Archive

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Sweet night out

HANBURY band The Dillingers will take part in a special Jam tribute gig. They will join forces with other bands to form The Jam Collective at The Hibernian, Pershore Road, Stirchley, on Friday June 24. Doors open at 8.30pm with the band on stage from

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Countdown to spirited jazz festival

THE countdown to the eagerly anticipated annual L'Esprit Manouche Gypsy jazz festival is well underway with only four weeks to go. Now in its third year the festival has garnered an international reputation as a world class festival showcasing the very

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Queen

TOP Queen cover band Magic will play the legendary rock band's greastest hits at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre as part of its Celebration tour on July 8 (7.30pm start). Tickets cost between £12 and £14, call the box office on 0870 6077544.

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Eastern promise!

A NEW production of romantic musical The King and I opens at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre next Tuesday. The Rogers & Hammerstein classic, which has delighted millions since its original production opened on Broadway in 1951, is based on the Margaret

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Face to face with art

AN award-winning textile artist is exhibiting her work at Forge Mill Needle Museum. A colourful display of Jean Bennett's work is on show at the Bordesley visitor centre until July 3. Last year, she won the Charles Henry Foyle Trust Award for textiles

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Summertime Primroses

REDDITCH Town Hall is the venue for The Primrose Choir's Summertime Concert next Thursday, June 23 at 7.30pm. A varied programme will include songs from well-known shows as well as some old favourites and contributions from the choir's soloists. Tickets

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Diary of events

Wednesday, June 15 1 Taster sessions for people interested in family history at Redditch Library, Alcester Street, from 10am-1pm. For an appointment, call Denise on 63291. 2 Information and advice day for carers organised by Worcestershire County Council's

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Mystical

A 100-strong cast from the Palace Youth Theatre are set to breathe life into a mystical story of Red Indian hero Hiawatha between June 30 and July 2 at Redditch's Kingsley Theatre. The production charts the true life story of Hiawatha and his legendary

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Art show is high in fibre

AN award winning artist is pioneering an unusual textile technique at an exhibition in Redditch. Jean Bennett, from Derbyshire, is currently showing her work at Forge Mill Needle Museum, in Needle Mill Lane. 'Threads of Life' shows the use of Angelina

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What's on

Wednesday June 15 Music: Open Mic Night, Hop Pole Inn, Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove. Film: Machuca, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 6pm. Thursday June 16 Music: Officer Tokyo, Wishing Well, Market Street, Bromsgrove. Music: Chris Aronsten, Hop Pole

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Watch old heroes show off their skills

LEGENDS from the West Midlands' top football clubs are set to lock horns at Birmingham NIA on July 16 at the Midlands Masters Indoor six-a-side tournament. The likes of wing wizard Tony Daley and goal machine Steve Bull will join some of the top players

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House of Wax (15)

Four star PARIS Hilton makes her film debut (other than in home movies!) in this, a better-than-average teen slasher movie. Based on a 1953 film of the same name, the story picks up with a group of horny teenagers who find themselves stranded off the

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Don't Believe the Truth Oasis

Four star Oasis' seventh album represents their best attempt to recapture the magic of 1994-95 after a series of cliches which died with the rising of Blur and The Verve. But with Don't Believe the Truth, the arrogance of the Madchester scene has also

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50 years ago June 18, 1955

THE annual commemoration of Bromsgrove School was held on Friday and attracted the traditional gathering of parents and old boys. The observances began with the customary service in the parish church where Sir Thomas Cookes' sermon was preached. Instead

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100 years ago June 17, 1905

MEMBERS of Bromsgrove and North Bromsgrove School managers' meeting heard an inspector's report on Catshill School. The boys were in excellent order but the present constitution of the staff gave the master no opportunity of supervising the work of the

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Dutch will have you swinging

JAZZ lovers will be in for a treat with an evening of music in Bromsgrove. Dutch Lewis will excite visitors to the Epic Bar Brasserie, in Hanbury Road, on Sunday, June 26 with his style of swing, rhythm and blues. The event starts at 7.30pm with tickets

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Album hits the target

BROMSGROVE band Trigger kick off their latest album Call to Arms with their traditional rock sound. Impressive vocals are backed up with no nonsense guitar riffs and rhythmic beats from the off. Opening track Children of Tomorrow jumps straight into the

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Sweet night out

HANBURY band The Dillingers will take part in a special Jam tribute gig. They will join forces with other bands to form The Jam Collective at The Hibernian, Pershore Road, Stirchley, on Friday June 24. Doors open at 8.30pm with the band on stage from

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Man is left unconscious after attack

A MAN was assaulted by a gang of four during an attempted robbery in Worcester. The incident happened in St John's at about 9pm on Friday and police are appealing for anyone who saw the crime to come forward. The attack took place as the victim was walking

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Race is on, despite Pitchcroft fire

TODAY'S race meeting at Worcester will go ahead as planned despite last week's fire that damaged vital television and commentary lines and threatened the fixture. The blaze, on Friday morning, also ruined three hospitality boxes and a bar at Pitchcroft

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Queen

TOP Queen cover band Magic will play the legendary rock band's greastest hits at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre as part of its Celebration tour on July 8 (7.30pm start). Tickets cost between £12 and £14, call the box office on 0870 6077544.

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Gheluvelt's opening on BBC show

AMAZING 80 year old footage of the opening of a Worcester park is to be shown on television. Brian Hewlett discovered the seven-minute recording of the opening of Gheluvelt Park, Barbourne, at his home in Chapel Road, Kempsey. It was filmed on June 17

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999 crews act as car found in canal

EMERGENCY crews raced to Droitwich this morning after a stolen car was found floating upside down in a canal. The first call came in at 7am when an off-duty medic spotted the burgundy Ford Orion in the water beside Salwarpe Road. Ambulance crews and firefighters

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Organic feasting for Faithful City

A NEW Organic Festival promoting 'the true taste of food', selling organic goods from across the world, is to be held in Worcester. Organic food and drink - from simple to exotic - will be available to sample, challenging festival visitors to rediscover

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Pair miss world title

Redditch Golf Club's Janice Kerr and Julian Bates just missed out on glory at the International Pairs world final at Celtic Manor last week. The reigning English mixed pairs champions finished a very creditable joint seventh, 10 points behind winners

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Birmingham Juniors

Young golf ace Dean Reece-Davis was among the prizes at the prestigious Birmingham Junior Open Championships. The 10 year old, from Winyates East, returned the best gross score among the u12s at the event held at Pipe Hayes Golf Club.

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Ram raiders hit store

DAMAGE of at least £12,000 was caused when a truck drove into a Lakeside general store during a ramraid. The stolen four-wheel drive Mitsubishi pick-up was driven into the front of Gentry's Stores, Farm Road, at about 1am on Wednesday, June 8. A cash

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Hunt for garage raiders

RAIDERS ransacked a Redditch petrol station, causing around £1,000 worth of damage. Thieves used a crowbar to force their way into the fire door of Sainsbury's garage off the Alvechurch Highway at 12.45am on Thursday. The raiders, believed to be three

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Bin snatch

THE Studley Tesco Express store was burgled in the early hours of Thursday morning with raiders taking two bins of cigarettes. Police are appealing for witnesses who saw three men wearing dark clothing and masks. They took two large plastic bins inside

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Pensioner attacked in car park

AN elderly man was assaulted in Beoley Road East, Redditch. The victim, in his 70s, was hit by another man in the residents' car park, behind the houses in the road, last Tuesday between noon-1pm. Witnesses should call the police on 08457 444 888 or Crimestoppers

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Auto crime rising

REDDITCH town centre has seen a 'steep rise' in car crime, despite police attempts to combat the problem. Central sector sgt Stuart Crebbin said police dealt with 18 thefts from vehicles, four stolen vehicles and five cases of vehicle interference since

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Beautiful people are ugly inside

Review: Closer (15) FOUR thoroughly unpleasant people try to cope with their own selfish passions in this pretentious attempt to say something important about modern relationships. Under achieving, but complicated, novelist Dan (Jude Law), indecisive

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Messages from the other side soothed loved ones

REVIEW IT was a pity the current popularity of the likes of TV's Colin Fry and Derek Acorah did not prompt more people to visit Bromsgrove's Artrix on Saturday for The Night of the Mediums. As it was, only around 50, mostly women, turned up to see and

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Pair land top titles

Youngsters Abigail Cox and Amy Cundy were among the awards during a hectic few weeks for Redditch Road and Path Cycling Club's junior section, the Slipstreamers. Abigail took the honours in both the regional British Schools Cycling Association's (BSCA

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Faulkner on target

Pride of place in the Astwood Bank Summer Darts League this week went to Dave Faulkner whose seven-dart game, including a 160A, helped steer Abbeydale to a 6-3 win over Coach House in Division Two. All the maximums came in Division One though and included

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A degree of focus on chavs

YOU'VE got an 'ology'? If you've got an 'ology', you're a scientist - that is, according to Maureen Lipman in those intensely annoying but oddly memorable BT adverts from the 1980s. Now, it would appear, there's a new 'ology' on the curriculum - chavology

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Carp catch bags prize

John Hawkes maintained his place at the top of the Label Innovations individual angling league with victory in round three, fished at Woodlands View Top Deans Pool.

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Coates' consolation amid Ravens battering

REDDITCH Ravens crashed to a heavy defeat against a strong Wizards side. But it was not all doom and gloom with Lee Coates going over for a try in his first rugby league match. The Ravens had picked up the Parkhouse Recruitment Team of the Week award

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Title blow for hopefuls Inkberrow

INKBERROW A's hopes of landing the Premier Division title in the Prudden Road Surfacing Tennis League were dented as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Littleton A, a result that leaves rivals Stratford A clear at the top. Studley A were handed maximum points

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Freeman double

Andy Freeman secured two personal bests as Redditch & Bromsgrove AC claimed fifth in their latest Midland League Division Three meeting at Corby. Redditch were just eight points off third. Freeman picked up a pb in the 400m hurdles with a time of

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Pick up prize for play-offs

THERE was a silverware surprise for Evesham United officials at last weekend's Southern League annual general meeting when they were presented with a silver salver in recognition of the end of season play-off triumph. The new league season starts on Saturday

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Slump in teenage mothers

LATEST figures show a reduction in the number of girls between 15 and 17 falling pregnant in Redditch. Although new figures only reveal the situation up to 2003, they show an improvement since 1998. Between 1998 and 2000 Redditch saw the second highest

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Donate your pint!

REDDITCH folk have a whole host of ways they can support the vital work a local charity does for cancer patients throughout the rest of June. The Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre is encouraging people to raise funds in various ways and wants regulars

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Fixtures

July 2005 (friendlies) Tues 19 Alvechurch (a) WEDS 20 TAMWORTH (H) SAT 23 Leamington (a) TUES 26 MOOR GREEN (H) SAT 30 WORCESTER CITY (H) August TUES 2 REDDITCH UTD (H) Sat 6 Stratford Tn (a) Southern League Premier Division August Sat 13 September October

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Council to foot bypass charge

THE cost of a Bordesley bypass will be met by Redditch Council if no other funding sources can be found it was announced on Monday. Council Leader David Cartwright announced the move in his annual statement to the council. The council had already agreed

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Eastern promise!

A NEW production of romantic musical The King and I opens at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre next Tuesday. The Rogers & Hammerstein classic, which has delighted millions since its original production opened on Broadway in 1951, is based on the Margaret

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Hi ho silver lining

A REDDITCH silverware artist has been awarded a grant by the Arts Council of England to help him achieve greater national and international exposure of his work. Martin Pugh has been presented with £2,187 by the arts body which gives millions of pounds

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Council makes Wright move

A STUDLEY Liberal Democrat councillor has become the first to be appointed onto the otherwise Tory-dominated executive at Stratford Council. Councillor Hazel Wright will take on the health portfolio for the authority but will be the only Liberal Democrat

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Chavology

A DROITWICH woman has become the country's leading authority on 'chav' culture. The youth tribe ridiculed for wearing Burberry baseball caps, white tracksuits and acres of 'bling' jewellery has become so much a part of our culture that the word is now

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Elderly stranded after buses axed

ELDERLY Warndon Villages residents are up in arms that their regular bus service has been axed and replaced by an 'inadequate' alternative. Derek Foster said he and fellow bus users around the Dugdale Drive area were angry that the LMS Travel's hourly

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All life is here at the Hippo

POLITICAL scandal, love affairs and a touch of magic are on offer next week when Welsh National Opera (WNO) arrives at Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre with a trio of operas. The varied programme begins on Tuesday, June 21, with Mozart's The Magic Flute

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Rat Pack on run across Midlands

THE talent of 20th century legends Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr and Dean Martin is celebrated in popular show Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas, which can be seen locally, from next week. The West End Olivier-award-winning show can be enjoyed at Malvern's

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Accolade for Vale school

THE Football Association has awarded St Egwin's Middle School one of the highest honours in grass roots football, the prestigious regional FA Charter Standard Schools award. The Evesham school is one of only 42 throughout the country to receive a regional

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Village club recruiting

INKBERROW FC is staging a recruitment day on Saturday at Sands Land in the village. The FA Charter Standard club invites Under-7s, 8s, 9s and 10s to register at 9.30am with Under-12s and 13s invited along from 11. For more details ring David Higginson

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Diary of events

Wednesday, June 15 1 Taster sessions for people interested in family history at Redditch Library, Alcester Street, from 10am-1pm. For an appointment, call Denise on 63291. 2 Information and advice day for carers organised by Worcestershire County Council's

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Rhodes hands Davies boost

WORCESTERSHIRE head coach Steve Rhodes is convinced Steve Davies will blossom into a dazzling star of the future following the talented teenager's baptism of fire in the Frizzell County Championship Division Two. Davies was called up for his debut recently

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Ex-Warrior pens deal at Pirates

FORMER Worcester Warriors back Duncan Roke has swapped Warriors for Pirates after signing for Penzance and Newlyn today. Roke, who joined Worcester in summer 2001, was released following their successful first season in the Premiership. The 30-year-old

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Davis and Golder on form in encounter

HIGH scoring was the order of the day in latest round of Worcester Cricket League matches. C Perry hit 133 of Feckenham's 219-5 in their Tansell Cup encounter with Northwick Strollers. His innings contained 12 sixes and 10 fours. In Division One, Kevin

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Westside 'A' pot way to Division One crown

WESTSIDE 'A' were honoured as winners of Nationwide Doors and Windows-sponsored Worcester and District Snooker League. The team collected their shield at the league's presentation evening at Heenans Club in Sansome Place. Winners in full: Division One

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Zoe close to a double delight

MALVERN 14-year-old Zoe Kennedy Hughes came close to an outstanding double at the Royal Bath and West Show in Somerset. The Chase High School pupil was among the competitors in the show jumping championships. Riders from throughout the Midlands, Wales

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St Egwin's honoured by Midland soccer scheme

THE FA has awarded an Evesham school one of the highest honours in grass-roots football. St Egwin's Middle School, in Worcester Road, is one of only 42 schools throughout the country to receive the latest regional FA Charter Standard Schools accolades

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11/06/05 - Droitwich shot down by Bewdley

Droitwich Spa 226-9 Bewdley 229-3 Droitwich lose by six wickets DROITWICH'S worst start to the Worcestershire League Division One in the club's history continued as fellow strugglers Bewdley eased past them on Saturday. Spa, who were expected to be in

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11/06/05 - Victories for local teams

Chaddesley Corbett 196 all out Alvechurch and Hopwood 168 all out Chaddesley win by 38 runs CORBETT continued their revival after a fine performance by their bowlers in the Worcester League Division One on Saturday. After Chaddesley had recorded 196 all

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11/06/05 - Day hits century for Tons

Belbroughton 280-5 Coombs Wood 184-5 Belbroughton get a winning draw BELBROUGHTON maintained their fine run of form in the Worcester League Division Two - by taking the main share of the points in a hard fought match on Saturday. Geoff Day (108), Dave

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Bird lovers invited to Feckenham

BIRDS of a feather are flocking together in the setting of a Feckenham couple's garden. Visitors are invited to Countryside Bird Farm Gardens and Pottery, home of Lionel and Cathy Peak, to see their large array of birds. The farm boasts a selection of

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12/06/04 - Rose blooms for Bromsgrove

BROMSGROVE'S first team leapt to second in the Fearnley Worcestershire Sunday League by defeating Old Elizabethans. Elizabethans had hit 298-5, but Jon Rose smashed 162 runs as Bromsgrove replied with 299-5. Table topping Barnt Green suffered defeat at

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Fielding lapses prove costly in draw

DAVID Powles was again in fine form but Pershore were left to regret a series of drop-ped catches as Saturday's Birmingham League visitors Lichfield clung on for a draw. The spinner grabbed 5-56 after the Staffordshire side had made a promising start

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Results and fixtures

Cotswold Hills League Results - Premier Division: Broadway 144-9, Exhall & Wixford 148-1; Alc-ester & Ragley 181, Overbury 313-8; Shipston 232-4, Twyning 143; Earls-wood 207-8, Tanworth 227-8; Stratford Bards 171-3, Moreton-in-Marsh 167-8. Division

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Don't park on pavement

As a mother of three children and the user of a pushchair, I frequently walk from Charford to Bromsgrove town centre. I have been very annoyed on not just one occasion, but on several, when I have come across inconsiderate users of vehicles parking on

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It's turned into yob city

I have lived in Catshill all my life and it's turned into yob city. I'm tired of the police saying in our local papers that crime and anti-social behaviour is being tackled and rates are down. They're talking about another place. Parks in Catshill are

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School site is not right

Although it is good to hear of a new proposed 21st century combined Meadows First/Parkside Middle school, the site for the building is unsatisfactory. If I were a prospective parent I would be very concerned with the close proximity of the public footpath

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Just what is going on?

I have to say I'm just a little confused and annoyed regarding council finances. First we hear that Bromsgrove council cannot afford the annual grant of a mere £3,000 to Avoncroft Museum, then we see that £2m has been found to fund 'major staff restructuring

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15/06/05 - Rovers set for rematch

BROMSGROVE Rovers FC have been handed a tricky Worcestershire derby with Stourport Swifts in the first round of the Southern League Cup in September. Rovers will be hoping history does not repeat itself when the two sides clash on September 19 at the

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Society must be turned around

ACCORDING to the figures published this week we do excel better than any other nation in the EU at one thing - pregnancies of girls under the age of 16. In fact, we extended our lead. The Government admitted they did not know what else to do, they have

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Please offer your support

WITH reference to Mr John Cunliff's letter (Advertiser, June 8) I believe I may be one of the ex-Action for Droitwich members he is referring to and I would like to point out that AFD's aim at the time was to stop the dreadful Waitrose building being

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Don't take any notice

COUNCILLOR Morris' letter to your paper about the Worcester Road/Tagwell Road lights in Droitwich gives the impression that the town council intervention and public representations to Worcestershire County Council will bring a response. As a frequent

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Use it or lose it

WE have owned a business in Droitwich Spa for four-and-a-half years and are keen to see the town as a thriving shopping centre. We also think that the style of the building for Waitrose leaves a lot to be desired. Building design moves on, whether we

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Revenge of the bins?

FIRST Pamela Davey installed traffic lights at Tagwell Junction when she was a county councillor. The result was chaos. Now Wychavon chairman, she intends clogging our Spa with wheelie bins. Roads in nearby Bromsgrove are littered with bins and recycling

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Read letter with horror

WE read last week's letter about changes to refuse services with horror. Based on the history of Wychavon and its denials about The Lido, Waitrose, The Worcestershire and other crazy schemes, we know who not to believe. When our wheelie bin arrives, we

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It's a dog bin too far

WHERE are the brains of people responsible for placing a dog fouling bin in the most prominent of positions? This week, a dog fouling bin appeared on the decorative entrance to Manor Oaks, Nuffield Drive - Boycott Bridge. The area is used by children

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Thanks to all who gave

MANY thanks to everyone who helped with the collection at Safeways supermarket. We collected a much-needed £261.70 towards our bedded hospice. We still need £1 million, but building work starts in July and hopefully it won't be too long before we finally

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Old will clash with the new

LAST week's writer about Droitwich Waitrose need not worry that the building clashes with surroundings for long. This week outline planning permission was applied for to build 55 luxury waterside apartments and an office complex on the old Saab garage

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Bowl for Burke

JAMES Burke was the winner of the Stanley Bowl at Broadway. This popular men's competition attracted a large field with handicaps ranging from two to 28 and the excellent conditions made for some superb stableford scoring. The winner amassed 45 points

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15/6/05 - Rhodes hands Davies boost

WORCESTERSHIRE head coach Steve Rhodes is convinced Steve Davies will blossom into a dazzling star of the future following the talented teenager's baptism of fire in the Frizzell County Championship Division Two. Davies was called up for his debut recently

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15/6/05 - Opening ace Moore is targeting England call

IN-FORM opening batsmen Stephen Moore has set his sights on clinching a place in England's Academy squad for next winter. Before today's game with Leicestershire, Moore was Worcestershire's leading scorer in first-class cricket, ahead of even Graeme Hick

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Mystical

A 100-strong cast from the Palace Youth Theatre are set to breathe life into a mystical story of Red Indian hero Hiawatha between June 30 and July 2 at Redditch's Kingsley Theatre. The production charts the true life story of Hiawatha and his legendary

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Wythall firm to merge

AFTER 140 years the name of Wythall-based insurer Britannic will be consigned to history after it was announced it is to merge in a £2billion deal. The company will merge with rival Resolution Life. The firm employs about 700 staff, and has its headquarters

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Growing team to mind your business

THE Redditch Learning Zone is celebrating its first year by expanding its team of business advisors and training staff. The Moons Moat organisation was launched to help Worcestershire employers with staff training or to access funding. Rob Sparks has

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Caught out on travels

REDDITCH skipper Dan Protherough wants to put Saturday's defeat behind him and steer the Bromsgrove Road side back up the Division Three table. Basement club Penkridge edged their way to a two-wicket victory and the captain admits it is a game he'd rather

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Storming Feckenham

FECKENHAM were among the runs at the weekend as they cruised to a 147-run victory over Division Three strugglers Stourbridge. Batting first, the home side found their Mill Lane wicket to their liking and stormed to 288-8. Bob Adshead top scored with 91

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Double defeat

There was disappointment for Division One Astwood Bank and Alvechurch as both tasted defeat to keep them mid-table. Bank went down by 119 runs at lowly Brockhampton, scoring just 144 in answer to their hosts' total of 263-7. And Alvechurch also suffered

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Cool cars

THE country's biggest modified car show is cruising into the NEC between July 1 and 3. Max Power Live, inspired by the popular magazine, will be packed with the loudest, fastest and most outrageously modified cars the UK has to offer. The event will be

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Sunday slump

A knock of 71 from Dan Protherough failed to lift Redditch's spirits when they were beaten by Barnards Green in their Worcestershire Sunday League match. Redditch reached 200 all out but the home side replied with 203-5.

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Hewell on a high

Hewell celebrated a winning draw in their match with visitors Old Hill. The home side hit 197 but time ran out for Hewell who were on 173-5 at the end of their overs, Ian Williams top scoring with 62.

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Pipe project posers have still not been answered

THE responses to our complaints regarding Transco's pipe replacement project in Sidbury and Friar Street have been quite extraordinary. Operations will now be confined to Friar Street during the Three Choirs Festival. Naturally, visitors would not wish

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Comparing apples and bananas

I see that in his latest letter concerning his pet subject on overcrowding, N Taylor dismisses Mr Margrett's comments as 'more waffle' and states loftily that 'I can compare anything I like, with anything else'. Is the repeated comment that 'England is

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Alcester searching

Alcester & Ragley are still searching for their first win in the Premier Division after crashing to a 132-run defeat at home to high-flying Overbury. The visitors batted first and immediately set about the bowling, racing to 70 off only 10 overs until

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Wychbold Women's Fellowship

The meeting in The Poplars was held in a relaxed and happy atmosphere. We were looking forward to several imminent parish events and our participation in them; the Ascension Day service in St Mary de Wyche church followed by a fish supper (shared with

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Exhall stay top

Exhall & Wixford maintained their place at the top of the Premier with a nine-wicket victory over lowly Broadway, Skipper Simon Hollands leading from the front with an unbeaten 83.

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Chaddesley Corbett WI

VICE president Christine Hickman-Smith welcomed everyone to the June meeting. Business matters were discussed including our planned outings to Jonathons on December 9 for a flower demonstration and afternoon tea and a day trip to London on October 31.

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Bidford skittled

Bidford were all out for 136 on their way to a six-wicket defeat at Norton Lindsey in Division One while Great Alne lost their Division Three match at Wellesbourne 2nds by five wickets despite Neil Margusson's impressive 60 for the visitors.

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Grafton top table

Temple Grafton are another side enjoying life at the top of the table as they cruised to a 200-run victory over Bidford 2nds. The Division Four leaders struck 302-3 before skittling out the home side for just 102.

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Budding artists express themselves

TALENTED youngsters at a Rubery school have been putting their artistic skills to the test. Children from Colmers Farm Infant School enjoyed a dedicated arts week which the whole school took part in. The budding artists made animal sculptures and tried

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Stun gun is used on police officer

A POLICE officer was assaulted with a stun gun on a main road in Rubery during a chase with a motorist. The attack happened just before 1.30am on Monday morning in the middle of Bristol Road South near the entrance to Great Park. Two officers stopped

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MBE for vaccine campaigner

A REDNAL mum, who has campaigned tirelessly in the name of vaccine victims, has been honoured with an MBE, writes Paul Francis. Olivia Price, of Malcolm Grove, said she was "surprised and delighted" to win the award in the Queen's Birthday Honours List

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Eye level

THE caring chairman of Bromsgrove District Council is donning her shades to publicise the work of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Councillor Jill Dyer is appealing to residents to join her in supporting the charity's national Shades Day next

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Memorial is replaced

A GRIEVING mum, whose dead baby's memorial plaque was stolen, now has a new one - thanks to the Advertiser/Messenger. Emma Swindon, of Willow Road, Bromsgrove, was heartbroken when she discovered that the plaque dedicated to her son, Derian, who died

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The Aviator

The Aviator (12) Four star THIS is the riveting story of Howard Hughes and how he turned a small fortune into one of staggering proportions. Hughes, bought to life by Leonardo DiCaprio, was the son of a Texan inventor who died when Hughes was 18, leaving

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She's flying in from the USA

A FORMER Bromsgrove woman is jetting across the Atlantic Ocean to attend a school reunion in the town. Melanie Nash, nee Emms, is flying from her home in Hudson, New Hampshire, for the gathering of ex-North Bromsgrove High School students who left in

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Man knifed his own cousin

A man who slashed his cousin's face with a Stanley knife after allegedly being attacked in his own home has been jailed for four and a half years. Gavin Pinfield, of Charford Road, Bromsgrove, had denied wounding Richard Hamilton with intent to cause

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Patrols to stop yobs

TARGETTED police patrols are underway in Stoke to stop vandalism in the village. At Stoke Parish Council's June meeting, WPC Michelle Caldicott said that since May the patrols had been taking place in the evenings. One of the most recent vandalism attacks

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Beware of bogus charity collectors

SPA folk are being warned to be on their guard for bogus charity collectors who are taking advantage of their generosity. Authentic collectors are urging residents to be on the lookout after an increase in fake callers in the area. Notes are being dropped

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Caught by DNA match

A DRUG-USING Bromsgrove burglar was caught by DNA from a burnt match after breaking into the home of a woman in her 80s while she was asleep. Daniel Hunt, aged 33, of Burcot Lane, was jailed for two years after he admitted burglary at the home of Molly

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'No' to lido being listed

THE Government has turned down a request for the Lido buildings in Droitwich Spa to be listed for a second time. In a letter to town MP Peter Luff, the culture minister, David Lammy, said: "English Heritage has again advised that this salt water lido

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The sound of young Africa

YOUNG African voices rang out at a Bromsgrove church as they sang in the main service on Sunday morning. The Malawian Youth Choir visited Holy Trinity Church, in Rosehill, Lickey, as part of an exchange visit. Around 150 parishioners went to the service

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Healthy debate had about lido

A GROUP of townsfolk had a 'healthy and positive' debate about the lido issue last week. The working group, created by Droitwich Spa Town Council after the recent parish poll, held a two-hour meeting to discuss the latest Wychavon plans for the site.

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Council pays lido poll bill

DROITWICH Town Council will have to pay for the recent parish poll over the lido issue. There was a possibility Wychavon District Council may foot the bill - which came to about £11,000 - after a motion requesting it pays it was submitted by the town

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Men's health in seven steps

SPA men of all ages are invited to a special health evening at the Royal British Legion Club on Salwarpe Road tomorrow (Thursday). The event, organised as part of National Men's Health Week by the Droitwich Spa Older People's Forum, will feature seven

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X&Y Coldplay

Four star ONE couldn't help but imagine how Coldplay could improve on the success of genius creations Parachutes and the more recent Rush of Blood to the Head. As Coldplay's Number One Fan, I'm sure I wasn't alone in my concern for the band following

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Turkich delight is Evesham despair!

EVESHAM remain at the top of Birm-ingham League Division Three despite a last over defeat at Beacon last Satur-day. The Avon Street side will need to fare better this weekend when they play host to closest rivals Aston Manor who are just three points

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Daryl's debut chance

DARYL Mitchell made his first-class debut for Worcestershire against Somerset last week. The Bretforton youngster has waited patiently in the wings at New Road but that patience paid off when he was drafted in to replace England-bound Gareth Batty during

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B team blazing a trail

STRATFORD'S B team continued its relentless march to the Prudden Road Surfacing League title with a 4-0 drubbing of Henley. Still undefeated and yet to drop a rubber, they only dropped six games overall in their latest triumph. Top pair Callum Bailey

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Fantastic time - and worth the tax

WELL, hasn't Redditch Council caused a stir! Should they have or shouldn't they have staged the AIR concert? This question will be debated for some time, no doubt, and you can bet money on the fact it will all be stirred up when we come to vote again.

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Bradford aims to blaze a trail and get Carter!

THIS weekend at Shakespeare County Raceway could potentially see the first ever side-by-side 300mph drag race at the historic Warwickshire quarter-mile race track. Headlining the aptly named Shakespeare Nationals, defending European champion and track

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Fire probe

AN investigation has been launched into a blaze that ripped through an Oakenshaw home. Redditch fire fighters rescued three people, including a child, from their Patch Lane home at 2.45am on Friday. Town fire station Watch manager Bob Morris said the

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Bird watching

POLICE fear a bird of prey has escaped after it was spotted in Batchley. The bird, believed to be a Harris Hawk, was sighted in Foxlydiate Crescent, Redditch,at 5pm on Monday June 13. Anyone with information can call Redditch Police on 08457 444888.

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Joy was worth every penny

WHAT a wonderful event the AIR Festival in the park was. Full marks to Redditch council for staging the event and for making it free. I for one have no objection paying towards it out of my council tax. To see so many young people enjoying themselves

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Sad over sound

Congratulations on the council at least trying to get Redditch on the map. The only criticism was the sound quality. If I were on the council, I would be asking for a refund for the really bad sound coming from the stage. Only half of the PA system was

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Squaddie Aaron's plea from Iraq

Redditch squaddie Aaron Binnersley and his mates are looking for letters from home to help boost the morale of troops in Iraq. Aaron, of Ombersley Close, Woodrow, is one of the 3,000 extra troops who were posted to Basra in southern Iraq two months ago

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Choose the acts carefully

I WOULD like to say what a great night we had on Saturday, June 4. Jools Holland was superb and the music was great. It was really refreshing to see young and old at this concert having a great time. But I have to say that on the Sunday, we were not impressed

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Strong brew of arts

MUSICIANS, morris dancers and majorettes were among crafty Redditch groups who brewed up a storm at this year's Community Arts Festival Event (CAFE). The town was a hive of activity from Thursday until Saturday with the 'Festival within a Festival', which

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What benefits to us?

LIKE many council taxpayers, I am incensed council chiefs decided to give away tickets for the AIR Festival concerts. It is, after all, our money which should have been spent on repairing the potholes in the vicinity of Arrow Valley. Obviously, there

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Schools chief retires

WORCESTERSHIRE'S top education chief, who played a major role in the controversial review of Redditch schools, is retiring in October after seven years of service. Julien Kramer, 55, was appointed director of education in 1998 and was responsible for

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100 years ago

June 17, 1905 ALMOST 4,000 people turned out for a picnic and fete to raise funds for the Studley United Widows' and Orphans Society. The gathering was held at Studley Castle by the kindness of the Countess of Warwick. Visitors enjoyed the castle's beautiful

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50 years ago

June 17, 1955 REDDITCH Urban Council was pressing the Ministry of Housing and Local Government for an increase in its annual building quota of 100 houses. It stated the town had a strong possibility in assisting the Birmingham over-spill as one of the

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Cup of joy

THE girls' Year 7 football team from St John's Middle School won the North Worcestershire Cup. TOP GIRLS: St John's Middle School's girls' team won the North Worcestershire Cup. The team defeated hosts Witton Middle School in Droitwich 3-2, with goals

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Monty rides to victory

LOCAL successes were thin on the ground at Saturday's Harkaway point to point at Chaddesley Corbertt with Shuil Monty being the solitary Worcestershire winner. Trainer Martin Oliver has a proven track record with his pointers and he does particularly

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Fun run success

BRIGHT spring sunshine greeted 170 runners in the Inkberrow Fun Run. Entry fees and donations enabled organisers to give £350 to Redditch Special Olympics and the Inkberrow Millennium Green Trust. The short-course run was won by Kieren Downey of Alcester

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Honey falls foul at the first stage

DAVE Honey's hopes of making a name for himself at the Budweiser UK Open Championship ended quickly on Friday. The Droitwich professional was beaten 4-2 by qualifier Alan Tabern at Bolton's Reebok Stadium. Before the tournament Honey had admitted to being

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Travellers move

TRAVELLERS who had set up camp in Castle Road, Studley, have finally moved on after five months. Warwickshire County Council legal proceedings were due to start last Tuesday, but the travellers went the day before. Studley Parish Council was last week

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Athletes stay in touch

IT'S tight at the top of the West Midlands League Division Three after the second round at Corby last week. Newly promoted Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletic Club (B&R) are fifth place but are only 2.5 points behind joint leaders Corby, Stratford and

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Arts groups share grants worth £1,350

ARTS grants totalling £1,350 are to be split between two Alvechurch and Wythall drama groups. Alvechurch-based All and Sundry Drama Group has been given £500 towards a production of The Pied Piper at Bromsgrove's Artrix Theatre, and Wythall's Woodrush

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£50k target for special status

STAFF and students at St Augustine's Catholic High School in Hunt End are striving to raise £50,000 in a bid to become a specialist science college. Specialist status would not only make St Augustine's a centre of excellence for science and maths but

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Students take bow with RSC

REDDITCH students are taking part in an unusual dramatic experience which will see them working with one of the country's premier theatre companies. Students from Dingleside Middle School and Kingsley College are working alongside members of the Royal

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Dan out to win it for dad

DAN Eaves has vowed to put Yvan Muller in his in place in this weekend's British Touring Car Championship mee-ting at Oulton Park. Evesham-born Eaves is still miffed that he crashed out trying to pass the Frenchman in the first race at Brands Hatch ten

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Jonathan in form for county race

JONATHAN Weedon will cap a memorable couple of weeks this weekend when he races for Gloucestershire in the South West Schools Athletics Championships in Bournemouth. The 15-year-old pupil at Chipping Campden School qualified for the trip to south coast

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Ruby is red-hot late on

RUBY Walsh teamed up with Paul Nicholls to land a late afternoon's double at Luddington Road last Sunday. The Irish jockey triumphed in the penultimate race on Sweet Diversion and then steered Darrias to a Stratford treble in the last - the Premier Cru

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Gold winner in Audi field

THIS weekend's Parkland Audi Syde Park Horse Trials has attracted a bumper entry of over 600 horse and rider combinations from 11 countries competing in classes for pre-novice, novice and intermediate horses. Heading the entry is British Olympic Gold

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Stone the crows!

RUBBISH has been blamed for an influx of large, wild birds in the Hopkins Precinct in Alcester which, according to some residents, are posing a safety threat. The birds, which are thought to be rooks and crows, regularly scavenge in the bins and on the

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Get hats on for the horses

WARWICK Racecourse will be joining in with the Ascot spirit at Saturday's race meeting with their Ladies Evening hoping to prompt local racegoers to don their hats and enjoy an evening of entertainment on and off the track. Racecourse manager Victoria

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Top sides making intentions clear in bid to top sections

THIRD round action in the PRS League Junior Cup competition sees clear leaders emerging from the four groups. Pool A, played at Snitterfield, witnessed one of the closest competitions as Bidford, who had won only two of their six previous matches started

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Bradford aims to blaze a trail and get Carter!

THIS weekend at Shakespeare County Raceway could potentially see the first ever side-by-side 300mph drag race at the historic Warwickshire quarter-mile race track. Headlining the aptly named Shakespeare Nationals, defending European champion and track

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Trials on court

THE Worcestershire Schools Badminton Association is looking for new young players for their junior county squads. A trial/tournament has been arranged for Sunday, July 17 in Droitwich when as many children between the age of nine and 15 are invited to

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Skip Phil's magnificent maximum Taylor-made!

A FAIRLY quiet week at Broadway was interspersed with county competitions and only two competitive fixtures were played. There was midweek action in the Willersey Provisions Cup against Chipping Camp-den who found themselves on the wrong end of a 173-

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Latest loft times

Evesham and District Flying Club THIRTEEN members sent 140 birds to Exeter on June 11, liberated at 9.30am into a south east wind. 1, 2, 3 & 4 M Beale 1467.96, 1443.16, 1440.90, 1426.71; 5 & 6 G Carter 1374.73, 1370.18; 7 Mrs J Heckingbottom 1362.55

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Wind assisted to Shipston

SEVENTEEN members of Evesham Whee-lers set off to Shipston-on-Stour for last Sunday's weekly run. With the wind behind them the group passed through Bidford, Long Marston, Quinton, Newbold-on-Stour, Halford and on to coffee stop at the Black . Well fed

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Library work held up by councillors

ALCESTER Library's major redevelopment project has been held up because county councillors have not yet given it their seal of approval. The library should have closed more than two weeks ago for the three month re-fit, but the day before the proposed

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Girls going for glory

THE strongest candidate for the Year 5/6 girls football tournament at this weekend's Gloucestershire Youth Games doesn't come from a school of 450 plus pupils and isn't from Cheltenham or Gloucester. Gretton School is representing the Tewkesbury district

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A shot of faith

THE Rector of Alcester, the Rev David Capron, will be conducting the second Pints of View on Monday at the Three Tuns, in High Street. Mr Capron launched the sessions earlier this year at the Holly Bush to give people the opportunity to quiz the minister

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Record takings in town

THE Alcester Garden Walkabout raised more than £3,000. The takings broke all previous records as organisers sold more than 730 tickets. Visitors and residents enjoyed a stroll around town centre gardens. All proceeds from the walkabout, including sale

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- Chavology - Good Lord...This man wants to transform his farm into a golf course - Grild aged 13 fo

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Triplets treat keeps mum busy

A WOODROW mum had a triple treat when she gave birth to three bouncing baby boys. Rebecca Rowand and husband Mark brought the bundles of joy to their new home in Ombersley Close after a short stay in the Alexandra Hospital's transitional care unit. Now

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Police appeal

POLICE in Alcester are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed a road rage incident on Bank Holiday Monday to come forward. The incident happened shortly before 8.30pm in Kinwarton Road, where two cars, a black Renault Clio and a blue Land Rover, sustained

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Skate park demolition

ALCESTER'S skate park is to be demolished. Vandalism and deterioration of the wooden ramps have forced Alcester Town Council to spend thousands of pounds on repairs and on Tuesday members decided they were not prepared to spend any more. They voted to

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Just Williams

A HIGH ranking priest from Ghana is visiting Alcester as part of a six-month sabbatical. The Very Rev Emmanuel Williams, dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Cape Coast, made friends in the town 11 years ago when studying church management at the College

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Alcester woman is set to admit charge

A WOMAN who set fire to her flat, endangering the lives of those living below, after a row with her partner is to be examined by a psychiatrist. Dawn Herdman, 34, of St Faith's Road, Alcester, appeared at Warwick Crown Court for a preliminary hearing

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Rubbish torched

FIREFIGHTERS from Bidford were called to Friday Furlong on Bank Holiday Monday after rubbish was set alight. Leading firefighter Mike Franklin said a number of gas cylinders and rubber tyres were removed from the site before the fire was put out at around

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A taste of France

ALCESTER'S French street market was hailed a success after hundreds turned out to enjoy the entente cordiale. Organisations set up stalls to raise money for themselves and the High Bailiff's Fund with entertainment by bands and choirs and jive and morris

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Forties theme at fete

RESIDENTS in Salford Priors travelled back in time for their village fete on Saturday. The event, on the recreation ground, had a 1940s theme to coincide with celebrations to mark the end of the Second World War.

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Friends of Coughton Court

WEA lecturer Tim Porter was the speaker at the May meeting. The theme of his talk was on how the local landscapes of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire influenced the music of the local composers, from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century

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Primrose Choir

AFTER the busy run-up to Christmas and the huge success of the concert in December at Rocklands Social Club, the early part of the year is always a relatively quiet period for the choir. The AGM was held recently and the choir was able to look back at

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St Mary's Wives' Group

AT the May meeting, president Miriam Knowles announced the death of Rosemary Elliott's husband, Stan. She said that the club would be passing on sympathy and good wishes to Rosemary, who as a minister had officiated at the June service on many occasions

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Wythall Royal British Legion

THE scheduled speaker could not make the May meeting of the Women's Section so at short notice, Joyce Beckett gave a talk and reading about the life of Joyce Grenville. The entertainer was born in London but spent a large part of her life in America.

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Band members look back to the future

A DROITWICH band is hoping their blend of retro and modern rock and roll is the ticket to a successful career. 'The Tickets' only formed six months ago but are already embarking on a tour of local venues and planning for the future. The four piece, who

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Dutch will have you swinging

JAZZ lovers will be in for a treat with an evening of music in Bromsgrove. Dutch Lewis will excite visitors to the Epic Bar Brasserie, in Hanbury Road, on Sunday, June 26 with his style of swing, rhythm and blues. The event starts at 7.30pm with tickets

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Album hits the target

BROMSGROVE band Trigger kick off their latest album Call to Arms with their traditional rock sound. Impressive vocals are backed up with no nonsense guitar riffs and rhythmic beats from the off. Opening track Children of Tomorrow jumps straight into the

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Folk star to light up town

FANS of folk will be treated to an evening of music in the beautiful surroundings of a top Bromsgrove tourist attraction. The Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, in Stoke Heath, will be the setting when internationally renowned artist Vin Garbutt

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Beautiful people are ugly inside

Review: Closer (15) FOUR thoroughly unpleasant people try to cope with their own selfish passions in this pretentious attempt to say something important about modern relationships. Under achieving, but complicated, novelist Dan (Jude Law), indecisive

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Messages from the other side soothed loved ones

REVIEW IT was a pity the current popularity of the likes of TV's Colin Fry and Derek Acorah did not prompt more people to visit Bromsgrove's Artrix on Saturday for The Night of the Mediums. As it was, only around 50, mostly women, turned up to see and

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All life is here at the Hippo

POLITICAL scandal, love affairs and a touch of magic are on offer next week when Welsh National Opera (WNO) arrives at Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre with a trio of operas. The varied programme begins on Tuesday, June 21, with Mozart's The Magic Flute

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Rat Pack on run across Midlands

THE talent of 20th century legends Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr and Dean Martin is celebrated in popular show Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas, which can be seen locally, from next week. The West End Olivier-award-winning show can be enjoyed at Malvern's

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Bird lovers invited to Feckenham

BIRDS of a feather are flocking together in the setting of a Feckenham couple's garden. Visitors are invited to Countryside Bird Farm Gardens and Pottery, home of Lionel and Cathy Peak, to see their large array of birds. The farm boasts a selection of

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Cool cars

THE country's biggest modified car show is cruising into the NEC between July 1 and 3. Max Power Live, inspired by the popular magazine, will be packed with the loudest, fastest and most outrageously modified cars the UK has to offer. The event will be

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The Aviator

The Aviator (12) Four star THIS is the riveting story of Howard Hughes and how he turned a small fortune into one of staggering proportions. Hughes, bought to life by Leonardo DiCaprio, was the son of a Texan inventor who died when Hughes was 18, leaving

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X&Y Coldplay

Four star ONE couldn't help but imagine how Coldplay could improve on the success of genius creations Parachutes and the more recent Rush of Blood to the Head. As Coldplay's Number One Fan, I'm sure I wasn't alone in my concern for the band following

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Monkey Business The Black Eyed Peas

Three star THE Black Eyed Peas' first hit single, Where is the Love, two years ago, did the group no favours. It was the kind of preachy, commercial hip-hop which gave every white boy wannabe the opportunity to feel closer to their Negro roots - but made

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Ocean's Twelve (12)

THREE years after the hugely successful heist they pulled off in Ocean's Eleven, the lads are all back and with a few extra Hollywood biggies thrown in for good measure. Their mission? To pay back the money they managed to nick off Vegas lord Terry Benedict

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25 years ago June 12, 1980

Bromsgrove's threatened fairs should be back in the town by September on their traditional site in Market Street. The town's recreation officers were due to recommend to the council that the fairs should be welcomed back after a two-month wrangle of the

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Dynamic duo handed Villa rebuilding job

FAIRFIELD Villa FC have appointed management team Paul Oakes and Lee Shaw with the daunting task of rebuilding the beleaguered team. Oakes and Shaw joined the Recreation Ground club on Monday from Northfield Town FC. Oakes has already pledged he and Shaw

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Unlucky Boars draw

Bromsgrove 245-10 Dorridge 186-9 Bromsgrove obtain a winning draw Bromsgrove came agonisingly close to gabbing a much-needed victory in the Birmingham and District League Division on Saturday. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: Nick Husbands (left), Dennis Duffy,

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Jones signs off in style as Green cruise

Barnt Green 203-8 Walsall 168-10 Barnt Green wins by 35 runs Cockspur Cup National Club Knockout UNDER strength Barnt Green progressed into the West Midlands final of the cup with a comfortable victory over Walsall on Sunday. Green will take on Old Hill

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Band members look back to the future

A DROITWICH band is hoping their blend of retro and modern rock and roll is the ticket to a successful career. 'The Tickets' only formed six months ago but are already embarking on a tour of local venues and planning for the future. The four piece, who

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Learning about great outdoors

YOUNGSTERS in Warndon have been learning all about the great outdoors thanks to exciting environment projects. Simon Birbeck, of the Warndon 360 group has been visiting St Joseph's Catholic Primary School and Warndon Junior School to help teach the children

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Folk star to light up town

FANS of folk will be treated to an evening of music in the beautiful surroundings of a top Bromsgrove tourist attraction. The Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, in Stoke Heath, will be the setting when internationally renowned artist Vin Garbutt

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'A child will be killed soon'

AN outraged parent fears a child will be killed in his Worcestershire village before anything is done to slow down traffic. Kurt Tarrach says he is horrified that county highways chiefs have vetoed calls for traffic calming measures in Callow End, near

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Countdown to spirited jazz festival

THE countdown to the eagerly anticipated annual L'Esprit Manouche Gypsy jazz festival is well underway with only four weeks to go. Now in its third year the festival has garnered an international reputation as a world class festival showcasing the very

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Lido campaigners accused of intimidation

DEEP rifts have opened between campaigners hoping to save Droitwich's Lido and Wychavon District Council after a 'fractious' meeting last night. The executive board pledged to move the controversial plans on after six years of discussions, and a shallow

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Musicians set for video filming offer

A WORCESTER-based recording and rehearsal studio is planning to offer up-and-coming singers and bands the chance to shoot their own music videos. Kevin Davis, who runs Seventh Wave Rehearsal Studios, in Worcester Trade Park, off Sheriff Street, with business

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15/6/05 - City chief given the nod by Conference's board

WORCESTER City chairman Dave Boddy has been elected on to the board of directors for the Nationwide Conference. Boddy will be one of seven representatives and he is flying the flag for clubs in Nationwide North. "I felt last season that, after a good

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Golf ace

Headless Cross golfer Kevin Lloyd has booked his place in the regional final of a top amateur competition. Lloyd finished in the top four of the Birmingham Audi event played at the Vale Golf Club near Pershore. And it means he now goes through to the

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New best

SWIMMER Jamie Mackay claimed his second British record during the GB Masters event in Scotland. The 20-year-old from Hunt End bagged the 1500m freestyle 19-24 age group record at the Glasgow competition. The Coventry University student bagged two golds

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Gangs order is approved

REDDITCH police have had an application to use anti-social behaviour legislation in Greenlands granted. Redditch Council has approved the application for the Section 30 Dispersal Order which starts on Friday and runs for six months. Community support

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Con men swoop

AN elderly woman had cash stolen after two con men tricked their way into her Mount Pleasant home on Saturday, May 28. The men claimed they needed to turn off her heating and water. One kept her talking while the other checked upstairs. After they left

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Smash victim over the limit

A HOLLYWOOD teenager, killed when the stolen car he was driving collided head-on with an articulated lorry, was almost twice over the legal alcohol driving limit, an inquest heard. The court was told Daniel Burnett, 19, of Richmond Close, died almost

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More Mills magic

The Arrows returned to winning ways on Sunday - and it was veteran running back Dave Mills who steered them home thanks to his 211 yards and a touchdown. Having lost three times already this season the Arrows could ill afford another defeat and the team

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Treble triumph for town swimmers

A Redditch trio won in the second round of the Mercian Summer Swimming League. Redditch came fifth at Bromsgrove with wins for Rachel Jones in the open age 100m butterfly, Robert Stanley in the 12 and under 100m backstroke and Lucy Edwards in the 14 and

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Tennis round-up

It was the third round of the Junior Summer Tennis Cup and things are hotting up at the top of Pool A where Bidford-on-Avon turned on the style. With one round of matches to go in Pool B, Studley trail leaders Henley by just one point. There was only

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Time for fun

Players are being urged to head to Redditch's Bromsgrove Road ground this weekend for a fun 7-a-side day. Redditch Ladies HC, third in the Worcestershire League last season, have organised the event from 1pm on Saturday

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Health chiefs deny plans to close unit

RUMOURS the consultant-led maternity unit at the Alexandra Hospital will be downgraded to a midwifery unit dealing with routine pregnancies next year have been dismissed by health chiefs. Although the chief executive of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals

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Free AIR every year

PLANS are being put in place by Redditch Council's ruling Labour group to stage a free annual pop festival, despite more criticism about the organisation of this year's AIR festival from opposition parties. Council Leader David Cartwright told the Advertiser

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Fixtures

July (friendlies) Thurs 15 PERSHORE TN (H) 6-1 Ross, Vincent, J Clarke (2), Stokes, og SAT 17 HALESOWEN TOWN (H) 1-0 O'Toole TUES 20 COVENTRY CITY (H) 0-1 TUES 27 HEREFORD UTD (H) 0-3 WEDS 28 REDDITCH UTD (H) 1-3 D Williams FRI 30 WORCESTER CITY (H) 3

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Three causes share cash from concerts

BUCKETS of cash amounting to more than £1,200 were raised at an AIR Festival charity collection. Redditch's Indigo Arts, the Primrose Hospice and Worcestershire County Air Ambulance shared the money donated by kind-hearted revellers at a collection on

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Tanzanian treats

STEPHEN O'Brien MP, chair of the All Party Tanzania Group in the House of Commons visited Redditch Town Hall last week to present two gifts to the mayor Councillor Diane Thomas. The friendship gifts from Mtwara, Redditch's twin town in Tanzania, were

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Good Lord... This man wants to transform his farm into a golf course

A NINE-hole golf course with a putting green and children's playground could be created on a Powick farm owned by Lord of the Manor Thomas Hawkins. Mr Hawkins announced three years ago that he was looking for attractive alternatives for part of Manor

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Girl, 13, found hanged

THE devastated family of a teenager who was found hanging in her bedroom have paid tribute to "a wonderful girl". Police have said there was nothing to suggest Stacey Harris was being bullied or was depressed, and in the days leading up to her death she

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Face to face with art

AN award-winning textile artist is exhibiting her work at Forge Mill Needle Museum. A colourful display of Jean Bennett's work is on show at the Bordesley visitor centre until July 3. Last year, she won the Charles Henry Foyle Trust Award for textiles

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Chemist rota

REDDITCH town centre rota chemist is Church Green Pharmacy, Church Green West, open every day except Saturday and Sunday until 7pm. Knights Chemist, Evesham Road, Crabbs Cross, is open weekdays until 7pm and every Sunday between 6-7pm. Foxlydiate Chemist

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Sunday meeting

THE annual general meeting of the Mercian Festival Junior Football League takes place at the Bell Inn, St Johns, Worc-ester on Sunday from 8pm when all member clubs must attend. Prior to the meeting a presentation will be made to the Referee of the Year

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Summertime Primroses

REDDITCH Town Hall is the venue for The Primrose Choir's Summertime Concert next Thursday, June 23 at 7.30pm. A varied programme will include songs from well-known shows as well as some old favourites and contributions from the choir's soloists. Tickets

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15/6/05 - Ex-Warrior pens deal at Pirates

FORMER Worcester Warriors back Duncan Roke has swapped Warriors for Pirates after signing for Penzance and Newlyn today. Roke, who joined Worcester in summer 2001, was released following their successful first season in the Premiership. The 30-year-old

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Opening ace Moore is targeting England call

IN-FORM opening batsmen Stephen Moore has set his sights on clinching a place in England's Academy squad for next winter. Before today's game with Leicestershire, Moore was Worcestershire's leading scorer in first-class cricket, ahead of even Graeme Hick

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City chief given the nod by Conference's board

WORCESTER City chairman Dave Boddy has been elected on to the board of directors for the Nationwide Conference. Boddy will be one of seven representatives and he is flying the flag for clubs in Nationwide North. "I felt last season that, after a good

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Hypnosis to take pain out of labour

WHEN Vanessa Brothwell found out she was pregnant she was over the moon. But worries about the birth nine months down the line were understandably niggling at the back of her mind. "We are bombarded with images of women screaming while in labour on TV

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11/06/05 - Unlucky Boars draw

Bromsgrove 245-10 Dorridge 186-9 Bromsgrove obtain a winning draw Bromsgrove came agonisingly close to gabbing a much-needed victory in the Birmingham and District League Division on Saturday. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: Nick Husbands (left), Dennis Duffy,

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11/06.05 - Black Country boys frustrate Barnt Green

Barnt Green 258-6 Walsall 135-8 Barnt obtain a winning draw TITLE chasing Barnt Green have yet to find their killer touch in the Birmingham and District League Premier Division. Green, who have now drawn three of their seven league games, were frustrated

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12/06/05 - Jones signs off in style as Green cruise

Barnt Green 203-8 Walsall 168-10 Barnt Green wins by 35 runs Cockspur Cup National Club Knockout UNDER strength Barnt Green progressed into the West Midlands final of the cup with a comfortable victory over Walsall on Sunday. Green will take on Old Hill

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Buoyant Croft end Worcester hoodoo

Avoncroft 225-9 Worcester Dominies 97 all out Avoncroft win by 128 runs AVONCROFT ended their losing streak against Worcester Dominies in style in the Worcester League Division Four on Saturday. 'Croft, who had previously lost the last six encounters

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Fans offer

Fans can now sign up for the new Redditch United Supporters Club. Discounts will be available on items in the club shop and members can take advantage of cheaper coach travel to away games. Membership costs £10 (£7 for juniors and OAPs) and details are

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Boss keen on Murphy's law

FORMER Cheltenham Town youngster Chris Murphy is set to become Redditch United's seventh summer signing. The 22 year old was due to sit down with Valley Stadium boss Rod Brown this week and put pen to paper on a one-year deal. The Reds manager has had

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Fired up by Brazier!

AFTER solid opening stand bet-ween Adam Westmacott and Ian Hardwick, the Badsey batting lost its grip and subsequently Satur-day's match. The openers reached 72 at drinks but the loss of four wickets for the addition of 21 runs left Stone in the ascendancy

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Village cup mystery over

TELEPHONE and internet detective work ascertained that Exhall and Wixford look, for the second successive season, to have been denied npower Village Cup glory by "manufactured" opposition, writes Mervyn Collins. Having lost out to the might of Wales in

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Power-packed pair show no mercy to strugglers

THE two big guns in the premier Division of the Cotswold Hills league were firing on all cylinders last weekend with last season's finishing positions still reversed. Exhall and Wixford take a ten-point cushion into a series of matches against the three

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Cotswold Hills League standings

Premier Division P W L A Bt Bl Pts Exhall & Wixford 6 5 0 1 31 24 110 Overbury 6 5 0 1 23 22 100 Stratford Bards 6 4 1 1 24 20 89 Earlswood 6 3 2 1 23 23 81 Shipston 6 3 2 1 19 22 76 Moreton-in-Marsh 6 2 3 1 19 19 63 Tanworth-in-Arden* 6 1 3 1 17

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Society must be turned around

According to the figures published this week we do excel better than any other nation in the EU at one thing - pregnancies of girls under the age of 16. In fact, we extended our lead. The Government admitted it did not know what else to do, it has dramatically

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Reward for cat killer

I was moved to write after reading about the poor, unfortunate cat (Advertiser/Messenger, May 25) who was found in Rockhill, suffering from air-gun wounds. Having lain in agony for an unknown length of time, the cat was taken to a vet where he was found

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A very good Samaritan

LAST week I lost my wallet of credit cards in Bromsgrove town centre. It was with joy that I found that some kind person had found them and handed them in to the police station from which I retrieved them safely a few days later. I would like to say a

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Come on Bromsgrove

I Went to Birmingham to see the Gay Pride Parade and was thrilled to see Bromsgrove's very own Someone At the Door performing at the front of the procession. They were fantastic. The parade itself was a great spectacle and did not include a single vehicle

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Give the kids a chance

I note another week, and another load of stereotypes being promoted throughout the paper. Once again, the targets are young people who are described as 'yobs, thugs and hooligans.' Interesting reading, but total nonsense of course. Let me set the record

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Concerned by school plans

While we very much welcome the construction of new schools in Bromsgrove, we would like to express our concerns about the site of the Meadows First/Parkside Middle school. Our concerns are:- 1. Access is proposed from the Stourbridge Road via Santridge

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15/06.05 - Dynamic duo handed Villa rebuilding job

FAIRFIELD Villa FC have appointed management team Paul Oakes and Lee Shaw with the daunting task of rebuilding the beleaguered team. Oakes and Shaw joined the Recreation Ground club on Monday from Northfield Town FC. Oakes has already pledged he and Shaw

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15/06/04 - Spa set sights on top two after disappointment

DROITWICH Spa have already focused on winning promotion from the Midland Combination Division Two after losing their bid for promotion last week. Spa had been one of four clubs that had applied to the Combination for a place in Division One next season

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Carry vote to a conclusion

WITH regard to the recent meeting with Wychavon District Council concerning the heritage Lido, from the limited information available it would appear that the overwhelming opinion of the taxpaying public following the recent SALT survey and parish poll

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Election confusion

THE recent county council election and the personalised and deliberately confusing campaign conducted by some in Droitwich, should surely set us thinking hard about whether or not we are being over-governed by this present town/ district/county arrangement

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Kelley's No 1!

DAVID Kelley was the winner of Evesham's prestigious Hospital Bowl - a medal competition that dates back more than 100 years. The next day, the Craycombe club staged a Mixed Open that saw lady captain Gillian Spencer and Dave Hartland take top spot on

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Studley in a rut

Studley's poor run in Division Two continued as they slumped to a six-wicket defeat at Penn. Brandon Miller hit an impressive 65 but Studley's early progress was undone by a collapse among the lower order as Studley were dismissed for 180. In reply, wickets

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Art show is high in fibre

AN award winning artist is pioneering an unusual textile technique at an exhibition in Redditch. Jean Bennett, from Derbyshire, is currently showing her work at Forge Mill Needle Museum, in Needle Mill Lane. 'Threads of Life' shows the use of Angelina

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What's on

Wednesday June 15 Music: Open Mic Night, Hop Pole Inn, Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove. Film: Machuca, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 6pm. Thursday June 16 Music: Officer Tokyo, Wishing Well, Market Street, Bromsgrove. Music: Chris Aronsten, Hop Pole

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Fishery provides fine sport for Open anglers

Evesham Jubilee Society LAST Saturday's Open match at The Fishery again produced excellent sport with all the competitors catching at least 15 lbs. The next Saturday Open is on June 25 when all are welcome for the draw at 9am. Book in on 01386 41273.

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Watch old heroes show off their skills

LEGENDS from the West Midlands' top football clubs are set to lock horns at Birmingham NIA on July 16 at the Midlands Masters Indoor six-a-side tournament. The likes of wing wizard Tony Daley and goal machine Steve Bull will join some of the top players

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Smith's catch keeps side on course

THERE seems to be no stopping Cookhill at the moment as they strengthened the place at the top of Division Six with a sixth successive victory. Broadway 2nds were the latest side to feel the full force of the Ridgeway side and Cookhill had little trouble