Archive
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'Drugs ring' trio in court
THREE men have appeared before magistrates suspected of running a drugs ring in Droitwich Spa. Andrew Smith is alleged to have supplied undercover police officers eight times with heroin between February and April. The 33-year-old, of Shepherd's Close
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Animal lover's anger at RSPCA
AN animal lover has pledged never to donate money to the RSPCA after she claims she was spoken to "like an idiot" when trying to report an alleged cruelty case. Barbara Armstrong contacted the charity when she became concerned about six horses, which
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Bypass plea to council
PERSHORE Town Council ought to lobby for an extension to the planned £5.6m Wyre Piddle bypass to be built as soon as possible, it has been claimed. The council has been contacted by Wyre Piddle residents keen to see a relief road laid to the west of the
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Facing up to the fitness challenge
THE son of millionaire Worcester Rugby Club benefactor Cecil Duckworth has triumphed in a fitness centre's millennium challenge. Mark Duckworth has overcome disability to win £250 for the under-50s activate category and a further £500 as the overall winner
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Shed raiders grab bikes
THIEVES have stolen two bicycles worth £1,850 after raiding a shed at a home in Tennyson Way, Kidderminster. They also caused £25 damage when they struck at the property between 11.30pm on Saturday and 7am the following day.
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Labour has done much
Redditch Conservative councillors such as Gavin Smithers, Tom Wareing and, more recently, Brandon Clayton, all have one thing in common - short memories. They tell us Labour has performed badly on health. We inherited 1,500,000 on the operation waiting
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Lovely evening
I'M sure many parents and friends of the pupils at Astwood Bank First School who took part in an evening of music at St Matthias and George Church recently would like to join me in saying congratulations and thank you for a lovely evening. Well done too
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Hit the target and join archery club
DROITWICH Archery Society, a target archery club, is on the lookout for new members. In a bid to promote the sport, the club has a team who are willing to attend county fairs, open days and fetes to do demonstrations in archery, otherwise known as Toxophily
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Talent search hots up with Challenge 2001
BRITISH cyclists had a hugely successful Olympic Games, and now the search is on for stars of the future. Young cyclists in Bromsgrove are invited to take part in the local Challenge 2001 -- the national cycling competition for children up to school year
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Threesome in form with Green triumph
IN the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League last week the Newton Works A team of Mark Fiddian, Chris Maiden and Michael Kendall enhanced their chances of winning the Division One title with an emphatic win over Barnt Green A, winning 10-0. Newton
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Bullock rams the opposition
BROMSGROVE Golf Club results: Senior Ladies' Medal -- First Jill Bullock, second Val Mee, third Shirley Stanworth-Hall. Senior Men's Medal -- First James Dee, second John Davidson, third Mike Trudgill. 17-24 match was halved. Bromsgrove team: Steve Hart
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Tennis trio serve up county success
MEET Miles O'Meally, Megan Resse and Henry Myatt -- the three Bromsgrove tennis aces in this year's Hereford and Worcester squad. And the trio have all taken different routes on their rise to county standard. Megan started playing short tennis when she
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Office plan could lead to new jobs
NEW jobs could be in the pipeline if the green light is given for an office block off Moons Moat Drive which will form a prestigious company headquarters. Preliminary planning permission was granted by Redditch Council in December 1999 for a slightly
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Homeowners facing fines
MATCHBOROUGH residents who have illegally obstructed a watercourse have been told they could face a £5,000 fine. Current and previous residents of Atherstone and Cosford Close have inserted culverts or pipes to take an original watercourse from the surface
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Rush set for Division 4
WOODRUSH RFC have won their battle for Midlands West Four South status. The Hopwood side, who pulled out of Division Three on the eve of the season citing a lack of players, have been told they will finish bottom of the league and be relegated. The alternative
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Firms face new fuel bills levy
BROMSGROVE and Droitwich Spa companies are being urged to look out for the new levy on fuel bills. Firms are likely to notice a change in the cost of their fuel following the Government's introduction of a new tariff on energy use. It came into effect
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Delayed car boot sale to go ahead
THE Studley car boot sale will go-ahead next month despite being delayed because of the foot and mouth crisis. Organiser and farmer Jeremy Quinney, who has run the event for the past 14 years, expressed his sympathy for farmers affected by the crisis
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Multi-storeys to get £2m upgrade
ALMOST £2 million is to be spent upgrading and improving Redditch town centre multi-storey car parks. Kingfisher Centre owners Thornfield have revealed plans to transform the car parks over the next two to three years. The revamp comes alongside a £60
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Phone mast set to go up
A MOBILE telephone mast is to be erected in Webheath by telecommunications giant One 2 One. The 12-metre pole will be installed in Birchfield Road near Marlfield Avenue later this year. Telephone masts do not need planning consent from the council but
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Canadian link to Abbey plan
A PLANNING application to create a major £40 million sports, leisure and entertainment centre in Redditch will be submitted in the next two months. Redditch Council updated members on the proposal to develop a 28-acre site on the site of Abbey Stadium
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Sale funds to be split
A TABLE top sale takes place in Stock and Bradley on Saturday in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer and also to raise funds to refurbish the village hall. The event has been organised by the village hall committee and takes place there from 11am-2pm. Committee
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Village fever
ALVECHURCH residents will be spilling out into the streets and village hall on Monday, as they celebrate the life of England's Patron Saint. The village will come to life with a day of events held to mark St George's Day. High tea will be served by members
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Football
RUBERY Juniors FC stage a five-a-side competition at Bay Tree Farm, Middle Lane, Wythall on Saturday June 16 (Under 7, 8, 9, 10), Sunday June 17 (Under 11, 12), Saturday June 23 (Under 13, 14, 15). Entry is £15 per team. Cheques should be made payable
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Cue Clements Mappleborough (1) 2 Wychbold RBL (0) 3 Redditch Combination Division One
DIVISION One leaders Wychbold RBL stole the three points with a winning goal as late as the 90th minute. Mappleborough, who were in fourth spot were the hosts, and gave RBL the run-around in the first half, and were worthy of their slender 1-0 half time
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Duncan decider Black Horse (0) 2 Garringtons Sunday (0) 0 Terry Cup quarter-final (aet)
THE first half saw the midfield dominating the game, with not many chances. Black Horse had the edge with the chances they had but they found Garring-tons' 'keeper Ade Summers in great form. The second half saw Garringtons dominating as Steve Evans, Dean
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Three family members on affray charge
THREE members of a Spa family were among four people who have appeared before a court charged with affray Sarah Biddle, aged 54, daughter Annette Biddle, 26, Paul Biddle, 19, and Dean Smith, 21, appeared at Droitwich Magistrates' Court on April 10. They
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Count on Walter and Fred
COMFY shoes and clipboards are the tools of the trade for two Droitwich Spa pensioners collecting information for the 2001 census. Pals Fred Lakin and Walter Bennett have been employed by the Government to collect the vital data. Over the next two months
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Charities really cash in
A COMMUNITY group formed to celebrate the Millennium has donated cash to charities and closed its books for good. Droitwich Spa Bloom 2000 organised a ten-day festival last summer to mark the new century. Events attracted large crowds, raising nearly
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Woman admits groceries theft
THE case against a Droitwich Spa woman, who admitted stealing more than £300 worth of supermarket groceries, has been adjourned. Jacqueline Burbridge, aged 33, admitted the theft from Tesco on Saturday March 10. On Tuesday April 10, Droitwich magistrates
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Bichel hits out well in defeat
PACE star Andy Bichel showed his value with the bat during yesterday's friendly against Glamorgan at Kidderminster. The 30-year-old Australian cracked 33 but it was not enough to prevent the County slipping to a four-run defeat. It was Worcestershire's
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Mow money
BUCKETS of cash have been collected in aid of a hospital which nursed a Droitwich Spa teenager back to health. The Barley Mow, in Hanbury Street, was at the centre of fundraising efforts, thanks to landlords Tony and Jinny Gardner. They hosted a raffle
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Merlin hangs up boots
WORCESTER Rugby Club number eight David Merlin has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of this season. Merlin, who celebrates his 29th birthday on Sunday, has been on loan to Stourbridge for most of this season but has missed match
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Final success would be long overdue
WORCESTER City are looking to erase 61 years of hurt when they tackle Crawley Town in the final of the Dr Martens League Cup. You have to go back to 1939-40, in the early days of the Second World War, to find the only previous occasion that City have
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Defence poser for United's stiff test
EVESHAM United boss Phil Mullen could be without two key defenders for tonight's Dr Martens League Western Division top-of-the-table clash at Tiverton Town (7.45). Paul West (damaged ribs) and Russell Parmenter (dead leg) were both injured in Monday's
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Crawford ready for trip to Oz
DROITWICH rugby sensation Nicky Crawford has been included in the England squad to tour Australia and New Zealand this summer. The Worcester Rugby Ladies winger will spend two weeks in New Zealand and two weeks in Australia in preparation for the 2002
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Cookhill aim to bounce back
COOKHILL are out to bounce back into the top flight of village cricket after falling victim to a league reshuffle last season. The Nevill Arms side were dumped into Division Six of the Worcestershire Clubs League after a change higher up the league. Teams
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Alcester hit by crisis
ALCESTER and Ragley Park are searching for an alternative venue with the cricket season weeks away. The Cotswold Hills Division One side have been unable to get into their Ragley Park base because of the foot and mouth crisis. And with Ragley Hall closed
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Title tilt for Exhall & W
EXHALL and Wicksford are gunning for another title triumph in the Cotswold Hills League. And last season's Premier Division champions have recruited Great Alne bat and captain Dave Rogers to reinforce their title tilt. Rogers captained Great Alne for
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18/4/01 - Almost ready
WORCESTERSHIRE have spent £10,000 in a bid to get their New Road ground ready for their opening home County Championship match against Sussex next week. Contractors Hewitt Sports Turf, have been re-turfing an area of the outfield which had been heavily
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Clothes show with a twist!
VILLAGERS' old jumpers could have a starring role in the latest Alvechurch Dramatic Society production Bazaar and Rummage. The quirky play concerns a group of women who attempt to run a jumble sale but the problem is some of them, such as ex-variety songstress
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Alex hygiene has improved
HYGIENE standards at the Alexandra Hospital are improving, according to inspectors who gave it an "amber" rating, meaning it is acceptable. The recent findings are an improvement after a spot-check in autumn deemed hospital hygiene to be poor. The Alexandra
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18/4/01 - Merlin hangs up boots
WORCESTER Rugby Club number eight David Merlin has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of this season. Merlin, who celebrates his 29th birthday on Sunday, has been on loan to Stourbridge for most of this season but has missed match
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Confusion after foot and mouth gaffe
Angling news with TONY BRUNN WITH the Foot and Mouth situation causing mayhem, a yo-yo situation occurred in fishing circles last week when the Birmingham Anglers' Association gave a press release -- I might add not to me -- that certain sections of their
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Gangs quiet as new base opens
THE opening of a new police station in Winyates Centre has instantly helped curb the problem of gangs of youths gathering. A sector police station in the centre, covering Winyates, Church Hill and Matchborough, was opened to the public yesterday but officers
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Stefan hit by weather
HEADLESS Cross ace Stefan Hodgetts endured another frustrating Formula Ford outing at the weekend when the Zetec Championship race at Snetterton ended after six laps. Hodgetts, who crashed out of the first round at Silverstone was up against it from the
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TEENAGER CHARGED WITH GUN ATTACK
A TEENAGER from Barnt Green has been remanded in custody after a shooting which left two people injured, shops boarded up and the main street in the village closed. James Robert Matthews, aged 19, from Aqueduct Lane, appeared at Redditch Magist-rates'
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X-ray no ordeal
I WAS concerned to read Caroline Digger's comments on breast screening in Monday's paper (Evening News, April 9). She stated that she was "frightened to go again because it was brutal, barbaric..." and "like being crushed by a boa-constrictor". I rang
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The hole truth nothing but...
UNLIKE most of your correspondents, I don't mind paying my taxes, either Income Tax or Council Tax. I also realise that, through previous policies of low tax, low spend, both taxes are rising fast. The infrastructure of our country and our county is degrading
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More living in poverty under Labour's rule
I WOULD be grateful to respond to Gordon Brown's claims about Labour's record on tackling child poverty. Unfortunately, despite all the talk and all the promises, since Labour have been in power, the number of people living in poverty has actually grown
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Teenage tearaway is tagged
A TEENAGE tearaway who repeatedly flouted an anti-social behaviour order is to be electronically tagged as part of a three-month curfew imposed by magistrates. The 14 year old from Redditch, who cannot be named, was also given a two-year supervision order
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Gun terror in raid on garage
A PETROL station assistant was left badly shaken after two youths armed with a handgun forced him into a back room and stole cash and telephone cards. Police are now seeking witnesses to the robbery at the Esso service station on the busy Birmingham Road
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Centre crime rate cut
THE numbers of reported crime in the town centre have fallen by almost 100 in the last 12 months, figures have revealed. Beat manager Pc Robin White revealed how crime had dropped during a town centre partnership meeting. He said between April 1999 and
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Support Rovers in their survival fight
EXACTLY 999 fans turned out to watch Bromsgrove Rovers' enthralling Worcestershire derbies over the Easter weekend. That's the sort of support director of football Steve Daniels is banking on for tommorrow's crunch match against basement boys Paget Rangers
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Town end league season on a high with another victory Bromsgrove RFC First XV 32 Old Laurentians RFC
BROMSGOVE completed their league programme in style on Saturday with a convincing victory over Old Laurentians. Old Laurentians started the more positive of the two teams and early pressure in the Bromsgrove 22 metre area led to the Old L's fly-half kicking
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Evesham finish the job off as Rovers flounder Bromsgrove Rovers (0) 1 Evesham United (3) 3 Dr Marten
EVESHAM taught Rovers a basic lesson in finishing at the Victoria Ground on Saturday. While the Greens made a good fight of this competitive Worcestershire derby, taking the second half one-nil, United were comfortable winners in the end. The action exploded
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Firm's fears about thefts
THE future of a Redditch firm which employs 50 people will come under threat if it is targeted by thieves for the third time. Up to £80,000 worth of fishing tackle has been stolen from Leeder in Padgetts Lane, South Moons Moat, on two separate occasions
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Darts heading for the bully Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger District Football League
ALVECHURCH Darts returned to the top spot in Division One after hammering Mappleborough Green 7-2. Magic Melusi Cartwright grabbed a hat-trick while Julian Workman added two to his tally for the season. Aaron Barnett and Krys Stanton also found their
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Spa clinch Studley Charity honours Redditch & South Warwickshire Combination
DROITWICH Spa clinched the Studley Charity Cup final with a 2-1 triumph over Mayfly on Sunday. Mick Cox and Andrew Pheasant were the goal heroes as Mayfly replied through Studley BKL marksman Mark Neath. Keith Turner Cup round three: Hymatic/Allendale
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Firm floored as thieves attack
POLICE are appealing for information after six tonnes of metal worth thousands of pounds were stolen from a company in Ravensbank Drive. The metal, in the form of aluminium planks, was taken from Hydro Aluminium in North Moons Moat Industrial Estate on
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HOMES DECISION FACING DELAY
A DECISION following last year's public inquiry into Alcester's proposed 400 homes development is to be delayed. The Government Office for the West Midlands received the inspector's report following the inquiry on February 27 and Government targets dictate
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Town 'open for business' as Easter traditions go on
FOUR days of Court Leet events were filmed by a French television company last week to try to lure potential European visitors to the town, despite the foot and mouth crisis. French camera crews from television company Atlantic TV, which makes programmes
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Head off to a new school
AFTER seven years at the helm of St Faith's School, Mark Biltcliffe is leaving for pastures new. Mr Biltcliffe became headteacher in Easter 1994 after leaving St Margaret's Middle School, in Leamington. He is leaving to become headteacher of St Nicholas
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Events to shout about...
THE quality of food and ale in Alcester was put to the test recently as a fish and flesh tasting session, ale tasting ceremony and bread weighing ceremony took place in the town. The ale tasting event took place at The Holly Bush on Thursday. On Saturday
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Title decider at Beehive
THE Midland Combination Premier Division title is set to be decided at the Beehive on Saturday when BKL take on Nuneaton Griffs (ko 2.45pm). Long time leaders Studley were knocked off their perch last week as reigning champions Griffs finally played their
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Try living here before shouting about skatepark
I SUGGEST the vice-chairman of Droitwich Spa Civic Society comes and lives by Salters' Shopping Centre to see how he likes to hear the screaming, shouting and swearing from gangs of young people on skateboards, roller blades, scooters, bicycles, or on
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Residents have to stand and deliver
SINCE the 1997/98 council tax year to date, the average annual rate of increase has been 9.16 per cent. If this is perpetuated until the year 2007, the amount due will have doubled. So, if one can assume a figure of about £600 for a Band D property in
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Serious situation
JOHN Ashman refers to "the Government's recent decision to cull perfectly healthy livestock from non-infected farms." I read that even top vets cannot determine whether livestock are infected until symptoms begin to show. If John Ashman has a way of spotting
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Soroptimist International
THE AGM of the Bromsgrove & Redditch Club was held at Perry Hall Hotel, Bromsgrove, on April 5. Outgoing president Judy Gill reminded members of all the excellent speakers during her year of office and was thanked by Pat Whitehurst. There was a comprehensive
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Webheath WI
THE speaker at the April meeting was Lorna White, who gave a talk on her experiences on a troop ship to Singapore. She had come at short notice because the speaker from the Blue Cross Animal Rescue charity was unable to attend because of the foot and
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Wythall Forum
THE history, work and aims of the Redditch Advertiser was the subject when editor Paul Walker addressed members on Monday, April 9. The next meeting will be on Monday, April 23, at 7.45pm at Wythall Library when Ted Hold will tell of Behind the Scenes
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IT DOESN'T COSTA-LOT TO WIN LADS! Xiourouppa strike seals point for the Greens
Redditch United (0) 1 Bromsgrove Rovers (1) 1 Dr Martens League Western Division TEN-MAN Rovers snatched a vital point from the Valley Stadium in an action-packed derby on Monday. And the Greens' performance bodes well for tomorrow's crunch game at home
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Difficult times mean rent rise
"DIFFICULT times" mean Bromsgrove District Council has had to raise rents unless tenants want to see a reduction in services, according to an officer's report. At tomorrow night's meeting of the authority's housing and planning scrutiny committee, members
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Rubery man to appeal
A HAEMOPHILIAC from Rubery refusing to take an unsafe treatment has been denied an alternative by health bosses who he claims are "a law unto themselves". Marc Payton, from Kineton Road, is appealing against the decision which leaves him choosing between
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Census delivery
A TEN-YEAR event to tot up how many residents live in Bromsgrove is under way and forms are being hand delivered to homes. The census provides information to the Government as well as businesses, health services and schools. Delivery staff will carry
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Bad debts are top of the agenda
THE collection of bad debts in Bromsgrove is set to come under the spotlight of the district authority's policy and strategy scrutiny committee next Tuesday night, April 24. The discussion could lead to a further report or a reappraisal of Bromsgrove
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100 years ago
April 20, 1901 LATE on Tuesday night, Dr Littlejohn was driving from Redditch along the Evesham Road, the horse swerved round to Feckenham Road and on being brought back, came into collision with a lamppost. The trap was overturned and the occupants thrown
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Roads boss says safety is crucial
CONCERNS about extra travelling time, fuel costs and inconvenience are trivial compared to the benefits of a proposed A491 safety scheme, it has been claimed. Worcestershire Highways Partnership in Bromsgrove manager Jon Fraser said the latest accident
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A491 'needs roundabouts'
CAMPAIGNERS believe alternative safety measures should have already been put in place along the notorious A491 so that last Tuesday's double tragedy could have been avoided. What Price Lives? spokesman Tricia Brad-bury said highway bosses' plans to seal
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Victim robbed at knifepoint
A 50-YEAR-OLD man was robbed outside a Bromsgrove supermarket by a knife-wielding youth. The victim had just inserted his card into the cashpoint machine at Safeways store, in Buntsford Park Road, when the robber, believed to be aged between 16 and 17
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April 20, 1901
WOMEN in Bromsgrove were keeping up with the sudden return of the fashion of wearing earrings. However, the prejudices against having ears pierced was very strong. Jewellers were getting round this by making them with gold clamps to hide the holes in
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'Cruel' council ignores vote
"CRUEL" councillors were forced to take advice from a senior officer over a decision to freeze the rents of sheltered housing tenants in Bromsgrove while a referendum is organised. Bromsgrove District Council's Labour group leader, Cllr Peter McDonald
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Lottery grant meeting
SPORTS and arts groups in Bromsgrove are being urged to put their names down for a lottery grant. Bromsgrove District Council's sports development unit is inviting clubs, organisations and schools involved in developing sports and arts to attend a special
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Playgroup praised
HARD-WORKING Lickey End youngsters have been praised after education watchdogs visited their playgroup. Ofsted officials inspected Lickey End Playgroup, based at the Methodist Church Hall, in Alcester Road, and the group's three and four-year-olds came
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What's on guide
Thursday, April 19 Into The Music: Ellie/Roxy/Victoria/Aaron Yorke, Ronnie Scott's, Birmingham. Tickets from 0121 643 4525. Antiques For Everyone, Birmingham NEC. Until April 22. Tickets from 0870 909 4133. Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphony Hall,
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Glitz kicks off
Live 70s sounds with Midlands top tribute band Ballroom Glitz is on the bill at Rocklands Social Club on Saturday. The glam rock night, which also features more of the decade's tunes courtesy of Shades Roadshow, kicks off at the Birchfield Road venue
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Still time to make a case for safety prize
BUSINESSES and organisations in Herefordshire and Worcestershire are being invited to enter the 2001 National Safety Awards Scheme. Six organisations from the two counties are in line for the British Safety Council awards so far, but there is still time
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Travel company's Royal impression
A MALVERN company has received high commendation from the Queen's Awards office. Select World Travel recently submitted an application for the Queen's Award for Enterprise and Sustainable Development and, although it narrowly missed out on the award,
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Children's charity counting the cost of outbreak
A LOCAL children's charity is reeling at the cost of the foot-and-mouth crisis to its fund-raising. Acorns Children's Hospice has seen dozens of events cancelled, potentially depriving the organisation of tens of thousands of pounds. The charity, which
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Bank boosts appeal funds
DONATIONS are pouring in to the Stress in the Countryside Appeal launched in the Evening News. More than £2,000 has been given by generous readers to help farmers and rural businesses hit by foot-and-mouth disease. The appeal was launched last week in
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Landfill site to be used
SHEEP, cattle and other livestock slaughtered for welfare reasons are to be buried at a landfill site in Worcestershire. The landfill site at Waresley, near Hartlebury, is one of a number of sites across Britain earmarked to receive the carcases while
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£1,000 gift helps pay for alarms
A PUBLIC-SPIRITED Bromsgrove resident has ploughed cash into a scheme to provide needy pensioners with state-of-the-art personal attack alarms. Kevin McNamara, chairman of Friends Around You (FAY), an initiative which gives 24-hour support to townsfolk
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Reprieve for pensioners
A LAST minute reprieve has been given to pensioners who faced massive charges for using a Rubery community centre. In last week's Advertiser/Messenger we reported up to seventy elderly folk were looking for another venue after prices for using Rubery
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Come out of your homes
A PARISH clerk has urged residents on a Worcester estate to put their money where their mouth is and air their grievances at a public meeting. Les Bishop, of Warndon Parish Council, said the open meeting on Monday, April 23, was a high priority in light
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DINERS FLEE PUB FLAMES
DINERS were forced to flee from a pub near Worcester as fire swept through the kitchen roof. Staff at The Swan, in Martin Hussingtree, tried to fight the blaze before being driven out. Within seconds, flames tore through the 40ft-long roof, sending smoke
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Have you seen missing Ashley?
A TEENAGER missing from his Worcester home for more than a week had suffered recent personal problems and may have left the area, city police revealed today. Officers investigating the disappearance of Ashley Stewart are following several lines of inquiry
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Tackling litter louts
THREE city councillors intend to roll up their sleeves and pick up litter in southern Worcester this weekend. Independents Coun Mike Layland, Mike Francis and Stan Knowles have pencilled this Sunday in their diaries as a likely date for cleaning up a
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Park-and-ride's first day sparks jubilation
TRANSPORT strategists were in jubilant mood today after having recorded hundreds of people using Worcester's northern park-and-ride. The scheme is a county council one, but County Hall has sub-contracted the site management to Worcester City Council.
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Chris saddles up for cancer cash
A RETIRED teacher has pledged to help find the cure for cancer by cycling nearly a 1,000 miles across the country. Chris Dring saw two close friends die from the disease and, with a life-long desire to travel, jumped in the saddle to prepare for the long
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And finally... Retirement of the caring consultant
A CONSULTANT who helped establish cancer services at Worcester Royal Infirmary is retiring after nearly 19 years at the Castle Street site. Colleagues and patients met at the Fownes Hotel to celebrate the retirement of John Mould, who is stepping down
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Man admits harrassing ex-wife
ATTACKS on his former partner in her home put 42-year-old Brian Watters in prison for a month on remand, Kidderminster magistrates have heard. He had forced his way into the woman's home, threatened her, grabbed her by the hair, knocked a telephone out
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Offering shoppers a wider choice
IN response to "Wrong policy on shopping" (Letters, April 4), I am pleased to respond with a very positive view on the future of shopping in Redditch. It is true that Debenhams is a popular department store. That is exactly why Thornfield - owners of
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Pensioners penalised
IT'S good to read a letter from a councillor who is interested in the people he represents "Charges blow to the elderly" (Advertiser, April 4). I would also add to Councillor Wareing's comments the fact that, in many cases, people who have invested in
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Disgusted at another hike
AS a resident of Redditch for 27 years, I must register my disgust at this Labour council for hiking our council tax and rent yet again. How much longer will this state of affairs go on? If I was getting income support, I would not have to pay the council
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Vandals are also to blame
I TOTALLY agree with Mrs M Morley (Letters, April 11) with regards to the ''mess'' in Morton Stanley Park. Having used the park regularly since I was only a toddler myself, I now enjoy taking my 19-month-old son there. As a responsible dog owner and a
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Cash should be spent on signs
WHILE driving from Crabbs Cross to Foxlydiate via Evesham Road and Birchfield Road, a total distance of over three miles, I noticed there seems to be a complete lack of repeat speed restriction signing; a fact not overlooked by our radar gun-wielding
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Heartbreak over animals
MY heart goes out to all those farmers and their families who have lost most of their cattle and sheep during this terrible foot and mouth epidemic. I find it hard to believe that in the 21st century, with all the technology now at their fingertips, the
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Records key to success
YOUR recent report on Studley forming its own local history group was welcome news, for there are many in the village who possess long-hidden memories and memorabilia. The successful establishment of a Studley archive will require input from many primary
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Government should leave us alone
THOSE who have so vociferously criticised Bromsgrove District Council's new concessionary fares scheme fail to appreciate that the new Central Government dictat has effectively doubled the number of qualifying residents entitled to the concession. The
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Time for extra practice
AVONCROFT Cricket Club have arranged an extra net session for Friday April 20 at Bromsgrove School Sports Hall. The junior session (eight-14 years) takes place from 5-6pm, with the adults from 6-7pm. The club are continuing their recruitment drive, so
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Beginners wanted for new Kung-fu club
LIONS Claw Kung-fu kicks off in Bromsgrove next week at the Ryland Centre. The first session is for beginners on Wednesday April 15 between 6.30pm and 8pm. Men, women and children are all welcome to join the action. Admission is £3 for children under
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Young swimmers make a good start to season
BROMSGROVE Swimming Club battled to third place in the first round of this season's diddy league last weekend. The league is the most prestigious tournament for nine to 12-year-old club swimmers, and Bromsgrove made a fighting start to life in Division
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FOOT AND MOUTH BAN SPARKS CANAL ATTACK
THE wife of a lock keeper says she was assaulted when she tried to stop a woman using the canal towpath outside her cottage near Droitwich, put out of bounds by the foot and mouth epidemic. Barbara Troth, from Astwood Lane, Hanbury, was knocked to the
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Pub's kitchen blaze
A BRAVE chef tackled a fire at a pub restaurant near Droitwich. Firefighters were called to The Swan, at Martin Hussingtree, at 5.30pm yesterday when a blaze broke out in the kitchen. A Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade spokesman said: "A chef tackled
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Parking puzzle
COUNCIL officers are baffled by the strange case of the double yellow lines that should not exist. The lines outside the Railway Inn in Station Road, Studley, should never have been painted and Warwickshire County Council officers can find no record of
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Another delay on leisure scheme
PLANS to develop a health and leisure club on the former Megabowl site in Greenlands has been deferred yet again. The scheme has been submitted to Redditch councillors on the planning committee several times now and each time has been deferred for more
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Problem that need never happen
PUTTING muscle where their mouths are, three Worcester city councillors will roll up their sleeves on Sunday and spring-clean a filthy Nunnery Wood footpath. Mike Layland, Mike Francis and Stan Knowles hope they can finish the task in one day. We hope
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Alcester's fine finish
ALCESTER RFC captain Andy Flynn saw his troops finish the season with a flourish at the weekend. Derby day rivals Shipston were beaten 10-6 away from home as Alcester secured five wins from their last eight league matches. The Kings Coughton side were
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Stench of death hangs over farms
A REDDITCH farmer is outraged because 356 cattle carcasses have been left rotting outside his home after they were slaughtered at the weekend. Peter Whittaker, of Stoney Lane Farm, Tutnall, had to have 146 cattle destroyed because they had been in ''dangerous
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CAB hotline for firms hit by outbreak
REDDITCH rural businesses affected by the foot and mouth crisis can get financial advice from an emergency hotline launched by the Citizens Advice Bureau. The Rural Emergency CAB Project will provide free, independent and confidential advice for farmers
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By George!
Dragons beware! For on Saturday, St George himself will be dropping into Redditch for a medieval street market. The fun-packed day will see bird of prey demonstrations and street entertainment including a jester, a town crier and a longbow display. And
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Sporting chance for a lotto cash!
SPORTS and art groups in Alvechurch, Wythall, Beoley and Tardebigge can apply for a National Lottery grant of between £500 and £5,000 to help them reach their goals. Bromsgrove Council's sports development unit is inviting all clubs, organisations and
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Supermarket blow for centre revamp
NO supermarket chains have shown any interest in coming into the Kingfisher Centre to replace Tesco, which left last year. The announcement came during a Town Centre Partnership meeting after centre owners Thornfield quashed rumours another "basket store
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Cash shock hits bypass
FUNDING for the Studley bypass will not be forthcoming from the Government if the A435 remains a trunk road, it has been revealed. A letter from the Government Office for the West Midlands to the West Midlands Local Government Association says because
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Purr-fect boost for cat charity
A GENEROUS Redditch company has given £650 to a Wythall cat charity. The Mable Jenkins Cats' Protection Shelter received a cheque from Halfords, in Washford West, on Thursday. The shelter will be spending the money on building a new pen for cats who do
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Brush up for school hall
YOUNGSTERS at a Redditch school are getting creative with the help of artist David Hart as they strive to liven up their hall. The Year 9 and Year 10 students from St Augustine's High School have produced a painting which will form part of a larger mural
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Pedal plea for project
TOWNSFOLK are being urged to get on their bikes to help push up funds to transform a house in Wythall into a base for homeless young people. A charity bike ride will be held on Sunday, June 10, from Becketts Farm Shop, in Wythall, to Bala, in North Wales
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Fun time for Easter
REDDITCH youngsters had a fun-packed week in the run-up to Easter - and are looking forward to the same this week. About 20 children aged six to 12 joined the fun and games at Arrow Valley Countryside Centre on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and are hoping
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Chipping in for a new school scheme
DROITWICH Spa schoolchildren are being enticed to class with hamburgers and chips - as part of a novel new scheme. Westlands First School, off Farmers Way has teamed up with the McDonald's fast food chain. Pupils who show achievement in citizenship and
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Memorable trip to struggling country
TWO jet-setting town Rotarians have travelled to Africa on a fact-finding mission. The Rotary Club of Droitwich Spa Saltway sent Kevin Styles and Stuart Beardsall to Jinja, in Uganda. Their aim was to investigate the feasibility of their group funding
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Traders urged to have their say
DROITWICH Spa is undergoing a retail health check. Shopkeepers and residents are being asked to outline the town's retail strengths and weaknesses. The check-up aims to identify what people buy and the capacity for retail growth. Wychavon District Council
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OAPs call for an end to mail nightmare
ELDERLY residents who must negotiate three busy roads to post a letter want a new mailbox nearer to home. Wychavon Tenants' Association treasurer Sheila Neary has received complaints from Pridzor Close and Hill End residents. The pensioners, many of whom
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Mural work nears end
THE painstaking process of restoring famous wall and ceiling murals at Hanbury Hall, near Droitwich, is complete. The painted ceiling in the Grand Hall, which depicts the four seasons, has been surveyed, cleaned and restored. The ceiling mural, believed
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£3,500 fine for transport boss
A DROITWICH Spa woman, who is a former company director, has been fined £3,500 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs by magistrates. Ann Gartlan, aged 37, of Enid Blyton Corner, admitted seven offences of aiding and abetting Ivory Plant Hire Ltd, in Wadborough
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Almost ready
WORCESTERSHIRE have spent £10,000 in a bid to get their New Road ground ready for their opening home County Championship match against Sussex next week. Contractors Hewitt Sports Turf, have been re-turfing an area of the outfield which had been heavily
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Eighth spot is aim for United
HEREFORD United are setting their sights on eighth place in the Nationwide Conference, according to Director of Football Graham Turner. The Bulls, who entertain lowly Kingstonian tonight (7.45), have had spirits revived by Saturday's 3-1 win over leaders
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Cup milestone!
IT'S a big day for Worcester City Football Club tomorrow when we take on Crawley Town in the first leg of the Dr Martens League Cup final. It has been 41 years since we were last in the final, so it is one to look forward to for everybody at the club.
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RM hammer nine-man Virgin
MALVERN RM still lead the Worcester League, Sunday Division Four table after hammering Virgin Sports 10-1. Virgin fielded only nine players but they held Malvern RM to a 1-1 draw at half-time before capitulating after the break when Scott Senter (5),
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Redditch leap of faith
REDDITCH captain Guy Muspratt says his side's return to the Birmingham Senior League will be a leap into the unknown after yet another reshuffle. The old Division Two, which Redditch were relegated from two seasons ago, has been split into Eastern and
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Astwood Bank on promotion
ASTWOOD Bank want to continue their upward climb through the Worcestershire Clubs League but could see their season hit by the foot and mouth crisis. The Sambourne Lane side were promoted from Division Three last season after switching from the Warwickshire
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Great Alne on the mend
GREAT Alne captain Craig Millard is preparing for a trying season after a number of first team changes. The villagers were one of four sides dropped from the Cotswold Hills League Division One to Division Two as part of a league reshuffle. And batsman
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Studley hope
STUDLEY are bidding to go one better this year after missing out on promotion at the final hurdle last summer. The Washford Fields side came within an ace of promotion to the Birmingham Senior League Division One, losing out on the final day. And captain
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El-will boost Wythall
WYTHALL captain Martin Priest is hoping all-rounder Matthew Elwell can repeat last season's heroics and boost his side's title bid. Elwell was one of five Midland Combined Counties Conference Players of the Year last season after the wicketkeeper scored
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18/4/01 - Bichel hits out well in defeat
PACE star Andy Bichel showed his value with the bat during yesterday's friendly against Glamorgan at Kidderminster. The 30-year-old Australian cracked 33 but it was not enough to prevent the County slipping to a four-run defeat. It was Worcestershire's
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Six-month run for comedies
Stratford's Royal Shakespeare Theatre is staging a production of Twelfth Night which began a six-month run on Friday. And tomorrow sees the start of a second long-running production, William Wycherley's Love in a Wood at Swan Theatre. Guy Henry, who has
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Junior football scores and scorers
PENLEY Royals U12s 2 Hanbury U12s 1. This was a tough game on a heavy pitch. Hanbury should have been at least four up at half time but went in 1-0 up with a goal from Mick Bolton. Penley came out fighting in the second half to score two goals and win
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New drive over teen sex advice
HEALTH chiefs have unveiled plans to tackle above-average teenage pregnancy rates in three Redditch wards. The campaign is part of a 10-year strategy which has been given the go-ahead by Worcestershire Health Authority and the county council. Youngsters
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Ideal award
A DROITWICH Spa firm has won the coveted Inspiration Award at the Daily Mail Ideal Home Show. Powex, based in Doverdale, beat off stiff competition from more than 650 exhibitors. The Powex is a lightweight, hand held device. It's 16 inches long and forces
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Cut above
RUBERY folk have no excuse for having an untidy mop - the village has a new coiffeur. Damian Brunt has opened DJs Hair and Beauty salon, in New Road, and he says the venture is proving a success. The shop opened on Friday March 30 and services include
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New insurance for high value homes
AN insurance broker with an office in Droitwich Spa has launched a new service for people with high value homes. Clarke Roxburgh, in St Andrew's Street, now has a country mansion and prestigious homes division. The department will provide a high level
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Julia scoops business manager's role
A DROITWICH Spa-born woman has scooped the role of business development manager with a tour operator. Julia Roberts is now employed by Stena Line Holidays. The 32-year-old will have to find high quality, value for money hotels for Stena Line Holidays
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18/4/01 - Eighth spot is aim for United
HEREFORD United are setting their sights on eighth place in the Nationwide Conference, according to Director of Football Graham Turner. The Bulls, who entertain lowly Kingstonian tonight (7.45), have had spirits revived by Saturday's 3-1 win over leaders
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18/4/01 - Final success would be long overdue
WORCESTER City are looking to erase 61 years of hurt when they tackle Crawley Town in the final of the Dr Martens League Cup. You have to go back to 1939-40, in the early days of the Second World War, to find the only previous occasion that City have
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A491 deaths spark plea
A DOUBLE tragedy on the notorious A491 near Bromsgrove has led to renewed calls for safety improvements to end the 'carnage' -- a month before a public inquiry into a proposed scheme. A motorcyclist and his pillion passenger were killed after the bike
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Road could become Bromsgrove Village
A NEGLECTED part of town could be renamed Bromsgrove Village to give it an identity of its own after a massive revamp which was set to begin yesterday. Commissioned by Broms-grove District Council at a cost of £270,000, the changes to Worcester Road were
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Dracula
TORY Councillor Stephen Clee says (You Say, April 5) that this vampire Government sucks people dry. Isn't he forgetting that lots of people have very little "blood" to be sucked, and need a transfusion from the wealthy? GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
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Where's the bus?
I AM writing to say how angry I am with the bus service along Windermere Drive. This morning I decided to take my grandson to town. We arrived at the bus stop at 10.15am and waited and waited - no bus. There were plenty about - I counted eight turn up
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Satisfied customer
HAVING read the article in your paper (Evening News, April 3) about Cedar Ward, Newtown Hospital, I would like to say that I spent a fortnight there in June. I also spent 10 days there after finishing my medication at Ronkswood Hospital. I found everything
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It's time to choose
THE continuing consultation which Central Government requires us to undertake concerning the way in which Worcester City Council is to operate in future quotes the three statutory options available. Confusion is reported to have arisen, and I have been
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Major polluters
WELL, it just goes to show how infatuated Julian Thake has become with the Americans (You Say, April 7). So much so that he had the nerve to accuse the Rev D G Griffin and myself of making petty prejudices and empty accusations. He also claimed that after
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... more holes
TRAMPING the pavements of most UK cities and towns I have made a note of the state and condition of paths, kerbs and pedestrian areas. Worcester City certainly displays the greatest variety of materials - bricks, slabs, "pavers" and cement of all colours
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New faces in Duffy's line-up
BROMSGROVE'S First XI has a new look about them for the first friendly game when they take on local rivals Barnt Green at Cherry Hill Road. The side consists of eight front line batsmen and eight bowlers, offering new captain Paul Duffy plenty of options
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18/4/01 - Cup milestone!
IT'S a big day for Worcester City Football Club tomorrow when we take on Crawley Town in the first leg of the Dr Martens League Cup final. It has been 41 years since we were last in the final, so it is one to look forward to for everybody at the club.
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Kids' wonder wall
WOODROW youngsters put their artist caps on and painted a mural at their local library last month. More than 20 children, aged from 10 to 14, helped paint the shutters of Woodrow Library after weeks of painstaking planning work with a professional artist
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Police voice shutter fears
POLICE have expressed concern the use of shop window shutters in the town centre could increase people's fear of crime. Police were asked for their views on shutters across shop windows during a town centre partnership meeting. Sgt Roger Thatcher, of
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Drivers fail to heed the signs
UP to 40 unauthorised vehicles an hour are using a town centre road which has been closed for five months, it has been revealed. Church Green West has been closed to traffic to allow for a temporary bus station to operate for 18 months. It was shut while
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Theft of hardware
HUNDREDS of pounds worth of various gardening equipment and power tools were taken during a burglary at a garage of a house in Evesham Road between 11pm last Thursday and 10.30am the following day. Items taken include a lawnmower, garden chairs and power
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People to have say on police
REDDITCH folk are being offered a chance to have their say in the future of policing through a West Mercia Police booklet which the force hopes will prompt feedback. The performance plan summary sets out policing targets within the area during the next
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Band's big book launch
THE long-awaited book chronicling the first hundred years of Alcester Victoria Silver Band was finally unveiled at the town hall on Thursday. Editor Nigel Kift signed a limited number of copies of the book, which is now on sale at Guy's Menswear, High
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Site nets a good deal
WHEN an Alcester businessman signed up for a website building course, little did he know it would result in an impressive upturn in business and a contract from Kuwait worth up to £15,000. Paul Moss runs Dental Recruitment Agency Ltd with his wife, Sue
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Hopes for a heart starter
A TOWN councillor has asked that consideration be given to raising the money to buy a mobile defibrillator for Alcester. At a town council meeting, Councillor Jim Kenyon suggested this would be a piece of medical equipment the town could really benefit
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Cash plea to companies
THE possibility of getting more CCTV facilities to keep a watchful eye over Alcester is looking more likely after an offer made by a generous member of the public - but help is being called on from town businesses. The town council recently wrote to Stratford
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From the Alcester Chronicle archives
April 18, 1975 LORD Hertford, of Ragley Hall, Alcester, is leaving his English country garden to promote the stately homes of England to our American cousins. On a 17-day whistle-stop tour of Canada and America, he will attempt to breathe some life back
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Easter parade
TOWN dignitaries and residents took to the streets on Monday to celebrate the joys of Easter. The event, organised by Alcester Churches Together, held something to amuse people of all ages. There was a variety of dancing displays, music to suit many tastes
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Perry completes victory Malvern A 6 Droitwich A 23
DROITWICH opened the scoring after 20 minutes when winger Leon Hopkins smartly rounded off good work by the three quarters. Matt Blackmore added a penalty soon afterwards. Good driving play by the backrow again allowed the backs to stretch the opposition
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This 'little' council will cost us a lot
REFERENCE the letter from the Alvechurch Parish Council clerk regarding the benefits Lickey End may expect from such a council. This is from a council levying the highest charge out of the 19 in the Bromsgrove area (£30.78 for an average Band D property
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Lack of information
I WAS disturbed at the lack of information given in the document Your Future, Your County Council. There was no mention of the costs associated with each option, nor was there any indication of the increase of full time salaried staff that each option
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Arrow Vale Singers
THE singers recently performed their first concert of the year with a variety of songs under the watchful eye of musical director John Clark. A duet sung by Elaine Benson and Val Burroughes and two lovely piano solos by Stephen Watkins, the choir's pianist
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Inner Wheel Club of Alcester
INNER Wheel Day on January 10 saw members visit Westholme Court, a sheltered housing complex, for lunch. Money collected was given to the local Home Farm Trust for much needed water equipment. On St David's Day, March 1, president Caroline James held
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Solihull & District Orchid Society
ON Saturday, March 24, the society put on a display at Hinckley Orchid Show. More than 40 plants were provided by members. Winners of rosettes were Jack Woolman with his Cymbidium and Ron Cook with his species Phalaenopsis Stuartiana and his Phalaenopsis-scented
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Studley Women's Country Club
AT the meeting on March 29, Pauline Wesley welcomed members, Carol Smith read the minutes and future business was discussed. Pauline then welcomed David Edmunds, speaker for the evening. Mr Edmunds, from Pershore Horticulture College, used slides to tell
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Weatheroak Group of WIs
Christine Thomas, vice-president of Hollywood WI, welcomed everyone to the 30th anniversary spring meeting. A birthday cake, made by Sheila Jennings, was cut by Jackie Gregory, group adviser, and enjoyed by all. The speaker was Marion Canning on An Unusual
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Road blocked after accident
A WOMAN had to be taken to hospital after the scooter she was riding was in collision with a red Peugeot 309 at Greenhill, Evesham, on Tuesday. One lane of the road was blocked for an hour after the accident, which happened at 3.25pm. The woman was released
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Violence flares over path ban
THE wife of a lock keeper claims she was assaulted when she tried to stop a woman using the canal towpath outside her cottage near Bromsgrove, put out of bounds by the foot and mouth epidemic. Barbara Troth, from Astwood Lane, Hanbury, was knocked to
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Boy excluded from town shops
A TEENAGER from Bromsgrove is the first person to be excluded from entering all town centre shops under a new scheme aimed at cracking down on persistent offenders and trouble makers. The 15-year-old boy was told last week he is barred for a year under
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Safety fear over planned mobile phone tower
RESIDENTS living near the Victoria Ground, in Bromsgrove, fear for their safety if an application to erect a 60-foot tall tower carrying mobile phone dishes goes ahead. Garth Hughes, from Victoria Road, said letters pointing out the possible dangers from
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50 years ago
April 21, 1951 A WELL-known figure in local Masonic circles, Mr Fred Blakey, of Abbey Road, Redditch, died at his home on Friday after several weeks' illness. Mr Blakey had been a Freemason for about 25 years and was a past master of the Seymour Lodge
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Teenagers targeted in bid to cut pregnancy rate
TEENAGERS in Charford have been targeted to receive advice and support on sexual health in a three-year action plan to reduce pregnancies. Charford has a rate of teenage conceptions which is more than double the county average at 82.51 per 1,000 girls
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25 years ago
April 16, 1976 THE derelict needle factory crumbling to pieces beside the Palace Theatre will soon spoil the view no more. Come September, renovation work on the red-brick eyesore should be well under way, blending the building with the rest of the theatre
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Armed raid at Little Chef
A MASKED armed robber made off with takings from a Belbroughton restaurant after threatening staff with what they believe was a handgun. The man targeted the A491-based Little Chef at around 8.30pm last Wednesday. He escaped with £800 after forcing workers
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Man denies assault
A BROMSGROVE man accused of assault has had his case adjourned by magistrates. Robert Hatton, of Rock Hill, denies committing the offence on Friday April 6. The 46-year-old appeared before Droitwich Spa magistrates last Thursday and was granted conditional
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Labour leader urged to resign
JUST hours after appearing in court where he was fined £500 for obtaining information illegally and using it for political purposes, the district council's opposition leader was urged to resign. Bromsgrove District Council leader Cllr Nick Psirides (Con
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Foot and mouth keeps French visitors away
A PARTY of French visitors who were set to visit Bromsgrove next month have decided not to come because of the foot and mouth epidemic. The group of between 35 and 40 are from Saint Sauveur Lendelin, in Normandy, which has a friendship link with Bromsgrove
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Hogshead pub opens its doors
THE new pub in Bromsgrove opens tonight with a week's free sampling of a range of food and drink. One of the town centre's most distinctive buildings, The Gables, which dates back to Victorian times, has been transformed into the Hogshead pub in a £1m
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Avoncroft volunteer plea
IF you are interested in history and have a few hours to spare, then a Stoke Heath tourist attraction needs you. Avoncroft Museum, which houses a fascinating world of historic buildings covering seven centuries, needs extra members to sign up for its
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Lorry catches fire on motorway
A LORRY carrying 24 tonnes of railway sleepers treated with oil caught fire on the motorway near Frankley. The driver pulled over onto the hard shoulder of the M5 between junctions 4 and 3 of the northbound carriageway after another motorist flashed his
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BOBBIES GET TICKET TO RIDE
UNIFORMED bobbies will be swapping their police cars for public transport as part of a major operation to stamp out assaults on bus drivers in Redditch. There has been a recent spate of attacks on First Midland Red drivers, which has left them fearing
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Pensioner injured in 'road rage'
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 71-year-old man suffered bruising and his car was damaged in a road rage-type incident at about 5pm last Wednesday. An alleged altercation involving two vehicles, one a green Nissan Sunny, happened in Greenfields
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Fresh hopes on job figures
THE number of unemployed people in Worcestershire is set to drop, according to a survey by a recruitment and training specialist. The Manpower survey of job prospects shows businesses in the West Midlands expect to take on more staff in the second quarter
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Charity walk is postponed
A CHARITY walk for the British Epilepsy Association has fallen victim to foot-and-mouth disease. Pershore woman, Alison Jackson, had arranged the walk for the start of National Epilepsy week on Sunday, May 20, but has now put it back to September. "It
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County MPs in recess
PRIME Minister Tony Blair said that Ministers should be seen to be visiting the countryside during the Easter recess. Employment Minister Tessa Jowell visited Witley Court in Worcestershire over the weekend, but most of Worcestershire's MPs said they
