Archive
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Firms struggle
A SURVEY of more than 200 West Midlands firms by the Country Land and Business Association has revealed that rural businesses need a lot more help. Of the 204 firms surveyed, 28 had suffered 100 per cent losses, 203 workers had been laid off and the average
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Taxman ready to help
THE taxman is to help businesses financially affected by foot and mouth. A national helpline has been set up by Customs and Excise and the Inland Revenue to take questions and reassure callers. The help is directed mainly at businesses in rural areas
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Rate relief available
Businesses suffering losses from the foot and mouth outbreak in Malvern will be able to claim up to 100 per cent rate relief. Malvern Hills District Council agreed this week to grant hardship relief to small firms with a rateable value of up to £12,000
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Castle lowers drawbridge
ONE of the district's top tourist attractions is preparing to show there is still life in the countryside when it opens on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 11am to 5pm. Castle spokesman Francesca Chick said: "As there are no livestock in the grounds
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YHA's open paths plea
THE Youth Hostels Association is calling for a speedy opening of the countryside for public recreation. YHA chief executive Roger Clarke said: "Government should put into practice the Prime Minister's statement that the countryside is open. "The closure
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Mark to head for sun
A BRINGSTY farmer is flying to the Caribbean after his entire stock of 800 sheep and cattle were slaughtered on suspicion of having foot and mouth. Mark Brodie, of Moorhall Farm, said that since he has nothing left, he is off to the Caribbean to stay
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Sales soaring
Ticket sales are picking up for the Spring Gardening Show in Malvern. The Three Counties Agricultural Society, which organises the event, says uncertainty about the impact of foot and mouth and the decision to replace the Three Counties Show in June had
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Sign up for jabs
A LONGDON woman is launching a petition calling for an end to the culling of healthy animals and the use of vaccination. Anne Mietke has taken her petition to West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer. Now she wants to hear from anybody in Malvern and
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All square after last match
Cirencester 2, Bretforton 2 Bretforton travelled to Cirencester for the last match of the Severn League season. With the league already won Bretforton had nothing to lose and they were going to enjoy the last game. But the visitors struggled to concentrate
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Porcelain animals replace livestock at fete
TOY rabbit and porcelain sheep will fill the shoes of real animals at a Worcester school fete after organisers lost their battle against the effects of foot-and-mouth. Pony rides and a pets corner were planned for this year's Christopher Whitehead High
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Nursery rhyme trail is a substitute
A LIVING history event depicting the English Civil War has been cancelled due to the foot-and-mouth crisis. The event, due to take place at Goodrich Castle in Herefordshire this Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, was scrapped as a precautionary measure against
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Shop opens to stave off crisis
FARMERS are taking a positive step forward in their fight against the effects of foot-and-mouth by opening a temporary shop in Worcester's CrownGate centre today. Stallholders selling produce which has not been affected by the disease have suffered a
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Delay to season averted
FEARS that Chaddesley Corbett's cricket season could be delayed by the foot and mouth crisis have been blown out of the water. Their Longmore ground is open and preparations are underway. The season begins on Sunday with a friendly against Kidderminster
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More players needed
A Sunday village club is searching for new players to head around some of the county's most picturesque grounds. Abberley and Great Witley are looking for players of any age to compete at a level that is "fun", according to Stourport-based vice-captain
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CARCASE 'FELL OFF A LORRY'
A SHOCKED motorist has spoken of her horror at discovering a dead cow lying in a Worcestershire lane. The woman feared the carcase had fallen from the back of a lorry, sparking concern among residents in nearby Himbleton that the transportation of slaughtered
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Red firm to run new routes
FIRST Midland Red will run Worcester's new park-and-ride for the next five years. The news comes at a time when the firm is so short-staffed that it has considered recruiting from the other side of the world. The contract has been awarded by Worcestershire
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'I'll cut your throat' threat to store staff
HEROIN addict Alec Davies threatened to cut the throats of shop staff after he was banned from a Worcester DIY store. Davies was high on drugs when he went into Sainsbury's Hylton Road Homebase store. Staff became suspicious when the 20-year-old spent
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Milkman took her to church
NESSIE Thornton really was a special delivery when she rode to church for her wedding in a horse-drawn cart borrowed from the village milkman. Sixty years on Nessie and her husband John will be returning to St John the Baptist Church, in Suckley, to relive
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Drunk woman glassed man
A WOMAN who glassed a pub customer in the face after she drank over 10 pints of beer has escaped a jail sentence. Lynne Preece, aged 38, was so drunk she had to be held up by a policeman called to the scene, Worcester Crown Court was told. Brian Dean,
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Flippin' heck... it's all down to ball control
FOOTBALL fans will be in their element when they watch a bunch of fishy-looking characters tackle some sharp shooting at the West Midlands Safari Park, Bewdley. Marine United, which includes the highly-talented Teddy Herringham, will score a big hit with
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How they voted
AGAINST THE PLAN - 11 Maurice Broomfield (Con, Droitwich) Stephen Clee (Con, Wyre Forest) Reginald Farmer (Con, Wychavon) Nigel Knowles (Lab, Wyre Forest) Betty Passingham (Lab, Redditch) Bob Peachey (Lab, Worcester) Ken Peers (Con, Wyre Forest) John
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Delight as burner is rejected
ANTI-INCINERATOR protesters packed Kidderminster Town Hall to see councillors turn down plans to locate the £40 million high-tech burner in Stourport Road. A packed Kidderminster Town Hall for the meeting. Roars of delight greeted Worcestershire County
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Wait over for mum with gift of hope
A LEUKAEMIA sufferer in Germany has been given a new chance of life thanks to a Kidderminster mum who donated her bone marrow. But for mother-of-two Karen Harris, 40, it has been a long wait for the chance to help. Karen, who works as a temporary curator
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Waste site reopens to end 'fly tip' woe
MONTHS of traffic chaos and fly-tipping have come to an end with the re-opening of a major waste site in Stourport. Bonemill dump site in Stourport. The Worcestershire County Council-managed Bonemill site in Minster Road closed in early November for refurbishment
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Drop-in to aid young
A NATIONAL drive to tackle teenage pregnancy is set to arrive this spring at a Saturday drop-in centre offering the morning-after pill. It will operate from Youth House, Bromsgrove Street, Kidderminster, as a new holistic health and welfare centre for
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Tough lesson for Smith
POPULAR defender Adie Smith expects Harriers to come back stronger next season after a tough lesson on life in the Football League. Smith, who has returned to centre-back after a rich goal-scoring spell in midfield was curtailed by injury, has insisted
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Novel way to bring past to life
THE first novel by a local author is being launched in a Malvern bookshop on Saturday, April 21. Valerie M Walland will be at Beacon Books, Worcester Road, at 11am with her book Ever Whirling Wheels, published by Silverdale Books. It tells the turbulent
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Don't put all the blame on dogs
YOUR correspondent (Letters, April 4) seems to believe there is a bylaw requiring dogs to be on leads in Morton Stanley Park. This is incorrect as although some time ago the council tagged 'Dogs on leads' onto the bottom of the 'No fouling' notices, this
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Council is toothless
I WOULD like to echo the letter about Morton Stanley Park. Of course, the council does not chase the many dog owners in public areas. They only chase the occasional home owner where evidence is easy to collect. I have referred dog messes to the council
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Signs needed for our safety
I WRITE in support of the letter from GT Harrison regarding the 30mph enforcement now established on the A441 from Astwood Bank to the Crabbs Cross roundabout (Advertiser, April 4). A number of us who live along that road urged the county council to place
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Hotel was a large house
IN RESPONSE to Mr and Mrs Hodges, owners of the Montville Hotel in Mount Pleasant (Advertiser, April 4). I lived at the top of Parsons Road for 27 years, covering the years 1930s, 1940s and early 1950s. In those years, the now Montville Hotel was just
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Keep your compliments
Jackie Armstrong, head teacher of Moatfield Middle School, is to be congratulated on receiving the Government award (Advertiser, March 28). But she must feel like a football manager, receiving the support of the board one day. I quote Julien Kramer: "
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New life out of despair
THINGS certainly look bad in the countryside. If it has not been the wettest winter on record, then at least it feels like it, with flooded fields and crops of potatoes rotting in the ground, followed by swine fever and now the foot and mouth epidemic
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Was letter an April Fool?
SURELY Mrs C Hopkins' letter was a bad April Fool's joke (Advertiser, April 4). Perhaps she needs reminding that since this Government came to power there are now fewer police officers, there is more violent crime, the number of asylum seekers has doubled
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Town loses out on rural help
REDDITCH businesses affected by the foot and mouth crisis are being denied reduced rate bills because they are not considered rural enough, it has been claimed. The Government has agreed certain councils will be refunded 80 per cent of the cost of special
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Protest at warden charge
RESIDENTS of a Wythall sheltered housing scheme have launched a major protest at a rise in charges for warden services. People living in Green Gables sheltered housing, Alcester Road, have already handed a petition to MP Julie Kirkbride against the charge
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Village CCTV bid fails
PLANS to extend Alvechurch's CCTV system have fallen through after a Bromsgrove Council bid to provide three extra cameras in the village failed. And a bid for three cameras to be installed at Drake's Cross, Station Road and May Lane, Wythall, has also
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School hoping for more room
PLANNING permission is being sought to create a staffroom and other amenities at Tardebigge CE First School. The proposals involve changing the use of land behind the Church Lane school so single storey extensions can be built. The application also includes
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Rivals given green poser
A LIBERAL Democrat has thrown down the gauntlet to other political parties in Redditch to back five environmental targets set by Friends of the Earth. General election candidate Mike Ashall has pledged his support for the five targets, which he says would
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Dog ban up for parish debate
ALVECHURCH Parish councillors were due to debate whether to lift a ban on dogs using Hopwood playing fields and community centre at a meeting on Monday. The ban was imposed in light of the foot and mouth crisis and included prohibiting the animals from
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Town keeps numbers up
REDDITCH MP and education minister Jacqui Smith has welcomed county figures showing class sizes for youngsters aged five, six and seven are falling, writes Julian Seva. But figures also revealed that three of the most crowded classes for Key Stage 1 pupils
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What's On
THURSDAY: Kidderminster: Harriers - The Heart of England Jazz Band. Stourport: The Outback - Fred Zeppelin. Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2 - Van The Mann. Worcester: Huntingdon Hall - Maddy Prior & Friends. Birmingham: Ronnie Scott's - Spencer Davis
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Nervous wait for bowl plan
DEVELOPERS were crossing their fingers last night hoping plans to transform the old Redditch Megabowl into a sports and leisure club would finally be approved. A planning application was first submitted to Redditch Council more than six months ago to
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A Milan mission
KICKBOXING king John Wyatt has another passport to a big K1 earner after an invitation to compete at the Italian championships in Milan. Kidderminster's Wyatt will be among eight competitors on Saturday, April 21, vying to become champion by winning three
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Classy veterans
KIDDERMINSTER Table Tennis League veterans team retained their unbeaten record at the top of the Midland League with a 9-1 victory over Birmingham B. Mike Meredith was again in fine form as was Andrew Barlow, both winning three matches. Tony Bartram won
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Good day for Forest
CYCLING: Steve Burns finished second in the VTTA 10-miles time trial and Liam Preece, 14, won the Handicap Section. Competing at Stratford-on-Avon, the Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club members recorded 22 minutes 38 seconds and 28-40 respectively. Other
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Two die in bike crash
A WOMAN from Stourport has been killed in a motorcycle accident which a Kidderminster firefighter described as "one of the most horrific" he has seen during his 23 years in the service. Twenty-six-year-old pillion passenger Deborah Barnett died in Tuesday's
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County shield for village school
AN OUTSTANDING show from Winterfold House School's U-9s netball team led to county success. They easily won all four matches in the group stage of the Worcestershire Schools CTA tournament. Chaddesley Corbett-based Winterfold then beat St George's 8-0
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Invincible indoor
TENNIS: Teams from Bewdley were successful in the County Indoor Leagues during the winter season. The Cavaliers, captained by Mike Rosoman, won the Malvern mixed division by a clear margin with Penny Marchant successful in all her matches. The Wanderers
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Golf scheme is put on hold
PLANS to build a mini golf course and sports pitches in Stourport have been put on hold while councillors decide if the site is suitable. The bid from Wyre Forest Golf Club to build on land adjacent to Stourport Sports Club off Minster Road has been deferred
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Fixture mayhem
MOTOR SPORT: A race near Stourport has had to be postponed for a second time due to the foot and mouth crisis, causing potential fixture-logging. Hagley and District Light Car Club's annual National Championship Geoff Taylor Sporting Trial was originally
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Village forced to postpone event
ASTWOOD Bank Carnival has been called off until the end of September due to the foot and mouth crisis. And some of the associated events, including a fun run, will also move to September as a precaution. The carnival committee met on Thursday to make
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Knights ready for title surge
KIDDERMINSTER Knights kept on course to retain their Worcester and District League Division One title with a 3.5-0.5 win at Droitwich. Individual results (Kidderminster names first): J Friar 1, D Adshead 0; J Wrench 1, W Watson 0; F Pickett 1, B Foord
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Supermarket jobs bonanza
New jobs could be created at Tesco in Oakenshaw following an announcement yesterday the company was to refit stores across the country. A spokesman could not confirm how many jobs would be created but said some of the refitted stores could bring up to
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Race for Easter legs
BRAVE teachers at a Redditch middle school will cycle the length of France for charity over the Easter holidays. Tom Revell and Tim Jones of Birchensale Middle School began the 885-mile journey on Monday and will ride for over ten gruelling days. Mr Revell
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Author set to make a splash
A REDDITCH woman is on the crest of a wave as her first children's book is about to be published, writes Helen Clarke. Janet Ralph, of Winyates East, has written a book for youngsters called The Magical Adventures of Floaty the Boat. The book, which is
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Trivia trophy theft is no joke
QUIZ buffs have failed to come up with an answer to the theft of a trivia trophy from a Kidderminster pub. The Wyre Forest Trivia Shield went missing from the Wren's Nest pub, in Stourport Road, in March where it was on display with other trophies. Trivia
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Man awaits sentence
A man from Kidderminster is awaiting sentence after being convicted at Worcester Crown Court on seven charges of indecent assault on two young girls. Kevin Moore, 46, of Larkhill, was remanded on bail for a psychiatric report. He was cleared on charges
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Re-trial for man in attack case
A PUB barman is to face another trial on a charge of carrying out a baseball attack on another man in Stourport. A jury at Worcester Crown Court failed to agree after six and a half hours in the case of 21-year-old Aaron Weavers. Mr Weavers denied wounding
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Worcester Concert Club, The Bochmann Quartet
A FIRST-class recital by the Bochmann Quartet concluded this very successful Worcester Concert Club season. Britten's Quartet No. 1 in D, Op. 25 was given a riveting and thought-provoking interpretation. The Andante Sostenuto's stark opening of exposed
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Stainer's Crucifixion, Upton Parish Church
THIS "Meditation on the sacred passion of the Holy Redeemer" was a new departure for many at Upton Parish Church and was a moving experience. The music was not difficult to listen to and it was good to be able to join in the hymns, which gave people a
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On drug charges
A Stourport man is awaiting trial on charges of possessing ecstasy and cannabis resin with intent to supply the drugs to other people. Adam Godfrey, 24, of Barnfield Road, was remanded on bail after entering not guilty pleas at Worcester Crown Court.
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Just a matter of the legal requirements
A LOT of confusion seems to have been created by the attempts of the local Liberal Democrats to embarrass the Tories regarding their spin on something that has not happened (Journal, April 5). The District Council Management Committee has just set up
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Expediency for the meat export market
MAY I offer my thanks to your readers on the way they have stayed out of the countryside. I think it will prove helpful. My father talked about an outbreak of foot and mouth in the 1930s and then they isolated those animals who had the infection from
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Threat led to pub ban
MAGISTRATES have made an order barring a violent customer from entering a Kidderminster town centre pub for the next year. Sean Matthews, 25, of Watchtower Road, Stourport, was also fined £50 with £40 costs, when he admitted using threatening words and
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Isn't it time to drop the Hunting Bill?
THE foot and mouth epidemic is far from over, as you will be aware, with more local cases being confirmed. Its effect on agriculture and the broader base of rural life, remains savage. The true impact in the worst affected areas, such as the West Country
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Let driver and cyclist be friends
IN the interests of practicality, let me make these suggestions in the debate on cycle lanes. Firstly, let's make them "timed" lanes, similar to bus lanes whereby, at peak times, the lanes have exclusive use by cyclists. This would be the same as bus
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Police ask for help after arson attack
POLICE are baffled over the motive for an arson attack on the home of an elderly woman in Cutnall Green. The woman, who is in her 70s, was asleep at her home in Almley Lane, when what police have described as an "incendiary device" was put through her
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Credit to his town
I WAS sorry to learn of the sad passing of Bert Pfuell when reading of his funeral in the Shuttle. I would have liked to have offered my respects. Bert was a real character of Kidderminster. I saw a great deal of him while I worked with the district council
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Convincing
Littleton 6, Hallow 1 LITTLETON moved seven points clear at the top of the league with this convincing win. Littleton dominated play and nearly took the lead after nine minutes. Ten minutes later Cox scored, put through by Darren Reeves he delayed his
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Spoiling our fun
I WANT to tell you about the park at the top of my road in East Street, Kidderminster. The park has been there for a long time, but gets ruined by the teenagers that hang around there. The park looks very pretty at the moment with the blossom on the trees
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Unbeaten run comes to an end
Martley Spurs 4, Bishampton 0 The elements and misfortune contrived to end Bishampton's recent unbeaten run. Although the forwards share the blame for missing good opportunities, the conditions had a hand in the first two Martley goals. To their credit
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Destroying fabric of rural life
I WAS very interested to read in the Shuttle on April 5, Rita Evans's letter stating that farmers must take blame for foot and mouth due to their bad farming practices. Having seen first hand last week young, new-born, lambs dying before my eyes due to
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Robins drop two points in mudbath
Evesham United 1, Cirencester Town 1 A MATCH that should never have been played cost United two points in their championship quest. Referee Martin Forder from Hereford admitted that the pitch wasn't fit but, in the light of the fixture backlog, he decided
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Forced to travel long distances
RITA Evans wrote on your Letters page on April 5 that farmers were responsible for spreading foot and mouth. Small abattoirs have closed all over the country due to European laws, causing farmers to transport animals distances to larger abattoirs. This
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Stench of burning
OVER the past weeks we have had to close our windows due to the awful stench of burning carcasses carried over our area of Spennells by prevailing winds. Dark clouds have billowed over our houses and the smell has been made worse as the rain brought particles
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Don't forget Council Tax and prices
I WONDER how many more elderly readers have received a party political leaflet from MP David Lock through their doors, professing that elderly residents are £8.40 per week better off thanks to the Labour Government. Pensions have increased, but so has
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Four games in seven days
THE race for the Midland Alliance title is hotting up after Stourport Swifts drew 2-2 at fellow challengers Stourbridge on Tuesday. After Saturday's match with Bloxwich was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, a double from top-scorer Lee Booth earned
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Cutler is a cut above the rest
BEWDLEY'S Ray Cutler landed 11 rainbows at Silligrove Fishery, using buzzers and cats whiskers for fish averaging 2.25lb. The trout lake is fishing well, another angler landing nine rainbows averaging 2.5lb and a catch of nine containing a 6.5lb fish.
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Short Swifts hit by late equaliser
TEN-MAN Stourport Swifts just failed to hang onto an away victory as fellow Midland Alliance promotion challengers Stourbridge forced a 2-2 draw with a late goal. Swifts saw Matt Southwick sent off on Tuesday night for two yellow cards 10 minutes into
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Game abandoned
A PITCH invasion forced a Kidderminster Hospital Junior Cup semi-final in Cookley to be abandoned on Saturday. Two players were sent off in the game between Kidderminster and District Football League Premier Division clubs Cookley Social and Timbertree
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Corbett finishing season on a high
IN-FORM Chaddesley Corbett remain unbeaten in the Banks's Brewery League Division One South since October 21 after a 1-1 home draw with Hinton. The Longmore outfit could have been serious championship contenders if it not for their dismal early-season
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Cup final wash-out
Brintons' Worcestershire Saturday Junior Cup final with County Sports fell foul of the weather at the weekend. A new date for the game, to be played at Kidderminster Harriers' Aggborough ground, is still to be officially confirmed. Leaders Brintons have
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Rock-hard Dukes give out 17-goal trouncing
PLOUGH Dukes thrashed bottom side Oldswinford Shrub 17-0 in Sunday League Division Five. This result moved the Rock-based club into seventh place in the table. In Sunday Division Six, Kidderminster outfit Jacksons Rovers also moved up to seventh with
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Tigers tear apart sad Perrywoods
DAVIE Tyler scored five goals and Stuart Dobson four to steer table-topping St Johns Tigers U-16s to a 14-1 win over Perrywoods in Stourport and District Boys League. But the younger St Johns, the U-14s, were demolished 23-0 by top side Worcester City
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Finals countdown
ROCK Rockets hope to land a trophy after firing themselves into the finals of the televised News of the World Five-a-Side National Championships. The youngsters are all in year seven at Wribbenhall Middle School in Bewdley and finished runners-up in the
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Plan 'best deal for community'
I WORK for the Trustees of the Madresfield Estate and attended the public meeting at Dyson Perrins School on March 28 to listen to the discussion concerning the future of the land adjacent to Lower Howsell Road. At that meeting I heard a number of people
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Costly vision
IN these rather gloomy days it is nice to know that someone retains a sense of humour. I had to laugh when I read (Malvern Gazette, March 30) that "The town council is under a duty to avoid unnecessary cost ..." You could have fooled me and, I should
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Rethink required
Your editorial comment on the state of agriculture under the grip of foot and mouth (Malvern Gazette, March 23) highlights how important it is that lessons are learned from the current crisis and our whole approach to the countryside changes from now
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Is Turkey source?
Have farmers been kept in the dark (Mushroom Theory)? The EU Commission decided on the August 4, 2000 to send to Turkey a trivalent vaccine from the stocks kept by the antigen bank to help combat an exotic strain (Asia 1) of the foot and mouth disease
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Tread carefully
WHAT a novel idea from dog walker Tony Jaques (Postbag, March 30). His surprising omission was the provision of dedicated free transport to get his and other pooches to and from their designated areas. Here is another idea. Public-spirited dog owners
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Driven to complain
HAVING very nearly broken the nearside suspension on my car hitting a large hole in the carriageway that was camouflaged by a puddle a few days ago, I called at the Highways Department office. A very helpful and delightful fellow met me. It would seem
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First for the town
KIDDERMINSTER staged an international rugby match for the first time on Sunday. Marlpool Lane, home of Kidderminster Carolians, played host to an 18-3 win for Wales over England at U-16 A level. The game, switched from Worcester Rugby Club due to a waterlogged
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Stunning finish for KCs' league season
THE full strength of Kidderminster Carolians' squad was again evident as they won their final Midlands Three West (North) game 27-0 at high-flying Old Halesonians. Before Christmas, KCs had won just one of eight league games but 2001 has seen them enjoy
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Friendly victory
Stourport's disappointment at another North Midlands One postponement was eased by an 18-7 friendly win at Luctonians seconds. The race for the league title remains open after the town's clash with Old Griffinians was postponed for the third time. Stourport
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No farmers for winners
A FARMER-LESS mixed Cleobury Mortimer side returned to action with a 64-0 friendly win at Bewdley. The club had taken a five-week break due to the threat of spreading foot and mouth disease, leaving much of the side lacking fitness and form. But Cleobury
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Baxter dumped back on bench
NICK Baxter's future at Worcester Rugby Club is once again in doubt after being axed from the side to face Orrell on Saturday. Worcester's golden boy, who has spent much of the season on the sidelines, is once again the fall guy for the National One clash
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Evesham without injured Powell
EVESHAM United will be without defender Jay Powell for tonight's Dr Martens League Western Division home clash with Shepshed Dynamo (7.45). The former Kidderminster Harriers player has had an operation on a hand injury sustained in last week's Worcestershire
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Yorkshire semi test
NORTH Midlands have been handed a tough home draw in the semi-finals of the Tetley's under-20 County Championships later this month. The side, featuring Worcester's young stars Jon Higgins and Neil Mason, will entertain the winners of the Northern Group
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Council chairman objects to nightclub's extended opening bid
THE chairman of Malvern Hills District Council is objecting to plans by the town's nightclub to stay open longer. Coun Pat Raven says complaints about noise should be addressed before the Lighthouse can open later at night. Derek Holder, owner of the
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Pitchcroft may still suffer
HOPES that summer horse racing will start on schedule at Worcester appear to have been dashed by new restrictions. Officials had hoped an announcement today by The British Horseracing Board would allow Worcester to start the summer season on time. However
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Dismayed firm is likely to appeal
SEVERN Waste Services area director Philip Sherratt said he was "bitterly disappointed" at the decision to turn down the firm's bid to build the Kidderminster incinerator. And he warned an appeal against the ruling was likely, but it would probably be
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Absent councillor slams 'gagging' rule
A VETERAN councillor has blasted rules which he claims prevented him from voting at Monday's crucial incinerator meeting. Wyre Forest district and Worcestershire county councillor John Wardle said he had been "pressurised" by County Hall lawyers not to
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District 'not rural enough' for relief
BUSINESSES in Wyre Forest could miss out on rate relief in the wake of the foot and mouth crisis after the Government judged the area to be not sufficiently rural. The Government has announced funding for hardship rate relief for businesses with a rateable
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When riding on the road take extra care
RIDERS forced to ride their horses on roads during the foot and mouth crisis are being urged to be extra vigilant when it comes to safety, writes Andrea Calvesbert. Stratford-based NFU Mutual, which insures more than 60,000 horses and ponies, is also
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Group tackles a tale of two cities
THIS month sees Studley Operatic Society once again treading the boards at the Palace Theatre. Meet Me In St Louis is a lively family musical set in America in 1904. It takes the audience through the trials and tribulations during a year in the life of
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Mobile library cuts
BOOKWORMS have been hit by the foot and mouth epidemic with a severe reduction in the mobile library programme. The Stourport Mobile Library, which covers Wyre Forest and some surrounding areas, has had to cut short routes and abandon others because of
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Raise cancer cash in a mile
WYRE Forest supporters of Macmillan Cancer Relief are being urged not to let the foot and mouth crisis stop them going the extra mile for charity. The Macmillan Miles Challenge, which will take place between May 19 and 27, involves people running, swimming
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12/4/01 - Moody says no to playing return
NEW Worcestershire coach Tom Moody has ruled out the possibility of being pressed into service as an emergency overseas player. That situation could arise if Australian paceman Andy Bichel is called up as an Ashes tour replacement. Moody spent eight successful
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Counting on you for the census
THE numbers game is set to hit homes across the district as the team of recruits carrying out this year's national census pay a visit. The 115 Wyre Forest census enumerators took to the streets with their yellow bags and identity badges on Monday and
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MP told 'get your health facts right'
A ROW has erupted after Wyre Forest MP David Lock claimed waiting times were down for Wyre Forest patients. He made the claim after a visit to Castle Street Hospital, Worcester. The MP said staff were delivering superb care in difficult conditions. He
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Canoe club seeks home
A CANOE club is looking for a new home after Worcestershire County Council war-ned it would not renew its current lease due to concern from schools about security and conflict of use. Wyre Forest Canoe Club, based on land between Bewdley High School and
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From the Journal archives
100 years ago - Saturday, April 13, 1901 EVESHAM: WILLIAM King, a labourer, of no fixed abode was brought up in custody at Borough Police Court, charged with being drunk and disorderly in the High Street the previous day. He had two previous convictions
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Fury at 200 mile trip to see baby
A TEENAGE mother's fuming family has blamed the county health shake-up and bed shortages for making 200-mile round hospital trips to see her premature baby. Victoria Black, 18, who gave birth to a baby 15 weeks early in February, has been in hospital
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Restaurant refusal
AN appeal to turn an insurance consultancy in Kidderminster into a restaurant has been dismissed by a Government planning inspector. Jennifer Vyse upheld a decision by Wyre Forest District Council to refuse planning permission for KL Plester's premises
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Banquet of talent
Break-a-Leg Theatre Group Cabaret THERE'S no real substitute for live entertainment and this was certainly proven at Bridley Moor High School from April 4-7, writes Jane Maries. Nearly 200 youngsters from music, movement and drama groups, ranging in age
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Mayor's ball is charity booster
THE traditional annual Mayor of Bewdley's ball will be held in the town on Friday, April 20. All profits from the event, which will be held at Wharton's Park Golf Club, will be donated to Bill Mason's chosen charities - Citizens Advice Bureau, Women's
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Death of town's champion
FORMER Wyre Forest District Council tourist information officer Madeline Williams, who played a major role in putting the area on the tourism map, has died, aged 60, after losing her battle against cancer. Madeline Williams. Mrs Williams, who was born
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Breaking down health barriers
THE first stage of a project to determine the health needs of ethnic minorities in Redditch has been finished, writes Julian Seva. Far-reaching consultation has, for the first time, heard how different minorities want to try to break down some of the
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Council says 'thank-you' to stalwarts
TWO Bewdley stalwarts will be given special awards to mark their service to the community tonight. Bewdley Town Council is holding a ceremony at the town hall to honour Ken Hobson and Janet Ince. The civic award scheme was set up by former town mayor
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Chuffed with war hero's milestone service record
AN old war hero proved it still had plenty of steam as Severn Valley Railway unveiled its summer timetable. Veteran locomotive 48773 steamed into the railway's Kidderminster station on its 100,000th mile service since joining the SVR to launch the summer
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12/4/01 - Baxter dumped back on bench
NICK Baxter's future at Worcester Rugby Club is once again in doubt after being axed from the side to face Orrell on Saturday. Worcester's golden boy, who has spent much of the season on the sidelines, is once again the fall guy for the National One clash
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Three hanged at the city's gallows site on Red Hill
EXECUTIONS at Red Hill Worcester's traditional gallows site for centuries featured prominently in the Journal news for this week of 250 and 200 years ago. In 1751, the Worcester Journal reported on two hangings at Red Hill: Yesterday, William MacAuly
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That's champion
THE National Village Cricket Championship celebrates its 30th year this summer, but the weather and the foot and mouth outbreak threatens to cause immense disruption. The first round matches are scheduled for April 29 and organisers have asked competing
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A night in with Susannah
ACTRESS Susannah York arrives in Worcestershire for a new production next week. She stars in Amy's View, an award-winning West End and Broadway play which is touring the UK and arrives at Malvern Theatres next Monday. The play runs until April 21, and
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Gearing up for a hit-filled summer
SUMMER has never looked so good at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, with performances for everyone. From Ian Dickens Productions comes Rebecca - a tale of romance, deceit and mystery which will have you on the edge of your seats. Run For Your Wife, from
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Win Tickets to the Good Homes Show.
See Wednesday's Advertiser for the chance of tickets to the BBC show at the NEC
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What's on at a cinema near you
RUGRATS IN PARIS (U): Entertaining as the first Rugrats movie and good fun for all the family. Odeon, Worcester. 12.30, 2.30, 4.30, 6.30. UCI Merry Hill, 10.50, 12.00, 12.45. 2.15, 3.00, 4.15, 5.00, 6.20. Warner Village. 11.30, 1.45, 4.20. Malvern Theatres
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Pothole protest from Broadway
RESIDENTS in Sandscroft Avenue, Broadway, are the latest Wychavon taxpayers to complain about the poor state of the roads. The surface they say is peppered with cracks and holes - one is four inches deep and about three feet across - but say that despite
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Hollywood screenwriters
IF you missed the Oscars, don't worry because Gladiator and Chocolat are in Cheltenham later this month. But before all you ladies start clambering for the phone in a bid to get close to Russell Crowe or Johnny Depp, it is the screenwriters who will be
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Out and About
In a spin Potter Ros Ashworth is featured in the craft shop at Chipping Norton this month. "I tend to favour the experimental approach with a balance between controlled effect and randomness," says Ros of her work. The shop is at 7 Goddards Lane and is
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Feast of fine food and music
AN evening of entertainment and gastronomy is promised at the end of the month, as part of the Malvern May Day celebrations. On Sunday April 29, Malvern Fringe Arts will stage a concert at the Grove on Avenue Road. Appearing will be soprano Sue Black,
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Bredon
TENNIS CLUB; There was a pat on the back for the club when members were visited by representatives of the Lawn Tennis Association who were on a mission to see affiliated clubs in a rural area. A number of junior members attended for a coaching session
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Fladbury
PARISH COUNCIL: Archaeological Dig at the Recreation Ground: At the request of Mr Atkin, head of Worcestershire Archaeological Service it was agreed that the dig be postponed to the 2002 Walkabout Weekend. This was because of difficulties of operation
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Harvington
PRE-SCHOOL: The Easter fair held on Saturday last was a big success, well attended and apparently greatly enjoyed - all this despite the excessively heavy rain. The Easter bunny and the Easter chicken were enthusiastically welcomed by most (though not
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Honeybourne
WEDNESDAY CLUB: Members met on April 4 when Mrs M Boath presided. After the distribution of birthday cards, two new members were welcomed, Mr and Mrs Goode. It was nice to see the return of Mr Seddon after his illness. Mrs Boath thanked members for all
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Ilmington
PARISH COUNCIL: At their March meeting the parish council, chaired by Councillor Tony Wilkins, heard that the millennium seat had been sited by coun Fred Edmunds and coun David Sabin above the war memorial and that he had moved the old coronation seat
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Mickleton
GARDENING CLUB: There was a beautiful display of flowers for the club's spring show on April 7. This was wonderful to see after the previous day's storms and the wettest year on record. The entries for the daffodil sections were strong and the spring
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Sedgeberrow
BRITISH LEGION WOMENS SECTION: At the monthly meeting, in the absence of Mrs P Kearsey, who was giving a talk at Eckington on her character mice, Mrs J Holder took the meeting. After the business Terry Green was introduced and he gave an interesting talk
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Wellesbourne
WELLESBOURNE AND WALTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: The society held its annual spring flower show last Saturday, in the village hall. In spite of the adverse weather the standard was extremely high, with an average number of exhibitors and entries. Cup winners
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Latest produce prices
Evesham Wednesday CABBAGE duncan £6.30 to £6.50 20lb, spring £3 to £4.20 crate, tundra £3.60 doz, cauliflower £2.50 to £5 doz, purple sprouting 30p to 55p lb, parsley £2.50 to £3 5lb, radish £1.50 to £1.80 doz, spinach £1.50 to £2.40 5lb, leeks £2 to
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First medal of 2001
Broadway Golf Club THE first medal of the season in division one saw Steve Gilks continue his run of good form when he won, on a countback, against the ever-improving Mark Stedman. Gilks, who is now practising hard, carded a splendid one under par 71
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Arrows crush an old enemy
REDDITCH Arrows American Football Club thumped their old adversaries Lancashire Wolverines 32-0 in a pre-season friendly. Playing for the first time at their new home venue of Kings Norton Rugby Club, Arrows overcame atrocious playing conditions to dominate
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Jobs drive by bus company will recruit learner drivers
A SHORTAGE of drivers at a Kidderminster bus depot has prompted a major recruitment campaign among young people by a Worcester based travel firm. First Midland Red has revealed it has found it so hard to attract bus drivers to its Worcester, Kidderminster
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Theatre
Alexandra, Birmingham - Doctor Doolittle until April 28. Grand, Wolverhampton - Love's Labour's Lost until Saturday. A Night at the Music Hall Tuesday until April 21. Malvern Theatres - Amy's View Monday until April 21. Rep, Birmingham - Fourteen Songs
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Sharp youngsters second
THE Wilkinson Sword Hereford & Worcester County Closed Team competition attracted nine teams two ladies' and seven men's - from around the county. The Redditch Youth Fencers boys' team consisted of Jeff Jones, Freddie Noakes and Jonathan Statham.
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Debts lead to 5-year ban
A COMPANY director has been disqualified from running a business for five years after the firm he helped manage failed with debts of £81,479. Kevin Marklew, of Far Forest, was one of three company directors of FMTS Ltd disqualified from acting as a director
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Dead motorbike pair named
The victims of a fatal collision on the A491 have been named by police. Motorcyclist Christopher Shaughnessy, aged 30, from Ludlow, and his pillion passenger, Deborah Barnett, aged 26, from Stourport, died after the bike was in collision with an articulated
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New Pershore-based fishing club is launched
Angling For All A NEW angling club is being launched in the area. Angling For All, which will be based in Pershore, will feature competitions, regular outings and free lessons for beginners. The club is open to all, including disabled anglers and people
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Your day to day guide to the best sounds around.
April 13 Seymour & Pigfish. The Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street, Worcester. April 14 Mark Brannelly. Little Lakes Holiday Park, Bewdley. Bedouin. The Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street, Worcester. The Bat Whispers. Great Western, Bewdley. Trivira - Trio. Barbourne
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Part-time Tory MP?
CAN we deduce from Richard Adams' letter (You Say, April 5) that if he was elected to Parliament he would treat it as a part-time occupation? Certainly this would seem to be his message when he attacks Labour MPs for being full-time politicians. I would
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Classical & Easily listening- a guide to what's on near you.
Good Friday St Matthew Passion - City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. April 13. 3.00pm. Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham (0121 780 3333). Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine - Gabriel Faure; The Magdalene Singers and Orchestra. April 13. 8pm.
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Third of his income to charity?
OF course, F K Bush (You Say, March 31), I am very grateful for my benefit, which is why I live simply, and give a third of my income to charitable causes. Does Mr Bush give a third of his income to charity? However, cars are destroying the earth's atmosphere
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Don't give up your day job, Mr Adams!
6 I AM glad Richard Adams will have his business to fall back on when he fails in his aspiration to become "a professional politician" (as he puts it) at the coming General Election. I don't suppose he felt any better after hearing the news only a couple
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Echoes from the Past
100 years ago What a boon covered seats would have been to the Hills on Monday and Tuesday, when the heavy April showers made the trippers frequently leave the top of the Beacon and descend to St Anne's Well for shelter. It is to be hoped that the feeling
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Library on line for Internet cash
MALVERN is in line for a large slice of a £584,000 National Lottery grant to increase computer access at Worcestershire libraries. The money will fund a massive increase in the network of computers the public can use to access the Internet. At the moment
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That special relationship
ANGLO-American amity, forged in the heat of war, was being celebrated in Malvern 50 years ago. A plaque was unveiled in the Winter Gardens commemorating the seven US hospitals sited in and around Malvern during the Second World War. Brigadier-General
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Lib Dems target of 'dirty tricks'
A PRE-election dirty tricks campaign has been blamed for a mountain of post delivered to the Malvern Liberal Democrat headquarters. Five thousand envelopes containing "junk mail" were dispatched to the party's Freepost address last week over two or three
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Nuisance pensioner is given 18 months' probation
A pensioner who harassed his neighbours has been given 18 months probation - and a jail warning. Richard Dawe, aged 66, twice breached a court's anti-social order by imitating the sound of a peacock and using verbal abuse. Since sentence was deferred
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Coming of age for marathon and its runners
LACES are being tightened and costumes adjusted in preparation for the Flora London Marathon on Sunday, April 22. The race celebrates its 21st anniversary this year and millions of people around the world will watch the mixed field of professional athletes
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Giant screen on way for Forum
FILM festivals and top operas could be coming to Malvern Theatres after a major boost from lottery funds. The £20,500 award will be used to buy a giant screen for the Forum, allowing it to be used for film screenings and other multimedia events. And one
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Spa group draws up lottery bid
MALVERN Spa Association is putting the finishing touches to its bid for National Lottery funding to restore the town's water heritage. The association is one of the partners in the Malverns Heritage Project, along with the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding
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Boer War statue gets a makeover
A STATUE commemorating the Worcestershire men who died in the Boer War is being restored by specialist craftsmen. The bronze statue of a soldier with an angel standing above him is in the grounds of Worcester Cathedral and is acknowledged as a particularly
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Former solider is jailed for attacks
A FORMER soldier who attacked a car driver and an elderly pedestrian in Malvern has been jailed for 15 months. Worcester Crown Court heard that Adrian Noon, who had been drinking heavily, was only subdued after police used CS spray. Noon, aged 29, of
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Greens go for Pippa
A FORMER schoolteacher from Ledbury has been selected as Herefordshire Green Party's prospective candidate to contest the General Election. This will be the first time that Pippa Bennett, aged 31, has ever stood as a candidate, although she has been an
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Residents' calls for end to flood misery
FRUSTRATED residents of Great Alne are calling for something to be done about the flooding misery which has been plaguing the village for months. Last week, a woman was trapped in her car by flooding and she had to be rescued from her vehicle by three
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New hope for youth facility
DESPITE the success of a youth officer and two outreach workers serving the Alcester area, councillors have expressed their concerns about the lack of provision for youngsters in the town, writes Helen Clarke. But there is hope on the horizon with a planned
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From our archives
APRIL 16, 1967 WHEN the High Bailiff of Alcester, Mr Roger Boland, decided to revive the town's carnival after 13 years he came face to face with a tricky problem-there was no crown for the carnival queen. In the past it seems Alcester carnival queens
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Remembering a true Alcestrian
HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a woman who has been described as 'Alcestrian through and through', writes Helen Clarke. And as councillor Wendy Weatherhead commented: "It would perhaps be easier to name the town charities and organisations that
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Top opera star headlines show
A PERFORMANCE by a soprano with the famous D'Oyley Carte opera company will be one of the highlights of a "musical spectacular" in Kidderminster. Town group The Valentines have organised a charity concert boasting the talents of singer Kiera Lyness at
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Big boots give classic a kick
A SUCCESSFUL Kidderminster theatre group is back - bigger and better than before. Formed last year, Two Big Boots Theate staged a successful debut when they performed Twelfth Night in the town last summer. And now they have expanded by forming sections
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CCTV battle to be stepped up
TOWNSFOLK have agreed to continue pledging financial support to provide more than 30 CCTV cameras across the town, despite the failure of a bid to the Government. Redditch Community Safety Partnership submitted four bids worth a total of £800,000 but
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Public put on alert for cold-hearted conmen
POLICE are linking two burglaries within half an hour of each other in which bogus waterboard officials conned their way into the homes of pensioners and stole cash. Some time between 3.45pm-4pm last Wednesday, a man dressed in navy blue overalls talked
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Movement inquiry
WEST Mercia Police are investigating allegations of illegal movement of livestock and fraudulent compensation claims by farmers. The allegations were made to the force by Trading Standards and MAFF on April 5. Trading Standards operations manager Steve
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Sector station to open in Winyates
A BRAND new police station will finally be opened in Winyates on Tuesday more than two years after sector policing was launched in Redditch, writes Becky Procter. About £24,000 has been spent transforming a flat next to Winyates Neighbourhood Office after
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Life's an adventure with Rumpole writer
AN autobiographical journey through the life of Rumpole of the Bailey author John Mortimer is being staged at the Swan Theatre, Worcester. The Swan Theatre Company's production of A Voyage Round My Father takes the audience on a journey through Mortimer's
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Printing theft
Computer printing equipment worth £5,000 was stolen from FW Thorpe in Merse Road, North Moons Moat. It happened between 5-10pm last Thursday.
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Crime groups to join forces
TWO town services which support crime victims and witnesses have joined a new county forum to improve services provided by agencies involved in the criminal justice system. Redditch Victim and Witness Support schemes, which are both based at The Court
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Warning to dodgers as fraud soars
AT least one person a day was caught without a TV licence in Redditch last year, writes Julian Seva. Between March 1, 2000 and February 28, 2001, 468 licence dodgers were caught - a figure a TV licensing spokesman said was 'pretty high for a town of its
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Sewage lands man in court
A WEBHEATH man was fined £650 and ordered to pay £750 costs to Redditch Council for failing to comply with a formal notice to prevent untreated sewage polluting a watercourse. Paul Williams, of Springhill Cottages, Foxlydiate Lane, was served with a notice
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Semi off again
KINGS Heath will have to wait at least another week to play their Birmingham Senior Cup semi-final against West Bromwich Albion. The game was halted against the Baggies on Saturday because of a sodden Lye Meadow pitch. This is now the second time the
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Griffs back on top
STUDLEY slipped to second last night after second-placed Nun Griffs won their final game in hand to go two points clear at the top of the Midland Combination Premier. Griffs beat Blackheath Invensys 1-0 at home. But there was some good news for Mark Chambers
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ANNE WILKINS Real ale expert, Bewdley
THERE is nothing unusual about celebrating your birthday with a glass of beer - unless the drink in your glass has been brewed for the occasion. That is the situation Bewdley woman Anne Wilkins hopes to find herself in when she turns 50 in June - toasting
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Rose case prompts calls to review funding policies
CRITICISM following the Christine Rose fraud case has been levelled at government bodies. The managing director at Wychavon District Council, Sid Pritchard, has written to the Audit Commission, Public Works Loan Board, National Association of Local Council
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Court hears St John helper's knife ordeal
A drug user who brandished a knife at a St John Ambulance volunteer in a bid to get cash faces custody. James Yarwood targeted 18-year-old Daniel Horton as he walked home from being on duty at a Pershore festival last summer. He demanded £3, grabbed the
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Club needs new home for survival
PERSHORE and District Sports club needs new premises if it is to survive, according to its chairman. Peter Corbishley says the club's current facilities are inadequate and a new complex is a priority. The sports club, in Defford Road, has been home to
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Bid to beat the despair
A FARMER's wife who saw the entire stock of the farm slaughtered is making her own bid to rise above the foot and mouth outbreak. Lorraine Hunt, of Orchard Cottage Farm, Croome Road, Defford, is reopening Nippers, the baby shop she runs from a converted
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At wits'end over continued floods
A HONEYBOURNE landlord is considering legal action after his pub was flooded at the weekend for the umpteenth time. In February Paul Wadsworth of the Gate Inn told the Journal of his frustration after water lapped into his premises from a 3ft deep 'lake
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Jockey in National race drama
MILLIONS of television viewers watched as a former Pershore jockey was rescued by his friend following a horrific fall in Saturday's Grand National at Aintree. Warren Marston, 30, who now lives at Bourton-on-the-Water, was involved in the pile-up at the
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New loos declared open
THE new toilets to replace those damaged by floods on Crown Meadow in Evesham are now officially open. The new block has been built at a cost of £200,000 and is now open after a three-week delay caused by frost and heavy rain. The lavatories include baby
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Children show their garden skills
CHILDREN from School Lane nursery school in Badsey showed their artistic sides when they entered their annual Easter competition. The nursery group designed Spring miniature gardens for this year's theme which were exhibited in containers. Some of the
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Mystery of Good Friday hill walk
A Pershore Mystery which has puzzled people for many years - maybe for centuries - concerns the young people of the town and the strange hidden forces which motivates them to set off for Bredon Hill year by year on Good Friday. No-one to this day appears
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Just the ticket
BUS passengers will no longer have to stand in the rain in Dumbleton now the village has a shelter. Constructed from oak and Cotswold stone, the Main Street shelter was built to mark the turn of the century. It cost £5,200, with money donated from Lord
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Early drinks led to court
POLICE caught drinkers in an Evesham bar before morning opening time, town magistrates were told last Thursday. Former licensee of Chancers, Vine Street, Angela Hyde, aged 49, and her partner William Lewis, 49, both of Worcester Road, Evesham, pleaded
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Blitz on speeding drivers continuing
VALE drivers are under the watchful eye of West Mercia Police as its speeding crackdown continues. Sgt John Roberts of the traffic and operations department said that the Appropriate Speed Campaign was going well and this year's figures would be released
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Fine for destroying nests
A HOUSEPAINTER who destroyed two birds nests - each full of chicks - was fined £75 by magistrates in Cheltenham on Monday. David Schofield, aged 58, of Hudson Close, Pershore, pleaded guilty to an offence against the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Mr David
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Fishing fellows
THIS is one of the oldest pictures to feature in Memory Lane and dates back to either 1887 or 1889. The sepia photograph shows office staff from Redditch fishing tackle manufacturer S Allcock and Co in Clive Road. Forty years later, Allcocks would advertise
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50 years ago
April 14, 1951 Foreman at the Redditch goods depot from 1914 until 1933, Mr E Hope has recently retired from British Railways after 45 years' service. Mr Hope joined the old Midland Railway at Westhouses, Derbyshire, in 1906. After his service in Redditch
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Cookhill WI
THE Trail of the Tiger was the title of the slideshow and talk at the March meeting. Garry Farmer and his wife started their trail in central India where they encountered, much to their delight, numerous spiders, insects dragonflies and birds. It was
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Fine time to defeat leaders?
AN IMPRESSIVE record at high-flying teams will be put to the test as Kidderminster Harriers visit leaders Chesterfield on Saturday. Jan Molby's men have earned results at many of the better Division Three sides apart from Blackpool and Hartlepool. And
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Redditch Photographic Society
THE society held its third club competition on Tuesday, March 27. In the black and white print section, Roy Cottrill took first and third, with John Kettle second. In the colour print section, Ray Davis was the winner, with John Cummings second and Roy
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Redditch Pictorial History Society
THE next meeting will take place at the White Hart, Headless Cross, on Tuesday, April 24 at 8pm when there will be a talk by local enthusiast and collector Graham Stanton on the history and evolution of road signs since their introduction, with some examples
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Next season's prices revealed
If paid by June 16, terrace season tickets will be available at £177 for adults and £119 for over-65s, instead of £205 and £144. Students pay £70. For seats, prices are £233 for adults and £158 for over-65s, rather than £264 and £185. U-16s pay £74 before
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Stepping up for fun
TWO hours of entertainment are on the cards for youngsters when a Steps tribute band and new boy band play at the Palace Theatre. Step To It will perform all the chart-topping band's hits and joining them will be boy band Ice. The four lads write and
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Peter's fine performance fencing
At the fencing world youth championships in Gdansk, Poland, Peter Kirby, from North Littleton, Evesham, put in a fine performance before he was knocked out in the elimination stage. The 16-year-old Chipping Campden School pupil was knocked out of the
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Artist looking to make her mark
A PAINTER who has adorned the world with her dazzling murals is back from her travels to put a bit of colour into Worcestershire homes. Nicky Ellis splashed her Extraordinary Paintwork on walls in Saudi Arabia and Sydney before settling in Colwall this
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No positives from Harriers' Saturday seaside shocker
Blackpool 5 Harriers 1 THERE was no getting away from it. Saturday was sheer suicide on the seaside for Kidderminster Harriers. We've seen poor performances and disappointing displays over the season but their visit to Blackpool at the weekend was on
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Molby in danger of ban
JAN Molby risks a possible touchline ban after he was banished to the stands during Kidderminster Harriers' 4-2 defeat to Cardiff City. The Harriers boss is waiting to hear what action the Football Association will take. An FA spokeswoman said referee
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12/4/01 - Ambition set to be tested by players
IN the land of clichs, Worcester Rugby Club are often referred to as "one of the most ambitious clubs" in the game. Obviously they are, as hundreds of others are throughout the country. However, in the next couple of months they face a test of that ambition
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Crosses for Easter
THREE 12ft high crosses were erected at a hilltop site in Mappleborough Green on Saturday to mark the Easter period and its religious meaning. The crosses were put up by Jon Richards, of Pastures Farm, in his high field overlooking Henley Road. The crosses
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Old MacDonald cut from programme
THE mayor and mayoress of Ledbury have cancelled a church performance of Old MacDonald Had A Farm out of sympathy for the community hit by the foot and mouth crisis. The well-known song, which lists all the animals living on a farm and includes farmyard
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Owners back call to save rare breeds
ONE of the founder members of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust has applauded a call to preserve rare breeds from being wiped out by foot and mouth. The Country Land and Business Association wants a national strategy to preserve rare breeds of cattle, sheep
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'Cure' worse than disease
THE Malvern-based National Sheep Association says slaughter to control foot and mouth is creating more problems than the disease. Chief executive John Thorley said: "We are now losing so many of our important bloodlines that the cure is becoming more
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Exciting hockey clash
On Sunday Bretforton went to Cheltenham to play in the county clubs tournament. They had been drawn against some very strong teams who play in leagues above them, but they were looking forward to the challenge to come and maybe even a taster of the level
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Blossoming ticket sales
TICKET sales for the Spring Gardening Show are finally beginning to blossom after a sluggish start due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak. The Three Counties Agricultural Society reported a surge in calls to the ticket hotline and a backlog of bookings since
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Relief at test results
Preliminary test results on a suspected foot-and-mouth case in Northern Ireland have proved negative, it was announced today. Stormont Agriculture Minister Brid Rodgers announced blood tests on a dairy herd in County Tyrone had found no sign of the disease
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Police forced to flee from speeder
POLICE trying to stop a speeding drink-driver were forced to race away from the man's Transit van when they feared he would plough into the back of them. Officers followed William Price when they saw him emerge from the Blue Bell Inn in Malvern, on Sunday
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Making the most of Easter
FAMILIES are being encouraged to make the most of Easter holiday attractions this weekend, despite the foot-and-mouth crisis The Heart of England Tourist Board, farmers and rural business owners are actively encouraging people to visit the countryside
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Addict, 22 stole from brother
A DRUG addict who carried out scores of thefts around Worcester even raided his younger brother and a cerebral palsy victim. Justin Wynn yesterday escaped a fourth jail sentence after admitting nine thefts in eight months. On one occasion, he visited
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City mum escapes jail over benefits
A WORCESTER mum has been spared jail despite raking in more than £6,000 in a benefits scam. Claire Banks claimed income support without telling the Benefits Agency her husband Ian was taking home £190 per week from his full-time job with city firm Uniclad
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VICTORY for people power
TRIUMPHANT campaigners are toasting the success of "people power" after winning a three-year battle to throw out plans to build a giant waste incinerator in Kidderminster. Stop Kidderminster Incinerator member Clare Cassidy paid tribute to the public,
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Youngsters bid to create clean-up mascot
HUNDREDS of schoolchildren have been competing to design the winning mascot and slogan for a massive district-wide clean-up campaign. The Shuttle/Times and News has entered into a unique partnership with Wyre Forest District Council following an article
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Top ensemble comes to town
PITTVILLE Pump Room in Cheltenham will be playing host to the London Mozart Ensemble on April 28. The ensemble's aim is to bring the world's greatest music to audiences outside the big cities. The group includes the cellist Christopher Allan, who grew
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Opera season is up and running
OPERA lovers are set for a treat with the unveiling of Longborough Festival Opera's 2001 season. The opera house near Moreton is one of the few privately owned and boasts an auditorium with seating for 480 people with 16 private boxes. The landscaped
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On the right road, but what's next?
NEXT week one of the more significant events affecting road users in the city of Worcester comes into being. A small fleet of buses in a striking orange and purple livery takes to the streets. What's this all about? Well, actually, it is the long-awaited
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Thanks for a job well done
IN this day of the large superstore, with often impersonal service, it is refreshing when you go to a small DIY company - which people said would not survive when the large stores came to town - and get wonderful service. I recently decided to have a
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Letter from Westminster
LAST Friday, I visited the Windmill Pre-school group. As well as the chance to play with some play dough, I was able to see the excellent work going on in this group. The Labour Government has invested in more education places for the under-fives, so
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Album may be in wake of tour
THE STRAWBS return to Worcester next week as part of their annual tour. And the folk-rock camp is buzzing with talk of a possible reunion between guitarist Dave Cousins and Rick Wakeman. Wakeman enjoyed a brief spell with the Strawbs on their 1970 album
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Figure at centre of village plan
PLANS are afoot to give Alvechurch precinct a makeover - which may include the installation of a life-size statue called 'granddad'. Alvechurch Parish Council's village centre improvements committee is looking to commission the sculpture, which will cost
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Warning to dog owners
DOG owners in Alvechurch and Wythall are being warned they will be prosecuted if they allow their pets to foul footpaths and fail to clean up. Bromsgrove Council is cracking down on irresponsible owners who flout the law. The warning is coupled with a
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Devastation as floods hit town again
FLOODING caused major damage to gardens and driveways in Redditch last week. An overflowing storm drain in Atherstone Close, Matchborough is wrecking residents' gardens and causing damage to other private property. Residents are already putting in claims
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Council grant saves meadow
A RARE meadow in the heart of Arrow Valley Park is to be preserved for the future after the council secured a £4,000 grant from the Government. Ipsley Meadows is a mosaic of scrub habitat and long grass, which is a haven for wildlife. But this type of
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Census form delivery deal
OFFICIALS will be visiting households in the area before April 20 delivering forms as part of the Census, although there may be a delay in areas affected by foot and mouth. A spokesman for the Pershore National Statistics base, which will be collecting
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Play-offs for ladies
STOURPORT Ladies firsts finished their Midland Conference programme with a 2-0 victory over South Notts. They must now wait to find out their play-off opponents - Bournville or Bromsgrove - on Saturday, April 28. The thirds had to concede the points in
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Sugar so sweet
British Sugar A are Dot Comm Wednesday Snooker League champions by one point from St George's A and St John's C. Final results: British Sugar B 4, Pockets Z 1; St Johns A 4, St Johns D 1; Brintons Old A 2, British Sugar A 3; Pockets C 2, St Johns C 3;
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An ace for Bewdley
Bewdley Tennis Club head coach Tracey Powell helps out Ellie Sprawson in Tuesday's popular fun day for adults and children. A speed gun was among the highlights and about 50 youngsters turned up.
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Best for athletic Amos
ATHLETICS: Amazing Feet Running Club members found a race that had beaten the foot and mouth outbreak in the Sentinel 7. John Amos and Lindsay Pulley both travelled to Newcastle-under-Lyme with the former recording a personal best. They took on a tough
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Duo defeat the seniors
GOLF: The seniors greensome at Cleobury Mortimer, played over 11 holes, was won by Arthur Humphries and Malcolm Wain on 23 points. April Medal Division One: Alan Ferguson 13 handicap 69 nett; Division Two: Nigel Smith 15-71; Division Three: Brian Linington-Payne
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Happy Hodges has bronze in Highgate
THERE was delight for Wyre Forest Gymnastics School's Chelsea Hodges in a regional competition. Hodges came home from Highgate, Birmingham, with the bronze medal for In-age grade four at West Midland British Development Plan In and Out of Age Championships
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Isle of Man test
MOTOR SPORT: Kidderminster's Kenny Howles has again entered for this summer's Isle of Man TT races. He was overall sidecar winner in 1987, came second in 1996, gained a fifth and a seventh place in 1999 and was ninth last year. Howles also finished third
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Athletic boost
ATHLETICS: An athletics coaching course for 13 to 16-year-olds will be hosted by Stourport Sports Centre. It runs from Saturday, May 19, until Saturday, July 21, from 10.30am until noon. Anyone interested in taking part can call Wyre Forest District Council
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Workers hand in parking petition
KINGFISHER Centre shop workers have handed a petition to centre management demanding a rethink on new parking arrangements, which they say are putting their safety in jeopardy, writes Julian Seva. Staff have been told to park in Car Park 3 on the opposite
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Final stop for The Station
THE Station finally met their match in the semi-final of the Kidderminster Trivia Cup and their conquerors, Red Man BCC, went on to clinch the title. Franche Village Club reached their first final when they beat Eagle's Nest 62-56 in the semi. The match
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History repeats itself...
HISTORY repeating itself? A picture dated June 14, 1905, shows that church restoration is not just a modern day phenomenon. Despite being just 50 years old in 1905, St Stephen's Church is seen here undergoing repairs to the top of its spire. The church
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Bus driver hurt in head-on crash
A REDDITCH man had to be airlifted to the Alexandra Hospital with serious leg injuries after the bus he was driving was in a head-on collision with another bus in South Warwickshire. The accident happened just after 9am last Wednesday on the Wellesbourne
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How to turn daydreams into reality
A BEDROOM makeover and a trip to Silverstone are just two wishes to be granted to terminally ill children thanks to the Redditch branch of a national charity. The regional office of the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, which covers the West Midlands, Worcestershire
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Vicar to quiz flock on new church plan
A SELECTION of Wythall residents will receive a questionnaire from the vicar of the parish church. The Rev Peter Thomson wants to find out what people think about a modern church building, which is in planning stages at the moment. Around 15 per cent
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Spurn Europe urges surveyor
A REDDITCH chartered surveyor has called on Britain to withdraw from Europe to save north Worcestershire companies from 'being dismantled before our eyes,' writes Melina Cannon Business property consultant John Truslove has expressed concerns that towns
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The hat parade!
BEAUTIFUL bonnets were bursting out all over in the run-up to Easter. At Noah's Ark Nursery, Matchborough, about 40 youngsters aged two to school age paraded all day on Thursday, the last day of term, in their stylish home-made bonnets. All the pupils
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Bail for man on assault charge
A JUDGE is to hear evidence in the case of a 64-year-old managing director who attacked a woman. Raymond Ford, of Worcester Road, Harvington, has pleaded guilty to assaulting Sandra Pugsley and causing her actual bodily harm. He also admits possession
