Archive
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Man dies as car smashes into Claines roadside sign
A MAN has died after his car careered off a Worcester road and crashed into a road sign. Two off-duty firefighters frantically tried to save the man's life following this morning's accident, but by the time emergency services arrived, he was pronounced
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It's detention for anti-war pupils
A SCHOOL head will today warn students against breaking the law after pupils staged a second anti-war protest in five days. More than 30 pupils from The Chase High School, Malvern, decided to miss classes at around 11.30am yesterday, to demonstrate against
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Raise your glasses for the best bitter
BREWERS and beer connoisseurs will meet at Worcester's top "real ale" pub tomorrow, to determine the best bitter in the region. The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) Western Region Beer Competition will be held at 2pm at The Dragon Inn, in The Tything
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OAP sends conmen packing
TWO conmen left a house empty-handed thanks to the vigilance of an elderly man. The pair visited a house in Ashton under Hill, near Evesham, on Tuesday, March 4, and claimed to be water board officials. The homeowner asked to see their identification
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Protest group says sorry over leaflet
A PROTEST group fighting Tesco's controversial St John's supermarket bid has apologised to Worcester City Council after confused residents thought planners were behind the campaign. The objectors attached a council document to a leaflet calling on people
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Band hunting a rock singer
A VOCALIST 'with gravel in his throat' is needed to complete a rock band, which is keen to hit the music scene. Baz Lane, the former lead guitarist of Bromsgrove band Easy, has joined another original rock group but a talented vocalist is now needed to
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Primary school in call to keep its mobile building
A WORCESTER primary school wants permission to keep a mobile classroom it has been using for seven years. But city planners have recommended that the classroom, which Nunnery Wood Primary School uses as a language development unit, be removed. Temporary
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Baby of the Year a great success
THIS year's Evening News Baby of the Year competition proved a resounding success, with 550 babies and toddlers being photographed in six days. That was 50 more than last year and they are all potential winners of the Baby of the Year 2003 title. A big
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Priced out of market
A MALVERN teacher says the town faces losing a lot of its young people because property prices are too high. Craig Jansen, head of sixth form at Dyson Perrins CE High School, said he had no option but to buy a house in Worcester, instead of the town where
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Charity plea to teams
ENTHUSIASTIC and energetic teams from Worcestershire companies are wanted to take part in a charity event at Cirencester next month. Teams of 10 can take part in the Cobalt Company Marathon Challenge, with each member running 2.6 miles and collectively
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Please help us fill in the gaps on our map of memories
A COUPLE are appealing to old friends with long memories to complete their map of what Tybridge Street was like almost 60 years ago. Doug and Jean Willis, who now run Lyndhurst Kennels, near Hallow, compiled the map themselves last year, noting down the
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Cut-off is a complete shower
SEVERN Trent's total commitment to customer service involves the residents of Feckenham being without water supply intermittently this week. Having telephoned their customer services department, I was told this work was necessary to ''minimise discolouration
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Letter was a total waste
IT'S amazing what falls through your letterbox these days. Personally, I just chuck it all in the bin. However, WMP-W&H, a four-page document, caught my eye. The quality and colours suggested it had obviously consumed quite a bit of my local taxes
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Use vote to urge peace
THE by-election in Crabbs Cross gives the electorate of the ward an ideal opportunity to send a message to Tony Blair that he might just listen to. The Government refuses to listen to mass protests. The Prime Minister even ignores his own MPs. What he
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Kylie and Robbie to kick off fun at festival
GET your tickets early for the bigger and better Tenbury Festival, the fun starts on Friday, April 4 and runs throughout the week. Robbie and Kylie kick off proceedings at the Regal, courtesy of Ollie Hughes and Claire Louise Renvoize. Tickets are bound
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Children's health is supreme
DO the residents of Astwood Bank want an incinerator for cattle sited near the village school? Are we familiar with the main problems it could bring? Like a fleet of sizeable vehicles trundling through the village day or night, increasing road hazards
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Party like it's 1957 to 1959
I AM writing concerning the Bridley Moor reunion for those who left in 1957 to be held at the HDA Social Club on April 12. I attended Bridley Moor from 1954 until 1959. I organised two reunions (with some help) in 1995 and 1998. Does a reunion have to
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12/03/03 - Ready for final push
BROMSGROVE Rovers have ten games to win promotion from the Dr Martens Western, starting with the derby against Evesham United at the Victoria Ground this Saturday. A one minute silence will be observed ahead of the game, the first home match since the
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Nudity shocker is paws for thought
HAVING read the letter from Mrs A Waugh regarding The Dreamboys, it really did make me stop and think. The Dreamboys coming to Redditch! For heaven's sake, what is the world coming to? With war pending and the price of fish, we do not need this additional
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10/03/03 - Cinderford match date set
BROMSGROVE Rovers have re-scheduled their home Dr Martens Western match with Cinderford Town for Tuesday, March 18. The original fixture was postponed on Saturday, March 1 as a mark of respect to Ashley Read and his family following his tragic death last
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05/03/03 - Rovers mourn loss of a star
FLOWERS and written tributes line the gates of Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club to mark the life of Ashley Read. Fans, players and club officials alike have united in grief at the tragic loss of their bright young talent. Ashley, aged 19 and from Belbroughton
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12/3/03 Praise The Harrier
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers are celebrating after The Harrier won two matchday magazine awards inside a week. They have added the Football Programme Directory accolade for best Division Three programme of the year to last week's similar award from Programme
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50 years ago
March 13, 1953 The funeral of the late Mrs Harriet Millar Lane, widow of the late Mr A C Lane, the Post Office, Bradley Green, took place at Bradley Parish Church last week. Mrs Lane, who was 87 years of age, came to live at Bradley Green 16 years ago
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Reds eye meeting
THE rumours, denials, statements and counter statements about an expanded Nationwide football Conference continue to fly but details about the ambitious plan could become dramatically clearer in the next seven days. Conference bosses are set to meet with
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Dream is over for Redditch
REDDITCH Hockey Club's promotion dream lies in tatters despite a 2-1 derby win over arch rivals Bromsgrove at the weekend. Any elation among the Redditch players as they trooped off the pitch disappeared when news of the Rugeley result filtered through
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Surprise defeat
FOUR second half goals handed Bromsgrove Hockey Club Ladies Seconds a surprising 5-2 defeat at home to Bournville last Saturday. Bournville scored their first early on but Bromsgrove, who drew with their visitors before Christmas, were level through Amanda
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Send us your Red Nose Day pictures
THIS is Worcester, will be featuring a photo gallery of as many local events as possible from the Comic Relief Red Nose Day on Friday, March 14. As well as comprehensive coverage from the Worcester Evening News - we want you to send us your pictures.
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Bulky rubbish to be paid for
By Matt Smith RESIDENTS will be charged to get rid of their bulky rubbish and extra trash from April 1. Redditch Council will charge £5 to collect up to three big pieces of rubbish, including three-piece suites, beds and other furniture. The council said
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Three jobs going
THREE posts are set to go at Forge Mill Museum and Arrow Valley Countryside Centre as part of major shake-up. The move is part of a review of the attractions being carried out by a special panel of Redditch councillors. Up to £500,000 will be spent on
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Lessons in litter
A NEW officer at Redditch Council wants the support of the public as he attempts to enforce the clean-up of litter from the town. Roger Thatcher became the environmental health enforcement officer at the council in January. His new role will not be just
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Round UK in a night
THE successful stage adaptation of Bill Bryson's best-selling book Notes from a Small Island stops off at Forum Theatre, Malvern on Thursday, March 20. Starring Steve Steen and adapted and directed by Paul Hodson, it follows Bryson on one last trip around
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Giles back in the Spa
ENGLAND cricketer Ashley Giles has returned to Droitwich Spa after an early exit from the World Cup in South Africa. Giles, who lives in the town, flew into Heathrow last Thursday with the England squad, after the side's failure to reach the Super Sixes
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New health centre move
PLANS will soon be submitted for a state-of-the-art medical centre in Inkberrow. The original plans for the facility are now being amended and a site near the village school has been earmarked for the project. Wimpey Homes, which has an option on the
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Airwave a saver
PATIENTS are set to benefit from a new radio system adopted by Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Trust. Airwave is a network specifically created for the emergency services which should enable the trust to maximise efficiency. It is due to be introduced
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Alex helps stub habit
HIGH-impact visual displays will be set up to encourage staff, patients and visitors to the Alexandra Hospital to quit smoking. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is working closely with the Smoking Advisory Service to provide help and support today
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Focus: League of Friends: An X-cellent new appeal
Reports by Helen Clarke THE Alexandra Hospital's League of Friends have announced their new appeal for this year - to buy a mobile x-ray set. The Friends have set themselves the challenge of raising the cash for the life-saving equipment, which will cost
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Room is a life saver
AN old storage area will be transformed into a much-needed £40,000 facility at the Alexandra Hospital in about six months after tireless fund-raising by the League of Friends. A dedicated room for "multi-disciplinary" meetings is to be built where cases
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Record breaker
The coffee shop at the Alexandra Hospital is proving cuppas equal cash after racking up its biggest ever takings just after Christmas. Following the festive period, the shop took the amazing amount of more than £4,000 in just one week - its best ever
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Web wonder
THE website set up by the League of Friends is proving a big hit with people from across the country. Not only does it provide up-to-date information on events and achievements but also allows people to send money from far afield to buy flowers for loved
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Seasonal push
The money keeps rolling in to the Friends' coffers after some successful events over the festive period. The Christmas raffle raised more than £2,500 for funds, and flower arrangers who made door hangers and wreaths raised more than £2,300. The Friends
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Number ten for Spa
DROITWICH Spa Football Club A recorded their tenth win of the season with a 5-0 victory over Bromyard in the Worcester Premier League last Saturday. The hosts held Spa, now unbeaten in 12, in the first half hour but the deadlock was broken when Chris
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Title is beyond us
DROITWICH Spa Football Club boss Kevin Blaber believes the Midland Combination division two title is beyond his side despite a convincing 4-1 victory at West Midlands Police Reserves. Blaber's side crushed the Police with goals from the three Andys -
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Spartak marching on
FIVE goals and another three points towards their championship quest. Barnt Green Spartak's latest victory came at the expense of Archdale '73, courtesy of a 5-0 romp to keep top of Midland Combination division two. GJ Singh's side were on the defensive
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Park drop points in title race
MEADOW Park dropped points in the Advertiser/Messenger Football League division one title race as they drew 2-2 at home with Bromsgrove Town despite Craig Richards' brace cancelling out goals from Scott Gaffney and Tony Woodward. Alvechurch Darts took
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Latest results
RESULTS from a rain-affected Central Sports Redditch and South Warkwickshire Combination. Premier League Westbury Celtic 6 (Smith, Harris, Ashby, Fastenirre two, Goddard) Fairfield Sunday 0; Black Horse 3 (Rowlands, Grigg, Fergie) South Redditch 0. First
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Junior football round-up
Coreley Girls U14s 2 Droitwich Spa Girls U14s 0 Spa battled hard in atrocious conditions and girl of the match Jo Reynolds. Coreley Girls U14s 1 Droitwich Spa Girls U14s 2 After going behind, Spa fought back to win with goals from Beth Roberts and Jo
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Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club - Match Stats - 2002/2003 season
GOALSCORERS 12 - Dyson, Burgess. 11 - Palmer, Danks. 9 - Banner. 5 - Frost. 4 - Read. 3 - Beckett, Clifton. 2 - Benbow, Cartwright, Pope, Southwick. 1 - Blake, Ford, Lloyd, McHugh. ADVERTISER/MESSENGER MAN OF THE MATCH 6 - Frost. 5 - Danks. 4 - Burgess
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How did they manage to get away with these schemes?
DEAR EDITOR - Large meetings rarely achieve anything, unless they are structured. Therefore you ask for questions in writing via the newspapers, many questions will then fall into a pattern and can be answered without having to address each question.
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Council elections are in the air
DEAR EDITOR - I read Councillor Pam Davey's letter informing Droitwich Spa voters that she is responsible for current health care proposals in our town. So she must be proud to have suggested housing mental patients by the canal towpath on our children's
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A forgotten corner
Dear Editor - I would like to bring to your readers' attention the existence of a part of the district of Bromsgrove with which they may not be familiar. Despite our "Birmingham B47" postal address Wythall (the parish includes Hollywood, Walkers Heath
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Does anyone remember me?
DEAR EDITOR - My name is Pearl Richards and I kept a general store in Broad Street for many years. I have returned to Stourport and my telephone number is 01299 823563. If anyone in Bromsgrove remembers me or my husband Hubert, I would be very pleased
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It's time to slow down
Dear Editor - I wouldn't normally write to a newspaper, however this is a subject that I am getting increasingly annoyed by. Recently the 30mph speed limit through Marlbrook (Old Birmingham Road) was extended up to the entrance to Grange Park. However
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The party is over
DEAR EDITOR - I wish to inform the residents of Charford that I have ceased to be a member of the Labour party as from February 26, 2003, but I will continue to serve them as a residents' representative, meaning that I shall be serving the people as opposed
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50 years ago March 15, 1953
AS a mark of respect the flag at the Council House in Bromsgrove was flown at half mast following the death of Marshal Stalin, the Russian premier, on the orders of the chairman Councillor Watterson. But it was hastily pulled down when it was pointed
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Firms put in fear of exile
AN "iron curtain" will be created around Alcester if the Local Plan goes ahead, a town business has warned. Stratford Council is proposing to extend green belt to land near Allimore Lane, Kinwarton Farm Road and to the north of the Arden Forest Industrial
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No rise on town council tax
ALCESTER Town Council will not be asking residents to pay more on their council tax this year. The town precept - the amount of money needed to pay for services provided directly by the town council - will remain at £113,000 which former mayor Councillor
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What's on guide
Show: Big Boys Don't Cry, Arena Theatre, Wulfran Street, Wolverhampton, 7.30pm. Show: The Coventry Scout Gang Show 2003, Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square. Until Saturday. Disco: Noise Pollution Disco, Rock Caf 2000, Mill Race Lane, Stourbridge. Opera
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Parade starts Easter frolics
BUDDING jugglers, fire eaters and stilt walkers in Alcester are being called on to make this year's Easter celebrations go with a swing. With a month to go, the town's Easter Monday preparations are well under way. So far, proceedings have been organised
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Droitwich Spa Winemakers
In February a group of members represented the club at a wine competition in Llandudno. The event was more of a social event than a competition and a grand time was had by all. The members of the new committee held their 2003 committee dinner at Spiders
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government
VAL Cowell of the UK Independence Party seems once again to be suggesting that West Midlands in Europe is some kind of government-in-waiting (You Say, March 3). But back in October, I pointed out that WMiE is actually a not-for-profit partnership that
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Hanbury WI
OUR skittles team is off to a good start - two wins in the first two matches - we are so pleased! Our secretary brought us up to date with other business, and then we were introduced to Hans Meereis. With the help of slides, our speaker told his story
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After-school boost
WOOTTON Wawen Primary School has been given £10,000 to put on an after-school club - creating at least three part-time jobs. The school was included in Warwickshire's cash bid for new school clubs after education chiefs put forward a £200,000 proposal
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It's not 1939 and we shouldn't treat it as such
I MUST take issue with S G Beard who suggests that we would have been better off not fighting the Nazis (You Say, February 28). While it may be true that The Second World War could have been avoided, it is a good thing that it was fought. Hitler was not
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Fund-raising in the frame
A FUND-RAISING slideshow has been organised to boost Alcester in Bloom's coffers. The event, arranged by John Bunting, will feature the past, present and future of Alcester and will be at Alcester Town Hall on Friday from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 from
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NCCPG
NEIL Cook, head gardener from Hanbury Hall, opened a world of gardening history for us when he visited in February. His vision and energy were apparent in his enthusiastic approach to his subject. We all thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Our evening with
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France and Germany's wedge
L SPITERI accuses me of incoherence (You Say, March 5) for stating that British influence in the wider world is far greater than British influence either within the continent of Europe or the political alignment that is the EU. I speak only from experience
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Chaddesley Corbett Gardeners' Club
THE AGM was well attended and the wine was appreciated on a cold winter's evening. The committee was returned in full and we welcomed one of our young enthusiastic members on board to increase the committee to eight. The accounts were accepted and we
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Fairfield WI
MEMBERS and guests were warmly welcomed to the February meeting by Shirley Walker. After singing Jerusalem, Lynne Jones read the minutes of the last meeting which were duly approved. All agreed that the Christmas Dinner at Bromsgrove Golf Club was a great
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Prank spate spurs alert
POLICE in Studley have been dealing with a spate of nuisance behaviour which has lately seen the windows in the village medical centre smashed. On Sunday night, three large panes of glass in the High Street building were smashed with stones. It follows
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Saddles taken
Police are seeking witnesses after two saddles and riding gear went missing from stables in Whitemoor Lane, Sambourne, between 6pm on Sunday, March 2, and 7.30am the next day. Thieves forced a padlock to enter the stables. Anyone with information can
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Brave William's cancer battle
ONE week last summer, William Randall's family were looking forward to celebrating his second birthday when his mother Barbara took him to the doctor to check out an apparently small problem with one of his eyes. By the end of that same week, William
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Red alert for charity drive
TOTS at a Longbridge nursery are having fun fundraising with a week of events for comic relief. Children at the Jelly Babies Nursery at Longbridge Methodist Church have been making cakes and decorating 'Tweenies' cartoon characters to raise charity cash
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SPA'S YOUNG, PREGNANT AND HOMELESS
YOUNG families are being left in despair because of a lack of affordable homes in Droitwich Spa. Wychavon Tenant's Association president John Cook has dealt with four pregnant Spa teenagers and young mums seeking housing in the past week. He says they
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Chapel of love
WEDDING bells were ringing through corridors of a town school when tots swapped vows in a mock marriage ceremony. The reception class at Chawson First School, in Wych Road, has been learning about Christian weddings. * Picture by Stewart Muir On Wednesday
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Hundreds turn out in tribute to Ashley
More than 500 people turned up to say farewell and pay tribute to a young Bromsgrove football star whose funeral was held this week. Bromsgrove Rovers' player Ashley Read, who was 19, died on Thursday, March 6, after suffering head injuries in a car crash
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Mayoress joins bus queue
THE wife of the town's mayor is hoping her idea to improve buses in Droitwich Spa is just the ticket. Mayoress Kate Spencer has arranged talks with First bus company chiefs on Monday, April 14 to discuss public transport issues. And a week later, she
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Abortion doc in sex claim
TWO women told a medical disciplinary inquiry how they suffered sexual advances from a Barnt Green gynaecologist. A midwife, called Miss B, told the inquiry how Dr Andrew Gbinigie locked her in a room, grabbed her wrists and pushed her backwards onto
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Peeved pensioners lobby Commons
PASSENGERS who are passionate about public transport are being urged to join older town residents on a trip to London. Droitwich Spa Older People's Forum is attending a lobby in the capital to defend free transport for pensioners and the disabled. It
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M42 hush job given MP's warm welcome
THE town's Tory MP has welcomed the start of work to resurface a busy stretch of motorway near Bromsgrove. Julie Kirkbride has backed the scheme by the Highways Agency to resurface the M42 between junctions 2 and 3A with a low noise material after complaints
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'Keep politics out of the Spotlight'
A MOVE to stop councillors highjacking community Spotlight meetings and using them as a platform to air their political views in the run-up to the May local elections has been made this week. The meetings are organised by Bromsgrove District Council in
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Taking a bus ride back through time
SHOPPERS were able to travel back in time when a vintage mini-coach made a day trip to Bromsgrove. People in the town centre checked out the replica of an 1926 eight-seater vehicle when it made a scheduled stop outside Co-op Travel, in Mill Lane precinct
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Health warning
hospital patients are being potentially put at risk by an over-dependence on agency nurses, according to a health report. The report, by the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) on the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, covers the Alexandra
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Spa man charged with net child porn
A DROITWICH Spa man has been hauled before the courts to face charges of downloading child porn from the internet. Richard Stevens, of Crofters Green, was among six men appearing at Worcester Magistrates Courts as a result of Operation Ore - a major police
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Keeping cool in an emergency
LIFE saving kits are being dished out to the elderly and disabled in Droitwich Spa. The DATALINK scheme is now available at Wychavon Tenants' Association, in Queen Street. Free packs include a small plastic canister, in which users can store medical details
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Day is a novel celebration
Bookworms were in their element for World Book Day. Children from Meadows First School and Catshill First School dressed as their favourite book characters last Thursday. Pam Townsend, headteacher at Meadows, said the day had been a great success. "The
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Super Spa DJs air we go: students hit airwaves
BUDDING disc jockeys from Droitwich Spa are taking to the airwaves. Twelve students from the town's Briar Mill high school are set to make their broadcasting debuts. For a week, beginning on Monday, March 17, pupils from years ten to 13 are presenting
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Operation hailed a super Nova
POLICE are hailing a massive crackdown on crime a success, with a 50 per cent reduction of burglaries in the Wythall and Rubery areas and 17 people arrested. Operation Nova has seen a series of police activities, each involving 30 officers, carried out
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Winners defy the mudbath
ONE of the busiest men at the Harkaway Club's nine-race point-to-point at Chaddesley Corbett on Saturday was the tractor driver who spent a consid-erable time hauling vehicles out of the clinging mud. On the course, Supreme Citizen with her regular pilot
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£375 arts grant boost for music enthusiasts
MUSIC lovers in Bromsgrove are to benefit from an arts grant from Worcestershire County Council. St John's Church, off Kidderminster Road, has been awarded £375 from the council's First Base scheme to develop itself as a music venue. The scheme, organised
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Mum's fear for village
A RUBERY mum has spoken out at what she says is an increase in violent attacks in the area. Julie Williams says that since Christmas there has been a significant rise in 'threatening and violent attacks' in the village. Just six weeks ago, one of Julie's
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Caught in a good book
CHARACTERS from classic children's novels leaped from the pages and into Spa classrooms on Thursday. Schools across the town hosted a variety of events to celebrate World Book Day. * Pictures by Stewart Muir Chawson First School pupils organised a competition
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12/3/02 - City hopes lifted by rivals' results
ALTHOUGH we had no game last Saturday it's actually turned out to be a pretty good weekend for City. Results fell our way and we've got every chance of achieving our best finish in the Dr Martens Premier Division since being relegated in 1985. The draws
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Neighbourhood web watch is to continue
A WEBSITE, which gives Rubery residents weekly updates on crime in the village, has been saved, thanks to a surge of community interest. Last month the Advertiser/Messenger revealed the Rubery Neighbourhood Watch site was folding due to apathy from villagers
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A 'dam' good night out
AN adventure seeking Westlands resident has organised a black tie bash to help fund a charity trek in China. Brett Moore will be one of the last ever people to walk along a special stretch of the Yangtze River, which is being flooded to create the world's
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Nurse Doolittle
AN animal angel in Droitwich Spa could be rewarded for her tireless dedication to all creatures great and small. Caring veterinary nurse Mary Dallow has been nominated for the Petplan awards and is one of four finalists in the Vet Nurse of the Year category
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Elderly scared in their own homes
VANDALISM in Droitwich Spa provided a heated discussion at the town's annual meeting. A number of residents complained about trouble caused by youths, last Monday night. One Burrish Street householder said teenagers had begun to congregate in his road
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Thanks a million for your kindness
A BRAVE cancer victim from Droitwich Spa has heaped praise on a hospice serving the town, which provides her with a wealth of support and understanding. Kathy Taylor-Wright is one of the many patients who benefit from care and services offered by St Richard's
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Webb beats Bristow
FIVE times Embassy World Darts champion Eric Bristow has been beaten at his own game by a Droitwich Spa player. Steve Webb defeated the Crafty Cockney at the Doverdale Arms, in Stalls Farm Road, on Wednesday, March 5. Webb, who plays in the Droitwich
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Jacquie is a fight master
THE first woman to box competitively in the history of Droitwich Amateur Boxing Club has had a stirring debut at a charity tournament. Jacquie Masters, aged 32, was so impressive in winning her bout against Claire McGiveney (Lye) at Ross-on-Wye last Friday
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Last eight for team
BROMSGROVE Indoor Bowls Centre's team has reached the quarter-finals of the All-England Championships. The Austin Road team, managed by Tom Farrar, have gone one better than last year's last 16 berth by defeating Somerset-based Dowyat 86-56 on Sunday.
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Midlands series
SIXTEEN Bromsgrove Olympique Cycling Club riders have taken part in the first of an eight-race Midlands time trial series. The programme, which started last Sunday, is organised by Bromsgrove Olympique, Lichfield City, Brereton Wheelers and Wolverhampton
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Alcester Conservative Wives
AT the February meeting held at the home of Mrs Jackie Clark members enjoyed an interesting talk by Jan Monk on A History of Hats, explaining how hats were made and what different materials were used for all the many styles worn throughout the years.
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Everywoman's Circle
CHAIRWOMAN Jenny Johnson welcomed members on February 13 and future social events were highlighted which included two theatre visits. Our speaker Ron Gallivan, who had experienced a very enjoyable working holiday in New Orleans, took us on a most interesting
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Volleyball- Cleobury help ease relegation worries
Cleobury Ladies 3 Loughborough Students 0- Cleobury Ladies played Loughborough Students at home on Sunday in National League Division Two, needing the win to ease relegation worries. After taking maximumpoints last weekend the team were hoping to pick
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Studley Local History Group
AT our February meeting we heard Mr Ralph Richardson's lamentable tale of William Sable, labourer of Ipsley, in the 18th century. It was while researching in Worcester Record Office that Mr Richardson came upon a book which listed payments to the poor
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Wythall History Society
AT the meeting on February 28th, Mr Ian Alexander, of The War Research Society, based at Maypole, Birmingham, spoke to us about his involvement in 38 tours each year to historical sites of battlefields in Europe and beyond, taking in cemeteries, memorials
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Football- Waterlogged pitch puts a brake on Town
LUDLOW Town were forced to take an unscheduled break when their last two matches at Shifnal, whose ground they temporarily share, were called off due to a water-logged pitch. Last Saturday's Midland Alliance Cup quarter-final meeting against Grosvenor
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Football- Vale have to settle for a draw
Furnace Sports 2 Springvale 2 LATE penalties robbed Springvale of what would have been a welcome and deserved Kidderminster League Premier Division away win against mid-table rivals Furnace Sports. The visitors worked hard and deservedly took the lead
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Wythall WI
MEMBERS were welcomed to a well attended February meeting, and items of news were read from the County News. Sheila Martin agreed to act as delegate at the AGM at the Royal Albert Hall in June, and members were invited to attend the Annual Council Meeting
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Rugby- Clee Hill win battle of the old rivals
Clee Hill 6 pts Tenbury 0- THIS North Midlands 2 local derby was always expected to be an uncompromising clash between old rivals, and with a heavy pitch and strong wind making it difficult to play open rugby, it inevitably turned into a forward struggle
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Motor sport- Neil and Andrew take second place in their third rally
LUDLOW Castle Motor Club members contested two rallies at the weekend, travelling to the Lake District and Staffordshire to do so. On only his third rally in the forests, Neil Weaver and Andrew Sakey completed the eight special stages of the Malcolm Wilson
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College team takes fourth place in international basketball tourney
St Michael's College played an impressive first two matches on the opening day of the ISSA three-day basketball tournament. In the first match against Deutsche Schule London the Tenbury-based side emerged victor by 44-39. However, they were more convincing
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Rugby- Hillmen bounced out of Shropshire Cup by students
Clee Hill 10 pts Harper Adams 54 CLEE Hill were bounced out of the Shropshire Cup when the students from Harper Adams showed both pace and power to easily book their place in the second round of the knockout competition. After the previous day's bruising
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Burway Ladies win a tight game
LUDLOW Burway Ladies tennis team were successful in their sixth game in the Hereford and Worcester Winter League. The away match was against MCS and on an afternoon of very tight games the home team run out eventual winners seven sets to four with teams
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Rugby- Ludlow lose out to a late Luctonians penalty in friendly
Ludlow 5 pts Luctonians 2nd 8- WITHOUT a Midlands 4 West (North) league game, Ludlow took the opportunity to give some of the younger members of the first team squad a start in a friendly match against a strong Luctonians second string. Although hampered
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Football- Injury time winner keeps United in second place
Kinver 2 Tenbury United 3- BRETT McIntosh blasted home the winning goal in the third minute of injury time, his first goal for two years, to snatch victory for Tenbury and consolidate their second place in the Kidderminster League Premier Division. With
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What's On Guide
Thursday, March 13 nGeg Theatre Company: Macbeth, Palace Theatre, Redditch. Until March 15. Tickets from 65203. nWelsh National Opera: Jenufa, Birmingham Hippodrome. Tickets from 0870 730 1234. nGo and Play Up Your Own End, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
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Pensioner given chance to walk
KIND-hearted police officers have dipped into a special fund to help a disabled pensioner to walk again. Eric Lewis, of Greenlands Avenue, Greenlands, was burgled in December and the £3,000 he had saved up for an artificial leg was stolen. The 83-year-old
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Cancer victim took own life
A WEBHEATH man stabbed himself in the stomach with a Swiss army knife because he had terminal cancer. Worcestershire Coroner Victor Round told last week how Edwin Lewis, who was 75, stabbed himself in the abdomen on January 19 in an upstairs room of his
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Water company defends cut-offs
SEVERN Trent has defended itself over complaints about a 33-hour disruption to water supply in Droitwich Road, Feckenham later this week. The company says there is no other way it can re-line a stretch of pipe in the road without causing more disruption
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Yuletide tradition revival?
A COMMUNITY group trying to revive an old Studley tradition meets tonight and those interested are welcome to attend. The group hopes to organise a late-night shopping and market evening just before Christmas, which used to be held annually until a few
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Asbestos blamed for death
A STUDLEY carpenter who was exposed to asbestos in the 1960s and 1970s died as a result, a coroner's inquest heard last week. Coroner Victor Round said Alan Greasley, aged 53, of Grendon Close, died on January 8 from a form of lung cancer associated with
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A tribute to group who care
THE mum of a Redditch teenager with Down's Syndrome has come forward with a heart-warming tale of how the town's YMCA helped her son as a child following an appeal in the Advertiser. Lynne James, of Church Hill, contacted the organisation after an appeal
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Own goal for Gary
REDDITCH-based Birmingham City Ladies Football Club may have lost their match on Sunday but they did win a charitable bet with a well-known TV sport presenter. Gary Newbon had to eat his words when he bet the ladies that they wouldn't get more than 500
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Brigade in crisis meetings
CRISIS talks are now taking place across Hereford and Worcester fire service to see how union members feel about the prospect of more strikes. Local Authority Employers have offered a 16 per cent pay rise but with the proviso that major modernisation
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Housing planned
PLANS are under way to build new homes on the site of a former warehouse in Greenlands Drive. The DIY warehouse has been derelict for nine years and the development, which includes houses and apartments, is likely to start in the summer. Redditch-based
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Heart death inquest
AN inquest has been opened into the death of a Winyates West woman who died on February 27 after collapsing. Lynda Mills, 42, who lived in Sutton Close with her sister and brother-in-law, collapsed while on the phone to the police, said Worcestershire
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Groups urged to pursue art funds
REDDITCH groups with arty ideas are being encouraged to apply for county council funding after the town missed out on a share of cash. A total of £3,180 in the latest round of First Base grants has been shared between projects in Wychavon, Malvern Hills
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Men can travel like women now
MEN aged over 60 will be given Redditch Council concessionary bus fares from April - putting them on equal terms with women. Men had not been entitled to the concession until they had reached pensionable age but recent Government legislation changed the
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Bosch builds school for boiler engineers
AN army of boiler engineers will soon be emerging from a city firm's purpose-built academy. Worcester Bosch is building the academy at its headquarters in Cotswold Way, Warndon, where it manufactures the market-leading "combi" boiler range. The training
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Best Mate fever hits the bookies
BETTING fever has hit Worcestershire, with thousands of pounds set to be placed on a Gold Cup win for the county's favourite and last year's winner - Best Mate. The bay's bid to become the first horse since L'Escargot in 1971 to win one of racing's top
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Flood tax plan is destined to be grounded
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a tax on Worcestershire householders at risk of flooding have been abandoned. Floods Minister Elliot Morley was due to announce today that levying the tax to pay for new defences was "not a runner". Mr Morley is instead expected
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Helping hands on No Smoking Day
SMOKERS who want to give up cigarettes were being urged today - National No Smoking Day - to take advice from their local pharmacists. Hooman Ghalamkari, community pharmacist at Dines Green, Worcester, said they can give expert advice on how to kick the
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Couple found nephew dead on the floor
AN inquest heard how a couple discovered their nephew lying dead on their kitchen floor. Michael Drew, aged 44, had arrived at his uncle and aunt's home in Foxwell Street, Worcester, after a drinking session a few hours earlier, at 5.30am on Sunday, January
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Baby of the Year a great success
THIS year's Evening News Baby of the Year competition proved a resounding success, with 550 babies and toddlers being photographed in six days. That was 50 more than last year and they are all potential winners of the Baby of the Year 2003 title. A big
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Chance to have your say in county boundary review
A REVIEW of Worcestershire County Council's electoral boundaries has been launched. The Boundary Committee for England aims to ensure, where possible, that every county councillor represents the same number of electors. The review will also take into
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Double the talent at art exhibition
TWO Worcestershire artists have collaborated to create a brand new exhibition due to open at Pershore Library this week. John Hodgkins and Anne Prater, who are both members of art classes in Elmley Castle and Evesham, have combined their watercolours
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Thieves put spoke in siblings' wheels
A BROTHER and sister will be doing their paper rounds on foot after thieves stole their bikes. Daniel and Rachel Coleshill were devastated after discovering their bikes had been pinched from the garden at the back of their home, in Harvey Walk, off Lansdowne
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Pianist is sold out
TICKETS are completely sold out for a performance by pianist Angela Hewitt at the Spadesbourne Suite, later this month. The acclaimed musician will perform the works of Bach, Ravel and Messiaen to an audience at the Burcot Lane venue. The sell-out show
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Continue success
MUSICALLY minded youngsters are being urged to join a successful Rubery-based band. The Rubery Youth Marching Band is looking to recruit young townsfolk to help continue the last 20 years of award winning success. The group formed in 1983 and adopts a
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Causes put their case for cash awards
ENTRIES have been coming in from a wide variety of clubs and organisations for the cash on offer in our Making a Difference campaign. The Making a Difference campaign is run by Worcester Round Table in conjunction with the Evening News and each month
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Cheap night out
IF you are looking for a fun packed night out, which is kind on the purse strings, pop down to Bromsgrove Folk Club tomorrow night (Thursday). The club, which meets at The Ladybird, in Stoke Road, Aston Fields, is inviting regulars to bring a friend down
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WI still meeting after half century
HALF a century ago, members of Peopleton WI had to light the oil lamps and stoke the boiler before their meetings in the tin hut that served as a village hall. Fifty years on, founder member Marcia Bennett, aged 81, still attends the monthly meetings,
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Charity looking for brave abseilers
A CANCER charity is searching for brave Worcestershire people to volunteer for a challenge with a bird's eye view. The Anthony Nolan Trust is offering people the opportunity to abseil 120ft down a cliff at Symonds Yat. The trust provides unrelated blood
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Bid to protect and improve salmon stocks
SALMON stocks in the River Severn and the Severn Estuary will be protected under new plans for the long-term future of salmon fisheries. The River Severn has failed to achieve its spawning target for salmon in the last four years, although its upper reaches
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All the songs from the shows
THE Expressive Arts team at Hanley Castle High School, near Upton-upon-Severn, is busy preparing to present this year's musical extravaganza. The Musical Workshop Extravaganza is the main school production for 2003 and features show-stopping tunes from
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February continues being driest month of the whole year
IT is with pleasure that I report something good about the weather for a change, instead of reporting record rainfalls and floods and cold, dull weather. We only had 39 mm (1.56") rain last month which made it two dryish months in a row, an excellent
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Bedworth United 2 Bromsgrove Rovers 1
Saturday, March 8, 2003 A ONE minute silence was impeccably observed by both sets of fans in memory of Ashley Read as Bromsgrove Rovers returned to league action at Bedworth United. Rovers, who had not played since the tragic death of the 19-year-old,
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A criminally naive motion
AS I recall, the last time the Americans tried to pin-point military targets in Iraq, they managed to kill a lot of British soldiers. Anyone who imagines that they are now going to bomb that country so precisely that Saddam Hussein will be "taken out"
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Police should be paid more
DO you consider a firefighter should receive the same pay as a police officer? That is the question asked by Colin Wheeler (Letters, March 5). The simple answer must be "No". All due respect to firefighters. Like the police they need courage and skill
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Stop altering the rules
PLANNING chairman Councillor Clive Cheetham is to be congratulated for his stand on the development of the Abbey Stadium. The issue is not whether Redditch should have a leisure complex but whether the officers and councillors should be able to ignore
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New minibus helps school pupils take part in activity days
TENBURY pupils have been benefiting from a new minibus funded by the Active Communities initiative. This initiative seeks to engage young people in healthy and active lifestyles through involvement in quality sporting opportunities. The project has secured
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Cricket fan Michael writes a knockout book on batsmen
CRICKET connoisseurs will enjoy a new book written by local author Michael Baws from Little Hereford. Triple Glory, published by Cricket Lore, is a chronological history of triple century makers from 1876 to 2000, and is certain to become a valuable amalgam
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100 years ago
March 14, 1903 Three lads named Fred Smith, Charles Osborne and Frank Hill pleaded guilty to playing football on Church Green to the annoyance of passengers on March 5. Pc Bowcott stated the facts, the chairman characterising the game as a great nuisance
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25 years ago
March 10, 1978 Steps are being taken to curb the number of accidents taking place at the notorious Middlehouse Lane, Windsor Road and Birmingham Road junction. After consultation with district councillors and corporation chiefs, county traffic authorities
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Rivals dent Town hopes
BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Men's First XI did their survival hopes little good last Saturday when they lost 2-1 at rivals Redditch. The result keeps Julian Court's side hovering above the West Midlands division one drop zone with one game to go at home to
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Four unbeaten
DROITWICH Spa Hockey Club Ladies Seconds made it four games unbeaten with a 3-0 victory at Harbourne Thirds. Lucy Hine opened the scoring with a superb reverse stick push. Gemma Darbyshire doubled the lead with a perfectly executed push shot and Jackie
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Coaching tips
ENGLAND men's hockey captain Craig Parnham is running a hockey coaching day for 11 to 15-year-olds. it takes place at Bromsgrove School, in Worcester Road, on Monday, April 7 between 10am and 4pm. Call 01527 579679.
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Thriller turning into a farce?
PRIME Minister Blair's most important matter seems to be taking over his life - and ours - in a plot that has so many strands it could easily baffle Sherlock Holmes. As this country lurches, apparently inexorably, towards war with Iraq, just what was
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Leader warns of town revolt
l REDDITCH councillors have just set a rise in the borough's share of council tax of four per cent. But a 13 per cent rise in Worcestershire County Council's tax means households in the town will once again see the burden go up next month by more than
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Curtain up on the Bard
SHAKESPEARE'S tale of disguise, comedy and love begins its run at Stratford's Swan Theatre this month. Described as "a sophisticated and exuberant comedy of life and love", As You Like It is set against the social and political events of Victorian England
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Music and the legend
WEST End musical Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story comes to the Birmingham Hippodrome next week. The production celebrates the life of one of America's most famous singers, tragically killed at the age of just 22, leaving behind a legacy of more than 30 hits
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Magical musical
Brigadoon Astwood Bank Operatic Society THE decision to deviate from the usual Gilbert & Sullivan to take on the musical Brigadoon has been vindicated with a hugely enjoyable production. A sell-out audience saw an enchanting, magical Scottish Highland
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Strong Irish threat
BEST Mate will face 15 rivals tomorrow as he bids to become the first horse since L'Escargot to win successive Tote Cheltenham Gold Cups. Henrietta Knight's star will be joined by stablemate Chives. All the main contenders stood their ground at the overnight
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Apology on blood tests
THE Alexandra Hospital has apologised for turning people who needed blood tests away on Monday. Around 15 people were waiting to give blood at the hospital when staff called in sick and the service could not be run. A hospital spokesman said: "We would
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Bickerton given new hope
WORCESTERSHIRE golfer John Bickerton tees off at the Qatar Masters tomorrow believing that after what happened in Dubai on Sunday, anything is possible. The Droitwich Golf Club member has been trying since 1993 to taste victory on the European Tour, finishing
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Computer at fault, says Alex
THE trust which runs the Alexandra Hospital has shown ''reporting errors'' in its waiting lists, a report has revealed. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust showed evidence of reporting errors in the percentage of patients waiting less than six months
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Health service survey hopes
PATIENTS can give their verdict on how health services in the town can be improved after Redditch and Bromsgrove Primary Care Trust sent out surveys. Views are being sought from 850 people here and in Bromsgrove by the PCT, which administers GP services
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Narrow loss ends revival
BROMSGROVE RFC First XVs mini revival came to a halt last Saturday with a narrow 9-8 defeat at Leicester Lions. The Finstall Park side, who had won two on the bounce before this fixture, were three points down early on from a penalty from fly half Ben
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Sweet change
THE confectionery and drinks trolley service at the will now be run by the League of Friends. The WRVS has decided to stop smaller operations such as this in hospitals. It will be operated by the same people but they will be known as League volunteers
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Rocket boost
BROMSGROVE RFC First XV coach David Stout is determined his side will not hand Midlands One basement side Barkers Butts their first win of the season when the two sides meet this Saturday. Barkers Butts have lost all 18 games this season and Bromsgrove
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Junior rugby round-up
Droitwich Spa RFC U12s 0 Bredon RFC U12s 26 A hard fought game from start to finish with Bredon getting their first midway through the first half. The visitors kept the pressure on Droitwich's defence throughout to take the honours. Droitwich U12s 0 Bredon
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12/3/03 - Truby top scorer as Raiders win again
KEVIN Truby was in top form as New Raiders beat Outlaws by 28 pins in Wednesday Division One of the E & E Engineering Worcester Friendly Skittle League. His 66 included four spares (16, 15, 15, 6, 14). Division One New Raiders 475 (18) K.Truby 66,
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12/3/03 - Ton-up Smith in excellent form
A MAGNIFICENT 106 break from John Smith helped St Stephens A to a 3-1 win over Suzy Q in the Nationwide Doors & Windows Worcester Billiards League. The race for the title sees St Johns B remain just ahead of St Stephens A. Results: Suzy Q 1, St Stephens
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Ready for final push
BROMSGROVE Rovers have ten games to win promotion from the Dr Martens Western, starting with the derby against Evesham United at the Victoria Ground this Saturday. A one minute silence will be observed ahead of the game, the first home match since the
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Fans respect at Bedworth
A ONE minute silence was impeccably observed by both sets of fans in memory of Ashley Read as Bromsgrove Rovers returned to league action at Bedworth United. Rovers, who had not played since the tragic death of the 19-year-old, were denied a share of
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Angling round-up
IT had to happen didn't it? Rain, rain and even more rain, just as the rivers had come into perfect trim before the closed season this Friday. Now, with bank high water for the last full weekend, many clubs had to change to still waters to fish their
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Heartless act of disrespect
Dear Editor - I write to thank Mr Reddie for his letter that so rightly and clearly questions those heartless acts of disrespect committed in the cemetery by Bromsgrove District Council. The council should act where dangerous situations exist, as harm
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Independent councillors
Dear Editor - May elections, apparently start here. The town meeting last Monday was noticeably agreeable and the chair - the mayor - tried to be pleasant to most of the questioners. Because of the many bad planning decisions, several Droitwich residents
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Recognition for health services
DEAR EDITOR - Last week's letter from Councillor Pam Davey reminded us that, with Cllr Don Lawley, both deserve recognition for health service decisions in Droitwich - past, present and future. Which one is responsible for demolishing our town Highfield
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Letter was a disgrace
DEAR EDITOR - Councillor Pam Davey's recent letter replying to RG Carlisle was a disgrace. She claimed that she and Cllr Don Lawley originally proposed the vacant magistrates courts to be used to expand Droitwich Health Centre. She crudely canvassed our
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Building on the future
WORKMEN have been getting unique views of Redditch as progress on the multi-million pound NEW College development continues. The building, which will be largely glass and steel, is now taking shape and views from the upper floors reveal both the extent
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Pupils on top of the world
NEW College sixth formers will be passing on their knowledge of the tourism industry when they work with youngsters at a Redditch first school today. The travel and tourism students will be working with Year 4 pupils at Tenacres First School, Quibery
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School bid put forward
WOODRUSH High School has taken another step towards becoming a specialist technology college after submitting a bid for £50,000. The status bid to the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) was sent on the deadline for applications on Friday. If it
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25 years ago March 10, 1978
FOR the first time in 80 years, the Bromsgrovian Club, an association for ex-pupils from Bromsgrove School, chose a former day boy, John Foster, from New Road, as its president. BROMSGROVE'S long and determined battle to have the new general hospital
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100 years ago March 14, 1903
A TERRIBLE accident befell Cornelius Wakeman from Rock Hill, a builder's labourer, while he worked on a roof at the Midland Railway Carriage Works at Aston Fields. He cheated death when he fell some 30 feet on to a stone floor breaking several limbs and
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COUNCILLOR SLAMS SHOW
AN ALCESTER councillor has branded Advantage Alcester's display of plans for the town as "appalling". About 400 people are believed to have visited the first public consultation event held at Globe House last month - hailed a success by organisers. But
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Advantage Alcester feedback
Advantage Alcester received more than 100 response sheets. Here is a selection of comments: On plans for High Street: "Anything that relieves traffic congestion on the High Street is welcome." "I welcome measures to make the street more attractive, a
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New group in fight for Broadband
A CAMPAIGN group has been set up to get Broadband internet in Alcester. The group, made up of representatives from town business and schools, have roped in the oldest form of communication - Town Crier Keith Tomlinson - to encourage residents to register
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Letter - Help could not be valued more
THE proposal for capital at Alcester High School Technology College (AHSTC) was successful with the council supporting it. A total of £1.7 million is to be spent upgrading the accommodation over the next couple of years. Your help cannot be underestimated
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Purse snatch
AN Alcester pensioner had her purse snatched when she was shopping in Stratford. The 68-year-old was in Marks & Spencer, Bridge Street, at about 1.40pm on Tuesday, March 5, when she felt a woman bump into her and then found her purse, containing £100
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Boogie down to fitness class
TOWNSFOLK looking to shape up for the summer are being urged to boogie on down to a fitness class with a difference in Stoke Prior. For some months, residents have been flocking to the Stoke Prior Sports and Country Club for a Boogie Bounce exercise class
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Well in the running!
THE London marathon is looming large for one Alcester woman. Lynda Loomes will be taking part in the marathon for the third time on Sunday April 13 for the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity. Mrs Loomes, who started her rigorous training schedule before
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Country walk
ENERGETIC townsfolk can enjoy a countryside walk in Dodford this Sunday. The ramble, which is about eight miles in length, will take in the Dodford countryside and Chaddesley Woods. It will start at the Dodford Inn, in Whinfield Road, at 10am, where lunch
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Trekker puts fear on ice
A FORMER Alcester Grammar School student is readying himself for a trek across the largest ice cap in Europe. Jonathan Carrivick plans to ski 100km across the Vatnajkull ice cap in Iceland to raise money for The Royal Marsden Hospital Charity. Mr Carrivick
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Asylum seekers
MORE than 110,000 asylum seekers came to the UK last year. Home Secretary David Blunkett now says: "It's bad but we'll fix it". The same David Blunkett (October, 2001) said: "Britain's asylum system is in a mess from beginning to end but I will sort it
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Win a place at top sports camp
KING'S Sports Camps aim to make Easter fun, offering an action-packed and varied programme of entertainment for children aged 4-14. King's Sports Camps will be running one of its renowned camps at Bromsgrove School, in Worcester Road, from Monday, April
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Conservative Ladies
AFTER a lunch of either chicken or salmon (both delicious), we settled down to the all-important AGM. The decision had to be taken to increase the annual subscription from £7 to £10 - not without some opposition. But having explained the costs of speakers
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Bromsgrove Railway Club
HE next meeting of the Bromsgrove Railway Club will be today (Wednesday). It will be a slide presentation with Trevor Nall entitled Isle of Man Railways. Trevor has been a regular visitor to the island for many years and he has vast knowledge of the transport
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I would be out of a job
F the county council was a football team it would be relegated this year. I totally agree with the comments made by Paul Coveney (You Say, February 27). He was absolutely correct. If I did my job as well as they do theirs I would be unemployed. I would
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Indecent pics led to arrests
TWO Redditch men were the first to be charged with possessing indecent images of children following a four-month investigation into paedophile activity. Paul Donnelly, of Evesham Mews, and Terence Kenneth Cox, of Mercot Close, were arrested by West Mercia
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Labour was obliged to probe Swan plan
I READ with great interest the article by John Phillpott headlined "It's Cripplegate all over again." My understanding of the Swan Theatre proceedings differ somewhat from the article. Like many members of the public, I witnessed the events earlier in
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Police action halves crime
By Becky Procter A HIGH-profile police operation targeting known criminals has led to the arrest of a man wanted for an armed robbery. On Monday, 30 officers began a third six-day operation using an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) van on the
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15 tonne lorry taken
POLICE in Redditch are appealing for information after an expensive lorry and thousands of pounds worth of computer equipment were stolen. The lorry, worth £105,000, was stolen from a firm in east Redditch between 1.15-8am on Monday, March 3. Dell computer
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Town Injuries unit faces axe
THE minor injuries unit at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bromsgrove could be axed to save cash, the Advertiser/Messenger can exclusively reveal. The shock proposal, which would leave more than 50,000 town residents without local emergency cover during
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Thief steals £300 from OAP
AN elderly woman had her handbag, containing hundreds of pounds, grabbed by a thief in what police have described as a despicable crime. The incident happened on Hollywood Road, Hollywood, on Friday, February 28, at about 11.20am. The 83 year old woman
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Time to stub it out
DETERMINED town residents who are eager to kick the killer weed are being offered help. The Multi-Agency Resource Centre, in Humphrey Avenue, Charford, is offering two sessions to help people quit smoking. The sessions are being held to mark national
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We found Sydney
SOAR-A-WAY Sydney, the cockatiel who went missing last week, has been returned safely to her family - thanks to the Advertiser/Messenger. Sydney, who belongs to the Jefford family in Blackwell, had flown out of their back door last Monday while mum Sandy
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Dinner lady says farewell
A popular school dinner lady has decided to hang up her apron and retire after notching up 33 years of service at a Bromsgrove school. Jackie Allen, of Lyndon Close, was honoured at a special leaving assembly at Millfields First School, in Swift Close
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'Feline' fine thanks to you
PERRYWINKLE the poorly puss is on the road to recovery thanks to kind donations from animal lovers and a Spa taxi firm. The cat is one of many unwanted pets cared for by Danemere Animal Rescue which recently called on Droitwich Spa Advertiser readers
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Brave William's cancer battle
ONE week last summer, William Randall's family were looking forward to celebrating his second birthday when his mother Barbara took him to the doctor to check out an apparently small problem with one of his eyes. By the end of that same week, William
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Development bid under way
THE ball has started rolling for plans to develop the surplus land at MG Rover's Longbridge car plant. The proposals, which are being considered by Birmingham City Council, comprise the redevelopment of former West A and B car parks into a 60-bed hotel
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Law cripples Spa care firm
THE boss of a town firm providing domestic care for the elderly is refusing to pay new registration fees ordered by the Government. To comply with latest legislation, Sandy Phillips, who runs Young 'N' Old, must pay £1,400 to register with the National
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Old idea brings something new to town
DANCERS hunting a rip-roaring night out should track down a ticket for a new charity ball. The Masked Ball is a bid by Bromsgrove Lions to put on a new kind of event for the town, based on the elegant dances of olden times. "We wanted to try something
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Bus boss takes a ride
TOWN leaders have been told to tackle transport issues by angry passengers who feel they are being let down. Public transport in Droitwich Spa was branded diabolical by pensioner Sheila Price, of Blackfriars Court, at the town's annual meeting. She said
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Put the flags out!
KEEN, green youngsters from Fairfield have received a pat on the back for their eco-friendly work in the community. Staff and pupils at Fairfield First School, Stourbridge Road, received Eco-School status in recognition of efforts to recycle waste and
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Access a priority during works
WORK to tackle sewerage problems in the town centre won a cautious welcome from Spa shopkeepers. High Street traders told The Advertiser that improvements by Severn Trent are essential but the needs of businesses must be considered sensitively. The long-awaited
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Turn on
SPA folk are being encouraged to switch onto a free lightbulb giveaway. Wychavon Tenants' Association has more than 2,000 bulbs, which are available to anyone claiming benefits. Up to four bulbs are available per household. Residents can collect their
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Girls win district title
A NETBALL team from Parkside Middle School has been crowned champions at a district championship. The Stourbridge Road school's year seven team, with players aged 11 and 12, won the Bromsgrove and District netball tournament, staged at Droitwich Spa High
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Top twenty finish
DROITWICH Spa golf ace John Bickerton secured a top 20 place and £13,000 at the Dubai Desert Classic. The 33-year-old fired a last round of 71, one under par to finish on seven under for the tournament at the Emirates Golf Club to share 20th position.
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Monarchs crown latest win in style
ASTWOOD Bank became the latest team to be whitewashed by Lickey Monarchs in division one of the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League. The Monarchs team of Eric Hardman, Roy Norton and Martin Clark made light work of mid table Astwood Bank and ran
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Redditch Photographic Society
ON Tuesday, February 25, Redditch Photographic Society held its second theme competition of the year, the subject being people. In the print section, first place went to Roy Cottrill, second Maureen Stubbings and third John Cummings. In the slide section
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Nick piles on the pounds as he tucks into Svetlana's wonderful cooking
BORtSCH and bumper banquets may have put paid to a runner's chances of a new personal best in the London marathon next month. Nick Busby of Brimfield has gained 10lbs in weight since last October when he was joined for a six-month visit by Ukrainian girlfriend
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The Redditch Society
AT the last talk Frank Hardy of Webbs of Wychbold gave a talk entitled Preparing your Garden for Summer and gave advice in a very entertaining way. It was possible to reduce the amount of digging, mowing, weeding and edging and increase productivity.
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Football- The Hill back to winning ways
Wrockwardine Wood 0 Clee Hill 2 Clee Hill travelled to Telford for their first league game for six weeks and after starting should have killed the game off as they got into some good goal scoring positions in the first 20 minutes. But due to the strong
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Wythall Photographic Society
THE second print competition was held on February 26 and judged by Norman Prue. He awarded first place in the primary section to Ken Brown with Ramshackle Gate in the mono section and The Potter in colour. First in the secondary section mono was Alan
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Wythall Gardening Club
MEMBERS were welcomed with a blaze of spring colour at our March meeting, with our competition table a maze of daffodils, hyacinths, crocus and snowdrops. It was a lovely sight and a hint of the warmer months ahead. Our speaker for the evening was Neil
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Football- Wooffers lose at home in closely contested game
Woofferton 0 Wellington 1- WOFFERTON'S clash with their great rivals Wellington was always going to be a closely-contested affair with the teams sharing top spot in the Hereford Times Herefordshire Premier League, with the visitors claimingthe edge on
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Cleobury Mortimer February Stableford competition winners
RESULTS from Cleobury Mortimer Golf Club mens' section February Stableford (Number 2 ) competitions were. Division 1: 1 Nigel Smith 37 pts, 2 Pat Fleming 37 pts; division 2: 1 Steve Best 38 pts, 2 Dave Beach 37 pts; division 3: 1 Rick Clayton 37 pts,
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Rugby- Youth and experience triumph as Seconds score nine tries
Cleobury Mortimer 2nd 65 pts Shrewsbury 2nd 3 CLEOBURY Mortimer fielded a mixture of youth and experience in this friendly match against a weakened Shrewsbury team. The first team front row gave them a solid base, with youngsters Paul Burrows and Jamie
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Hockey- Worcester's power proved too strong for Tenbury
Tenbury Ladies 0 Worcester Norton Ladies 5- TENBURY entertained league leaders, Worcester, and were totally outplayed by the league challengers. The first half was explosive with the pace of the game flowing fast from Worcester. Tenbury's defence was
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Classic flavour to prom
THE ever-popular Last Night of the Spring Proms takes place at Symphony Hall on Sunday. John Pryce-Jones conducts the London Concert Orchestra for an evening of rousing tradition, which features soprano Claire Surman and tenor Wynne Evans. The programme
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Russian cellist leads rare trio
RUSSIAN cellist Alexander Ivashkin appears at a Celebrity Concert at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham, next week. Mr Ivashkin enjoys an international career as a soloist and has recently made concerto appearances at the Concertgebouw
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Taxis in strike threat
TAXI drivers in Redditch are threatening to strike if the job becomes more "dangerous". But a police chief has defended town officers after accusations by the drivers that they are not responding properly to their emergency calls. North Worcestershire
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Children appeal for day trip cash
A REDDITCH group specifically set up for children with special needs is desperately trying to raise enough cash to take youngsters and their families on a trip to Legoland this summer. WASP Special Needs Club has to raise almost £800 and so far has just
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Old pupils to join in school's joy
A STUDLEY school will have a double celebration at the end of the month and former pupils are being urged to get involved. Studley CoE Junior School in New Road was opened 40 years ago by Edward Heath. But this year it is expanding, with a new classroom
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MP speaks out to reassure
REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith has spoken out to assure residents a decision to take Britain into war with Iraq will not be made lightly. Ms Smith admitted she was concerned about war but wanted people to consider what other steps could be taken to stop the
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Inquest awaits reports
AN inquest into the death of a Matchborough East man has been opened and adjourned pending toxicology reports. David Henderson, who was married but lived alone at Chiltern House, was found dead on February 20. He had last been seen four days before. Worcestershire
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Knocking out noise
The Highways Agency will be carrying out low noise resurfacing work on the A435/B4189 roundabout by the Dog Inn at Mappleborough Green until Monday. In order to minimise disruption to motorists, work will be carried out at night from 8.30pm-6am and lanes
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Oaks planted
THE newly formed Friends of Morton Stanley Park group started their first project on Saturday - replacing five oak trees lost through storm damage last year. Redditch Council landscape and countryside manager Nat Healey said: "This is a really good start
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Country in strife!
REDDITCH people are living in a county which rates appallingly when it comes to education and the arts, according to a national magazine. Country Life also said Worcestershire really lacked outstanding pubs, national trust sites and sport and placed almost
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Just two days left to enter awards
BUSINESSES and community groups in the Malvern Hills district have just two days left to gain recognition for their efforts over the past 12 months. The deadline for Malvern Hills District Council's Platinum Awards for Business and Community Excellence
