – (May) 15

Ring road revamp to be part of town overhaul – (May) 15

D-Day for Redi Centre – (July) 16

Campaigners believe vote to close centre was foregone conclusion – (August) 17

Redi Centre fight is taken to the top – (August) 18

Final Nail in the Redi Centre’s coffin – (August) 19

First published Tuesday 10 August 2010 in News 19

A new president – (August) 20

Beoley church throws its door open for event – (September) 21

Church Hill redevelopment gets the green light – (September) 22

Putting our history on show – (October) 23

Disney musical comes to Redditch for the first time – (November) 24

Favourite brought to life by a fine cast – November) 25

The Redditch Society – (December) 26

One of the best perfomances ever – (December) 26

A snap shot of life in the snow – (December) 27

Acknowledgements 28

News of Redditch

(2011)

Contents

Society gears up for 2011 opener – (January) 6

Crematorium heat to keep pool warm – (January) 7

The Redditch Society – (January) 8

Framework in place as £5.8m Abbey Stadium starts taking shape – (February) 8

Residents call for homes plan change – (February) 9

Restoration is key to locks – (February) 10

Stalwart councillor set to stand down – (February) 11

Lodge Park Pool is given a makeover – (March) 12

A great story and captivating music – (March) 13

The Redditch Society – (March) 14

Palace fare prompts a call to act – (March) 15

History in minature – (March) 16

Elderly will not get to church – (March) 17

Brockhill group lodge homes objection – (April) 17

Thousands back radiotherapy bid – (April) 18

Madcap legend Freddie Starr is set to thrill – (April) 19

Redditch Society – (April) 20

A1 Business Park – (April) 21

Brownies mark 50th birthday – (April) 22

The Town’s tree population has been boosted – (April) 22

A very English flavour to mark St George’s Day – (April) 23

Villagers step up fight to block new road – (April) 24

Palm trees removed from Centre – (April) 25

Town centre set for patriotic day – (April) 26

New 99p store is set to enjoy a ‘royal’ opening – (April) 27

Top BMX riders in town – (April) 28

Patriotic parade – (April) 29

Farm attractions prove popular – (April) 29

Crowds turn out to honour St George – (April) 30

Aychbourn comedy is the next on offer – (April) 30

Royal Wedding Special – (May) 31

A Final Opportunity to hear the sound of the magnificent organ at 32

St George’s Church – (May) 32

Dry weather leads to a series of fire – (May) 33

The Redditch Society – (May) 33

Improving first impressions – (May) 34

Henry Cooper remembered – (May) 35

Palace set to host top comedy duo – (May) 36

Green light for homes set to be agreed – (May) 37

Green light for homes set to be agreed – (May) continued 38

Prisoners help transform historical beauty spot – (May) 39

Dry spell is putting new orchard at risk – (May) 40

Top trio to raise laughs at Palace – Leslie stars in murder mystery – (May) 41

The Redditch Society – (May) 41

A Damning Report has highlighted a catalogue of failures in the treatment of elderly people at the town’s Alexandra Hospital – (May) 42

A Damning Report – (May)continued 43 16

Brockhill expansion proposals are rejected – (May) 44

Woodrow Library is safe but others may be ‘community –run’ - (May) 45

New Mayor is set to relish the role – (May) 46

Nursery drama as car hits building – (June) 47

Tuffers spins in to sample mosaics – (June) 48

Hospital failings: answers needed – (June) 49

Countryside Centre gets a major revamp – (June) 50

Children’s ward to move in shake-up? – (June) 51

The arrival of a third Tesco store in the town could be the final nail in the coffin for family owned businesses in Batchley – (June) 52

Uplifting tale from the war years – (July) 53

Jobs lost as coach firm is closed – (July) 54

Town set to lose a popular store – (July) 55

Supermarket plans to extend – (July) 56

Kingfisher centre on market for £150m – (July) 57

Governor: We’ll go from strength to strength – (July) 58

School appeals for historic photos – (July) 58

Parks win national recognition – (July) 59

Railway Inn is up for sale – (July) 60

Get set for the digital switchover – (August) 61

Green belt homes decision delayed – (August) 61

Former MP denies abuse of scheme – (August) 62

TV show star gets panto role – (September) 63

Season offers a varied programme – (September) 64

Boss fears for jobs as homes approved – (September) 65

Centre may have a buyer – (September) 66 17

Celebration event in Headless Cross orchard – (September) 67

Royal visitor delights staff on tour of base – (September) 68

Making the move from soap to stage – (September) 69

Palace set to stage Guys and Dolls – (September) 69

A life on the stage – (September) 70

Exciting plans for regenerated Church Hill centre are approved – (October) 71

Celebration at town centre church – (October) 72

Green issues and Youth House to be discussed at Transition Redditch event – (October) 73

Team vicar is revealed – (October) 74

The Redditch Society – (October) 75

Redditch Society – (October) 75

Hospital celebrates 25th anniversary – (October) 76

Sainsbury’s bid gets green light – (November) 77

Classic musical is a first for town group – (November) 78

The Redditch Society – (November) 79

So much has changed in the last 100 years – (November) 80

So much has changed in the last 100 years – (November) continued 81

Tribute to history society stalwart – (November) 81

600 homes earmarked for Webheath – (November) 82

MP visits troops to assess progress – (November) 83

The Redditch Society – (December) 84

Library hours face axe in review – (December) 85

New Book captures town’s changing face – (December) 86

New Book captures town’s changing face – (December) continued 87

Acknowledgements 88

News of Redditch

(Document 2012)

Contents

The Redditch Society – (January) 7

Servant of the town dies at 86 – (January) 8

Last chance for pool – (January) 9

Kingfisher in the top 20 in the country – (January) 10

New store offers cashback – (January) 11

First community ambulance station revealed – (January) 12

Special Feature – (January) 13

Special Feature – (January) continued 14

Unique housing project begins – (February) 15

Town on shortlist of 12 to be involved in Portas Pilot scheme (February) 16

Revamped Abbey Stadium – Delight all round as £6.5m centre opens its doors – (February) 17

KFC cooks up second store bid – (February) 18

Council to build homes after gap of 30 years – (February) 19

Perfect platform for another top swimmer – (February) 20

Perfect platform for another top swimmer – (February) continued 21

Changes planned at roundabout – (March) 21

£1million to spruce up Church Hill – (March0 22

Abbey restoration gets underway – (March) 23

The searching goes on – (March) 24

Torch Relay will not star town runners – (March) 25

Campaign to block bandstand move – (March) 26

Paralympic hopeful to carry Olympic Torch – (March) 27

Ambitious Plans unveiled for Countryside Centre – (March) 28

Festival will be bigger and better – (March) 29

Petrol scare fuels panic buying – (March) 30

Drama as fire strikes again – (March) 31

£2m takeaway gets green light – (March) 32

Town housing scheme could go nationwide – (April) 33

The Redditch Society – (April) 34

May Fayre on Headless Cross Green – (April) 35

St George's Church in Redditch to be shut – (April) 36

Church to close but it will not be demolished – (April) 37

Storm winds and rain leave trail of destruction – (May) 38

New owner eyes Kingfisher changes – (May) 39

Wave the flag to set riders on their way – (May) 40

Soldier gets royal medal honour – (May) 41

Supermarket hope for centre owners – (May) 42

Fans of Gilbert and Sullivan – (May) 43

Ambulance closure part of overhaul – (May) 44

Duke of Kent visits Abbey Stadium – (May) 45

Town enjoys the wheel thing – (May) 46

Advert for Humphries shoe shop but the year it celebrated 150 years – (May) 47

Proud new Mayor relishing the role – (May) 48

Two hundred reasons to celebrate at Crabbs Cross Methodist Church – (May) 49

60 Glorious Years of the Queen – (June) 50

We don’t want you here E.D.L. – (June) 51

We’ll be back – says bike race boss – (June) 52

Towns miss out on £100,000 after Portas Pilot bids rejected – (June) 53

Historic bandstand set to stay put – (June) 54

Tributes are paid to former town mayor – (June) 55

Thousands sign Alex petition – (June) 56

Old town is the focus of new Portas cash bid – (June) 57

Follow the flame – (June) 58

Wall collapses in storm flood chaos – (June) 59

Vue’s takeover of town cinema under scrutiny – (June) 60

Olympic Torch Relay in Redditch a huge success – (July) 61

Paralympic hopeful’s amazing experience – (July) 63

Thousands in town for an historic day – (July) 64

KFC are set to open another store in town – (July) 65

Towns miss out on Portas bids – (July) 66

Politicians unite to save the Alex – (July) 67

Three Redditch parks secure prestigious Green Flag Award – (July) 67

Pair star in Olympic extravaganza – (August) 68

Campaigners to fight new home plan – (August) 69

Save the Alex – 1,500 march for the Alex – (August) 70

New hope for Redditch Youth House – (August) 71

Talks for all types – (September) 72

Three years of paralysing road works due to end – (September) 73

Road works currently in Crabbs Cross 73

Alex plans on ice as the debate goes on – (September) 75

Hundreds say no to Webheath – (September) 76

Extra work to sort out town cemetery – (September) 77

Hundreds take trip down memory lane – (September) 77

Town centre set for traffic changes – (September) 78

Taylor-made to open music suite – (September) 79

Operatic society’s production a real family affair – (September) 80

There is plenty of a-peel for families – (October) 81

Group calls for support as it battles to save Redditch Youth House from demolition – (October) 82

Trust chiefs to examine alternative options – (October) 83

Crowds flock to see top riders – (October) 84

Crowds flock to see top riders – (October) 85

The Redditch Society – (October) 86

Nursery marks its 25th birthday – Little Bears – (October) 87

Vue’s takeover approved – (October) 88

Take a road trip you'll remember – (October) 89

The Redditch Society – (November) 90

Schools and road hit as floods strike – (November) 91

Time to tell the soldiers’ stories – (November) 92

Crabbs Cross Methodist Church – (November) 93

Car park will be closed in preparation for Church Hill centre redevelopment – (November) 94

Residents are rescued as floods cause chaos – (November) 95

Santa on his sleigh in town – (December) 96

Coming Soon? – (December) 97

Major announcement expected soon on future of Alex hospital – (December) 97

Sleeping Beauty set to smash records – (December) 98 23

Foreign nationals made up half of population rise – (December) 99

Council considers expanding schools – (December) 100

Redditch Society – (November) 101

Buyer sought for engineering firm – (December) 102

Schools doing better but more is needed – (December) 103

Late bid to save service – (December) 104

Look Forward with hope – (December) 105

Acknowledgements 106

News of Redditch

(Document 2013)

Contents

Developers will return with amended proposal – (January) 6

Bandstand revamp plans are revealed – (January) 7

Nightmare as homes flood – (January) 8

Get ready here comes the winter – (January) 9

Failing school on special measures – (January) 9

Birmingham trust in talks with Alex – (January) 10

Snow comes at a cost – (January) 11

Bus companies are on road to merger – (January) 12

Charlotte speeds to bronze medal – (January) 12

Redditch Advertiser Archives 13

Help re-open Redditch Youth House – (January) 13

School is top of the class – (February) 14

Fast food firms offer jobs boost – (February) 15

Find our lost land online – (February) 16

Police Station cells to close – (February) 17

Website reveals the lost town of Redditch – (February) 18

Campaigners to bid for Youth House – (February) 19

Have your say on bandstand plans – (February) 19

Triumphant Lines wins two bronze medals – (February) 20

Silver Anniversary for the Sandycroft – (March) 21

One hundred reasons for a big celebration – (March) 22

Memories of bygone era going on display – (March) 23

The Redditch Society – (March) 24

Bus takeover greeted by flood of complaints – (March) 25

Annual meeting of Redditch Society – (March) 25

Café bid to breathe new life into town – Café Mambo – (March) 26

The Redditch Society – (April) 26

Kingfisher plans get the go-ahead – (April) 27

Tributes are paid to the town’s last fish hook maker – (April) 28

A roundabout way to net thousands for council – (April) 29

Appeal for help to repair church roof – (April) 30

Music set to return to the bandstand – A summer of music is in store at one of the Redditch’s most recognisable landmarks. – (May) 31

Is it too early to think about Christmas? – (May) 32

History society get grant for a new project – (May) 32

Anger as minister ‘snubs’ protest – (May) 33

Church bell is ringing again – (May) 34

Group faces battle for Youth House – (May) 35

Councillors reject plans for 200 homes – (May) 36

Mayor Wanda dedicates role to her late husband – (May) 37

New plans to revamp the bandstand area – (May) 38

One bed homes may help tax victims – (May) 39

One bed homes may help tax victims (May) continued 40

All geared up for the big race – (June) 41

Bandstand proves a hit – (June) 42

Community leaders slam mosque attack – (June) 43

Back to school for the 100th year – Holyoakes Field First School – (July) 44 26

Back to school for the 100th year – Holyoakes Field First School – (July) continued 45

New mosque aims to open up doors – (July) 46

65 years of the NHS – (July) 47

Co-operative Homes wins Hewell Road vote – (July) 47

Alex stroke beds closed as care moves to Worcester – (July) 48

New Centre to help those seeking jobs – (August) 48

Bonham statue bid kicks off with a bang – (August) 49

Full up Abbey Stadium is hailed success – (August) 50

Theatre groups team up to celebrate Palace centenary – (August) 51

Preparing to celebrate – (August) 52

‘Mini opera house’ marks centenary – (August) 53

Cold War talk kicks off The Redditch Society's new season – (September) 54

The new season of a borough organisation is set to start – (September) 55

Town is getting a ‘poor deal’ on roads – (September) 56

Bandstand festival to close in style – (September) 56

A core day in the Headless Cross Calender – (September) 57

Mayor on hand to open new centre – (October) 58

Enjoying the fruits of their labours – (October) 59

The Redditch Society – (October) 60

This eyesore must be addressed – (October) 60

Redditch Advertiser Archives 61

The Redditch Society – (November) 61

“Whistle down the Wind” – (November) 62

Largest turnout in decades – Remembrance – (November) 63

Get on board with Redditch Monopoly – (November) 64

Bottom of recycling table? That’s rubbish – (November) 64

Redditch is in the money – (December) 65

Town monopoly lands on Downing Street – (December) 66

Gilmartin gets Olympic call – (December) 67

Panto is best ever to hit Palace stage – (December) 68

Have your say on new Webheath village hall – (December) 69

Mettis Aerospace staff settle dispute over pay – (December) 69

Hoping for peace and happiness and Making 50 years of our ‘new’ town – (December) 70

Town regiment set for highest honour – (December) 70

Acknowledgements 71

News of Redditch

(Document 2014)

Contents

Borough gets a battering 12

Revamp proves quite a catch – (January) 13

Take a look at canal’s kilns – (January) 14

Victorian needlemakers’ church goes up for sale – (January) 15

Harry Styles was born in Redditch – (January) 16

How shall we mark our 50th? You decide – (January) 17

Affordable homes work to finish Church Hill revamp – (January) 18

Redditch speed skater among those aiming to hit form – (January) 19

European relay silver for Great Britain stars – (January) 20

A & E and baby services ‘Should stay at Alex’ – (January) 21

Bandstand work to start but no new look – (January) 21

Prison among the worst – (February) 22

The Space and hub pioneer community support – (February) 23

Virus sparks call to stay away from Alex – (February) 23

Thousands of pounds were raised for injured soldiers by Golf Club – (February) 24

The fruits of their labours – (February) 25

No action to be taken on bridge where six died – (February) 26

Brum homes set for Redditch green belt – (February) 26

Council set to buy back homes – (February) 27

Billy Ocean to play Palace Theatre – (February) 27

Charlotte content with Olympic progress – (February) 28 29

Town schools now among the best in the county – (February) 28

Housing plan could bring new life to town centre – (February) 29

Parking chaos as spaces are cut – (February) 29

Town lodge celebrates 100 years – (February) 30

Charlotte reflects on positives from Games – (February) 30

Hoping to enjoy fruits of the labours – (February) 31

Exhibition charts the crucial developments – (February) 32

Store is a real life-saver – (March) 33

Campaigners fear closure clause – (March) 34

Town named as the least musical place – (March) 34

Redditch Society – (March) 35

My, look how we’ve grown – (March) 36

Redditch MP Karen Lumley helps Myra Burton and Donna Hancox set up the new haberdashery Buttons & Bows – (March) 37

Town schools set to pick up slice of £5m – (March) 38

Freedom of the borough honour – (March) 39

Local plan still for 6,400 homes – (March) 40

Nearly 600 homes at risk of flooding – (March) 41

Lights go out in bid to save cash – (March) 42

Volunteers work to open empty centre – (March) 43

Brakes are put on housing plan over access fears – (March) 44

Thousand more homes could be built – (March) 45

Bands perform to prove town’s critics wrong (March) 45

PM sends birthday wishes – (March) 46

A Vintage tea party – Forge Mill – (March) 47

St Augustine alumni reunite for big 40th – (March) 48 30

Health Services may be cut – (April) 50

Church Owners told they must take action – (April) 50

Youth House sale slammed – (April) 51

Struggling to cope as the holes get deeper – (April) 52

Signing pledge to mark start of new town 50th anniversary events – (April) 52

Huge spike in scarlet fever cases – (April) 53

Thirty nine homes get approval despite fears over traffic ‘chaos’ – (April) 53

Development lands top award – (April) 54

Green-Fingered residents – (April) 54

New Town Status marked 50 years on – (April) 55

New Town Status marked 50 years on – (April) continued 56

Elite Cycle Tour – (April) 57

Asda plan a ‘threat’ to future of town trade – (May) 58

Hermits at the Palace – (May) 58

Anger at call to use community cash on lighting – (May) 59

Less than half happy at rail performance – (May) 60

Woodfield Academy’s new headteacher – (May) 61

Rocklands – (May) 62

Roads set for Revamp – (May) 63

Laughter is guaranteed – (May) 64

Wild Card Act is next at Palace – (May) 65

Opening up the doors in celebration – (May) 65

Hundreds flock to Headless Cross Green for Mayfair – (May) 66

Fears School Plan will force two-tier system – (May) 67

Outstanding Grade is a first for Town – (May) 68

Car Park 4 may be bulldozed to make way for supermarket – (May) 69

New Town Celebrations Festival is getting crafty – (May) 70

Soprano sensation celebrates her 90th – (May) 71

Duran star to develop town talent – (May) 72

MP has never been more grateful for support – (May) 73

Looking good after a revamp – (May) 74

Pool plans coming soon – (May) 75

Cycling Tour 2014 – (June) 76

College Merger set for August – (June) 77

Fete to mark church’s 30th – (June) 78

Mayor set to tackle ‘hidden illness’ – (June) 79

Preparing for a life of dedicated service and quiet heroism – (June) 80

Town could blaze a trail says top planner – (June) 81

Landlord bids to stop pub being demolished – (June) 82

Young historians present – (June) 82

Trust move set to secure future of Abbey – (June) 83

Work to start – (June) 83

Best bandstand event ever brings town alive – (June) 84

Food bank need keeps on growing – (June) 85

Library fears – (June) 86

A new chapter in library use – (June) 86

Next phase of Brockhill unveiled – (June) 87

Flag is raised for our armed forces – (June) 88

Pupil pays respects at war graves visit – (July) 90

Photos look back over five decades – SO Redditch – (July) 91

No trains for two months – (July) 92

Town proud to welcome its heroes – (July) 93

Graves shame at our war heroes’ cemetery – (July) 94

Candle campaign to mark war centenary – (July) 95

Hopes of saving Abel site from bulldozers fade – (July) 96

Sainsbury’s gets green light to expand and refurbish town store – (July) 97

Stop the rip-off parking charges MP tells hospital – (July) 98

So-Redditch Festival – (July) 99

So Redditch Festival – (July) 100

Princess Royal in town – (July) 101

New care centre to ease A&E pressure – (July) 102

Town’s police chief steps down – (July) 103

First tenants mark new town’s 50th – (July) 104

Churches come together to celebrate partnership – (July) 104

Police put in dispersal order after spate of anti-social behaviour – (July) 105

Keeping families safe is message – (July) 106

Town’s going to party like it’s 50 years – (July) 107

Play area plan for old market site unveiled – (August) 108

Rising death rates and stroke service flagged as risk rating is up – (August) 108

50 year celebration finale – (August) 109

Calls for repeat review for Alex – (August) 110

Town Hall flies new flag thanks to Thomas Brothers – (August) 110

Stories of Great War fallen heroes told in exhibition – (August) 111

New look post office will open seven days a week – (August) 111

Planning delay puts store bid in limbo – (August) 112

Getting a ticket is no joke – (August) 113

Stories from WW1 – (August) 114

Lamps go out all over town to reflect on war – (August) 115

Team spirit beats the rain – (August) 116

Key Failure sees Alex consultation on hold – (August) 117

Hospitals miss cancer targets as demand soars – (August) 117

UK help for Alex group – (August) 118

The History and wonders of a Redditch Church will be on show – (August) 119

Another blow as bus routes face the axe – (August) 119

Morton Stanley Festival – (August) 120

Leaders write to health chief to demand a new Alex review – (August) 121

Thousands of pupils making the grade – (August) 122

Singing with Toyah – (August) 123

First Webheath Brownies celebrate 100 years – (August) 124

Proud to name our baby after brilliant Alex staff – (August) 125

A Day of Destruction in on offer at Forge Mill – (August) 126

Fun is looming large at Kingfisher – (August) 127

Grant brings Batchley together – (August) 128

Celebrated comedian and presenter Don Maclean – (August) 129

Choir wants new singers – (August) 129

Run down Church to get makeover? – (September) 130

Extra line and station have arrived – (September) 131

Green light for improvement bid – (September) 132

Hoping to harvest a festival of fun – (September) 133

Hospital food quality is in need of improvement – (September) 134

What’s on at the Palace theatre – (September) 135

GPs: Alex plan a risk to our patients – (September) 136

Doctors’ support on Alex welcomed – (September) 137

Ballet role is start of beautiful career – (September) 138

24-hour Asda store gets green light – (September) 139

£1 record sale proves a hit – (September) 140

Rats plague is biting into trade – (September) 141

Fires spark talks on street lights switch-off – (September) 142

Chance to bag a shopping spree – (September) 143

Charity cash is the icing on service 50th birthday bash – (September) 144

Windfall puts a halt on sale of the Redi Centre – (September) 145

Back to School bill beginning to bite – (September) 146

The Mayor’s Civic Service – (September) 147

Su aiming for fun night in the ‘hood’ – (September) 148

Town set to welcome star names – (September) 149

Apple Day – (September) 150

Marking seventy years of study and discussion – (September) 151

Wilson’s are blocked from centre in dispute over fair – (September) 152

Healthcare buyers have rejected doctors’ calls – (September) 153

A Harvest of Celebration – (September) 154

Pub to make way for new homes – (September) 155

Church reveals community plan – (September) 156

Lions fun run is a great success – (September) 157

Hospital staff and patients hit by bus route changes – (September) 158

In 200 years’ time bowls will remain – (September) 159

No deal may see power to people – (September) 160

Council has ‘no clear plan to balance books’ – (October) 161

World’s Biggest Coffee Morning – Borough brews up some big totals – (October) 162

Police staff workforce may be halved in bid to save £30million – (October) 162

Pregnant mum’s killer to serve at least 19 years for her murder – (October) 163

Aerospace jubilee open day raises Primrose cash – (October) 163

New steps too high for many to climb – (October) 164

NHS Chairman says patient safety remains the priority – (October) 165

Ex-council chief blasts sale delays – (October) 166

The Redditch Advertiser is fast approaching the 40th Anniversary – (October) 167

Working together is best for wellbeing – (October) 168

Core activities prove a hit with everybody – (October) 169

Core activities prove a hit with everybody – (October) continued 170

Fifth break-in at Valley Stadium – (October) 170

Health is at risk by not having flu jab – (October) 171

Fasteners open for tenth anniversary – (October) 171

Council learning boss has no power for schools review – (October) 172

Memorabilia of WW1 sought – (October) 173

Cadets up for a brew – (October) 174

A spectacular tribute to Roy – (October) 175

More than 100 sign up new mental health pledge – (October) 176

Heroic pair cut the ribbon – (October) 177

Expenses is back in the fray as candidates battle to become MP’s – (October) 178

Evidence weak on Alex plans – (October) 179

Cemetery research to give clues for project – (October) 180

Sickness bug closes school – (October) 181

Village Hall tops poll for community cash – (October) 182

Historic Theatre wins award for going green – (October) 183

NHS staff join thousands across country in strikes – (October) 184

Action urged to help homeless – (October) 185

Cat rescue centres are swamped – (October) 186

Rail Passengers stranded as high winds cut power – (October) 187

Alex plan won’t be aired until after election – (October) 188

Special tribute sees planting of oak tree – (October) 189

Hospital’s ban set to continue – (October) 190

Council backs pledge – (October) 191

What’s on at the Palace theatre? – (October) 192

American Circus – (October) 193

A hero remembered as conflict flag is lowered – (October) 194

Swimming freeze rejected by labour – (October) 195

Town centre chuggers face fresh crackdown – (October) 196

Going out with a bang? – (October) 197

Unemployment figures hit new low in Redditch – (October) 198

Our trio show they have staying power – (October) 199

Jamaican VIP in town for Black History celebrations – (October) 200

Green belt pledge won’t stop houses – (October) 201

First time ever for great musical- (November) 202

Greatest story ever sung – (November) 203

Labour hopeful’s pledge to save NHS – (November) 204

Concern as many face increased rent arrears – (November) 205

Torch comment sparks anger at lights swith-off – (November) 206

Red Riding Hood – Shipleys – (November) 207

Communities to unite in remembrance – (November) 208

Centenary get-together closes generation gap – (November) 209

Remembering heroes book goes on sale – (November) 210

Cutting Council costs tops list – (November) 211

Bid to lessen A&E numbers fails to work – (November) 212

Schools to receive cash to increase physical activity – (November) 213

Restaurant deal ends eyesore building saga – (November) 214

Victorian church may be flattened for houses – (November) 215

Choir to mark golden birthday – (November) 216

Man rescued from car in Church Hill flooding – (November) 217

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.” – (November) 218

Hundreds join largest Remembrance turnout – (November) 219

Hundreds join largest Remembrance turnout – (November) continued 220

Hundreds join largest Remembrance turn out – (November) continued 221

Pool plan dealays have cost town taxpayers – (November) 221

Town welcomes a special visitor – (November) 222

Worker crushed by cherry picker during store refurbishment – (November) 223

Sainsbury’s closed for a week – (November) 224

Unemployment is at seven-year low – (November) 224

Town causes cash in on £7m windfall – (November) 225

Council pair prepared to walk the walk – (November) 226

Alex may be major othopaedic centre – (November) 227 38

Cinderella at the Palace Theatre – (November) 228

Kingsize Christmas – Grotto opening, Frozen Visit, Santa Dash, Christmas Craft Fair, Hot Picks weekend, Community Christmas Day – (November) 229

Query over OAP bus use sparks angry row – (November) 230

Sports project up for an award – (November) 231

Blaze strikes – (November) 232

Bowjangles – (November) 233

Crisis cash axe could push many into debt – (December) 234

Ewe’ll need to look closely – (December) 235

Shorter waiting brings more city patients to A&E – (December) 236

Farage targets town election win – (December) 237

Dirty market ‘is letting down town’ – (December) 238

Chaos feared as no warning signs yet on new route – (December) 239

NHS England’s vision could see more town births – (December) 240

Tour of Britain reutrns but may be for the last time – (December) 241

Derelict church’s owners might have to hand it over to the council – (December) 242

Burger King planning a move back to town centre – (December) 242

Rats are not our fault say traders – (December) 243

Santa Claus is coming to town – (December) 244

Surgery move ‘only temporary’ – (December) 245

Heaphys – (December) 246

Dairy site set to become shops and flats – (December) 247

Enjoyable for all – (December) 248

Ready to take on her new role – (December) 249

Town rail users set to get more trains – (December) 249

Kingfisher Centre – Frozen – (December) 250 39

Concern at rise in A & E numbers – (December) 251

Chief call for guidance on school age changes – (December) 252

Support living flats welcome – (December) 253

In fine voice – (December) 254

Jobless figures down – (December) 255

So many reasons to be very proud – (December) 256

Cuts may change councils’ future – (December) 257

Pizza chain ready to start cooking – (December) 258

Thank you to our special town – (December) 259

Time to consider what is important to us – (December) 260

Emergency crews being pushed to breaking point – (December) 261

Campaign starts to save church – (December) 262

Water bills to fall – (December) 263

Acknowledgements 264

News of Redditch

(Document January 1st – June 30th 2015)

Contents

January

Humphries - Winter Sale Now on – Everything Reduced 13

Heaphys – Sale now on 14

Election horns locked over NHS vote claim 15

Tributes paid to former town mayor Dot Dudley 16

Staff feel the pain as A & E takes the strain 17

Investment the only way to ease pressure 18

Year message is council tax will rise 19

Survey puts us bottom of list 20

School gets green light to expand 21

Abandoned cats number doubles 22

Anger over Alex parking fee hike 23

Gruffalo is star of family story-telling 24

Parking Complaints spark call for action 25

Town chosen to mark Holocaust 26

Setting the wheels in motion 27

Cuts blamed for fall in bus numbers 28

Church spire wins reprieve 29

Talks over opening hours 30

Improving health of residents holds the key to six-month project 31

New Hedgerows 31 41

Go-ahead for Burger King after planners back latest fast-food restaurant 32

World cricket stars to face Redditch Entaco 32

Overhaul of credit system stirs alarm 33

New day centre aims to make a big difference 34

Shedding light on safety fears 35

MP backs apprentices despite fall 36

Pool site finally gets homes nod 37

Whats on at the Palace Theatre 38

Alex report may have to wait until after the election 39

Report’s delay sparks concerns 40

New homes cash could plug gaps in council tax budget – Tories 41

Don raises smiles in home visit 42

Skate ramp protest over ‘nothing to do’ 43

Faith leaders walk the same path 44

Whistleblowing paramedic’s ban is lifted by Trust 45

Extra £500k to ease bed blocking crisis 46

MP and Labour hopeful kick ‘NHS football’ jibe away 46

Guests give hotel a top ranking 47

Pharmacy firm buys out its rival 48

Volunteers are being sought to help run the Library at Home Service 49

Move to use unspent money splits opinion 50

Cash-saving ideas could bring awards for county 50

Fighting to be remembered as a part of town’s history 51

Bailout fund of £500k to help pay mortgages 52

Top employee shelved in library cost cutting 53

Still bottom of the pile over wages 54

Sadness as shop suffers the chop 55

Flats go-ahead at old station 56

Doctors’ referral scheme extended 57

What’s on at the Palace Theatre 58

Mozart’s magic comes to Palace 59

Advice centre closes as funding cuts bite 60

Town unites to keep memory alive 61

Sporting stars pick up their awards 62

25 years for child sex offender 63

Council is blasted for letting CAB collapse 64

New advice service to take on CAB work 65

Crime drops but rape and shoplifting rise 66

Bus chiefs vow to look at concerns despite claims meeting is waste of time 67

Leaving out that old fridge may set you back a cool £75 68

NHS cash injection is ‘neither here nor there’ 69

Double murder accused found hanged in Hewell prison cell 69

Bringing you all the Bon Jovi hits 70

What’s on at the Palace theatre 71

February

Poor Robin Hood is set for a richer life 72

Exciting project is hotting up after big cash injection 73

Residents delighted by new Church Hill postbox 74

Bus driver investigated over ‘irresponsible manoeuvre’ 75

Town schools still beating the national average 76

Council quiet over tax office housing 77

Watchdog had beef with the lamb curry 78

Appeal is made to help fund exciting skate park extension 79

Inquest is opened into death of prisoner on trial on double murder charge 80

Clause in contract may lift patient ban 81

High praise for quick-thinking receptionist 82

Councils step into cash breach for most in need 83

Claims Paint Picture of ‘fear and intimidation’ – Trust Chiefs ‘no bullying’ at Alex 84

Trust underlines position on claims 85

Brothers go the distance to help bring in charity money 86

A soft-centred gesture 87

A Magical production of Gilbert and sullivan’s Iolanthe 88

Change ahead for ex-bank building 89

Legal parking stirs council to cut patrols 90

Former mayor targeted by scam phone calls 90

Formula for success nets a top honour 91

Festival is on tap 92

Low pay ‘epidemic’ hits borough hard 93

Call for change in rules 94

Protesters to make their point 95

Hunt and NHS need to act quickly 96

Alex A&E future ‘hanging by a thread’ after consultants quit 97

Borough Council makes pledge to take on up to 16 apprentices 98

Stadium trust move branded a ‘con’ 98

Looking for new wheels 99

Archbishop blesses school 100

Plea to act on lorries 101

Things hotting up as Pepe’s Piri Piri opens 102

Holocaust reminder 103

Probe into bully claims 104

Independent view on Trust 105

Resignation spark ‘no confidence’ demo 106

Campaigners take concerns to the top 107

‘Points scoring’ prompts walk-out 108

Lottery has boosted town by £200k 109

Police cuts spark fears 109

Taxpayers foot £15,000 bill for planning flaws 110

Sitting Pretty 111

Borough defend small rise in tax 112

Cyclists’ return may be the last 113

Lifesaving equipment has been installed at a Headless Cross church 114

March

Listed Pub could become homes 115

Village green mystery sees estate agent in ‘dead area’ wrangle 116

Gymnastics fans have a new club 117

Summer probe and Campaign ‘hitting morale’ claims are branded lazy 117

Mobile theatre could make a dramatic improvement 118

Apartment plan for nightclub 119

Former town cop jailed for sexual offences with girl 119

Information about services for older people 120

A dramatic look at the town’s history 120

Rent rise is the latest problem in ground saga 121

Council ‘let down’ LGBT history month 122

Revamp Plan for Club 123

Taking Steps into a very bold new role 124

Special Olympics, Redditch 125

Record deal continues journey 126

Royal A&E times ‘at new low’ 127

Trees to be chopped in safety move 127

A vital telephone support service for the borough’s army of unpaid carers will continue 128

Figures prompt fresh push on residents recycling 129

Chinese New Year a chance to dance 130

What’s on at the Palace Theatre 131

Safety fears forced us to quit A&E docs 132

Whistleblower is critical of Trust’s management 133

Clinicians say A&E consultants are u’unprofessional’ 134

Deadline day for ‘Dips’ 135

Saving heritage will just leave the site derelict 136

You’ll marvel at Lee’s comic artwork 137

Proud to be flying the flag 138

Vital role makes huge difference 139

Street art making its biggest mark 140

Rent rates are among the least affordable 141

Evening left us feelin’ groovy 142

Schools get go-ahead to change the system 143

Straight from the Nag’s Head 144

Risk summit to look at impact of A&E walkouts 145

‘Unfit’ garages to be flattenend 146

MP calls for talks after school move 147

Mums aghast as bid to move children’s services is mooted 148

Information on offer 149

Doctors get more say on GP services 149

Loss of trees sparks alarm 150

A very successful quartet all round 151

Black Country talent at Palace 152

Wilsons Fun Fair 153

It’s time to walk the walk 154

Commissioner to alleviate concerns 155

Government ‘must halt changes’ 155

Middle school headteachers have hit back at claims 156

Campaign blasts delays in report 157

Sir ‘Hal’ Miller remembered for his wit and wise counsel 158

All eyes on the skies 159

Call for urgent action on site 160

Empty pub site is ‘shocking eyesore’ 161

April

Bowls club in battle to keep rolling on 162

On the Campaign Trail 163

Standing-up for his political roots 164

Inspection offers a three-minute alert 165

Changes ‘will improve care’ health chiefs 166

Children can marvel at the sight of teds taking flight 167

New shops outnumber those closing doors 167

Teen training figures worst in the county 168

Smog may be to blame 168

Back campaign to support local carers 169

Nurse Lee attends historic re-burial 170

Choir about to rock on G4 tour 171

New sewing club proving popular 172

What’s on at the Palace Theatre 173

The Redditch Society 174

Fines and bailiffs for ‘parking at home’ 175

Police get training on mental health 176

Town is among the worst for debt 177

Baby art canvas gifts for wards 178

Shops closes doors 179

Bridge-naming to mark popular rider 180

Talents get a chance at centre stage 181

Join the march 182

Champions ready to ride in Redditch 183

Wildlife writer calls at reserve 184

Mortgage rescue is hailed a ‘win win’ 185

Princess Anne praises £25m cancer centre 186

Burger King back in town 187

Council sees new ways to run market 188

Housing project earns shadow minister’s praise 189

Pulling in new punters and pints 190

Club gets go-ahead to expand 191

Stage grannies producing a stir 192

Rugby players take up wheels for Acorns cash 193

Bands in a spin over dedicated vinyl day 194

Bid to bring new life to Redditch market 195

Club gets go ahead to expand 197

Fears for Redditch Patients after Worcester Meltdown 198

Unite and March to save Alex say Campaigners 199

Place your Votes says Shadow Culture Minister 200

Taking a look back at end of war era 201

AN EXHIBITION will be held to mark the 70th anniversary of the Second World War. 201

Church Offers a Place to Escape the Noise 202

Discover more about Redditch at Faith Walk 203

Alex Doctors who resigned over safetly fears are replaced 204

Redditch Scoops Top Housing Award 205

PROTECTING the NHS is top of the list for Redditch voters this General Election. 206

More Residents turn to Foodbank 207

Health Services ‘Withering Away’ 208

Generous Hospital Donation 209

Hospital Rally gets a lift from Sponsor 210

Javid pledges to fight homes bid 211

Mayor crowns new Burger King 212

Parking Fury as Baliffs move in to Mount Pleasant 213

Funnyman Andy ready to raise the roof at the Palace 215

Redditch Death Driver sent down 216

Safe Places for Vulnerable People 217

Will You be at the Rally? 218

Pupils get a taste of the newsroom 219

Labour Pledge to Fill Potholes 220

Third of Council Seats Contested 221

Residents united for faith walk 223

Travellers set up camp in Winyates 224

Alex saved my life says crash victim 225

Steve Gibbons gets rocking in Redditch 226

Medical Centre needs improving 227

Elio in Tune for the Billy Joel Songbook 228

MP Hopefuls give their Alex verdicts 229

Post Office to Undergo Refurbishment 231

May

Alex Worker Desperate to help family in Nepal 232

Crowds march to save Services at the Alex 233

Fears for Redditch patients after Worcester meltdown 235

Praise for Redditch Housing Scheme 237

Redditch Remembers the Gurkhas to boost Lions Nepal fund 238

Huge Blaze hits Industrial Estate 239

CAB services will be back in town 240

Residents United for Faith Walk 241

Jubilant Tories take four seats as Labour Council clings on 242

Where the votes went in the Redditch local elections 243

‘A credit to Redditch’ – Praise for Labour’s Rebecca Blake 244

Town Centre bid gets green light 245

Thrilled Lumley puts Redditch surge down to economic record 246

Campaigners battling against homes plan 248

Lumley targets three key issues 249

Police Plea after thieves target Redditch homes 250

£3million available to insulate homes 250

Hospital Chiefs look to private sector to tackle rising deficit 251

Redditch Souvenir to feature in VE Exhibition 252

Redditch Save the Alex Campaign not a Labour Party front 253

Redditch MP chairs talks on two Tier Schools 254

Safe places to provide solace in Redditch’s Kingfisher Centre 255

Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital set for new CT scanner 255

Demand for JSA lowest in Redditch for ten years 256

Shock Death Figures in Surgery at Alex 257

Beth’s home in redditch for Tour Series 258

The Drifters on song to bring sweet soul to the Palace, Redditch 259

Milkshake! Ready to party in Redditch 260

Laura Trott, Dani King and Joanna Rowsell to race in Redditch on Tuesday 261

Rumours over Alex Hospital Maternity cutbacks quashed 262

Standard Team warm up Redditch Tour Series Track 263

Queen Laura Trott Rules in Redditch 264

All Shook up: Elvis at the Palace this Friday 265

Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham Remembered 266

Alarm at Unqualified Teachers working in Schools 267

Report on future of Alex ‘Already out of Date’ 268

Chamption Trott full of praise for Redditch road race 269

Park plan to get rid of rats 270

Drive to keep the Pearl Izumi Tour Series in Redditch 271

School system change will spark disruption 272

Crucial Year ahead for new Reddich Mayor Pattie Hill 273

Redditch MP gets promotion at the Department of Health 274

Southcrest Manor Scoops Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 275

Residents in call for 20MPH Limit 276

Alex Patients give it a thumbs up 277

Redditch Community Club in battle to survive beyond July 279

Patients say things are looking up at the Alex 280

June

Cumbrian Celts upstairs at the Palace 281

Passion and more at Saturday night concert 282

Redditch writer updates book on Royal Enfield motorcycles 283

New bid to ease Doctor’s appointment logjam 284

Be a brick call and back Redditch play zone initiative 285

Redditch Mural Defaced with Graffiti 286

Joust having fun at Forge Mill Museum 287

Health Chiefs introduce anti-Savile safeguards 287

Robinson blasts his way to Midlands title 289

Driving Test has changed a few gears in 80 years 290

Calls for better domestic abuse training 292

Alex Hospital Timeline 294

Full Text of letter from Doctor’s Leaders in Redditch and Bromsgrove 295

Save the Alex demands action for save maternity and children’s services 296

MP to meet health secretary over Alex hospital crisis 297

Turkish Restaurant to come to Redditch 298

Doctors brand plans for Alex as ‘unsustainable’ 299

Consultation should go ahead ‘without delay’ 301

A ‘Solid’ present for Father’s day 304

Holly steps up to coach Redditch’s men’s team 305

Church Green set to centre of bandstand celebrations 306

Doctors rally to back verdict on Alexandra Hospital plans 307

Alex Hospital – Doctors have “No Confidence” in trust to deliver change 308

Watchdog hits out at ‘unsafe’ staffing levels in A&E 309

‘Children at Risk’ as Inspector issues warning to health trust 310

Health chiefs will plough on with changes 311

YMCA gets Dan back on his feet again 312

Police patrol Nature Reserve after fire 313

Councillor vows to fight traffic 313

Council leader throws weight behind Doctors 314

Boost for Alex as new CT scanner installed 315

Inspector wants to hear your views on Alex hospital 315

Forge Mill Museum welcomes rare quilt collection 316

Talented teen is getting heard 316

Green Fair back at Arrow Valley 317

Redditch man charged with manslaughter 318

£1.8 million boost for Redditch eastern gateway 319

Redditch Haulage boss hits out at Calais migrant chaos 320

New Crime Fighter means business 321

Planning Inspector raps council over housing plans 322

Armed Forces Day heralds new flag in Redditch 323

Vi va Mexico! As El Taco Loco opens in Redditch 324

Golfing team a fairway to cancer cash target 325

Health Trust focuses on waiting ties target 327

Have your say on local health care in Redditch 328

Patient safety comes first say health chiefs 330

Heatwave sparks warning from Ambulance Service 331

Trip Advisor gives Abbey Hotel top Accolade 332

Severn Trent - Water Supplies ‘Healthy’ for Summer 333

Acknowledgements 335

News of Redditch

(Document July 1st – December 31st 2015)

Contents

July

Redditch rapist has prison sentence doubled 15

Tree Sugeon scam hitting Redditch 15

Popstar Charlie makes lots of wishes come true 16

Sales Boom as Shoppers try to keep their cool 17

Weather warning for Torrential Rain issued 18

Litterbugs putting the lives of Swans at risk 19

Twin Town Trip for Couple 21

Redditch Athletes among the Medals 23

£7m Agency Bill branded ‘Insult’ 24

Donation to fund life-saving training 26

Campaigners plan AGM picket protest 27

Have your say on the Alex when Inspector calls 28

£80,000 to secure Redditch wildlife habitats 29

Special Olympics squad in pleas for volunteers 30

New Coffee Shop 7th Avenue roars into town 31

Proud heritage celebrated in new underpass mural 32

MP ‘Confused’ over services, says CCG 33

Hospital protesters picket commissioners 34

Studley comedian Freddie Starr facing £1m bill after losing court case 35

Residents angry at mess left by travellers in Ipsley 36

Borough urged to join in creation of regional powerhouse 37

Traders eye bid to run Market 38

Ace Alex is on the road to Wimbledon 39

Mayor cuts the ribbon on new B&Q store 40

Remembering fallen hero of Ypres battle 41

Zero hours workers pushed to the edge 42

Redditch tunes up for free music festival 43

UKIP deputy Suzanne Evans to address Redditch party 44

Green light for market traders to bid for Redditch Market 45

Redditch in landmark agreement to back LGBT Community 46

Classic Rally cars ready to roll in Redditch Lavender run 47

Redditch-based S Walker transport joins Palletways 48

Alexandra Hospital surgeon sacked 49

Residents owe £3.5m in unpaid council tax 49

Hermits on Stellar Bill of 60’s acts 50

Row over £150k ‘hole in the Council’s budget 51

Disappointment at appeal result 52

County ‘may be stumbling block’ 53

Former students return to school as sports stars 54

Tour De France update from Redditch Competitor 55

Date names for Pep & Co opening 56

Eternal meets X-Factor in Redditch panto production 59

Special performance from Redditch has talent winners 61

Summer of fun in store for Redditch youngsters 61

Redditch Music Festival Hits all the right notes 62

May the force be with you Connie 63

£1m Agency bill pushes trust closer to the brink 64

It’s blooming beautiful in Batchley 65

May the force be with you Connie 66

Market chiefs want to create co-operative 67

Fewer first time youth offenders 68

Police advice as burglaries spike 69

A New dance school life for St George’s 70

Bishop gives service as part of Tardebigge shool’s 200th 71

Helen battles though to complete triatholon 72

Tier system in schools will be parents’ choice 73

Town MP’s pay rise is not a hit with everybody 74

Penny Venables resigns as Alex health trust chief executive 75

Daleks set to invade Forge Mill Museum 77

Army helps Redditch residents find work 78

We won’t give up the fight say protesters 79

Get nurse jobs on the day 80

Ambulance service swamped by would-be paramedics 81

Cuppa cheer as Alex salutes Redditch volunteers 82

August

Izzy hits the world BMX stage 83

Big strides for family firm 84

Health drive as Redditch GPs offer new jab against meningitis 86

Train services out of Redditch back to normal 87

Karen Lumley MP voices shook at rise in rape cases 88

Police crackdown on lorry parking in Redditch 89

Doctors target schoolgirl pregnancies as Redditch places 5th in UK 90

Kittens saved from certain death outside Redditch police station 91

A plane-ly amazing shot 92

Pulling in pints and custormers 93

Emergency gynaecology cases transferred to Worcester as Doctor crisis hits the Alex 94

Volunteers are championed with afternoon tea 95

Crime chief urges police to crack down on drugs 98

Police pledge to stop Matchborough anti-social behaviour 98

Hunt is on for Redditch winner of Lotto thousands 99

Arrow Valley patrols to prevent poaching 100

Villagers fume about lack of traffic action 101

Residents urged to have a say on 20mph speed limits 102

Production’s a junior beauty 103

Emergency gynecology services moved to WRH 104

Tyre firm is on the road to an award 105

Off to a new home 106

History revealed in church open days 107

Microbrewery opens on Church Green 108

Market petition over 750 mark 109

Women facing 18 mile trek as health trust moves emergency cover to Worcester 110

‘A slap in the face for thepeople of Redditch’ – Anger at latest manoeuvre by health trust 111

Thumbs up to Millsborough House conversion plans 112

Schools across the borough report best ever GCSE results 113

Alex Ikea tweet ‘shockingly stupid’ 115

An act of remembrance 116

Trains to be stationed in Kingfisher 117

Festival’s not all about the bass 118

Memorial and music for 35th anniversary of John Bonham’s death 119

Crowds defy the rain as Morton Stanley Festival rocks on 120

Busy paramedics issue warning of dangers posed by ‘legal highs’ 121

New rooms doubles courses in Winyates 122

Troopers storm kingfisher 123

Spend night sleeping out 124

Post Tour party raises more cash 128

Age UK cuts ribbon on first town shop 129

Architect to be honoured 130

September

Outrage over health trust bullying report 131

Market petition is ‘evidence enough’ of strong views 132

Team GB star signs up for Redditch Rory the Robot ride 133

People in Redditch to get chance tp quiz health chiefs at Trust’s AGM 134

Chart-toppers The Manfreds back on stage at the Palace Theatre 135

Popular fun fair to return to Redditch after seven years 136

Flying the flag for merchants 137

A prize fit for a hero 138

Wilson’s Fun Fair returns to town 139

Popular musical is next up at the Palace 140

Town centre fears after serious assault 141

Ole Blue Eyes and friends on the road for the Palace in Redditch 142

‘Chanel’swim for children’s hospital 143

Hospital trust running Redditch’s Alex Hospital revises end of-year deficit prediction to £48 million 144

Alex health trust losing £1million a week as chiefs meet to consider finance crisis 145

Arrow Valley Park Colour Run makes a splash for sight concern 146

Asda looking to recruit 300 members of staff for new Redditch store 147

Redditch doctors prescribing trip to Birmingham for treatment 148

Night club into apartments plan is put on hold by Redditch council 150

Birmingham trust says they’re open to talk on future of Alex Hospital 151

Discover Heritage Days at Forge Mill Needle Museum this Sunday 153

Redditch doctors to hold open event for epilepsy, MS and Motor Neuron Disease sufferers 154

Engineering apprentice academy on the cards for Redditch 155

Builders to face charges for naming streets and numbering houses 156

All the fun of the Carnival and more is on its way to Redditch 156

Prezzo adds a taste of Italy to Redditch Kingfisher 157

Redditch residents to have their say on combined authority plan 158

Tidy your house to keep false widow spider at bay this autumn 159

Musical tribute to Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham as Redditch remembers famous son 160

Rallying call to help refugees as Redditch councillor speaks out over crisis 162

Farewell service this Sunday for Greenlands’ Reverand Gary 163

Good housekeeping praised as Redditch banks £819,000 164

The Redditch Community bandstand festival 165

Redditch Council asks for 18 months to re-visit plans for 3,400 homes 166

Bullying calls from hospital staff still being taken by campaign group 167

Dancing on Ice star Gareth Gates to sing the hits at Redditch Palace Theatre 168

Alexandra Hospital to host recruitment drive for nursing staff 169

Festival success sparks calls for return of Redditch carnival procession 171

Grants for community projects up for grabs from Redditch council 172

Experience the sensational 60s at Redditch Palace Theatre 173

Council u-turns on haven for refugees 174

Passengers stranded by dispute over hours 175

Town has chance to keep landmark spire 176

No knight in shining armour for health trust 177

Clean up the streets – councillor’s plea over litter left lying around in Redditch 178

Nightstop sleep out in aid of Redditch’s young homeless 179

Redditch Macmillan fund raiser pulls in the crowds at The Duck Inn, Oakenshaw 180

Alex Hospital staff take top awards as health trust celebrates key achievements 181

October

Fed up Diamond Bus protesters pressing for change in Redditch 182

Nightstop postpone annual sleep out 183

Get the full (Ruby) Wax treatment at Redditch’s Palace Theatre 184

Plea to parents as Redditch police crack down on online grooming 185

Last hope for Arrow Valley Park Peace Garden memorial 186

Crabbs Cross thanks teaching staff for glowing Ofsted report 187

A touchof magic as Derek ‘The Meat’ Scully brings the Stars From the Commitments to Redditch 188

In the first of a new column Paul Lawlor asks who can we trust? 190

Warm welcome in Headless Cross 191

Alex health trust misses A&E target for patients for 11th consectutive month 192

Police launch web chat opportunity to talk about hate crime in Redditch 193

Motorists advised to take care this evening as MET office issues weather warning 194

Redditch Morris Mica celebrates 120 years (Advert) 194

Volunteer appeal as Church Hill residents dig in for replanting day 196

Seasonal fun was at the core of this year’s Apple Day on Headless Cross Green 196

Week-long crackdown targets rogue traders in Redditch and across county 197

Alex endoscopy unit under fire as 11 patients acquire infection 198

History made as Redditch votes in favour of joining West Midlands Combined Authority 199

Redditch Council officers blasted over lack of report on gas safety check scandal 201

Windfall wonderland as Headless Cross gets apple juicing this Saturday (October 10) 202

Michael Portillor to take to the stage at Redditch Palace Theatre 203

Men and Suicide – Redditch playwrite pens path to sanity through stand up 204

£111,000 scheme to improve energy efficiency in Redditch homes approved 208

Alexandra Hospital remembers a fine surgeon at renaming ceremony 209

Fall in local unemployment figures welcomed by Redditch MP Karen Lumley 210

Parents plight over parking in Church Hill 210

Nominate that special someone 211

Combined Authority rolls out the red carpet for Redditch 212

Dr Jonathan Wells encourages residents to plan for the winter ahead 213

St Stephen’s is blooming beautiful 214

Former town centre club will be flats 215 62

Enfield workshops for arts and crafters 216

Church Green welcomes cycling shop 217

Tickets go on sale for Redditch Vue cinema’s scree ning of Ed Sheeran concert film 217

Tickets go on sale for Benedict Cumberbatch film screening of Hamlet at Vue cinema in Redditch 218

Police issue warning to guard against distraction thefts 219

Redditch H&M revamped store is a shopper’s delight 220

Redditch could lose £857,000 a year under rent cut proposals says council leader Councillor Bill Hartnet 221

Ed’s a winner! McDonald’s honours dedicated Redditch employee 222

Residents should be Smart when it comes to their homes and possessions 223

Redditch police issue email warning 223

Warning as council tax con artists target vulnerable with ‘refund’ offer 224

Redditch dentists call for action on children’s sugary drinks 225

Samuel Allcock, Gillian Knight, John Bonham and many more: See Redditch’s famous faces at a very special exhibition at Forge Mill this month 226

Residents unite against street parking nightmare 227

Diamond bus drivers to go back to school 228

Emmanuel Church Club joins shoe box appeal 230

Police take zero tolerance approach in Matchborough 231

Groups unite in new service to help homeless 232

Kingfisher will be spooktacular this Hallowe’en 233

Residents invited to Town Hall for Redditch Area Forum 234

Church Hill coming together over the park 234

Parents need to hurry to get child’s first choice of school 234

Meet the fold who created Redditch 235

Town two elected to General Synod 237

Greenlands boxer hits the global stage 238

Diamond Buses bosses apologise to passengers and local MP Karen Lumley 239

Redditch man in custody following fatal Woodrow motorcycle 241

Police arrest two more men following assault at Redditch pizza restaurant 242

Police Drones to take to Redditch skies in the new year 243

November

Special exhibition at Forge Mill shows off Redditch’s famous faces – (November) 244

People invited to “Ramble On” with their memories of local legend John Bonham at special exhibition at Forge Mill Needle Musuem 245

Honk your horn and join vigil against closure of Redditch’s Alexander Hospital Maternity unit 246

Redditch’s top doctor calls on health trust to reverse maternity unil closure 247

Maternity unit closure ‘unethical’ and against health guidelines says leaders of Redditch, Bromsgrove and Stratford councils 249

We’ll take this to the top 250

Trip is at least half-an-hour to Worcestershire Royal by car 251

Firefighters warn they could take industrial action 251

Campaigners launch appeal for Alex legal fight 252

Closure of Alex maternity unit a shock to Redditch MP Karen Lumley 253

Redditch county councillor says Trust knew about staff shortages 254

Residents to unite across Redditch to remember the fallen 255

Diamond bus diesel all over Redditch road 255

Parents urged to ensure children receive flu nasal vaccination 256

Residents invited to Area Forum 256

Alex’s new end-of-life care suite named after former patient 257

It’s people power at Forge Mill exhibition 258

Sorry we’re so bad says Diamond bus boss 259

Alas! Redditch skull tale remains mystery 260

Redditch residents urged to take extra care as nights draw in 261

Eighth man arrested following Jinnah Road attack in Redditch last month 261

Rocking up a top total for Mayor’s charities 262

Ghostly goings-on in Arrow Valley 263

Top Redditch doctor wins award for work at the Alexandra Hospital 264

Police appeal as heartless thieves steal precious medals in redditch burglary 265

Leaders take Alex maternity unit closure to the heart of Westminster 266

Redditch remembers in pictures as more than 1,000 residents attend Remembrance Sunday Service 267

Prezzo name the day for opening of brand new Redditch restaurant 269

We are devastated for the women of Redditch and Bromsgrove’ – midwives speak out over closure of Alex unit 270

Redditch lollipop lady thanked for 46 years of service 271

Armed police seal off the Arrow Valley Lake area in Redditch following gun scare 272

Grumpy baby’s plea to Redditch parents – ‘turn that TV off!’ 273

Church Hill residents say goodbye to PCSO 274

Alcoa staff help Alex garden tidy-up 275

Redditch residents urged to spread some festive cheer 276

County issues weather warning as Met Office predicts downpours 276

Diamond bus driver leaves schoolgirl stranded in Winyates 277

Alex supporter’s grand gesture to start challenge 279

Leaders vow to sort out Alex problems 280

Town’s newest store opens up 281

Watch: Alex campaigner gets pie in the face 282

Make a date with this arial view of Redditch 284

Ambulance crews answer to calls over two incidents on the M5 285

Ninth man arrested and bailed following assault in Jinnah Road, Redditch 285

Kingfisher Redditch Ladies Circle host festive arts and crafts 286

Astwood Bank Carnival Committee gives a helping hand 287

Ex-sewage Redditch site report goes missing 288

It’s time to light the Lights of Love with the Primrose Hospice 288

Good news for Redditch water pump station owners 289

Reminder for Redditch motorists as frosty mornings approach 289

Redditch remembers rock legend John Bonham 290

Redditch stands in solidarity with the people of Paris and France 291

This has nothing to do with religion’ – Redditch Muslim community condemns Paris attacks 292

Motorists urged to take care this evening as Barney sweeps across Redditch 293

It’s good news for Redditch’ as Chancellor George Osborne gives Combined Authority the green light 294

Police urge Redditch residents to remain vigilant as UK threat level remains severe 295

The Ambulance Services Charity offers rehabilitation to frontline staff affected by physical abuse 296

Warwick hospital gets ready to welcome Redditch maternity cases with open event 297

Diamond Bus goes up in flames outside Tudor Grange school 298

Leaders return after positive meeting with Jeremy Hunt over future of Alexandra Hospital 299

Teachers unite against Redditch Diamond Bus Fiasco 300

Savvy shoppers prepare for massive discounts as Black Friday takes over the Kingfisher 301 66

Pre-fabs to help Redditch social housing 302

Creating a better Redditch 303

Redditch county councillor demands Diamond Bus bosses be hauled to County Hall 304

Recycled metal from Redditch Crematorium leaves £4,000 for charity 305

Old fashioned fun at Forge Mill 306

New trust chief sought at Worcestershire Acute 307

Future of Alex rests with Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt after top level meeting 308

‘Not in our name!’ say Redditch’s diverse communities 310

Lance Corporal John A. Halford is remembered 311

Gritters at the ready in Worcestershire as Met Office predicts overnight snow 312

Saddle up for Redditch Operatic Society’s Calamity Jane at the Palace 313

Palace the venue for Five Star Swing’s Big Band at Christmas sound 314

Gloomy picture for new-buyers and renters alike 315

Council reveals £100m needed over four years 315

Beoley Church fair returns in time for Christmas 316

New sign shows the way to St Philip’s 317

Jack hits all the right notes for Redditch’s Arrow Vale Singers 318

Redditch shoppers urged to guard against online crime this Black Friday 319

Redditch designer Hannah Cockburn scoops top awards just two years after setting up 320

Celebrity Natasha Kaplinsky raises a glass to Redditch restaurant Champagne Express 321

Maternity unit return is the aim says group 322

Come on Ollie, do your wurst 323

Stand up to abuse… in pair of high heels 324

School gets pride of place as new new venue 325

Redditch hub needs energetic volunteers urgently 326

Huge savings still to be had thanks to Kingfisher late night opening 326

One-way no way for Mount Pleasant parking issue 327

Santa Claus comes to Redditch town 328

£500 gift to boost redditch Alex appeal fund 329

Son stabbed while defending his mother from burglars 330

Developers give a helping hand to food bank 331

December

Inspector puts Worcestershire Acute Hospital Trust in ‘special measures’ 332

Man struck by minibus suffers serious head injuries 333

Redditch Round Table announces this year’s Christmas sleigh routes 334

Drugs warrant executed at address near Redditch Town Centre 335

Redditch roads closed following ‘bomb scare’ 336

Suspect package which saw Redditch roads closed and buiding evacuated is confirmed safe 337

Nigel Mansell gets into the swing of new development at Redditch Golf Club 338

Redditch bank robber jailed for four years after writing his own arrest warrant 339

Man taken to Alex after Bromsgrove Highway crash 339

Campaigners call for resignation of health trust chairman 340

Mental health service users ‘duped’ by trust 341

Redditch leaders hit out at the trust in wake of ‘inadequate’ branding 342

Asda staff spreading festive cheer in Redditch with knitting needles 343

Drink milk and stay healthy to beat the cold this winter say local health chief 344

Alex could run out of medical supplies 345

Winyates centre ‘s internet café gets logged on 345

NWA star set to DJ in Redditch pub 346

Open night at Redditch beauty spot 346 68

Who needs a sleigh? Santas do Redditch rounds on their bikes 347

Westminster diary: Karen Lumley MP writes for the Standard 348

Police hunt for absconded armed robber from HMP Hewell 349

Redditch’s Vintage Trax to sell rare Frank Sinatra acetate recording 350

Call for breakup of local health trust ‘as soon as possible’ issued by Redditch council and Karen Lumley MP 351

Relief as latest Redditch bomb scare given the all clear 352

Diamond Bus pledge to improve services by signing County Council action plan 353

Movie buffs in for a Christmas treat at the Kingfisher 355

Rudolph and friends join Ray Quinn at Redditch Family Fun Day 356

Redditch sell-out awards will be best yet 357

Thumbs-up means 700 homes are on the way to Redditch 358

Church Hill Christmas is a cracker 359

Bad week for MP amid ‘emotional’ Syria vote 360

Outsourcing leisure facilities is on hold 361

Redditch health care centre to close in April 361

Redditch cremation fees rise to pay for revamp 362

Redditch mum brands Worcester Royal visit ‘horrendous 363

Ticket inspectors to get cameras 364

MP opens top notch bike shop 365

It’s all change at Ridgeway 366

Council heads call to break-up Trust 367

Missed hip fracture op targets are ‘dire’ 368

Don’t people care? Witnesses to Oakenshaw vandalism urged to come forward 371

Police bail murder suspect after body found in Redditch flat 372

Redditch man arrested on suspicion of Church Hill murder 372 69

Early Help volunteers praised for hard work 373

MPs secure top level briefing on plans to ‘transform’ trust which runs the Alex in Redditch 374

On the third day of Christmas party season is in full swing 375

Redditch Community Gospel Choir on song as Mayor Community Gospel Choir on song as Mayor switches on Alex Christmas lights 376

Pucker up – Morrisons in Redditch giving away free mistletoe 377

Council Tax set to rise 378

Pride of Redditch 2015 is the best yet 379

Teachers’ demands on bus firm are cranked up a gear 380

Calls mount for a trust probe 381

Mark tops jazz charts 382

Call for debate on rising costs 383

Joy at cardiac survival rates 384

After Christmas it’s the January sails 385

‘The Alex has lost a champion’ – shock as top doctor Jonathan Wells steps down as chair of Bromsgrove and Redditch CCG 386

Local ambulance staff dealt with ‘onslaught’ of cases over the weekend 387

Redditch outdoor market to be run by private company 388

Trio of top doctors join the trust team caring for Redditch patients 389

Pride winner is to put art in the heart 390

Residents in Redditch urged to keep an eye on elderly neighbours this Christmas 391

Redditch’s Kingfisher Centre prepares for last minute Christmas shoppers 392

Positive experience’ as Reddtch MP Karen Lumley tours Worcester birthing unit 393

End-of-term’s not sparkling for Diamond 394

Police set to push up their slice of council tax bills 395

The light shines in the darkness – a Christmas message from Revd. Paul Lawlor, Redditch town centre chaplain 396

It’s a time to come together – Christmas message from Leader of Redditch Council 398

Family favourite Baylis and Harding opens doors to Redditch headquarters 399

Primrose Hospice campaign lights up residents hearts 400

A counssellor by day and a stand-up comedian by night – Sheila McMahon is coming to Redditch 401

Redditch prostrate cancer testing may have helped save five lives 402

Redditch is high-tec 402

Bumpy ride for town bus company 403

Drink drive crack down in Redditch and beyond proves successful 404

Redditch nature reserve rated as one of the top five in the country 405

Happy New Year: Health and prosperity to all from Redditch MP Karen Lumley 406

Busy year for Redditch boys in blue 407

No blank spaces on the calendar 409

Acknowledgements 411

News of Redditch

(Document January 1st – June 30th 2016)

Contents

January

Hope may be on the Horizon after tumult 13

Trust signs up top doc trio 15

New charity formed to bring best care for breast patients when unit opens this year 16

Council chiefs criticise “disappointing” funding offer from the Government 17

Smart way to better health for patients in Redditch, Studley and Alcestery 18

Residents told to avoid A&E as demand on emergency departments in the county remains high 19

School run barriers spark up a dispute 21

Redditch’s Jan Rees receives OBE for dedication to children 22

Dutch supply chain giant Slimstock makes Redditch its UK headquarters 23

Vomit bug warning to visitors at Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital 24

HMP Hewell included in list of prisons which released prisoners by mistake last year 25

More than 30 patients too large for scanners at Worcestershire’s hospitals sent elsewhere 26

Hospital trust chairman Harry Turner’s resignation divides opinion in Worcestershire 28

Campaigners Rob and Maggie Underwood make sure every school in Redditch has access to vital life-saving equipment 30

Redditch’s Arrow Vale Singers take aim at altos and men for 2016 31

Redditch Council counts the cost of Government U-turn on rents 32

Worcestershire hospitals drawing up contingency plans for junior doctors strike 33

Strong start to 2016 for racer Charlotte Gilmartin 34

Charlotte is buoyant as Sochi Euros loom large 35

Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group to have more input into GP services 37

Latest Proposal: Improve Diamond Buses or lose licence 38

School move described as “truly unique within Redditch” 39

Doctors take more control over services 40

Children’s centres across Redditch placed ‘under review’ prompting fears some could be closed 40

Syrian refugees set to come to Redditch, and people are being asked if they can help house them 42

Redditch Library celebrate its 40th birthday 43

Redditch man had “sadistic” child abuse images on his mobile phone 44

Success on home ice delights Gilmartin 45

Police warn of scam phone calls 46

Church burgled in broad daylight 46

In Olympic year firms have chance to back Redditch’s world class bike race 47

Redditch Borough Council grants up for grabs 48

MET office issues yellow warning for snow in Redditch 49

County gritting lorries geared to clear roads in Redditch as snow threatens 49

Football ace Percy passes away 50

TV journey points to needle firm 51

Dr Jonathan Wells: Tough times, but I’ve enjoyed role 52

First middle school in Worcestershire to receive Quality Mark Award 53

40th on the cards for Redditch Library 54

Trust thanks after junior docs strike 55

Diamond bus improve services or lose your licence 56

Parties clash on buying property 57

Asda chief is urged to drop 24 hour opening bid for Redditch superstore 58

Redditch MP Karen Lumley condemns junior doctors strike as ‘serving no purpose’ 59

New Sports Hall at Redditch School 59

Life’s still black and white on some Redditch TVs 60

Flog it! Comes to Redditch 61

Hospital recruitment event at the Alex in Redditch 62

Have your say on controversial homes plan in Webheath 63

Tory county councillor Philip Gretton, who represents Redditch South, told to resign over “diabolical” findings into use of consultants 64

Man with serious injuries airlifted to hospital following collision with bus in Redditch 66

Junior Doctors call off 48 hour industrial action as talks continue 67

Gilmartin and Mohawks team-mates seeking European success 68

Kingfisher school in Matchborough celebrates its 10th anniversary 69

Moss hoping to follow in mother’s footsteps as she sets sights on 2020 Games 70

Building works start on Bede’s Catholic Middle school’s £1.3, sports hall 71

Noisy fun at Headless Cross Community Orchard’s annual wassailing event 72

Step back in time with The Redditch Heritage Trail 73

Survivors of domestic abuse raise more than £1,400 for a charity that helps sufferers in Redditch 75

Redditch MP welcomes fall in unemployment but says more needs to be done in Redditch 76

NHS shake-up: Key services to be centralised in Worcester, the Alex retain A&E but loses maternity 77

Redditch’s Kingfisher Centre raises thousands for the Primrose Hospice 78

Redditch-born author Leigh Walton’s European adventure 79

Musician Sam releases debut EP and admits he’s already planning his follow up 80

Picture special: Granddaughter of Holocaust survivor lights liberation candle in Redditch 81

As winter temperatures hit new highs Redditch Christians unite to campaign on Climate Change 83

A tale of woe sharpens focus on the perils of identity theft in Redditch, Studley and Alcester 84

Emergency only plea as A&E crisis hits Worcestershire hospitals 85

Gang stored 4.5 million Illicit cigarettes in Redditch industrial unit 86

Leader of Redditch council set to speak on refugee crisis on Central TV 87

Karen Lumley and Bill Hartnett write to ease Redditch concerns on refugees 88

Alex recruitment event ‘busiest’ ever 89

Pop-up gazebos, music and more for new-look Redditch market 90

Improving Redditch together 91

Redditch design centre celebrates Silver Anniversary 92

Alex is ‘sacrificial lamb’ say campaigners amid A&E concerns 93

Redditch schoolboy wins his title fight 94

A Redditch soldier’s death remembered 95

Feckenham history mag 2016 is hot off the press 96

Under starter’s orders for May at full council 97

Cast your votes for Ipsley Alders 98

The status quo for GP service is not an option 99

Time to nominate your Redditch hero 100

Two Syrian refugee families are soon to be welcomed 101

Political praise for Redditch firms 102

How Redditch is helping out 102

Crackdown on drivers failing to stop for school crossing patrols 103

Learn to twist again at the Palace in Redditch 104

Brass ensemble at St Laurence’s 105

February

Redditch borough council to consult with public over rat problem 106

Watch: Fallen tree causes chaos in Church Hill 107

Open the door on a world of adventure at the Redditch Cadets open evening 108

Appeal for witnesses following Redditch KFC burglary 108

Local doctors get the thumbs up from Redditch patients 109

UFO’s spotted in Redditch – did you see anything? 110

The County’s CCG’s unanimously back proposed plans for the future of hospital care 111

Osborne staying with Redditch for now but talks are still ongoing 112

Crumpton fired up by awesom World Championships despite disappointment 113

Robinson plays a waiting game in bid for title shot 114

Not in my name 115

Redditch MP hands out awards at Special Olympics Redditch’s annual awards celebration 116

Study shows Redditch residents are some of the least anxious people in England 117

Redditch doctor warns GPs are at “breaking point” as care becomes “unsafe” 118

See the best Fury since Fury at Redditch’s Palace Theatre 120

Jim Davidson coming to Redditch 121

Siena aiming to scale the heights at Championships 122

Redditch Borough Councillors vote against extra £56,500 cash boost 123

Redditch Council to support online safety day 124

Welcome spring at Beoley’s annual Snowdrop Weekend 125

A Pictorial View of Redditch: the town as it used to be 126

Redditch homes cleared after gas leak alert 127

Redditch to receive £88k to ‘cushion’ blow of cutbacks 128 76

Contamination fears over 200-homes land 129

Redditch swap shops are a soaraway success 130

Politicians keep up fight for Alex future 131

Two more lifesaving defib kits donated for Redditch communites 132

Illusionist brings his mind boggling show to Redditch 133

Maternity services not returning to the Alex for the ‘forseeable’ future 134

Redditch on board with ‘Clean for the Queen’ 135

County Council issues cold weather alert with temperatures expected to plunge 135

All welcome: Warwick Hospital opens doors to Redditch mums-to-be 136

Redditch school winning an international reputation for excellence 137

Alex Hospital health trust signs up to four point to improve emergency care 139

Worcestershire County Council withdraw Diamond school contracts 140

Drone video shows scale of Redditch homes bid 141

New Church opens in Redditch after decade in the making 142

Redditch photographer’s starlings video goes viral 143

Redditch Snowdrop Festival bring hundreds to smell the flowers 144

Step back in time for a night of pure 60s magic at the Palace Theatre 145

Campaigners question sums for new Alex 146

Redditch swimmers bring home gold 147

Take care to avoid the bug warn chiefs 147

Woman airlifted to Alex after falling in field near Studley 148

Redditch’s only record shop Vintage Trax celebrates first birthday 149

Diamond due to cease a further two school services 150

Asda signage is a ‘hazard’, claim Smallwood campaigners 152

Redditch householders to see council tax rise 153

Annual reports says West Mercia Police is still failing vulnerable children 154

Convenience store staff chase off armed robber in Church Hill 155

Appeal for surgical robot to treat patients with prostate cancer at the Alex Hospital gets cash boost 156

Man questioned over laser attack on police helicopter over Redditch 157

Claire Cashmore bags a hat-trick of medals at BUCS Nationals 158

Redditch pensioner who punched a man in the face who later dies claims he was acting in self defence 160

Cheers to Edith Cavell – as more than £2,000 is raised for Redditch charity 161

Redditch MP Karen Lumley joins ‘Brexit’ camp 162

Redditch sailor Nick Joyce sets sights on ultimate challenge 163

Update: Redditch’s Kingfisher Shopping centre evacuated 164

Missing Redditch teen found safe and well 165

Sunshine all the way as Redditch Council taps into solar power 166

Garage demolition scheme continues in Woodrow 167

Refugees coming to Redditch ‘will have to apply to stay in the UK’ 168

Vinyl helps redditch shop to turn the tables 169

Retirement homes planned for Redditch John sons Volvo garage 170

Child Fares up 50 per cent as Diamond hikes prices 171

Redditch school chalks up praise from the top 172

Redditch teenager goes missing again 172

Pearl Izumi to return to Redditch 173

Bargains overload must be offloaded 175

March

Church Hill residents sweep their way to success 176

Hundreds of bikers turn out to pay tribute to “great man” Nigel shakespeare 177

Mature residents invited to free information event at Redditch Town Hall 178

Redditch neuroscientist Dr Lisa Hill to showcase groundbreaking research at Houses of Parliament 179

Redditch man accused of manslaughter walks free after jury takes just 16 minutes to find him not guilty 181

Redditch United launch new football academy 182

Mum and daughter urge women to take part in this year’s Redditch Race for Life event 183

Brexit Latest: ‘Eurosceptic map of Britian’ places Worcestershire in the ‘in’ campt 184

Missing Redditch teen found safe and well 186

Feel-good family show at the Palace Theatre to raise vital cash for charity 186

Have you seen Daniel Rogers who could be in the Rubery area? 187

“Redditch Market has a bright future, but we need time to get it there” say new owners 188

Junior doctors strike may affect some NHS services at Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital 190

Redditch Council accused of “taking money” which helps support people dying of cancer 191

The iconic and much loved Pinocchio comes to Redditch’s Palace Theatre 193

Go back in time at the Palace Theatre with the greatest hits of the mid-century 195

Racer Dawes make a strong start to season 196

MPs under fire for “making the poor poorer” in £120-a-month disability benefit cut. 197

Have your say on plans to turn Volvo site in Redditch into retirement homes 198

Temporary venue needs to be found to hold funeral services 199

Dr Usman Ahmed put a foul-mouthed rant on Facebook 199

Trust running Redditch’s Alex Hospital taking part in programme to help improve end of life care 200

New Poundland store opens in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre 201

Tibutes paid to former Redditch councillor Ray Beech 202

Redditch MP Karen Lumley welcomes school funding shake-up 202

Busiest day of the year for Worcestershire hospitals sees staff treat more than 600 emergency patients in one day 203

Woodrow man claims Diamond Bus driver hit him and ripped his coat during fight over buggy space 204

Solid display for Gilmartin at World Championships 205

NCT Redditch is looking for volunteers 207

Budget “puts the next generation first” says Redditch MP Karen Lumley 208

Have your say on the future of healthcare services in Worcestershire 210

Redditch church receives £40,000 boost to help “make a real difference” to the community 211

Wannabe actors invited to take part in Sweeney Todd at Redditch’s Palace Theatre 212

Elderly care system is “not sustainable” in Worcestershire, warn experts 212

Beauty and The Beast at Redditch’s Palace Theatre 213

Redditch MP glad George Osborne has abandoned controversial cuts to disability benefits 214

Junior doctors to take part in ‘all out’ strike action against government contract 215

Redditch Borough Council refuse planning permission on imagination Street’s trampoline park 217

Video: Redditch and Bromsgrove residents urged to remain vigilant as terror threat remains at “severe” following Brussels attacks 219

Redditch Doctor who called all Tory MPs to be shot faces police investigation 220

Primrose Hospice to play spring concert at Redditch Town Hall 221

Council Staff warned: Follow the rules over hiring consultants or face punishment 222

Crumpton sets sights on title defence 223

Roy Chubby Brown brings notoriously outrageous live show to Redditch 224

Redditch care home scoops prestigious award 225

Forge Mill to benefit from Arts Council England Funding 226

£500,000 boost kick-starts Redditch United’s game changing transformation 227 80

Opened today: The new centre that will provide life-saving dialysis treatment for Redditch residents 229

Rock Choir gets ready to raise the roof at the Bridge Church in Headless Cross, Redditch 230

April

Redditch New Town – good or bad? Exhibition takes a look at 50 years of change 232

Pet Owners in Redditch urged to get their dogs microchipped 233

The fun of the fair comes back to Redditch’s Arrow Valley Park 234

New National Living Wage will give a big boost to the lowest- paid in Redditch, says MP Karen Lumley 234

The extraordinary tale, which could have come from the quill of the playwright himself, continues 235

Stay away from Redditch A&E unless it’s “life threatening” people told 237

Finocchiario seeing his hard work pay off 238

Almost 200 outpatients appointments cancelled due to strike action by junior doctors 239

Redditch MP impressed after visit to innovative new town centre housing scheme 240

Redditch choir Arrow Vale Singers embark on 40th anniversary celebrations with spring concert at Webheath Village Hall 241

Foster care pioneer Jan Rees from Redditch awarded OBE 242

Your chance to learn about various faith groups and religions in Redditch 243

Two youths arrested for public order offences at Redditch but station 244

Book Lover? Then join new reading group just for Redditch residents 244

Redditch bandstand beacon will celebrate the Queen’s 90 birthday 245

Fancy a night of dirty dancing? 246

Dawes set the pace at Donnington 247

The very best of the Eagles comes to the Palace Theatre 248

More than 300 cancelled outpatient appointments in Worcestershire as junior doctors in Redditch strike for the fourth time 249

“Come clean” about downgrade of Redditch’s Alex Hospital, say campaigners 250

Alex Hospital given exercise supplies for children with cystic fibrosis 251

Man charged with possessing imitation firearm following reports of man with gun at Redditch Railway Station 252

Redditch man Victor Nealson falsely imprisoned for 17 years denied compensation by Court of Appeal 253

Traditional May day fun at Headless Cross Green on Bank Holiday Monday 254

Redditch’s RSA Academy shortlisted in prestigious TES Awards 255

West Midlands Senate to consider future of emergency care at the Alex 256

Redditch MP Karen Lumley nominated for Grassroot Diplomat award 257

Redditch residents invited to have their say on proposed council tax change 258

“Redditch at its best” says council leader on successful second Redditch Faith Walk 259

Armed officers deployed to Redditch bookmakers William Hill following reports of a man with a gun 260

Gang attacked man in Lloyds Bar, Redditch Town Centre 261

Library opening hours in Redditch and Bromsgrove to face the chop in £1m. cutbacks 262

Tardebigge ground celebrates Ladies’ Shooting Day 263

Redditch care home manager who abused vulnerable residents escapes jail 264

Redditch Prince’s Trust members raise £350 to help transform the Redi Centre 265

Elections 2016: And they’re off! Redditch Borough Council contest kicks off 266

Update: Two arrests made after masked gunman raids two Redditch bookies 268

Former Redditch bobby Amanda Blakeman appointed assistant chief constable 269

Redditch MP receives ‘Honorary’ title at Grassroot Diplomat awards ceremony 271

War hero from Redditch awarded highest French order for military service 273

Rare chance for garden lovers to take a tour around stunning prison grounds 274

See a new look Russell Kane at Redditch’s Palace Theatre next month 275

Redditch set to receive £850,000 town centre facelift 276

Racing stars get in gear for Redditch’s Pearl Izumi race 277

Redditch turns out to celebrate Queen’s 90 birthday 279

People told to only use A & E in an emergency ahead of junior doctor strike 280

11,000 jobs at risk as BHS poised for administration 281

Emergency cover affected for first time as junior doctors strike at Redditch’s Alex Hospital 282

Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Tom Watson comes to Redditch 283

Have you seen escaped Hewell prisoner Andrew Dawson 284

Redditch carer told he will never work with old people again after slapping 84-year-old woman 285

Celebrate Her Majexty’s 90th birthday in truly patriotic style at Redditch’s Palace 286

Resignations spark s downgrade fears at Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital 288

Controversial maternity ward closure to remain in place until at least February 2017, say health bosses 289

Brexit model plan 290

May

Trust welcomes possible fresh talks on junior doctors contract 290

Worcestershire now under pressure to take in more Syrian refugees 291

Labour retain control of Redditch Borough council 292

The Harlequins drama group to perform The Phantom of the Opera 293

Claire Cashmore confirmed for Rio Games after squad revealed 294

SOS goes out to save the historic spire of Headless Cross Methodist Church 295

Take up a stall and show off your wares at one of Redditch’s popular summer festival 297

Temporary closure of Proctors Barn Lane 298

£900,000 revamp of Valley Stadium pitch gets underway 299

Fishing tackle fair in Redditch reels in hundreds of visitors 301

A speed data collective device will be installed on Coldfield Drive 302

Wit and word meister Gyles Brandreth to visit Redditch’s Palace Theatre 303

See Elvis, David Essex, Alvin Stardust, John Lennon, and many more come to life at Redditch’s Palace Theatre 304

“Historic moment” as Redditch first town to accept Syrian refugees 305

Redditch Local History Society wants heritage centre to help preserve way of life for future generations 306

Joe Baker appointed new mayor of Redditch at the council’s Annual Meeting 308

Redditch Tour Series 2016: Thousands of spectators fill town centre 309

See the ‘king of rock and roll’ at Redditch’s Palace Theatre 310

Redditch Nando’s reopens following flooding 311

Bromsgrove and Redditch Welcomes Refugees held first meeting 312

Redditch’s ‘hidden gem’ Ecumencial Centre celebrates 40 years of serving the town 314

Thanks for Vote 315

Three natives of Redditch died at the Battle of Jutland 316

Cast our minds back a century to the Battle of Jutland 317

Councillors Juliet Brunner and Brandon Clayton meet top boss at Diamond Bus 318

June

Battle of Jutland centenary marked 319

Redditch Choral Society to play show at St Stephen’s Church 321

Bandstand on Church Green will be the centre point for a number of musical acts on June 11 322

Recruitment event at Redditch’s Recruitment event at Redditch’s Diamond Buses depot this weekend 323

Exhibition on Redditch’s industrial heritage now open at Forge Mill 324

MPs in talks with Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt following Alex Hospital downgrade 325 84

Exhibition will be at Bromsgrove’s Artrix 327

Redditch Mayor hits out at mass killing in gay nightclub Pulse 328

Met Office issue severe weather warning for Worcestershire 329

Redditch Choral Society 331

Redditch to mark Armed Forces Day 332

Redditch MP Karen Lumley’s tribute to MP Jo Cox 333

Prime Minister visits car firm Grupo Anntolin in Moons Moat 334

Hundreds of people duped into buying “worthless” plots of land in Redditch 335

Recently qualified British Army mounted musician Kendell Lewis from Redditch takes part Trooping the Colour parade for the Queen’s 90th birthday 336

Redditch MP Karen Lumley’s sadness at Prime Minister David Cameron’s decision to resign following Brexit defeat 337

Be proud of town 338

Residents invited to the War Memorial in Plymouth Road on July 1 339

Let’s rebuild spire 340

Tributes paid to alleged murder victim David Simon McTighe who died of head injury in Abbeydale 341

Hate crime increase since Brexit, say West Mercia Police 342

Green fair pulls in the crowds – but the mayor ends up in handcuffs 343

Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital pediatric department to close with services moved to Worcester 344

Redditch reserve soldiers set off on “Exercise Winged Lion” 345

Acknowledgements 347

News of Redditch

(Document July 1st – December 31st 2016)

Contents

July

‘A bad day for Redditch’ – shock as children’s unit at the Alexandra Hospital to close ...... 12 Father of Redditch historian fought in battle ...... 14 Trust denies claim A&E will shut ...... 15 In tribute to those who fell at the Somme ...... 16 Jobs to go in Redditch college cutbacks ...... 18 Redditch man’s grandfather sailed over to join fight ...... 19 Photos sought from First World War ...... 20 New hospital services plan in Redditch gets backing from Senate ...... 21 Redditch unites against race hate crimes ...... 22 You don’t have to be religious to come here – Redditch Ecumenical Centre turns 40 ...... 23 Redditch unites against race hate crimes ...... 25 ‘Anonymous Donor’ is spreading joy in Redditch ...... 26 Army on the march to help Redditch charities...... 27 Redditch code-breaker breaks Rotary record ...... 28 Redditch students look back in time for project ...... 29 Brexit is power to the people says Redditch MP ...... 30 MP’s to challenge homes inspector ...... 31 Section of footpath at Arrow Valley Park to close for repair work ...... 32 Redditch MP Karen Lumley backs Andrea Leadsom in her bid to be next Prime Minister ...... 33 Talks scheduled between Alex consultants and Redditch MP Karen Lumley...... 34 Man dies after fall from bridge in Redditch ...... 34 Changing of the guard as Phil Lawrence takes over as President of Redditch Lions ...... 35 Redditch United reveal Dave Lawrence as new general manager ...... 36 Towns fall silent to honour thousands of soldiers killed in the Battle of the Somme on the 100th anniversary ...... 38 86

Redditch Ramblers 2016 Walking Festival promises hikes for all abilities ...... 40 “Allow your voices to be heard” say Tory councillors over the future of Redditch’s Alex Hospital ...... 42 Free live music on offer at Redditch Music Festival ...... 44 Save the Alex Campaign want MP Karen Lumley to hold the meeting after the promise of an “open and honest discussion” ...... 45 David Bowie musical celebration at Redditch’s Palace theatre ...... 46 Somme service a ‘very moving experience’ ...... 47 Respect Migrants ...... 48 My Sincere thanks to you all ...... 49 The meeting of the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel takes place this Friday, July 15 at County Hall ...... 50 Redditch MP Karen Lumley fully in support of Theresa May as Andrea Leadsom drops out of Tory leadership race ...... 51 Redditch MP Karen Lumley and council leader Bill Hartnett to hold public meeting on the Alexandra Hospital ...... 52 Save the Alex Campaign group to hold meeting next Monday, July 25th at 6.15pm ...... 53 Look into Redditch’s past with the Sunset Pensioner’s Club ...... 54 MP Karen Lumley asks for stop to controversial homes plan ...... 55 Remembering one of the fallen from the Somme ...... 56 Auditions will be held at the Palace Theatre on Sunday, September 4 at 10am...... 57 Archbishop of Canterbury to visit Redditch ...... 58 Probe over patients referred to private clinic after loss of service at Alex ...... 59 A grandstand at Redditch bandstand ...... 60 Councillors battle it out over future development of Redditch Borough ...... 61 A stitch in time for shoppers ...... 62 August Props and costumes from blockbuster movies currently on display at Forge Mill Needle Museum ...... 63 Redditch councillors unanimously back anti-hate crime motion ...... 64 HMP Hewell “of serious concern” according to Government body ...... 65 Specialist court for victims of domestic abuse launched in Redditch ...... 66

Redditch’s Alex Hospital to hold “come back to nursing” event ...... 67 Jasper Carrott returns to Redditch’s Palace Theatre ...... 68 Robinson suffers tough loss ...... 69 Headline acts confirmed for Redditch’s 2016 Morton Stanley Festival ...... 70 Redditch’s Palace Theatre nominated for countrywide award ...... 71 Exhibition uncovers surprise link with hero of Somme ...... 72 Modern new look Oakenshaw McDonald’s reopens with table service, tablets and self- service kiosks ...... 73 Redditch MP “appalled” and “ashamed” at widespread racial abuse towards Diamond bus drivers ...... 74 Redditch crematorium in line for top honour ...... 75 TV’s Mr Bloom at Kingfisher Shopping Centre ...... 76 VIDEO: Redditch made horror film The Snarling wins prestigious award ...... 77 Residents anger as travellers set up on “beautiful” fields in Oakenshaw South ...... 78 Lifeline for heart patients marks two decades of service to the Bromsgrove and Redditch community ...... 79 From September sick children will have to travel to Worcester ...... 81 St Peter’s Church to host event next week ...... 82 Olympic Jack’s dad is ‘just a bit chuffed’ ...... 83 Rio came to Redditch At the Bandstand ...... 84 What does Redditch hospital ward closure mean for children? ...... 85 ‘Bantam’ George was already a hero ...... 86 Hospital bosses may have to cancel operations as winter crisis looms for NHS ...... 87 Rockin’ good time for all despite rain at Redditch Morton Stanley Festival ...... 89 Redditch cardiac service celebrates 20 years ...... 90 Donate to refugees in Redditch...... 91 New Police and Crime Commissioner sets up his team ...... 92 Council plans fears over Redditch library ...... 93 Outstanding GCSE results for Redditch ...... 95 Remembering two heroes from the Somme horrors ...... 97 Donate to refugees in Redditch...... 98 New Police and Crime Commissioner sets up his team ...... 99 88

Headteachers in Redditch and beyond reflect on GCSE success ...... 100 No gastro cover at the Alex in Redditch – the consultant’s on holiday ...... 101 The view from Westminster: Karen Lumley reflects on GB’s sporting success ...... 102 Dunelm to open new store in Redditch on old Staples site ...... 103 41 Club re-opens in Redditch after break of 46 years ...... 104 Battalion’s gas horror before death of Redditch man on Somme 100 years ago ...... 105 Redditch market operators aim to be the best of the bunch ...... 106 Bank holiday sees ambulance calls rise in Worcestershire ...... 107 Footasylum to open store in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre in Redditch ...... 107 Pledge of better train services for rail users from Government minister ...... 108 All aboard – Diamond Buses to hold recruitment fair in Redditch ...... 109 September Visitors flocked to Forge Mill for the annual Scarecrow Day ...... 109 Recycling banks set to be removed from Redditch ...... 110 Broadway hit is on Redditch’s doorstep ...... 111 U-Turn on specialist education unit in Redditch after threat of legal action ...... 112 Calls for action to be taken on Redditch bridge at meeting ...... 113 Generosity of Redditch residents fills van-loads for refugees ...... 114 Put dogs on lead near wildlife plea after swan attacked in Redditch ...... 115 Looking back on the history of Redditch ...... 116 School uniform swap shop in Redditch ‘like Black Friday’ ...... 117 Redditch doctor returns after Rio adventure ...... 118 Remembering Somme fallen in Redditch ...... 119 Giant house spiders invade Redditch homes ...... 121 A celebration of all that is great in Redditch ...... 122 Redditch car park and cycle route to close for maintenance ...... 123 Ida Parkinson was the first hospital-based Macmillan nurse in Worcestershire ...... 124 £900,000 revamp of Redditch United’s Valley Stadium will “put Redditch on the map ...... 126 Redditch students team up with comic book artist Lee Bradley to create app for Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre...... 128 The children’s ward at Redditch’s Alex Hospital is now closed ...... 129

Bernie’s at The Palace without his ostrich ...... 130 Fears after children’s services are moved from Redditch’s Alex Hospital to Worcestershire Royal Hospital ...... 131 Legend Tony Christie will be performing at Redditch ‘s Palace Theatre ...... 133 Diversity walk and Redditch Mayor and Councillor Joe Baker’s civic celebration is huge success ...... 134 Redditch Council pays 5,000 in court fees and clean up after travellers invade land behind Lineholt Close in Oakenshaw ...... 135 St George’s CE First School receives national accolade for improvement ...... 136 Redditch MP Karen Lumley stands against grammar school expansion ...... 137 Video: Are fines the way forward for parents who park outside schools? ...... 138 Redditch Entaco clinch title and cup to crown a winning season ...... 139 “We got the hospital but now they are taking it away, bit by bit” ...... 141 Charity valuation day held to raise cash for Redditch Choral Society ...... 142 Redditch swimmer Claire Cashmore takes silver ...... 143 Roll back the years at Redditch’s Palace Theatre ...... 144 Public meeting is being held at Redditch Town Hall Wednesday, September 28th ...... 145 Redditch homeless charity Nightstop receives £262,266 funding boost ...... 146 The Bandstand Community Festival was part of Redditch Council’s summer bandstand programme ...... 147 Proposals to replace and provide a new home for the existing school given the green light148 Redditch’s Diane raises lots of dough for Macmillan ...... 149 Voluntary grants are up for grabs in Redditch ...... 150 Diamond chief quits role after six months ...... 151 Redditch aiming to celebrate medal winners ...... 152 New chief’s pledge as Alex health trust in the dock over payment to staff...... 153 Worcestershire County Council’s Home Care Services rated ‘good’ in Care Quality Commission report ...... 155 Feel good story Half a Sixpence comes to town...... 156 Archbishop of Canterbury will be visiting St Stephen’s Church on October 8 ...... 157 ‘Rory the Robot’ campaigners in final push to reach 300,000 fundraising target ...... 158 ‘Love and respect’ as Redditch Kerala community celebrates harvest festival Onam ...... 160

The Rev Dick Johnson, vicar in the town’s Holy Trinity team, honoured for helping firefighters come to terms with the shock of witnessing distressing scenes as they do their job ...... 161 Government cuts in Redditch grant raised at the Labour Party conference ...... 163 Junior doctors lose high court challenge on 7-day NHS contract ...... 165 MP Karen Lumley will help chair a meeting tonight at Redditch Town Hall ...... 167 Hundreds of people pack out town hall for Alex Hospital meeting ...... 168 Olympian Sara helps inspire youngsters in Redditch ...... 169 Former Redditch consultant slams ‘asset strip’ at Alex hospital ...... 171 October Redditch’s Alex has a ‘bright’ future says interim chief ...... 172 In remembrance of two soldiers killed in action, 100 years ago ...... 174 After the mauling, health trust looks for directors with Redditch connections ...... 176 Redditch runners celebrate 12th national parkrun ...... 177 Redditch Council must find £50,000 if it wants the tour series again next year. – October 2016 ...... 178 Battens Drive car park closed to visitors ...... 179 Opening of Redditch’s Dunelm store sees hundreds fly through the door ...... 180 Fashion and beauty fun best ever at Kingfisher Shopping Centre ...... 181 Update: One injured in Diamond bus crash on Bromsgrove Road, Redditch ...... 182 Concerned Redditch father Rob Underwood blasts trust responsible for the Alexandra Hospital following mixed messages at public meeting...... 183 Potential Diamond driver was operating bus that crashed on Bromsgrove Road, Redditch.185 Redditch MP Karen Lumley “confident” Theresa May will deliver Brexit ...... 186 Redditch residents urged to have their say on the future of Winyates and Matchborough . 187 Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, comes to Redditch ...... 188 Unite the Union says cuts are bitterly disappointing and will lead to rise in A&E visits ...... 189 The choir will celebrate 40 years on Saturday with a concert at St Stephen’s Church ...... 191 Redditch MP Karen Lumley admitted to the Alex for ‘serious surgical procedure’ ...... 192 Hundreds of people to lose jobs after the retro American diner chain is sold ...... 193 Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Chairman in four-year plan ...... 194 Coffee#1 opening today in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, Redditch ...... 196 Redditch residents angry over development go ahead ...... 197 91

War memorial outside St Stephen’s Church to be closed off while repairs carried out ...... 198 Griff Rhys Jones will be bringing his new comedy show to the Palace Theatre...... 199 X Factor finalists Reggie ‘N’ Bollie as the headline act for this year’s lights switch on ...... 200 Redditch MP Karen Lumley “planned but serious” operation goes well ...... 201 Recalling service of WW1 soldier ...... 202 Test will take place to see if a new cemetery can be built in Ipsley Church Lane ...... 203 Redditch’s Palace Theatre is the place to go for solid-gold hits ...... 204 People wanted to help clear Arrow Valley Country Park ...... 205 Redditch MP Karen Lumley thanks Alex Hospital staff following operation ...... 206 Life-saving in Redditch Kingfisher Centre ...... 207 Top one per cent: Saint Augustine’s Catholic High School celebrate record breaking result 208 Redditch Paralympian swimmer first to receive Black Pear award ...... 209 Health Trust agree on new mental health services for Redditch ...... 210 Redditch Operatic Society will be performing The Witches of Eastwick ...... 211 Highways chiefs fear homes in Redditch will cause traffic chaos ...... 212 Tragic tale of three war heroes from Redditch ...... 213 Redditch Gateway development will provide “potential for a huge cash injection into the local economy”, says MP Karen Lumley ...... 214 Alex boss apologises over hospital waits ...... 216 Redditch rocks at Mayor Joe Baker’s charity concert night ...... 217 Redditch pub presents big-name live music and good vibes ...... 218 Redditch Mayor Joe Baker blasts County Council over action taken prevent deaths at notorious Redditch bridge ...... 219 Barni to shine the spotlight on Dame Shirley in Redditch ...... 221 Charles Styler died at Somme a century ago ...... 223 On point: New doors at St Stephen’s Church showcase Redditch history ...... 224 More Redditch garages demolished to make way for parking ...... 225 Redditch exhibition giving a view from the past ...... 226

November

£200k revamp to Pets at Home at Redditch’s Trafford Retail Park to create three jobs ...... 227 Redditch-born Rio star Claire Cashmore honoured with prestigious new Black Pear Tree award ...... 228 Frank was taken by illness ...... 229 Soldiers fell in the Battle for Transloy ...... 230 Redditch MP slams High Court Brexit ruling ...... 231 Public consultation on Future of Acute Hospital Services in Worcestershire project expected to start in December ...... 232 Webheath sisters Natalie and Lucy Hatfield make a splash at World Biathlon Championships in Florida ...... 233 Former Alex cancer surgeon investigated over patient deaths loses unfair dismissal case .. 234 Fire spreads across 20 metres of trees in Redditch ...... 235 A look back at town’s entertaining history ...... 236 Redditch Golf Club hits the mark with national golf award...... 237 Petition calls for the return of maternity care at Redditch’s Alexander Hospital ...... 238 Long term unemployed in Redditch set to get funding boost ...... 239 Redditch Choral Society to perform Christmas classics next month ...... 239 Arthur died day before unit pulled from front ...... 240 Drugs, violence and drones – all in a day’s work at HMP Hewell ...... 241 Paralympic star opens school’s new extension ...... 242 We will remember them ...... 243 Redditch remembers those who died on the Western Front ...... 244 Trinity students advised to take care after attempted robbery...... 245 Health service plans are hit by further delays ...... 246 Community nurse Julie picks up prestigious title ...... 247 Council has ‘got priorities wrong’ ...... 248 Muddy mess and large machinery causing concern ...... 249 Vital opportunity to have say on local NHS future...... 250 Leisure savings are possible, council told...... 251 Woeful outlook for NHS finances ...... 251 MP backs action to stop schools parking mayhem ...... 252 A virtual way of teaching ...... 253 93

Revamp plans put on hold ...... 254 Remembering Somme sacrifices ...... 255 Market is blown away ...... 256 Cricket ace opens £1.3m sports hall – St Bede’s Catholic Middle School ...... 257 Health bosses offer vital advice on using antibiotics ...... 257 Arts group set to mark a milestone with new event ...... 258 December Realising their liquid assets ...... 259 Inspectors say medical centre ‘must improve’ ...... 260 Inspector tells trust to improve x-ray services ...... 262 Prison suicide figures shock ...... 263 Two more to be remembered ...... 263 Huge waste recycling plant gets green light ...... 264 Curtain up on panto fun ...... 265 Standing down after 30 years in the force ...... 266 Small pool may re-open this weekend after broken glass incident ...... 267 A&E under ‘extreme pressure’ ...... 267 Festive fun for Sunset Club ...... 268 Rethink needed over education ...... 269 Swimming coach David makes BBC Sports Personality final ...... 270 MP joins row as £29m health cash put on ice ...... 271 Fondly remembered ...... 272 New CEO steps up for hospitals ...... 273 Lights of Love gets another big help ...... 274 Enjoy some classic films ...... 275 Story has an unexpected side ...... 276 Council tax set to rise ‘in line with priorities’ ...... 277 Spotlight on another called away by war ...... 278 Swimming hours extended as Redditch pool reopening is confirmed ...... 278 County Council comes up with ‘perfect gift’ for Redditch residents ...... 279 Redditch sends letter of condolences to Berlin in wake of attack ...... 280

Last push could mean Rory’s on his way...... 281 Sixth formers help the homeless ...... 282 Council eyes housing stock ...... 283 Quality of life is being destroyed ...... 284 Essential work will secure wood’s future ...... 285 Huge homes plan will ‘destroy history’ ...... 286 Talks set action plan ...... 287 New directors join acute hospitals trust ...... 288 Inspiring Brian is leading the way in Rory campaign ...... 289 A Starry future ...... 289 Dismal year and no hope for 2017 ...... 290 Looking back on 2016 ...... 291 Acknowledgements ...... 292

Acknowledgements

In the research and compilation of this document the author acknowledges the following sources:

www.redditchstandard.co.uk - The Redditch Standard archives

www.redditchadvertiser.co.uk - The Redditch Advertiser archives