Archive
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Call for action
THE family of an Evesham motorist killed when his car went out of control is calling for road and signage improvements. David Meddings was driving to work along Worcester Road when the accident happened in the early hours on Saturday, January 20. His
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Woman heard cries
A WOMAN has told a jury how she saw a ponytailed man fleeing from a park opposite her home after hearing a rape victim "groaning and sobbing". Jennifer Smith, whose bedroom overlooks Gheluvelt Park in Barbourne, Worcester, was woken from her sleep by
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A 'black day' for town's bus users
FREE bus travel in the town for pensioners and disabled residents has been axed. Droitwich Spa Town Council has been unable to strike a deal to renew free passes with First Midland Red. But public transport users will be able to travel across Worcestershire
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Artist exhibits in theatrical proportions
A RIOTOUS array of ceramics and coloured paintings are currently on display at Worcester Swan Theatre. Art teacher Diana Wake, the artist responsible for the exhibits, also produces painted silks. Visitors to the Swan can view her bold coloured paintings
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Arson attack meeting
TENANTS from a Droitwich block of flats were due to host a meeting tonight after their homes were damaged in an arson attack. None of the residents was injured after the blaze broke out at Charland Court, in Shepherds Way, on Monday, May 7, but 11 people
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And finally... Animals benefit in £780,000 will
A MALVERN woman who had her cat buried in a hand-made, oak veneer, fully-lined coffin, has left the bulk of her £780,000 estate to animal charities. Margaret Joan Large passed away on August 21 last year, aged 77. The animal-loving recluse, who had buried
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General Election news - Worcester
Coming soon - full general election coverage from the Worcester Evening News team.
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Found dead in bed
A MAN found dead in bed by his housemate was believed to be an occasional heroin user, an inquest heard. Philip Piilberg, of Leswell Lane, Kidderminster, died at the house he shared with Steven Pritchard. Worcestershire Coroner Victor Round said Mr Piilberg
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Funding is a complicated issue
FUNDING for the Studley bypass is a complicated issue, so I can understand why my statement (Advertiser, April 18: "Cash shock hits bypass") was misunderstood by Alan Harrison of the Western Bypass Action Group. My comments referred to the letter quoted
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Take unwanted traffic from all communities
IMPLICATIONS made by Alan Harrison of the A435 Studley Western Bypass Action Group need to be answered. l Option 2 is not the same as the original preferred route for the Studley bypass. Unlike the original preferred route, Option 2 is at grade for much
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Trust is responsible landowner
IN response to the article "Residents call for end to flood misery" (Alcester Chronicle, April 11) I felt I should re-assure readers the Woodland Trust is a responsible landowner. We are not ignoring the flooding at Great Alne and sympathise with residents
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County Election news
Coming soon - full county election coverage from the Worcester Evening News team.
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General Election news - Worcestershire West
Coming soon - full general election coverage from your Malvern Gazette news team.
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Black belt glory for Austin
HE'S a martial arts master -- and it's official! That's Droitwich judo ace Austin Fitzgerald, who has been awarded his first Dan, meaning he is now a master in the martial art. The 37-year-old, who runs Rubery Judo Club at Rubery Community Centre with
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Tennis
MYLES O'Meally from Bromsgrove Tennis Club was a member of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire winning team in Division Five of the LTA's National Inter-County under-13 competition held last weekend in Yorkshire. O'Meally from Redditch, who plays at
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Angling
A PRIZE-WINNING fishing competition is being organised in aid of the Finstall-based Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre. The event is due to take place at Stoke Prior-based Astwood Fisheries on Saturday June 2. Entrance fee is £20. The competition
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Charity box stolen again
ANOTHER collection box has been stolen from a Droitwich Spa charity shop. Two collection tins have been taken from the St Richard's Hospice shop, in Gurneys Lane, since January. The latest theft was on Friday May 4. Luckily for the Worcester hospice,
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Thumbs up for council
NEW figures have revealed just how satisfied residents are with Redditch Council - most giving the authority the thumbs-up. Of 1,700 returned questionnaires, 65 per cent showed townsfolk were satisfied with the overall way the council ran things. The
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A plethora of county mayors...or not?
LAST night, the 361st Mayor of the City of Worcester was elected. According to the Evening News' local authority reporter, all went safely through and David Clark was duly installed. There was a flurry of controversy regarding the nomination of Cabinet
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Free childcare course on offer
PEOPLE in Bromsgrove considering a career in childcare have the opportunity to attend a free course. NEW College, which has a campus in Blackwood Road, Bromsgrove, is running the classes which cover working in education and childcare with youngsters aged
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Centre's pledge to hospice
FOLLOWING the success of the Primrose Hospice Tree of Light, situated in the Kingfisher Centre last Christmas, the centre's management has adopted the charity for 2001. As part of Wear Yellow 2001, a national event organised by Help the Hospice, a number
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Gate clues plea
A Wythall vicar is appealing to anyone who might know the relatives of Gertrude Griffiths, who died in 1974. The Rev Peter Thomson needs to find her relatives because St Mary's Church memorial gates, which she donated, have been taken down as they are
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Paul's chain reaction
IT'S second time around for parish councillor Paul Beaman after he was voted in as the new Studley parish council chairman. Mr Beaman, who has sat on the council for 10 years and is chairman of the Studley Village Hall management committee, has held the
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Garden lovers to go west
WYTHALL gardeners will be looking forward to a trip down to Cornwall in the spring bank holiday. A coach load of around 50 garden lovers will be heading down to Newquay on May 28 to see as many gardens as they can as well as the newly opened Eden Project
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Special stop for Playbus
A NOVEL information and play day for parents and children alike will take place in Redditch on Friday when Worcestershire County Council's Children's Information Service brings a Playbus to the Civic Square outside Redditch Town Hall. Children who come
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Scheme to extinguish fire risks
COMMERCIAL premises in Redditch are to be targeted in an awareness campaign after a severe blaze at a town supermarket. The fire brigade launched the project after hundreds of thousands of pounds damage was caused in the latest fire at Kwik Save in Woodrow
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Residents air views on plan
MORE than 700 residents in Smallwood, Lodge Park and St George's have been invited to view plans for a multi-million pound mixed development in Redditch. The project, on the former Alcad site, will include a mosque, shops, houses and a new B&Q store
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Fire as storm strikes aerial
REDDITCH firefighters were called to a Walkwood home on Sunday after lightning struck an external aerial. The bolt set fire to wiring and scorched an area of carpet at the Newport Close property. Leading firefighter Roger Underhill said: "It is extremely
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Calls over buses plan
PLANS to provide a bus bay in Easemore Road as part of alterations to Abbey High School under the Redditch Review have led to a backlash from residents. Calls are being made for a bus entrance to the school from the roundabout at the back of Lidl and
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Store manager dies
TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Redditch man who died on Sunday, May 6. Roger Banner, from Southcrest, manager of Jazz clothing in Redditch for 18 years, leaves a wife, Carol, son Ashley and daughter Davina. Mr Banner, who was 47, joined Heaphys
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Traders go for moving celebration
REDDITCH traders have held a party to celebrate the successful move of the market to Market Place. The party was held at Valley Stadium and featured prestigious guests including national president of the Market Traders Federation, Mimi Riuington and treasurer
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Tony's hair-raising stunt for charity
A REDDITCH man has shaved his head for the County Air Ambulance appeal. Tony Flye, 46, from Winyates West, shaved his head at the Red Lion Pub, in Hunt End, and raised more than £1,700. About 40 people crammed into the pub to watch the sponsored head-shave
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Magic McKeon Fairfield Villa (0) 1 Handsaker (0) 0 Midland Combination Division One
FAIRFIELD entertained second placed Handsaker and, after a run of four successive defeats, Villa turned the tide with a 1-0 victory. The game started in very hot conditions and it was the home side who did the early pressing. The visitors had to thank
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All the latest junior football in your No.1 paper
CALLOWBROOK Swifts U8s 3 Kingfisher Colts U8s 0. Another solid performance by Swifts with Karl Humphreys scoring his first goal for the club from a very persistent run. Leon Curtis added to the scoreline from a first time shot into the corner. A great
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Stars sought for hills film
AN independent movie-maker is looking for stars of the future to appear in an feature-length action movie set in and around Malvern. Entitled The Beacon, the ultra low- budget film tells the story of a young woman who goes from working in an office to
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Sausage-maker caused suffering to lambs
AN award-winning sausage-maker who left a lamb with a broken leg tangled up in brambles for days has been ordered to pay £4,000 by magistrates. Trading standards officers found the animal with a bone sticking out of its leg on Alan Dobson's land at Suckley
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Man hurled onto line at Spa station
A MAN suffered injuries to his head and face after being pushed onto the railway line at Droitwich Train Station. Town bobbies and the British Transport Police have teamed up to find the attacker. The assault on the middle-aged victim occurred between
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Arson victims call meeting
ANGRY families whose flats have been plagued by arsonists will voice their concerns at a meeting tonight. Charland Court resident Louise Jefferies has organised the gathering at Westlands Community Hall, off Farmers Way. She wants Spa Housing Association
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Teenagers are feeling fired up
FIREFIGHTERS of the future proudly completed the first section of their basic training in front of friends and family on Saturday. A passing out parade was held at the town's fire station, off Saltway, for Young Firefighter Association (YFA) members.
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OAP's rates case back in court
A BATTLING Spa OAP who refuses to pay her business rates has appeared in court again. Sprightly Nellie Copson, of High Street, was hauled before Droitwich Magistrates' Court on Monday afternoon. The 82-year-old arrived with her suitcase, ready to be jailed
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£7,500 plan to create heritage site
TOURISM in Droitwich Spa could receive a boost if ambitious plans to enhance the town's unique salt history go ahead. Wychavon District Council's community safety partnership members were yesterday set to consider creating a brine heritage site, in Tower
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Go-ahead for link up
THE proposed link up of the town's housing association with a similar organisation has been given the green light. Spa Housing Association, in Queen Street, could merge with Elgar Housing Association, as members of a newly formed group. Each organisation
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Ben considers Sixways offer
BEN Clarke has emerged as one of the favourites to take over from Adrian Skeggs at Worcester Rugby Club. The 33-year-old former England player is out of contract at Bath in the summer, and he is believed to be considering an offer of a player-coach role
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Beechey called up for World Cup test
WORCESTER oarsman Matthew Beechey has received another Great Britain call-up. The 24-year-old will be rowing in the lightweight coxless fours and pairs in the World Cup series, to be held in Seville, Vienna and Munich over the next two months. He raced
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Hereford in mood for Middlesex
NEW Zealander Andre Adams turned in a man-of-the-match performance in Herefordshire's five-wicket Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy second round victory over Gloucester Cricket Board at Brockhampton yesterday. He took two catches, was involved in a run
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Swifts' title bid boosted
THIRD placed Barwell boosted Stourport Swifts' title ambitions after holding leaders Rushall Olympic to a 1-1 draw last night. The result leaves the Midland Football Alliance on a knife-edge but wins for Swifts in their remaining two games would guarantee
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French third for Sixways' girls
FOUR members of Worcester Rugby Club's ladies team helped England to third place at the European Championships following a 34-26 victory over France. Centre Karen Andrew, hooker Nicola Goodwin, number eight Jaine Lock and flanker Alex Pilkington all played
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RGS warm up for national regatta with double victory
ROYAL Grammar School's rowing squad had another highly successful day's racing at Shrewsbury, with the promising J16 squad leading the way. The eight, who are hoping to compete in the National Schools Regatta in two weeks' time, contested three races
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Hewell glory!
Some impressive bowling from Hewell pair Mark Allcock and Alan Smith proved too hot to handle for hosts Cookhill in Division Six of the Worcestershire County League. The visitors put Cookhill into bat and they managed just 75. Smith, a new recruit to
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Twyning contest hit by weather
ALCESTER & Ragley's Saturday home game was switched to Sunday at Twyning because of the continuing foot and mouth problems at Ragley Park. Then, instead of playing on a perfect day, the game was stopped by a downpour after Twyning, batting first,
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Bank hit the top
ASTWOOD Bank climbed to the top of Worcestershire County League Division Two following their eight-wicket victory at Belbroughton. The Bank reached 101-2 after the home side were all out for 100. n Alvechurch & Hopwood took the honours in Division
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Cricket fixtures
(2pm start unless stated) Saturday, May 19 BIRMINGHAM LEAGUE DIVISION 2 WEST Penkridge v REDDITCH 1pm WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE DIVISION TWO ASTWOOD BANK v Brockhampton DIVISION THREE Martley v ALVECHURCH & HOPWOOD DIVISION SIX Knighton-on-Teme
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Watchdog turns spotlight on Alex
MYSTERY "customers" will be targeting the Alexandra Hospital over the next few weeks to investigate and assess the service they receive. Worcestershire NHS Acute Hospitals Trust, which runs the Alexandra, has called for members of Redditch and Bromsgrove
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Play fund is near its goal
A £35,000 target to create a playground for youngsters at the Alexandra Hospital is just £1,500 short of being reached following a large cash injection. The project, which has been set up by the hospital's league of friends, aims to provide a playground
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Women shun A&E sex pill
THE number of women who visit the Alexandra Hospital's accident and emergency department for post-coital contraception has dropped 25 per cent in the last four months, it has been revealed. The news comes after the emergency contraception, known as the
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16/5/01 - French third for Sixways' girls
FOUR members of Worcester Rugby Club's ladies team helped England to third place at the European Championships following a 34-26 victory over France. Centre Karen Andrew, hooker Nicola Goodwin, number eight Jaine Lock and flanker Alex Pilkington all played
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Red tape hiccup for Labour's man
LABOUR'S General Election campaign came up against red tape this week when officials were told they were banned from using a folding table in Bromsgrove High Street when handing out leaflets. Labour candidate Peter McDonald's agent, Sean Shannon, received
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Vote for my mum
BROMSGROVE Tories officially launched their General Election bandwagon on Monday with a little help from Angus, their candidate's seven-month-old son. Sporting a "Vote for Mummy" T-shirt, he appeared to be eager to get on with the campaign when he posed
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The naked truth on charity strip
A DARING group of lads are set to bare all -- well almost -- at a Bromsgrove club next Saturday to raise cash for a cancer charity which is close to their hearts. The regulars at Bromsgrove Labour Club, in Worcester Road, have agreed to perform The Almost
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Building under review
A BUILDING consultancy monitoring construction in Droitwich Spa has undergone an in-depth review by Government officials. The Wychavon District Council service has been awarded one star following the inspection. This means the service is of a fair standard
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What's on guide
Thursday May 17 l Children: Tom's Midnight Garden, Festival Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern. Until Saturday. l Tribute, Viva Santana, Robin Hood, Merry Hill, Brierley Hill. l Music: Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies, Huntingdon Hall, Corwngate, Worcester, 8pm
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Another win lifts Alcester on top
ALCESTER'S Northfield League bowls squad continued their good run when they turned in another 100 per cent performance at home against Richmond. With eight winners out of eight and a maximum ten league points Richmond were sent packing with a massive
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Arrows blunted by late onslaught
In scorching conditions a greatly depleted Arrows squad made the long trip north to take on experienced Gateshead Senators only to see a gallant effort fail with a 20-0 defeat. The Arrows were missing nine of their regular players for what was their opening
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Matt's my boy!
WELSH snooker ace Matthew Stevens was on cue at the Redditch Liberal Club at the weekend. Last year's Embassy World Championship semi-finalist was special guest at Redditch Snooker League's presentation night and he is pictured with match secretary Keith
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Rocket call
EIGHT Redditch Rockets stars have been called up for Nations Cup duty with the British skater hockey side. Player-coach Stephen Bruce, Stuart Cross and Steve Wheale have had call-ups for the senior men with Vicky Thomas and Sarah Bloor winning places
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Ollie pedals to a double
REDDITCH Road & Path Riders competed in a 10-mile time trial on the Dunnington course. In spite of strong head winds, Ollie Braithwaite came home in 26.08, with Dave Brearley recording 29.08 and Len Stockall 30.24. Attention the switched to the 14.1
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School figures ready for study
A DOCUMENT outlining the anticipated number of places at Alvechurch and Wythall schools over the next five years has gone out to consultation. The Worcestershire School Organisation Plan 2001-2006 is a rolling plan which will be reviewed and updated annually
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What good sports!
A COVETED mark of sporting excellence has been awarded to two Redditch schools by Sport England. Staff and pupils at Arrow Vale Community High School, in Matchborough West, and St Bede's RC Middle School, in Lakeside, both received the accolade. The awards
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Medal winner to visit
A MEMBER of the team which represented Great Britain at the Sydney Paralympic Games in October will visit Arrow Vale Community High School on Friday. Guest speaker Deborah Brennan, national record holder at 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m for wheelchair athletes
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General Election news - Worcestershire Mid
Coming soon - full general election coverage from your award-winning Journal news team.
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A sweet mix
MARTIN Stephenson and his 80s band The Daintees are gigging at Frankley's Old Chapel this Friday. It promises to boast the sounds he is well known for -- the rockabilly, the show tunes, straight ahead rock, full tilt punk and his glorious manic live show
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Am I a racist?
I DIDN'T realise, as Brian Hunt says (You Say, April 30) that there are as many as 72 Scottish MPs in The House of Commons. Surely this is a disproportionate amount - or am I now being "racist"? GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
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A cartload of monkeys
LABOUR is now so confident of winning the General Election that Robin Cook has now announced that if they win they will take us further into a federal Europe. That means that Blair will be able to use the excuse that there is no need for a referendum
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Another broadside
I DO not see the logic in John Hinton's remark that our one frigate in service has equal firepower to the whole Grand Fleet at Jutland. Any potential enemy today will also have modern-style firepower. Furthermore, one lone frigate can only be in one place
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Helping animals
RECENTLY, I was honoured to present a petition of 10,000 signatures of protest to the Ministry of Defence on behalf of the animals who are being senselessly killed by the Government. The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) has been exposing the Ministry
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Hook, line, sinker
SURELY the statement of the month must be in J Ratcliffe's letter of Tuesday, May 8, stating that Labour has not increased fuel tax. Gordon Brown carried out his threat to hit car drivers by increasing tax by a staggering total of 60p per gallon over
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Verdict of the countryside
I AM afraid Miss Anita Knittel is mistaken (Evening News, May 1) when she claimed that the majority of people living in the countryside support a ban on hunting. Her suggestion does not in anyway resemble the real facts about hunting, the countryside
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Making a mockery of children's education
THE fact that we are reduced to collecting tokens from crisps packets to pay for school textbooks and maths equipment is a sign of how little value those in power in this country place on education. Now we learn that Westlands First School has introduced
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Swim kids just get better and better
BROMSGROVE Swimming Club came within a whisker of winning round two of this season's diddy league, the most prestigious tournament for nine to 12-year-old club swimmers. In a tight contest at Cheslyn Hay on Saturday, they were always in contention to
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Candidates hit campaign trail
THE General Election campaign in Redditch has started in earnest as candidates get out and about to win the hearts and minds of voters before they go to the polls on June 7. Closing date for nominations is May 22 but so far the Labour, Conservative, Liberal
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Mike Ashall - Liberal Democrat
THE Liberal Democrats are fielding Mike Ashall as their prospective Parliamentary candidate for Redditch. Born in Dudley, the father of three has lived in Headless Cross for 22 years and has stood as a candidate in both borough and county elections since
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Big gun visits
Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Andrew Mackay was in Redditch last Tuesday to help launch the election campaign of Tory Karen Lumley. Mr Mackay, along with his wife, Bromsgrove Tory candidate Julie Kirkbride, delivered 10,000 leaflets to Redditch homes
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Bus patrols stepped up
A POLICE operation to stamp out attacks on Redditch bus drivers is to be stepped up after an incident occurred for the first time since it was launched. Uniformed and undercover police officers have been travelling on the buses since April after a spate
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Late goal secures cup final triumph
A CLOSE range strike in the 80th minute by substitute forward Michael Campbell sealed the Smedley Crooke Cup for Alvechurch. Mick Preece's side were up against surprise finalists Burman Hi-Ton, from two divisions below in the Midland Combination in the
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League leaders denied
HEADLESS Cross Ladies drew 1-1 with league leaders West Bromwich Albion on Friday in what turned out to be a very exciting game. West Brom needed just four points from their final four games to seal the title but it was Cross who edged the first half
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Football fixtures
Wednesday, May 16 MIDLAND FOOTBALL COMBINATION PREMIER DIVISION ALVECHUCH v Nuneaton Griff Meir KA v STUDLEY BKL Both 7.45pm ko Thursday, May 17 MIDLAND FOOTBALL COMBINATION PREMIER DIVISION ALVECHURCH v Sutton Town Romulus v KINGS HEATH Both 7.45pm ko
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Row over precinct 'disgrace'
ALCESTER councillors are calling for something to be done about an area of the town which has been labelled a "disgrace" and "a danger to pedestrians". But the owners of the Hopkins Precinct site, Alcester Properties Ltd, have blamed vandalism by Alcester
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Groups starting search for a site
THE Greig Centre was full to capacity when countless parents, residents and about 200 youngsters gathered as members of the Alcester Scout and Guide Association urged the audience to lend their support. For many years, there have been concerns about the
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History comes home
A beautiful piece of Alcester's history is now back in the hands of its original owners. The town's mayoress/consort chain of office is now back in the hands of Alcester Town Council after it was returned by Stratford District Council. On Wednesday, April
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Sprucing up kids' swings
YOUNGSTERS in Aston Cantlow will now be benefiting from better play facilities - thanks to a grant for thousands of pounds and hard work from a committed group of village volunteers. The playground facilities in the village have been refurbished with
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Groups' joy at cash windfalls
GROUPS from the Alcester area are celebrating after receiving substantial cash windfalls from the National Lottery. Community projects across South Warwickshire have been awarded more than £56,000 in the third round of the lottery's Awards for All scheme
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Racing to join the fight
THREE women from the Arden Forest Veterinary Group in Alcester are gearing up to help in the fight against a devastating illness. Race for Life is a three-mile race, run only by women and girls, and raises money for research into cancer in women. Sue
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Fair event for learners' week
AN Adult Learners' Fair is due to take place at Alcester's Greig Hall on Friday from 9.30am-3pm. The free event is meant to attract adults into learning and celebrate national Adult Learners' Week. Event organiser Sarah Moloney said: "We are looking to
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Ron's new role
COUNCILLOR Ron Leek has been elected as Alcester's new deputy mayor. Mr Leek will be joining new mayor Wendy Weatherhead to help lead the town council for the next year. The two have already worked closely together after Mrs Weatherhead acted as an assistant
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It's time to leave
SURELY it is now time for Pat Bannister and his associates to call it a day and pass over the running of Bromsgrove Rovers to local people who have some pride in the name Bromsgrove. The majority of his staff and players live outside the area and do not
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Why have MPs sat on their hands?
YOUR recent piece on the Spa MP's voting record was excellent journalism, but left me puzzled. Mr Luff said that as a member of the Opposition he has to abstain. Why? I realise he is a Whip and must do as he tells others. However, he seems to reveal why
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Alcester Probus Club
AT the 166th meeting of the club, held at the Swan Hotel on April 26, president Peter Buxton welcomed visitor Mr Bill Humpheys. Three birthdays were celebrated since the last meeting; Jack Bassett, Bob Tugwell and Allan Harrison. After the loyal toast
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Crabbs Cross & Hunt End WI
THE May meeting was held in St Peter's Church Hall with president Hilary Taylor in the chair. The institute has welcomed four new members during the past year and continues to have lively meetings. The June meeting will be a talk and dabble evening when
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Everywoman's Circle
A HAPPY holiday atmosphere welcomed members to the first meeting in April. Holiday memories were shared, seaside rock and delicious ice creams were served, while members listened to nostalgic seaside band music. The speaker at the second meeting was Angela
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Merry Wives of Alcester
AT the Greig Hall on May 8, Alistair McBrayne, from Leamington, presented an extremely interesting and broad selection of exciting white and red wines from around the world for members to taste and enjoy. Alistair shared his enthusiasm and fascinating
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Redditch Photographic Society
ON May 1 the Society held its fourth and last club competition of the year. In the colour print section, John Cummins was first, Maureen Stubbings second and John Kettle third. The colour slide section saw Irene S Matthews first and Robin Jeffs second
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Studley Lunchtime WI
PRESIDENT Christine Dyer welcomed members to the May meeting. The minutes of the April meeting were read and notices given of forthcoming events. There followed a short talk by Lynda Barr, local representative of Fair Trade. She told of this Christian
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50 years ago
May 12, 1951 OLDER residents of Redditch will learn with regret of the death of Mr George Henry Lewis, a member of an old local family, which occurred at his home, Otley Road, Harrogate, on Tuesday. Although he left Redditch more than half a century ago
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25 years ago
May 14, 1976 THE first shop has opened on the corporation's brand new estate, Church Hill. The 2,200 square feet floor space temporary shop has been opened by Martins the Newsagents. Besides a general food store, the shop in Cleeve Close provides a stationery
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'The Bannisters must go'
THE independent Bromsgrove Rovers Supporters' Society has launched a dramatic bid to take over the struggling club following their relegation from the Dr Martens League. The 100-member society, which launched in February, agreed at a meeting last Wednesday
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Pupils are still alive and kicking
IN a recent Memory Lane, I casually suggested there were unlikely to be any pupils of Worcester's former St Nicholas School still alive today. I made this stark statement by inexcusably skimping on research and in the belief that the school closed down
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Salt King with the Midas touch
THIS weekend marks the centenary of the death of John Corbett, the legendary "Salt King" of Droitwich. He was a remarkable Victorian figure who brought considerable prosperity to mid-Worcestershire in vastly expanding the salt works at Stoke, near Droitwich
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Worcester's grammar girls
MY good friend Ron Shuard has produced a precise historical and pictorial record of a Worcester girls' school which was a key feature of the city's educational scene for much of the 20th Century. Over the years, Ron, who lives in Bilford Road, has amassed
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Hollowing out their future
Redditch high school band Hollow have lined up a series of gigs at Worcester music venue The Marrs Bar. The band consists of Alex Bate, 16, and 15-year-old Gareth Hughes and Drew Millward, who are all Year 11 students at The Leys High School, Woodrow
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Songs from the shows
Songs from a variety of popular shows will keep audiences entertained from tomorrow until Saturday. Music to Your Ears is the latest production by Alcester Amateur Operatic Society at the Greig Centre in Alcester. Tickets are £5 from Cynthia Hill on 01789
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Minister is VIP guest
A GOVERNMENT minister made an important visit to a Rubery nursery to explain new income tax relief to parents. Social security minister Jeff Rooker stopped off at Jellybabies Nursery and Pre-School, in Bristol Road South, to launch the Children's Tax
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Jim's inflated tyres gave his passengers a 'ride on air'
IN THE spotlight this week is a perhaps forgotten but once extremely popular bus and coach company in Worcester. Memory Lane has previously featured Marks's and Burnham's "buses", but today it's the turn of the transport operations of the late James (
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Church could go
AN historic Sidemoor church, which dates back to the 19th century, could be demolished to make way for a housing development. The site of Bromsgrove Christian Church, in Broad Street, has been earmarked for one pair of semi-detached homes and five terraced
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Hi-tech walk along Memory Lane
THESE days I seem to be receiving an increasing number of e-mail enquiries about Worcester of yesteryear from people living in other parts of the UK and overseas. I try to answer them when I can, but often I need the help of Memory Lane readers to respond
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The early masters of porcelain production
DOWN the years since its foundation in 1751, several separate local firms of master craftsmen have gone to make up today's Worcester Royal Porcelain Company which is proudly celebrating its 250th anniversary. One such firm, Grainger's, was a feature of
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Sufferers being denied much-needed treatment
MULTIPLE sclerosis pat-ients in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa are being denied much-needed disease-modifying treatments because of lack of funding. Radius Healthcare Ltd believes some sufferers will experience an irreversible progression of their disease
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City murder is still unsolved after 40 years
THIS spring marks the 40th anniversary of a Worcester murder for which no-one has ever been convicted. What was known at the time as The Commandery Road Killing happened late at night on Saturday, April 8, 1961 and must, I presume, be filed in police
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Player dies after Barnt Green ton
COVENTRY and North Warwickshire professional Mark Lavine died from a suspected heart attack in a Birmingham Premier League cricket match against Barnt Green on Saturday. The Barbados-born South African all-rounder collapsed shortly after leaving the field
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Two-year fight is coming to an end
THE future of the A491 is now in the hands of a government inspector who heard both sides of the story from safety campaigners and traffic bosses during a public inquiry. After more than two years of controversy and arguments a final decision is fast-approaching
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Families' fury over landfill site homes
HOMEOWNERS in Rednal are protesting against a government-funded development of 27 houses on a former landfill site they claim will be unsafe and spoil the quality of life in the area. Birmingham-based Concept Development Solutions has applied to build
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Jukes proves to be a hazard for Claverly
AVONCROFT First XI gained a creditable winning draw against Claverley in their latest Worcestershire County League Division Four encounter. Batting first on a slow wicket Croft's 181 was mainly due to a lively 79 from Peter Jukes showing the way with
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Attempted burglary at flat
TWO men attempted to burgle the flat of an elderly Bromsgrove man by claiming to be working on the water supply. The 69-year-old was told the men needed to turn off the stopcock in his Sidemoor flat. He was asked to empty out the cupboards and fill all
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Couple to lead carnival
A HUSBAND and wife who have been dedicated to helping raise money for patient care in Bromsgrove's hospitals for 37 years have been rewarded by being chosen to lead this year's carnival procession. Mike and Cecily Lunn, from Marlbrook, are both involved
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Tip verdict put back for visit
PARISH councillors in Lickey blasted Bromsgrove District Council as "a bunch of amateurs" after a six-month-old plan to repair a former landfill site was stalled at the last minute. District councillors deferred the application to make a site visit to
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May 18, 1901
MEMBERS and friends of Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club attended the annual supper at the club room of the Boat Inn to hear about the team's progress. 100 years ago May 18, 1901 MEMBERS and friends of Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club attended the annual
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Controversial phone mast turned down
PLANNERS went against their own policies and refused permission for a controversial phone mast to be installed at Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club. Phone company Orange PCs Ltd applied to Bromsgrove District Council for permission to erect the 60ft-tall
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OAPs hit out at council
BATTLING Bromsgrove residents who are calling for the district council to stand down claim a condemning Government report on the authority shows it runs a "sloppy ship". Bromsgrove District Tenants Association, opposed to sheltered housing residents being
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Bombing trial a "whitewash"
A BROMSGROVE man whose daughter died in the Lockerbie bombing has praised the author of a pamphlet which describes the nine-month trial as a "whitewash". Former GP Jim Swire, whose daughter Flora was killed in the 1988 terrorist blast, agreed the truth
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Group's 'little' success story
LITTLE Oaks is based at the Children's Respite Unit, in Providence Road, and is a support group run and funded by parents. It is the belief of chairman Niall Murphy, whose son Richard attends the weekly sessions, that the expression 'special needs' covers
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Appeal after sex attack on boy, 16
REDDITCH Police are appealing for witnesses to a sexual assault on a 16-year-old boy on a town bus last Tuesday. The boy got on the number 57 bus at Studley Road, near the Mayfly pub, at about 10.50pm and noticed a man who kept looking at him and smiling
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Jury clears man of rape
A man accused of raping a sleeping woman after leaving a Redditch nightclub has been cleared by a jury. John Hollis, who drank 16 pints of beer during the evening, told Worcester Crown Court he had no recollection of having sex. He claimed he felt dizzy
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City law firm in takeover
WORCESTERSHIRE law firm Thursfields now has scores of new clients on its books thanks to its takeover of a rival practice. Retiring solicitors Stuart and Anne-Marie Phillips Broadhurst handed their practice to the five-office firm after almost 20 years
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Business park's 250 jobs boost
DEVELOPERS have dubbed Bromsgrove "second to none" as a location for hi-tech industry as plans to create 250 jobs at a new multi-million pound business park get under way. Work has already begun on the infrastructure for the £25m development in Stoke
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Mass 'arrest' of personalities
A MASS arrest with a bus-load of felons being carted off the jail, was due take place in Worcester today. Chief executives, councillors, and a shopping centre manager were to spend a day behind bars as part of a fun Jail and Bail event in aid of the Cancer
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City council Labour leader deposed
THE leader of the Labour group on Worcester City Council has been deposed. Councillor Adrian Gregson has taken over from Coun David Barlow, who took over the reins two years ago. Coun Gregson, the county branch secretary of the public sector union UNISON
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Reward on offer as three teddy bears snatched
A WORCESTER woman has offered a reward after three stone teddy bears were stolen from her garden. Tina Sparham believes the ornament thieves also tried to make off with another statue from her home in Warndon Villages. "We looked out and saw one of our
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Young musicians chosen to perform
TALENTED young Droitwich musicians have been invited to perform at Symphony Hall in Birmingham in front of a 2,000 sell-out audience. The Yamaha Music Schools Festival Showcase will be held on Sunday, June 3. The pupils from the school will form an ensemble
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Anger as disabled driver is clamped
A DRIVER has blasted wheel clampers after a disabled pal was forced to pay a £95 release bill. Anne Saunders says a lack of parking spaces at the Perdiswell Young People's Club meant drivers had to leave their cars on double yellow lines while they attended
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Bin fire leads to arson alert
KIDDERMINSTER firefighters have warned of potentially disastrous consequences if "idiotic" arsonists continue to set fire to wheelie bins. The latest incident came on Tuesday at 8.35pm when a bin full of rubbish was set alight outside St John's Church
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Out of sight, out of mind
HAVING recently moved to the area, I find myself more and more astounded with the attitudes of ordinary people, councillors and action groups. I am, of course, referring to the proposed Studley bypass. My annoyance is mainly due to the fact that people
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Challenging candidates
NOW the General Election date has been set, I wonder whether the deafening silence from the politicians I wrote to recently concerning fairer educational funding for Worcestershire will continue. I await with interest to see how much these politicians
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Pledges on environment
IN response to the letter from the Green Party candidate (Advertiser April 25), I can only say that I was saddened by his comments. Prior to a General Election, many organisations approach the respective candidates to ask for theirs and their party's
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Town lads storm to tournament semis
BROMSGROVE under-13s completed their season with some worthy performances in the Worcester Tournament at the weekend. The lads won their group to claim a semi-final place which they lost by just one point in a good contest of skill. Their results are
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RUGBY
WITTON Middle School's year five lads made it a cup triple on April 27. The Droitwich youngsters beat Hagley, Aston Fields and Westacre to win the district tournament, following on from the success of the year six and seven boys. Chris Dunn, head of PE
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ATHLETICS
RUBERY runner James Nickless hasn't let his GCSE revision affect his racing performances. The Waseley Hills High School pupil is already competing in a four session H2 GO Endurance Challenge in front of Great Britain coaches at Loughborough Univer-sity
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Black belt glory for April
SHE'S the new karate kid at just 12 years-old! That's Witton Middle School pupil April Rawlings, who achieved her first Dan after almost four years hard work last month. But her success doesn't stop there. The Droitwich Ohku Kai Karate Club youngster
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DARTS
BROMSGROVE Ladies Darts League Winners: League Winners Division A: Catshill A, runner up Hopwood. League Winners Division B: Hawthorns, runner up Greyhound. League Cup: Blackwell C, runner up Hawthorns. Hospital Cup: Crown, runner up Turks Head. H Claridge
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Skatepark to reopen after £7,000 pledge
THE town's controversial skatepark could soon be back open. Ramps may be in place at Droitwich Spa Adventure Playground by the summer holidays. Droitwich Spa Town Council has allocated £7,000 in its budget for the skatepark project. Campaigners at the
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Attacks spark CCTV request
A CONCERNED councillor is calling for closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in a historic part of town - following a wrecking spree by vandals. Droitwich Spa town councillor Terry Spencer (Con, Droit.Central) wants cameras in Gurneys Lane. On Thursday
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Foundations laid for future
REDDITCH Mayor Mark Shurmer celebrated the start of a new development to build 17 bungalows for the over 60s in Lakeside on Saturday. Mr Shurmer performed a turf-cutting ceremony to launch Redditch Co-operative Homes' latest success story - its fifth
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Fined for falling asleep in charge of a horse and trap
BEFORE the City Magistrates Court in 1901 was William Hughes, a butcher of The Shambles, Worcester who, reported the Journal, had pleaded guilty to being asleep in charge of a horse and trap at Spetchley, and was fined 7/6d plus costs. 6 Half-a-century
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Scandal and exile ends the glittering career of an earl
MEMBERS of the Worcestershire nobility were very much in the news in Berrow's Journal this week exactly a century ago. Over at Malvern, plans were being made for special celebrations to mark the homecoming of the 7th Earl Beauchamp of Madresfield Court
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Police blitz on bikers' safety
A DANGEROUS Redditch junction is the focus of a campaign to cut the death and injury toll to motorcyclists. The slip roads between the A441 Alcester Highway and A448 Warwick Highway are two of the worst spots for accidents involving motorbikes according
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Hearing helpline
REDDITCH folk who find themselves struggling to hear can receive help and support from NEW College. A lip-reading tutor is available to help people improve their skills, cope with difficult hearing situations and teach them where to obtain additional
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Park in tidy-up project
REDDITCH school pupils cleaned up a town park with the help of some McDonalds workers as part of the national campaign called "Just Bin It". Twenty-one pupils from Walkwood Middle School and workers from Oakenshaw McDonalds all pitched in to tidy up Morton
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Male order for hospice choir
MEN are being sought to add their voices to the highly successful Primrose Choir, which recently celebrated its first anniversary. The choir started in April 2000 and since then has attracted 24 members from Redditch and Bromsgrove and performed 15 concerts
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Town takes on new look
By Town Centre Manager Jane Muckle What a difference a month makes. New developments in Redditch town centre are really beginning to take shape and people can see for themselves that the promise of bigger and better shopping and leisure facilities is
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It's plain sailing for youngsters
A SCHEME giving Redditch children the chance to become more active has been launched this week. Youth Afloat, a national charitable trust set up more than 30 years ago to help disadvantaged children get onto the water, is ready for a busy first summer
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Young people to have their day
A YOUNG people's day aimed at understanding the health needs and aspirations of youngsters in Redditch is in the pipeline. The day follows the success of an elderly person's day at the town hall, which was organised by a sub-group of Redditch Primary
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Lawnmower man's protest at dog mess
WYTHALL'S resident grass cutter has refused to mow in parts of the village because of the amount of dog mess. Peter Ball, manager of Swiftwell, the company contracted by Wythall Parish Council to cut grass around the village, says he will continue his
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Badge of honour
THE RNLI has recently honoured a Redditch volunteer with a prestigious award. Ray Coley joined the town branch as treasurer in 1985 and received the RNLI's silver badge at the organisation's regional conference on May 3. The award was presented by Victor
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Garringtons Sunday (1) 1 Bromsgrove Athletico (0) 3 Worcester Nursing Cup Final (at Worcester City
THIS was a game of two halves -- Garringtons were the better side in the first half and Athletico were the best in the all important second. Garringtons took the field with only 11 players plus two subs fit to play and looked more confident. They took
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HDA (2) 2 Garringtons Sunday (0) 3 Redditch and South Warwickshire Combination Premier Division
WITH even more injuries and tired from the cup final the night before, Garringtons started the game as if they were still in the dressing rooms. It took HDA only five minutes to score when Rod Phillis turned his marker to score an easy goal. In the 18th
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Sight and Sound (0) 1 Bromsgrove Town (5) 6
TOWN kept up the pressure on the Bromsgrove and District League Division Two leaders with a comprehensive win secured by half-time. The visitors opened brightly, Carl Gray firing home from a right wing cross in the third minute. Town doubled their lead
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Athletic hold trials for new players
NOW is the chance to show your skills with an up-and-coming young Droitwich side who play seven-a-side football in the Stourport Boys Football League. Droitwich Spa Athletic under-9s are looking for talented strong players to cover all positions --especially
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Spiers sinks The Swan with a stunner
Redditch & South Warwickshire Combination ALCESTER Rovers beat The Swan Alvechurch 1-0 in the BSA Cup Final at Alvechurch FC on Sunday. Rovers won the cup through Jason Spiers' 30-yard effort. Results: Premier Division: Fordrough 2 Fairfield Sunday
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Sides want new players
BROMSGROVE Town under-12s B need new players for next season's under-13 campaign.Experienced youngsters are preferred. Contact Steve on (01527) 837206 for more details. l HANBURY under-13s are looking for players for next season's under 14 campaign. If
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Relations have murder in mind
MEMBERS of a Studley theatre company are set to perform a classic murder mystery play this week written by the queen of crime Agatha Christie. The Hollow will end the players' 2000-2001 season and will feature a host of new faces to add to the cast, in
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Stargazing at Palace
THE first heat of an exciting new talent competition to spot the young stars of tomorrow kicks off at the Palace Theatre on Saturday. Rodgers and Payne present Reach for the Stars at the Alcester Street venue at 2pm, which will be compered by Sue J Willis
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Classic children's story at Malvern
CLASSIC children's tale Tom's Midnight Garden is being staged at Malvern Festival Theatre. David Wood's adaptation of the book will be brought to Malvern by Unicorn Theatre and runs from today until Saturday. Performances are at 10.30am and 1.30pm today
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Our search for SuperKids 2001 begins today
IF your child has a winning smile then don't miss our annual search to find the cutest kid in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa. Our Superkids 2001 competition is open to any child under the age of five - and entering is easy and free. Professional photographers
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Road chaos
DROITWICH Spa was brought to a standstill during rush hour after roadworks caused traffic chaos. Drivers were bumper to bumper for two hours on Monday night when vehicles were diverted away from Kidderminster Road, around the Berry Hill Industrial Estate
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Healing hands will help Aids sufferers
A REFLEXOLOGIST from Droitwich is bound for Africa to share her healing hands with HIV and Aids sufferers. Marie Singleton will leave for Uganda in July with a team of colleagues. She is still raising the £1,500 required for the month-long journey organised
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Crime prevention
SECURITY conscious residents are invited to attend a crime prevention awareness day this Saturday. Droitwich Spa Neighbourhood Watch members and town police will be based in Salters' Shopping Centre, in St Andrew's Square, from 10am. Folk can discuss
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County are hit by weather yet again
Rain prevented a prompt start to Worcestershire's County Championship Division Two match against Derbyshire at New Road today. The covers were firmly in place when play was due to have got under way at 11am. An inspection was due to be held at 12 noon
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Housing group opening doors
RETIRED folk are invited to consider their future in Droitwich Spa at a forthcoming open day. Spa Housing Association is hosting an event on Wednesday May 23 as part of a national campaign to raise the profile of sheltered housing. The Queen Street-based
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Shrewsbury high five for young stars
FINE performances from Worcester Rowing Club's youngsters won success and praise at the Shrewsbury Regatta. Despite the blazing heat, the city's junior squad notched up five wins and race after race had spectators at the Pengwern club roaring with excitement
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Close call thanks to Junga knock
FOUR wickets from spin king Neville Mason helped Redditch to a winning draw at home to Wheaton Aston in Division Two East of the Birmingham League. But it was a close-run thing with the visitors getting to within three runs of the Redditch total before
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Impressive total proves too little
WYTHALL posted an impressive total in their Warwickshire Division Four game at home to Erdington Court. But it proved insufficient as the visitors scrambled their way to victory. Wythall batted first and were given a good start by Thomas Scott (44) and
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Family farce gets big laughs
Review It Runs in the Family The Ullenhall Players Ullenhall Village Hall THE Ullenhall Players have a fine pedigree when it comes to presenting farce and their annual offspring bore a distinct family resemblance. Ray Cooney's play was yet another production
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Cookley crumble
FECKENHAM cruised to a nine-wicket victory at Cookley to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season in Division Two of the Worcestershire League. Half-centuries from Bob Adshead and Nick Roos wrapped up the 20-point win, Feckenham reaching 155-1
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Asthma alert as figures soar
ASTHMATICS in Redditch are to be targeted after figures revealed the town had the second highest number of sufferers in the county. Redditch Primary Care Group is to review its priority areas for its health improvement programmes (HIMPs) and will be investigating
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Bewildered by train journey
I VISITED Birmingham on May 3. I'm aged 78 and I decided to go by train, leaving my car at Droitwich station. This was my first rail journey in more than 40 years. Needless to say I was a little apprehensive. I got on the return train at New Street station
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Support for smokers
UP to 30 people have been trained to give help and support to Redditch smokers wanting to quit. Redditch has one of the highest smoking rates in the county. But following the introduction of a smoking cessation officer in the town, a number of pharmacists
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16/5/01 - Ben considers Sixways offer
BEN Clarke has emerged as one of the favourites to take over from Adrian Skeggs at Worcester Rugby Club. The 33-year-old former England player is out of contract at Bath in the summer, and he is believed to be considering an offer of a player-coach role
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Barnett strike trims Darts' title chances
GOALS from Aaron Barnett and Melusi Cartwright helped Alvechurch Darts to a vital 2-1 win over Access Security on Sunday. Bob Coy scored the Access reply, while Darts need to win just one of their remaining three matches to take the first division title
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Ballot battle one of most open contests
BROMSGROVE has been highlighted as one of the most closely contested seats in the General Election -- according to a report by an independent electoral monitoring group. The town is one of only 214 constituencies where the most recently elected MP is
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Kids will go crazy
CHILDREN will go cuckoo over the Norbury Theatre's latest production especially for them. As part of the Friar Street venue's Children's Theatre 2001 programme The Cuckoo and the Clock Bird will be playing this Saturday from 2.30pm. For details and tickets
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Family runs to Spa
THEATRE-GOERS in Droitwich Spa are in for a treat when a farce called It Runs in the Family comes to town. Put on by the Ullenhall Players at Norbury Theatre, in Friar Street, the play by Ray Cooney will run from next Thursday to Saturday May 26. Set
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Sir Adrian warns of 'canned' music danger
THE famous and friend of Elgar, Sir Adrian Boult warned of the dangers of "canned" music when he visited Worcester at this time half-a-century ago. He was invited to the city to officially open a bazaar at the Shirehall in 1951 to raise funds for the
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Candidate invited to manifesto launch
LABOUR'S candidate for the Bromsgrove seat in the forthcoming General Election has been invited to the launch of the party's manifesto at the International Convention Centre, in Birmingham, today. Peter McDonald and a group of party workers will be present
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Bartlam makes the most of the good weather
AT this time of year we see a big increase in matches to fish as the weather starts to pick up, and fish start to get their heads down on the bait to produce a more consistent sport. Bank Holiday Monday saw many anglers out on the banks of our local fisheries
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End to sleepless nights
A BROMSGROVE hotel is coming to the aid of people who snore and their long suffering partners with an innovative idea. The manager of the new Innkeepers Lodge, in Marlbrook, is going the extra mile to ensure guests get the best nights sleep of their lives
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Brushing up on beauty
BEAUTY and holistic students in Bromsgrove learned all about the latest trends within their chosen profession when leading industry members paid them a visit. Each student at NEW College, in Blackwood Road, could gain a wider view of their preferred vocation
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A mixed opening
REDDITCH Rocket Raptors skater hockey side started their BISHA Midlands Junior season with a mixed bag of results. The Raptors went down 14-2 to Leasowes Sharks and 10-6 to Leasowes B in their opening matches at Burton. But the Arrow Vale-based side bounced
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Bronwen stars in the park
BRONWEN Cardy limbered up for the World Veterans Championships in Australia by guiding Bromsgrove & Redditch AC to an excellent performance at Birmingham's Sutton Park. Cardy helped the women's over-35s team to a splendid seventh place in the British
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John Bushell's angling round-up
Well that was almost a lovely weekend. I am saying that as I got absolutely drenched on Sunday evening at Elmbridge fishery. But never mind, the rain stopped and we managed to catch a few carp before the light went. I had a lovely day on Saturday when
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Youth games
REDDITCH will compete in Worcestershire's Youth games on Sunday. The town will take on the county's five other local authorities at basketball, football, hockey, mixed tag rugby, netball and tennis. Events will be held at Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre,
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Going well
THE second week of the PRS Summer Tennis League saw another strong performance by a newly promoted side to Division One. Campden A were at home to Alcester in their first Division One fixture of the season and ran out comfortable winners, 3-1. Last season's
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Golf pair team up in heat of battle
PROFESSIONALS from the Abbey and Redditch Golf Clubs will battle it out at Stratford in the Maxfli PGA Assistants' Championship after being drawn together in the regional heat. Redditch's Neil Turley and the Abbey's Robert Davies are in the second group
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No dream for Saints
THERE was to be no dream start for the Worcestershire Saints rugby league side as they suffered a 48-0 defeat at home to Hemel Stags. The damage was done by three tries in an eight-minute spell that stunned the Saints who had started the better of the
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Learning about school systems
A HEADTEACHER from Uganda will be spending two weeks in Redditch to look at how schools function and to take his findings back to his homeland. John Mpozo-Lwanga is the headteacher of St Kizito Senior Secondary School (SSS) in Kabowo. He was invited to
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TV comic Carrott pays a visit
IT was a barrel of laughs for children at a Catshill school when a famous TV comic dropped in to present them with a new bus. Jasper Carrott handed over the keys to the new vehicle to pupils at Chadsgrove School, in Meadow Road. The bus was bought by
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Pass the bucket
REGARDING the letter from R Partridge (You Say, May 5) regarding train vandals I would point out that corporal punishment is illegal. I would give them a bucket, sponge and a ladder. JOHN NORWOOD, Kidderminster.
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There are lessons to be learned
THE Prime Minister has optimistically announced that we are on the home straight to eradicating foot-and-mouth but we must ensure that vital lessons are learnt from the crisis. Millions of animals have been slaughtered unnecessarily throughout this epidemic
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No opinion must mean no policy
WILLIAM Hague's offer to the electorate of not dispensing with the pound for the lifetime of the next government is a non-offer. It amounts to putting off taking a decision in principle as to what UK policy should be on this issue. What is the advantage
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Is he brave enough?
NOW that the General Election has been called, the canvassing has started in earnest. Real issues will be aired and debated and the people of this country will have the opportunity to cast their vote for the candidate who in their opinion will best represent
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16/5/01 - County are hit by weather yet again
Rain prevented a prompt start to Worcestershire's County Championship Division Two match against Derbyshire at New Road today. The covers were firmly in place when play was due to have got under way at 11am. An inspection was due to be held at 12 noon
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Richard Armstrong - Green Party
THE Green Party's official prospective Parliamentary candidate is Winyates man Richard Armstrong. Environmental issues are key to Mr Armstrong's campaign and he, his wife Isabel and three children have all been active in "green" politics for many years
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Karen Lumley - Conservative
THE Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate for Redditch is 37-year- old Karen Lumley. She is married to Richard and has two children, Elizabeth, 15, and Christopher, 14, who both attend St Augustine's High School. Before moving to Redditch,
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Jacqui Smith - Labour
THE official Labour prospective Parliamentary candidate for Redditch is Jacqui Smith. Ms Smith is married to Richard Timney and has two children. She has lived in the town since 1986. The Labour candidate said she had been honoured to serve the town as
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Stamping out youth problem
AN operation to stamp out problems caused by gangs of youths gathering around Winyates has been launched by police. The move comes after the Redditch Advertiser reported the opening of a new police station in the centre had instantly helped curb a problem
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Witness plea over dog death
A JACK Russell dog which was barely one year old died after being kicked in a vicious, unprovoked attack in the town centre. The dog belonged to a woman who was selling copies of The Big Issue in the underpass between the Palace Theatre and Ipsley Street
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Yobs hit play area
CALLOUS vandals ripped the felt roof off a play castle and daubed graffiti around a children's play area last week. The play area in Oxhill Close, Matchborough, was damaged between 5pm on May 4 and 8.30pm May 8. £100 damage was caused.
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A crucial break for Bees
STUDLEY manager Mark Chambers is hoping his players will return to action fully refreshed after a rare break from football. Some of the Bees players had been in action five times-a-week as Studley and Sunday sides struggled to clear their backlog of fixtures
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Cup glory for Alvechurch
ALVECHURCH ended their cup drought with a 2-0 victory over Burman Hi-Ton in the final of the Smedley Crooke Cup. Goals from Dean Meyrick and Michael Campbell sealed victory at Studley's Beehive ground, much to the delight of Church manager Mick Preece
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Heath beaten
A STRONG West Bromwich Albion side were too powerful for King's Heath, easing through their quarter-final tie at Lye Meadow 5-0. Kings manager Sean Lawless said his side were never really in touch after missing a first half penalty. He said: "They had
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Back to back wins
Redditch United Ladies came from behind to beat fifth-placed Bustleholme 3-1. The visitors made an early breakthrough but Redditch levelled before half-time when midfielder Hayley Evans netted. Despite the intense heat of the day, Redditch looked the
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Fives come alive
UNLUCKY Tanworth were beaten finalists for a second year running in the annual Alcester Police Schools 5-a-side football tournament. The competition, at Alcester's St Benedict's School, had to be played over six pitches due to the numbers involved. In
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Unfounded attack
IT is a pity that Ashley Turner did not take the trouble to read the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) guidelines, called Race for Election, before he made his unfounded attack on Julie Kirkbride in the Advertiser/-Messenger. The guidelines, signed
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Is voting relevant?
I AM writing in response to your article regarding Bromsgrove Tory MP Julie Kirkbride. She has only attended 43 per cent of votes in the last three months and ranked 535th for attendance out of 659 MPs. Admirably she did not put it down to family commitments
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An offence to put litter into bin
I NOTE the complaint in the Advertiser/Messenger about overflowing litter bins in the town. The litter bin by the war memorial in Aston Fields is always empty. Possibly this is because it sits directly below a large notice which reads: "Take your litter
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Rovers chief 'should hang head in shame'
THE inevitable has happened - a former top club bites the dust and we will be seeing a local derby against Studley BKL next season. Less than a handful of years ago Bromsgrove Rovers were on a par with Kidderminster Harriers, playing in the Conference
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Lowest point in club history
I AM sure everybody in Bromsgrove is disappointed to see their football team has now been relegated for the third time in five seasons, this time out of the Dr Martens/Southern League. The last time Bromsgrove played at this level was nearly 30 years
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Pagan proposal is 'absurd'
PAGAN Dr Simones-Jones suggests we should have the right to choose what our children are taught. Not only is this absurdly impracticable, but equally, we should have the right to choose what we do not want taught. Why did we as a nation turn from paganism
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Time off for a baby
I WOULD like to reply to the letter from Sean Shannon about our MP, Julie Kirkbride, only attending 40 per cent of votes in Parliament. Come on, fair's fair. Julie had a baby in October. Is she not entitled to some time off for a pregnancy? Even Tony
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Arrow Valley Countryside Group
THE group, primarily a rambling club, has had its activities severely curtailed because of the foot and mouth disease crisis. However, adaptation and improvisation have provided members with a full programme for April. April 1 was the day that the group
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St Leonard's Mothers Union
AT the meeting on April 23, Nick Houghton, from the Where Next Association, gave at talk about this charity, which offers people with special needs the opportunity to experience the real world of work. An album of photographs of these people in action
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Wythall Gardening Club
MEMBERS were entertained at the May meeting by Daphne Everett, who gave an interesting talk on "The History of the English Garden". She covered the design and fashion of gardens right through the ages from Roman times up to the present day, with some
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Wythall History Society
THE April lecture was by Mr Roy Willmott, entitled "Historic Earlswood". He went right back to the Earl of Warwick's woodland landscape of the 1400s and then, by showing slides of ancient maps, old manuscripts, Victorian postcards and copies of correspondence
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100 years ago
May 18, 1901 ON Tuesday afternoon, as a vehicle was passing through Crabbs Cross village a little girl, not quite two years of age, was knocked down by the horses - the wheels of the vehicle then passed over the unfortunate child's body, crushing her
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Twinning chairman seeks PoW family
A "WHERE are they now" plea with a difference is presented to Memory Lane readers. I am searching for surviving members or descendants of a Worcester family, who showed true Christian kindness to three German PoWs based near the city during and after
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What's on guide
Thursday, May 17 Studley Cygnet Players: The Hollow, Studley Village Hall. Until May 19. Tickets from Studley News, Alcester Road, Studley Library, High Street, and members of the cast. Alcester Amateur Operatic Society: Music to Your Ears, Greig Hall
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Worcestershire's other composer
IN looking back over the past 150 years, we think of Worcestershire as having been the cradle of only one significant composer of classical music, Sir Edward Elgar - but not so. The county was also the birthplace of Julius Harrison, a composer widely-respected
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Archaeology talk
FOR those fascinated by archaeology in general, and the recent finds on Throckmorton airfield in particular, a free talk has been arranged. The public is being invited to hear for themselves how staff from the county council's archaeological services
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Headless man's colleague found dead by police
DETECTIVES yesterday launched an investigation into the murder of a man whose workmate was decapitated and left in a Rednal park last year. The body of Colin Foulkes, aged 50, was found by police in a copse near his home in Wroxeter, Shropshire. Mr Foulkes
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Kings of coal still reign after 150 years
NEXT year marks the 150th anniversary of the arrival in Worcester of what has been a leading and successful family name on the city's commercial and industrial scene ever since - Underwood. Several Worcester trams of Victorian and Edwardian times were
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Chapel is to become offices
A CHAPEL at a former mental hospital in Bromsgrove is set to be turned into offices. Based at the former Barnsley Hall Mental Hospital site the chapel has been approved by Bromsgrove District Council's planning and highways committee to be turned into
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Logging on to contact police
VICTIMS of crime in Bromsgrove will have an extra way of contacting police by logging on to a new scheme expected to be launched later this year. Organised by the Police Information Technology Organisation (PITO) the national project means people who
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Support lads in cup final
BROMSGROVE Rugby Club face improved Midlands Two West rivals Newport in the North Midlands Cup Final this Sunday. The Finstall Park outfit thrashed the Shropshire side twice in the league this season -- 75-0 at home and 65-7 away -- and hopes are high
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Andizap stars in carnival line-up
TALENTED musicians and singers from the Bromsgrove area are set to be top of the bill at the town's carnival next month. Tardebigge tunester Andizap, town singer Eloise, who appeared on the television programme Star for a Night and Rubery girl trio Obsession
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Another defeat for Duffy's men
THE local derby between Bromsgrove Cricket Club and Worcester in Division One at Aston Fields resulted in a comfortable win for Worcester by 28 runs. On winning the toss for the hosts, captain Paul Duffy invited Worcester to bat on what proved to be a
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Award in memory of Nicola
A YOUNG cross-country runner from Rubery has won an award in memory of a school hockey and football star who died of meningitis. Each year Waseley Hills High School, in School Road, presents a cup in memory of Nicola Hurlbutt to a pupil who has excelled
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Worcester battered by town form guys
AT last with weather befitting the cricket season, and the sun on their backs, Bromsgrove second XI took fellow relegatees apart on Saturday. Travelling to Worceste-r, the home team elected to field first on a drying pitch. Town lost opener Hansell early
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Child safety puts brakes on drivers
FAST cars will be forced to slow down as traffic calming measures are put in place outside three schools. Lickey End, Sidemoor and Fairfield first schools have all been earmarked by Worcestershire County Council's safer routes to school's initiative.
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Inquests adjourned
INQUESTS have opened into the deaths of two neighbours killed in a crash near Bromsgrove last week. James Waldron, aged 19, and Shaun Edwards, 20, were killed after the crash on the A451 Bromsgrove to Kidderminster road, near the Park Gate Inn, on Sunday
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Sanctuary needs help
AN animal sanctuary in Bromsgrove is appealing for help with its mounting debts of £20,000 and a £1,000-a-week bill for feed because of foot and mouth disease restrictions. The Farm Animal Sanctuary, in Broad Green, which rescues sick and injured animals
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All change at Stoke Prior Parish Council
A NEW chairman and vice-chairman for Stoke Prior Parish Council have been elected, after the chairman of five years stood down. Former vice-chairman Thelma Roll took the top job with the departure of Tony Friel, after she was elected at a meeting on Monday
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Letters flood in
MORE than 50 letters have come flooding in to the Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger offices in support of our Steven Edmonston campaign. It was launched last month when Your No.1 Newspaper backed a call from Catshill couple Tony and Sue Edmonston. Their
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£1m scheme for centre unveiled
A £1M vision to create a centre for the community of Rednal was unveiled at a village church open day. The scheme has been drawn up by members of St Stephen's Church, in Edgewood Road, who want to see the venue and its adjoining hall to merge into one
