Archive
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The bunny girl and her rabbit refuge
A FORMER model has turned her attention to a different kind of bunny after setting up the county's first boarding facility for rabbits. Annette Edwards, aged 52, raised more than a few eyebrows when she appeared in famous American Playboy magazine in
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Lovely jubilee... village's old bench all set for make-over
AN historic feature of Kempsey has been given a new lease of life to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. The jubilee bench at Bannut Hill had fallen into disrepair, but now it is looking as good as new and its place on the green has been brightened up with
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23/4/03 Remaining games for Harriers' play-off rivals
MANY of the teams Kidderminster Harriers can catch in the play-off race have to face each other or clubs fighting against relegation. Among the intriguing clashes include Scunthorpe's home game with Oxford this weekend and Torquay's visit to Lincoln on
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Nursing home owner warns of funds crisis
A NURSING home owner says it would be "financial suicide" to take new patients at the level of funding offered by social services. Derek Jones, owner of Henwick Grange Nursing Home in Hallow, Worcester, said the Government had also hit him with a huge
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Nominate your choice for the county's top woman
THE search is still on to find Worcestershire's most worthy woman. Nominations are still open for this year's Worcestershire Woman of the Year competition. There are three award categories in the event, which is now in its 13th year. The business award
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Men rushed to hospital as candle causes blaze
TWO men were rushed to hospital with smoke inhalation last night after their ground floor flat was gutted by a fire caused by a candle. Three fire engines were called to the house - converted into two flats - in Teme Road, Tolladine, Worcester, at 7.42pm
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Taking a step back in time at Kays
PAST and present employees of Kay & Co Ltd, the Worcester mail order giant, will have a chance to trip down memory lane on Saturday, when the firm's heritage group holds an open day. On display will be part of its extensive collection of Kays catalogues
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Farmers warned of extra payment
FARMERS will have to pay up to £200 a year to join a Government scheme to dispose of dead livestock carcases. From May 1, Worcestershire livestock farmers will be banned from ridding themselves of the bodies of dead animals - including cattle, sheep and
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23/04/03 - Suspended
DARREN Bullock has left Bromsgrove Rovers in the lurch over a fine dating back three months. He was banned indefinitely from football on March 31 for failing to pay a fine after being sent off playing for Bromyard Town before he even joined Rovers in
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A celebration of springtime at art gallery
SPRING will be in the air when an exhibition called Living Colour - A Celebration of Spring takes place. Art lovers will be able to enjoy the glories of springtime in the garden and countryside at The Foal Yard Gallery in Bransford, Worcestershire. The
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Musical reunion
ENTHUSIASTIC former members of Droitwich Spa High School's Madrigal Choir are looking to recapture the magic of their singing days with a special 22-year reunion. Toby Thorp and Steve Carley, together with leader Kevin Dowson, want to bring together members
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Howard's way
THE End of the Trail Country Music Club has organised a performance from Hawkes Drift this Saturday. Howard Hawkes will be sharing his super voice and style with the audience of Droitwich Spa's Royal British Legion Club, in Salwarpe Road, from 8.15pm
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Tree crash for balloon
A HOT air balloon came crashing down into trees but managed to pull off a safe landing on Bilford Road playing fields. The commercial balloon was spotted by Evening News weatherman Paul Damari in the sky above his Barbourne weather centre. "It looked
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Sutton Coldfield Town 0 Bromsgrove Rovers 1
Saturday, April 19, 2003 BROMSGROVE Rovers produced a gritty performance in difficult conditions and got a much-needed win at Sutton Coldfield Town last Saturday. A bone-hard pitch and swirling wind made it almost impossible to produce good football,
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Back with the Blues
JAKE and Elwood are out on parole and they're back at the Birmingham Hippodrome just one more time. Next week's official tribute to the Blues Brothers, opening on Monday, is one of the most successful musicals of all time, and this will be its last time
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Town's advice centre makes a huge impact
A GROUNDBREAKING scheme to house a range of vital community services under one roof has proved a huge success. More than 6,000 customers visited the Evesham Contact Community Centre (ECCC) - the country's first one-stop-shop for police and council advice
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Survey says we're asleep on the job
TWO thirds of workers sneak a crafty siesta at work according to a new survey. Sixty two percent of the 1900 people surveyed by high street giant Boots admitted grabbing a few minutes sleep during the working day. According to the survey people's favourite
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Fancy dress racers raise £980
FIFTEEN pairs legged it round Tenbury in fancy dress to raise cash for two local causes. Nuns and Huns, girls from St. Trinians, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, 'Cheeky Girls' and a couple of 'Big Babies' answered the call from The Market Tavern to get dressed
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£20,000 in grants up for grabs under new council project
PROJECT organisers in Tenbury and the Teme Valley can benefit from a new grant scheme that promises to give a cash boost to assist the improvement of local services and the quality of life for local communities. Malvern Hills District Council has set
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Soldier hurt in motorcycle crash
A YOUNG soldier from Tenbury Wells is critically ill, after receiving serious injures in a road accident last week. Christopher Bridges, said to be in his early twenties, was riding a red Yamaha R6 when the collision, involving an orange Honda CR-V estate
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100 years ago
April 25, 1903 Studley Baptist Chapel - A most successful musical evening was held on Thursday evening in aid of the funds of the above chapel. There was a large attendance which thoroughly appreciated the programme, each item being exceedingly well rendered
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25 years ago
April 21, 1978 TWO men had a miracle escape when their light aircraft made a dramatic forced landing in a field 200 yards from a busy main road. The single engine Cessna 150 made the landing in a field close by the A435 Alcester to Birmingham Road at
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Game on Church!
ALVECHURCH are back in the driving seat in the ICIS Combination title race after a traumatic week. A fortnight ago Church's title dreams were in tatters after what looked like a fatal defeat to leaders Leamington. But the crazy, topsy-turvy title race
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Come on parents, sort it out
I WRITE with reference to the article on the play area at the junction of Hollywood Lane and Wythwood Road (Advertiser, April 2). I can completely understand Wythall Parish Council's decision to withdraw the lease on the children's play area. Over the
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Regents crowned
REDDITCH Regents answered all the question about their title pedigree by storming to an emphatic finish in their final fixture to claim the title. Incredibly, with a title at stake, Redditch went into their final game at Orillo not knowing whether they
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Nip marks in the bud
THE new markings on roundabouts should be nipped in the bud now. I work near the island in question and I can assure you that the rush hour queues are very real. I know several people who have changed their route to and from work to avoid this new hazard
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I thought it was just me
I WAS quite relieved last week to read the letters regarding the Sainsbury's Island. I was beginning to think age had caught up with me and my brain had stopped functioning! I've lived in the area for many years and have driven around the island from
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Gears misery
GEARBOX trouble curtailed Oakenshaw driver Enzo Mucci's secong outing in the British GT Championship. The warning signs were there when the Clio V6 gearbox started to rattle during Saturday's free practice. The Atlanta Motorsports engineers decided a
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Tyranny halted
IN response to Sara Adams' letter last week, may I point out that I have no problem with genuine asylum seekers coming to this country. We should do all we can to help those who are fleeing regimes in fear of their lives. My concern is over many bogus
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Tonks has travails
AFTER starting the season in her best form ever with three comfortable wins, Bromsgrove and Redditch racewalker Sharon Tonks hit disaster following a week's warm weather training in Spain, where she picked up a virus. And six weeks of little or no training
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Town in to third
Redditch finished the Worcester Winter League in third place after the final gala, at Droitwich. The gala was won by Perry Beeches with Stourbridge runners-up. In the 11u age group Lucy Edwards finished first in the 50m breast with Nicola Strange third
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Roads are being dumbed down
THE outstanding feature of the new road markings is the dramatic reduction in the capacity of the junctions caused by restricting the exits to one lane, apparently in the interest of safety. Two-lane exits from main road roundabouts have been a feature
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Make a stand
When the market was in the centre of the town it gave a vibrancy to the area, was commercially successful and had the air of being in its rightful place - Market Place. It would have been sensible of the council to have acknowledged that. Though initially
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Hospital praise
FOR the third time in the last seven years, I would like to publicly record the appreciation of my wife and I of the excellent service provided by the Alexandra Hospital. I recently spent a week in Ward 16 (orthopaedic) for a knee replacement and could
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Petrol puzzle
About three years ago, I congratulated the population of Redditch, in being recognised by the supermarkets and other purveyors of petrol and diesel in Redditch, as being amongst the richest people in the whole of the UK. Well, congratulations are in order
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Many thanks
MAY I, through your columns, express my heartfelt thanks to all those people who kindly sponsored me recently in a 15-mile walk to raise much-needed funds for the Medical Foundation? The Medical Foundation, which was founded in 1986, aims to provide medical
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Christian assumption is just disrespectful
CHRISTIANS have learned a thing or two about wars over the last two millennia. As for this being a Christian state, that's not true and it never has been anywhere near 100 per cent and it never will be now. Paganism, the oldest religion practised here
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Ride brings in cash for Acorns
A COUPLE experienced an Easter to remember after mounting a marathon charity motorcycle trip from Land's End to John O' Groats. Bryan Sandy and his finace Sarah Pritchard had set themselves the challenge to make the 853- mile journey from Cornwall to
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Footie fun-day in aid of Acorns
A FOOTBALL fun day in aid of children with life-limited illnesses is kicking off at Worcester City Football Club over the May Bank Holiday weekend. And organisers hope to make more than £10,000 for Acorns Children's Hospice from the event at St George's
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Can Bees Urn third win on the bounce?
STUDLEY go in search of their third successive Worcestershire Senior Urn at Aggborough tomorrow night (Thursday). The Bees, who are still on track for a top six finish in the Alliance, turn their thoughts towards a competition which brought manager Mark
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Now hear this
NEW audio tours are set to be introduced at Forge Mill Museum and Bordesley Abbey this Easter. The tours, produced by the same firm which has organised audio tours at Stonehenge, will act as a personal guide and will allow visitors to experience the sounds
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Facts, figures and fixtures 2002/2003 season
Pre-season 20/07/02 - Redditch United 0 Peterborough United 3 (Forsythe, Fenn, Bullard) 25/07/02 - Redditch United 3 (Hall, Knight, 2) Stourbridge 1 (Lee) 30/07/02 - Redditch United 1 (MacVarish) Burton Albion 1 (Garner) League 17/08/02 - Redditch United
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Log on to learn
EVERYTHING people need to know about voting for the Bromsgrove Council elections is now on a handy website. Voters from Wythall, Alvechurch, Beoley and Tardebigge can click on to www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/election2003 for the lowdown on the election on May
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Six areas in the spotlight
THE town's Liberal Democrat Party have today launched their manifesto with about a week to go before the May 1 elections. The manifesto targets six areas; council tax, housing, sport and leisure, the town centre, environment and transport. Liberal Democrat
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On parade
Redditch Mayor Steve Wheeler will be attending a St George's Day parade and service at St Stephen's Church from 2.30pm on Sunday.
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Spa warm up for campaign
DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club First XI warmed up for their tough Worcester County League opener at Ombersley this Saturday with two friendly matches inside 24 hours last weekend. New captain Steve Walsh's side tied the game at Harborne, a match which saw
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The circus is coming
THE circus is coming to town on Tuesday. The Big Top of Uncle Sam's American Circus will be based off the A441 Birmingham Road, on the northern tip of Redditch. The circus runs until Bank Holiday Monday on May 5.
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Pay for missed chances
Evesham Utd Ladies 1, Redditch Utd 4 UNITED suffered a fourth consecutive defeat in a game they should have won comfortably. After falling behind after 11 minutes, the Common Road side created five excellent chances before the break but only succeeded
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Call for help
Volunteers from Redditch are needed to help support townsfolk who have just returned home from hospital. The British Red Cross Home from Hospital Scheme is looking for more people due to an increase in demand for the service. Anyone who wants to become
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Fun and games
REDDITCH Nightstop is holding a games evening at the Ecumenical Centre on Monday. The fund-raising event, which starts at 7pm, features carpet bowls, a quiz, auction, raffle, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and golf. Tickets cost £5, including a fish and
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Counties reshuffle for must-win game
WORCESTERSHIRE and Herefordshire have reshuffled their side for their crunch RLF Hart Gilmore North Midlands Championship match against Shropshire at Shrewsbury tonight (7.30pm) The defending champions must win their final group match to keep alive hopes
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Students cautious
OXFORD UCCE won the toss and decided to bat when they opened their three-day friendly against Worcestershire in The Parks today. Openers Ed Cowan and Joe Sayers made a cautious start to their innings against the County's pace attack of Matt Mason and
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Cup matches
JUNIOR rugby teams from Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove are aiming to get their hands on some silverware this Sunday in two Midlands finals. Spa's U14s team and their Bromsgrove counterparts are two of 16 sides converging on Ledbury RFC this Sunday for the
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Two firsts for ballet
LEADING touring company English National Ballet brings its show Tour de Force 2003 to Malvern's Festival Theatre this week. The programme includes two world premieres. Hollywood Smash & Grab 2 is a new work by young choreographer Noel Wallace created
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Final bow for brothers
SMASH-hit musical The Blues Brothers arrives at Birmingham Hippodrome on Monday for the final time. The official tribute is one of the most successful musicals of all time. The show has broken box office records, been seen by over 10 million people and
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True artistes at the ready
STUDLEY Operatic Society performs High Society at Redditch's Palace Theatre from Tuesday. Based on the play The Philadelphia Story by Philip Barry, the show features many famous Cole Porter songs, including True Love and Who Wants to be a Millionaire?
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22/4/03 - Budgies swoop for title triumph
BUDGIES have been crowned champions in Division One of the Worcester and District Skittle League. In their game away to the Saints, and requiring two points to be champions, an opening leg of 110 against 74 set up a comfortable victory. The other champions
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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (PG)
Five stars THIS long-awaited sequel to The Philosopher's Stone does not disappoint. It is a rich offering of the best of British talent, with the usual suspects of Richard Harris, Dame Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman and Robbie Coltrane being joined by Kenneth
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Baise-Moi (18)
Two stars A HARROWING, violent, disturbing and downright nasty piece of film which makes you wonder how it ever slipped through the fingers of British censors. The French film tells the story of two women, Manu and Nadine, who take pleasure in killing
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The Who Who's Next
Five star RE-MASTERED albums with added material are always a nice little earner for semi-retired or indeed semi-deceased rock bands. But the re-mastering process is often accused of sucking the soul out of music and vinyl junkies will tut-tut knowingly
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Spartak are crowned champions
BARNT Green Spartak wrapped up the Midland Combination division two title in style with a 4-0 victory over third place Droitwich Spa on Monday. GJ Singh's side, who lost their first home game of the season 3-0 against Littleton last Saturday, led Kevin
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Point gained in stalemate
THE last time Bromsgrove Rovers and Redditch United failed to hit the target against each other for 90 minutes was 25 years ago. Sadly, although a competitive game, much of Easter Monday's encounter never looked like providing a different result. Yet,
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Lutz strikes gold
BROMSGROVE Rovers produced a gritty performance in difficult conditions and got a much-needed win at Sutton Coldfield Town last Saturday. A bone-hard pitch and swirling wind made it almost impossible to produce good football, but Bromsgrove adapted better
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Second final
GREG Thomas moved Droitwich Spa FC A a step closer to a successful defence of the Martley Cup with a hat-trick at West Malvern last Saturday. Thomas' treble gave Spa a 3-1 victory and their second final of the season to add to their Bayliss Cup final
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Reserves at the double
ROVERS Sunday Reserves have completed a league and cup double in the Advertiser/Messenger Football League. A 2-2 draw with Turks Head Olympico secured the point the Reserves needed to add the division two title to their Centenary Cup triumph. They now
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Town demonstrate their talent
TALENTED young footballers have shown what they are capable of after guaranteeing themselves a top two league finish in their first ever season. Bromsgrove Town U7s are currently top of the Central Warwickshire League but have finished their games and
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Fans events
PREMIERSHIP referee Dermot Gallagher is the special guest at Bromsgrove Rovers Supporters Society's sportsman's evening. The event, one of two being held by the fans' group next month, is in Rovers' Victoria Club, in Birmingham Road, from 7.30pm on Wednesday
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Cleaning up compliments
DEAR SIR -- I would like to hand a bouquet to the cleaning services of Bromsgrove District Council. Litter is allowed to blow down the Hanbury Road and into the bushes, a dreadful mess. Also litter on the bank at Bunsford Hill. All this litter has been
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Purse return a blessing
DEAR EDITOR -- May I, through your column express my thanks to the person who found and handed in my purse to the counter staff at Asda last Wednesday. I was so relieved, not least for not having to face the inconvenience of renewing my bus pass, library
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Problems with postal vote
DEAR EDITOR -- Why did the person who designed the Postal Vote envelope go to so much trouble to confuse people. Wouldn't it have been easier to just enclose a proper envelope. You need a degree in diagrams to return your postal vote. Margaret Warman,
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Night of raid is remembered
DEAR EDITOR - On November 29, 2000, you published a letter from George Leach asking for readers to contact him if they remembered a German bomber flying over Bromsgrove en-route for The Austin Motor Co factory at Cofton Hackett. On March 14, 2001, you
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Don't forget to use your vote
DEAR EDITOR -- So now we know who the candidates are to be in the Droitwich Town election and isn't it interesting that the current leader of the council, who has come in for so much criticism here in the letters page, is not standing. After all her hypocrisy
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School report is seriously flawed
DEAR EDITOR -- As the parents of a pupil at North Bromsgrove High School we think we have some idea of the standards prevailing at the school and we can assure you that its recent OFSTED judgement does not accurately reflect the overall quality of teaching
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School demolition would be sad loss
DEAR EDITOR -- Just a quick note to voice my backing for every word of sense stated by Ann Holmes in the April 9 edition. Parkside School is a building that has always impressed with its dominating presence at the junction of Sourbridge Road and Market
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Lost spaces hit disabled parking
DEAR EDITOR -- Losing precious parking space for the new Asda store in Bromsgrove has made life increasingly difficult to find a car parking space, let alone a disabled parking space in Recreation Road. If you park displaying a disabled badge, on double
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Happy ending for the dynamic duo
DEAR EDITOR -- We are writing to say thank you for putting Holly and Jade in your newspaper for a new home (under the heading 'The Dynamic Duo'). We have always had dogs but have not had any for three years after losing our others through illness. We
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Building towards new era
DEAR EDITOR -- The report on the proposed demolition of the 1960's buildings on the Bromsgrove Campus of NEW College interested me, as did the artist's impression of what the new edifices will look like - causing me to send up a fervent prayer that professional
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Why how far counts more than how high
Parents rely on league tables to make judgements about the best school in their area for their child. DAN KENDRICK finds out how helpful the new value-added indicators will be. LEAGUE tables showing which schools achieve the top grades in exams may no
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50 years ago April 25, 1953
AT a women's institute meeting in Cofton Hackett, Mrs Yardley gave a talk on a cycling holiday to France. She said the food was wonderful, the scenery spectacular and they had much fun trying to make the French people understand what they said. Bromsgrove
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A whiff of decadence
AN intoxicating mix of passion and romance fills the air this spring as the Lyric Hammersmith's powerful and sensual production of Camille comes to Malvern's Festival Theatre from May 6 following a London season. Starring Daniela Nardini, this compelling
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Venues have a licence to thrill
THRILL seekers will be shaken, not stirred, when they visit a Droitwich Spa venue next month. The Copcut Elm and St Andrews House Hotel are launching their exciting events programme with a James Bond black tie bash on Saturday, May 10. Popular soul act
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Art talk
HOW to use watercolour paints will be demonstrated at the next meeting of the Lickey Hills Art Society on Saturday, May 3. Vic Kelly will be sharing his expertise in the field, at the Cofton Hackett Village Hall, in Barnt Green Road, from 7.30pm. Non-members
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Fishing stars are on show
EVEN bigger and better than last year -- that's the message from the organisers of Fishing 2003, the UK's biggest indoor angling exhibition. This year's event, which takes place this weekend at the NAC Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire (off the A46 between
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On the trail of a safari symphony
THERE'S a chance to enjoy a special musical event this summer when a Symphony On Safari is staged at the West Midlands Safari Park, near Bewdley. It will be the park's first open air concert and will be held on June 8 to celebrate their 30th birthday.
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Arrow Valley Countryside
OUR first walk of the year started from Alcester when Alex and Helen Koscica led 13 of us on a cold but sunny day to Exhall via Wixford. For our second walk, Jill and Alan Hitchcock led us eight muddy miles around the Harvington Hall area when we saw
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Why was Lottery cash used for this?
IN my letter headlined "Politics and the public purse" I basically asked why Lottery money, and Council Tax money was apparently being used, by the Worcestershire Racial Equality Council, for what I take to be political purposes. If our Worcester city
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Cookhill run to the Hills
COOKHILL skipper Paul Williams says the wining and losing draw system in the Worcester County League persuaded the club to switch to the Cotswold Hills League. The Nevill Arms side had an unremarkable season in the bottom division of the Worcestershire
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Hare in style!
I THOROUGHLY enjoyed John Phillpott's account (Evening News, April 14) of his sick hare - a truly humane tale. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
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Great news for village
Great Alne have received a major cash boost for the forthcoming Cotswold Hills League Division Four season. The village side, newly-promoted after romping to the Division Five title last season have garnered £4,000 for their youth development scheme.
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Freedom and the Iraq war
THE rights and wrongs of the Iraq war seemed to be summed up as freedom versus safety. On the one hand, it can quite reasonably be argued that any country has the right to govern itself without any kind of intervention. The people of a country either
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Quayhead fountain: We deserve better
AM I the only resident of Worcester who is less than enthusiastic about the Quayhead fountain? I note that it is "award-winning". In my experience, this usually means that some trade association or professional body is praising one of its own practitioners
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23/4/03 - City ace to go under knife
STRIKER Mark Owen will be the next St George's Lane player to go under the knife when he has the plate and screws removed from his ankle on Friday. The Worcester City ace will take a month to recover and will begin rehabilitation in June. Initially Owen
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They're saving the Earth
CHILDREN at Lickey Hills Primary School enjoyed a special day of ecology-based activities, organised by teacher Jayne Edwards. The day kicked off with an assembly by Water Aid, the school's main charity, which the children have supported by raising money
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Care unit is on the cards
by EMILY BRIDGEWATER A BROMSGROVE hospital could finally see plans to build a new care unit for terminally-ill patients go ahead, after a long-running wrangle over funding is set to be resolved. Construction of the new six-bed palliative care unit at
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Night doctor service axed
BROMSGROVE'S health service was dealt another blow this week when it was announced residents would have to go as far as Redditch or Worcester if they need a GP after 11pm. As of September, the Primary Care Centre (PCC) - which is based at the Princess
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On your guards!
RESIDENTS of all ages are being urged to get down to Bromsgrove Rover's Ground, whatever the weather, for a musical extravaganza next Monday. The Band of the Irish Guards will be performing their first ever concert in the town as part of this year's Bromsgrove
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A smashing Easter gift
SPORTING folk from the Spa have made generous donations to ensure people with learning disabilities have an 'egg-cellent' Easter. Kingfields Day Centre, in Ledwych Road, hosted a spring fair last Wednesday and Droitwich Sports and Leisure Centre staff
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Spa gears up for cycling first
TAKE your marks and get set for Droitwich Spa's first ever junior bikeathon. The sponsored ride is being held at the town's Hanbury Road rugby club on Sunday, May 4. It aims to raise bags of cash for the Leukemia Research charity and is supported by children's
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Man is killed in head-on crash
A MAN was killed and two others injured after a head-on collision at the junction of Money Lane and Chadwich Lane, Bromsgrove. The accident occurred last Tuesday night at 8.20pm when a white Volvo 480 ES and a blue Ford Fiesta collided. The driver of
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Woman hurt in alleyway attack
A WOMAN needed six stitches after she was pushed to the floor and punched during an attack in an alleyway. The terrified woman was set upon while she was walking along an alleyway between Austin Road and Collis Close in Charford, Bromsgrove. Now police
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Trader's leader must stay
THE town's business group has refused to accept its chairman's resignation. Droitwich Spa Association for Retail, Tourism and Services (DARTS), says Richard Brighton must stay in spite of his announcement that he wants to quit. At last Tuesday's DARTS
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Louisa is a champion
A FENCER from Droitwich Spa has underlined her ability in the sport by winning a regional title for the second time in three years. Louisa Miller, chairman of the Spa's fencing club, battled past 15 other competitors to claim the West Midlands Indiviual
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Open day
SAILORS from Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove are being invited to try the sport out at an open day next month. Bartley Green Sailing Club, near Frankley, is opening its doors for free from 10am on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5. The Genners Lane club will have
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21/04/03 - Utd miss out
Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Redditch United 0 THE United travelling army did their best to stoke up the derby atmosphere by silencing the home fans in a 740-strong crowd but there was little to shout about in a typically deadlocked derby. A few weeks ago this
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United share spoils with high flyers
Clee Hill United Res 2 Dudley Wood 2 CLEE Hill United Reserves shared the spoils with high-flying Dudley in this very entertaining Kidderminster League Division 1 encounter. Tim Evans opened the scoring for the Hill with a low drive that took the slightest
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Goal kicker Colin tops Cleobury points chart
KICKER Colin Smith was easily the top scorer for Cleobury Mortimer by amassing 128 point. He landed 24 penalties and 23 conversion and also touched down on two occasions. Willie Bache notched fifty points, with eight tries, a penalty and a conversion.
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29/10/02 - Nine goal thriller
Redditch United 4 Evesham United 5 (aet; 90 mins 4-4) SHAME on the fans who stayed away in their droves again last night - they missed a cracker. This match had it all - five goals, two substitutions, comedy defending and Rod Brown on the pitch to remonstrate
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High standards at the primary schools' gala
SOUTH Shropshire Swimming Development organised the South Shropshire Primary Schools Swimming Gala, combining with Beka Bodenham, assistant manager at South Shropshire Leisure Centre, and individuals, volunteers and groups. Members of Ludlow Swimming
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Fancier Biggs keeps it in the family...
TEN members of Ludlow Borough Flying Club sent 77 birds to Frome, some 80 miles away. The birds were liberated into a north-east wind and it turned out to be a hard race with the red card going to Cecil Biggs. Kevin, his son, was a close second. Cecil
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Referee pulls muscle, so abandons game
TENBURY'S final North Midlands 2 League match of the season at Aldridge was abandoned in unusual circumstances when the referee called a halt to proceedings at half-time because he had pulled a calf muscle. Under league rules only a qualified referee
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Club makes plea for more coaches and parents to help young talent
LUDLOW Hockey Club is making a plea for players, coaches or supportive parents who are interested in helping the development of the many talented young girl players from the secondary schools in south Shropshire. For many years Ian Hughes has coached,
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Dominant United deserved to bag another hat-full
Tenbury United 3 Wollescote Sports 2- TENBURY completed their Kidderminster League Premier Division programme with a convincing if narrow win over Wollescote. They dominated the game from start to finish and could have netted a hat-full with a little
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Town fritter away easy goal chances
Ludlow Town 1 Causeway United 2- CAUSEWAY failed to read the script to the end of Ludlow's first Midland Alliance League fixture in the town for two years at their new Corrs Stadium ground. Instead of conceding the late goal to mark the occasion in style
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Men with a head for heights
CALL me a wimp if you like but heights have always held a terror for me, that's why I'm more than happy living in a bungalow, writes Pete Lammas. Having said that I'm also fascinated by height especially tall buildings, just as long as I can grasp something
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Vehicles dug up at farm
VEHICLES buried during the foot and mouth crisis at a farm between Webheath and Bentley have been dug up and removed to prevent oil escaping and polluting the water course. Officers from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) together
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Visitor boost
FORGE Mill Museum enjoyed a boost in visitor numbers over Easter. A review has been carried out of the museum, which was threatened with closure as part of a cost cutting exercise by Redditch Council. But it was reprieved and the council pledged to inject
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Cyclists in big push
REDDITCH cyclists are preparing for a big push to raise thousands of pounds for Leukaemia Research. The Redditch Blue Peter bikeathon will be held at Arrow Valley Countryside Centre on Sunday, May 4, starting at 11am. It's the third time the event will
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Coffee shop opens doors
PEOPLE can drop in for a cuppa at a new caf being launched on Friday by users of a service for people with learning disabilities. The Coffee Mill will be run by staff and users of the Millfields day service and be based at the old Knowledge Cafe in Park
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Churches' union
THERE was a union of two churches on Sunday when Trinity United Reformed Methodist Church and Alcester Street Methodist Church became one entity. The newly formed church will be called Emmanuel United Reformed and Methodist Church. Worship will be held
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All out for 22 stone
MEMBERS of Alvechurch and Hopwood Cricket Club have fielded more than £3,000 by losing 22 stone between them in memory of a team-mate who tragically died. Long-standing member Roger Astill died last season aged 39, so the club decided to raise sponsorship
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Enjoy all the fun of the fair
AN action-packed Wythall carnival has been planned for this year. The carnival, on Sunday, August 10, at Wythall Park, will be free for residents after a generous grant from Wythall Parish Council. Carnival planners have said a larger fair will be set
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Passengers fearing axe
WYTHALL bus users fear they will be left stranded when a lifeline bus service is axed at the end of May. Pete's Travel is due to stop its 178 bus service from Redditch to Birmingham. Worcestershire County Council is now desperately trying to find a solution
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Water works over
A HOPWOOD road which has been closed for months was due to re-open on Monday following work to help cut sewer flooding and improve the system in Barnt Green and Hopwood. The work in Ash Lane started in December and formed part of a £1.1 million Severn
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Woman's bag taken from car
A 75-year-old woman had her handbag stolen from the front seat of her car just after she arrived back to her Hollywood home. The woman had visited the post office and returned to her house in Alcester Road at about 2.30pm on Monday, April 7. As the woman
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Groups to meet up
REDDITCH voluntary and community organisations are invited to a conference in Alvechurch on May 13. Filling the Gap is at Bordesley Hall Conference Centre and features guest speakers and workshops. For details, call Jinny Pearce on 66177.
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Pupil's care award
A CARING Woodrush High School pupil has been chosen for the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award for an outstanding contribution to her school. Laurisa Williamson, 12, was chosen for showing her commitment to caring for her wheelchair-bound friend
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Here we go again!
IT'S that time of year again. Long sunny afternoons, a picnic on the grass and fierce competition. Yes, the cricket season is once more upon us and you can follow the progress of our local clubs all summer in the Advertiser/Messenger. This season six
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Forces join to thwart conmen
MEALS on Wheels volunteers in Alcester and Bidford have linked up with police to help crack down on distraction burglaries. The scheme aims to raise awareness among elderly people and volunteers will be handing out booklets and stickers with their meals
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Man is jailed for PC attack
A FORMER soldier who broke a policeman's nose following an incident outside an Alcester pub has been jailed for nine months by a judge at Warwick Crown Court. Damien Webb, aged 27, of Beacon Close, Alcester, had pleaded guilty to two charges of affray
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Revamp pays off
WEEKS of hard graft have paid off for Alcester's Shakespeare Hospice volunteers. Workers have spent the past months revamping the High Street charity shop before the official opening by Mayor Ron Leek and town crier Keith Tomlinson. The Shakespeare Hospice
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Minister backs startup event
THE Sectretary of State for Trade and Industry, the Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, is supporting Business Startup 2003, Britain's largest free event offering advice and guidance to new and expanding businesses. Sponsored by BT, Business Startup 2003 is due to
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County cue for actors
TALENTED youngsters from St Benedict's High School, Alcester, will be taking to the county stage in May when they perform in a musical extravaganza entitled Big Sister. The show is a joint initiative by the Warwickshire county music services and Arts
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A buoyant fundraiser
ALCESTER Nursery School raised more than £400 on Saturday at a special event held at the Greig Centre. The money will go towards the Oxford Reading Tree, which helps children to learn about different characters in books before they start reading them.
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Hello again... to a children's favourite
Hello, Goodbye by David Lloyd, illustrations by Louise Voce (Walker Books, £4.99) A bear, two bees, some birds, and a few other creatures meet at a tree and say hello until the rain begins. And then they say goodbye. This pretty much sums up the book,
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Arrow Valley Countryside Group
THREE rambles and a weekend in the New Forest were enjoyed in the unusually fine March weather. On March 9, 25 members walked an eight-mile circular from Cookhill, sighting many groups of deer on a beautiful day, led by Jean Field and Gill Hall. March
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Broom WI
PRESIDENT Helen Powell thanked members for their help in spring cleaning the hall and Brenda Kirkman read the minutes of the last meeting. Ten of our members had recently enjoyed seeing The Nutcracker performed on ice by the Russian Ice Stars, a spectacular
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Hopwood WI
AFTER the usual business and correspondence, Doreen Springer gave a comprehensive report on the Annual Council meeting, one of the highlights of which had been a talk by Graham Walton on 'Living with seven women'. Names were taken for the forthcoming
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Inkberrow WI
THE fascinating story of the sinking of the Titanic enthralled WI members at their April meeting. After the business had been dealt with and various reports on activities had been heard, members settled down to a most interesting talk by Mr Paul Betterton
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Probus Club of Alcester
THE 189th luncheon meeting took place at the Swan Hotel, Alcester, on March 26. The president welcomed Mr Ray Hobart and gave news of members; Mac was coping well at home and John Sivyer was in hospital with a suspected heart condition. Three members
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50 years ago
April 24, 1953 THE whole of the village of Astwood Bank has been "plunged into darkness" because the gas streetlights have been switched off before the new electric lamp standards have been erected. Councillor H J Paramore protested "most strongly" about
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Daylight knife robbery
A 23-YEAR-old man was robbed at knifepoint while he was walking on a footpath near Dolphin Road in Abbeydale yesterday morning. The robbery happened at about 10.25am after two men, one brandishing a knife, approached the victim and made demands. The man
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Wedding on ice for fireman
A REDDITCH firefighter who was called out to Iraq shortly before war broke out has been forced to postpone his wedding. Simon Link, of White Watch, has been a member of the Territorial Army for more than 10 years and received his call-up letter just eight
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Police scrap bike in woods
A MOTORBIKE was taken away and scrapped by Redditch police, who warned that they would do the same again with bikes being ridden recklessly around town woods. For the first time last week, police used new powers when a motorbike, which was being ridden
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Summer safety alert
RESIDENTS are being urged to make sure their homes and gardens are secure as the weather warms up and the nights get lighter. Sheds are normally targeted by thieves at this time of year and police are warning people to be on their guard. Measures include
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Close season
WITH the hockey season now over, this section of the website will not be updated as regularly as others. Please send any hockey news by clicking on the name above.
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Mobile stolen following shunt
A WOMAN had her mobile phone stolen after a car was driven into the back of her Toyota Rav 4 in Hollywood. The incident happened between 5.30-5.45pm on Sunday, April 13, as the woman was driving along Packhorse Lane. She noticed a white car being driven
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Appeal over conmen
POLICE are appealing for information after an 87-year-old woman discovered a man in her Redditch home. The incident happened last Tuesday between 1-1.15pm in Easemore Road after the woman answered a knock at her door. The man, who had a speech impediment
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Tin Man storms up to fourth
ASTWOOD Bank ace Andy Tinsley's superb start to British Superstock Series continued with a solid fourth place at one of his least favourite tracks. But the demanding rider pronounced himself dissatisfied after climbing to fourth in the rider's championship
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Nowhere is like this island
I've driven 50,000 miles a year on UK roads all over the country but I have yet to see a system that compares with the new Redditch island layouts. What is the point in having dual carriageways if you restrict them to single carriageways? The new island
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Andy off to a flier
REDDITCH rider Andy Burbidge had another eventful weekend as his learning curve in the MRO series continued with another two crashes. Burbidge warmed up for the points race with two 11th place finishes in the club rounds but came unstuck in a rain-sodden
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Just who is responsible?
The Sainsbury's roundabout is certainly causing problems. Councillor Cartwright in your lead story (Advertiser, April 16) says if it was managed by Redditch Council it would never have happened. Are we not represented on the county council? Does Councillor
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A true inspiration
THE CCTV camera is a fantastic idea. The idea is being tossed around in Edmonton, Alberta, but has to go through red tape before the idea will actually come into effect. I am going to pass on the write-up in your paper to City Hall and the Edmonton Police
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Ask the people and work with them
THRILLED! That is the reported response from Tolladine residents to the news that they are to get a £500,000 revamp of their much-loved, but out-of-date, community centre. This welcome news comes against a background of uncertainty as the city council
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Arrows slip to Oxford
Oxford Saints 29 Redditch Arrows 14 The Arrows continued their poor start to the season with another disappointing performance. Arrows went into the game heartened by their second half performance the previous week against an in-form Bristol. But the
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Heartfelt gratitude
DONATIONS to Macmillan Cancer Relief in memory of my wife, Valerie, who died in January, reached the magnificent total of £756. I'd like to say a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all who contributed. It is a wonderful tribute to a remarkable woman who
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Whitewash for super Monarchs
THE Lickey Monarchs team of Roy Norton, Sid Hodgetts and Martin Clarke were too good for mid-table Barnt Green, winning 10-0 in the Bromsgrove and Redditch League. Second in the league Carter Retail beat Astwood Bank 8-2 with Ken Southwell getting the
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Feds start on pool
Redditch Federation of Anglers have held their first match on Ipsley Pool since taking over its management. The Federation have not got exclusive rights to fishing on the pool, anyone in Redditch can fish there, but the Federation, in co-operation with
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Olde foe tester in the cup
For the third successive week Alcester faced Ye Olde Knowle, this time in the Yardley Wood Alliance Cup on the neutral Stoke Prior green. Although only producing three winners out of eight, Alcester managed to scrape into the next round by a mere four
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Ladies back on club duty
BIRMINGHAM City Ladies welcome back their international sextet as they complete their national division programme at Charlton on Sunday. A point against the Londoners (ko 2pm) will guarantee fifth place for Marcus Bignot's troops in their debut top flight
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Park and glide with new trails
THE attractions of Arrow Valley Park are now more accessible than ever thanks to the introduction of four new trails and signposting. Park users can enjoy new paths which range from one mile to two and a half miles in length after they were officially
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Development gets go-ahead
COUNCILLORS have passed controversial plans for 30 homes in Oakenshaw, despite strong opposition. Redditch Council received a 157-name petition and 105 letters objecting to the plan to build two, three and four-bedroom houses off Grangers Lane and Rough
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Dogged Church earn crucial win
Rugby Town 0 Alvechurch 1 The words Alvechurch and miserly defence have rarely been seen together this season but Andy Hibbert's side cast aside their Keegan-esque style of outscoring a porous back line to grind out the most important of away wins. A
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Boundaries face a shift
VOTERS and other interested parties are being invited to air their views on draft proposals to change the boundaries of the county council divisions. The Boundary Committee for England is reviewing Worcestershire County Council's electoral arrangements
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Studley suffer Easter gloom
Studley 1 Stratford Town 2 A DREADFUL mistake by Danny Lewis sentenced Studley to only a second home defeat since early September and capped a miserable Easter. The young goalkeeper was dispossessed by Michael Stephenson 13 minutes from time and that
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Homes plan is delegated
PLANS to build 10 homes on the site of a Redditch school for youngsters with emotional and behavioural problems have been delegated for approval. The Advertiser reported in December a proposal to relocate Redgrove Lower school to a new site in Matchborough
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Slapstick defence costs Millers dear
Feckenham 1 Romulus 5 FECKENHAM could claim to have played the nicer football but were undone by some appalling defending and the end of the season cannot come soon enough. In a lively opening the Valley Stadium tenants found themselves a goal down after
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Safety first at island
A £100,000 roundabout has been installed on a busy Redditch road to try to cut the number of accidents. Worcestershire County Council, Redditch Council and Brooklyn Garage joined forces to draw up a plan aimed at reducing the number of collisions on Battens
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Fixtures
Wednesday, April 23 FOOTBALL Midland Football Combination Division One - Fairfield Villa v Wilmcote S&S (6.30pm). Advertiser/Messenger Football League Division One - Ringspanners v Bromsgrove Town; Rovers Sunday v New Olympic (Prov). Division Two
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23/04/03 - Reds
Redditch United continue their bid for a top three finish at Bedworth United on Saturday (ko 3pm) and visit Taunton Town on Wednesday (ko 7.45pm).
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Sutherland calls the shots in phone booth
KIEFER Sutherland looks startlingly like his actor father Donald Sutherland, with that same square face and piercing eyes. "I do see my father in me every day, I see his acting style and I see his looks," concedes the 36-year-old Canadian. "I am my father's
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What's On Guide
Thursday, April 24 Measure for Measure, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford. Various dates in April and May. Tickets from 0870 609 1110. City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Tickets from 0121 780 3333. DanceXchange: Machine
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Former skipper in frame to return for new season
FORMER Barnt Green Cricket Club captain and Zimbabwean one-day international Gus McKay is set to return to the club as its overseas player for the new campaign. McKay, with the club between 1989 and 1998, is one of five players current captain Lyndon
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Coaching
JUNIOR cricket coaching for boys and girls starts in Droitwich Spa this Saturday. The town's cricket club is running sessions for seven to 13-year-olds at their St Peter's Field ground every Saturday this season. Tournaments, cup competitions and matches
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12/03/03 - Hollis is back for United
SOLIHULL goal-getter Simon Hollis is back at the Valley after his club agreed to loan him to Redditch United until the end of the season. The young wing back made an instant impression when he linked up with United for a prolific spell after falling out
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16/02/03 - West hails United
EVESHAM United managerial duo Phil Mullen and Paul West have both managed the Reds. Mullen had a lengthy spell in charge in the 90s and West's one game in charge, between the reigns of Nicky Cross and Rod Brown, brought a breathtaking 5-4 League Cup win
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Six miles on
The Arrow Valley Countryside Group has organised a six mile walk on Sunday, meeting at the Avoncroft Museum car park in Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, at 10.30pm. For details call Carol on 524361 or Mavis on 524688.
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23/12/02 - One in one out
REDDITCH United forgotten man Ian MacVarish has completed a move to Dr Martens Western Division side Bedworth United. MacVarish was brought in for pre-season from RC Warwick but failed to secure a place in Rod Brown's squad.
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Brain calling for stiff penalty
JOHN Brain has called on the Rugby Football Union to impose a 'draconian' punishment on Rotherham if they are found guilty of financial irregularities. Worcester's director of rugby is awaiting the RFU inquiry into alleged financial misconduct by the
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Happy Wanderers celebrate promotion
WORCESTER Wanderers are celebrating after clinching promotion. The amateur arm of Worcester Rugby Club had been due to play in a promotion play-off against Staffordshire One runners-up Linley on Saturday, but have automatically gone up following a league
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City ace to go under knife
STRIKER Mark Owen will be the next St George's Lane player to go under the knife when he has the plate and screws removed from his ankle on Friday. The Worcester City ace will take a month to recover and will begin rehabilitation in June. Initially Owen
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Baron rolls back the years to grab glory
IT was veteran pointer Bolshie Baron who took the plaudits at the Croome and West Warwichshire Hunt point-to-point at Upton-upon-Severn when the 14-year-old rolled back the years to produce a fine jumping display in the Confined. Ridden by Micky Harris
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City's ladies wrap up title
Worcester City have clinched the title in the newly-formed Kidderminster Ladies' Football League. In front of a crowd of nearly 200 supporters they beat Bredon 7-1 in their final league match at St George's Lane. City went out putting on pressure but
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Bowen could return
Sam Bowen could make a dramatic return to spearhead Evesham United's attack against Halesowen Town in the second leg of the Worcestershire Senior Cup final at Common Road tonight (7.45). The ex-Worcester City forward will feature if he is cleared to play
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06/11/02 - Trophy exit for United
REDDITCH were unable to repeat their FA Cup exploits when they tumbled out of their second cup competition in four days after a 3-1 FA Trophy defeat at Mangotsfield. Crowds have tailed off since United's FA Cup exit and efforts to get the punters back
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23/4/03 - Morganite keep up hopes
Wednesday Division One of the E & E Engineering Worcester Friendly Skittle League has been thrown wide open as Morganite plundered 18 points from their visit to the New Raiders. Just 13 points now cover the top four sides with two games remaining.
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A tale of principle
SHAKESPEARE'S tale of 'high principles with questionable actions' opens at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre this week. With Vienna out of control, Measure for Measure sees the Duke entrusting the city to the seemingly virtuous Angelo, while, in disguise,
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Season over
WITH the rugby season now over, this section of the website will not be updated as regularly as others. Please send any rugby news by clicking on the name above.
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24/10/02 - Taylor in talks
FORMER Halesowen Town midfielder Mark Taylor, released by the Yeltz last week, is thought to be attracting interest from Worcestershire neighbours Evesham United.
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Scooter The Stadium Techno Experience
One star ARE these people from Germany just having a laugh? The Stadium Techno Experience (yeah, right) has got to be one of the most awful albums I have ever listened to. The lyrics though, it has to be said, are very deep and meaningful. Take one of
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Brendan Benson Lapalco
One star LISTENING to Brendan Benson's second album brings lentil soup, cold showers and tidying the airing cupboard to mind. You know they're good for you, they're a brilliant idea, but can you really be bothered? Although reading Brendan's publicity
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Resident Evil (15)
Three star 'TAKE a top computer game and make it into a film' seems to be the best concept filmmakers can come up with these days. But is Resident Evil as woeful as Kylie and van Damme's Street Fighter or as pants as Mortal Kombat? Well, not quite. But
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Festival is a tasty mix
THE Bromsgrove Festival takes place between April 26 and May 10 featuring something for everyone. Highlights include an open air concert by the Band of the Irish Guards, a concert featuring Jennifer Pike, BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2002, and Acker
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Back to where it all began
SINGER-songwriter Joan Armatrading returns to her Birmingham roots when she stops off at Symphony Hall as part of her UK tour on Monday. Famous for classics Love and Affection, Drop the Pilot and Me Myself I, Joan is promoting her new album Lovers Speak
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Gardenfest
Bedding plants, trees, shrubs and garden furniture will all be on sale during a Gardenfest Market in the town centre on Saturday, June 7. Anyone interested in taking up a stall at the event, which will include a pig roast and entertainment, can contact
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Suspended
DARREN Bullock has left Bromsgrove Rovers in the lurch over a fine dating back three months. He was banned indefinitely from football on March 31 for failing to pay a fine after being sent off playing for Bromyard Town before he even joined Rovers in
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Sunday win
LATEST action from the Redditch and South Warwickshire Combination. Central Sports Terry Cup Semi-Final (after extra time) HAD 3 (Hyslop, Piper, Hill) Garringtons Sunday 4 (Crane 2, Johnson, Weaver). Premier Division Austin Ex-Apps 2 (Welsh, Savage) Hymatic
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Winter visits
TOP Premiership referee Jeff Winter handed out some useful advice at a meeting of county officials. The top flight man-in-the-middle told Worcester Referees' Association, at their meeting last month, about the pressures of officiating in the Premiership
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Cup climax
RUBERY Football Club is aiming for cup glory this weekend as they compete in the John Smith's Cup Final. Rubery, who drew 3-3 with Tipsy Gent City with an Andy Willkins double and Marc Holland strike last Sunday, face Selly Oak Eagles this Sunday. The
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Angling round-up
WITH the warmer temperatures, luncheon meat is beginning to take over from sweetcorn at our local Carp fisheries. Dave Bennett (Stourbridge) used it to take the winners' purse at the latest Northfield Starlets Veterans contest on Tuesday at Moorlands
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Waters booked
WATERS booked by the Birmingham Anglers Association. Saturday, April 26 Canals: B'ham./Worc. Br. 35-36, 41-42, 59-60; Staffs./Worc. Br. 19-20, 25-27. Sunday, April 27 Pools: Nordley Nos. 1,2,3,4. Mythe (all contest pegs). Canals: Fazeley: Dog & Doublet
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Confusing practice
DEAR EDITOR -- I think the person criticising Droitwich Spa Medical Practice (Letters April 16) is confusing the two practices in the Health Centre. I have been a patient at Spa Practice for many years and have always found receptionists polite and helpful
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Disappointed by closure plan
DEAR EDITOR - It was with dismay and disbelief that I read about the likely closure of the adventure playground. Parents too, will be disappointed, for they knew their children were happily at play in a safe environemnt. No doubt, as a result, there will
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Redditch to stay up?
REDDITCH Rugby Club could be spared relegation to North Midlands Two by the back door because second placed Worcester Wanderers are set to go up. Worcester were offered a promotion play-off against the runners-up in Powergen Staffordshire One for the
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Extra burden of railway parking
DEAR EDITOR -- I am writing to express my frustration and irritation at the £1 daily charge being introduced at Bromsgrove railway station. There has been a need for increased parking for many years and I completely understand the irritation that must
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25 years ago April 21, 1978
A ten-year-old collie dog called Dusty got into a spot of bother when he got wedged 10ft down behind a 14ft wall in his garden. Bromsgrove firefighters were called and intrepid fireman Dave Craig climbed down and pulled Dusty out. Looking a little dustier
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100 years ago April 25, 1903
Albert Rutter, of Madeley Heath, was involved in a shocking accident in Belbroughton. He was in charge of a horse and a lorry loaded with turnips near the Holly Bush inn on Hollies Hill, when the horse shied and bolted. Rutter jumped but was kicked badly
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Wedding farce opens
A NORTH-country comedy will have residents in Rubery rolling in the aisles when a show opens next month. The Rubery Drama Group is staging a production of When We Are Married, by JB Priestly at the Beacon Church Centre. The hilarious farce is set in the
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23/4/03 - Brain calling for stiff penalty
JOHN Brain has called on the Rugby Football Union to impose a 'draconian' punishment on Rotherham if they are found guilty of financial irregularities. Worcester's director of rugby is awaiting the RFU inquiry into alleged financial misconduct by the
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Events to enjoy at town festival
THIS Saturday sees the start of this year's Bromsgrove Festival and there is a wide range of events to tempt all townsfolk out of their homes. This week's events include: Saturday, April 26 l Bromsgrove's Rio style Samba band, Someone at the Door, will
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What's on guide
Wednesday, April 23 Film: Chicago, Cinemac, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 6pm. Classical: The Bridge Quartet, Adrian Boult Hall, Paradise Circus, Birmingham, 7.30pm. Show: Equus, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 7.30pm. Until April 26. Show: Rumplestiltskin
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Cricketers are ready
REDDITCH complete their warm-up programme for the Birmingham Senior League season with a friendly against arch rivals Studley. The neighbours had contrasting fortunes last season with Division Two West outfit Redditch looking on as their Eastern counterparts
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Back on the mat
SENI03, Europe's largest Martial Arts and combat sports show, takes place at Birmingham NEC on Saturday and Sunday, April 26/27. Now in its fifth year, Seni03 will host spectacular demonstrations, world-class super bouts, lifestyle arenas, master classes
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Villagers in new territory
Two village sides start a new season in Division Two of the Worcestershire County League on Saturday. Astwood Bank visit Oldswinford after an instant relegation from Division One last season while Alevchurch, newly-promoted from Division Three, entertain
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West Midland Bird Club
The evening's speaker, Gordon Forrest, was introduced. His illustrated talk on Upton Warren Reserve was most interesting and informative. The land has been donated to the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust by John Cadbury and The Trust and its members had
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Stoke Prior WI
Nancy Davis welcomed members to the March meeting. She told us of the death of Rosemary Nicholls, a former member. Members of the Saltway Group enjoyed the evening at Stoke Prior. Professor Davies spoke on porcelain and brought examples from his own collection
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Droitwich WI
At the April meeting, President Margaret Wainwright welcomed us at the Old Library. Our speaker was Ann Salisbury Jones, the founder of the UK Project Linus, which provides security through blankets. It is a new charity founded when Karen Loucks, who
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There's no oil in these countries
A ROTTEN government in Baghdad appears to have been replaced by anarchy. Even a rotten government is preferable to anarchy. No "weapons of mass destruction" have been found in Iraq of the type which undoubtedly exist in Israel and North Korea. Like bin
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Legion women's section
AT the annual luncheon of the women's section of the Royal British Legion, the Bromsgrove branch handed to the county president, Lady Sandys, a cheque for £2,400 for the national fund. This was the largest donation from any of the branches in the county
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Wychbold WI
In February the members took over the meeting - not rebelliously but legitimately since it was their annual opportunity to take over; and this they did splendidly, also providing an hilarious entertainment - courtesy of Sir Albert Bloggs (aka Peggy Poultney
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Her memory will live on
A SPECIAL garden has been opened in memory of a Rednal girl who died from a killer bug almost four years ago. Rednal Hill School has revamped its garden in a joint venture to mark its golden jubilee in September 2002 and in memory of pupil Heather Preen
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They're all kitted out
FOOTBALL fanatics at a Rednal first school are pitch perfect thanks to the generosity of a Rubery restaurant. The Outside Inn, in Great Park, kindly agreed to sponsor the football team of St Columba's RC First School and fitted them out with a brand new
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French breakfast
A Stoke Prior schoolteacher wished her students 'bon appetit' when they settled down for a traditional French breakfast. Lise Albert, the headteacher at Redgrove School, decided to give the pupils a delicious feast of croissants, pain-au-chocolat and
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Staff are good sports
SPORTY teachers at a Bromsgrove school are putting down their books and lacing up their trainers in aid of charity. Seven staff at South Bromsgrove High will be getting active and fundraising over the next month. Alan Brownlee, a science and PE teacher
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A well-earned retirement
Leslie Westwood will now be able to turn over, ignore the rain hammering on his bedroom window and enjoy the sheer pleasure of a long lie in. The popular postie, who is 60-years-old, hung up his bag for the last time yesterday (Tuesday) when he retired
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Twins get a taste of the high life
PREMATURELY born twins, who weighed a total of five pounds between them, were given a special treat for their trip home from hospital. Aaron and Emily Carmichael enjoyed an early taste of the high life when they were driven home by Frank Lancaster, of
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Noise sparks unholy row
A GROUP of town residents are furious after a legal slip allowed a do-it-yourself firm to carry on disturbing the peace. Geoff Barnsley, of The Tryst, has been fighting to make Retreat DIY in Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, reduce the amount of noise it
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CASH PLEDGE TO RECLAIM ESTATE BEAUTY SPOT
A NEGLECTED beauty spot in the heart of a Droitwich Spa housing estate is about to be rejuvenated. The Countryside Agency has announced plans to spend thousands of pounds on improving Primsland Way open space. The cash injection, which could topple £50,000
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Serving up fun
SPORTING townsfolk are being invited to fall in 'love' with tennis at a club open day. Barnt Green Tennis Club is hosting a play tennis day on Saturday, May 10, as part of a Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) campaign to encourage more people to pick up a
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Identified by fingerprints
A NURSE who drove her car onto railway tracks and waited to be hit by a train died of multiple injuries, a coroner has heard. A report from Dr Terry Jones told Worcestershire County Coroners' Court that Susan Smith had died at the scene of the collision
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Special Kay Spa stunner's soap success
A SPA actress will be stepping the red carpet with the glitterati at the British Soap Awards 2003. Droitwich-born Ela Kay, has two nominations for her role in BBC soap Doctors. The 21-year-old plays receptionist Carolina Shaw in the weekday show and is
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Queen snub
LACK of interest in the carnival queen competition has forced organisers to allow under 16's to vie for the crown. Just one woman has entered since the Droitwich Spa Advertiser launched the search. Two heats are planned in coming months and a telephone
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Picking up steam
FAMILIES flocked to Hanbury's first Vintage Easter Show, making it a steaming success. The three-day bash was held at the Vernon Arms pub and exhibits included classic cars, motorbikes, military vehicles, steam engines and farm tractors. There was also
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Mum's club hailed as answer to happy pills
SOCIAL isolation experienced by lonely Spa mums is being tackled by a new town organisation. The Droitwich Spa Women's Healthy Living Project has launched to help parents who are new to the area or feel cut off from their community. Project manager Alison
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Fighting his own corner
SPECIAL FEATURE by SARAH CHAMBERS A VETERAN Royal Marine who fought to survive the harsh realities of World War II is now facing a fresh battle. Droitwich Spa Pensioner William Sparkes doesn't need reminding of the physical and emotional exertion soldiers
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Lickey's crowning glory
LICKEY Monarchs signed off their championship season with a 10-0 whitewash of Barnt Green A in the final round of matches in the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League. Monarchs' team of Roy Norton, Sid Hodgetts and Martin Clarke swept aside mid-table
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Third place
BROMSGROVE Swimming Club had to settle for third place in the final round of the Worcester Winter League. Among the star performances on Sunday, April 13 were swimmers in the backstroke events. Amy Wright, Loren and Lisa Harrison and Stuart Corbett led
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Upper Sapey course will test jockeys' skills
THE undulations and nuances of the Clifton-on-Teme's picturesque course at Upper Sapey tests the skills of the participants and jockeys. Julian Pritchard and Tim Stephenson are head and shoulders above their rivals on this course so it will obviously
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Welcome for heavy props
LUDLOW second team welcomed the return of heavyweight props Dorian Crowe and Iain Braggins who used their bulk and experience to good effect to secure this well -deserved league win. Honours were even in a closely-contested first period with the teams
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Woofferton end campaign on a disappointing note
Sutton United 4 Woofferton 0 WOOFFERTON completed their Hereford Times Herefordshire League Premier Division campaign with a disappointing result that confirms local rivals Wellington as champions. They proved no match for a lively Sutton side who netted
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14/09/02 - Own goal joy for Reds
REDDITCH came back from a goal down to bank £7,500 and book a place in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup with a helping hand from Eastwood striker Mark Smith. The lanky target man had been the focus of the home side's long ball approach from kick-off
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It's back to square one
PROTESTERS who have spent several months vigorously fighting plans for an animal carcass incinerator in Astwood Bank will have to begin their campaign from scratch following a shock announcement. The row over controversial plans for an incinerator near
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Inquest opens
AN INQUEST into the death of a Redditch man opens today in Birmingham after he was hit by a car while out with friends on a birthday celebration in the city on Saturday, April 12. Police are to also hold a high profile appeal in the area of Islington
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A royal honour for firms
REDDITCH manufacturing has been recognised for its fine innovation with an prestigious Queen's Awards for Enterprise being presented to two companies. The annual awards honour outstanding achievement in the UK and this year, Translift Engineering, in
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A sporting chance for town teen
A REDDITCH teenager has been nominated for a shortlist for a major new national awards scheme. Natalie Leroux, 17, has joined just 35 young people in the UK who have been chosen to join the Whitbread Young Achievers (WYA) for those who have "made a difference
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Setting out their stall
RESIDENTS and visitors had the chance to browse goods on offer at an antiques market in Redditch town centre on Saturday. More than 20 stalls selling a variety of collectibles including interesting and specialist goods were set up in Church Green. Town
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23/4/03 - Students cautious
OXFORD UCCE won the toss and decided to bat when they opened their three-day friendly against Worcestershire in The Parks today. Openers Ed Cowan and Joe Sayers made a cautious start to their innings against the County's pace attack of Matt Mason and
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Police warning after attack
VANDALS smashed nearly every window at Church Hill Middle School, causing up to £5,000 damage in the attack. Police are now warning youngsters to stay away from school buildings out-of-hours after more than 50 windows were smashed at the Woodpiece Lane
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Just before you jet off...
NEW College is helping people brush up on their language skills before they jet off on holiday this summer. Holiday languages is just one of the recreational courses staring in Redditch and Bromsgrove. Others include watercolour painting, local history
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New hall is village first
A 'TURNING of the sod' ceremony yesterday marked the start of a project to provide a much-needed community hall in Tardebigge. The new hall will be built on land behind St Bartholomew's Church hall, close to the church itself and next to Tardebigge First
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Fun times in lead-up to carnival
A HOST of fund-raising events are being staged in the run-up to this year's Astwood Bank Carnival. A race night takes place at the Oddfellows Arms on May 8, followed by a teddy bears' picnic on May 11 at Astwood Bank Park and children's party featuring
