Local News

‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ was the last show  that Roxana Silbert directed when she was artistic director of the REP back in 2019.  Now she is back directing this epic tale once again. Ursula Rani Sarma’s play which she adapted from Khaled Hosseini’s novel covers the period from 1974 to 2001 but in truth the messages it sends have even more relevance to Afghanistan today  in 2025. The story itself concerns the unique journey of two women forced together by circumstances and their…

HEADLESS Cross Community Orchard will once again be hosting an annual May Fayre – from 11am to 4pm on bank holiday Monday, May 5. There will be live music throughout the day with Arrow Valley Brass, Goblin Noises, Debbie and Garth, Found In A Field, Alan Sheward and Turvey. This year will also feature the fayre’s Freestyle Maypole Dancing, promoting audience participation. Dancers of all ages can have a go at tying the ribbons around the Maypole. To add…

TRACY Chapman’s eponymous debut album is reissued on vinyl in celebration of its 35th anniversary. Originally released by Elektra Records in April 1988, Tracy Chapman has long been unavailable on vinyl. The anniversary reissue has been prepared for release by Chapman and the album’s original producer, David Kershenbaum, pressed on 180-gram vinyl and sourced from an analogue master. The album package will also include an insert of translated lyrics, which accompanied the original international release. Featuring the classic singles…

A BROMSGROVE mum whose daughter has Type 1 Diabetes is running the London Marathon to raise money for a charity trying to find a breakthrough cure. Anne-Louise Pridden will take on the 26.2mile course on April 27 for Breakthrough T1D. Her daughter, Caitlin, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at just nine years old after contracting Covid in 2020. After spending a week in hospital following her daughter’s diagnosis, they met the Breakthrough T1D bear Rufus who helped to…

RESIDENTS are being reminded to make sure they choose the best-placed healthcare option for them this Easter bank holiday weekends. For cuts, grazes, wounds, sprains, minor eye injuries and minor burns, people can attend their local Minor Injuries Units (MIUs). Unfortunately, the units cannot treat illnesses. People needing treatment are advised to contact NHS111 either via the website – 111.nhs.uk – or by calling 111. Trained advisers will assess symptoms and then recommend the most suitable course of action…

WATER activities have returned to Arrow Valley Visitor Centre. After a successful first year, visitors again enjoy exploring the lake on the swan pedalos, sport pedalos, kayaks and this year – rowing boats. A spokesperson from Rubicon Leisure said: “Whether you’re after a calm sojourn across the lake in the late afternoon on our swan pedalos, or like your exploration more on the sporty side with our kayaks, our offering has extended to suit all of our visitors’ tastes…

A REDDITCH church has welcomed two reception classes, giving them a memorable experience of church, Palm Sunday, and the Easter story. St Philip’s Church in Webheath hosted 60 children from Webheath Academy. A highlight of the visit was a surprise appearance by three donkeys – Dolly, Nessie, and Jono – courtesy of The Animal Pantry, based in Astwood Bank. The donkeys were extremely well-behaved, much to the delight of the children, who were thrilled to meet them up close…

OVER £500,000 has been seized by police in West Mercia as dozens of barbershops were raided as part of a national crackdown on criminal gangs using the businesses as fronts for fraudulent activities. The campaign, known as Operation Machinize, formed efforts from force’s across the nation to tackle criminals using barbershops as fronts for fraud, money laundering, and the sale of illicit goods. As part of the operation, 33 warrants were executed across West Mercia, focusing on gangs exploiting…

Not long ago, a local newspaper was a tangible artifact that brought real value. Many still remember stacks of folded pages on doorsteps that reported on the latest news. However, the digital age has rewritten that history. Some people thought local journalism would die out as global news giants started to dominate the information space. Yet local journalism has survived. This article explores how local journalism has not only transitioned to the digital realm but also redefined its mission…

STAFF from Platform Housing Group are gearing up for a year of fundraising in support of children’s charity NSPCC. From the start of this month to March 31 2026, the NSPCC will be the organisation’s official corporate charity, with colleagues rallying together to raise funds through a variety of creative and challenging activities. Anita Hill, corporate partnerships manager at NSPCC, added: “We are delighted to become the charity of the year partner of Midlands based Platform Housing Group this year…