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1 week ago | 
bbc.com | Sophie Millward
Start-up in bid prove UK leads in space techMagdriveBased at Harwell Campus in Didcot, Magdrive was founded in 2020A UK-built spacecraft engine that runs on metal is preparing for its first test in space, in a mission that could pave the way for longer-lasting, more flexible satellites. The plasma thruster, developed by Oxfordshire start-up Magdrive, heats tiny bits of solid metal into a hot gas to produce powerful bursts of thrust.
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1 month ago | 
bbc.co.uk | Sophie Millward |Tanya Gupta
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The 271-acre solar farm is planned for land either side of the A449 near Powick, WorcestershireCampaigners fighting plans for a 271-acre (109.7-hectare) solar farm near a village argue it would harm landscapes and wildlife.
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1 month ago | 
bbc.com | Sophie Millward
Campaigners battle solar farm plans near villageSophie MillwardTanya GuptaGetty ImagesThe 271-acre solar farm is planned for land either side of the A449 near Powick, WorcestershireCampaigners fighting plans for a 271-acre (109.7-hectare) solar farm near a village argue it would harm landscapes and wildlife.
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2 months ago | 
bbc.co.uk | Gavin Kermack |Sophie Millward
Image caption, Amber, Reuben and Louis are among the pupils who have contributed to a rap song celebrating the new breakfast clubLittle Dewchurch, in Herefordshire, is one of 750 primary schools across the country taking part in the trial, which sees parents able to access half an hour of free childcare each morning. The pilot will run until July, after which the programme is expected to be rolled out nationally. "I think it's really important to...
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2 months ago | 
bbc.com | Sophie Millward
Sophie MillwardBBC Hereford & WorcesterTanya GuptaBBC News, West MidlandsWarning stickers have appeared on dozens of graves at Hereford Cemetery, labelling headstones as "unsafe" and prompting families to foot the bill for repairs. Bereaved families said the memorials appeared sturdy and some had been put in 12 years ago, and should last longer.
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2 months ago | 
bbc.com | Sophie Millward
Sophie MillwardBBC Hereford & WorcesterTanya GuptaBBC News, West MidlandsPeople have rallied to clean up a youth football ground in Hereford after an illegal traveller camp left it covered in rubbish. Toros FC said goalposts were broken, sheds damaged and events for children had to be cancelled or moved. Chairman Gareth Cottrell said offers of help and support have poured in from clubs, businesses and local residents.
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2 months ago | 
bbc.com | Ben Sidwell |Tanya Gupta |Sophie Millward
Ben SidwellMidlands TodaySophie MillwardBBC Hereford & WorcesterTanya GuptaBBC News, West MidlandsA cheesemaker has warned it may have to stop sales to the US if Donald Trump's export tariffs come in. Croome Cheese in Whittington, Worcestershire, is a family food business that currently exports 37% of its cheeses, with three-quarters of them going to the US.
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Mar 28, 2025 | 
bbc.com | Sophie Millward
River ferry returns after restorationSophie MillwardBBCThe ferry service can trace its roots back to the 12th Century A river ferry service that dates back almost 1,000 years is set to return to the Severn in Worcester after a six-month restoration project. The latest boat, named Doris, is 71 years old and ferry master Stephen Cope warned last year that the route was under threat as volunteers struggled to maintain her.
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Mar 28, 2025 | 
bbc.com | Sophie Millward
Pensioners forced to close loved cafe over costsSophie MillwardBBCThe couple opened the café to supplement their pensionsA beloved Worcester cafe, known for its warm atmosphere and hearty meals, is closing after years of serving as a hub for the community. Big Bill's Cafe owners, Martin, 83, and Sheila, 75, who took over in 2019, cite rising costs as the main reason for closing. Martin, who retired in 2018, stepped in to help run the café after Sheila's son opened it.
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Mar 21, 2025 | 
bbc.com | Sophie Millward
Boy excited at mascot role after cancer diagnosisSophie MillwardListen on BBC Sounds: Noah will be treated like royalty when Kidderminster Harriers face Needham Market on SaturdayAn eight-year-old boy with a rare type of cancer will live out one of his dreams when he becomes the mascot for his favourite football team. Noah, a pupil in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, was diagnosed in July with kidney cancer, after initially complaining of stomach pain.
