Archive
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Council staff strike effects county
UNIONS have claimed a one-day strike success as council workers brought parts of the county ground to a halt this morning. Libraries, social services departments and some schools shut their doors as staff from three different unions struck over pay. Refuse
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Ex-Guardsman takes over for RSPCA
A NEW RSPCA officer has taken over as chief inspector in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. Lee Hopgood will lead a team of seven inspectors and three animal collection officers who are working to improve the welfare of animals across the two counties
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Pupils build bridges for next school year in activity day
PUPILS at a Worcester school took part in an array of team-building activities in preparation for the next school year. Forty Year 10 pupils from Bishop Perowne CE High School visited Top Barn Farm, near Holt Heath, yesterday. They took part in activities
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Posh pads lose flood funding priority
MP Mike Foster has won the battle for Ministers to change the controversial rules used for deciding if areas such as Worcester should secure funding for flood defences. The Labour MP pressed claims that the current formula is biased against householders
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Porsche driver is banned from road
THE managing director of a publishing company has been banned from driving after being caught doing 117mph in his Porsche sports car. John Pethard, aged 45, accelerated from 70 to 117 miles per hour in a matter of seconds as he overtook another vehicle
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Warndon youths to have their say
YOUNGSTERS in Worcester's Warndon Villages will be given the chance to run their own leisure activities. In an attempt to provide more facilities for the youth in the area, the Warndon Youth Working Party will be going into schools to ask youngsters what
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Teenager reflects on her suicide attempt
A TEENAGE girl who was saved from taking her own life is urging people to look beyond her rescue, featured in the Evening News, and investigate the reasons why a young person would consider suicide. The 19-year-old who was stopped from jumping off Sabrina
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Tributes paid to county firefighters
THE Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire has honoured county firefighters who have shown dedication beyond the call of duty. Michael Brinton presented long service awards to those who had given more than 20 years to Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade. Among
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Kids perform musical
TALENTED young performers from a Bromsgrove primary school followed the pied piper to the sweet tune of success when they put on their performance of Rats last week. Pupils between the ages of seven and 11, from Lickey Hills Primary School, in Old Birmingham
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Morris Minors steam into station for branch rally
MALVERN Morris Minor enthusiast Jonathan Swift is preparing for his club's annual branch rally, due to be held at Toddington station. The event is being staged in conjunction with the railway's nostalgia day, which is centred on Winchcombe station a few
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Worries for insurance
FLOODS Minister Elliot Morley has attacked an insurance firm that sparked panic among householders in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. In a House of Commons debate, he accused Esure of trying to profit from a "publicity stunt". Last month, the internet
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Plan for classes to share teachers
SHARING teachers and dividing classes between two sites could prevent small schools closing. The ideas form part of the advice Worcestershire County Council's executive committee may be given by the education/lifelong learning panel to save schools under
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Youngsters bang the drum
YOUNGSTERS from throughout Worcester performed their own music for families and friends as part of a city-wide project. The concert - at the Swan Theatre in Worcester - was organised by Worcester Action for Youth (WAY). It involved youngsters from youth
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Debra's Atlantic courage
A WOMAN who rowed for months alone across the Atlantic has given a talk to raise money for St Richard's Hospice. For three-and-a-half months Debra Veal struggled with 30-foot waves, force eight squalls, sharks and tankers that came too close. The 26-year-old
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School's over for two stalwart teachers
TWO teachers at a Bromyard school will be leaving the classroom for the last time when term ends tomorrow. Terry Rogers and Alan Greening who, between them, have clocked up 64 years teaching at Queen Elizabeth High School are to retire. Mr Rogers joined
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Duo heading for Games
TWO Bromsgrove School staff head off to Manchester next week in readiness for the start of the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Craig Parnham and Dr Margaret Werrett, from the Worcester Road school, are both playing their own special role at the two-week event
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Spa girls win sporting trip to the USA
TWO Droitwich Spa girls are jetting off to the USA this summer to improve their sporting skills. Rachel Harrison and Joanne Dudley, both students at the Briar Mill school's sixth form, are visiting Ball State University, in Muncie, Indiana, for a ten-day
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Top three finishes put Hay into second
A DROITWICH driver has moved to within touching distance of claiming a major championship after double success last weekend. Richard Hay has moved into second place in the Autosport Caterham Eurocup after collecting a pair of strong finishes in the Dutch
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Fagan breaks 200m time
A BROMSGROVE runner has excelled himself by beating his own 200m record during his debut at the English Schools Championship. Fourteen-year-old Daniel Fagan, a member of Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletic Club, qualified for the second round of the U14s
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Ladies make it three in three at meeting
BROMSGROVE and Redditch Athletic Club's ladies team found the winning formula again to win the third meeting of the Midlands Veteran Track and Field south division at Worcester. The ladies made it three wins out of three with their victory on Thursday
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Register your interest in broadband
Regarding Andy Baxter's letter about not getting left behind in broadband Britain (Advertiser, July 1). While I sympathise with his inability to get BT's ADSL services because the exchange is not upgraded, I was concerned to read Mr Baxter's misleading
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Searching for news of David
I WONDER if any readers could help me to get in contact with an old friend of mine? David (Jim) Nash was a student at the University of Sussex during the mid 1980s. He also worked part-time at the Cafe Copenhagen in the centre of Brighton. Following David's
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Please stop nightly noise
REGARDING the use of the field behind Huntington Close in Winyates East. Most nights and weekends we have to listen to the roar of motorbikes as young lads of 10-15 race up and down the field. There are a lot of old people living around there who have
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Poster prompts food for thought
THERE'LL be some people, possibly many, who'll regard Elgar Technical College headteacher Dr Graham Watts's campaign to remove a controversial advertising hoarding close to the school gates with amusement or bemusement. He says the advert for a popular
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Hodgetts set to Rock on
FORMULA One hopeful Stefan Hodgetts is set to resume his chase for F3 championship points at the weekend. The Headless Cross ace is heading for the controversial Rockingham circuit for round nine and wants to impress his new Motorworld team. Hodgetts
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Two golds for town
REDDITCH Swimming Club members bagged two gold medals at the 2002 Too Young To Tango and 50m Sprint Competition at Wolverhampton Central Baths. The 9yrs girls freestyle relay team of Suzanne Britt, Leanne Savage, Phillipa Bussey and Nicola Strange stormed
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Walton cap
REDDITCH'S Stevan Walton has retained his England berth for a third year. The town hotshot will captain the junior team for the Home International, Team World Championships and European Championships next month. Stevan is the 2002 Junior English Open
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Andy will be busy
WINYATES Green biker Andy Burbidge is preparing for a busy weekend. Fresh from securing his national licence at Snetterton, he is heading for another round of the New Era championship at Olton Park on Saturday. The Hytera Racing ace is contesting New
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Fund hits the £500,000 mark
THE prospect of a children's hospice in Worcester is a step nearer after the fund-raising total hit the £500,000 mark. The Acorns' Three Counties Appeal, launched in April, now stands at £538,246. Last month, the appeal was boosted by an enormous £150,000
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'Farcical' chase in drug bust
POLICE who followed a car in Redditch discovered £1,000 cash and 707 grammes of herbal cannabis inside the vehicle, a jury heard. The driver, Russell Chew, ran off and was chased by officers around a house before disappearing inside. He emerged after
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50 years ago
July 19, 1952 The funds of Bates Hill Methodist Church will benefit by £75 from a successful garden party last Saturday. The grounds of the "Southcrest" placed at the disposal of the organisers by Ald. and Mrs Charles Terry made an ideal setting for the
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Changes for Church
ALVECHURCH manager Andy Hibbert has had a busy close season after promising to ring the changes in the wake of last season's dramatic last day survival. Chastened by his first training session at the club, when only two players reported for duty, the
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New faces for Feckenham
Feckenham start their pre-season programme at the Valley next Tuesday with Boldmere St Michaels the visitors (ko 7.30pm). Millers skipper Mark Davis has rejoined Studley and former County Sports striker Carl Fairhurst has joined newly-formed Premier Division
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Council see bus report
A MAJOR report into problems suffered by bus users has identified factors like low staff morale as being at the heart of the issue. On Friday, councillors will consider the 52-page report from JMP consultants as they strive to set up a Partnership Action
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Kingsmen ready
Kings Heath boss Sean Lawless has added three new faces ahead of the club's opener against Ryman Premier Maidenhead United on Saturday, July 27. Boldmere youth team keeper Dan Moseley has joined the Lye Meadow tenants along with Paget Reserve midfielder
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Rubbish back on problem site
RUBBISH has once again been dumped on a piece of land in St George's. The Redditch Advertiser reported in May how a triangle of land in Stevenson Avenue had been used as a dumping ground for household rubbish, ranging from mattresses to car tyres. The
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Pilot success means more time 4young
THE success of a pilot scheme to provide a free, confidential information and support service to young people in Redditch has prompted bids to set up similar projects across the town. The Time 4U scheme, set up in Winyates a year ago, has been so successful
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£5m boost for sports
A MULTI-million pound plan to improve sports and leisure facilities in Redditch over the next two years was unveiled yesterday. The programme lists a number of initiatives to be implemented, including the creation of a massive sports facility in Batchley
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Take a byte
Redditch Library is offering residents bite-size courses in keyboard, numeracy and literary skills. For more details, go to the inquiry desk on the top floor of the library.
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Council quiz charity role
COUNCILLORS could be accused of divided loyalties if they are representatives on charity boards, according to a Conservative member of Redditch Council. And following the collapse of the Redditch Council for Voluntary Services (RCVS), Councillor Antonia
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Novel idea steals scene
A PILOT project to encourage people to Shop 'n' Read is being launched in Winyates on Saturday. Redditch's mobile library service will be based at the Winyates branch of Safeway from 9.30am-noon. The mobile library only previously stopped on weekdays
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Councillors' cash shift
EACH of Redditch's 29 councillors will receive an annual basic allowance of £2,500. Council Leader and executive committee chairman David Cartwright will also receive a £5,000 special responsibility allowance. Deputy leader and executive committee vice-chairman
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New survey for prefabs
MORE surveys are to be carried out on run-down homes in Abbeydale before a decision on whether to demolish or repair them is made. Last month, plans to demolish the prefabricated Redditch Council bungalows in Dolphin Road and redevelop the area were announced
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Rubbish reth!nk
REDDITCH residents are being asked to think before they bin rubbish. The council is promoting a drive to get people recycling metal cans and foil to cut down a huge rubbish mountain. The initiative is part of a national campaign called Reth!nk Rubbish
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Homes decision put off
A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to build four homes in Webheath has been deferred for a police analysis to be conducted after concerns over traffic and access. Redditch councillors spent an hour debating the future of the land in Foxlydiate Lane
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Praise given to quitters
REDDITCH smokers who give up the habit are some of the most successful in the county at not starting again. Figures released by Redditch and Bromsgrove Primary Care Trust this week show that 61 per cent of people in both towns attending quit groups are
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Late start for Bickerton
DROITWICH'S John Bickerton faces a late start to his Open Championship at Muirfield tomorrow when he tees off at 3.41pm. Bickerton and playing partners John Kemp (amateur) and Neal Lancaster will be the 47th of 52 groups to head out. Hereford's David
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City fix up new dates
Worcester City have fixed up friendlies for their reserve and youth teams. Manager Geoff Ashby takes the reserves to Studley for their first clash on Monday, July 22 (7pm) while the following day the youth team led by Ray Woods entertain Pershore Town
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A courtly tale
ALCESTER'S historic house provides the backdrop for a stately performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night on Saturday. Coughton Court's Tudor courtyard will become a stage for one of the Bard's most popular comedies brought by the British Touring Shakespeare
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Priorities picked
THE problem of drugs, housing and more activities for young people have been highlighted as some of the key priorities to be tackled in four Redditch neighbourhoods. Other issues raised by people in Astwood Bank, Woodrow, Winyates and Winyates Green include
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Minority Report (12) Four star
IT'S 2054 and the murder rate across the world has hit epidemic proportions. To combat this, a pre-crime unit for Washington DC headed by John Anderson (Tom Cruise) has been set up. Three psychic 'Precogs' see murders before they're committed, give the
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By The Way Red Hot Chili Peppers
Five star THE Chili Peppers have followed up 1999's Californication with a blinder of an album which has to rate as one of the best this year. Taking a cleaner, mellower approach than before and a somewhat rueful look at life, fans who still yearn for
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From Now... Rik Waller
Two star THE Pop Idol man mountain ain't all that and a bag of chips. He followed up his first solo offering, a mediocre version of Whitney's I Will Always Love You, with a murderous cover of Labi Siffre classic Something Inside So Strong. It's not that
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Evil Woman (15)
Two star THIS is the latest in a long line of teen movies which have crept their way back into fashion over the last couple of years, thanks to American Pie. But there are a few clues which should all point to the fact that this really is a very poor
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Evening tour of Hanbury Hall's gardens
THE head gardener at Hanbury Hall will today be giving an evening tour of the gardens as part of the Worcester Three Choirs Fringe Festival. Neil Cook will be giving visitors an insight into the gardens which have been recreated to look as they did when
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Angling round-up
ANOTHER hectic midweek match scene started on Tuesday with Northfield Starlets veterans fishing their contest at Moorlands Farm's Meadow pool. Harold Willey (Kidderminster) pole fished pellets at peg six for a level 50-0-0 of Carp. Second place went to
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Help appreciated
DEAR EDITOR - On behalf of the committee of Bromsgrove Rovers Supporters Society, may I express through your paper our thanks to Kevin Poole and Jim McGettrick for their help at our stall at Bromsgrove Carnival. They both provided non-stop entertainment
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Socially it turned out to be a right 'Royal' day
DEAR EDITOR - Although a few weeks after the occasion (we have been away) we would still like to make some points concerning the Golden Jubilee celebrations in the Rubery area. Firstly, being members of the Rubery and Rednal Royal British Legion, we did
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Dixonians back home
MIDLANDS Two West newcomers Dixonians have returned to their Harborne base after renegotiating a lease for their Knightlow Road home. The nomadic club spent a year without a ground after a complicated dispute between the Harborne ground's owners The Oratory
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Dance classes
TOE-TAPPING, heel-clicking dance fanatics are urged to pop along to a Bromsgrove venue to take up sequence dancing this Monday. The weekly class is held at the Spadesbourne Suite, in Burcot Lane, at 2pm. For further details call 0121 476 9397.
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Nostalgia
TOWN residents can take a nostalgic trip back in time when the flirty forties are revived at a Bromsgrove venue. Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, in Stoke Heath, will remember the 1940s with costumed characters and the big band sound on Saturday
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Pig roast fun
A SUMMER feast of entertainment is on the menu for hungry town folk wishing to join the fun of a pig roast next month. The event, which will include an auction, raffle, live music from Notorius Brothers, a bouncy castle and stalls, will take place in
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What's on guide
Thursday, July 18 Show: Five Princes and a Wedding, Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry, 10am. Music: Bad Manners, The Robin, R n B Club 1, Merry Hill, Brierley Hill. Friday, July 19 Music: Ruby Turner, mac Sounds in the Rouna, mac, Cannon Hill
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Next move
AFTER seeing the artist's impression of the proposed changes to the High Street, I can well understand Russell & Dorrell quitting. I used to shop in CrownGate but got fed up and went to Lychgate. Next move will be back to Droitwich. A K HILL, Fernhill
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A teddy bears' picnic in Lickey
IF you go down to the woods at Lickey your sure for a big surprise. The Lickey Hills Society is hosting a teddy bears' picnic on Sunday, August 18 at Lickey Hills Visitor Centre, in Warren Lane. Youngsters can enjoy sandwiches in the woods and then hunt
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Boats on show at exhibition
FANS of the great outdoors will be in their element this week when the Inland Waterways exhibition hits a city near Bromsgrove. Thousands of visitors can enjoy the spectacular indoor exhibition in Birmingham's National Indoor Arena and colourful narrowboat
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Spadesbourne Ladies Club
CHEERFUL chairman Betty Long welcomed members and visitors to the July meeting at the Ladybird Inn. Pat Cornock read the minutes and Pat Mountfield gave the financial report, with Joan English commenting on the highly successful and enjoyable outing to
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It's hardly democracy
EVERY citizen has a legal right to attend meetings of the city council and listen to their councillors' deliberations. But this right can be rendered worthless if the proceedings are obscure or confusing. As someone who regularly attends council meetings
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Hanbury WI
OUR monthly meeting was opened by our president, Joan Lang. Brenda Salt read the relevant business including news from the Yorkshire Tea Company who have planted over two million trees around the world. On behalf of the support we have given them, a tree
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Mr Rotavator makes a flying visit
SCHOOLCHILDREN at a Barnt Green school were all of a flutter when Mr Rotavator came to call. The popular youngsters' TV gardener spent the day at St Andrew's First School and, as part of a whole host of activities, brought a butterfly box with him. The
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100 jobs with store revamp
THERE was good news for unemployed people in Bromsgrove this week with the announcement that 100 jobs will be created by a town centre supermarket's £8 million refurbishment plan. The Advertiser/Messenger can exclusively reveal that, after months of legal
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Expanding their cultural horizons
MULTI-TALENTED students from a Bromsgrove high school enjoyed a cultural experience when they celebrated European Day. Year ten pupils from North Bromsgrove High School, in School Drive, enjoyed a host of activities promoting the importance of languages
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Village mourns a local hero
ALVECHURCH CC held a minute's silence before Saturday's subdued match against Highley in honour of wicketkeeper Roger Astill who died suddenly the same morning. Astill, 39, a regular at the club for 25 years, had been treated for a brain tumour but was
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Pupils swap classrooms for the canalside
OUTDOOR-LOVING pupils from Bromsgrove schools swapped the classroom for the canalside. The British Waterways Maintenance Yard, off Alcester Road, in Tardebigge, invited children from eight local schools to its open week which ended last Friday. Youngsters
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Brainy pupils are inundated with offers
BRAINY pupils from a Bromsgrove independent school are being snapped up by leading grammar schools in the West Midlands. The Mount School, in Birmingham Road, is delighted with the number of places students have scooped at leading educational establishments
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Pupils' performance space
BUDDING young actors are performing a futuristic tale with a splash of comedy to parents and friends at a Bromsgrove first school. Around 70 youngsters from Charford First School, in Charford Road, made their debut performance, Space Oddity 2002 last
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Playground fit for a Queen?
BURCOT mums and their children are working hard to generate £10,000 for a new village play area. The community's ad-hoc mothers' group wants to buy new equipment for an area of land behind the well-used village hall, in Alcester Road. They already have
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Lucy jets off for Thailand
A LUCKY Barnt Green teenager is busy saving the pennies after being chosen as one of the Worcestershire Guides to represent the United Kingdom at the Scout World Jamboree in Thailand. Fourteen-year-old Lucy Hampton, of Linthurst Road, was chosen to take
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Stubbing out bad habits
A MASSIVE number of smokers in Bromsgrove are quitting their bad habit thanks to a new scheme. Around 61 per cent of those setting a quit date with Redditch and Bromsgrove Primary Care Trust have remained successful after four weeks. The regional and
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Child dies after swim pool fall
A 23-month-old boy has died following a tumble into a neighbour's swimming pool. Matthew Gowans was found by his distraught father, who fought to revive him by mouth to mouth resuscitation, at 1.30pm last Thursday. Matthew, who had been playing in the
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Students' effort is a lasting Legacy
by SARAH CHAMBERS BUDDING Speilbergs from Rubery are producing a teen movie which will be showcased at a glitzy premiere in Birmingham. Twenty-two pupils at Colmers Farm High School are making Legacy - a supernatural thriller about two groups of youths
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Studley Walm to their task
STUDLEY'S top of the table win over Walmley at the weekend took them to the summit of the Birmingham League Division Two East and the highest position in the club's history. The omens are good because the last time Studley topped the table they won the
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Down on the farm
TOTS at a Spa school enjoyed life on the farm when they went on a school trip. Twenty-nine youngsters from St Joseph's School, in Ombersley Way, took a trip to Ash End Farm, in Tamworth, last Tuesday, as part of a school project. The four and five-year-olds
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Gulf war veteran swaps planes for pews
A GULF War veteran has swapped his jet-set career in the Royal Air Force for the pious life of a priest in Bromsgrove - Advertiser/Messenger reporter Lisa Heritage finds out why. The change may astound many but for Rev Michael Rogers it has meant happiness
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Bank on the brink
DEFEAT plunged Astwood Bank CC back into the relegation zone at the weekend as a mini revival of two wins came to shuddering halt. Put into bat on a tricky surface the Bank were skittled out for 53 in a display reminiscent of the 19 all out they suffered
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Millers hopes hit
FECKENHAM lost ground in their Worcester Two promotion bid with defeat at the weekend. Andy Fletcher's side were bowled out for 136 by leaders Evesham and saw their opponents reach the target for the loss of two. With the Mill Lane side pocketing a single
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In the pink at yellow week
By Hannah Wright COLOURFUL capers raised more than £12,000 for a Bromsgrove charity which helps cancer patients. The Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre, St Godwald's Road, Finstall, held a Go Yellow Week in June which has raised £12,500 so far, with
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Mason takes heart
REDDITCH skipper Nev Mason has tipped Smethwick to win the league after seeing his side lose by eight wickets to them at the weekend. He says the unbeaten Birmingham side, who currently sit second by five points, will edge it against Wroxeter because
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Villagers to lock swords
DERBY opponents Exhall and Wixford and Bidford will be going all out for victory for different reasons in the village duel on Saturday. Hosts Exhall and Wixford continued their impressive season with another win at the weekend. Scott Carmichael's side
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Hewell stranded
HEWELL sit sixth in Division Five after a losing draw in a mid-table fixture at Hanley Castle and Upton. Chasing a target of 210, the Donkey Hole Lane side finished on 179 for six to bag nine league points. Seventh placed Stone cut the gap on Hewell to
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Support for Spa carnival rolls in
DROITWICH'S carnival will make a comeback next year thanks to the support of local businesses and residents. Last week The Advertiser exclusively revealed that plans were in the pipeline to resurrect the annual event, which folded six years ago. And thanks
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Burglars caught in the act
POLICE caught three men red-handed as they carried out a £37,000 antiques raid on a country house near Droitwich. They were arrested after a chase but one of them has since gone on the run and has still to appear in court, said Antonie Muller, prosecuting
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Bring on the Baggies
BROMSGROVE Rovers begin their pre-season warm-up this week with two games in 48 hours. Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side travel to Cradley Town tomorrow (Thursday, 7.45pm) before entertaining Premiership new boys West Bromwich Albion this Saturday (3pm
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Drivers geared for road protest
LORRY drivers are gearing themselves up to protest at a pedestrian island near a fatal road crash. Truckers are on standby to do a drive-slow through Beckford in protest at the island on the A46 Cheltenham Road, which was highlighted when a juggernaut
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25 years ago July 15, 1977
REPRESENTATIVES of more than 1,000 people who had signed a petition protesting about a plan to build a pub in a residential area of Bromsgrove packed a public inquiry in the town this week. Allied Breweries had a plan to build the pub on the corner of
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50 years ago July 19, 1952
NINE records tumbled when Bromsgrove High School held its annual sports day. Hibbins won the inter house competition. THE 16th annual Catshill music festival attracted a record number of entries from far and near to take part in the event staged in the
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100 years ago July 19, 1902
WILLIAM Deeley, aged 16, from Rubery Lane, Rubery, a non-swimmer who worked as an engine cleaner at Frankley waterworks, drowned in Cofton reservoir while bathing. Pc Jakeman spent an hour trying to find him but to no avail. Later his body was recovered
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Moans alter plans
COMPLAINTS from scores of residents forced developers to re-think a planned housing project on the site of the eagerly awaited new Alcester hospital. A hospital and nursing home is to be built on Fields Park Drive and plans have also been put forward
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Fined for tree deaths
BIRMINGHAM City Council has been fined £150,000 and ordered to pay £56,000 costs after the deaths of an Alcester man and two other people nearly three years ago. The council pleaded guilty to a charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act at Birmingham
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Bloom date looms
The wait is over and judging complete for this year's Alcester in Bloom competition. Winners have already been chosen but Britain in Bloom is looming large. Judges from the Heart of England Tourist Board will be arriving outside St Nicholas' Church at
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Police seek that someone special
ALCESTER police are on the lookout for wannabe bobbies who can give up their spare time to police the streets. A recruitment campaign has already been set up to recruit volunteers from Alcester, Studley, Henley and Bidford to become special constables
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Man hurt in Bidford road rage attack
A ROAD rage attack in Bidford left one man needing hospital treatment last week. The man suffered a head wound after an object was thrown threw his car window in an incident on Bidford Bridge, in the centre of the village, at about noon last Thursday.
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Sights set on airgun risk
YOUTHS firing pellet guns near a school playround are to be the target of a joint operation involving police, parents and residents. Pupils at Woodrow First School have been forced to stop using parts of their playing field because of the danger. In one
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Jump in recorded violence
VIOLENT crime in Redditch has risen by almost 150 per cent. Latest Home Office figures show the town had the fourth highest percentage increase in violent crime in the country. But police say the huge jump is down to a new crime recording policy implemented
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Stores unite in crime fight
PLANS to have every store in the Kingfisher Centre joining in a major initiative to stamp out retail crime by Christmas have been announced. About 40 stores out of 140 in the centre have joined the retail crime operation, formed to share information about
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Perfect timing
MAJOR water and road works in the town centre will be carried out at the same time to prevent the prolonged closure of a busy road. Bromsgrove Road has been closed since the start of June while work to create a pedestrian crossing, put in new kerbs and
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Work on car park
Car park 3 is to close for four weeks in a major improvement programme. More than £100,000 is being spent on creating a coach drop-off point to improve disabled access and serve the popular Shopmobility facility. The car park will shut from Monday and
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Seat checks
Anyone wanting the child seats in their cars safety checked can pop along to Halfords, off Redditch ringroad, from 11am-3pm on Sunday, July 28
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Burst water main strands motorist
FIRE crews had only yards to travel to rescue a stranded motorist who was stuck in a crater caused by a burst water main. The pipe burst on Saturday morning at the junction of Birmingham Road and Windsor Road in Enfield, creating a large hole just outside
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Cars set alight
Fire crews were called to four separate car blazes at the weekend, starting with a Ford Escort in Icknield Street Drive, Matchborough, at about 5am on Saturday. Later crews attended a car fire in Washford Drive, Matchborough at about 12.45am on Sunday
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Moving with the times
Alvechurch Parish Council moved into new premises last week. Its new office is at 16, The Square and usual opening times are 9.30am-4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30am-2.30pm Friday. The office will be closed from 11.45-1.15pm, on Wednesday and Thursday
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Worms at core of campaign
A TWO-pronged campaign to get children to eat more fruit and veg has kicked off at schools in Redditch. The other part of the Fruit for Schools project will also encourage the children to get composting by giving them a wormery to get rid of all those
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Lessons in Victorian values
YEAR 6 pupils at St Bede's Middle School donned period dress to enjoy a Victorian day. The 10 and 11-year-olds had been studying Victorian history for the past seven months. Activities included learning Victorian handwriting, experiencing Victorian-style
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Beoley faces school change
BEOLEY First School will become a feeder school into Alvechurch Middle from September 2003. The school feeds into Church Hill Middle School under the Redditch school pyramid system but after a county council meeting last Monday, it will be in the Bromsgrove
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Swimtastic!
CHILDREN at a Redditch school made a big splash after they were set the challenge of swimming a mile. About 60 children from Batchley's Pitcheroak School took to the water at Hewell Road Swimming Pool last week and 24 came up trumps by completing a mile
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In to gear for charity
Children at Holyoakes Field First School dressed up or down for the day to raise £190 for the Diana, Princess of Wales Children's Hospital in Birmingham. Youngsters at the Bridge Street school paid up to £1 on Friday to take part in Glad Rags Day.
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Oak Hill open day
HUNDREDS of Redditch townsfolk turned up to Oak Hill First school's open day. Four pupils officially opened the school on July 9, the oldest and youngest and also the students who designed the Oak Hill's logo and named the school.
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Guitar stars put on a sound show
YOUNGSTERS at a Redditch middle school were treated to a rock extravaganza when a guitar concert was staged. The concert featured St Bede's pupils who have been learning to play the electric guitar for a year or more. They are taught by one of the Lakeside
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Destroyed by David's hand
AVONCROFT CC First XI's David James went on the rampage last Saturday by removing all ten batsmen during his side's four-wicket home victory over Amblecote and Wollaston. James, who has also hit 173 not out with the bat this season, recorded figures of
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Leaders see off luckless Boars
BROMSGROVE CC First XI were on the losing end of another run feast last Saturday as they were beaten by three wickets at Birmingham and District division one joint leaders Wellington. The Boars, who slumped to a final ball defeat to Worcester two weeks
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Green turning season around
BARNT Green CC First XI continued to turn their league season around last Saturday with a winning home draw against Moseley. The result makes it four Birmingham and District premier wins on the bounce for Lyndon Jones' side and, in turn, moves them up
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Cricket title heads north
NORTH Bromsgrove High School beat defending champions South Bromsgrove High School by 18 runs to win the U14s district cricket tournament. In a closely contested final at Bromsgrove Cricket Club last Friday, North Bromsgrove posted 117 before dismissing
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Green stay bottom with defeat
BARNT Green CC First XI remain rooted to the bottom of the Worcestershire Sunday League following a 20-run defeat to Swindon. Batting first, Swindon posted 247-8 before dismissing Green for 227 to leave them propping up the table with just seven points
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R&B diva at The Arena
SOUL and R&B diva Ruby Turner is set to perform in Birmingham on Friday. Ruby moved to Birmingham from Jamaica when she was nine, joined Culture Club in the 1980s and was promptly offered a solo record deal. Four albums and a Best Of were released
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Style fusion as Spirits Collide
A COLLABORATION between two musicians to produce a unique fusion of styles will be presented at Birmingham's CBSO Centre on Friday. Spirits Collide features Iain Ballamy and Savar Sabri who have a track record of working together in the areas of jazz
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Rare high in shares
The London Stock Exchange was set for another nervy start today, after blue-chip shares had a rollercoaster ride. The London market finished at a rare high yesterday with the FTSE 100 Index of leading shares closing 27.4 points ahead at 4021.9, the first
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Builders' merchants face EU directives
FIVE hundred builders' merchants and their partners have met to discuss the issue of over-regulation of business. The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) represents 260 merchant companies, including large national chains such as Jewson Limited, Travis
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Solicitors start up in house venture
A FIRM of Worcestershire solicitors is set to revolutionise the local property market in an imaginative venture aimed at making moving house simpler. Parkinson Wright, which has offices in Worcester, Droitwich, Evesham and Pershore, has teamed up with
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Corus in merger
Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus today announced plans to merge with Brazilian steel group CSN. Under the deal, Corus will own 62.4 per cent of the new company, and CSN the remaining 37.6 per cent. Corus chief executive Tony Pedder said: "This combination
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Celebrating golden years
A GOLDEN couple from Woodrow celebrated 50 years of marriage on Friday. Betty and Ted Shakles, of Fladbury Close, had two surprise lunches to celebrate their golden anniversary on Friday and Sunday with family and friends. And to add to the occasion,
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More help at hand
MORE than 50 volunteers have been recruited by a new charity after an open evening. The NEW Hope charity which helps people who have suffered forms of domestic abuse has recently launched a 24 hour freephone helpline running seven days a week. And potential
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Inventor advice from the experts
WORCESTERSHIRE inventors have been offered free advice from Patent Office experts. The Discovery Channel's What's the Big Idea? Roadshow is being held at the Millennium Point in Birmingham on Saturday and Sunday July 20 and 21. Representatives from the
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Double art delight
PEOPLE were so impressed with artist Barbara Winfield's painting style that they voted her the winner of two categories at a recent exhibition. Mrs Winfield, a member of Redditch Arts Circle, scooped the best painting and best flower-painting sections
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Chamber's bid to stamp on post cost
THE Chamber of Commerce has reacted angrily to Consignia's ann-ouncement to charge small firms £750 a year to receive post before 9am. The Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire said the charge, announced last week, would threaten the competitiveness
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Bank on good service
REDDITCH NatWest customers have put their town branch top in a national competition. The Top Box award is given to branches delivering a quality service and is linked to scores given by customers in a questionnaire.
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Carers call
A Redditch charity wants people to give one or two hours a week to help carers, the elderly and disabled. Carers Careline offers training, experience and a chance to meet new people. For details, call 66177.
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Safety bid is a blazing success
A MAJOR initiative to tackle the dramatic rise in house fires in Redditch is to be extended for two more months following its huge success. Firefighters launched the New Home, Safe Home project in February after it was revealed there were 135 house fires
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Author's debut novel impresses
BOOK REVIEW Honeycote - A Tale of Romp and Circumstance by Veronica Henry published by Penguin Books - £5.99 ADULTERY, ambition, greed and good old-fashioned revenge are all key elements in a Bromsgrove author's debut novel, Honeycote,writes Liz Richards
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Arrow Valley Countryside Group
NATIONAL Trust parks and gardens were the subject of a talk by John Findlay at the first meeting of June. First, he outlined the history of the trust, describing the different kinds of property in its care. Then, with the aid of slides, he gave a history
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Crabbs Cross & Hunt End WI
PRESIDENT Hilary Taylor opened the July meeting. The usual format was changed and Mr & Mrs Such took over with their presentation 'Big Bands of the 30s'. Mr Such introduced band leaders whose names remain famous and recordings were played of music
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Kingfisher WI
PRESIDENT Pam Day welcomed members to the June meeting where everyone was treated to a glass of fruit punch to toast the Queen on her Golden Jubilee. Members were thrilled to hear of the success for Kingfisher at the County Craft Day at Perdiswell with
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Rotary Club of Alcester St Nicholas
ACTIVITIES in June included a visit to Morton in Marsh Fire Service training college. Rev David Capron, who is chaplain to the Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service, arranged the visit. The visitors were greeted in the College Chapel by the curator and
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Studley Priory WI
AT the July meeting, Steven Bruce, auctioneer and valuer, gave a very informative and entertaining talk on buying and selling at auction. His speech included many amusing anecdotes and a catalogue of a recent sale. An auctioneer's job is often a difficult
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Head slams slag poster
A WORCESTER headteacher is campaigning to remove a controversial advertising hoarding close to his school gates. Dr Graham Watts says the Pot Noodle advert - by the Bilford Road railway bridge and Lidl Supermarket, near Elgar Technology College - is offensive
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Thief refused bail for wedding day
A HEREFORD thief will not be making it to the registrar's office on time after a judge refused her plea for bail. Emma Davies, aged 25, wanted the court to free her to care for her six-year-old son and marry her fianc on Thursday, August 1. But Judge
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Tim's set for chop
FORMER Malvern College student Tim Culley is favourite to be evicted from the Big Brother house on Friday. The 23-year-old was nominated for eviction by his fellow housemates along with former favourite to win, Essex boy Alex, and now faces the public
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Blackout puts 1,400 in dark
MORE than a thousand people were left in darkness yesterday when a high voltage cable was severed. An area of Worcester comprising Wyld's Lane and Newtown Trading Estate was affected by the blackout, which lasted from 12.30pm until about 1.50pm. Spokeswoman
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Huge support for single jabs
A WORCESTER clinic which offers single MMR vaccines has collected more than 10,000 signatures from worried parents on a petition. The Desumo clinic has created the petition to exert pressure on the Government to allow parents the choice of either the
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Hunt for handbag thief who preys on disabled
A "SNEAKY" thief has been stealing women's handbags from wheelchairs. On Monday, a 42-year-old woman who suffers from cerebral palsy had her handbag stolen from her wheelchair while shopping in Vicar Street, Kidderminster. The knitted cream bag was empty
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Kempsey flings opens its garden gates
GREEN-fingered Kempsey families celebrated the Queen's Golden Jubilee by opening up their gardens to visitors. The Kempsey walkabout, which was held at the weekend, featured 19 gardens, and was held to raise money for the Acorns Trust and various village
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Jail for banned driver caught in car
A MAN from Pershore was caught driving while disqualified - a week before his ban was due to end. Gary Biddle, aged 19, was stopped by police while driving his Rover car in the Lower Moor area, near Pershore, on Wednesday, April 3. Peter Parsons, prosecuting
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17/7/02 - County off to a flyer at Taunton
Worcestershire made a flying start after being put into bat by holders Somerset in today's Cheltenham & Gloucester quarter-final showdown at sun-soaked Taunton. Stephen Peters and Vikram Solanki launched their innings against pacemen Steffan Jones
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Bon appetit to youngsters at Riverside
PUPILS at Riverside School were enjoying a little bit of joi de vivre at a special French day. The theme day was held to encourage modern foreign studies and celebrate Bastille Day. Nine to 14-year-olds enjoyed activities including a game of boules before
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Have your antiques identified
A FULL week of archeological events will be taking place in Herefordshire. Walks, talks and a chance for children to have their antiques identified and dated will be part of the fun. "This is a major opportunity to see some of the work of the archaeology
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Popular band set to make debut
FOLK music lovers are urged to pop along to see a popular band make their debut at a Droitwich venue this weekend. The End of the Trail Country Music Club are proud to introduce The Chris Rainbow Band appearing live at the Royal British Legion Club, in
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Watchdog applauds city public
A TOP race watchdog has praised communities throughout Worcester for sticking together while race riots spread across the country. Nurul Haque applauded city people and said it was an example to be followed by the rest of the country. He highlighted fears
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17/7/02 - Heeley hopeful for City chances
WORCESTER City captain Carl Heeley is quietly confident of his side's title chances this season but will not be drawn into making any rash predictions. He fears the burden of expectation could impose too much pressure on John Barton's players and is urging
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ANGLING
Evesham and District Angling Association: Chairman, Ray Woods (01386 422689) Sec, Nigel Howe (01386 48725). Evesham and District Diasbled Angling Club: Chairman, Hugh Blundstone (01386 830909) Sec, Nigel Howe (01386 48725). Evesham Junior & Intermediates
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Fans vote on anthem
WHAT anthem should Bromsgrove Rovers run out to on match days? That is the question currently being asked by many fans and one which has prompted a vote on the club's official website. The team has taken to the field with Tina Turner's Simply The Best
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Four sports days at school
HUNDREDS of youngsters competed in a variety of sports as Droitwich Spa High School held its annual series of sports days. Athletics, tennis, hockey and rounders were all contested at the Briar Mill School earlier this month. Youngsters aged between 13
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Snooker teams sign up
FIVE new teams have been accepted into the Droitwich and District Snooker League for next season. Bromsgrove Labour Club and Droitwich Golf Club are both entering two teams next term while Droitwich Snooker Centre will be entering a third and Aston Fields
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Just uninformed hysteria
YOUR reader who asked the question 'Is Redditch a safe place to live?' (letters, July 10) clearly did not bother to go to the launch of the Redditch and District Community Safety Strategy. He didn't listen to the Borough Director, Chris Smith, or David
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Where are the outside cafs?
I AM an ex-pat "Redditcher" who visits Redditch frequently. I have seen many changes in the area over recent years but the last few visits left me rather deflated. OK, so I am keenly interested to see what the new developments will look like when completed
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Our bins are being ignored
CAN anyone please tell me why the residents of South Street have to beg and plead to get their dustbins emptied? The problem is illegal parking and parking on double yellow lines in Beaufort Street, which denies access to the refuse lorries. Repeated
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Thanks to all for fine event
ON behalf of the Community Art Festival Event (CAFE), I would like to thank all concerned with the success of the recent event in the centre of Redditch. We hope everybody who saw the performances in the Kingfisher Centre, Palace Theatre, Ecumenical Centre
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Register your interest in broadband
TONY Blair's broadband Britain will bypass Redditch if British Telecom has anything to do with it. Our neighbours in Bromsgrove have access to ADSL broadband from BT. However BT, in its infinite wisdom, has decided it will not introduce the necessary
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Site in park is not an option
I WAS surprised and dismayed to read of the suggestion that a proposed phone mast should be put in Morton Stanley Park because 'there are no houses'. I understood from comments at the neighbourhood group meeting that the concern, which I share, was for
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Brilliant - now house them!
ONCE again, Break A Leg Theatre Company has astounded us with its performance. The mix of humour, acting, song and dance all came together to amuse and captivate us all. More than 200 children, along with some Mad Hatter adults, entertained us, finishing
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Bags of gratitude
I WOULD like to say, through your paper, a very big thank you to the person who recently found my handbag in Marks & Spencer and duly handed it in. Your honesty is a credit to you. Thank you very, very much. Mrs Christine Brazier Address supplied
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Bees boss to bag a Baggie
STUDLEY manager Mark Chambers has pulled off a transfer coup with the signing of former West Brom star Wayne Fereday. The 39-year-old attacker made more than 300 top flight appearances with QPR, where he played alongside Stan Bowles and Ray Wilkins and
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Last chance for Arrows
REDDITCH Arrows' top flight status will be decided in their last match of the season. After failing to win any of their eight matches this season, the Ash Lane tenants have to beat second from bottom Lancashire Wolverines in a fortnight. And the Hopwood
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Kicking out
A NEWLY-formed Redditch Kickboxing club won two first places in their first competition. Freestyle Kickboxing Association instructor Adam Laurence won the men's points and finished fourth in the men's continuous and 10-year-old Fay O'Donnall won continuous
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Fishers top
REDDITCH Kingfisher went top of Division Two of the Birmingham Municipal 17-24 league with the narrowest of wins over previously unbeaten leaders Cocks Moor Woods. The town club beat the leaders by 282 stableford points to 281 at home after home wins
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Flexi success
MOUNT Carmel First School pupil Sophie Johnson did the double with show jumping success at two events. The six year old won the six and under show jumping at the Hanbury and District Annual Horse Show on pony Flexi Bubbles. The youngster came third in
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Country garden open to public
A HUGE country garden will be thrown open to the public this weekend to raise cash for Acorns Children's Hospice Trust. The garden, at the home of Sir Michael and Lady Perry, aims to raise cash for Acorns' Three Counties Appeal for a new unit earmarked
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n ACORNS: Funds pouring in from across the two counties for new centre Adam to open boots for cash
A TEENAGE entrepreneur hopes to raise thousands of pounds for the Acorns Children's Hospice as he starts the first of a series of car boot sales. Seventeen-year-old Adam Singh will hold the first sale on Saturday on Droitwich Road, Worcester. The Royal
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Vandal spree at car depot
VANDALS caused at least £1,000 damage after jumping and stamping across 18 vehicles parked at a Redditch car repair shop at the weekend. The attack happened at Brooklyn Ford in Beoley Road, Lakeside. The damaged vehicles, which had all been sold to customers
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100 years ago
July 19, 1902 The execution of Samuel Middleton, the Foxlydiate murderer, took place at Worcester prison on Tuesday morning. Middleton was very pale as he approached the scaffold. He murmured not a word, looked neither to the right nor to the left and
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25 years ago
July 15, 1977 CATS enjoy nine lives - but there's one in Astwood Bank which might make nonsense of this belief before he's much older. Six-month-old Tiger has already been in more scrapes than pets ten times his age. Time and again he bounces back as
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Sign here
Black and gold finger post signs are being installed in all areas of the town centre to help visitors find their way around. The signs will match litter bins and seating already in place.
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Fitness suite is up and away
A £180,000 state-of-the-art fitness suite at Arrow Vale Sports Centre has opened. The new suite includes cardiovascular and resistance equipment, an air conditioning unit and four TV screens showing MTV and Sky Sports thanks to funding by Competition
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Lake plans are floated
PLANS to expand Arrow Valley Countryside Centre to generate more income and increase its popularity have been mooted. A steering group made up of Redditch councillors has been set up to look at how the centre, which opened more than two years ago, is
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People's plans for the future
HEADLESS Cross residents have laid out a concept of how they want their area to develop. The findings of a far-reaching planning exercise were recently published in which residents and children were asked what they want done with green areas, community
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Memorial match
WYCHBOLD Royal British Legion Football Club play their first pre-season friendly game this Sunday. The club's first team and the reserves will compete for the Ernie Young Memorial Trophy. The two sides go head-to-head annually for the trophy, given in
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Two games from Lord's
BARNT Green CC First XI are just two games way from Lord's after easing through to the quarter-finals of the national club championship last Sunday. Lyndon Jones' side romped to an emphatic six-wicket home victory against Cheshire side Bowden in the last
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Fans vote on anthem
WHAT anthem should Bromsgrove Rovers run out to on match days? That is the question currently being asked by many fans and one which has prompted a vote on the club's official website. The team has taken to the field with Tina Turner's Simply The Best
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And it was all yellow
THE Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre's Go Yellow Week raised more than £12,500. Highlight of the week was Ladies Day Royal Ascot held at Grafton Manor, which raised £3,500. Schools were involved by donating money to swap their uniforms for a yellow
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Teams run for cash
TEAMS of Halfords employees were blindfolded and abandoned at a secret location 15 miles from their Washford HQ on Friday as part of a fund-raising challenge. The four teams of four took part in Run for Halfords to raise cash for the leukaemia ward at
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Heeley hopeful for City chances
WORCESTER City captain Carl Heeley is quietly confident of his side's title chances this season but will not be drawn into making any rash predictions. He fears the burden of expectation could impose too much pressure on John Barton's players and is urging
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County off to a flyer at Taunton
Worcestershire made a flying start after being put into bat by holders Somerset in today's Cheltenham & Gloucester quarter-final showdown at sun-soaked Taunton. Stephen Peters and Vikram Solanki launched their innings against pacemen Steffan Jones
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Weston in top form
Opener Phil Weston blasted an unbeaten 170 as Worcestershire comfortably defeated Hampshire by 102 runs in the Second XI Trophy at Old Hill yesterday. The-left hander struck two sixes and 22 fours off 145 balls as Worcestershire rattled up a total of
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Orient chasing Bulls 'keeper
PROMISING Hereford United keeper Matt Baker could be on his way out of Edgar Street after a trial with Third Division outfit Leyton Orient. Baker, who has a clause in his contract allowing him to speak to League clubs, made two good saves in the O's 1
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Sixways stars set for Welsh friendly tester
WORCESTER Rugby Club have lined up a friendly with either Caerphilly or Swansea for their opening pre-season test as the Richard Smith saga drew to a conclusion today. Smith's move from Sixways to Cardiff should take place later this week after Worcester
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Dawood stars in victory
A superb century from Ismail Dawood steered Herefordshire to an eight-wicket win over Shropshire in their Minor Counties Championship Western Division clash with Shropshire at Shifnal. Dawood's unbeaten 148, his best score for the County, was scored off
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Ruthie's all set to shine
RUTHIE Henshall steps into the spotlight to sing hits from some of the best-loved musicals of stage and screen at Malvern Theatres next week. The Olivier Award-winning West End and Broadway star will be backed by a 19-piece orchestra in The Magnificent
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Youth group seeing double at the mac
A PLAY dealing with the constraints and trials of growing up has opened in Birmingham. Midlands Arts Centre (mac) resident youth theatre group Stage 2 presents The Mill on the Floss fresh from its recent successful productions of Tom and Viv, Alice in
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Brum gets blues
BLUESMAN Robert Cray and his band are set to perform at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre on Friday as part of a limited number of UK shows. Fans can expect to hear old favourites such as Smoking Gun along with newer tracks like 24/7 Man and ballad Baby's
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Blood-letting fun in the park
OPEN-air touring company Heartbreak Productions storms into summer with its forceful and shocking interpretation of Richard III next week. The play charts the 13 years of Richard's determined desperation to gain the English throne and will be performed
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Helping to beat the boredom
FUN activities are on offer this summer holiday for children worried they will be left twiddling their thumbs. Redditch Council's Action Sport team has organised its biggest programme with more than 70 courses including assault courses, dance workshops
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Date at gate
The mayors of Redditch and Bromsgrove will officially open the installation of a kissing gate at Icknield Street, Beoley, on Saturday, July 27. Plaques commemorating the Queen's Golden Jubilee and the gate being erected by the Redditch branch of the Ramblers
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Such sports
The sports development team at Redditch Council did their bit for charity when they held a fund-raising session as part of Sport Relief day on Friday. The event gave staff the opportunity of working out in their lunch break in the town hall on machines
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Masquerade Wyclef Jean
Three star THE former Fugee manages to masterfully walk the tightrope between nondescript and varied in his latest offering. His production talent is unquestioned but as an artist he is much like his former bandmates - what wins out? Lauren Hill's gorgeous
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Halos and Horns Dolly Parton
Four star YOU either like the voice of Dolly Parton or you don't and falling into the former category, I would recommend this latest album as a must for all country and western fans. Halos and Horns features 14 varied tracks, 12 of which have been written
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A day you'll dig
A FREE family fun day takes place at Forge Mill Museum and Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre on Sunday. There will be guided tours around the abbey site and the chance to make medieval tiles. The Bordesley Diggers will help visitors delve into archaeology
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Wheel time
An extreme street sports festival held in Somerset is on offer to energetic folk. Professional inline skaters, skateboarders and BMX riders will be in competition at the NASS 2002 on Saturday and youngsters can even have a go for themselves. Tickets cost
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Des tribute
Tickets are on sale for a memorial concert at St Stephen's Church on September 14. The concert will celebrate the contribution Des Evans made to music and groups taking part will include the Bel Canto and Arrow Vale Singers, Arrow Valley Brass and Mr
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Bring on the Baggies
BROMSGROVE Rovers begin their pre-season warm-up this week with two games in 48 hours. Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side travel to Cradley Town tomorrow (Thursday, 7.45pm) before entertaining Premiership new boys West Bromwich Albion this Saturday (3pm
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Tremendous admiration for WRH nursing staff
DEAR EDITOR - We would like it to be known that we have every admiration and gratitude for the doctors at Worcester Royal Hospital, also a great team of nurses. They all worked really hard on ward Avon 2 to keep my 80-year-old mother in law on this earth
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Blair's pledge?
DEAR EDITOR - Earlier this year Mr Blair pledged that by the coming September he would have abolished or substantially reduced crime on our streets. So far this seems to have slipped his memory - or has the reduction in muggings etc: passed me by? Bemused
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Time is running out to comment
DEAR EDITOR - There is an urgent message that needs to be drummed home to people living in the Wychavon district. Recently Wychavon council sent out a questionnaire to the whole of the district...... they received 150 replies! Unless the populous actively
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Evidence that team spirit is blooming in Spa
DEAR EDITOR - Through the Letters page may I thank everyone involved in preparing Droitwich Spa for the recent visit of the regional Britain in Bloom judges. This year there has been a real team spirit with many people helping to make the town shine.
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Denied chance to question . .
DEAR EDITOR - I feel your readers should know the line of questioning I would have taken if I had not been denied my statutory right, as a Bromsgrove District councillor, to scrutinise decisions concerning the sale of land at Aston Road, Bromsgrove, at
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Swan Theatre Company's new show
YES its true the Swan Theare Company is at it again. Following the unparalled success of Love Begins at Fifty, the company returns to the stage with the world premier of Raymond Hopkins' next farce, The Love Nest. Set to break as many records as Love
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Hikers
ENTHUSIASTIC hikers with a passion for the great outdoors will be in their element this weekend when the Fairfield Ramblers meet for a relaxing stroll around the village of Clent. The group will meet at Clent First School, in Bromsgrove Road, at 10.15am
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Farmers' annual bash
BROMSGROVE and Droitwich Spa youngsters who enjoy a rural way of life are holding a major fundraising bash this Friday. Worcestershire Young Farmers' Club members will party from 8pm to 2am at their 'Defford' event. Band Threes-a-Crowd will wow hundreds
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Motivating
I WAS surprised by John Phillpott's statistic (Phillpott File, July 8) that one-in-three adults doesn't drive a car. Judging from the roads in Warndon, it seems everyone from 17 to 70 owns one, if not two, cars. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
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Seats danger
FURTHER to the letter regarding the front seat of the Midland Red Buses, I would say yes, they are dangerous. I was also thrown off the seat and had to go to hospital. I have since heard of other people who have also been thrown off their seats. EILEEN
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Inner Wheel Club of Droitwich Spa
THE meeting and AGM of the Inner Wheel Club of Droitwich Spa, presided over by president Shirley Jones, took place at the Raven Hotel. The meeting began with the sad news of the death of Thelma Hammond, for many years a member of the club and a past president
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Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes
THE Lodge room of the George Spinner Lodge, of the RAOB, at the Rifleman's Arms Droitwich, was full on Wednesday, June 26. Brethren from many lodges within the province, together with the provincial grand primo and officers, attended to pay tribute to
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Chance to start again
I READ with interest news about the Lychgate development. It's a very welcome project and about time the 60s monstrosity disappeared. Sad though it is to see Russell & Dorrell going, surely it was even sadder when the then council destroyed the original
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I need fact-based arguments so I can decide on currency
AS someone who is undecided over the issue of a common European currency, I find comments such as those made by D G Griffin (You Say, July 11) strange. He suggests that, because Hitler backed the concept of a common European economy, pro-Europeans are
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Hadzor & Oddingley WI
GILL Wilson, our president, welcomed members to our June meeting. The flowers in the hall had been arranged by the Miss Smiths. Judy Lee read the minutes and dealt with the correspondence and forthcoming events. Mary Gray gave a report on the spring food
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Countries benefiting from switch to euro
IN reply to Julian Thake and Gary Webb (You Say, July 9), all that I know of Harry Potter is that it is a production for children and therefore, no doubt, is well-suited to these two correspondents. There's no doubt that the dollar and the American economy
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Wychbold WI
At the May meeting the resolutions which would be considered at the IGM in Brighton in June were presented by Elizabeth Mitchell and Pat Tonks, and voted on after lively discussion. At the June gathering - an open meeting - we welcomed 25 visitors, and
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John serves up a winning title
THE ups and downs of organised table tennis as played in the Bromsgrove area over the past half century, is featured in a recently published book. Entitled Bromsgrove, Redditch and District Table Tennis Association - The First 50 Years, it's the work
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Murder victim is remembered
SHE has lay in an unmarked grave in Bromsgrove cemetery for nearly 60 years, the tragic victim of a savage, unsolved murder that rocked Bromsgrove at the time. Now, an America author, Elizabeth Ashley Ruffin, who is on an extended stay in Britain and
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Bird expert to visit town
A NATIONAL bird expert is winging his way to Bromsgrove to reassess the town's pigeon population - following a story in your No.1. newspaper. Guy Merchant, founder of the Pigeon Control Advisory Service (PICAS), will visit the area next Tuesday to tell
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Bickerton ready for Muirfield
DROITWICH golfer John Bickerton has every reason to feel confident when he steps out for his third Open Championship in as many years at Muirfield tomorrow (Thursday). Bickerton has qualified automatically as one of the eight highest non-exempted finishers
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Tough stance on drugs stays
SCHOOLS in Bromsgrove will continue to take a tough stance on drugs despite Government plans to downgrade cannabis to a less harmful substance. The country's leaders recently unveiled their intention to take a softer line on dope from this autumn. Cannabis
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Artistic youngsters enjoy a brush with success
SPA youngsters had a brush with success when they enjoyed a visit from a professional artist. Youngsters at Witton Middle School, in Old Coach Road, were visited by local professional artist Neill Lowdon during the school's fourth artist in residence
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Should be a rock 'boster'
A BOSTIN' rock show, created by a Rubery writer, hits the stage on Monday night. MG Rover design engineer Giovanni Esposito is taking his Black Country Rock musical to the Crescent Theatre, in Birmingham, for one week. It will run as part of the Birmingham
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Everything's coming up roses
A SPA schoolgirl was celebrating this week after being rewarded for her efforts in the Young Enterprise Scheme. Katie Leech, a student at Droitwich High School, in Briar Mill, was awarded a 'True Grit' award from the South Worcestershire branch of Young
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Sounds good to them!
TALENTED youngsters from a Droitwich school were putting their skills to the test last week when they built a sound sculpture out of recycled material. Children from Chawson First School, in Wyche Road, built the massive sculpture, which represents a
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Wythall wonders
WYTHALL are closing in on the league leaders after opting to bat first again at the weekend. Martin Priest's side disposed of Marconi after a few tense moments to earn another 24 precious league points while table toppers Arden Forest pocketed 20 after
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Memorial to Spa teenager killed in road accident
A MEMORIAL service was held today (Wednesday) at a Spa school to remember a Droitwich teenager killed in a road accident. Pupils at Droitwich Spa High School, in Briar Mill, paid tribute to their classmate Josh Simpson after his life was cut short a week
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Warning over teen drinking
SPA parents are being urged to keep a watchful eye on their teenage children over the summer after a recent survey revealed youngsters find it easy to obtain alcohol. The appeal has gone out from the Wychavon Community Safety Partnership which has received
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Five Ways out to Bridge gap
FIVE Ways Old Edwardians can win their battle to catch leaders Bridge Trust in a top of the table clash at the weekend. The Masshouse club have been playing catch up for most of the season and narrowed the gap further with a winning draw over Thimblemill
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Brave Mark cheats death
A COURAGEOUS Spa man, who is suffering from a terminal disease, is set to take on the challenge of a lifetime when he cycles around South Africa to raise money for charity. Mark Hancox, of The Firs, who suffers from motor neurone disease, is planning
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Alne beat Catherine
RUNAWAY leaders Great Alne continued their match to the title with a win over Catherine de Barnes II at the weekend. Wins for Bearley Bears and Mickleton meant the villagers failed to seriously extend their lead but Henley Road skipper Craig Millard says
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The Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay - Day 42, 17 July 2002 - Coventry to Hereford
Full details of the best vantage points to see Day 42 of the Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay as it passes through the local area. Stratford Upon Avon 10:39am A439, Warwick Road near Stratford Manor Hotel Stratford Upon Avon 11:12am veer left to stay on A439
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What little treasures!
BRONZE Age and Anglo-Saxon jewellery found on a field in Bidford with a metal detector has been declared treasure-trove. An inquest at Leamington Town Hall on Friday heard how Robert Laight, of Toms Town Lane, Studley, found a gold pendant and ring. Mr
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No houses for eyesore
STRATFORD Council has told Alcester town councillors permission will never be granted for houses to replace a run-down, semi-derelict building in Oversley Green. At a meeting with representatives from the town council, the district planning department
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Coughton Court says it with flowers
WORLD-class flower arrangers created a fantastic festival of flowers at historic Coughton Court. More than 70 arrangers from the South Midlands branch of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) created classic and contemporary
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Judges due
It's time for preening and planting with the judging of the Alcester Allotment Competition just a week away. Allotment owners must be on their toes at all times as the judges will not reveal which day they are doing their rounds.
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Let's keep party going!
THE All Women's House held a party on Saturday to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. More than 200 people, including Redditch Mayor Steve Wheeler, turned up at the Smallwood venue. The celebration was a joint effort by the All Women's House and the
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We'll be eighth biggest centre
THE Kingfisher Centre is set to be the eighth biggest shopping venue in the country, the centre's new commercial director has announced. Newly appointed Ian McLelland has spoken of the dramatic developments taking place at the centre and the exciting
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Two games from Lord's
BARNT Green CC First XI are just two wins away from Lord's after easing through to the quarter-finals of the national club championship last Sunday. Lyndon Jones' side romped to an emphatic six-wicket home victory against Cheshire side Bowden in the last
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Racers stroll out the barrow
WHEELBARROW racers could not have asked for better weather as they ran around Studley in their annual bid to raise cash for a good cause. Teams of two donned fancy dress as they wheeled themselves from pub to pub on an exhausting trip around the village
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Friends striving to keep poems alive
THE poems of one of the country's finest writers on rural England is being kept alive by two friends who are helping to launch a compendium of his work. John Shakles, founder and chairman of the John Moore Society, has written the foreword to a collection
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Poppy plaudits
COMMITTED poppy sellers have been honoured by the Royal British Legion at an awards ceremony in Inkberrow. Legion County chairman Ken Draper handed out certificates of appreciation for 10 years' service as poppy collectors to Seth Brown of Feckenham,
