Archive
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Student is jailed for £3,000 benefit fraud
A STUDENT who obtained more than £3,000 from a benefits swindle has been jailed for three years at Worcester Crown Court. Kumba Moanda cashed in forged payment orders at post offices in Malvern and Hereford. He told police he was working for a man called
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Homes to go on the transfer list
WORCESTER'S council housing stock looks set to be transferred to a new landlord. City leaders agreed last night to apply to the Government for a place on the 2002/3 Stock Transfer programme. But concerns have been raised that it could spell the end for
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Drink-Drive: Hard-hitting campaign launched
A HEARSE is one of the sobering features being used by West Mercia police to highlight its Christmas drink-driving campaign. The initiative includes high-profile road checks to cut death and injury during the festive season. At the force's Hindlip Hall
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Van driver facing cake theft charges
A VAN driver stole £77,000 of cakes and pastries by pretending he had delivered the goods to a Pershore supermarket, a court was told. Delivery notes created by Paul Griffiths did not match the packs of food he actually unloaded at the Co-op store in
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Woman was hit around the head
attacked by a man who pushed, kicked and repeatedly hit her around the head as she stood outside a friend's home in Worcester. The victim, who is from Kidderminster and in her 30s, was attacked between 8pm and 9pm on Sunday December 9, outside the house
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Wither have you wandered, mate?
A LOVELORN goose is still pining for his playmate after she was stolen by thieves from their shed in Worcestershire. Gander Leon has been looking to owners Chris and Wendy Davies for comfort after his bird Matilda was snatched from their love nest. Devastated
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Space-age Tempest
STUDENTS at Worcester Sixth Form College will be whipping up a storm with their production of Return to the Forbidden Planet. The play is a tongue-in-cheek version of Shakespeare's The Tempest, which is set in space and uses rock 'n' roll music in the
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Wander in a wildwood
Though this walk mostly explores pastoral farmland, it also includes two very different woodlands. The first is Monkwood, which was clear-felled by the brush company Harris in 1950 and replanted with species suitable for brush handles. So the individual
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100 years
December 14, 1901 AT the Warwick Assizes on Saturday, Arthur Ernest Murchall Dagnell (22), a gardener, pleaded guilty to having in the beginning of November, stolen 10 ferrets in the parish of Studley and a gun belonging to Mr Perks. The judge sentenced
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Try, for goodness sake
I have read with increasing concern the recent comments on Paganism and on Harry Potter by my neighbouring minister, the Rev Andy Kelso. I have no wish to enter into public discussion but feel I must put a different Christian point of view. But first
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Harry Potter debate
THE Rev Kelso's comments that Harry Potter is 'dangerous' and 'evil' are ridiculous when you consider the subjects children are into these days. To my way of thinking, things like WWF wrestling and many of the popular computer games are far more harmful
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It all came back to me
I NOTED Ken Vale's story about the town's bombing raid (Advertiser, December 5). Being the same age as Ken, I can recall that tragic night. I lived then at the top of Parsons Road, all houses now gone. We heard a plane coming over, then a loud whistling
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Call for simpler bidding
THE bidding process for lottery cash should be made simpler, Redditch councillors have claimed. The call comes after council officers spent more than a year preparing a three-stage bid for a 'healthy living centre', only for it to be turned down in May
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Crunch date for traders
REDDITCH market traders will decide in January whether to continue their fight to stay in their temporary home around St Stephen's Church. On Thursday, a traders' committee met Redditch councillors and council officers to discuss a way forward. But the
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Mayor has a gas at open day!
REDDITCH Mayor Dot Dudley had the chance to learn all about an environmentally friendly fuel at an open day at Autogas Ltd, in Clews Road. Autogas is the brand name for Automotive LP gas, an alternative fuel. Mrs Dudley was at the open day along with
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Living symbols of family hope
A campaign to attract more foster carers and adoptive parents continued last week with a symbolic tree planting at Batchley First School. Pupils planted old Worcestershire varieties of apple and plum trees, at an event attended by Mayor Dot Dudley and
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12/12/01 - Midfielder Middleton on mend
GOOD news for Darren Middleton who has been told he will not need surgery on his injured knee. The midfielder has been given the green light to step up training and he could soon be linking up with Leon Jackson, who has an impressive strike-rate as a
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Rush to victory
WOODRUSH RFC stunned struggling Stourport on Saturday by recording their first league win since the 99-00 season. The basement boys, marooned at the foot of Midlands West Four South after eight consecutive defeats this season, beat their second from bottom
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Alcester train sights on second
ALCESTER skipper Alan Williams is setting his sights on promotion after the Kings Coughton club suffered their third defeat of the season. The captain has lowered his sights after seeing seemingly invincible leaders Coventry Marconi extend their perfect
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Vesey does it OE
FIVE Ways Old Edwardians will consider themselves underdogs for Saturday's North Midlands Shield trip to Veseyans - despite the fact their opponents ply their trade a league lower. The North Midlands One hosts sit second in their league and, crucially
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Kings lord it
Kings Norton 26 Dunlop 19 Kings started with a strong line up and racked up seven points within the opening seconds as full back John Holland caught a Dunlop clearance. He ran it back, produced a peach of a dummy before a three man move was finished by
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Exiles on a roll
Old Coventrians 19 Redditch Exiles 27 The first half was played at a keen pace, but mistakes were made as Redditch took time to gel. The OC's main weapons were a large pack and a large fast centre. And it was the largest of the pack who strolled over
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Let's make Jubilee event to remember
MALVERN'S deputy mayor wants to set aside £5,000 from the town council's budget to give local people a Golden Jubilee to remember. Councillors are due to consider the proposal by Frances Victory (Ind, Chase) at a meeting on Thursday to discuss this year's
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Red Cross honours tireless volunteer
A MALVERN volunteer has received an award from the Red Cross for 13 years of tireless service to the charity. Tinie Lee, originally from Holland, has worked as a volunteer at the Great Malvern branch since it opened in November, 1988. "The award means
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Chance to say thanks
HUNT'S The Florist, backed by the Malvern Gazette, is seeking to reward Malvern's employee of the year for 2001 and the closing date for entries is drawing near. Gazette editor Nick Howells will select the winning entry. "I will be looking for someone
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Group bags a boost
THE Break-a-Leg theatre company is hoping to raise plenty of money in the run-up to Christmas as it looks to buy a minibus next year. Safeway has agreed to allow children from the group to dress up and help pack bags at its Redditch store and at the same
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Mummer's the word
TOWNSPEOPLE are invited to attend Redditch Folk Club's Christmas party on Saturday, which will include a form of traditional theatre called a 'mumming' performance. Mumming is usually performed by all-male groups and stories tend to reflect the death
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It's all relative for Malvern
A SPARKLING new production combining the comic genius of Noel Coward and the acting talents of the quintessentially English Susan Hampshire kicks off the new year at Malvern Theatres. Relative Values is a glittering comedy set in the early 1950s which
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Reggae at the Rep
NEXT week sees a concert of Gospel, African, reggae and contemporary music at Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Young, Gifted and Singing sees Black Voices, one of the UK's premier a-cappella quintets paying a return visit to Birmingham with a festive programme
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Comeback for 'Church
ALVECHURCH midfielder Lloyd Dawkins crowned his return from a lengthy injury lay-off with the equaliser as Church stormed back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Shirley Town on Saturday. Dawkins came off the bench to complete his comeback from knee trouble
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Stroll in the Park?
KINGS Heath face a daunting fixture against visiting league leaders Grosvenor Park on Saturday with manager Sean Lawless desperate to kick start an ailing season. The Kingsmen are adrift in mid-table, nine points shy of Lawless' declared top six aim and
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Millers boost firepower
FECKENHAM manager Clive Campion has snapped up a new strike force in a bid to halt his side's alarming slump. After an impressive start to the season the Millers have embarked on a barren run of two wins in nine matches and trail the top two by twelve
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Jerry heads starry cast
JERRY Hall leads a line-up of top stars performing at Malvern Theatres next year. The Texan beauty stars alongside Cherie Lunghi and Gwen Taylor in Picasso's Women, charting the lives of five women deeply affected by the great artist. The production is
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Holders City are sent packing
HOLDERS Worcester City were dumped out of the Dr Martens League Cup by Bedworth United in a shock 4-0 defeat last night. Manager John Barton admitted it was disappointing to bow out and was again left cursing slack defending. "We talked the cup up last
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Ford takes on post at Rovers
CLUB captain Jon Ford has been put in charge of Bromsgrove Rovers after the surprise departure of Steve Daniels. The outgoing Director of Football, dubbed the Kingmaker for his ability to spot young talent, has left the Victoria Ground club by mutual
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Harriers sign up Appleby for season
Richie Appleby has agreed to join Kidderminster Harriers until the end of the season. The 26-year-old striker has impressed during a month's loan from Swansea City, and the formalities are expected to be completed tomorrow. Harriers manager Jan Molby
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Swifts continue to leak goals
Stourport Swifts' rollercoaster ride continued as they suffered a 4-1 Dr Martens Western Division drubbing at Weston-super-Mare. A late goal from Kerry Giddings came as little consolation to player-manager Tim Langford who has now seen his side leak 10
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City must improve form on the road
The John Barton column THIS weekend sees us on the road to Welling United and we badly need to rediscover our away form from last year. We had a 1-0 win last year with Marc Burrow grabbing his first senior goal for the club and our away record for the
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25/10/01 - Stadium application: Architect's big stadium experience
THE architect behind the spectacular Worcester Rugby Club stadium design is part of the team hoping to ring the changes for Worcester City. Ian McConaghy, of BGP McConaghy Architects, has created the designs for the new blue and whites' ground in the
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Midfielder Middleton on mend
Nat Sylvester's City Slicker column GOOD news for Darren Middleton who has been told he will not need surgery on his injured knee. The midfielder has been given the green light to step up training and he could soon be linking up with Leon Jackson, who
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25/10/01 - Stadium application: Plan taken years of effort and research
TO reach the stage of their current bid, the project team has had to constantly go back to the drawing board to meet Worcester City Council requirements. It has taken lots of effort and expertise to keep this massive project moving. At a public inquiry
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Postbag
Letter sent to BKL: ON BEHALF of all officials, players and supporters of Brigg Town FC, I am writing to offer our sincere thanks for the hospitality offered to us on our recent visit for the Carlsberg FA Vase Third Round game. It was a well-contested
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Reds squeeze it
Chelmsley Town Ladies 2 Redditch Utd Women 3 REDDITCH regained their form in a test for both teams as Chelmsley tried to make up the points lost to Redditch earlier in the season and United attempted to stay in touch with leaders Headless Cross. The visitors
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Cross back top
Headless Cross 3 Villa Aztecs 0 Headless Cross Ladies took advantage of leaders Fairfield's inactivity by beating Villa Aztecs 3-0 to go top by a point with a game in hand. Aztecs defended deep in the first half frustrating Cross with efforts from Alison
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Drop-in centre takes off
A DROP-in clinic for young people in Winyates has proved so successful in its first year, a webpage is to be set up to promote it. The Time 4 U Clinic offers advice and information on a range of issues from sexual health to careers but is also a social
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Young Lust: The Aerosmith Anthology Aerosmith
Three star Aerosmith fans often fall into two camps - those who like their prodigious seventies output and those who prefer their cleaned-up eighties and nineties act. Bearing in mind the latter-produced I Don't Want to Miss a Thing, it's not hard to
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Everybody Hear'say
Two star WE monitored their progress on Popstars with a detached curiosity like they were a strange breed of animal on show at the zoo and now, if not soon, everyone will have a favourite one. The nation wanted these 'normal' youngsters to do well and
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Small World Big Band Jools Holland, his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and Friends
Four star WITH a line-up that includes George Harrison (believed to be his last studio recording), Van Morrison, Paul Weller and Eric Clapton, you just know this is going to be a quality CD. But when you add the likes of Jamiroquai, Stereophonics and
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Pearl Harbor (12) - Video
One star NO wonder this over-long war 'epic' bombed at the box office. The cast, including Ben Affleck, Alec Baldwin, Josh Hartnett, Cuba Gooding Jnr and our own Kate Beckinsale, must have known they were on a suicide mission when they read the lamentable
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Stourport Swifts FC - Fixtures and Results - 2001/2
August 18 Shepshed (h) 2-0 Booth 2 21 RC Warwick (a) 1-0 (og) 25 Clevedon (a) 0-2 27 Evesham (h) 2-3 (og), Cowley September 1 Rugby Utd (h) (FA Cup preliminary round) 5-1 Marsh 2, Charlton, Booth 2 8 Gresley (h) 2-0 Booth 2 11 Redditch (a) 2-1 Langford
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Wythall unbeaten
WYTHALL continued their unbeaten run in Division Three of the Stratford and District League with an excellent win at Chipping Campden B. First pairing of captain Ian Smith and son Matthew played well and won both of their matches. They never lost a set
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Fryer is winner
ENTACO Bowls Club's award winners for the 2001 season have been announced and Player of the Year was Kelvin Rice, with Club Man of the Year Brian Fryer. Other award winners: Ladies Singles winner, Margaret Andrews; Ladies Singles runner-up, Helen Goodman
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Exhibitions in and around Worcester City.
Big Art for Little People. Dec 15. 1.30-3.30pm. (6-9year olds) Come and make your own sparkling Christmas decorations. The Art Gallery and Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester. (01905 25371). Come and make your own paper gloves, inspired by the exhibition
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Love not war
MR Turton asks (You Say, November 29) what has the Universe got to do with God. Well, some people believe that God created the Universe, others believe that man invented God to explain the inexplicable. But all religions believe that love is better than
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Join Tories, Mr Morris!
I WRITE following Ian Morris' Letter relating to my earlier fears that the county councils or shire counties in England are under threat. Mr Morris is absolutely right, and you cannot put a cigarette paper between what he and I are staying. However, alas
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Lessons to be learnt in all walks of life
EDUCATION isn't just limited to being in the classroom from the ages of four to 18. Or even to pre-school nursery or higher education there are opportunities throughout life. Last week, I had the chance to meet those who help with education within a chosen
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12/12/01 - City must improve form on the road
THIS weekend sees us on the road to Welling United and we badly need to rediscover our away form from last year. We had a 1-0 win last year with Marc Burrow grabbing his first senior goal for the club and our away record for the season was only bettered
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Couple's fire attack terror
AN elderly couple were left badly shaken after burning paper was pushed through the letterbox of their home, setting fire to a draft excluder and a net curtain, writes Becky Procter. The couple, both in their 70s, were alerted to the blaze by a fire alarm
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Prison for lying brother
A MAN who pretended he was his brother after police arrested him has been jailed for 28 days. Glenn Higham, a cable company employee, threw a bottle at a group of young men while drunk. Hours later, when he had sobered up at Redditch police station, he
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Attacks link
Police believe three attacks of criminal damage in Wythall between Friday and Saturday may be linked. A brick was thrown through the window of Wythall Police Station and attempts were made to smash the window of Wythall Community Centre. Four cars were
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Anti-drink message launched
POLICE will be carrying out roadside checks in Redditch next week as part of a campaign over the festive season to push home the perils of drink driving. The campaign was launched at West Mercia Police HQ yesterday when a hearse, ambulance, police car
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Revellers warned on fares
POLICE are urging Christmas partygoers to make sure they have enough money to get home following an assault on a Redditch taxi driver. The attack happened at about 11.15pm on November 15 after a taxi driver had dropped two men off in Winyates Centre.
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All safe as home taken on
MEADOW View Residential Home will soon close its doors to staff and residents so a new home can be built in its place, writes Helen Clarke. The home, owned by Warwickshire Care Services, has been taken over by Leicester-based firm Prime Life Ltd. But
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Plea slides off course
ALCESTER councillors have pulled the plug on the idea of having an additional skate park for the town. It has been decided to spend money on improving the existing park at Conway Fields, despite youngsters lobbying the council for an additional facility
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Speak now to save our land
DISTRICT and county councillors have urged Alcester residents to speak out to help protect an area of land from future development, writes Helen Clarke. The Secretary of State recently turned down an appeal by Bloor Homes to build 400 homes on land off
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Sage win for firm
AN Alcester computer company has proved it's tops in IT after scooping three industry awards. Systems Advantage, based in Broom, has received the accolades of New Reseller of the Year 2001, 'Solutions Partner of the Year 2001' from Sage Enterprise - then
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Do the walk
Budding supermodels will get the chance to strut their stuff on the catwalk courtesy of a Bidford-based club. The Catwalk Club will incorporate all aspects of modelling clothes and will look at the choreography of routines. Young and not so young members
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Skate date
New skate ramps by the youth club in Bidford should be completed in the next few weeks. For more details, call Diane Bennett on 07721 559387.
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Red light for Color Estates
PLANS for a development in Bidford have been turned down. After opposition from residents and councillors, Stratford Council has now blocked an application for development at Marriage Hill. Dorsington property developers Color Estates had been seeking
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Plans afoot for meadow
MORE than 1,500 residents have been invited to share their vision for the future of Crown Meadow at a public meeting at Alvechurch Village Hall tomorrow. Bromsgrove Council and British Waterways are working in partnership to secure funding for improvements
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Music night
Feckenham Parish Church will play host to a Christmas concert tomorrow from 7.30pm. The event has been organised by the Friends of the County Music Library.
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Leaders sneak last-gasp win
BOTTOM club Stoke-on-Trent were determined to exploit home field advantage on Sunday and gave the visiting league leaders a tough match on a rain- sodden pitch. Stoke-on-Trent RFC Firsts 15 Bromsgrove RFC Firsts 18 Midlands Two West Bromsgrove had a splendid
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Retail therapy or nightmare?
A SUPERMARKET chain has confirmed what many of us have suspected for some time men hate Christmas shopping. In fact, a quick straw poll around the Worcester Evening News office suggests this isn't merely a seasonal affliction. Asda is to hold a special
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Are we happy - or just sleeping around?
A NEW survey has shown that Britons are sleeping with more sexual partners than they were 10 years ago and that risky sex is on the increase. The study, charting the sexual behaviour of the nation, shows that overlapping relationships, homosexual experiences
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Astwood Bank Royal British Legion
BOTH sections held their AGM. All officers were re-elected except president Mr Geoff Neale and Mrs Dora Merry, service committee chairman who didn't seek re-election. Mr David Bish and Mrs Eileen Partington were elected to these offices. Chairman Mr C
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What's On Guide
Thursday, December 13 Bottom 4 2001: An Arse Oddity, Birmingham NIA Academy. Tickets from 0870 909 4144. A Good Christmas Box, Feckenham Church, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 (adults) £2 (children) on the door. Friday, December 14 Me and My Girl, Alexandra Theatre
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Raise glasses to festive fun
Coughton Court's annual Christmas Wassail takes place for the 18th successive year this weekend. The show features songs, poetry, drama sketches and traditional carols, as well as some audience participation. The event takes place at 4.30pm and 7.30pm
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Time to show off your talent
THOSE who share a love of making theatre and are keen to stretch their capabilities by seeing what others achieve are invited to take part in the 2002 Worcestershire Theatre Festival. It will be hosted by Evesham Operatic and Dramatic Society at Evesham
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Redditch Photographic Society
THE Society recently held its Annual Print and Slide competitions. In the Print section Gill Kettle and Jim Farquhar gained joint 1st place with Maureen Stubbings 2nd and Jim Farquhar 3rd. Best Landscape went to Jim Farquhar, best Portrait Maureen Stubbings
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Redditch Speakers Club
Hazel Bradley chaired the last meeting. She introduced three speakers. Dave Cockle gave a speech entitled 'Must have' where he listed all the useless modern gadgets that men always have to buy. This was followed by a speech by Ron Sutton entitled 'Charming
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Board hits out at red tape delay
A PRISON watchdog has criticised the 'wholly unacceptable delay' in building new kitchens at Hewell Grange Prison and called on the Government to cut red tape to hurry things up, writes Becky Procter. The Board of Visitors' annual report to the Home Secretary
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Foster and Luff in final clash over cash
AS predicted, the thorny issue of education funding managed to produce one final spat between Mike Foster and Peter Luff. The dust-up took place just a few hours before the announcement of a 6.1 per cent funding increase for the county's schools and centred
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Gone, but far from forgotten
AFTER disappearing from the radar for almost two months, the wonderful topic of which MPs should glow with the greater pride about the exploits of the SAS had made a comeback. And quite welcome it is, too. Regular readers will remember the argument appeared
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German raids on Redditch recalled
YESTERDAY marked the 61st anniversary of the worst bombing raid on Redditch during the Second World War, writes Julian Seva. Last week, the Advertiser told the story of Kenneth Vale, 73, one of the many people affected by that raid, which left his father
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Call for halt on mobiles
A COUNTY councillor wants to cut the number of long-term mobile classrooms at county schools. Derek Prodger said although there remained a role for mobile classrooms, permanent buildings would help improve the education of youngsters. Mr Prodger added
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£7m scheme forges ahead
A £7 million project to extend the B&Q store in Redditch, creating up to 200 jobs, is ahead of schedule, writes Becky Procter. The superstore is being built on the site of the former Alcad Battery Factory in Smallwood and due to its previous use,
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Hair-raising deal
REDDITCH United Girls FC have struck a deal with their long-haired and bearded coach to give him a whole new look while raising money for the club. Nick Wildon and the under 12s team have agreed the coach will shave both his head and face - after having
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Groups cash in on lottery
GRANTS totalling about £38,000 have been awarded to various organisations in and around Redditch. The lottery's Awards for All scheme has injected money into arts groups, sports clubs and history societies. Redditch Black History Group, set up to represent
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You've bin told
THE high number of wheelie bin fires in the north east of Redditch has prompted fire crews to launch a leaflet dropping campaign. Residents and business have been approached to ensure bins are not left near buildings where a fire could spread.
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On the road to Europe
OMBERSLEY-based Fabriano Group has acquired two new businesses. The group, which makes and supplies valves and fluid control equipment and systems for water distribution by large utilities, now has Roban Ductile Welding of Leicester and Simon Hartley
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Rock plan rolls on
WORK to transform the town's former ABC Cinema into a themed caf bar has begun. Luminar Leisure has started refurbishing the Unicorn Hill building to be converted into a Chicago Rock Caf. A total of 50 jobs will be created when the 65-year-old building
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Driver hurt
An 81-year-old man was treated for minor injuries after a crash caused by a metal object falling into a road in Studley on Monday. A Daewoo Nexia swerved into the path of an oncoming Mercedes on the Alcester Road when the object fell from a vehicle in
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Wedding favours firm is flourishing
A MOTHER and daughter partnership that supplies tiny, ribboned boxes for weddings, dinner parties and corporate events is going from strength to strength. The White House began supplying bridal favours - little boxes of sweets for wedding guests - three
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12/12/01 - Harriers sign up Appleby for season
Richie Appleby has agreed to join Kidderminster Harriers until the end of the season. The 26-year-old striker has impressed during a month's loan from Swansea City, and the formalities are expected to be completed tomorrow. Harriers manager Jan Molby
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Prison officer took his own life
A PRISON officer was found hanging after police forced their way into his home. Thirty-two-year-old Neil Matthews had also taken enough paracetamol and ibuprofen to end his life if they had been left to take their course. Worcestershire Coroner Victor
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Stadium plans closer to goal
FOOTBALL club chiefs were celebrating today after plans to create a 21st Century stadium were kept in play by city councillors. The 6,000-capacity Worcester City ground is now one step nearer, after councillors last night gave their support, in principle
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Fears after cat's gin trap horror
CHILDREN could be maimed by illegal animal traps being set on a Worcester playing field. The gin traps, which have been outlawed for nearly 50 years, have been placed on the field used by youngsters behind Worcester Woods Countryside Centre, Spetchley
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Grim discoveries
A MENTALLY-ill pensioner probably died of dehydration and lack of food after the elder brother who cared for him suffered a heart attack at the home they shared. Harold Sawbridge devoted his life to looking after his brother Charlie in their Malvern home
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Catriona's death remains mystery
AN Evesham woman may have had an accident which led to her van crashing into a river and disappearing for five years. Catriona Watson's body was found in her Renault 4 van in January this year at Hampton Ferry in Evesham. Worcestershire Coroner Victor
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Decision on plane-spotters
A FORMER Worcester man in prison in Greece with 11 other British plane-spotters could find out tomorrow whether he is free to return home for Christmas or whether he will be put on trial, which could lead to a maximum 20-year sentence. The plane-spotters
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Drugs found in dealer's car in police spot check
A DRUG dealer who was found with a "considerable" amount of cannabis in his car has been ordered to appear in front of Worcester Crown Court. Droitwich magistrates told Christopher Cameron-Waller that their powers of sentencing would not be strong enough
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A sure way to improve the life of a community
IMAGINE you're a young mum living alone on an estate and you desperately need to see a doctor. But there's no GP in your area, you have no car and no one's willing to give you a lift because community spirit doesn't exist. Or maybe you need a prescription
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Children learn about the bear necessities of wildlife
PUPILS in Kempsey have been learning about the bear necessities of wildlife - and raising money for endangered species. Children at the village's primary school raised £560.51 for the World Wildlife Fund during a sponsored walk on the Malvern Hills. A
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Horrors of life during Holocaust
A HOLOCAUST survivor is to visit Worcester to talk about life as a teenager during the Second World War. Paul Oppenheimer was 15 when he was taken to Belsen concentration camp in Germany. He will be visiting the city during the Anne Frank Exhibition as
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BOSBURY Correspondent: Mrs R Krinks Tel: 01531 640076
LAST Friday the comic spoof 2001 A Space Idiocy was performed at the parish hall by North Country Theatre, a very entertaining production. It is a professional theatre company based in Richmond, North Yorkshire. The company has a special understanding
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WELLINGTON HEATH Correspondent: Mrs P Wilkin Tel: 01531 633853
THERE is a vacancy within the village for a parish clerk. This is a very interesting and enjoyable job and will suit anyone with basic secretarial skills. The duties include arranging parish council meetings, advertising them and preparing the agenda,
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WEST MALVERN Correspondent: Colin Jackson Tel: 01684 577604
Tributes were paid to Keith Falconer, head of the Malvern Hills Outdoor Centre, and his staff at a flag-raising ceremony and lunch attended by representatives of local government and the education services. The celebration was to mark the recent achievement
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50 years ago
December 15, 1951 THE oldest resident in the Redditch district Mr Charles Locke of Hewell Road, celebrated his 99th birthday on Monday. He was born in Knowle in 1852 and came to this district when he was just 17 years of age. He worked for a few months
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25 years ago
December 10, 1976 THE first public telephones in the multi-million pound Kingfisher Shopping Centre were installed this week and proved to be an eye-catching addition for Christmas shoppers. The futuristic perspex 'pods' and bright green 'stalks' were
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Harry's hype is the only sin commited
NEVER in my life did I imagine I'd be leaping to the defence of the Harry Potter franchise, but after reading the Rev Andy Kelso's comical little tirade (Advertiser, December 5) I felt compelled to write. So the good reverend has decided that Harry Potter
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Rank slating is major mistake
I READ with interest the comments made by one of your readers concerning the use of formal ranks of gentlemen who have served in the armed forces (Letters, December 5). I would like to point out to him that the use of using former ranks is a privilege
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Anger as council removes play area
A PLAY area has been reduced to rubble by the council despite the fact a new one won't be built until the spring, claims a resident. Jim Clarke, of Upper Field Close, Church Hill has labelled the removal of facilities at Upper Field Close as 'nothing
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Planning ahead to jubilee
REVELLERS thinking of arranging a party to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee are being urged to start planning now. Bromsgrove Council wants to ensure party planners in Alvechurch, Beoley, Tardebigge and Wythall have all their plans in place for their events
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Mediocre response to survey
ONLY 824 out of 3,000 residents have responded to a survey on crime and disorder in Redditch, prompting suggestions townsfolk could be suffering consultation overload, writes Becky Procter. A team of consultants carried out the survey across six districts
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12/12/01 - Murdoch to captain side
EX-Worcester Rugby Club skipper Alistair Murdoch aims to catch the eye tonight when he leads the second team against Rugby Lions at Sixways (7.30). The winger plays in a Warriors side containing a number of fringe players bidding to impress coach John
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League the aim for Kingfishers
REDDITCH captain Mark Rose said Sunday's North Midlands Shield tie against Division Two outfit Old Griffs will not distract his side from their title aims. And the Kingfishers' captain is hoping for a good crowd at Bromsgrove Road (ko 2.15pm) after his
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Kings shuffle pack
KINGS Norton are set to mix and match for Saturday's friendly trip to Warwickshire One neighbours Alcester. Captain Mark Waudby, available again after work commitments, wants to field his strongest side against Coventry Welsh the following week. Kings
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Woodrush wonder
Woodrush 17 Stourport 5 WOODRUSH recorded their first league win in some style but the celebrations were marred by a serious facial injury to captain Paul Moore after a stamping incident requiring seven stitches. The hosts had run in two tries, created
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Facts, figures and fixtures 2001/2002 season
Pre-season 21/07/01 - Redditch United 0 Kidderminster Harriers 3 (Hadley, Hinton, Middleton) (friendly) 24/07/01 - Redditch United 2 (Danks 2) Gloucester United 3 (Tatton, Meadows, Freeman) (friendly) 28/07/01 - Weston St Johns 2 Redditch United 6 (Campbell
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12/12/01 - Stadium plans closer to goal
FOOTBALL club chiefs were celebrating today after plans to create a 21st Century stadium were kept in play by city councillors. The 6,000-capacity Worcester City ground is now one step nearer, after councillors last night gave their support, in principle
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Train fares to rise
THE majority of fares on journeys from Great Malvern to London are to rise from January 6, despite the poor punctuality record of Thames Trains. The price of a peak day single will go up by 3.1% to £25.90, with a 90p increase to £43.80 on a peak day return
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Fears are underlined
CONCERNS over safety outside two schools at Colwall Green were highlighted when a car allegedly mounted a pavement as parents dropped children off. Police are now appealing for witnesses who may have seen the white Peugeot GL car mount the pavement in
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Belting Beltex
A Colwall farmer has scooped a national award for his meat and sold the carcass for a record sum. Dave Bishop, picked up the Supreme Champion award at the Smithfield Club National Festival of Meat. His winning lamb carcass was then auctioned for a show
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Cigarettes stolen in garage raid
A LARGE quantity of cigarettes was stolen from Malvern Springs Service Station on Worcester Road, Malvern. Two thieves broke into a store area at around 5.35pm on Sunday (December 9), before making off with the haul in the back of a blue Ford Sierra,
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12/12/01 - Ford takes on post at Rovers
CLUB captain Jon Ford has been put in charge of Bromsgrove Rovers after the surprise departure of Steve Daniels. The outgoing Director of Football, dubbed the Kingmaker for his ability to spot young talent, has left the Victoria Ground club by mutual
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9/11/01 - City aim for points booster at home
AFTER four cup games on the trot it's back to Dr Martens Premier Division action for Worcester City with tomorrow's visit of Cambridge City (3pm). City's coach Mick Tuohy admits his players were justly criticised following their midweek Trophy exit against
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Bees in Vase heartbreak
MARK Chambers has told his weary troops there is no time to feel sorry for themselves after a big-hearted display against Vase favourites Brigg Town ended in defeat at the weekend. A titanic end-to-end game was finely poised with Brigg 3-2 up three minutes
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Tale is pure genie-us
FANS of BBC Radio 4's The Archers will be able to put a face to the voice as actor Marc Finn, also known as Greg Turner, takes on the role of evil Abanazer in pantomime at Solihull. Aladdin, which runs at Solihull Arts Complex, also features homegrown
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Panto fun
THE newly refurbished Hippodrome Theatre is playing host to Brian Conley this Christmas in eternal family favourite Dick Whittington. The rags-to-riches tale of Dick Whittington and his cat is set to delight audiences of all ages with music, comedy, dance
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Murdoch to captain side
EX-Worcester Rugby Club skipper Alistair Murdoch aims to catch the eye tonight when he leads the second team against Rugby Lions at Sixways (7.30). The winger plays in a Warriors side containing a number of fringe players bidding to impress coach John
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Robins in last-minute exit
A last-minute goal by Derek Hall gave Solihull Borough a 2-1 win against Evesham United in the second round of the Dr Martens Cup at Common Road last night. United showed a vast improvement in the wake of Saturday's 6-0 defeat against Chippenham Town
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26/10/01 - Stadium application: Are the sleeping giants about to wake?
THE blue and whites are sleeping giants according to a member of the Worcestershire Football Association. FA secretary Mervyn Leggett is completely behind a new state-of-the-art soccer stadium, which he says would unlock the full potential of the team
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Measure for measure, we're being swindled
THE bottle of beer won at the village fete, the prize for tossing the most bags of straw over a set of rugby goalposts, was not my first encounter with the juice of the barley. Despite my father's Wesleyan-Methodist background, I had, for some inexplicable
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Package alert at hospital
POLICE, scenes of crime officers and fire crews were drafted in after reports of a suspicious package at the Alexandra Hospital, writes Becky Procter. The personnel department was sealed off for more than two hours and members of staff were evacuated
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Dreams Can Come True-Greatest Hits Volume 1 Gabrielle
Five star Can this woman do no wrong? It would seem not. But then with a voice like Gabrielle's, she could probably sing the contents of the Yellow Pages and make it sound melodic and meaningful. But she does not just sing brilliantly, her writing skills
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Miss Congeniality 12 - DVD
Three star ANYONE looking for fun and escapism is in luck, for this film is definitely what they are looking for. Sandra Bullock plays Gracie Hart, a tough-cookie FBI agent who can certainly more than handle her own with 'the boys' but who seems to have
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12/12/01 - What's it all about...Alfie
REDDITCH manager Rod Brown has apologised to United fans after their side's drastic 6-0 capitulation to Clevedon on Saturday and made an about turn by signing Halesowen hitman Alfie Carter. Reds number two Gary Whild last week told the Advertiser they
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11/12/01 - Brown released
UNITED full back Nigel Brown was last night released by Reds boss Rod Brown as he continued to reshape the squad he inherited. Brown follows central defender Mark Creighton and left back Andy Bradley out of the exit door ahead of tonight's home League
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Family test for Fishers
A HEADLESS Cross mum and daughter are aiming for sunnier climes when they contest the finals of a national tennis tournament in London on Saturday. Great Britain veterans star Pauline Fisher, 44, and 13-year-old daughter Katherine are competing for the
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Diary dates for cyclists
REDDITCH Road and Path Club's annual Holly Run leaves the Star & Garter pub, Crabbs Cross on Sunday, December 23 at 9.30am. A short run has been arranged to The Mother Huff Cap pub, Great Alne for noon. Hot food is available and non-cycling members
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Clubs win cash bonus
FOUR town sports clubs are celebrating after scooping cash under the Awards For All grant scheme. Redditch Sailing Club were the biggest beneficiaries, awarded almost £5,000 towards dinghies and training equipment. The club has trained young stars like
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Bumper box number
YOUNGSTERS at St Bede's Middle School have spent the last four weeks collecting gifts for underprivileged children. Pupils have filled 650 shoeboxes so far with items such as clothes, toys, writing paper and pens as part of the Samaritan's Purse Shoebox
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Pupils set cap at Clotheshow 2001
BUDDING milliners at Studley St Mary's C of E Junior School who took up the challenge of making hats had their creations displayed at Clotheshow 2001 this week. Jane Beagrie, of Inkberrow Design Centre, has been sharing her hat-making expertise with Year
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Mums await escorts' fate
TWO Redditch mums who fought to save school escorts' jobs will hear this week whether their fight has failed. Collette Kearney, of Ibstock Close, Winyates, and Maureen Woollaston, of Evesham Road, Crabbs Cross, appealed for the two former Redditch Community
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Looking to the future
STUDLEY High School has started a new partnership scheme with local businesses and organisations to prepare pupils for the rigours of a job interview. Year 11 students will complete an application form and will be expected to arrive punctually and be
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Events taking place in and around Worcester
"Stars are Shining" concert by the Malvern Christian Witness Choir. (proceeds to Acorn Children's Hospice Trust). Dec 13 & 14. 7.30pm. Lansdowne Methodist Church, Malvern Worcs. (01684 575563). Narrow Gauge Railway Society Meetings - Michael Clements
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Your day to day guide to the Best Sounds around.
Dec 14. The Official Receivers. The Marr's Barr, Pierpoint Street, Worcester. Rock & Roll with Brian Supersounds. Barbourne Ex-Servicemens Club. The Moors. Worcester. Dec 15. Junction 9. Barbourne Ex-Servicemens Club. The Moors. Worcester.
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Classical and Easily Listening- a guide to what's on near you.
Malvern Hills Brass Band 'Sound of Christmas' annual concert. Dec 15. 7.30pm. Huntingdon Hall, Deansway. (01905 611427). "Joy to the World" with Worcester Festival Choral Society, Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra and County Youth Choir. A spectacular
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Migration madness as Britain becomes gridlocked
WE are all paying a "carbon tax" on the use of fossil fuels in our nation and we are being told that, because of traffic congestion, billions are to be spent upon public transport schemes. We are also being told that we're to be taxed out of our cars,
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What's on at your local theatre.
Cinderella. Nov 29-Jan 12. The Everyman Theatre. Gloucestershire. Box Office 01242 572573. The Nutcracker. Nov 30-Dec 15. Birmingham Hippodrome. Information and ticket sales 0870 730 1234. www.hippodrometheatre.co.uk. Charles Dickens 'A Christmas Carol
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Out of time... and don't forget Chris
I ENJOY Liz Freeth's guide to the music scene (The Pulse, Friday November 30) and, while I have respect for Rod Stewart's splendid version of Handbags and Gladrags, it was originally performed by Chris Farlowe. Indeed, the song was specially written for
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Beware the creeping erosion of our laws
I SEE from your article (Evening News, December 1) about the British plane-spotters arrested in Greece, that our Foreign Office are "concerned" about their conditions of detention. We should all be concerned, both for them and for our own freedom, if
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Putting faith in funding
I LEARNT another lesson the other day, while staying with the Army's educators. Sitting in the Officer's Mess after a lovely three-course meal, I engaged in conversation with several teachers interested in swapping their suits for camouflage. The debate
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Punch leaves man, 24, with fractured skull
A MAN suffered a fractured skull when he fell to the floor and banged his head after being punched in the face during an attack on Saturday. The 24-year-old man and his girlfriend had just returned home after a night out when the incident happened at
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Thieves take car
Cash, mobile phones, a video/Sky box and a quad bike worth £5,000 were taken from a house in Henley Road, Mappleborough Green, between 7.15pm on Monday, December 3, and 12.30am the following day. The keys to a red Land Rover, registration M2 PJA, were
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Clamping down on benefit fraudsters
FAST-food workers were quizzed as part of a crack-down on people who may be working while collecting benefits. Redditch Council teamed up with the Department of Works and Pensions for the spot checks on Thursday and Friday evenings. In all, 68 statements
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What a corker!
ONE Alcester councillor certainly had a pressing engagement last week. Councillor Keith Greenaway set about restoring an impressive French wine press, given to the town in 1994, to match the smart appearance of the newly-opened Globe House in Priory Road
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Fast response to cash crisis
MORE money and volunteers are desperately needed to keep a life-saving Alcester service running. Alcester First Responders are on the scene within minutes if alerted to incidents of heart problems or other medical difficulties. But this Saturday, three
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Pub's piper plea
A TRADITIONAL piper is being sought to bring in the new year at a recently re-launched Beoley pub. There has been little time to organise Christmas and new year events due to a recent change of ownership at The Village Inn. But manager Diane Hulland hopes
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Ferreting out furry fun
MORE than 200 ferrets invaded Inkberrow when the National Ferret Welfare Society held its annual show. Luckily none of the animals escaped and organiser and ferret lover Ben Byng, of Crabbs Cross, said the show at Inkberrow Village Hall was a great success
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11/12/01 - Sorry Reds lose again
Redditch United 1 Moor Green 3 POOR Neil Olden. Without making any glaring errors the goalkeeper, signed after former club Bloxwich United went bust, has let in ten goals in his first two games. Out of the frying pan... Though manager Rod Brown would
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Growing excitement!
THE young and the young at heart will get the chance to tell Father Christmas what they want to see in their stockings this year, thanks to a Mappleborough Green garden centre. Santa has been taking time out of his busy schedule to visit Castle Nurseries
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Tree on way
Wythall's Christmas tree will be presented tomorrow. The tree, donated by Earlswood Nurseries, will be outside Station Road shops and it is hoped will be lit up by the end of the week.
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Fears over 'alarming' behaviour
THE 'alarming' behaviour of youths who gather at an Alvechurch bus shelter has prompted parish councillors to debate whether it should be taken away, writes Melina Cannon. Alvechurch Parish Council has received letters from residents about the attraction
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A stylish entrance
FATHER Christmas arrived in style when he visited an Alvechurch school in a horse and cart on Friday. Pony Bali K led the cart into the playground at Crown Meadow First School and some lucky children had the chance to hop on and have a trip. It is the
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Drakes Cross WI
REPORTS on the recent bingo evening, held by popular request at Shawhurst Community Centre, and on the annual Craft Fair, were given by Vice-president Beryl Parsons and treasurer Cynthia Holland. Members were thanked for their help and contributions of
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Everywoman's Circle
ON a cold November evening, a warm welcome was given to Roger Stubbs, Marketing Manager of the Severn Valley Railway. In 1965 a group of train enthusiasts met to discuss reopening the line for steam engines following its closure in 1963 under the Beeching
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Redditch Welsh Society
THE recent meeting was well attended. Delicious food was set out and there were too many raffle prizes for the winners to be mentioned. There were two games won by Audrey Kendall and Cathryn Hughes. There was a rendition of 'I remember it well' from Gigi
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St Mary's Wives Group
THE Group held their meeting on November 22 at Wythall Village Institute. Sue Barnard welcomed 52 members and two guests and advised the times of the coach to the Chateau Impney for the Christmas meal on December 11. She then introduced Kay Hart who produced
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The Redditch Society
AT the last meeting a large audience visited several privately owned country houses in the lowlands and border country of Scotland with David Brown, the Regional Officer for the National Trust and an expert on country houses and gardens. Many of these
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Another defeat for United
United's run without a win stretched to six games with a 4-1 League Cup defeat to Moor Green last night.
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Heartache over lost organs
By Becky Procter Chief Reporter THE parents of a Redditch teenager who died almost six years ago are distraught after being told their daughter's organs were taken out without permission and cannot be traced. Nicole Waldron, 13, died from a brain haemorrhage
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Bedworth United 4 Worcester City 0
Tuesday, December 11, 2001 HOLDERS Worcester City were dumped out of the Dr Martens League Cup by Bedworth United in a shock 4-0 defeat last night. Manager John Barton admitted it was disappointing to bow out and was again left cursing slack defending
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Stretcher barers?
PULSES were certainly racing for scores of women when they mistook two paramedics for the strippers they had come to see at a Hopwood hotel. The Westmead was holding one of its regular themed nights called The Full Monty and paramedics were called when
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An expert in his own field
A Year 10 student at Kingsley College and future David Bailey has had one of his photographs published in a prestigeous calendar. Samuel Gordon, 15, of Webheath, entered his country-inspired photograph into a competition run by the BBC and it was chosen
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Men cut from car
FIREFIGHTERS from Studley had to cut two men from their car after a crash on the Alcester Road in Mappleborough Green. The roof of the Peugeot 206 they were travelling in had to be removed using hydraulic cutting equipment. The car had been in collision
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Booze ban talks
CONSULTATION has started in Winyates asking the public their views on banning the drinking of alcohol in and around the Winyates Centre. Police have been given powers to confiscate alcohol or impose a £500 fine on those who refuse to comply. The police
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Daughter's mission to find father
A REDDITCH man has been reunited with his daughter after 33 years - and found he has four grandchildren he never knew he had. James Bond, 56, of Newland Close, Woodrow, was tracked down by ITV's Trisha show after his long-lost daughter Tracy Bates, of
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Shoppers flocking to centre
MORE than 100,000 extra shoppers visited the Kingfisher Shopper during November compared to the same time last year. The news comes during a £60 million centre revamp which will include the creation of a major transport interchange and a Debenhams department
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Tree set to beat target
THE Primrose Hospice Tree of Light Appeal looks set to beat last year's impressive total of £12,000. With another two weeks to go, the appeal has already raised £11,000. The Hospice, which cares for people with cancer, has a tree in the Kingfisher Centre
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We will stop to honour
A MEMORIAL is to be put up in Redditch town centre to remember the millions who died in the Holocaust. Saturday, January 26, will be a day of national remembrance for the victims of the atrocities of the last century, not least the Nazi's industrial slaughter
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Sky no limit for Willem
THE sudden death of a Redditch girl who contracted meningitis has prompted a man recovering from a broken leg to skydive for charity this Friday. Willem Harris will be performing the 10,000ft tandem jump in aid of the Meningitis Trust after six-year-old
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Scientists look into airliner crash
SCIENTISTS at QinetiQ in Malvern are researching a type of turbulence which may have caused last month's airliner crash in New York. QinetiQ, the former Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), carries out research for the Ministry of Defence and
