Archive

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'Walking mayor' dies at age of 91

A KIDDERMINSTER man who became known as the "walking mayor" because of his refusal to use the civic car has died at the age of 91. Jim Bourke, a familiar face to many Kidderminster people, died on Monday at the Gables Nursing Home. An Irishman and devoted

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Boycott plan on 'anti-gay' vicar invite

FURIOUS councillors were poised to boycott a meeting in an anti-gay row last night after a controversial vicar was invited to lead prayers. Members of the Liberal Party vowed not to enter the chamber for the full meeting of Wyre Forest District Council

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Toll house up for sale

A ONCE prominent Stourport building which has sunk into obscurity is creating a wave of interest after going on the market. The Toll House, in Dunley Road, has had a chequered history in recent decades. The once proud building, which had also housed the

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Voters select party under PR system

VOTERS will be asked to make their voices heard on the continent on June 10 by completing a second ballot paper for the European Parl-iament. As the Euro vote will be held on the same day as the district elections, it is hoped the turnout will improve

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POWs' family make moving Japan trip

A STOURPORT family who grew up with "hatred" for the Japanese after two relatives died while serving as prisoners of war in the Far East have told of their heart-rending voyage of reconciliation. Les Dutfield's uncle and his mother-in-law's twin brother

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Keep off the grass track

HOW could our inept Wychavon councillors give a travelling circus permission to use and create carnage to the meadow alongside the New Bridge. This resultied in deep ruts and heavy vehicle tyre tracks leaving it looking like a ploughed field? Its only

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Young stars

Warwick-based Playbox Theatre Company is launching the first of its new training programmes for young actors in Chipping Campden in September. It will be running a club for five to seven-year-olds, and two performance programmes for eight to 10-year-olds

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Greed an echo of silent age

HEROES, villains, melodrama and comedy are staples of silent films and are brought back to vivid life by The Clod Ensemble in their latest production, Greed, at Chipping Norton Theatre. Inspired by Chaplin and Keaton, Greed is a story about marriage and

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Wedding doubts give rise to comedy classic

BROADWAY players are busy putting the finishing touches to their latest production to be staged next week at the Lifford Hall. The comedy Fools Rush In, written by Kenneth Horne of Round the Horne radio fame, is packed with villagers including Dave Smith

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The Bard with bite!

YORKSHIRE'S celebrated theatre company Northern Broadsides will bring a production of The Merchant of Venice like no other to the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham. Barrie Rutter, artistic director and founder of the company who also plays Shylock in the

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Dylan's Malvern date

The Wales Theatre Company is to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Dylan Thomas by bringing his classic Under Milk Wood to Malvern. The production also marks 50 years since the first broadcast and stage performance of what has become the

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Miles are a success for Ruth

ATHLETICS: Eight Amazing Feet Running Club members contributed to excellent results at the Halesowen Hillock 10-mile multi-terrain race. Ruth Miles finished fifth female and third senior lady in one hour 24 minutes 31 seconds which meant 56th position

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Dazzling Dan

GOLF: Junior Dan Ballinger followed up his hole-in-one feat at Bewdley Pines by showing he can give the adults a run for their money. Ballinger won the club's May monthly medal in the men's section with a 76 gross 12 handicap 64 nett. The victory reduced

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Ross leads way

GOLF: Ross Hawken Senior triumphed in Habberley Men's Tanser Trophy Division One. Tanser Trophy Div One: 1 Ross Hawken (Sen) 76 gross 10 handicap 66 nett, Les Wright (captain) 78-10-68; Div Two: Charles McKenzie 90-25-65, Alan Harrison 89-18-71. Greensome

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Abused staff under siege

THE manageress of a Stourport off licence says she and her staff suffer a constant stream of abuse and threats from under-age yobs when they refuse to serve alcohol to them. Penny Hunt has also hit out at claims that it is off licence staff knowingly

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Happy at home

GOLF: Little Lakes seniors have recently chalked up strong performances at home, winning three matches. The Bewdley club beat Perton Park 8-0, Wharton Park 4.5-3.5 and Severn Meadows 5.5-1.5. Little Lakes Men's Cup: T Mellings 85 gross 20 handicap 65

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'Last-minute' mayor is unanimous choice

AS a publicity-shy non-controversial man, Stourport's new mayor, Allan Wood, breaks the mould of what many think of as a typical politician. Councillor Wood, chosen at the town's annual meeting last Thursday, said: "I don't like being controversial".

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Betterball best

GOLF: The fine weather attracted a good field for the Lady Captain's Easter competition at Cleobury Mortimer. Winners of the Betterball Stableford, with 41 points, were Gloria Bullock and Kim Simm. Sylvia Tudor-Hughes and Norma Bufton were second with

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Ray's through

GOLF: Lady captain Wendy Ray qualified for the next round of the Health Perception Ladies' Championship at Kidderminster Golf Club. In the Mail on Sunday Cup, Ann Hunter and Vanessa Murrant went through to the third round. April Stableford Silver Division

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Samurai show all-round skills

JUDO: A successful few days demonstrated the variety of activity and expertise at Kidderminster's Samurai Judo Club. One of Samurai's senior coaches became an international referee and two juniors won silver medals at the British Senior Open Kata Championships

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Car problems scupper clash

MOTORSPORT: The expected confrontation between the Kidderminster Harriers car of Nathan Freke and Chelsea's Lee Caroline failed to materialise at Knockhill in the TVR Tuscan Challenge. Despite testing well on Friday, Freke was beset with problems the

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St Johns in early surge for honours

BOWLS: St Johns A moved top of Kidderminster and District Mid-week League Division One with a 44-shot victory over St Johns Tomkinsons. Past leaders Brintons A lost their lead and unbeaten record at Bewdley A, while St Ambrose A got off the mark by beating

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County crash

BOWLS: A host of Wyre Forest bowlers were involved as Worcestershire made a disappointing start to their defence of the Midland Counties Trophy. The county lost by 18 shots to Nottinghamshire in Nottingham but were encouraged by the performance of a side

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Worlds is next aim for Paul

MARTIAL ARTS: Fourth dan black belt Paul Acton retained his Senior Men's Open Grade title at the Shukokai Karate National Championships. Acton, a member of the Great Britain squad, now turns his attention to October's KSI World Championships in South

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Solid Rock strike gold in rounders

PARISH GAMES: Rock racked up 24 points as they won the Wyre Forest Parish Games' rounders competition. They were victorious in both their games against Blakedown and Churchill and Wolverley and Cookley, gaining 10 points in the process. The other game

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Gate dominate finals evening

DARTS: Bliss Gate cleaned up in the Banks's Bewdley League by winning most of the awards on offer. They claimed the team knockout cup, the doubles trophy, the captain's cup, the man-of-the-match award and the league title at Bewdley Bowling Club. In the

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JOHN DANBY - Goalkeeper. 20/9/83. 6ft 2ins. Squad number 15.

Stepped onto the bench after the release of Brendan Murphy and was needed to make two substitute appearances in season 2001/02, including a league debut at Luton. The Stoke-born teenager had been playing for the U-19s, including during their fine FA Youth

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DANNY LEWIS - Goalkeeper.

The promising keeper did enough in friendlies and training with Harriers during season 2003-04 to become Jan Molby's first signing of the summer break. Lewis broke into Studley's first team the season before and kept his place with the Midland Alliance

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CRAIG HINTON - Centre-back, right-back, midfield. 26/11/77. 6ft. Squad number 5.

Versatile Hinton began his career at right-back before reverting to a centre-half role during the Conference championship-winning season. The change of position proved the making of the former Birmingham City trainee who was once rated at £1 million and

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STEVE BURTON - Left-back 10/10/82. 6ft 1ins. Squad number 4.

The defender joined Harriers for a second spell in March 2004, signing a contract until the end of the season. A left-footed player who can deliver a good set-piece and likes to attack down the flank with a fine range of passes, Burton played just 14

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CHRIS MCHALE - Centre-half 4/11/82. Squad number 13.

The young centre-half made the substitutes bench for the first time in the Football League at home to Huddersfield on April 12, 2004, but did not feature. McHale's impressive youth-team displays had marked him down as one for the future and director of

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DEAN BENNETT - Midfield 13/12/77. 6ft. Squad number 7.

Bennett was a then club record buy of £30,000 from rivals Bromsgrove Rovers in January 1999 and proved a goal-scoring menace to Conference opponents in the title-winning season. The ex-England semi-professional international signed a two-year deal at

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Accused of hitting teenage female

A Worcester man has been accused of beating up a 14-year-old girl. Jason Bridger appeared before Worcester magistrates yesterday accused of assault by beating. The charge concerns a girl who cannot be named for legal reasons. It was also alleged that

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LEE JENKINS - Midfield, right-back. 28/6/79. 5ft 9ins. Squad number 8.

Jenkins moved on to pastures new in December 2003 on an 18-month contract after 181 games over more than seven seasons at Swansea. The midfielder or full-back, Jan Molby's first permanent signing in his second spell in charge at Harriers, is a hard-working

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Save our trees say traders

TRADERS were alarmed and upset when they saw trees along a city centre street being chopped down this week. In a letter to the Evening News, concerned shopkeepers said it was a "desecration" of their "lovely leafy city" that seven trees along the King

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Tragic sequel to argument

A MOTHER-of-three drank a bottle of sherry before locking herself in her bedroom and overdosing on anti-depressants after an argument with her partner. Samantha Davis, a 30-year-old woman with a history of personal problems, had "appeared fine" while

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SCOTT RICKARDS - Forward, winger. 3/11/81. Squad number 16.

The pacey striker started off at Derby as a youngster but failed to make a first-team appearance and had trial spells at Walsall, Mansfield and Oldham. Rickards ended up at Tamworth on a free in July 2001 and immediately bagged 17 goals, leading them

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Record number are scanned for Cancer

A RECORD number of patients are being screened for cancer at a Worcestershire hospital, health officials have revealed. February saw the first anniversary of the installation of a new diagnostic multislice scanner at Kidderminster Hospital, which provides

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Beer festival ready to rock

ROCK 'N ROLL will be alive and well at a popular beer festival, after organisers and council officials cleared up an entertainment licence dispute. Worcester City Council had considered increasing the charge from £100 to possibly £1,550 for the city's

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Euro octet treat for city jazz fans

EIGHT high-calibre jazz musicians from five different European countries will be raising the roof when they play at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall. Andy Cooper's Euro Top 8 Band, is an eight-piece band consisting of clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone

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WAGGON AND HORSES AC

RESULT, Townsend Fisheries: M Galazewski 10-9, H Sidebottom 7-14, K Billingham 3-12. The next contest is at Wellfield on Sunday, May 30, with a 7.30am draw. Anyone interested in joining the club can call Max on 01299 832728.

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Pounding Pitchcroft to raise funds

WALKERS will be stepping out on Sunday to help a Worcester family provide a special room for their disabled son. Friends of 11-year-old Aaron Chambers have rallied round to sign up for a sponsored walk twice around Pitchcroft and Aaron will be joining

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Drugs move welcome

HEALTH officials in Worcestershire have welcomed Government moves to make cholesterol-lowering drugs available over the counter at pharmacies. Claire Simmons, regional director for the national charity the British Heart Foundation in Worcestershire, said

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Police plea on boy, 6

PARENTS across Wyre Forest have been warned to be vigilant after a young boy told police he was approached by a man in a car. The incident involving the six-year-old was believed to have taken place in the Woodbury Road area of Foley Park in Kidderminster

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PARK INN AC

RESULTS, Poole Hall Abbey Pool, Sunday: Barry Chesson 27-4-0, Dave Peters 17-1-0, Mark Pearce 15-14-0, Dave Harvey 12-15-0. Haye Farm: Shaun Pearce 51-4-0, M Pearce 13-6-0, Dave Parsons 12-8-0, Dean Ashcroft 6-4-0. Larford Lakes: Mark McGinley 35-4-0,

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Peacocks are not criminals

I FEEL I must comment on the Cookley peacocks and the adverse press pertaining to these birds since the story appeared in the Shuttle/Times & News. Media mania has hit Cookley, and in spite of anything the residents, in whose gardens the birds spend

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BLACK BOY AC

REAR side Pools: K Beard 8-13, R Moule 8-6, B Reeves 7-2. The next match is at the Strawberry Pool on Sunday, May 30, with an 8am draw.

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Tip idea for parking

WITH reference to the letter regarding the problems caused by parking for the Harriers on match days, (Shuttle/Times & News, May 6), I was wondering if something could be done about the old refuse tip on Hoo Road. If possible, perhaps, Kidderminster

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Are council jobs needed?

WHEN reading last week's Kidderminster Times, I was surprised to see the advertisement for five new and relatively highly paid staff jobs for Wyre Forest District Council. These jobs will add £139,701 to the council's salary bill at a time when council

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Phoenix downed in Hospital cup

BRIARS Phoenix were surprised by lower league opposition in their Kidderminster Hospital Sunday Minor Cup final. The Kidderminster club lost 2-1 to Causeway who play two divisions below them in the Kidderminster and District League. However, St Johns

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KIDDERMINSTER & DISTRICT AA

A MATCH has been arranged for Saturday on the pool for affiliated members only with an 8am draw.

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WRENS NEST AC

TOP Pool, Sunday: B Downing 13-2-0, J Moon 9-4-0. Bottom Pool: J Brooks 10-6-0, G Kershaw 8-10-0. Nest have a contest on Sunday at the Stack Pool, draw 8am.

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Crisis meeting at Vale jail

INCREASED attacks on staff and between inmates at Long Lartin maximum security prison led to a crisis meeting at the jail. At a union meeting of prison officers a unanimous vote of no confidence in the management was taken. This action followed a poor

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Park fall to Devils

RED Devils were top scorers in the Kidderminster Six-a-side League, beating Park FC 9-2. Ad's Lads enjoyed a fine 7-2 win over higher-placed team Bobby Dazzlers. Other results: Sea-line International 3, Anything FC 1; Hi-tea not Athletic 2, Dreamers 2

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Glasshouse site at Lower Moor

A MASSIVE 20-acre glasshouse construction, the size of nine football pitches, could go up in Lower Moor if district councillors give the plans the go-ahead. The proposal for Spring Hill Farm, submitted by Evesham Vale Growers, also includes a new access

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Anger over third cancelled op

I WOULD like to express my deepest concern after my traumatic experience at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. I was due to go to hospital for an overnight stay on April 23, to have a tonsillectomy. I rang the night before to ensure a bed was available on

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OLD BEAR AC

JUNIORS, Stackpool: J Loveridge 4-5, M Shorring 2-12-8dr, Y Loveridge 2-3-8. Seniors, canal: G Billingsley 5-2, S Rowe 2-4, L Coldrick 1-9. There is a seniors contest on Larford Lake on Sunday, meeting for a 7.30am draw at the venue. Anyone interested

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All chain-ge for town's mayor

PERSHORE'S new mayor and the country's longest serving firefighter, Chris Parsons, paid tribute to the hard work of his predecessor Richard Hampton as he accepted his chains of office. At a mayor-making ceremony last Thursday, coun Parsons told how coun

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It's time to invest in bus services

THE news that First's 192 bus service is being withdrawn comes as little surprise. But the blame for the demise of this and many other services across Wyre Forest should not lie with the operator. Buses, like most other public commodities, are now, rightly

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Man jailed for five years after three died in crash

A 25-year-old Iraqi who killed three migrant workers when he drove a minibus into the path of a 90mph express train at an unmanned level crossing near the village of Charlton has been jailed for five years. Asylum seeker Adnan Kadir Karim was an unqualified

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Using statute book to beat gangmasters

MID Worcestershire MP Peter Luff has urged that all the lessons of the tragedy at Charlton last year are learned. Mr Luff said: "What a tragedy that day last July was for the families of those who were killed, and how a much greater tragedy could have

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Name shame of the rat run

ROAD safety campaigners in Norton near Evesham are preparing to name and shame companies who speed through the village or use it as a shortcut. Members of the Norton Road Safety Campaign group have been noting the details of commercial vehicles driving

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Annita returns from Oz for class of 1949 reunion

MEMBERS of the class of 1949 intake at Prince Henry's Grammar School, Evesham, mulled over old times at a reunion at the Northwick Hotel. The reunion was hurriedly arranged to enable Annita Fricker (nee Cruttenden) to meet some of her old school friends

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Regulars return to fire-hit Fleece Inn

CUSTOMERS are being welcomed back to the Fleece Inn at Bretforton, months after a fire ripped through the historic National Trust owned pub. While contractors continue the painstaking work of restoring the 14th century timber-framed building, a temporary

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Your legacy could help to comfort dying

VALE residents have been urged to write their wills during St Richard's Hospice's Write A Will Month and to consider leaving a legacy to the charity. Solicitors throughout the county, including Parkinson Wright in Evesham and Pershore, will be offering

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City set for first summer signing

WORCESTER City will unveil their first signing of the summer on Monday night according to club chairman Dave Boddy. Manager John Barton is due to tie up the deal for the Nationwide Conference player before attending a fans' forum organised by the supporters

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Wyre Forest Group Ramblers Association

A FIVE-MILE walk at Martley will be held on Sunday. Walkers are asked to meet at Vale Road car park, Stourport at 9.30am. Contact the walk leader on 01562 631679 for details.

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Irene goes global with paintings

PAINTINGS of a Yellow Hat Tribe by a Cotswolds artist will be exhibited at a farm in Church Westcote this weekend. Irene George, who built up her painting business from a doodle of a sombrero-clad character on the back of an envelope, now sells her paintings

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Worcestershire Trefoil Club

THE annual meeting was held at Whittington village hall, hosted by the two Worcester guilds. Honoured guests included Elizabeth Mills, president of Girl Guiding Worcestershire, Rosemary Davies, regional commissioner, and Jo Dowling, county commissioner

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Wyre Forest Camcorder Club

AT the annual meeting, offers were elected as follows: chairman Bill Every, vice chairman Marcia Tennant, secretary Roger Jordan, treasurer Bob black, programme secretary Paul Bye, publicity officer Dorothy Every, committee Marguerite Gray, Martin Humphries

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Stourport Divers

EIGHT scuba divers visited the Plymouth area over the Bank Holiday weekend, where they used the club boat to dive locations including a new wreck/artificial reef, the HMS Scylla sunk in Whitesands bay for members' diving pleasure earlier this year. There

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Franche Ladies

ON Wednesday, June 9, guest presenter Janet Tilley will give a demonstration of quilting, starting at 8pm in Franche village hall, Wolverley Road, Kidderminster. New members will be welcome. For further details telephone 01562 66512.

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Rock and drama a tribute to Roses

PERFORMING more than 3,250 times over the past 16 years has earned blues-rock group The Hamsters their place in musical history. Although renowned as serious, hard-edged musicians with a huge collection of self-penned songs, they will be treating fans

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Mind-Goggling

THE Gogmagogs present a captivating marriage of musical and theatrical performance in Gumbo Jumbo at The Theatre in Chipping Norton tomorrow at 8pm. The seven classically-trained string musicians provide a carnival of comedy, tragedy and poetry with music

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Kidderminster Cycling Club

ON Sunday there will be two rides, both heading for Meriden for the annual Cyclists Meeting and Service. The rides will leave The Green, Blakebrook, Kidderminster, at 8am. All cyclists will be welcome and are advised to take a packed lunch, although there

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Proms variety

BRASS bands, folk and chamber music are just part of the entertaining mix that make up Shipston Proms from Wednesday, June 23 until Saturday, July 3. There's a chance for talented local performers to take part in a Fame Academy-style contest, with the

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Search is on for top British gamekeepers

A SEARCH has been launched to discover the people who have dedicated their lives to the conservation of the countryside, its habitats and wildlife. Gamekeepers are part of the traditional fabric of rural life, but the job they do and the contribution

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Tragic sequel to argument

A MOTHER-of-three drank a bottle of sherry before locking herself in her bedroom and overdosing on anti-depressants after an argument with her partner. Samantha Davis, a 30-year-old woman with a history of personal problems, had "appeared fine" while

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20/5/04 - Batty has Gloucs in spin

A DEADLY bowling display by Gareth Batty has put Worcestershire in a powerful position in their Frizzell County Championship Division One match against Gloucestershire at New Road. The England off-spinner grabbed 3-27 to leave the visitors a massive 362

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Park nears a milestone as Exhall book spot in semis

EXHALL and Wix-ford completed a successful weekend, with a hard earned 45-run victory in Sunday's opening skirmish of the 2004 npower Village Cup. Facing a tricky group quarter-final trip to Fillongley, the Cots-wold Hills Leaguers knew that they would

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Winning baptism

BADSEY'S belated start to life in Division Six of the Worcestershire County Lea-gue ended in a convincing victory against Worcester's third string. Tony Cowley and Craig Jenn-ings were the stars as they shared an unbroken sixth wickets partnership of

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Results and fixtures

Results Premier Division: Exhall & Wixford 223-5, Twyning 79; Stratford Bards 199-7, Wellesbourne 131; Shipston 121-7, Overbury 122-3; Alcester & Ragley 158, Broadway 223-7; Bidford 83, Moreton-in-Marsh 117-8. Division One: Norton Lindsey v Kineton

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Need extras help!

A TOP score of 32 in the extras column, adequately sums up Pershore's problems at Kington last Saturday. Chasing a second Worcest-ershire County League first division success, the visitors were swept aside by the experienced Kevin Gwynne. After Australian

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20/5/04 Bohemians trial for Bo

BO Henriksen is set to turn out for Irish side Bohemians in a friendly with fellow Premier Division side Dublin City tonight. The Dane, a popular figure in his two years with Kidderminster Harriers, is having a trial with Stephen Kenny's side. Bohs are

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20/5/04 Home sweet home for Danny

FORMER Harriers favourite Danny Williams has stepped up to Division Two level by moving back to hometown club Wrexham. Williams originally signed for the Welshmen in 1999 after being released by Liverpool before going onto become a key midfield player

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Win a Polo! Find out how you could win a brand new Volkswagon Polo E1.2, only in your Worcester Eve

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Win tickets to double bill of Shakespeare

SORCERY, power-lust and brutal death lie at its heart, but it is not all doom and gloom - enchantresses, valour and madness stir up an astonishing mix of black comedy, making Macbeth classic entertainment for all. Heartbreak Productions - the UK's premier

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Glasshouse site at Lower Moor

A MASSIVE 20-acre glasshouse construction, the size of nine football pitches, could go up in Lower Moor if district councillors give the plans the go-ahead. The proposal for Spring Hill Farm, submitted by Evesham Vale Growers, also includes a new access

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'Let us keep our pre-school sign'

MUMS at a Pershore pre school are in dispute with the district council over a brightly coloured sign outside their premises. Volunteers at Hopscotch Pre School in Priest Lane put up the bright red sign last year but Wychavon District Planners have now

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Can you stomach the battle on the beaches?

A SAGGY midriff and marble white pins really do not offer much incentive to pour yourself into a skimpy bikini and stride purposely down a Mediterranean beach. And to make matters worse, wherever you look, it seems the female foreign body is portrayed

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Kitt the survivor still has a song in her heart

A PERSHORE woman believed to be the oldest living resident in Worcestershire has celebrated her 106th birthday. Kitt Bogg, who lives at Heathlands Residential Home, marked her birthday last Wednesday with a personally signed card from the Queen and a

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Emily's poster pride

A poster designed by Vale schoolgirl Emily Young is helping draw the crowds to Pershore Carnival later this month.. Emily, aged 12, from Defford, answered the call for a young artist to interpret the theme of this year's carnival, Vision of the Future

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Wounding charges

A MAN accused of attacking his estranged wife with a vegetable knife in a pub, and injuring three people who went to her aid, has been remanded in custody. Sebastian Holmes, of High Street, Pershore, was arrested on suspicion of wounding with an edged

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Service not first class

WITH regards to the letters that I've read over the past week or so, it seems the Post Office is operating a service that isn't working, regardless of the cost study beforehand. Surely, if they're offering both first class postage and second class postage

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Report holds up sentencing of lady stalker

A STALKER from Broadway who breached a restraining order in his bid to pursue a relationship with a titled aristocrat has had his case delayed because a psychiatric report on him was not ready. Stephen Adamson, aged 43, of Bridgemans Close, was to have

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New dog litter bins

BROADWAY will have two new dog litter bins after the parish council received a complaint about mess around a footpath entrance. Clerk Eddie Vickers told the council at a meeting last Thursday that the entrance to the footpath onto the Cotswold Way in

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Annual festival nets trio of new backers

ONE of the UK's premier fishing festivals promises to be bigger and better than ever this year, writes Mervyn Collins. August Bank Holiday weekend will play host to the 2004 Evesham Angling Festival - the 29th such event - and one that will see new sponsors

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20/5/04 - Supporters chairman backing Duckworth

THE chairman of Worcester's newly-formed supporters' club John Phillips is backing Sixways chairman Cecil Duckworth. "Initially it was felt we were or could be in trouble with promotion, there was a lot of spleen venting on the supporters' website, much

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Memories of a Polar hero

AN exhibition from one of the most celebrated explorations of the 20th century is being held at Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe. It charts the remarkable adventures of Sir Philip Brocklehurst, nephew of the then chatelaine of the castle, Emma Dent, who in

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Blueprint for the villages complete

A FOUR-YEAR project by residents around Bidford to map out the future of the area has been completed. The B50 parish plan, which covers Bidford, Barton, Broom and Marlcliff, has enabled residents to have their say on how they want the villages to develop

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Final place carrot

THE inaugural Pool matches of the PRS League Junior Cup competition have been played in enthusiastic fashion. Three pools of four pairs of play each other in a local pool that meets every month bet-ween April to July. The eventual winners of each pool

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Full Metal Granny back with spoof on top films

PENSIONERS as old as 91 have turned calendar girls for the second year running to raise cash to buy new minibuses for the Kidderminster branch of Age Concern. Following the success of last year's calendar, snapping has begun for Full Metal Granny 2005

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Daniel's delight over drama school place

A YOUNG actor from Kidderminster has high hopes of stardom after beating 2,000 other aspiring thespians to one of around 30 places at a London drama school - and a scholarship worth almost £10,000. Daniel Ryan was a founder member of Kidderminster Operatic

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Jazz star Courtney to headline at park

JAZZ sensation Courtney Pine is to headline this year's outdoor music event at West Midland Safari Park. The singer, who released his ninth studio album, Devotion, last year and presents weekly Radio 2 show, Jazz Crusade, will be performing at the first

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Have a night at the races!

HAVING lost its traditional Saturday afternoon slot, it will be interesting to note how attendance figures compare to previous years when Strat-ford Racecourse stages the 46th running of the Intrum Justitia (Horse and Hound Cup) Final Champion Hunters

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Mixed fortunes

IT'S been a mixed start to the Evesham and District League campaign for the ladies from Evesham Rowing Club. The summer season started with a flourish with a 3-1 defeat of Inkberrow but the tables were turned and Litt-letons A and Alcester proved too

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Final place carrot

THE inaugural Pool matches of the PRS League Junior Cup competition have been played in enthusiastic fashion. Three pools of four pairs of play each other in a local pool that meets every month bet-ween April to July. The eventual winners of each pool

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Eight generate a new table of fees

ONLY eight people took the time to attend last week's annual general meeting of the Evesham and District Assoc-iation when treasurer Grah-ame Brown reported a loss of "369 from the general account for the 2003/2004 season. Trophy purchases and engraving

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Off to steady start

WELFORD have made a moderate start to this summer's Courier League with both teams having earned four points. The winning team in Division One comprised Mario Rosso, Roy Adams and Ian Smith, while the two second division winning teams were Dave Wilshaw

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Latest loft times

Evesham & District Flying Club TEN members sent 79 birds to Picauville on May 15, liberated at 10am into a south west wind backing north west. 1 & 6 S L Sutor 1315.28, 1220.20; 2, 13, 17, 26 & 27 T Gould 1281.88, 1178.51, 1146.33, 1093.90,

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First leg advantage

BIDFORD will take an 11-shot advantage into the second leg of the Bob Dawson Cup at Stratford. There was an even tighter finish when the Salford Road club visited Broadway before a notable hat-trick was completed with a comfortable home win over Lillington

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* We've won! Save Our Surgeries campaign set to taste success * Carjack victim attacked * Sixways ch

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All the fun of May Fair

SALFORD Priors Primary School pupils had glorious weather at the weekend for their May fair. Pupils showed off their Maypole dancing skills while visitors enjoyed a selection of stalls and attractions like bouncy castles at the school on Saturday. Headteacher

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How lucky we are to live in Evesham

I OFTEN wonder when some of the people who write to your column decrying the town last visited Evesham (Reg Bailey's letter, May 13). Of course, we all know that the sun always shone in the 1930's and that there wasn't any crime in those pre-war days.

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Beyond belief that it's same river area

I AM writing in response to Reg (Snowy) Bailey's letter last week. His condemnation of Evesham, especially the riverside is beyond belief. When we get old we all have nostalgic views of how things were in our younger days, but I fail to see how anyone

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KVCC squad try their hand at bowling

EVERYONE bar wicket-keeper Duncan Willetts had a bowl on Saturday for Kidderminster Victoria. But the town team could still not dismiss Aston Unity in a Birmingham and District League Division One winning draw. Acting skipper Jonathan Wright gave 10 players

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Sign of the times in the Vale area

On Saturday, May 1, with others, went from Evesham to Spalding, Lincs, for the Flower Festival. On our journey through Warwickshire, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire I noticed various means of advertising along the route and it brought back memories

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Chaddesley duo head run chase to blitz Bewdley

ANDY Law and Paul Lyman made the most of a perfect batting track to power past Bewdley in Chaddesley Corbett's derby victory on Saturday. Law (86) and Lyman (64) produced confident strokeplay to secure 20 Worcestershire League Division One points for

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Chainwire fall like a Stone

STONE claimed their first Worcestershire League Division Five win of the season against rivals Chainwire by 59 runs. Put into bat, the Stone openers made a slow but solid start on a damp wicket and outfield as the first 25 overs yielded only 55 runs.

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Lee stars for Brintons

BOWLING star Lee Waldron ensured Brintons continued their fine start with a 31-run success in Division Five. Waldron took 5-14 on Saturday to dismiss Alvechurch and Hopwood for just 70 after the Kidderminster side had totalled 101. Alan Lockwood and Neil

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Total too small

CLEOBURY Mortimer stumbled to 90 all out in Worcestershire League Division Six and paid the price. Opponents Stourbridge Social reached the target for the loss of just three wickets to claim the 20 points on offer. Cleobury 90, Stourbridge Social 94-3

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Hill conquered

BEWDLEY thirds sit proud on top of Worcestershire League Division Seven. They defeated Old Hill by just two runs on Saturday after bowling them out for 152. Earlier, Derek Moses put together 58 runs as Bewdley, who earned 24 points, finished on 154-5.

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Nine-wicket haul halts Waggon bid

DAVE Foster's brilliant 9-17 ensured Waggon and Horses had no chance against Spennells B in the Stainweld Sunday League Division A. The Bewdley pub were cleaned out for 42 runs in just 7.3 overs as bowling ace Foster's men triumphed by nine wickets. Adam

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Lampitt to speak

FORMER Worcestershire ace Stuart Lampitt will be the guest speaker at Kidderminster and District Cricket Umpire Association's next meeting. Lampitt, now county youth development officer, is to speak at the get-together on Tuesday which runs from 7.30pm

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Disabled 'forced into shop traffic'

THE chairman of a group of disabled people lobbying for sloping pavements in Kidderminster's Weavers Wharf car park has responded with scepticism to a pledge their calls will soon be answered. Chris Dalzell, managing director of Highstone Estates, which

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Honours board

BATTING TOP 10 123no Tom Sheriff (KVCC Sun) May 9 102no Sean Williams (Moat Farm) May 9 100no Matt Yardley (Chaddesley 2nds) May 15 98 Pete Mauger (Bewdley 2nds Sun) May 9 97 Mike Kirby-Davies (Spennells A) May 16 95no Neil Fletcher (Cutnall Green) May

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Cricket fixtures

SATURDAY (1.30pm unless stated) BIRMINGHAM LEAGUE SECONDS PREMIER DIVISION KVCC 2nds v Walsall WORCESTERSHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE BEWDLEY v Brockhampton (2nds away) CHADDESLEY CORBETT v Droitwich Spa (2nds away) DIVISION TWO Pedmore v COOKLEY (1sts home

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Special schools battle backed

TORY Shadow Education Secretary Tim Yeo has agreed to write to Worcestershire County Council in support of parents fighting a controversial shake-up of the special school system. Mr Yeo's letter - which was welcomed by parents - will stop short of telling

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Radio alert helps out 999 services

TRADERS sprang into action to save a frail Bewdley pensioner with the help of a radio alert network set up to catch wandering shoplifters. Paramedics were treating 93-year-old Fred Harvatt within minutes of him falling in his Welch Gate garden, after

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Students all set to take the limelight in show

A LIGHT-hearted look at Saturday night television will be the main focus of a stage performance by a group of college students. The Contact Course students at Herefordshire College of Art and Design, in Hereford, are currently putting the finishing touches

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Landmark plans strike right note

REVISED plans to convert Kidderminster's landmark Piano Building into flats and shops have hit the right note with council chiefs and conservationists. Planners meeting tonight have been urged to approve the scheme to convert the historic wool warehouse

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Abused staff under siege

THE manageress of a Stourport off licence says she and her staff suffer a constant stream of abuse and threats from under-age yobs when they refuse to serve alcohol to them. Penny Hunt has also hit out at claims that it is off licence staff knowingly

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Heartfelt protest over drinking and vandalism

A STOURPORT town councillor is calling for an alcohol ban on the town's streets following spiralling anti-social behaviour and vandalism. Councillor Gary Talbot called for the ban at last Thursday's annual parish meeting at the Civic Centre, when several

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Ambitious plan to open up river

RADICAL plans are being drawn up to transform the heart of Pershore and open up the town's river frontage for the first time in history. A planning application is expected this summer for a scheme to develop the area behind the High Street from the Riverside

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Urgent plea for more bobbies on the beat

COUNCILLORS in Stourport are to write to West Mercia's Chief Constable to ask for more bobbies on the beat. The move follows an airing of the issues surrounding spiralling under-age drinking, rowdy antics and vandalism in the town - and particularly the

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'Last-minute' mayor is unanimous choice

AS a publicity-shy non-controversial man, Stourport's new mayor, Allan Wood, breaks the mould of what many think of as a typical politician. Councillor Wood, chosen at the town's annual meeting last Thursday, said: "I don't like being controversial".

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Citizen pledge despite climate change!

A DOCTOR from Kidderm-inster was one of the first people in Worcestershire to take part in the Government's new citizenship ceremony. Dr Narayan Aryal said he was delighted to be one of the first people to swear allegiance to the Queen and loyalty to

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Chris to carry the Olympic torch

A FORMER Kidderminster Paralympics multi-gold medallist will be among a host of celebrities chosen to carry the Olympic torch on a relay in London. Chris Holmes, 31, is a veteran of the special games, competing in the category for visually impaired swimmers

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Ceramics firm's contract delight

A STOURPORT technical ceramics components manufacturer has clinched a multi-million pound deal that will secure the jobs of its 320 employees for the next three years. Morgan Advanced Ceramics - MAC - based in Bewdley Road, won the contract to supply

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Raising alarm on bogus bills

A REST home owner in Kidderminster has warned other small businesses to ignore a threatening cash demand from a firm claiming to regulate health and safety laws. Tom Ramnial, who owns the 24-bed Gables rest home for the elderly in Broomfield Road, said

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BBC roadshow comes to Court

ANYONE who thinks they might have a potentially valuable artefact stashed away in the attic has the chance to get it valued when the BBC's Antiques Roadshow rolls into Witley Court next month. Host, Michael Aspel, and experts from the long-running series

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Neil among runs

NEIL Fletcher found his touch with the bat quickly in Worcestershire League Division Five. The prolific Cutnall Green run-getter blasted 95 not out to help the villagers win by nine wickets at Knighton-on-Teme on Saturday. Knighton's 152-9 was not enough

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Ten-over contest

WILDEN Village are hosting a 10-by-10 cricket challenge, starting tomorrow. Ten players, apart from the wicket-keeper, will bowl an over each. The first game is between Gas and Kidder Athletic (6.30pm).

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LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT

A SPIRITED 91-year-old fulfilled her life's ambition yesterday when she enjoyed a surprise helicopter flight of fantasy. Wynn Short had never flown before and said the birthday treat, which was sprung on her by her grandson Jason Marks and his family,

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Rushwick rumble

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria U-11s beat Rushwick by 46 runs on Sunday at Chester Road. In the eight-a-side pairs contest, KVCC put in a good all-round display and batted steadily to reach 257 runs. They then bowled and fielded well to restrict Rushwick to 211

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Governors express surprise at healthy budget

GOVERNORS at Alexander Patterson School expressed "surprise and concern" after being confronted with a healthy school budget, confounding expectations the school would sink into the red. The amount of cash available for 2004/05 would make running the

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Legal challenge to Alex Patt closure?

EDUCATION chiefs could be hauled before the High Court in London after a distraught parent vowed to fight the imminent closure of a Wolverley special school. Cindy Yardley - who led the campaign against the closure of Alexander Patterson School before

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Childcare experts take a trip to New England

TWO childcare experts have taken a trip across the pond to promote and improve Worcestershire's work in the classroom. June Seymour, from the county council, and Alison Robins, from University College Worcester, flew to New England, in America, to share

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Arsonists blamed for print works fire

POLICE believe a fire at a printing works in Stourport was started deliberately and are appealing for anyone who saw anything unusual to come forward. Two fire engines - one from Kidderminster and one from Stourport - were called to the fire at Peter

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Man pleads not guilty to theft

THE case of a man charged with stealing a bottle of whiskey has been adjourned after he pleaded not guilty. Nathan Mathias, of Cowleigh Road, Malvern, is accused of taking a bottle of Bells whiskey from the Somerfieldstore, in Edith Walk, Malvern, on

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Wall is under threat

A PLAN to breach one of Upton-upon-Severn's historic walls is being opposed by the town council. It involves demolishing part of a brick wall in Oak Street for access to a proposed bungalow at Willowbank, School Lane. "It's yet another old Upton wall

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Speed camera report is due

MOTORISTS will be able to judge whether speed cameras in Worcestershire are being used as a "cash cow" when a new study is published next month. Transport Secretary Alistair Darling announced that the research would compare the number of deaths and serious

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Rachael steps out in dad's memory

A WOMAN suffering from arthritis is to embark on a gruelling 22-mile walk after promising her late father she would do it to raise cash for the group which supported his fight against cancer. Rachael Ponsford, 37, from Cleobury Mortimer, is taking part

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Celebrities bat to raise charity cash

TELEVISION presenter Chris Tarrant, actor Robert Powell and weatherman John Kettley will be among the celebrities taking part in a charity cricket match at Birlingham, near Pershore. Chris Tarrant, a former pupil of The Kings School, Worcester, will captain

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Can we have our footpath back again?

THE case of a disappearing footpath is to be brought to the attention of highways officers, for the benefit of villagers in Callow End. Les Davies raised the matter with Powick Parish Council after noticing that part of the path on a bend of the A4021

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High-tech health care

HUNDREDS of county patients will receive a faster diagnosis and quicker treatment thanks to the introduction of new hospital technology, it has been revealed. The new multi-million pound treatment centre at Kidderminster, which treats patients from across

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Tip crews rejecting a number of sacks

CONTAMINATION stickers on recycling bags are being stepped up to warn householders to think carefully about what they put out for Worcester's kerbside collection. Although the Worcester City Council initiative has been a resounding success since it started

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Shopping made easier for breast-feeding mothers

BREAST-FEEDING mums in Wyre Forest should find a trip to the shops more enjoyable following the hard work of two midwives. Julie Poultney and Jane Houlton, midwives with Sure Start Wyre Forest, have come up with an information leaflet pinpointing the

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Michael's anger at work on home

A FORMER lung cancer sufferer who went on holiday to escape choking fumes from a renovation of his home said he was horrified to come back and find the place what he described as an "absolute tip". Michael Jones, 58, was put up in a hotel by construction

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Gay sex attack cleaner's vow

A CLEANER is determined to carry on her job after she was attacked by a man taking part in gay sex in a Stourport public toilet. The incident came to light as the issue of 'cottaging' in Stourport's Vale Road toilets was highlighted by Councillor Brian

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Tent fire horror haunts girls

A TEENAGER who became petrified of the sight of fire after being trapped in a burning tent has taken her first steps towards recovery. Jess Stevens, 15, is likely to need counselling to get over the tent fire horror which landed her in hospital more than

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Charity appeal for cash and helpers

A CHARITY bereavement service for parents who suffer the death of a grown-up child is desperately seeking more cash help - and more volunteers - to help it thrive in Wyre Forest. Parents Experiencing Adult Loss (PEAL) is a free service helping families

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Ten couples in bid for votes

WYRE Forest District Council could be a family affair after next month's election as 10 husband and wife teams line up to contest seats. A clean sweep for all the spouses could see the number of council couples rise from two to 10, accounting for nearly

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Crafty rabbits find new ways to elude predators

THE deluge of rain we had in April has proved to be a bounty for many of our district's wild plants and animals, with mild and damp conditions being just what many of our springtime plants needed to put on a real spurt of growth. This abundance of plant

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113 hopefuls for 43 seats

THE most significant Wyre Forest election for decades has moved into top gear now the final list of more than 100 candidates has been announced for the crucial June 10 vote. The 113 would-be councillors are battling for all 42 seats on Wyre Forest District

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Gardeners urged to ' be nice' to nettles

GARDENERS are being urged to pay tribute to the much-maligned stinging nettle. This week's Be Nice to Nettles Week is a national campaign that aims to raise awareness of the prickly plant and the reasons why it is an important part of both rural and urban

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Pershore High School prom - picture special

To order, telephone 01905 742269 and ask for Photographic Administration or e-mail wenphotoadmin@midlands.newsquest.co.uk. QUOTE THE SCHOOL NAME AND PHOTOGRAPH NUMBER

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Bishop Perowne High School prom - picture special

To order, telephone 01905 742269 and ask for Photographic Administration or e-mail wenphotoadmin@midlands.newsquest.co.uk. QUOTE THE SCHOOL NAME AND PHOTOGRAPH NUMBER

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Showing the will to make it happen

BY the time the sun sets today, a little of our faith in common sense will have been restored and the health of people in the county will be looking forward to better times. That's our firm expectation, after a combination of Strategic Health Authority

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Hugh turns on the tap like a Duck to water!

Rain will quite literally pour on to actor Hugh Duck when he takes to the stage at the Greig Hall in Alcester for the legendary scene from Singing in the Rain. Alcester Amateur Operatic Society felt anything less than real thing would spoil the effect

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Village has Faith in drama

THE touching tale of a 75-year-old woman who falls in love for the first time will be brought to life at The Theatre in Chipping Norton. The Colour of Poppies, which stars television and theatre actress Faith Brook, is being staged on Tuesday at 8pm.

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County cheer for district athletes

ATHLETICS: Kidderminster and Stourport can boast 16 county title holders after hosting the annual Worcestershire Track and Field Championships on Saturday. The excellent results at the Alan Moreton Track in Stourport were spread over all age groups with

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Rowers in fine shape for national schools finals

ROWING: There were two double victories for Bewdley at Shrewsbury Regatta over the weekend. The open senior four coxed four of Andy Jarvis, Alex Holden-Smith, Graham Glen and Tom NcNeil were successful on Saturday's 1,000 metre course. And then, on Sunday's

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Success in sun for boat club

ROWING: Stourport's juniors were again in tremendous form at Shrewsbury Regatta and Sprint with a string of victories. Saturday brought success in the junior 13, 15 and 18 singles, while the senior three, women's senior four doubles and girls' junior

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Brotherton is still the most valuable

HOCKEY: Owen Brotherton retained Stourport firsts' most valuable player accolade at their annual dinner and awards ceremony. David Knott also kept hold of the top goal-scorer award which was presented at the veterans' evening. Stourport Ladies were recognised

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Danby's Dudley joy

MOTORSPORT: Wyre Forest schoolboy Ross Danby continues to blitz the local motorcycle trials. The 15-year-old Bewdley Motorcycle Club member from Arley totally dominated the Dudley and District clubs event on Sunday. Danby covered the 40 section Kinlet

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Steve leaves rest in his tracks

CYCLING: Wyre Forest Cycle Racing club rider Steve Burns powered to his first victory of the season in the Newport CC 10 mile time trial. On a tough day for riders in Sambrook on Saturday, Burns turned in his best result of the year after three top-10

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Charity on course

GOLF: The John Gregg Trophy pairs in aid of the Kemp Hospice created plenty of interest at Wyre Forest men's section. Colin Davis and Keith Reynolds emerged victorious on 44 points, ahead of second-placed Roger Metcalfe and Adrian Phillips on 43. They

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New deputy under fire

A STOURPORT councillor has defended his record as mayor. Resentment over the fact Stephen Clee does not live in Stourport re-emerged when he was elected deputy mayor at the town's annual meeting. Labour's Reg Knott renewed his displeasure at the choice

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Perfect golf shot

GOLF: Junior member Anna Rock dazzled with a hole-in-one on Kidderminster's 10th hole in the Annual Izzo National Club Champions Cup. The 14-year-old performed the feat when playing an Evesham opponent and it helped her qualify for the next round which

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Lightning third

CHESS: Kidderminster B finished joint third with Mercia in the major section of Wolverhampton League's annual lightning tournament at Stourbridge. The team comprised Mark Riley, Terry Pountney, Paul Thomas and Clive Billings. In the trophy section, Kidderminster's

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WAYNE HATSWELL - Centre-half, left-back. 8/2/75. 6ft. Squad number 22.

The uncompromising defender was Ian Britton's last signing before the manager was sacked in October 2003 and cost Harriers a four-figure fee. Hatswell has a second chance to impress in the Football League after leaving Oxford under Ian Atkins due to a

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ABDOU SALL - Centre-half. 1/11/80. 6ft 3ins. Squad number 2.

The giant Senegal-born defender returned to Aggborough on a non-contract basis in February 2004 after training with the club for a few weeks. Sall, who left Aggborough the previous season and eventually went back to France, did not have the best of second

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Canal project 'is no plain sailing'

THE DROITWICH canals project will be a disaster for the town, causing landslides, destroying rare birds nest sites, and maybe even posing an explosion threat. At least that is the view of an anonymous letter writer, who apparently works for Wychavon District

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DEAN KEATES - Midfield. 30/6/78. 5ft 6ins. Squad number 11.

The talented midfielder was reunited with Jan Molby in February 2004 after the Dane had initially signed Keates when in charge of Hull. Keates was seen as an important squad member at the Division Three promotion chasers but wanted regular first-team

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Warrant for arrest

AN arrest warrant has been issued for a man charged with falsifying accounts after he consistently failed to appear in court. Azrael Johnson was due to appear before Worcester Magistrates yesterday on a charge of false accounting but, again, failed to

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ADAM MURRAY - Midfield. 30/9/81. 5ft 9ins. Squad number 17.

Once capped by England U-20s and also in the national youth sides, the Birmingham-born midfielder has had a turbulent 2003-04 season. Murray signed for Harriers on an 18-month contract in January 2004 following a brief loan spell of three games earlier

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Driving ban as dad tots up points

A BUSINESSMAN has been banned from the roads for six months after driving without insurance, despite claiming it had been an emergency. Mark Leith, a software technical consultant, from Warndon Villages, took the stand yesterday and pleaded his own case

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Carjack man was 'targeted'

A DRIVER who fell victim to a £25,000 carjacking in a Worcestershire village fears he was targeted by a professional gang. Two men attacked Christopher Kelsey and stole his Subaru Impreza in Holt Heath on Tuesday evening. Mr Kelsey, a civil engineer from

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WE'VE WON! Leaked new clinics will be built after all

STALLED plans to build or revamp eight Worcestershire GP surgeries look set to go-ahead after all. If they receive the green light, the news will be a huge victory for the Evening News campaign to save the proposals - which were put on ice in February

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Willow record's smashed

THE Willow Marsh Fishery record was broken on Sunday afternoon. Triplex AC member Kevin Saxenby weighed in a catch of more than 117lb, using meat and sweetcorn baits. Willow Marsh Open, Dragonfly Pool, Friday: Paul Cook 75-15-8, Kevin Johnson 66-4-8,

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More mobiles sounding death knell for payphones

A PUBLIC pay phone at Gilvers Lane, Brotheridge Green, near Upton-upon-Severn, has been earmarked for removal after a BT survey of five pay phones in the area. The increased use of mobile phones has led to a decline in the use of pay phones and two of

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It's not fare play as far as we can see...

ACCORDING to the adage, you wait ages for one bus and then three come along at once. Not in Worcester - some do not turn up at all anymore. The recent changes to the service have seen some routes being diverted or cut altogether prompting complaints and

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JESPER CHRISTIANSEN - Forward. 18/6/80. 6ft 3ins. Squad number 10.

Christiansen's signing was another major coup for Harriers director of football Jan Molby in January 2004. The giant Danish striker attracted plenty of interest from clubs in his homeland but he wanted to play in England after a failed trial at Grimsby

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SHATTERFORD LAKES

TROUT fishing topped the day as one angler used a daddy to catch a rainbow with a bag weight of 16lb 8oz. A fellow masters entrant used a hare's ear for fish weighing 16lb 4oz. On the Stella Lake, a buzzer helped catch rainbow trout to 2lb and the Wyre

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City queuing up for ID cards, says MP

TONY Blair has been told nine out of ten Worcester people back compulsory ID cards. The Government's plans to phase-in the introduction of the cards has split MPs and the Cabinet. But, in talks with the Prime Minister, City MP Mike Foster, revealed his

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MOORLANDS FARM

WEDNESDAY, 21 fished in medley: Mark Tooze (Midlands Mossely) 142-1, Mal Watson (OGL), Alan James (Mossely) 80-2. Thursday: David James (Mossely) 242-12, Wayne Blisshard 168-6, Harry Ward (Mossely) 161-4. Saturday, Summer League Round One: Des Shipp (

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Can you share your skills?

THE Fun 2 Learn Club will be starting up next month at The Green Centre, in Worcester's Dines Green. Some of the interesting activities planned are pond dipping, where youngsters learn about pond life, and a visit to St John's Library. The sessions will

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Hammering it out for hospice

TONY Blair has been told nine out of ten Worcester people back compulsory ID cards. The Government's plans to phase-in the introduction of the cards has split MPs and the Cabinet. But, in talks with the Prime Minister, City MP Mike Foster, revealed his

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FURNACE MILL FISHERY

RICHARD Brewer, of Green Man AC, won the Sunday Open with 146lb 8oz off peg 36 on Mucky Meadow Pool. Using meat, Brewer landed a bag dominated by carp and Terry Edwards, of Swan AC, landed 82lb 3oz from peg 22 on Furnace Pool with worm and caster. Third

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Paper boy's X box joy

A HARD-working Worcester teenager is looking forward to hours of gaming joy - after being awarded a Nintendo Gamecube for his efforts as an Evening News delivery boy. Fourteen-year-old Robert Macintosh, of Tetbury Drive, Blackpole, Worcester was given

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POOLE HALL

THERE was some good coarse fishing with weights varying from 22lb to 78lb. Popular baits have been sweetcorn, catmeat, maccarone cheese and maggot. Wednesday Open, Heron Pool: Keith Perrin 108-6-0, Kevin Willey 74-2-0, Roy Arnold 57-12-0. Sunday Open,

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Horse-lovers help to boost charities

HORSE-lovers have the chance to saddle up and canter on down to the second Heart of the Counties Show at Worcester Racecourse on Bank Holiday Monday. The eagerly-awaited event on May 31 aims to please equestrians of all ages and abilities while raising

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Women recognised for their DIY skills

MEN do the most DIY around the house, but when it comes to the basic skills, women are equally capable, according to a new study. Research conducted by the BBC DIY Show revealed that although 25 per cent of the male respondents believed they were experts

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Addict faces jail

A DRUG addict who tried to burgle a neighbour's home has been remanded in custody. Kevin Jones, of Gilgal, Stourport, also attacked a man trying to detain him on March 22, Worcester Crown Court heard. Jones, 24, pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown to attempted

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FRANCHE VILLAGE AC

RESULT, Saturday, Keepers Pool: A Griffiths 26-14, J Williams 23-14, A Plowright 23-7.

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League showdown

AMBITIOUS Bewdley Town should find out today what level they will be playing at next season. They are attending a West Midlands League meeting and hope to be placed in the new Division One set-up. Bewdley finished fourth in Division One South to qualify

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WOODWARD GROSVENORS AC

LARFORD Lakes, Sunday: R Campbell 35-0, G Mansell 27-13, H Tombs 25-11, S Campbell 25-1, B Burrows 17-15.. The club's next contest is on Sunday at Wellfield (Meaton) at 7am.

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COCK & MAGPIE RODMASTERS AC

WELLFIELD, Sunday: Tony George 24-13-0, Derek Willis 11-8-0, Reg Bastable 11-5-8, Alan Turner 10-14-8, Dave Smith 7-4-0, Bob Evans 6-5-8.

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Overspend is no surprise

THE announcement by National Health Service auditors that Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust has an over-spend of £9.9 million for the year 2002-2003, one of the worst in the country, will come as no surprise to the vast majority of the Wyre Forest

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Football extravaganza

FOOTBALLERS are limbering up for the second year of a Hartlebury tournament. Hartlebury Bears and charity fundraisers Torton Turds are staging the seven and five-a-side competition at the village first school on Saturday and Sunday, May 29 and 30. Nine

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GILT EDGE AC

BONE Mill, Sunday: John Gale 1-12-12, Frank Guest 1-2-8, Peter White 0-14-12. The next contest is on Sunday at Woodside Fisheries, Cleobury Mortimer, and full details are available from the secretary on 01562 824651.

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TOMKINSONS AC

ANGLERS will meet for a 7.15am draw on Sunday as the club fishes at Willow Marsh Fishery's Sandpiper Pool from 8am until 1pm. Anyone interested needs to telephone the secretary on 07977 034583 to book a place and two keepnets are needed.

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Streets ahead?

HAVING recently returned from a Spanish resort town, I feel I must once again write and protest at the state of the street cleansing as practised in Wyre Forest. Each day the streets were cleaned - not mechanically but by people - and washed at least

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Another trophy

BURLISH Olympic Ladies collected their second piece of silverware this season. The Stourport side lifted the Kidderminster Hospital Cup on Sunday at Brintons by beating rivals Malvern Town 2-0. In a strong display, midfielder Carla Worrall fired Burlish

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Good experience at hospital unit

I HAVE recently been admitted, on two occasions, to the Beech Unit at Royal Worcestershire Hospital, and would like to make the following observations. New patients are immediately aware of the calmness and happiness of the environment. This is achieved

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REGENT AC

SUNDAY brings the next match with a 7.45am draw on the canal bridges.

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HETA AC

HETA Pool will host the next match on Sunday which will be drawn at 7am and anglers are asked to take two nets.

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Retired GP 'sickened' by house graffiti

VANDALS have daubed graffiti on a home in Wick which is at the centre of a long-running planning dispute. Retired GP Michael Cox, owner of the two-bedroom property in Wick House Close, was 'sickened' yesterday when he discovered the words 'built by a

Date

Panthers plea

PLAYERS are needed to join next season's Wyre Forest Panthers U-9s. Panthers, looking for those who are currently in year three at school, train and play at Blakedown Sports Centre. Anyone interested can call Helen or Nigel on 01562 742885.

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GOLDEN MAGGOT AC

PERRY Mountain took first place at Broadheath Fishery's Jam Factory on Saturday, weighing in 45lb 12oz fishing the pole at 13 metres. In the margins, Mountain took carp to 6lb on corn hook bait. Richard Billingham landed a superb 13lb 1oz common carp

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Wounding charges

A MAN accused of attacking his estranged wife with a vegetable knife in a pub, and injuring three people who went to her aid, has been remanded in custody. Sebastian Holmes, of High Street, Pershore, was arrested on suspicion of wounding with an edged

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Team recruiting

FERNDALE Youth U-16s are already on the look-out for players next season to form a new team. Anyone interested can contact UEFA B-qualified coach Tim Rudd on 07949 184643 or Jason Shuck on 07779 250761.

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500 residents rally to help save Vale club

MORE than 500 Vale residents have signed a petition protesting against plans to demolish Evesham's Ambassador Snooker Club. The massive response to the campaign impressed organisers who only began canvassing signatures last week. The future of the 2,000

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On a mission to cut waste mountain

TWO councils are urging residents to shape up and get ready for the Mission Impossible waste challenge that is set to hit homes all over the district. Worcestershire County Council, together with Wychavon District Council, has set the mission that challenged

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Residents rally over barn use

HUNDREDS of residents have lobbied the district council over the use of a barn for storing animal bedding. Two petitions containing 187 signatures and 54 letters have been sent to Wychavon District Council objecting to an application from Betta Bedding

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20/5/04 - New deal for Bennett

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' out-of-contract midfielder Dean Bennett has agreed to stay at Aggborough. The 26-year-old former Bromsgrove Rovers campaigner has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal. Harriers' boss Jan Molby said: "Dean has re-signed for less

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Sixways chief rallies the fans

JOHN Brain has told Worcester supporters to unite in their hour of need. The Sixways director of rugby admitted the on-going situation re-garding Worcester's promotion to the Premiership had descended into a "farce" but remained bullish over their future

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Supporters chairman backing Duckworth

THE chairman of Worcester's newly-formed supporters' club John Phillips is backing Sixways chairman Cecil Duckworth. "Initially it was felt we were or could be in trouble with promotion, there was a lot of spleen venting on the supporters' website, much

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New deal for Bennett

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' out-of-contract midfielder Dean Bennett has agreed to stay at Aggborough. The 26-year-old former Bromsgrove Rovers campaigner has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal. Harriers' boss Jan Molby said: "Dean has re-signed for less

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From the archives

100 Years Ago May 21, 1904 On Wednesday afternoon the people of Evesham were given the opportunity of witnessing a spectacle which was quite a novelty for the district, and as the weather was delightfully fine they turned out in very large numbers to

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Batty has Gloucs in spin

A DEADLY bowling display by Gareth Batty has put Worcestershire in a powerful position in their Frizzell County Championship Division One match against Gloucestershire at New Road. The England off-spinner grabbed 3-27 to leave the visitors a massive 362

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Welsh selection for UCW player

WORCESTER Wolves' Ben Potts has won a call-up to the Welsh basketball side. The 18-year-old -- a key member of the University College Worcester team that came second in the British University Finals -- will travel with Wales for the Promotions Cup competition

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Tretton signs on

HEREFORD United defender Andy Tretton has handed the club a boost by extending his stay at Edgar Street. Tretton, who is currently on international duty with the England National Game XI, has signed for a further year at the club. Striker David Brown

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Lethal Lee's in seventh heaven

LEE Shuck has become one of the youngest winners of our Evening News/Fearnley Factory Shop Cricketer of the Week award. The 14-year-old bagged our bowling prize with a match-winning spell of 7-66 playing for Ombersley seconds against Luctonians in the

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Look out you boys, sir's coming back!

A FORMER teacher at Blackminster who became a prolific playwright will return to Evesham with his new production, The Humanitarians. Peter Terson taught at Blackminster Secondary Modern School as Mr Patterson in the early 60s, which is when he started

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Joseph's technicolour career

LESLEY Joseph, who shot to fame as man-hungry neighbour-from-hell Dorien in hit sitcom Birds of a Feather, is coming to Malvern in search of her roots. The actress is taking on the challenging lead role in The Gingerbread Lady, a bitter-sweet comedy that

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Farmer films the ultimate chick flick

HENS in Broadway are enjoying a Big Brother experience and having their image beamed live into the Harrods store in London. A webcam set up at Clarence Court in Cheltenham Road, which went live in the posh London store last week, allows customers buying

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Vegetarian Society (Wyre Forest)

ALL are welcome to attend a picnic ramble at the Swan Inn, Chaddesley Corbett, this Sunday at 12noon. Take sensible footwear, lightweight waterproofs, sunglasses, sun cream and vegetarian picnic food to share. For more details, call 07759 834732.

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Kidderminster Central TG

MARION Fox, founder member and past president, resigned from the committee at the annual meeting. The new treasurer is Jean Reynolds. A presentation was made to the Williams Syndrome charity. The Federation luncheon will be held at the Mill Hotel, Alveley

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African rhythms

THE Chililabombwe Praise Choir of Zambia is scheduled for a series of concerts in the area this weekend. The concerts take place at Stour Valley Church at Shipston High School on Saturday at 7.30pm and at Chipping Campden Baptist Church in High Street

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Habberley WI

FOLLOWING a discussion on this year's resolutions, members supported all three, but gave the delegate discretion to vote differently after hearing the debate at the annual meeting. Names were taken for various outings. The skittles team did not qualify

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Brintons Walking Club

ON Sunday, May 30, there will be a six-mile town and forest trail on "Bewdley's Alleyways and Byways", led by Eric Perks. Walkers will leave the Great Western at 9.30am. All profits from this event will be given to Blakebrook Gymnastic Club, which caters

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Chances to wise up on waste

FARMERS will have the opportunity to catch up on the latest news on waste at a Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group event at the end of the month. Wising Up On Waste at the Berkeley Arms, Spetchley, on Thursday, May 27 at 10.30am will share information

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Prices hit a record

RECORD prices for South Devon females were made at the Midland South Devon Cattle Breeders Club's annual show and sale at the new Stratford livestock market at Wincot Lands, Clifford Chambers, in conjunction with the South Devon Herd Book Society. The

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Stylish Jemma poised to join fashion elite

A BEWDLEY teenager is a step closer to achieving her dream job dressing Hollywood film stars after gaining a place at one of the world's leading fashion colleges. Jemma Ewins of Stour Lane, Bewdley, has been awarded one of only 20 places on a theatre

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20/5/04 - New Road pitch gamble pays off

CHIEF executive Mark Newton has admitted that Worcestershire took 'drastic action' during the close season to improve the New Road wicket. The benefits of that decision were demonstrated yesterday with Graeme Hick and Ben Smith producing their record-breaking

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Red-hot bowlers make quartet suffer in the sun

NOT all the batsmen made hay in last Saturday's welcome sunshine but players throughout the Cotswold Hills League, supported by John Shepherd Estate Agents, were relieved to get down to come decent action after a couple of frustrating weekends. Warwick

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20/5/04 - City set for first summer signing

WORCESTER City will unveil their first signing of the summer on Monday night according to club chairman Dave Boddy. Manager John Barton is due to tie up the deal for the Nationwide Conference player before attending a fans' forum organised by the supporters

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20/5/04 Lewis has will to succeed: Molby

A CRUCIAL part of Jan Molby's squad was finalised this week after two goalkeepers signed on the dotted line at Aggborough. John Danby, 21, has agreed to a two-year deal after impressing in nine Division Three games and seems to have secured the first-choice