Archive
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Elderly man dies after car collides with wall
AN elderly man died after his car collided with a wall in Holt Heath, near Worcester. The man was driving a blue Vauxhall Astra along the A443 Witley Road, when the vehicle collided with a brick wall near the turning for Ockeridge. The collision happened
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Hospital re-think
PLANS to close Pershore Cottage Hospital and open 25 beds on the ground floor of a new residential development have been abandoned by South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust. It is now considering building a new hospital and health centre, funded by Wychavon
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Toyah keeps her nose clean
TIDY Toyah Wilcox continues to keep a low profile as we go into the ninth day of ITV1's I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! in the Australian jungle. The diminutive 80s pop singer seems intent on distracting herself from the shenanigans of the other
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Two new sites suggested
CONTROVERSIAL plans to relocate GP surgeries in Malvern have been put on hold after two new possible sites were suggested. South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust had proposed moving Malvern Health Centre and Court Road surgery to a site in Townsend Way
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Schools chiefs in cash spend war
EDUCATION chiefs in Worcestershire were under fresh attack today for spending £4.6m meant for teachers. The bulk of the cash is expected to be pumped into a controversial £6m revamp of the education system in Hagley. Details of the cash transfer were
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Nine face trial on kidnap charge
NINE men are due to go on trial today charged after a Worcestershire lorry was hijacked and the driver's £171,000 computer load stolen. All the defendants are accused of conspiracy to rob Alan Jones of his load between Sunday, June 16 and Saturday, June
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Hooligans making our lives a misery
RESIDENTS' lives on a Worcester estate are being made a misery by teenage thugs. Heartless hooligans in Dines Green have broken windows, slashed car tyres, hurled tins of soup, and used a hedgehog as a football. An 82-year-old woman was left shaken but
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07/05/03 - The end
GARY Hackett and Jon Ford have left Bromsgrove Rovers by mutual consent. The decision came at a meeting with chairman Tom Herbert at the Victoria Ground last night (Tuesday). It ends speculation about the pair's future and brings the curtain down on their
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Hello, constable, here's a hand grenade for you
A HAND grenade was among the weapons handed in to police during a month-long firearms amnesty which ended last week. Officers say they are "delighted" with the response to the amnesty, which resulted in 789 guns and 15,386 rounds of ammunition being deposited
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Boost for Army life
TWO boys who have been friends since they started school have both grown up to be members of an elite Army regiment. Darren Davies and Tom Neathway have been friends since they were at St Barnabas CE Primary School in Worcester. Now aged 19, they are
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Quartet
THE Antara String Quartet will be at Avoncroft Museum's New Guesten Hall next Wednesday from 9pm. Tickets are £7 and include admission to a concert of newly composed music at 7.30pm the same evening.
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Passing stars had a strong influence
A GLOWING example of vocal versatility and awesome musicianship is on offer at the Huntingdon Hall, Worcester on Friday (8pm), with an appearance by Emily Slade. This young singer, songwriter and guitarist is generating a healthy reputation for herself
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Dancing fun for May Day
YOUNGSTERS at Sunnyside Preparatory School in Barbourne, Worcester, spent a fun-filled afternoon taking part in traditional May Day celebrations. Yesterday, the children from the school on Barbourne Terrace performed a selection of traditional folk dances
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Round-up of results in elections
Malvern Hills District Council Lindridge (one seat): Neil J Abell (Liberal Democrat), 210 votes - not elected; Reginald John Farmer (Conservative), 520 - elected. Teme Valley (uncontested): Gillian Anne Dunne (Conservative), elected. Tenbury (2 seats)
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Margaret keeping council hopes alive despite losing seat
ELECTION fever hit Tenbury last week when, for the first time in 12 years, town councillors faced a full election and a steady stream of voters made their way to the Pump Rooms Polling Station. Twelve candidates fought for 11 seats, sitting councillors
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Recount needed to decide district poll
THE 45 per cent turn-out at last week's local elections brought shock changes at town and district level, complaints of poor information and allegations of dirty tricks. In a tight tussle for the Malvern Hills District Council vote, Cllr George Price
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Garage till theft
A THIEF grabbed cash from a till in the shop section of a garage in Washford Drive before making off on foot. The incident happened near Park Farm Industrial Estate just before 8pm last Tuesday. The man entered the shop and as the assistant tended to
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Handbag snatched
WYTHALL police are appealing for information after a woman fought off a man who tried to grab her handbag. It happened last Monday at about 6.15pm when the woman was walking along Lee Road, in Hollywood. She became aware of a man, who then ran up behind
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Top three for the Tin Man
ASTWOOD Bank ace Andy Tinsley continued his headline-grabbing season with a podium finish in round five of the British Superstocks Series at Oulton Park at the weekend. The Redditch rider was within 0.015sec of second placed Steve Brogan after conceding
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Hodgetts hits form
HEADLESS Cross hope Stefan Hodgetts finally secured the remaining sponsorship needed to compete in the new Seat Cupra Championship - and then went on to announce his arrival by winning the first race of the ten round series. Hodgetts tied up the final
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Jumping for Britain
STUDLEY Blue and White Rope Skippers bagged 20 medals and four trophies at an international knock out competition in Naarden, Holland. The prize haul has boosted the club who head to Belgium at the end of the month for a Minimasters competition and host
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Tonks treble
BROMSGROVE and Redditch racewalker Sharon Tonks made it a hat-trick of wins in the May Day five-mile run/race walk in Memorial Park, Coventry. The women's racewalk winner for the previous two years, Sharon was looking to make it three despite carrying
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Safety first for Andy
WINYATES Green's Andy Burbidge says he will be grateful to come away from his next race in one piece after two fatalities in the opening three rounds on the MRO circuit. Burbidge heads for round three at the weekend on a Cadwell Park circuit which does
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Cash row must not cloud the issue
YESTERDAY, we admitted to being non-plussed by Education Secretary Charles Clarke's allegation that £3.7m is missing in Worcestershire County Council's accounts when the Local Education Authority insists it's been allocated over the next financial year
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Chemists' rota
Bromsgrove: Knights, Birmingham Road. Also open for half-an-hour extra on weekdays 6-6.30pm. Kiddem, Perry Lane Pharmacy, Perry Lane. South Bromsgrove: Safeway Pharmacy, Buntsford Park Road. Mon-Wed 8am-8pm, Thu/Fri 8am-9pm, Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 10am-4pm.
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7/5/03 - Topsy-turvy time for fans
IT'S been a season of highs and lows at St George's Lane -- but for once it was mostly highs as Worcester City enjoyed a better than average season. Sixth place was their best final placing in seven years, and for a large part of the season there was
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Heads you win
HEADLESS Cross Ladies, cheered on by arch rivals Redditch United Women, picked up the first silverware in the club's brief history with a comfortable County Cup win at the weekend. An early double strike from league top scorer Mandy Ellicott took the
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Bees belter
STUDLEY finished the season in style with a 5-1 win at Boldmere St Michaels which featured a cameo appearance from (player) manager Mark Chambers. Chambers came off the bench for his first appearance of the season as his side finished seventh, one point
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Youngest councillor
A SIGNIFICANT win for the Conservatives was in Central ward where Labour stalwart Ron Passingham was ousted by 24-year-old Arjamand Farooqui. Mr Farooqui is now the youngest member on the council by far. Though he lives in Riverside, he spent much of
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Furniture lost in fire
A HUGE plume of smoke could be seen for miles when an old lorry used for storage went up in flames. Fire crews suspect arson could be to blame for the blaze, which started about 2.45pm on Thursday in the car park of the Liberal Club at the bottom of Mount
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How you voted
Redditch Council (* denotes gain) Abbey: Nigel Hicks (Lib Dem) 787 (elected); Alan Mason (Lab) 322. Batchley: Peter Anderson (Con) 486; Kathleen Cummings (Lib Dem) 238; Dorothy Dudley (Lab) 630 (elected). Central: Mohammed Farooqui (Con) 735 (elected)
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Cracking down to clean up
OFFICERS dedicated to catching litter droppers and irresponsible dog owners have been given specialist training to ensure offenders are brought to book. Redditch Council has just taken on two environmental health enforcement officers responsible for tackling
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Fixtures
Saturday, May 10 FOOTBALL Midland Football Combination Division One - Wilmocte S&S v Fairfield Villa (2.45pm). CRICKET Birmingham & District Premier Division First XI - Coventry & NW v Barnt Green (1pm). First Division - Kenilworth Wardens
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Boars make best start in five years
BROMSGROVE Cricket Club First XI made their best start to a league season for five years with a winning home draw against Leamington in Birmingham and District division one. Nick Husbands' side, who have failed to win an opening day fixture in each of
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Rained off
RAIN stopped Cutnall Green Cricket Club making a start to their Worcestershire County Legaue division five campaign last Saturday. Matthew Harris' side were due to travel to Worcester Corinthians but the pitch was waterlogged. The Sunday XI slumped to
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Abandoned
DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club's efforts to continue their good start to the season were halted by the weather last Saturday. Spa's Worcestershire County League division one match against Evesham at St Peter's Field was abandoned without a ball being bowled
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Start is on hold
RAIN ruined Barnt Green Cricket Club's start to their Birmingham and District Premier campaign. Lyndon Jones' side's match with Wellington at Cherry Hill Road was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. Green go to Coventry and North Warwickshire this
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Worcester wait on title verdict
WORCESTER Rugby Club are today playing a waiting game following the latest twist in the controversy surrounding arch- rivals Rotherham. The Yorkshire club's official accession to the Zur-ich Premiership has been put on hold for a couple of days as English
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Topsy-turvy time for fans
IT'S been a season of highs and lows at St George's Lane -- but for once it was mostly highs as Worcester City enjoyed a better than average season. Sixth place was their best final placing in seven years, and for a large part of the season there was
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It's a jewel of a night
A SPECIAL concert commemorating the diamond anniversary of the Dambuster raids takes place at Redditch's Palace Theatre on Sunday. And war veterans are encouraged to attend wearing their medals. The famous mission by the Lancaster bombers of 617 Squadron
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Cats tickets up for grabs
TICKETS for Cats, the world's most successful and longest running musical, go on sale on Friday. The West End show is arriving at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre between October 14 and November 1. Based on fourteen poems of TS Eliot's Old Possum's Book
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Mud slinging tale hits town
GEORGE Orwell's Animal Farm arrives at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Tuesday - but with a warning that mud may fly off the stage into the first few rows of the audience! The Northern Stage Ensemble production has toured extensively throughout the UK
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Jason X (15)
One star LOW budget gore-fest Jason X is a let down to all good horror movies. It follows Jason Voorhees, of the Friday the 13th series, who is frozen in time along with cryogenic scientist Rowan (Lexa Doig) only to be awoken in 2455 to continue his killing
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Jam (18)
Five stars THE word genius is coined far too often these days but this is comedy of the highest order which will have the Daily Mail contingent rabid with disgust. Unabashed by the media outcry over his spoof paedophile documentary, Chris Morris is back
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Tony Hadley True Ballads
Three star TREADING a very fine line between smooth sophistication and all-out cheese, the former Spandau Ballet frontman begins his first attack on the album charts fresh from being crowned the Reborn in the USA king. True Ballads is a mixed bag of covers
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Goldfrapp Black Cherry
Three star Like a child with a new toy at Christmas, Goldfrapp give the old synths something of a bashing at the start of their latest offering. Thankfully the novelty wears off before too long, allowing the duo to rise above this intruding electro gadgetry
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Unfaithful (15)
Four star SOME women have all the luck! Not only does Diane Lane play the part of Richard Gere's wife in this erotic thriller, she gets to have an affair with a Frenchman, not just any old Frenchman, but the magnificent Olivier Martinez. Diane plays apparently
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What's On Guide
Thursday, May 8 The Barron Knights, Palace Theatre, Redditch. Tickets from 65203. Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Tickets from 0121 780 3333. Hollywood and Broadway - The Musicals in Concert, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Until May
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Soweto sax in the city
BIRMINGHAM Jazz presents the Soweto Kinch Quartet at Midlands Arts Centre on Friday. Described as 'probably the most exciting young saxophone star to come onto the UK jazz scene since Courtney Pine,' Soweto Kinch has just released his debut album Conversations
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Concert in broadcast
THE final Barber Celebrity Concert of the series takes place on Tuesday when the Venice Baroque Orchestra makes a rare appearance in the UK. The concert is part of the Orchestra's European tour and will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Thursday, May 22.
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The end
GARY Hackett and Jon Ford have left Bromsgrove Rovers by mutual consent. The decision came at a meeting with chairman Tom Herbert at the Victoria Ground last night (Tuesday). It ends speculation about the pair's future and brings the curtain down on their
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Rovers can be proud of third place
BROMSGROVE Rovers have had a successful season, make no mistake about it. Whatever people may think of the side's recent decline in form, one fact remains, the club has finished third in the Dr Martens Western at their first attempt. The league table
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Victory seals trophy treble
ROVERS Sunday made it a cup treble for the season as they claimed the Advertiser/Messenger cup with a 5-2 defeat of Bromsgrove Town at Redditch United's Valley Stadium last Sunday. Rovers, also winners of the Bridgwater Cup and LMS Shield this term, were
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League results
SELECTED results from the Advertiser/Messenger Football League. Division One - Ringspanners 3 (Peplow, Thompson, Russell) New Olympic 3; Woodbourne Sports 2 (McQuillan 2) Sporting Harborne 0; Victoria Barn Green 3 (Spooner, Weatherall, Perry) Crabmill
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Angling round-up
ALAN Ryan was this week's winner of the Northfield Starlets Veterans event on Tuesday at Moorlands Farms Meadow pool. Pole fishing double red maggots at peg 42, Ryan took a mixed catch of 39-3-0. Second place Maurice Reynolds (Northfield) had 28-12-0
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Shield test for Solihull
SOLIHULL are hoping to upset the odds yet again when they take on higher division Old Yards in the North Midlands Shield final on Sunday. The newly-crowned North Midlands One champions take on their Powergen Midlands West Four South opponents at Stourbridge
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Decision by Defra was inadequate
DEAR EDITOR -- The headlines on the front page of the Advertiser/Messenger April 16 only confirms the inadequacy of Defra. I trust they will be duly prosecuted for this misdemeanour. Edwin S Phillips-Beaumont Cofton Church Lane Barnt Green
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25 years ago May 5, 1978
VILLAGERS in Belbroughton defied the rain to welcome in the new month of May with a range of activities, including maypole dancing on the village green. Jennifer Yates was crowned May Queen. A HUMANE plastic mousetrap designed by freelance inventor Maurice
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100 years ago May 9, 1903
SPEEDY Robert Helsall and Sam Wilkes appeared before magistrates at Kings Heath charged with "scorching," that is riding their cycles at excessive speeds. Superintendent Chare was on duty on horseback near Rubery when he saw the pair riding furiously
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STEVE THOMAS - Goalkeeper
A young keeper currently warming the bench.
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MARK CLIFTON - Defender
Brave defender making a name for himself in the Rovers back line. Signed from Evesham United and has also played for Bilston Town and Redditch United.
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STEWART BRIGHTON - Defender
Experienced left and centre back who scored Rovers' first ever goal in the Conference in 1992. He also scored Rovers' last goal in the Conference when they went down five years later. He has represented England at semi-professional level and toured Germany
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PAUL LLOYD - Defender / Midfield
One of the youngest members of the squad, who an play fullback on either side of the pitch. Previously with Halesowen Town and Cradley Town.
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GRANT BECKETT - Midfield
Hard working player who signed from Bloxwich United. Particularly noted for his left foot free-kicks. His previous clubs include Preston North End, Telford United and Sutton Coldfield Town.
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STEVE FROST - Midfield
A hard tackling player who joined Rovers from Redditch United. Has also played for Worcester City.
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MATT SOUTHWICK - Midfield
Joined Rovers from Redditch United during summer 2002. Has previously played for Walsall, Bilston Town, Stourport Swifts and Stourbridge.
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PAUL DANKS - Striker
Another summer 2002 acquisition from Redditch United. Paul is a proven goalscorer who has also had spells with Walsall and Stourbridge.
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7/5/03 - Worcester wait on title verdict
WORCESTER Rugby Club are today playing a waiting game following the latest twist in the controversy surrounding arch- rivals Rotherham. The Yorkshire club's official accession to the Zur-ich Premiership has been put on hold for a couple of days as English
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Comic treat
DROITWICH Spa residents looking for a lively night out need go no further than the town theatre. The Norbury Theatre, in Friar Street, is staging their version of Don't Dress for Dinner, a hilarious comedy by Marc Camoletti. The farce begins at a French
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Classic thriller
STEPHEN Daldry's An Inspector Calls has been hailed as a modern masterpiece. Epic staging, raw emotion and a sweeping score are just some of the ingredients that have made the Royal National Theatre's production a smash hit all over the world, and winner
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Rock to Elvis
FUN loving residents are invited to shake, rattle and roll down to an Elvis Presley disco in Aston Fields. The night has been organised by the Bromsgrove branch of the Elvis Presley Fan Club and will take place at the Aston Fields Woking Men's Club, in
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Winning start for Studley
STUDLEY started the season in style with a rapid fire win at Bedworth to propel them to joint top after their first match. Mark Lewis starred with the ball, taking 4-24 with Craig McDonough finishing with figures of 2-5 after the visitors won the toss
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Festival closes
THIS year's Bromsgrove Festival may now be in its final week but there is still a host of exciting entertainment to tantalise residents out of their homes. A round up of the week three events is as follows: Thursday, May 8 l The Bromsgrove Art Exhibition
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Hagley Gardeners' Club
What a wonderful evening we had at Rowberry's Nurseries at Chaddesley Corbett. About 60 members and friends enjoyed a conducted tour with Marie or Chris Rowberry followed by coffee and biscuits in their new tea room. Many cars returned home laden with
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Church slip up
ALVECHURCH and Hopwood slipped to a losing draw in their top two clash at Brockhampton to trail the leaders by three points after two fixtures. The Bromsgrove Road side pocketed five points to their opponents' 12 and entertain Worcester Nomads on Saturday
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Village contrast
THERE were contrasting fortunes for the Warwickshire Cricket League Division Three newcomers in their opening fixtures. Five Ways Old Edwardians opened their account with a seven wicket win but Wythall suffered a 60 run defeat on their debut at the higher
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Salwarpe WI
President Margaret Donnelly was in the chair when Salwarpe WI met on April 13 to hear Roger Tolman, of the Woodland Trust, talking about trees in this country and the struggle to maintain and conserve them. For centuries forests and woods have been cleared
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Hanbury WI
Our social evening on April 10 was enjoyed by all. Following the good news that we had won our fifth skittle match, and an account of our WI business, Brenda, our secretary, prepared us for a stimulating time. Our projects were to design an Easter Card
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Labour brought in Tories' hated PFI
AFTER reading the report from the British Medical Journal about further cuts in hospital services due, to the Private Finance Initiatives, perhaps Tony Blair and his advisers will heed this and put a bit more thought into any other devious scheme they
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Wychbold Horticultural Society
The society hosted a social evening during March at the village hall when a small but enthusiastic attendance took part in a quiz which was presented by David Rea. The high-scoring teams of Alice Bates and Alice Harrison contested a nail-biting tiebreaker
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Katy lands Disney job
A TWINKLE-toed teenager will be bidding 'au revoir' to Droitwich Spa when she jets off to dance at Disneyland, Paris, this summer. Eighteen-year-old Katy Bourne, from Witton Avenue, was delighted when she was picked out from hundreds of other dancers
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Diamond days
A devoted Bromsgrove couple proved diamonds are forever when they celebrated 60 years of marriage. Dennis and Hilda Hartin, of Shenstone Court, were joined by close family members to toast the occasion at Brewster's restaurant, in Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove
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Fund helps young athlete
AN ATHLETIC teenager has been the first beneficiary of a fund set up in memory of a young Bromsgrove sportsman. Hockey player and middle distance runner Lora Symonds, of Upton Warren, has received a pair of top-of-the-range super light spikes after she
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£100,000 wasted on prescriptions
RESIDENTS are being urged to clean out their medicine cupboard and back a Droitwich Spa drugs amnesty. Unwanted prescription pills, creams and dressings will be accepted for one week in June, no questions asked, at collection centres across the town.
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Sacked teacher accepts £50,000 pay-out
A TEACHER unfairly sacked from Droitwich Spa High School has accepted a £50,000 compensation pay out. Ruta Rusenieks, who won an unfair dismissal tribunal in January, was offered a settlement by Worcestershire County Council. She's taking the cash and
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MP's bigger picture
THE town's Tory MP has been framed to become a parliamentary film star. Photos taken by Peter Luff MP were selected for a prestigious Westminster exhibition and his travel snap has been chosen by judges to showcase in an all-party competition. Contenders
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Moves to protect open land
PLANNING chiefs are set to say no to anymore new housing developments in the district in a bid to protect the green belt and ease pressure on local facilities. The highest numbers of new buildings ever recorded in the district have been built over the
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Communities in deep crisis
THE MP for Droitwich Spa has signed and voted in favour of a major opposition motion attacking the Government's record on community services. Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff is backing the Tory statement which says community services have collapsed in
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Region has new top cop
A NEW chief constable has been appointed to lead the fight against crime in the West Mercia force area. Paul West, currently the deputy Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, replaces Peter Hampson, who left the force in March after four years. He is
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New face of old bill
THERE is a new and enthusiastic figure helping the fight against crime in Droitwich Spa. Wychavon, which includes the Spa, has a new geographical commander - Inspector Steve Brooker. The top cop has swapped a divisional planning and performance role at
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£40,000 car raid clears forecourt
A GANG of thieves raided a Wychbold car garage and stripped the forecourt of eight motors. The £40,000 theft left employees at Quality Cars, off the Worcester Road, gobsmacked when they arrived at work to discover a half-empty pitch. Raiders had broken
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Doc campaign moves forward
A CAMPAIGN to see a disgraced Barnt Green doctor struck off has moved forward after an influx of phone calls from concerned women. Women Fighting for Faith has received calls from as far as away as Scotland from women worried that they too have suffered
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2003 elections round-up . . . Droitwich Town Council
East - four seats Michael Barratt (Con) - 786 Jan Bolton (Con) - 794 Alan Fisher (Con) - 672 Edgar Harwood (Lab) - 642 Peter Pinfield (Lab) - 690 Sheila Neary (Lab) - 672 Kate Spencer (Con) - 716 Steve Westwood (Lab) - 504 Turnout - 35.8% West - four
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Runner bean bounces back
ONCE it was thought to have been a has been but now it's been brought back and is all set to become a bean with a long future ahead of it. Webbs of Wychbold is re-launching its Droitwich Champion variety of runner bean, which was bred at its famous trial
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2003 elections round-up . . . Wychavon District Council
Dodderhill - one seat Judith Pearce (Con) - 273 Derek Prior (Lib Dem) - 176 Turnout - 32.52% Droitwich Central - one seat Eve Freer (Lab) - 235 Graham Gopsill (Lib Dem) - 238 Glenise Noyes (Con) - 164 Turnout - 30.21% Droitwich East - two seats Michael
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2003 elections round-up . . .
Returning officer Sid Pritchard reveals the winners and losers. He is due to retire next year so it was the last time he would take the stage on election night.
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2003 elections round-up . . . One big no show
WELL below half of voters had their say on the leadership of Droitwich Spa. Overall turnout was just 37 per cent, matching the national trend, with 33,000 residents across the district voting. Despite Wychavon's campaign to bolster turnout, and the introduction
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2003 elections round-up . . . Wychavon area colours true blue
TRUIMPHANT Tories have maintained their tight grip on politics and policy at Wychavon District Council. Close margins were evident between battling parties but Conservative candidates managed to secure 31 seats, two more than 1999 when the party celebrated
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2003 elections round-up . . . Poison pen letters sent to Spa voters
TORY councillor Don Lawley slammed an anonymous sleaze campaign which had been circulating in Droitwich Spa. He and a number of district and town colleagues were the subjects of poison pen letters, which flew through letterboxes across the town in the
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Matt finish as fighters shine
DROITWICH Spa light middleweight boxer Matt Greening produced one of his best performances to defeat Aberystwyth's Steve Welsby on points. Greening topped the bill at Droitwich Amateur Boxing Club's tournament at Stoke Prior Sports and Country Club last
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Spa to host wrestling
AMERICAN Wrestling (pictured) is coming to Droitwich Spa this month with some top competition in store. Former WCW superstar MTX, WWE trainees and Spa wrestler Chris Cage will top the bill at the American Wrestling Tour 2003 event at the town's leisure
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Race meeting
FOLLOWING the loss of their previous course at Dunstall Park, the Wheatland Point-to-Point has been transferred to Chaddesley Corbett. This Saturday's meetings will be the third fixture of the season at the Worcestershire venue. Racing starts at 2pm and
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Star displays
DROITWICH Dolphins put in some excellent performances to finish third in the first round of the Mercian Swimming League. The ladies open team of Charlotte Llewellyn, Alex Dunn, Kate Hull and Rachel Roberts were among the stars, taking second place in
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03/05/03 - Reds final flourish
Redditch United 3 Rugby United 1 REDS ended their season on a high, putting the game well and truly beyond Rugby after just 26 minutes. The visitors looked jaded after a long, hard season and gifted Redditch three goals before half time. First on the
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Health chief in the hot seat
Q: What do you feel the role is for the PCT in Bromsgrove? A: The big challenge for the PCT is to get everything to run smoothly. The PCT is a young organisation, only 12 months old, and is still in its formative stage. We need to ensure that we are accountable
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Hundreds of guns handed in
NEARLY 800 guns and more than 15,000 rounds of ammunition have been surrendered to West Mercia police during the month-long gun amnesty. In north Worcestershire, including Redditch, 45 banned weapons, including self-loading handguns and rifles, revolvers
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7/5/03 - County hit back after setback
WORCESTERSHIRE soon lost Stephen Peters after they were put into bat by the Worcestershire Cricket Board in today's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy Third round clash at New Road. He was caught for four by Chris Pearce off Imran Jamshed in the third
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YMCA's joy at silver landmark
MORE than 100 people attended a thanksgiving service to celebrate Redditch YMCA's silver jubilee on Sunday. The service at Trinity High School began with the YMCA's Art Club parading specially made banners through the hall, which will be displayed at
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Festival focuses on art
A FESTIVAL giving young people across Redditch an exciting and accessible introduction to the arts took place at Redditch Youth House last week. The Fusion Youth Arts Festival saw workshop sessions in African and Asian drumming, aerial trapeze, circus
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Winner is out for the count
THERE was major drama at Alvechurch ward's count for the Bromsgrove Council elections. After a recount, Conservative candidate June Griffiths fainted and needed medical assistance from a doctor before the ward's results, the last to be announced, were
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Top award
Studley Fire Station's cleaner, Jane Kember, received a long service award at last week's Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service Awards Ceremony held in Leamington Spa. Mrs Kember joined Warwickshire Fire and Rescue in February 1992 as the station cleaner
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Good marks for teachers
THE curriculum, teaching staff and standard of behaviour were all praised during a recent Ofsted report of Studley C of E Junior School. The report also said the pupils attained above average standards in reading, mathematics and most other subjects by
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The new bobby for villages beat
A NEW police officer is patrolling the streets of Wythall, Alvechurch and Beoley. Pc Mark Townsend has become the new community beat bobby after the departure of Pc Paul Twentyman. Pc Townsend, married with two children, brings a wealth of experience
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A tall order for schools!
SCHOOLS in Alvechurch and Wythall are being challenged to grow the tallest sunflower. Bromsgrove Council is asking pupils to grow the flower to encourage more people to recycle kitchen and garden waste. The competition was launched last week but the schools
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Chefs' stirring challenge
NEW College could produce the next Jamie Oliver after five students reached the heat finals of a prestigious catering competition. Duncan Oldacres, Scott Emes and Peter Bradbury, from Redditch, Sonia Radcliffe, from Frankley, and Matthew Bratt, from Bromsgrove
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Rovers sunk by strugglers
BROMSGROVE Rovers clung on to third position in the Dr Martens Western despite a 3-1 defeat by struggling Swindon Supermarine at the Victoria Ground. Last Saturday's result, which saw Steve Lutz sent off and a half time scuffle in the tunnel, ensured
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Course in listening launches
A NEW course is offering people the chance to strengthen their listening skills and awareness of loss and bereavement. The Rev Maureen Dew, of St Luke's Church, will conduct the eight-week course, compiled by the University of Leicester. It has been used
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Boars make best start in five years
BROMSGROVE Cricket Club First XI made their best start to a league season for five years with a winning home draw against Leamington in Birmingham and District division one. Nick Husbands' side, who have failed to win an opening day fixture in each of
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Top boss Murray
MURRAY Boss is the next winner in the Advertiser/Messenger's latest instalment of the Bromsgrove District Sports Council's annual awards. Murray, of Stoke Pound, scooped the prestigious accolade after winning the Over 40s class of the British Quad Enduro
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Matt finish as fighters shine
DROITWICH Spa light middleweight boxer Matt Greening produced one of his best performances to defeat Aberystwyth's Steve Welsby on points. Greening topped the bill at Droitwich Amateur Boxing Club's tournament at Stoke Prior Sports and Country Club last
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Designs on historic garden
VISITORS to Coughton Court who have been inspired by the historic home's glorious gardens can learn how they were created at a half-day course on May 13. Celebrated garden designer Christina Williams, whose mother Clare Throckmorton lives at the Coughton
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Tickets on offer to town thesps
THEATREGOERS from Alcester will be able to see plays at the Royal Shakespeare and Swan theatres in Stratford at reduced rates over the next three years. A scheme set up by Stratford District Council and the Royal Shakespeare Company, offering discounted
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Books boost charity
PUPILS at Alcester Grammar School raised more than £50 for charity by selling second-hand books on World Book Day last month. The money has been donated to Book Aid International, a charity providing books for children overseas. Other charities to be
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Bloom event's gardening call
GREEN-fingered Alcester residents who think they have the best kept gardens in town are being invited to enter them in a competition organised by Alcester in Bloom. In previous years a team of 28 judges has toured the town looking at all 7,000 houses
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Fond memories of golden years
THERE have been golden wedding celebrations in King's Coughton this week as Reginald and Dorothy Covey celebrated 50 years of married life. Mr and Mrs Covey, aged 73 and 74 respectively, welcomed family and friends to their home in King's Coughton Lane
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Planning go ahead
PLANS to upgrade Alcester High School Technology College were approved last Wednesday despite objections from the local parish council. The plans, which include extending the art, music and administration blocks as well as a new performing arts room,
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Survey gives top marks to authority
TEACHERS in Warwickshire have given the local education authority the thumbs-up in a recent survey by the Audit Commission. Services which score particularly well include learning support (SEN), communication and help given towards self management of
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Make the leap for good cause
RESIDENTS are being asked to scale new heights to help raise cash for a vital national charity which helps thousands of people in the area. The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) will be holding sponsored abseiling sessions at Grosvenor House
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Alcotots warning to county licensees
LICENSEES in Alcester have been warned of the consequences of serving alcohol to young people following the successful prosecution of the manager of a Warwickshire off-licence. In Operation Alcotots last year the county council's trading standards service
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Dog walkers are warned
A LONG-standing battle to stop dog walkers taking their pets to a wood surrounding a Rowney Green residential centre for young people could result in legal action being taken. Complaints from group leaders at Peck Wood, a private woodland given in trust
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Alcester Conservative Wives
IN APRIL, the annual dinner for members was held at McKee's Restaurant in Studley. At the May meeting, Irene Page will give a talk on 'Nursery Rhyme Connections'.
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Alvechurch WI
At our meeting in April we discussed and voted on three resolutions that would go forward to the AGM at the Albert Hall, London. The coffee morning in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care had raised £131 in just two hours - a very enjoyable morning. We attended
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Bordesley Historical Society
Whenever our secretary goes on holiday, she takes several rolls of film which she later presents as a lecture. One of her last excursions was that of an opera holiday in Prague and on April 17, she selected about 50 of these slides to take us on an imaginary
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Cameo Club of Redditch
THE bring-and-buy sale last month went very well and raised a considerable amount of money for the club. Two of our members are not at all well and we wish them speedy recoveries and hope they will be back with us very soon. Marjorie Sayers is to be made
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Drakes Cross WI
MEMBERS were thanked for their contributions and help at the hot cross bun morning, when the raffle raised £50 for the Leukaemia Research Fund. President Brenda gave a report on the recent Annual Council Meeting, held at Malvern, which three members attended
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Poppies Group
MEMBERS and friends of Christian fellowship group Poppies enjoyed a meal at the Oasis Christian Centre on April 25. Member Pat Carter said: 'Thank you to Sylvia and Tom Harris for all their hard work, it was beautiful and we all had a lovely time. 'Also
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Solihull & District Orchid Society
THE annual show was held on April 19. The visiting society displays were outstanding and the potting demonstration was greatly enjoyed. The classes were well supported with a total of 75 entries. The winners were as follows: The Society Cup for the most
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Police officer fights for life
A POLICE officer based in Worcester is fighting for his life after contracting a killer bug. The officer, who has not been identified, has been diagnosed with Legionnaires' Disease. He is in a critical but stable condition at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth
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Bus provides easy route to the Royal
A NEW state-of-the-art bus to link Worcester city centre with the Worcestershire Royal Hospital has been launched. The EasyLINK cross city service allows passengers greater access to different facilities in the city, including the new hospital at Newton
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Introducing the Internet to the city's silver surfers
A CHARITY is inviting elderly people in Worcester to join it on a tour of the World Wide Web. The group is running a free taster session on Friday, May 16, as part of the month-long Silver Surfers Festival. The national scheme aims to encourage older
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Worcester hospital to share cash windfall
WORCESTER'S hospital will share a £200m Government pot to drive up standards under last-ditch Government efforts to avert a rebellion over "super" Trusts. Health Secretary Alan Milburn said the hospital would be given a rigid timetable to improve patient
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Inquest opens after body found in bedsit
POLICE are still investigating the death of a 25-year-old man whose body was discovered in a Worcester bedsit. Christopher Woolley's body was found at the Avon Road flat in Tolladine on Friday. Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident
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07/05/03 - Rovers can be proud of third place
BROMSGROVE Rovers have had a successful season, make no mistake about it. Whatever people may think of the side's recent decline in form, one fact remains, the club has finished third in the Dr Martens Western at their first attempt. The league table
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Mixed reaction to cattle grids on Common
OBJECTORS to plans to install cattle grids on roads around Castlemorton Common are said to be coming round to the idea after a month of talks. The scheme, designed to control scrub and gorse by encouraging more grazing on Castlemorton Common, at the foot
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06/05/03 - Rovers honoured
BROMSGROVE Rovers were named team of the year at the Bromsgrove District Sports Council awards. The team has enjoyed a successful two years since chairman Tom Herbert took over at the Victoria Ground. Mr Herbert saved the club from extinction and since
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Barges 'will bring business to town'
A RALLYING cry has gone out to Droitwich folk to get behind a £10m restoration project for the town's canal. It is hoped it will change the face of the town, transforming the canal into a major tourist and leisure attraction and creating nearly 100 jobs
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Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Swindon Supermarine 3
Saturday, May 3, 2003 BROMSGROVE Rovers clung on to third position in the Dr Martens Western despite a 3-1 defeat by struggling Swindon Supermarine at the Victoria Ground. Last Saturday's result, which saw Steve Lutz sent off and a half time scuffle in
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Be one of the top brass with instrument lessons
HIGHLY-strung residents looking to take up a new past time are being reminded of the opportunities being offered by a town music school. Music For You, based in Worcester Road, is still looking for townsfolk to fill the slots in brass and stringed instrument
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Industrial plans look set to be granted go-ahead
A CONTROVERSIAL plan to convert agricultural buildings to light industrial and office use at Bestmans Lane, Kempsey, looks likely to be given planning permission tonight. The plan involves making passing bays in the quiet country lane and is opposed by
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Tickets
TICKETS are still available for Bromsgrove Operatic Society's next show stopper Guys and Dolls. The popular musical is being staged at the Spadesbourne Suite, in Burcot Lane, for a six-night run starting this Monday. The show begins at 7.30pm each night
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'Sneaky' schemes for extra goodies
Yesterday we reported the refusal of city schools to back the controversial Cadbury's Get Active Scheme. However, a school which won "healthy eating" status has confirmed it will make use of the controversial sports equipment offer - if pupils bring in
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Double bill ready to hit the Spa trail
COUNTRY-music lovers can look forward a fantastic double bill show in Droitwich Spa this weekend. Popular duo, Iona and Andy will be performing alongside Darren Busby at the End of the Trail Country Music Club on Friday (May 9). It will take place at
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Group for farmers is booming
A SUPPORT group for farmers looking to expand their businesses has grown to 200 members. But more Worcestershire farmers and other rural businesses are being invited to join the Rural Hub. An open day is being held this month to show what help is at hand
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Cheese session really takes biscuit
A FUN cheese and wine tasting will have guests scratching their heads as they try to work out who is telling the truth. Participants are invited to enter teams of four people and guess which wine they are drinking, and which cheese they are tasting, in
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Boy devastated at second bike theft
AN ANGRY mother-of-three is demanding compensation from the council after thieves stole her son's bike for the second time by walking into her hallway through a broken door. Ann-Marie Farnsworth, of Ennerdale Close, Warndon, says her 10-year-old son Michael
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Autistic author is guest speaker
AN autistic teenage author aiming to highlight mental health needs for young people will be the guest speaker at a Worcester conference. Thirteen-year-old Luke Jackson, who suffers from a form of autism called Aspergers Syndrome, has written a book called
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Retail giant backs anti violence campaign
SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury's has leant its support to a campaign to end violence and abuse to shopworkers. The retail giant, which has shops in Worcester at the Lychgate Shopping Centre and at Blackpole, has backed union Usdaw's (Union of Shop, Distributive
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'Drugs sold from flat'
A GANG ran a big drug supply operation from a council flat in Hereford, a jury was told. Police observing the premises saw a stream of visitors who would call out their names before being let inside. The flat in Kingfisher Road was heavily secured with
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Alec's shock at defeat by 16 votes
THE unexpected defeat of district councillor Alec Wall by only 16 votes, in a contested election, has shocked friends and colleagues in the Teme Valley community who are still reeling at the news. Forced by boundary changes to stand in the Tenbury Ward
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100 years ago
May 9, 1903 Crabbs Cross - Tillers Mannikins. During the last fortnight, Mr Ambrose Tiller has been giving entertainments with his famous show of mechanical mannikins or marionettes in a field near to the Board School. Large audiences have nightly visited
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50 years ago
May 8, 1953 The scheme to replace Studley Fire Station - said to be over 100 years old - by the erection of a new one may be unavoidably delayed because the Home Office has written to say that the total estimated cost of the programmes for 1953-54 submitted
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25 years ago
May 5, 1978 The church is like an engine and every part should be automatically oiled to work properly, Prince Philip said in Redditch yesterday. Speaking to an invited audience of church and community leaders at the Town Ecumenical Centre, the Duke of
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Search for teen
Police are hunting a teenage attacker who broke a boy's jaw. It happened on Monday, April 28, at about 7.30pm in Upperfield Close, Church Hill. A 16-year-old boy was with his friends in the park when he had a disagreement with another youth. The victim
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Footprint matched trainers
A teenage drug addict who burgled a house and stole a purse has been given 15 months' detention. Donna Barrett got in through an open window while the occupier was upstairs. The purse contained £80, a driving licence and credit cards. A wet footprint
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Praise for new court
WEST Mercia Magistrates' Courts Service - which has undergone a multi million pound courthouse refurbishment programme - has been praised in a report to the Lord Chancellor. The report from the Magistrates' Courts Service Inspectorate said the huge project
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Awesome offering
Review: Measure for Measure at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-on-Avon. SHOCK and awe came in equal measure in this latest offering from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Shock, and to some extent awe, as we viewed male nudity - well one man and
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Arson shoe clue
A MELTED trainer could hold vital clues to the arsonists targeting bollards in bus lanes from Redditch town centre to Church Hill and Winyates. On Thursday, April 24, a bollard was set on fire and a trainer was found melted onto it. It is a right foot
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Church champs
AFTER stumbling and faltering like all the other teams to temporarily top the Midland Combination this season, Alvechurch came good when it mattered most to win the league before annihilating shell-shocked Cheslyn Hay on Monday. The championship brought
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Alvechurch 10 (ten) Cheslyn Hay 1
13 mins: Liam O'Shea lays off for Keith Rostill to reach 49 goals. 1-0 19 mins: Adam Bishop equalises with an outrageous Ronaldinho-esque lob from 30 yards. 1-1 25 mins: Rostill heads home Tom Poston cross for 50. 2-1 27 mins: Rostill lay-off for 'Shea
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Arrows head for another defeat
Redditch Arrows 15 Southern Sundevils 28 Redditch Arrows fell to a narrow defeat in their first home game of the season. The Ash Lane tenants went into the game fresh from victory in South Wales and had the upper hand in the early stages to take an early
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Lickey do it in style
BROMSGROVE and District Champions Lickey Monarchs finished their season in style with a resounding 10-0 victory at SPSP. Runners-up Carter Retail also had a comfortable 8-2 win at home to West Midland Phones B. Mark Fiddian won his three for Carter with
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Watchdog's fear on eye progress
CONCERNS have been expressed about the progress of a project team set up to oversee a review of county ophthalmology services. The team was due to meet last week with staffing at the Alexandra Hospital high on the agenda, according to Redditch and Bromsgrove
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Who will hold the power?
HOW the political parties will work together is the key question after major gains for the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats at Labour's expense in Thursday's Redditch Council elections. The Tories will now be praying for some co-operation from the
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Anger grows over plans to close PO
ANGER over the proposed closure of a Headless Cross post office continued this week with a town health watchdog pledging to take up the case. The Advertiser reported last week Rectory Road Post Office was due to close as part of a nationwide restructuring
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Show is on the marque
WHEELS are being set in motion for a fascinating new exhibition at Forge Mill Museum. The South Midlands branch of the Royal Enfield Owners' Club will be showing their treasures at the museum from Saturday to Bank Holiday Monday, May 26. Royal Enfield
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07/05/03 - Lead-beater option as Redditch reinforce
REDDITCH United manager Rod Brown has already turned his thoughts to next season after guiding his resurgent Reds to seventh. After flirting with relegation for much of last season, Brown came within a point and a place of delivering the sixth place finish
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7/5/03 Swifts sign off with Dynamo stalemate
AS Stourport signed off with a drab 1-1 draw at Shepshed Dynamo, Swifts' boss Dave Titterton was already considering next season. And there is a lot of thinking to do on the evidence of this match which the visitors dominated but failed to finish off
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Art scene
An exhibition of paintings by Lee Forrest will be displayed at Redditch Library from Saturday. The exhibition runs at the Market Place gallery until June 7 during normal library opening hours.
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Croft slide to opening loss
A NINE-run defeat at Amblecote and Wollaston saw Avoncroft Cricket Club's First XI get their Worcestershire County League division four campaign off to a disappointing start last Saturday. Batting proved difficult on a rain-affected track, as Croft reduced
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Show captures Redditch at war
A Worcestershire At War Exhibition is being held on Saturday at St Philip's Church, Church Road, Webheath. The display will feature memorabilia, photographs and newspaper cuttings connected with life in Redditch during both world wars. It will also feature
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Runaway start to carnival fun
PEOPLE are invited to get set for a sponsored fun run next week as part of Astwood Bank Carnival's programme of events. The run takes place at 11am on Sunday at the Oddfellows Arms, Astwood Bank. Youngsters under 13 will run a one-and-a-half mile lap,
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County hit back after setback
WORCESTERSHIRE soon lost Stephen Peters after they were put into bat by the Worcestershire Cricket Board in today's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy Third round clash at New Road. He was caught for four by Chris Pearce off Imran Jamshed in the third
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Counties ring the changes for final
WORCESTERSHIRE and Herefordshire, the defending RLF North Midlands Rugby Union champions, have been forced to reshuffle their side for this season's final against Shropshire at Stourbridge tonight (7.30pm). The Hereford club are away on an end-of-season
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Norway success for happy Dayus
WORCESTER'S Jonathan Dayus has clinched his first win since joining cycling's professional ranks this year. He won the tough third stage of the Ringerike five-day race in Norway and finished fifth overall when the race finished. After watching and waiting
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Westfields out to claim crown
WESTFIELDS have another chance to rubber-stamp the West Midlands League Premier Division title tonight when they face a quick return clash at Kington Town (7.45). The Rotherwas side, who lost 3-1 at home to Kington on Monday, need just a point from their
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Poor finish clouds successful season
ALTHOUGH we didn't finish the season as we would have liked, it's been a very good season for the club. There has been an im-provement in position and points total. The reason we are not shouting about it too much is that at one stage, that improvement
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Hackett, Ford axed by Rovers
BROMSGROVE Rovers have axed their joint managers Gary Hackett and Jon Ford. The pair have left the Victoria Ground club by mutual consent after meeting with chairman Tom Herbert last night. The pair led Rovers to promotion from the Midland Alliance last
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Crazy system relegates Town
THE crazy structure of rugby in England has condemned Bromsgrove RFC First XV to relegation to Midlands Two (West) - more than three weeks since the season ended. Town, who finished fifth bottom in Midlands One, will be one of five teams - along with
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Spa demolished
DROITWICH Spa RFC U14s were thrashed 50-0 by Stourbridge in the North Midlands Junior Cup final. Spa, only in the final after their semi-final victors Moseley pulled out, were behind inside two minutes and conceded further tries to trail 24-0 at the break
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He'll do it his way...
THE songs of Frank Sinatra are brought to life on Sunday when brand new show Stephen Triffitt Celebrates Sinatra stops off at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre. Stephen joins up with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra UK to 'pay homage to one of the finest musical
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Gift is just the ticket
THE Palace Theatre is offering people the gift of entertainment with the launch of its new voucher scheme. The vouchers come in four denominations - £1, £5, £10 and £20 - and are available from the Tourist Information Centre, Alcester Street.
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David Sneddon Seven Years - Ten Weeks
Four star TEN weeks was the period Master Sneddon spent in the Fame Academy mansion and seven years was the time he spent writing music and perfecting his talent. Boy, was that time well spent. He can write, play and perform with the composite skills
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High Praise
High Society Studley Operatic Society Palace Theatre, Redditch A feel-good show, full of wonderful Cole Porter songs, it was visually impressive and very enjoyable. Penny Hoy played the part of Tracy 'Sam' Lord. This was her first principal role for the
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Rovers sunk by strugglers
BROMSGROVE Rovers clung on to third position in the Dr Martens Western despite a 3-1 defeat by struggling Swindon Supermarine at the Victoria Ground. Last Saturday's result, which saw Steve Lutz sent off and a half time scuffle in the tunnel, ensured
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Cup success for Spa side
DROITWICH Spa A Football Club claimed their first piece of silverware this season - the Bayliss Cup - with a 2-1 defeat of Worcester City Youth. On a memorable night at City's St George's Lane last Wednesday Spa, who last won the cup in 1998, largely
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Rovers honoured
BROMSGROVE Rovers were named team of the year at the Bromsgrove District Sports Council awards. The team has enjoyed a successful two years since chairman Tom Herbert took over at the Victoria Ground. Mr Herbert saved the club from extinction and since
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Season ends
BARNT Green Spartak brought the curtain down on the Midland Combination division two championship season with a 2-2 draw with Earlswood Town. The result ensures Spartak have won 17 from 19 games at Kenilworth Town, drawing and losing one. Earlswood took
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League results
SELECTED results from the Advertiser/Messenger Football League. Division One - Ringspanners 3 (Peplow, Thompson, Russell) New Olympic 3; Woodbourne Sports 2 (McQuillan 2) Sporting Harborne 0; Victoria Barn Green 3 (Spooner, Weatherall, Perry) Crabmill
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Junior football round-up
Callowbrook Swifts U11s 5 Kings Norton U11s 3 Swifts secured runner-up spot in Central Warwickshire Youth League division two after coming from behind against Kings Norton. Matty Reeve's hat-trick and a man of the match Lee Williamson brace, including
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Parking will still be a major problem
DEAR EDITOR -- Much as Bromsgrove District Councillor Peter McDonald (Lab-Uffdown and Waseley) is admired for his efforts on part of the A38 in Rubery, when is he going to recognise the on-going problem along New Inns Lane caused by football spectators's
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Stilling chewing this one over
DEAR EDIT0R -- It was with great amazement and disgust that I saw in the paper, the Mayor of Droitwich was called to 'officially' open the eyesore of the fast-food outlet, which has blotted the landscape in Mulberry Tree Hill, Droitwich, along with the
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It's that great disappearing act!
DEAR EDITOR -- I have lived in Droitwich for 35 years now and I have watched the erosion of our services until we have practically nothing left. The rates have gone up year after year and our services have become less and less. There are no longer any
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Witness to Austin bomb attack
DEAR EDITOR -- With reference to the letter by V J Crawford (Advertiser/Messenger April 23) about a German bomber attack on the Austin Motor Company. My mother recalls that she and her mother were walking along Longbridge Lane, she was five at the time
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With considerable Spa greetings . . .
DEAR EDITOR -- Hopefully, the misery of those of us who live near to the many developers' building sites for new flats and houses with their constant noise and destruction of once treasured familiar and pleasant views, creating a kind of visual mugging
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No compensation for community
DEAR EDITOR --I should imagine all the voters and ratepayers of Droitwich are so happy that a warehouse is to be built next to the DFS store -- after all there is only a quarter of a million square feet of empty warehouses on the Hampton Lovett industrial
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Come out from behind mask!
DEAR EDITOR -- We appear to have a cowardly poison-pen letter writer in Droitwich Spa, who feels able to tell lies without giving their name. My colleagues and I, some of whom had not even been elected and others who had only served for four years, were
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MATT LOWE - Goalkeeper
Ever present in the Midland Alliance promotion campaign. A reliable shot stopper and a good kicker of the ball.
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50 years ago May 9, 1953
BROMSGROVE magistrates fined a woman cyclist from Penn, Wolverhampton, 15/- (75p) for not dismounting at a halt sign at the junction of Twatling Road and Fiery Hill Road, Barnt Green. A PAIR of robins were successfully raising a brood in a nest on a shelf
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STEVE POPE - Defender
A quality defender with football league experience after spells at Crewe Alexandra and Kidderminster Harriers. Was part of Crewe's division two promotion winning side of 1997. Claim to fame is that he once marked Michael Owen.
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KEVIN BANNER - Defender / Midfield
Local lad who made the left wing his own during the 2001/2002 season but can also play in midfield or attack. Signed from Oldbury United after a spell at Nottingham Forest.
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ROSS COLLINS - Defender / Midfield
A versatile player across defence or midfield. Moved from Halesowen Town for a one-month loan spell at Rovers at the start of the 2002/2003. Signed permanently from the Yeltz in February 2003.
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MARK BENBOW - Midfield
A useful right sided player who left Rovers two seasons ago for Reddith United. Following that, he headed for Australia to play for SWC Premier League side ECU Joondalup. Returned to the Victoria Ground in summer 2002.
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NEIL CARTWRIGHT - Midfield
Signed from Redditch United during the 2001/2002 season. Has played league football with West Bromwih Albion and Kidderminster Harriers. Other clubs include Norway side Sogndal, Telford United and Halesowen Town.
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DARREN BULLOCK - Midfield
Joined Rovers in January 2003 after non-league spells with Worcester City and Evesham United. His earlier career saw him grace the Football League with Bury and Swindon Town.
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STEVE LUTZ - Midfield
Joined from Evesham United in January 2003.
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LES PALMER - Striker
A skilful forward who scored the quickest goal in Midland Football Alliance history with his six-second strike against Oadby Town in March 2002. Has also played league ootball for West Bromwich Albion.
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RICHARD BURGESS - Striker
A nippy forward who left Rovers two seasons ago to join Port Vale. Has since played in the Conference with Nuneaton Borough and returned to the Victoria Ground in summer 2002.
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Aussie stars for Redditch
AUSSIE star Dan Fredrick returned figures of 2-40 off 18 overs on his competitive Redditch debut as the Bromsgrove Road side opened with a winning draw against Pelsall. The result sees Redditch in mid-table ahead of Saturday's trip to Shifnal (1pm start
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Derby is damp squib
THE big village derby between Exhall and Wixford and Bidford was the only match to be abandoned because of the weather in the Cotswold Hills League Premier Division. Both sides picked up five points for the abandonment and will be hoping to start play
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What's on guide
Wednesday, May 7 Film: The Rules of Attraction, Cinemac, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 6pm. Show: Boogie Nights, Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry. Until May Saturday. Show: Camille, Malvern Theatre, Priory Road, Malvern. Until Saturday
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Bromsgrove WI
The April meeting was conducted by Brenda Jenkins, vice president, with 36 members attending. The secretary, Marge Colvin, read the report from the previous month, also a great many notices of future events taking place. Several special birthdays were
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Now New Labour turns on teaching unions
EDUCATION Secretary Charles Clarke is intent on crushing anyone who opposes this New Labour government, and also shows that when it comes to education, Clarke & Co are completely out of touch with the reality. We hear typical comments from Clarke
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Let's get on with Swan's recovery
HAVING read Gerald Harris's remarks (You Say, Saturday, April 26) about the reopening of the Swan Theatre, he has a paltry excuse in saying that the theatre had problems and lack of funds in the past. The answer was in his hands when he was there as chairman
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The Corbett group of WIs
THE Corbett Group of WIs held their spring meeting at the Sacred Heart Church Hall. The afternoon was hosted by Hadzor and Oddingley. Margaret Shearer, the president, welcomed our group co-ordinator Enid Fellows and WI executive Vicky Coghlan, together
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Beautiful woods, a shame about the dog-owners
WHILE my children and I were visiting a family in Worcester, recently, we were taken to the woods at the Countryside Centre at County Hall. I was instantly impressed at such a pleasant attraction. Having set off for our walk we were interested at the
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Why city streets are deserted at night...
ONE Saturday evening recently, I went into Worcester to attend a concert in the Huntingdon Hall. I was disagreeably surprised to find that the parking charge, in the Copenhagen Street car park, was £2.60 for the evening. Not surprisingly, the car park
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Bromsgrove Soroptimists
TOTS will enjoy hours more play thanks to the generosity of a group of professional women. The Bromsgrove and Redditch Soroptimists donated sacks full of toys to their two chosen organisations, the Women's Refuge and Supervised Visits for Children. The
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Signed, sealed and delivered
BUILDING work on Bromsgrove's new, multi-million pound arts centre is set to start at the end of this month. Contracts sealing the partnership deal between Bromsgrove District Council and NEW College were signed and sealed at the Council House in Burcot
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First class competition
A FIRST class train trip to London was just one of the treats in store for a young railway enthusiast from Bromsgrove. Eight-year-old Matthew Wigley, of Hyde Close, Parklands, could not believe his luck when he scooped first prize in a competition organised
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Time for towns to get on board or miss out
A 'WAKE-UP' call to what is happening in Droitwich has been sounded to the rest of Worcestershire by the Spa town's MP. Peter Luff, who represents Mid-Worcestershire, issued his county-wide alarm while addressing a gathering of Droitwich and district
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Queen's award
BROMSGROVE businesswomen and travel experts Jenny Withey and Beverley Anslow have been regally recognised with a prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise. The award has been given to the two women for their work as part of Travel Counsellors, a Bolton-based
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7/5/03 - Poor finish clouds successful season
ALTHOUGH we didn't finish the season as we would have liked, it's been a very good season for the club. There has been an im-provement in position and points total. The reason we are not shouting about it too much is that at one stage, that improvement
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Election results round-up
BROMSGROVE DISTRICT COUNCIL OLD NEW CON 27 26 LAB 7 8 LIB DEM 0 0 OTHER 5 5 No Change Alvechurch (three seats) Roger Hollingworth (Con) 935 June Griffiths (Con) 824 Jean Luck (Indep) 808 Stuart Thorpe (Con) 803 Derek Waters (Lab) 545 Elaine Shannon (Lab
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Tories consolidate their power base
THE Conservatives have retained their grip on political life in Bromsgrove. They won last Thursday's elections by the clear majority they gained in their landslide victory of four years ago. Both Tories and Labour have virtually the same number of seats
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Daughter beats her mum by three votes
JOY Bushby's 26-year spell on the district council ended last Thursday when she failed to retain her seat at Catshill after being beaten by her daughter Sarah by three votes. Joy had been a Tory councillor since 1976 and polled 426 votes, while Sarah,
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You've swiped our river bank
DEVELOPERS have built flood defences on land belonging to Droitwich Rugby Football Club, it has been claimed. Value When Persimmon Homes bought the old Hanbury Road rugby ground off the club in 1996, Droitwich RFC held on to a one-metre-wide strip running
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Two die in accident
AN ACCIDENT at the intersection of the M42 and the M5 resulted in two fatalities and a number of minor injuries, as well as hours of chaos for Bromsgrove's commuters. The collision occurred at junction 4a on the northbound carriageway of the M5 last Thursday
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Children left with nothing in park to play on
YOUNGSTERS in Rubery are still without a place to play after more than three months waiting for new equipment. Twelve weeks ago the Advertiser/Messenger reported that Bromsgrove District Council had removed the playground equipment from St Chad's Park
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2003 elections round-up . . . A delicate balance
RESTLESS residents have voted new blood onto Droitwich Spa Town Council, opening the doors to greater debate about community issues. The 18-seat council now has nine Tory, six Labour, two Liberal Democrat and one independent councillor Claude Healey.
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A different class ...
THE lid has been lifted on the secret lives of servants who were once employed at a grand mansion near Droitwich Spa. Peering into the past at Hanbury Hall not only provides an insight into auspicious lifestyles of it former owners, but also reveals what
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Dream over
NEW world snooker champion Mark Williams put paid to Bromsgrove-born Stephen Lee's title hopes by comfortably defeating him in the semi-finals at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre. The 28-year-old, trailing 7-1 at one stage, eventually went down 17-8 last
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Amanda battling back
A PROMISING young Droitwich Spa golfer continues to impress despite being hampered by illness. Amanda Purcell, aged 15, is currently recovering from the debilitating glandular fever virus, which has kept her away from her King's School, in Worcester,
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Flying starts
TWO junior drivers from Droitwich Spa have made flying starts to the new Ministock season. Ashley Bird, aged 11, and 15-year-old George Brown finished first and third respectively at the opening event of this years championship at Grimley raceway, near
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Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club - factfile
Formed: 1885 Directions: The Victoria Ground is situated on the north side of Bromsgrove on the Birmingham Road, which is off the A38 Bromsgrove by pass. The M5 and M42 join the A38 to the north of the town making it easy to get to the ground without
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Abbey 'no show' fury
RESIDENTS have slammed Redditch Council chiefs for not attending an exhibition of the plans for a £50 million sports, leisure and entertainment complex on the site of Abbey Stadium. The outcry comes after an event at Forge Mill Museum allowing the residents
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Protesters gear up
RESIDENTS are gearing up to fight the ambitious £50 million Abbey Stadium project. The move comes after residents of Abbey Park, Birmingham Road and Dagnell End Road were shown the latest plans and given the chance to ask questions and raise concerns.
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Squeals on wheels at party
THERE were some wheel skills on show on Saturday as thousands of people joined in the birthday celebrations of a Redditch shop. Suspect Skate Shop on Bates Hill has now been open for two years and staff held a massive free party at Redditch Skate Park
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Advice call on island
CONFUSED driving instructors have called for some clarification on how their pupils should be told to negotiate a roundabout. Controversial new markings on the roundabout by Sainsbury's supermarket have prompted anger and outrage from scores of people
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Driver escapes injury
REDDITCH police said a woman driver who escaped a car crash with just cuts was very lucky to have not been more seriously hurt. The collision happened close to Clarks Motor Service on Washford Drive at about 8.45am last Wednesday and involved a silver
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Riders in the sun
HUNDREDS of youngsters got their wheels in motion for the national Blue Peter bikeathon event, at Arrow Valley Countryside Centre, for Leukaemia Research.
