Archive
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Palace trip
More than 80 year five and six pupils at Meadow Green Primary School have visited the Palace of Westminster. Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride showed the pupils around the houses of parliament and the group also visited the Tower of London and crown jewels
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A cut above
A CUTTING of the earth ceremony finally got work under way at a new Matchborough First School. The £2.5 million project will see a state-of-the-art building constructed in Easenhall Lane for up to 450 children. Last week, Worcestershire County Council
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St Bede's
ST Bede's Middle School ended term on a high note as there were awards aplenty for pupils who were commended for their hard work, dedication and care they showed for others. Scooping top commendations were Henna Khattak and Ben White, who were given the
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St Bede's does the double
ST Bede's Middle School recently attained the coveted Artsmark Gold award which recognises achievement in art, music, drama and dance. The award means the Holloway Lane school has achieved gold awards in both Artsmark and Sportsmark. Head of Art Elizabeth
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Raiders drive car into front of store
RAM-raiders smashed their way through the front of a Worcester shop in the early hours of this morning. Police on the scene at Alldays, in Ombersley Road, confirmed a blue Nissan Bluebird had been reported crashing through the glass frontage at 1am. Officers
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Passenger 'threw punches at conductor'
A PASSENGER punched a train conductor in the face after an argument erupted over the price of a ticket from Worcester to Hereford. Luke Fitzgerald, boyfriend of Rachel Whittear - who died of a drug overdose in May this year - was travelling to be with
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Cycling a shade 'restful'
LAST weekend proved to be slightly more "restful" than normal for several members of the Bromsgrove Olympique's Youth Team. The Friday evening track racing was curtailed after less than an hour due to a cloudburst which prevented any further riding on
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Discover who killed Sid Signet
YOUNGSTERS can join the Wildlife Constabulary today to help find out who killed Sid Signet. The one-and-a-half-hour hunt for clues, part of the Worcester Three Choirs Fringe Festival, will take junior detectives across Chapter Meadows and the riverside
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Where are plans to fight floods?
THREE Worcestershire councils have failed to produce flood defence plans demanded by the Government more than 12 months ago, it emerged today. The policy statements were supposed to be delivered to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
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Place for stray pooches to stay
THE problems of housing stray dogs in Worcestershire could be eased after plans to build a new block of kennels was given the all-clear by Wychavon District Council. Members of the council's development control committee approved the application to build
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Crunch time for future of Malvern Theatres
THE future of one of the county's most popular theatre venues will be under discussion next week. Options for the future of the Malvern Theatres complex will be fully debated in public for the first time at a meeting hosted by the Evening News' sister
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Blend into the landscape with Antonella's designs
WORCESTER art lovers will be able to enjoy a collection of contemporary landscapes by an Italian artist for another two weeks. The exhibition is a collection of contemporary works called Monoprint Landscapes, by Italian artist Antonella Scarpa-Isles.
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Call for cute kids
PARENTS of Worcestershire's cutest babies have an opportunity to put their youngsters forward for a competition which could see them take centre stage nationally. The makers of Metanium, a product used to alleviate nappy rash, is looking for youngsters
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Life in the Army makes a man of Adam
AN Evesham man who is a dab hand at cross-stitch has talked of his tough time in the TV hit Lad's Army. Adam Spiers, who went through a gruelling four weeks of Army training 1950s-style, said no matter how tough things got, he never thought of quitting
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Prudent councils may be penalised
WYCHAVON District Council is appalled at new Government proposals that will force it to bail out cash-strapped local authorities from the sale of former council houses. The council is joining forces with other authorities to lobby against the draft Local
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Citizens revive their act for charity cause
TOWN residents are in for a treat this weekend when a local rock and pop sensation, popular in Bromsgrove during the Sixties, make an exciting come-back. The Senior Citizens, who have already raised over £3,000 for the Air Ambulance charity, will play
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A novel title for Jasper's latest creation
PEOPLE will be able to lose themselves in the bizarre world of a literary detective thanks to Jasper Fforde's new novel. The author was at Waterstone's in Worcester to meet customers and sign copies of his new book Lost in a Good Book. This second novel
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City's award for safer shopping
A PARTNERSHIP between shopkeepers, police and city centre management has seen Hereford city receiving a Safer Shopping Award today. Presented by the British Retail Consortium, it recognises the huge impact of the partnership's retail radio network on
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Treat for opera fans
OPERA lovers are in for a rare treat at a theatre near Bromsgrove next month. The Royal Opera House, the English National Opera and Opera North come to the Malvern Theatres, in Grange Road, Malvern, for a performance of Pure Puccini on Friday, August
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SARA to the rescue of swans
MEMBERS of the Upton-upon-Severn unit of the Severn Area Rescue Association came to the rescue when a swan and her cygnet became entangled in fishing line at Fladbury. The crew happened to be on hand because they were inspecting the banks of the River
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Groups are accused of swamping authority
LIBERAL and Labour groups on Wyre Forest District Council have been accused of mischief-making after tabling 63 questions for tonight's meeting. Coun Frank Baillie, holder of the council's resources portfolio, said he believed the two groups were making
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Man stole machine tools
A JOBLESS Worcester man has admitted stealing machine tools from a DIY store. Robert Andrews pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared before Worcester magistrates. Sally Badham, prosecuting, told the court that the 26-year-old and another man were seen
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Big teds and little teds on display
TEDDY mania has hit Worcester County Museum as bears of all shapes and sizes went on display. They have comforted and soothed generations of children and this exhibition celebrates the teddy bear's 100th birthday. Local collector and expert Doreen James
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24/7/02 - City ace Cottrill decides to retire
WORCESTER City boss John Barton has paid tribute to Ian Cottrill who has decided to retire after succumbing to injury. Cottrill was forced to limp off in Monday's reserve team match at Studley and after speaking to Barton last night decided it was time
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Kelvin vs the world
LEGS 11 rider Kelvin Reilly will be mixing it with the big boys at Brands Hatch at the weekend in his first race after going over the handlebars at Rockingham. The Wimbledon rider will be back on the bike for his Redditch-based team after surgery to both
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Hodgetts rolls with it
HEADLESS Cross ace Stefan Hodgetts stormed into the top three in his latest Formula 3 outing before a dramatic crash saw him roll his car. The prodigiously talented youngster escaped with just a sore neck after being clipped from behind on the fifth lap
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Stop on gun boy
A YOUTH has been identified and spoken to by police following a string of incidents involving youngsters firing pellet guns in Woodrow. Last week, the Advertiser reported on a joint campaign between police, Woodrow First School and residents which had
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Jail for revenge couple
A COUPLE who caused a £22,000 blaze after kicking their way into a flat have been jailed for a total of five and a half years. Laura Hughes, aged 20, wanted revenge against an ex-boyfriend she accused of attacking her, Worcester Crown Court heard. After
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Andy tops the pile
A PAIR of second places left Winyates Green biker Andy Burbidge frustrated at the weekend despite pole position in his championship. The young rider has trained his sights on winning the EMRA club championship and furthered his cause with the runners-up
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Success story for Redditch
In the Midland District Youth and Age Championships, Redditch CC's Sarah Holtom had a fine swim to take fourth in the 100m breaststroke while Paul Wilkes claimed second in the 100m fly. At the Age Group Champs, Matthew Hooper became Midland Districts
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Narrow loss for Alcester
ALCESTER were knocked out of the Heart of England Cup by the slenderest of margins after a battling quarter final display against champions Tanworth. Played over a four home, four away basis, the home four put up a great performance against stiff opposition
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Astwood clean up
IN THE latest Hymatic AC match, fished on Dark Lane waters on the River Arrow at Alcester, Astwood Bank associated members took all the honours on the day. Top man was John Blakemore with a chub and barbel catch, including one barbel of 6lb 9oz, totalling
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Brenda boost
Richard Brenda was the winner of the mixed sabre event at the Norfolk Open Fencing Competition in Norwich. Richard was in second place after the preliminary rounds of the competition and fought hard to convincingly defeat several highly ranked opponents
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Dual use for extra money
MORE than £900,000 has been injected into the Alexandra Hospital to rebuild and expand two major departments. The cash, from the NHS Modernisation Agency, will fund work on the ear, nose and throat department and the fracture clinic. Work on a new fracture
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Cop drive on village
STUDLEY was the focus of a high-profile police operation on Friday night as a new weapon in the fight against crime was launched. In a bid to tackle street crime, particularly from youths, a "Caught on Camera" CCTV van patrolled the village until the
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Window of safety
REDDITCH police have hailed a crime prevention initiative a success after 80 vehicles had their windows etched at the town branch of Sainsbury's. Motorists were invited to visit the car park to have their registration number etched on their windows free
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100 years ago
July 26, 1902 HONOUR for Feckenham man - Mr William Baker, an old scholar of the National School, now a student at Hatfield Hall, Durham University, has just passed the honours list in theology. The success carries with it the title of LTH. Mr Baker will
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A bookworm's heaven
A PILOT project to encourage people to 'Shop 'n' Read' was launched on Saturday. Redditch's mobile library service was based at the Winyates branch of Safeway from 9.30am-noon. The mobile library only previously stopped on weekdays and the venue is also
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25 years ago
July 24, 1977 REDDITCH'S cabbies have been granted the fare increases they claim were necessary to end fiddling and give them a 'decent living wage'. Councillors nearly doubled the fares this week, bringing them in line with the rates Birmingham cabbies
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Hunting for glory
Hunt End Rangers Under 8's have been crowned Redditch United 5-a-side champions. After playing five games in League A and finishing second, the top two went through from each league to the semis. Hunt End beat Headless Cross 1-0, with Alex Langston scoring
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Donor dates
Redditch people have the chance to help others by giving blood during two donor sessions at Trinity High School. They are at the Easemore Road venue on Wednesday, July 31 and the following day from 1.20-3.15pm and 4.30-7.15pm. For National Blood Service
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Worcester bring in O'Reilly
FORMER Leeds Tykes scrum half John O'Reilly has been brought in by Worcester Rugby Club as a possible replacement for Richard Smith. The 26-year-old is on trial at Sixways until the end of the month and could feature in Worcester's opening pre-season
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City ace Cottrill decides to retire
WORCESTER City boss John Barton has paid tribute to Ian Cottrill who has decided to retire after succumbing to injury. Cottrill was forced to limp off in Monday's reserve team match at Studley and after speaking to Barton last night decided it was time
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McCague in at Herefordshire
FORMER England pace bowler Martin McCague has signed to play for Herefordshire. McCague, who played three Tests and is still on Kent's books, has been recruited on a short-term basis to bolster their attack. He is currently in his benefit season at Kent
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Lewis could return to take on Wolves
YOUNG striker Matt Lewis could make an unexpected appearance for Kidderminster Harriers in tonight's pre-season friendly against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Aggborough (7.45). Boss Ian Britton may recall the talented 18-year-old from his current trial
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Hereford hit by late goal
A CONTROVERSIAL stoppage-time strike from Danny Invincibile gave Second Division Swindon Town a 3-2 win last night over Hereford United in an entertaining pre-season friendly at Edgar Street. The majority of the 778-crowd were visibly aggrieved at the
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Staff in unison
REDDITCH representatives of Unison say they are pleased with last week's strike action, despite many council services operating as normal. The union called for local authority workers to strike as it stepped up action to see a pay rise of at least six
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Go along and have your say
Studley residents can stand up and be counted when Warwickshire County Council's Stratford on Avon committee holds a meeting this afternoon. A question and answer session will be held at Studley Youth and Community Centre from 4.30pm. Members of the public
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On track for classic story
CHILDREN'S television favourite Brian Cant directs and stars in a new adaptation of classic adventure story The Railway Children at Malvern Theatres next month. When their beloved father mysteriously disappears, Roberta, Phyllis and James have to leave
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A rocketing show
MIKRON Theatre Company is getting All Steamed Up about its 31st year of national waterways touring with a new production in Bromsgrove on Sunday. It is about Richard Trevithick, the Cornish engineer, inventor and pioneer of steam. Mikron's four actor-musicians
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City's energy tapped again
BIRMINGHAM Repertory Theatre's musical celebration of the city has been such a sell-out success that it will be given a second run at the theatre next year. Wallop Mrs Cox, which opened on July 3, features a cast of 60 non-professional performers from
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What's On Guide
Thursday, July 25 Worcester Gilbert and Sullivan Society: Wicked Waxworks, Norbury Theatre, Droitwich. Until July 27. Tickets from 01905 770154. Friday, July 26 Bravura, Forum Theatre, Malvern. Tickets from 01684 892277. Saturday, July 27 Francis Dunnery
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Guitar man in concert
A CLASSICAL guitarist who has won a clutch of awards is performing in Birmingham on Sunday. Brian Perkins's accolades include the Memorial Trophy at Cheltenham in 1981 and a Recital Diploma from Birmingham Conservatoire in 1983. His recordings include
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Thwarted by tail-enders
BROMSGROVE had to settle for a winning draw after outplaying Kidderminster for much of their Birmingham League Division One clash on Saturday. Former Kidderminster player Nick Davies returned to haunt his old club with a half century (54) and three wickets
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19/06/02 - Cash injection for Redditch's home
REDDITCH United have had a much-needed morale-booster with the confirmation of a grant for work at their Valley Stadium home. The Football Stadia Improvement Fund stumped up a huge £27,770 to the club towards the cost of pitch drainage and perimeter fencing
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Cameras aren't fighting crime
DEAR EDITOR - We are forever being told what a wonderful invention CCTV is, and how its installation in the town centre has reduced crime. Can you explain to me how it prevented three men being attacked in Bromsgrove High Street on July 1? Surely having
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A magnificent effort by all concerned
DEAR EDITOR - Every year we say that Bromsgrove Carnival will be "bigger and better" and so far this has proved the case. This year, however, with our new two-day event, things proved to be much bigger and much better. Here are just a few words of thanks
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Timely warning of dangerous plant in locality
DEAR EDITOR - I write in reference to a highly toxic and dangerous plant that over the last several years has increased alarmingly country wide. Prior to this it was classified as a noxious weed and landowners had a duty to control it. A change of policy
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They managed to 'leave' us out . . .
DEAR EDITOR - Was it a bird? Was it a plane? No - it was the councils roadsweeper! Oh joy - after months seeing the leaves and rubbish accumulate in our road, similar to many others in and around Bromsgrove, at long last it was all swept away. Rushing
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Willey makes 'hay' as pool names are unveiled
IT'S been a long time coming but now Woodlands View has named its number one and two top pools as Hay and Barley and on Tuesday the Northfield Starlets Veterans were there for their latest encounter. Victory went to Harold Willey (Kidderminster), who
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Stage company's tenth birthday
THE Birmingham Stage Company is ten years old! Defying all the pundits, this unique company, which relies almost entirely on box office income, is delighted to announce its forthcoming productions to celebrate a very special birthday. The Tenth Anniversary
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Fun in the sun
YOUNGSTERS need not sit around twiddling their thumbs this summer holiday thanks to live entertainment set to take place in a popular Bromsgrove park. A host of entertainment, including clowns and magic shows, will keep children spellbound every Thursday
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What's on guide
Thursday, July 25 Play: Who Killed Agatha Christie?, Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, 8pm. Film: Birthday Girl, cinemac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 8.30pm. Friday, July 26 Music: Molten Gold, The Old Railway, Curzon Street, Digbeth, Birmingham
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Enjoy summer with activities
ADVENTURES, excitement, fun and mayhem are on the agenda for youngsters at a loose end this summer holiday. Activzone, run by Bromsgrove District Council, will take place at the Dolphin Centre, in School Road, from Monday to Friday every week throughout
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Activities on offer for kids
YOUNGSTERS will be grinning from ear to ear this summer holiday thanks to a kids activity week set to be held at a venue near Bromsgrove. The fun will take place at Ragley Hall in Alcester from Monday, August 5, to Friday, August 9. Activities include
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He's living with six baby girls
IF the story of a man coping with six baby girls and the attention of the world's media sounds like your cup of tea - then a special one-off event next month needs to be booked in your diary. Families from Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa are being invited
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Choked up
WE should create a new civic award of Choker of the Year for the thoughtful person who has been burning rubbish somewhere to the west of Worcester and filling our atmosphere with acrid fumes. I am sure other citizens would want to join with me in ensuring
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And a chance for youngsters to learn the arts
YOUNGSTERS thoughout Worcestershire - including those in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa - will be able to get involved with the arts this summer thanks to a series of activities arranged by the county council's cultural services. Poetry, crafts and puppetry
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Cardinal answer
GEORGE Cowley asked in a recent letter why no Cardinals from the Roman Catholic Church sit in the House of Lords. A Cardinal is a Prince of the Church and one who elects a Pope. Therefore, his title and position automatically bar him. M BURCHER, Droitwich
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Arrow Valley Countryside Group
NATIONAL Trust parks and gardens was the subject of a talk by John Findlay at the first meeting in 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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Write now to help influence policy on energy
THE Government has embarked on an Energy Review to consider the options for meeting the UK's needs over the next 50 years, and is keen to see public debate on the issues. Concerned over the need to meet the country's obligations to reduce carbon dioxide
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Lickey WI
More than 50 members of Lickey WI celebrated the institute's 38th birthday on Tuesday, July 2, at The Old Rose & Crown Hotel, Rednal. The evening began with a brief business meeting, during which an account was given of the recent national interim
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Something must be done in road
EVERY morning and evening I see lorries exiting Lea & Perrins' factory and blocking the road because they have little room for turning. I also see young drivers using no seatbelts but who are using mobile phones and forgetting to use their indicators
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Chaddesley Corbett Gardener's Club
A relaxed evening was spent in June listening to Christine Peers entertaining us with beautiful flowers cut from her garden accompanied by stories, ideas and advice. The flowers and greenery were passed around amongst us with much laughter and audience
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Wrong sometimes calls for right use of force
L SPITERI'S attack on US President George Bush's policy is a typically trendy gesture. Bizarrely, despite fashionable media portrayal of Bush as a buffoon, he seems to think Bush is the mastermind of a sinister plot. Yes, "might does not make right" but
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Wychbold Women's Fellowship
we were fortunate enough to have the company of Helen Fox, from the Birmingham office of Christian Aid, who spoke eloquently and movingly about the work of Christian Aid, particularly pin-pointing Ghana, with many examples of help and encouragement given
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Developers should learn Grange lesson
IF property developers had a conscience, then the beautiful Christmas card photo of Lyppard Grange in the Evening News on Tuesday, July 16, would have sent a chill through them. The Grange is the body buried under new housing at Warndon Villages and its
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The Wychbold Flower Club
The speaker for the meeting was unable to be present due to illness, so a do-it-yourself presentation was mounted by chairman Ruth Bottomley and members Peggy Mears, Sue Pugh and Virginia Davis. At the June meeting members had the pleasure of renewing
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Clowning around at end of term party
THERE was magic in the air when a group of tots celebrated the end of term. Staff at St Oswalds' pre-school nursery, which meets at Rubery Leisure Centre, held a week of activities to mark the event. One of the highlights was a visit from magician and
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Beastly goings-on at Charford
THERE were some beastly goings-on at one Bromsgrove first school when town youngsters put on their rendition of Mini Beast Madness last week. Around 70 youngsters, aged six and seven, from Charford First School, in Charford Road, performed the play in
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The sweet taste of success
DEXTEROUS members of Bromsgrove's Sugarcraft Guild are enjoying the sweet taste of success thanks to their latest exhibition. For six months the branch's 28 members have been working into the early hours to create a delicate and colourful jubilee display
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Pressure on
WYTHALL are set for their biggest game for three years on Saturday after making the Warwickshire Four West title battle a two horse race. Second placed Wythall comprehensively beat third placed Haunchwood to open up a massive 63 point gap on Saturday's
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Hats off to new life in the sun
A TREASURED member of a Rubery club is jetting into the sun to retire in Spain. Barbara Baylis flies to her new Mediterranean home in Denia this Friday and she will be saying a sad farewell to all her pals at Rubery Ladies' Club and the many villagers
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Bird expert flies into town
CONCERNS about the growing number of feathered friends in Bromsgrove have been allayed by a pigeon expert who visited the town yesterday (Tuesday). Bromsgrove District Council called in Guy Merchant, founder of the Pigeon Control Advisory Service (PICAS
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Musical marriage
THE sound of music has provided a symphonic soundtrack to the long and happy marriage of a Bromsgrove couple who are celebrating 50 years together. Cyril and Nan Horne, of Howard Avenue, marked their golden wedding anniversary with a blessing at All Saints
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Walk on by for charity
A GROUP of youngsters put their best feet forward when they took part in a charity walk. The pupils from North Bromsgrove High School held the canalside walk to raise cash for the Stroke Association and for their Duke of Edinburgh award scheme expeditions
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Jail for arson attack pair
A COUPLE from Bromsgrove who caused a £22,000 blaze after kicking their way into a flat have been jailed for a total of five and a half years. Laura Hughes, aged 20, wanted revenge against an ex-boyfriend she accused of attacking her, Worcester Crown
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Raw sewage is a nightmare
LONG suffering Barnt Green residents, whose homes regularly become awash with raw sewage after heavy rain, say they fear the worst when houses on a proposed new estate nearby are connected to the inadequate drains system. After a heavy storm on Friday
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Life in green lane for boys
BOYS from a Bromsgrove school have launched themselves onto the racing circuit with a vehicle boasting a model aircraft engine, brakes from a bicycle and a clutch from a chainsaw. They may not be able to pip Michael Schumacher at the finish line but the
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Open space is just waiting to be used
HUNDREDS of Rubery residents could be missing out on acres of recreation land near the village centre because they do not know it's open to the public. Bromsgrove District Council owns two fields off Whetty Lane which have been open to parishioners for
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Busy enjoying a day at the races
ATHLETIC youngsters from a Spa school put their skills to the test when they took part in their annual sports day. Children from St Joseph's RC Primary School, in Ombersley Way, competed against each other in egg and spoon races, sack races and running
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Questions over state of prison
CONDITIONS at a prison near Bromsgrove have been slammed. In an anonymous letter to the Advertiser/Messenger, it has been claimed that HMP Blakenhurst, the category B prison at Tardebigge, has been "brought down to the same level as other archaic public
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Bidford upset
BIDFORD threw a spanner in the works with a shock win at the weekend to hit Exhall and Wixford's title ambitions. The reigning champions lifted themselves out of the relegation zone with only their third win in 11 matches and saw their neighbours and
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Pub calls time on commuters
A BARNT Green publican has called time on commuters who have out stayed their welcome in his car park. For years The Victoria has honoured an informal agreement allowing free use of its car park when villagers were shopping or visiting the nearby medical
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Derelict hotel set to be demolished
THE controversial, derelict Worcestershire Hotel could be transformed into nearly 100 new apartments if plans to develop the area are given the green light by planning chiefs. Wychavon District Council has received an application from George Wimpey to
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Perfect Alne
GREAT Alne continued their perfect season with an 11th consecutive win at the weekend. Kenilworth Wardens II were the latest victims of Craig Millard's all-conquering side. And with title rivals Bearley Bears only picking up 18 points in their win over
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Confusion over street closure
CONFUSION over the closure of the High Street on Saturdays is "an accident waiting to happen" - a trader warned this week. The warning from Droitwich Spa's deputy mayor, Jan Bolton of Executive Cleaners, follows an incident last Saturday when the street
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Phone theft clampdown
MOBILE phone users in the Spa are being urged to be cautious as more than 70 phones have been stolen in Droitwich this year. West Mercia Constabulary has published a new pamphlet in a bid to cut the number of mobile phones being taken. The leaflet, which
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Anger over tax shakeup
COUNCIL tax in Droitwich Spa could rise if new Government proposals to share the district council's profit between other authorities goes ahead. Wychavon District Council is set to lobby the Government over new proposals which will force it to share the
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Legion to keep increase low
A DEFIANT Spa club has refused to increase its recommended yearly subscription by absorbing most of the increase itself. Droitwich Royal British Legion, in Salwarpe Road, along with every other legion club and branch within the organisation, was informed
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25 years ago July 22, 1977
HORDES of 'invaders' driving across the Birmingham city boundary into the Bromsgrove district are believed to be largely responsible for vandalism, excessive noise and even arson in the Rednal area at weekends, the Messenger reported. It was reported
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50 years ago July 26, 1952
SANITATION in Stoke Prior was again raised at a meeting of the parish council where members called for more frequent rubbish collections because some people were waiting three or four weeks compared to the previous two week wait. The problem was made
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Matt takes the helm
THE new reporter for the Alcester Chronicle is Matt Smith. Matt, 20, has taken over from Helen Clarke, who is leaving to return to our sister paper, the Redditch Advertiser. Matt is looking forward to reporting on the news in Alcester and the surrounding
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Maths wizz is in UK's top 45
A 15-year-old Alcester Grammar School pupil is one of the UK's 45 most talented young mathematicians. Jenni Ball took part in the prestigious national maths summer school at Queen's College, in Birmingham. To get involved, Jenni had to do exceptionally
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Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club - factfile
Formed:1885 Directions: The Victoria Ground is situated on the north side of Bromsgrove on the Birmingham Road, which is off the A38 Bromsgrove by pass. The M5 and M42 join the A38 to the north of the town making it easy to get to the ground without having
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Hospital plans given the nod
PLANS for the revamped Alcester Hospital have moved a step closer after planning permission was granted. Stratford Council agreed to plans for a new 25-bed hospital with day care and outpatients suite, including chiropody, dental surgery and physiotherapy
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Part of our heritage
ENGLISH Heritage is helping families in Abbeydale in their bid to save their post-war prefabricated homes from the bulldozer. Residents of the Dolphin Road bungalows want them listed after investigations revealed they are the only ones left of their type
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20/07/02 - Posh show class
Redditch United 0 Peterborough United 3 CONTROVERSIAL new signing Alex Cowley almost gave United a shock lead against Barry Fry's Peterborough United. Starting his first game in a Reds shirt, Cowley had an effort from outside the area palmed down by Posh
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24/7/02 - Forest test for Harriers
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have been drawn away to First Division giants Nottingham Forest in the first round of the Worthington Cup. The tie will take place in the week commencing September 9. Forest have won the cup four times while Harriers have yet to
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24/7/02 - Lewis could return to take on Wolves
YOUNG striker Matt Lewis could make an unexpected appearance for Kidderminster Harriers in tonight's pre-season friendly against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Aggborough (7.45). Boss Ian Britton may recall the talented 18-year-old from his current trial
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Pair thwart gun raiders
A BRAVE mother and daughter battled with armed robbers who raided their Lakeside shop on Thursday night. Three men, one carrying a gun, broke into the living quarters above Gentry's Store, Farm Road, to gain access to the shop at about 10.30pm. Shopkeeper
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Eco-friendly homes plan
A £2.6 million project to build the first eco-friendly, solar-powered homes in Redditch has been announced. Proposals to build 30 homes on land off Grangers Lane in Oakenshaw have been drawn up by Redditch Co-operative Homes and are due to be discussed
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Fury at green scheme
RESIDENTS of an Oakenshaw close have formed an action group to try to stop the eco-friendly development going ahead behind their homes. Towbury Close residents are outraged at plans to build the 30 homes, claiming scores of trees and vegetation will be
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Training Day (18) - DVD
Four star THIS gritty, hard-nosed thriller about life on the drug-rife streets of LA won Denzel Washington his first best actor Oscar. And deservedly so. But it's not pretty to watch and is definitely not for the faint- hearted. Rookie officer Jake Hoyt
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Claire Claire Sweeney
Two star HAVING heard Claire sing on Celebrity Big Brother, I was confident that although there would inevitably be a high proportion of covers in this collection of favourite songs they would, nonetheless be sung with earthiness and guts. Sadly, for
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The Glass House - DVD
Two star There are few things more annoying than thrillers which don't thrill - and this is one of them. The plot is hardly original but the basic evil stepdad/godparents chestnut has potential which is sadly thrown out the window. The movie plods through
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Charity golf raises £3k
MORE than 150 golfers helped raise nearly £3,000 for charity at Droitwich Spa Rotary Club's charity golf day. The annual event, held on Wednesday, July 3, was attended by golfers from around the country, including Stoke-on-Trent, Devon and Somerset, and
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Swimmers at Coventry
NINE Bromsgrove swimmers have competed at the Midland District championships at Coventry. The event ran over three weekends, in an Olympic-size pool, and saw some swimmers record personal best times. Richard Skidmore, Kayleigh Wagg, Laura Ashford and
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Tom aims for top Golf
THOMAS HOLLIS, the club champion at Droitwich Golf Club, will be teeing off at the Celtic Manor Hotel Golf & Country Club in Monmouthshire on Tuesday (July 30) in the Welsh Regional Final of the prestigious Golf World -Jameson Champion of Champions
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Banks and Bartley lead the way Golf
BROMSGROVE Golf Club saw off Warley GC in the third round of the Clapham Common Shield. The Stratford Road club won the contest, made up of three pairs matches, 224 points to 201pts. Dick Banks and John Bartley were Bromsgrove's best pair with 45pts,
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Audience is hooked
CHILDREN at St George's First School had audiences spellbound when they performed their end of year production of Peter Pan. It was a packed house three days in a row as parents came to see their youngsters take to the stage.
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Where next for new van?
THE Where Next Association has bought a new van after two years' fund-raising. More than £9,000 was raised by volunteer Pat Nash and her team after a host of fund-raising events from sponsored walks and concerts to an abseil down the town hall. The Ford
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Police need to reassure public
POOR Chief Supt Lord. She really is too sensitive. Given your front page story that violent crime in Redditch has risen by almost 150 percent, surely she is being unfair to your correspondent who asked 'Is Redditch a safe place to live?' (Letters, July
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All change
Shopmobility customers visiting the Kingfisher Centre will see a change in the service for the next five weeks while work is completed on Car Park 3. Centre staff will issue vehicles from level 10 in Car Park 4, where there will be a limited number of
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New site would be a blackspot
RE your story relating to the planning application for land off Foxlydiate Lane, Webheath (Advertiser, July 17). You state the average speed of vehicles along this lane was quoted as being 30 mph or less. I was at that meeting and can say at first hand
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Upgrading is just a lottery
I HAVE just read two letters concerning broadband internet connection in Redditch (Advertiser, July 17) and I agree with Mr Hornsey that we must try to get BT to upgrade our telephone exchanges for ADSL. There is no viable alternative for many of us as
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24/7/02 - Worcester bring in O'Reilly
FORMER Leeds Tykes scrum half John O'Reilly has been brought in by Worcester Rugby Club as a possible replacement for Richard Smith. The 26-year-old is on trial at Sixways until the end of the month and could feature in Worcester's opening pre-season
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Gallery wins flood work compensation
A DELUGE of compensation claims could be in the pipeline following a successful bid for cash by a Bewdley business hit by flood defence work. The Environment Agency has agreed to a payout for The Quay, in Severnside North, which opened its doors in November
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Pension changes welcome
A WORCESTER accountancy firm has welcomed proposed changes to pension schemes. Doug Robshaw, personal tax partner at Rabjohns Business and Tax Advisers, in College Yard, said the changes were long overdue. "The current system is far too complicated with
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Our water is the cleanest
THE majority of Worcestershire people enjoy some of the best water quality in the country, according to a Government watchdog. The Drinking Water Inspectorate's recently published annual report claimed Severn Trent had one of the best standards in the
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Producers set to offer tasty treats in cloisters
HUNDREDS of people are expected to pack the Cathedral for the second annual Worcester Food and Drink Festival. Last year's inaugural festival, featuring dozens of local food and drink producers, was such a hit that organisers are bracing themselves for
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Water works to hit traders
TRADERS and shoppers can expect disruption this week when work to improve water quality in Redditch starts in the town centre. The work forms part of a £5 million improvement programme by Severn Trent to reline and replace up to 70km of old water pipes
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New pub aims for the top
A NEW pub is set to open next Thursday in Redditch town centre following a £750,000 investment. The Pinnacle, which will take its place between Yates's Wine Lodge and Wetherspoons, in Alcester Street, has been developed by the Barracuda Group, which runs
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Hopwood WI
AT the July meeting, a report was given on the visit to the Swan Theatre to see the Worcester Federation's musical Fifty Golden Years. Everyone was impressed by the professionalism of the production and cast. Bob Burton gave a talk about his hobby of
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Ipsley WI
AT the July meeting, members celebrated the institute's 36th birthday, combined with the Golden Jubilee party. The 41 members were joined by special guest Mariatu, from The Gambia, and enjoyed food from the 1950s. Fish paste and Spam sandwiches, cheese
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Kington with Dormston WI
THE Good Neighbours meeting took place on July 10 and president Jenny Cox welcomed members and visiting groups from other Institutes. A member from Inkberrow gave a report on the IGM at Brighton and explained how resolutions put forward from Institutes
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Royal British Legion
BEING confronted by a large policeman when helping her mother with the poppy collection - at the illegal age of nine - did not deter Sheila Lifford and a visit to the Legion village to see disabled ex-servicemen making poppies further confirmed her belief
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Redditch Garden Society
MEMBERS visited Julia Scott's The Walled Garden in Worcester. Julia uses organic methods to grow herbs of all types - medicinal, culinary and purely ornamental. She also grows old fashioned fruits such as medlars and mulberries. Egremont russett apple
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Summer courses on offer
SHORT courses will be run by Redditch Local Learning Centre this summer focusing on food and fashion. Summer Shorts starts today with a three-week basic food hygiene course covering preparation, storage and handling followed by a six-week cookery course
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Webheath WI
AN enjoyable afternoon was spent at the home of member Carol Penver for a tea in aid of Yellow Day for the Primrose Hospice and £125 was raised. Ten members visited the Brambles residential home in Webheath and two golden rose trees were planted to celebrate
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Toddle was a doddle
ASTWOOD Bank Toddlers raised money for the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) in a toddlerthon around Arrow Valley Lake. The mother and toddler group, which meets at the church hall, Church Road, raised £525. William Hitchins, three, received a £25 Early
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Saying goodbye
A STUDLEY Junior School lunchtime supervisory assistant retired from her post on Friday after 30 years. Hazel Freeman and her sister Diana Hooper both began working at the school in 1972. Mrs Freeman started when her three children, Phillip, Alan and
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Departing
STUDLEY Infants School bade farewell to two members of staff who between them have racked up more than 60 years' service. Teacher Angela Odell and teaching assistant Barbara Manley were treated to a special celebration assembly at the end of term to mark
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Take heart
INKBERROW First School pupils raised more than £750 for the British Heart Foundation by taking part in a skipping challenge. Jump Rope for Heart has been held for about 12 years and a cheque presentation took place at the school on Tuesday, July 16.
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In memory of teacher
A Beoley woman has raised £500 for a school in memory of her teaching sister who tragically died last year. Geraldine Bellingham organised a collection to help buy equipment for the science department at Barrs' Hill School in Coventry where her sister
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Gunshot riddle at pub
FORENSIC experts were scouring a sealed-off country pub this morning after a shooting that left one man in hospital. Neighbours heard gunfire at the Mason's Arms, between Wichenford and Martley, at around 1am. Villagers woke to find scenes of crime officers
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Family celebrates end of 12-month school fight
A WORCESTER schoolboy is "over the moon" at the thought of going back to school following a year-long battle with education chiefs. Twelve-year-old David Suffolk will start Year 8 at Christopher Whitehead High School after an appeals panel created a place
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'Drinker' fell down stairs and died
A KIDDERMINSTER man fell down stairs in his home and collapsed in the living room. An inquest heard that police found 60-year-old Kenneth Williams dead on the floor of his living room in sheltered accommodation, two days after he had last been seen. Worcestershire
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Terror at city salon
TERROR struck at a Worcester hairdressers when a robber brandishing a meat cleaver demanded £1,000, a jury heard. James Collins walked into His and Her's salon, in Broad Street, and asked manager Michael Stone to go into a back room with him. Mr Stone
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24/7/02 - Shane signs to replace Bichel
WORCESTERSHIRE today signed Australian international all-rounder Shane Lee as a replacement for Andy Bichel. The 28-year-old will fill the overseas slot at New Road for the final two months of the season. His capture is the result of Bichel's forthcoming
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Bickerton's problem
DROITWICH golf ace John Bickerton experienced caddy trouble on the first day of the Open Championship at Muirfield before eventually failing to make the cut-off point for the final two days. The Droitwich player's manager had to carry his clubs round
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City's blooms set to root out gold
JUDGES from the Heart of England Tourist Board were descending on Worcester today to cast an eye over the city's blooms. Floral displays, landscaping, sustainable development and overall appearance were to be graded as the city strives to scoop the Britain
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Cyclist has buckets of enthusiasm
A CYCLIST is taking on a 500-mile charity challenge and holding a sponsored car wash in Worcester to help raise further funds. Mark Tandy, from St John's, is hoping to make it from the Blackpool Tower to the Eiffel Tower and raise £1,500 for the National
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Folk double
TOE-TAPPING town folk are in for a double bill of folk music at a Droitwich venue next month. Dean Austin, who, according to club promoter Wilf Saunders is no stranger to the club and is superb with his own style of country, will entertain crowds at the
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Bravo sends anti-bullying message across county schools
Hereford-based Bravo Trust, the pioneering anti-bullying charity, has teamed up with the Crucial Crew initiative. The organisation provides advice to children on a range of topical issues and the two groups held a series of workshops for schoolchildren
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On stage to help charity
AN award-winning theatre company is treading the boards tonight to raise money for a Worcestershire charity for the disabled. The Rain or Shine Theatre Company is putting on a production of the comedy She Stoops to Conquer in a marquee at Worcester Rugby
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24/7/02 - Snape plays for reserves
JOHN Snape is set to play 45 minutes for Worcester City reserves against Causeway United at The Grove tonight. The Hereford United signing has recovered from a hamstring strain and will play some part according to City boss John Barton. Keeper Danny McDonnell
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Arrows down
REDDITCH Arrows have been relegated after struggling Lancashire Wolverines picked up a shock win at the weekend. The Ash Lane side were gearing up for an all-or-nothing last match to retain their top flight status. With the Hopwood side recording only
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Classy Albion roast Rovers
THERE are six divisions between Bromsgrove Rovers and West Bromwich Albion, and we should not forget that. Their pre-season friendly meeting at the Victoria Ground last Saturday - in front of a 2,158 - crowd was more about personal pride and bolstering
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Bees Cop Matt
STUDLEY manager Mark Chambers has strengthened his enviable strike options with the addition of Matt Coppin. The former Redditch, Solihull and Evesham striker has moved to the Beehive after being released from Alliance runners-up Bromsgrove Rovers at
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It's time to turn tables in schools
THE situation that the Suffolk family of Worcester's Warndon Villages has faced in the past 18 months has been a desperate one. At its heart has been two issues - on the one hand, a family's quest to do its best for its children; on the other, the right
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Town athletes set for Manchester
BROMSGROVE and Redditch Athletics club will be represented at the Commonwealth Games as racewalker Sharon Tonks tackles the gruelling 20k event. The 32-year-old athlete is determined to make the most of her first Commonwealth Games and is proud to represent
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Swimmers face the Thorpedo
Town swimmer Adam Ruckwood is enjoying an Indian summer after considering retiring in the wake of a disappointing Sydney Olympics. The City of Birmingham swimmer failed to make his mark in the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games four years ago and considered
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Alex adopts tough stand
THE number of physical and verbal attacks on staff at the Alexandra Hospital has led to the launch of a tough zero tolerance policy. There were 40 physical and 29 verbal assaults on staff between October and May - with most happening on the wards. Abusive
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Biathlon win
A small team from Redditch won the top team trophy at the Burntwood Biathlon. Craig Newton won in the boys 15/16 section amassing 2006 points for his swim and run. In the mens 35/0, Paul Beard came second, Paul May eighth and Neil Laxton ninth. Between
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Pat wins again
PAT Brunt retained the Alan White Tournament at the weekend after teaming up with Mike Wyatt. Brunt's winning partner last year Kevin Turner was a losing finalist in an event held in honour of the man central to the Club winning a £50,000 lottery grant
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Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Stourbridge 3
Tuesday, July 23, 2002 BROMSGROVE Rovers slumped to a 3-1 defeat against old rivals Stourbridge at the Victoria Ground last night. Paul Lloyd scored Rovers' goal but joint manager Gary Hackett admitted they still had plenty of work to do in preparation
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Benefit fraud rulings
TWO more residents have come before magistrates after being found guilty of fraudulently claiming benefits. Marlon Shirley, of Church Hill, appeared for sentencing following the preparation of a pre-sentence report. He had fraudulently claimed incapacity
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Lots of great lots at charity auction
FINAL preparations are in place to make sure the Evening News-backed Acorns Summer Ball goes with a bang. Auction lots have been secured and a live band signed up for the event, which will take place on Saturday. Bidders can pit their wallets against
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Man after Trust loan faces jail
A man trying to get a business loan from the Prince's Trust faces a jail sentence for a stash of herbal cannabis found in his car by police. Also discovered in Russell Chew's Astra was £1,000 cash and a telescopic baton, Worcester Crown Court heard. A
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Bag snatch boy sought
POLICE are hunting a boy who grabbed a handbag from a 75-year-old woman in Headless Cross. The incident happened in Birchfield Road, near to the fair, at about 2.30pm on July 13. The woman was approached by the youngster, who snatched her bag and ran
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Variety tops new wishlist
RESIDENTS have been given the chance to submit a wishlist for neighbourhood improve- ments. Public transport, recycling, beat police and easier access to Redditch skate park were some of the issues they raised. People attending summer events in Lakeside
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Car amnesty may be rerun
A VEHICLE amnesty to rid Redditch streets of abandoned cars has proved such a success, plans for another one have already been mooted. Between June 24 and July 5, 200 unwanted cars were removed and scrapped for free as part of a joint initiative between
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50 years ago
July 26, 1952 THE new fire engine which has been acquired by Redditch Fire Brigade was officially handed over by Ald WR Amphlett, Chairman of Worcestershire City and County Fire Brigade Committee, at a ceremony at Redditch Fire Station on Friday last.
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New centre in a fix
TEETHING problems at Studley's new leisure centre are unacceptable, according to Stratford Council's Leisure Services manager. Neil Anderson said he was 'very unhappy' the £1.4 million pool and sports hall, which opened only this year, would need extra
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Lion-sized help
KINDHEARTED Redditch Lions have raised more than £1,000 to help a Winyates woman lead an easier life. The club bought Lesley Dalton, who has multiple sclerosis, a special chair which allows her to get up and down with ease. The Lions' next big fund-raising
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Shane signs to replace Bichel
WORCESTERSHIRE today signed Australian international all-rounder Shane Lee as a replacement for Andy Bichel. The 28-year-old will fill the overseas slot at New Road for the final two months of the season. His capture is the result of Bichel's forthcoming
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Forest test for Harriers
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have been drawn away to First Division giants Nottingham Forest in the first round of the Worthington Cup. The tie will take place in the week commencing September 9. Forest have won the cup four times while Harriers have yet to
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Colwall keep Lord's dream alive
COLWALL kept their dream of a Lord's final alive by moving into the quarter -final of the National Village Knockout competition. Dave Powell's 89 runs were the centrepiece of a six-wicket win over Fillongley who, after winning the toss, made 142 with
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Over to residents
RESIDENTS can have their say on important issues at the County Contact Public Forum tomorrow, from 7.30-9.30pm at Redditch Town Hall. Among the topics of discussion will be traffic calming measures in Matchborough and Headless Cross, road maintenance
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Francis bites at solo slot
THE lead singer and guitarist with a band that reached cult status in the 80s and early 90s will take to the stage at Midlands Arts Centre on Saturday. Francis Dunnery, formerly of It Bites, took up the drums aged 11 and swiftly embraced the more melodic
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24/07/02 - Reds manager rings changes
REDS boss Rod Brown was as good as his word when he opened United's pre-season programme with nine new faces in the Reds team which went down 3-0 to Peterborough United at the weekend. The result was of little consequence as Brown blooded most of his
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Spa's victory bid is halted by rain
DROITWICH Spa first team travelled to Romsley and Hunnington on Saturday for a Worcester Premier League encounter and were unfortunate not to win the game. Chasing a target of 243 Spa's innings was cut to 36 overs due to rain and they fell 10 runs short
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Fun way to learn
WANNABE Warnes, or Budding Butchers, are invited to learn about cricket the fun way during a special coaching week in Droitwich. The Crazy Cricket Week is being organised for youngsters, aged between seven and 16, at Droitwich Spa Cricket Club's St Peter's
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Teams
BROMSGROVE CC teams for Saturday, July 27, - 1st XI away v Sutton Coldfield CC 1st XI 10.45 meet, 1pm start: N Husbands, P Hamilton, N Davies, K Patel, P Duffy, P Husbands, J Duffy, R Barnes, B Dudley, R Liddell and J Campbell. 2nd XI home v Sutton Coldfield
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All-round effort by Bird sees Avoncroft winning again . . .
AVONCROFT'S Sunday team continued their recent run of fine form with another hard fought victory at home to Swan Alfrick. The visitors batted first on a good batting track and reached 186 from their 40 overs. Jon Bird(4-15) and Jimmy Deakin(1-21) the
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Enjoy spirit of the Caribbean
THE spirit of the Caribbean will be brought to Redditch next month when a town group hosts a family fun day. The Descendants of Windrush will hold the event at Redditch United football ground, Bromsgrove Road, from 1-6pm on Saturday, August 3. It will
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'Croft's promotion charge stutters in wet
AVONCROFT'S promotion hopes took a blow this weekend after losing to Dominies and Guild by six wickets. Avoncroft, without key players Paul Athey, Craig Southwick and Chris Townsend, were always going to be up against it playing fellow promotion challengers
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Green raring for Bootle tie
BARNT GREEN'S cricketers are gearing themselves up for what promises to be one of the most vital weekend's of the season for the club. They entertain lowly Stratford in the Banks's Birmingham League on Saturday - and then Liverpool outfit Bootle on Sunday
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Hitting back at 'council bashing'
DEAR EDITOR - I suppose it was inevitable that Councillor Peter McDonald would be unable to avoid engaging in his latest "bash the council's officers" in a recent letter. He knows that it is almost impossible for Bromsgrove District Council's officers
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'Beauty-ful' night
DEAR EDITOR - I should like to thank the Advertiser/Messenger for the tickets won in the 'Beauty and the Beast' competition. This was a true Disney spectacular - wonderful scenery, breathtaking effects and a superbly talented cast. A great show for young
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Services should be improved
DEAR EDITOR - I have noted with interest the Government's idea of charging for the disposal of our household waste. Obviously they are unaware of the extremely poor service that we receive here in Bromsgrove. Whilst living in Redditch I was supplied with
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Lorries are a hazard and a cost to others
DEAR EDITOR - In 1831 the surface of the Old Birmingham Road was unable to cope with the volume of traffic which included 15 stage coaches daily. Work was started on the new road, now the A38, and the 'heavy' traffic was re-routed. The Old Birmingham
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Anyone care - or has control now been lost?
DEAR EDITOR - I wrote recently about my concern that the Old Birmingham Road, Lickey, had become a race track. I am now reliably informed that Twatling Road, Lickey/Barnt Green, is also an area along which vehicles are driven at excessive speeds and near
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Charity soccer tournament in memory of Stuart
TEAM mates of a Bromsgrove footballer who died last year have staged the second annual charity football tournament in his memory. Stuart Thompson died last April from a rare condition, which affects just one in 30,000 people, during a routine operation
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Players wanted
CALLOWBROOK Swifts FC U14's just promoted to the Premier League require players for the coming season. Please contact Manager Ellis on (0121) 457 8633. Waseley Rangers are also looking for experienced players for next season's under-12s league. Also required
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Fishing venues
The Birmingham Anglers' Association Limited - waters booked: Saturday, July 27: River Avon at Barton 1; Salford Priors 2; Wood Norton. River Severn at Knowle Sands; Danery; Quatford 1 and 2; Hampton Loade LB3; Hampton Loade B; Stanley 3 and 4; Arley LB
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Dust off the boots for hike
KIND-HEARTED town folk with a passion for the great outdoors are being urged to don their hiking boots in the name of charity. A walk in the Clent Hills is being organised by fire officers at Halesowen Fire Station, in Hagley Road, to raise much needed
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Opportunity to investigate bear history
INTERESTED folk both young and old can celebrate one hundred years of teddy history next month. The event, which will commemorate the birth of the teddy bear in 1902, will be held at the County Museum at Hartlebury Castle near Kidderminster on Sunday
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Goody George
REGARDING John Phillpott's article (Monday, July 15), I must have been a goody two-shoes as a boy, because I don't recall ever being caned. Nor can I remember seeing anyone else caned. Perhaps I have a selective memory. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
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Tony Thatcher
TONY Blair has lost all credibility to supporters of what used to be "real Labour". New Labour has just carried on Thatcher's policies wrapped up in a bit of cotton wool. But, with such pathetic opposition in both other parties, I fear the rot has set
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Summer activities
CHILDREN in Bromsgrove will have no chance to get bored this summer thanks to a packed programme of activities at the town's library. On Thursday, August 1 there will be a craft session on the theme of planets from 10am to 11am for five to seven-year-olds
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Ancient discovery on beach
AN eagle-eyed schoolboy from Barnt Green has found a Stone Age tool, which could be 200,000 years old, while playing on the beach with his brothers. Budding archaeologist, Richard Hotham, aged ten, was playing at the bottom of cliffs in St David's, Pembrokeshire
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Kids are all fired up
YOUNGSTERS at a rural school in Bromsgrove have been getting fired up about clay pottery. Linthurst First School, in St Catherine's Road, Blackwell, backed the BBC's Big Art Week by teaming up with ceramics artist Sue Babb. The BBC linked the school with
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Palace visit for St John officer
A DEDICATED St John Ambulance officer from Bromsgrove has been mixing with royalty after scooping an invite to one of the Queen's famed garden parties. Richard Smith, of Highfield Road, spent an afternoon at Buckingham Palace at a bash for community-spirited
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Cutting edge garden design
A GROUP of environmentally minded youngsters are not the only ones thrilled with their new school garden - baby rabbits have also been seen using it. Members of the eco-committee at Bromsgrove's Aston Fields Middle School have created a jubilee garden
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Studley happy
IT did not rain and Studley slipped to third at the weekend but Washford Fields skipper Mark Lewis will probably not be too disappointed with developments after his side endured a blank Saturday. The former leaders were supposed to play Solihull Municipal
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Worcestershire County League
ASTWOOD Bank's losing draw to Netherton was not enough to lift them out of the Division One drop zone at the weekend. Alex Robinson's men banked ten points against the League Knockout Cup winners but stayed second from bottom, four points from safety
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Carrying the torch of pride
ONE of the major highlights of this memorable year will be the Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay, which passed through the sunny streets of Bromsgrove last Thursday afternoon, writes Lisa Heritage. The longest relay in history, which has been the traditional
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Fives still alive
FIVE Ways stayed within reach of Warwickshire Four West leaders Bridge Trust after the tightest of draws at the weekend. The potential title decider ensured a nailbiting match and the visitors earned a draw by emulating Trust's 172 total on the last ball
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It's all their own work
YOUNGSTERS from an established Rubery playgroup celebrated months of hard toil and soil with the successful harvest of their vegetable patch. Green-fingered children at The Village Nursery (Rubery), Rubery Youth and Community Centre, planted potatoes
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Mason turns to youth
REDDITCH could be set to turn to youth again at the weekend as he continues the club's policy of nurturing the next generation of talent. With the current season slipping into a mid-table finish, Mason could promote more youngsters alongside regulars
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Kids raise charity cash
AROUND 500 pupils and staff from Rubery took part in a special sponsored trek, which raised hundreds of pounds for three worthy charities last week. The fundraising event, which was held at Waseley Hills High School, in School Road, was organised in memory
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Clinic staff in danger
SNIFFER dogs and extra staff are being scrambled to a Rubery secure unit housing criminals with mental health problems following revelations of violence and drug abuse. A concerned employee has lifted the lid on the dangerous power struggle between staff
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Take it to the streets
THE razzmatazz of street theatre is coming to Bromsgrove next month with four jam-packed days of sheer entertainment. Fantastic fun for all the family will be on offer, free of charge, to residents and visitors alike each Wednesday in August. The popular
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Prudence to be penalised
DEBT-FREE authorities such as Bromsgrove District Council are to be penalised for their prudence - it has been claimed. Householders whose local authority has managed to balance the books will see their cash used to help other councils, which are in the
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Post plan fears are baseless
FEARS that new postal delivery charges will cause mayhem for businesses are unfounded according to one town trader who believes Royal Mail will "shoot itself in the foot" by introducing the new policy. The scheme, whereby residents will pay between £5
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Hoop dreams for Spa tots
ENERGETIC Spa tots were put through their paces when they took part in their pre-school's annual sports day. Youngsters at St Peter's Pre-School, in Church Lane, took part in the event last Thursday. The sun shone as around 30 two to four-year-olds enjoyed
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Car tickets are bogus
AN unknown Clent vigilante fed up with cars clogging village footpaths has been posting fake police 'tickets' on vehicles telling motorists to report to Hagley Police Station. Hagley beat bobby Pc Chris Lord warned villagers at a Clent Parish Council
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Welcome for farms market
SHOPPERS can enjoy a taste of the countryside and 'all that jazz' when the village hosts its first ever farmers' market. Rural traders will be flocking to the parish this Saturday after the initiative was given the green light by shopkeepers and Bromsgrove
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Summer style
WESTLANDS youngsters have kicked off the summer in style thanks to a holiday scheme. The Westlands Holiday Club, which is in its eighth year, is being held at Westlands First School, in Farmers Way. Five to nine-year-olds have been enjoying the club,
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Blast off for kids in space
YOUNG space cadets jetted off to the unknown when they performed in an end of term school play. Pupils from Whitford Hall and Dodderhill School, in Crutch Lane, performed Blast Off - a story about a teacher who takes his pupils on a school trip to Jupiter
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Pregnant Jackie passes HGV test
A SPA mum proved she's a cut above the rest when she qualified to drive a 23 tonne rubbish wagon while seven months pregnant. Townsfolk are likely to see Jackie Priest, of Camp Hill, Droitwich, driving their local rubbish collection wagon after she received
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100 years ago July 26, 1902
A BROMSGROVE man was told it was "most disgraceful to hit a woman" when he was fined 10s 9d 6d by the chairman of Bromsgrove Petty Sessions. Eoch Wilkes, of Staple Hill, was found guilty of assaulting elderly Jane Layton, also of Staple Hill, after he
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Town puts on a great show
IT was a welcome return for the Britain in Bloom judges to Alcester on Monday as the whole town flowered for the hotly contested competition. Alcester in Bloom chairman Maggie Payne and her town councillor husband, Eric, accompanied two judges from the
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Pair among last in Queen's race
A LEADER of the Arrow Action Group in Alcester ran one of the last legs of the Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay. Judy Appleby, who helped set up the group in the Greig Hall looking after people with learning and physical difficulties, ran the half-mile leg
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Adventure starts now
By Helen Clarke AFTER months of planning and fund-raising, students from Alcester Grammar School have set off on the expedition of a lifetime. Twelve pupils left to take part in a month-long expedition to Namibia on Saturday. The youngsters will be accompanied
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More finds unearthed
ARCHAEOLOGICAL experts have found an amazing array of artefacts, including a possible burial site, in the latest dig just outside Alcester. The Chronicle reported earlier this month how the Environment Agency had called in a specialised team of inspectors
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Laura's a picture of talent
A WOOTTON Wawen Primary School girl has won the prestigious Greenaway Review award along with two other pupils from Warwickshire. Laura Higgs, 11, won the award for one of the best book illustrations in the competition set up by the Warwickshire Schools
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Sparkling invite
PEOPLE can enjoy a summer evening in a splendid setting with sparkling wine at Ragley Hall. The garden party is on Saturday, September 8, from 5-7.30pm and tickets cost £8 from the church bookstall and members of the St Nicholas Church restoration fund
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Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron Bryan Adams
One star As an exercise in pointlessness, this soundtrack to the film of the same name really does take the biscuit. The fact that it's 2002 and almost nobody else does late 80s rock anymore has failed to click with Adams, who is determined to ram his
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Movin' On Charlie Landsborough
Three star THIS country and western crooner has the perfect voice for the genre of music he writes and performs. I'm not a great fan of this type of music but there's enough good songs and variation here to make for a good album. Charlie apparently has
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The Remote Part Idlewild
Four star THE foursome have pulled out the stops with this beauty. The 11-track album from the band includes the already smash hits of American English and You Held The World In Your Arms. It's been two long, hard years since the last creation, 100 Broken
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Packed audiences see venue's farewell show
Cabaret Break-a-Leg Theatre Group THE annual Break-a-Leg Cabaret took place at Bridley Moor High School to packed audiences once again. For four nights in a row, youthful enthusiasm bounded out onto the stage to entertain as only the young know how. Song
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Cooks' stirring new direction
THE end of term saw children at Ridgeway Middle School bid farewell to their two much-loved cooks. Mary Quiney has been serving up dinners at the school for 36 years and her daughter, Jackie Taylor, has also worked there for the last 11 years. But both
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High hopes for Fagan Athletics
A STOKE Heath runner has exceeded expectations by reaching the English Schools Championships in his first competitive season. Daniel Fagan, of The Furrows, has been running the 100 and 200 metres for three years but only decided to take it seriously at
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Christopher joins VSO
A SOUTHCREST student is to spend a year working for the world's oldest nature conservation organisation in Vietnam. Christopher Stroud, 19, of Greenfields, is a volunteer on the Youth for Development programme, run through international development charity
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Traffic project to start
NEARLY £500,000 of road and path improvements will start in Redditch on Monday following parents' concerns about children's safety. Four schemes are being planned as part of Worcestershire County Council's Safer Routes to School initiative. The biggest
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Police need to reassure public
I READ with interest the letter from Chief Supt Lord of Redditch police (Advertiser, July 17). I was dismayed by its tone - Ms Lord is obviously angry in her response. The public are confused by the constant barrage of "partnerships" and "other agencies
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Kath's cash
Staff at an Astwood Bank bakery proved silence was golden by raising £386 for charity without saying a word. Kath Arnold, who works at Three Cooks Bakery, took part in a sponsored silence to raise money for the County Air Ambulance.
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Seat safety
Anyone who would like the child seats in their car checked can pop along to Halfords on Sunday from 11am-3pm. As well as the safety checks, the store, off Redditch ringroad, will also be offering 20 per cent off every full priced child seat on the day
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Blaze probe
Fire crews were called to a blaze at a three-storey house under construction in Lilley Green Lane, Brockhill at about 2.15pm on Sunday. Breathing apparatus and hose reels were used to extinguish the fire and police were called in to investigate the cause
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Collection was shipshape
COLLECTIONS held last month in the town helped raise money for Redditch and Bromsgrove Sea Cadets and a variety of charities. The Alexandra Rose Day collections raised £2,131 for the Cadets and more than £500 for the Alexandra Rose charity which benefits
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Drivers were not consulted
TO anyone who uses the road system in Redditch and is thus familiar with the never-ending series of obstructions placed deliberately on the highway, it would have come as no surprise to learn that the 'temporary' road closures of Unicorn Hill and Church
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Integration is all one-sided
I WRITE in reply to Perwaiz Khawaja's letter (Advertiser, July 10). The problem with integration in this country at present is that it is all one-sided. Native Britons always have to be seen to do all of the integrating. We have to welcome all other communities
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Jobs on offer at OGL
A COMPUTER services company has come up with a novel way of recruiting staff. OGL has erected two large job-vacancy boards outside its new head office in Stourport-on-Severn. "Our new head office is in a high-profile position and we felt that this would
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Spare thought for neighbours
I HAVE lived on Evesham Road in Crabbs Cross for many years and I think I can honestly say we have never had noisy neighbour problems until fairly recently. Those of us who live here can confirm that living here is a noise problem all by itself. Cars,
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Staff build for future
THE region's largest housing group has held its first staff conference. About 300 employees of Malvern-based Festival Housing Group attended the event, held at the Malvern Theatres. "It was a very successful and useful day, enabling staff from all our
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Letter from Westminster
IN recent weeks, I have met several constituents at my advice surgeries and a delegation at the House of Commons to discuss fair trade and ways of helping the developing world. They raise an important point and I agree with them that fair trade and access
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Some of the magic is missing
RUR-ROH - cartoon land's leading investigators are back in their Mystery Machine but is Hollywood's latest blockbuster offering worth its weight in Scooby snacks? Scooby Doo will wow the kids but leave adult fans of the Hanna-Barbera cult show disappointed