Archive
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HOSPITAL'S IN A LONE STAR STATE
HEALTH chiefs across Worcestershire have been stunned by a damning new set of performance ratings. Both Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust, which runs Worcestershire Royal Hospital, and Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Trust have had their ratings reduced
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Teens to SNAP up safe dance night
A DANCE night phenomenon which allows young clubbers to enjoy themselves in a safe and healthy environment will be hitting Worcester for the first time. SNAP dance night, which stands for "Say No and Phone", supports young people in their decision to
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Brothers aiming to be top of the league
TWO talented Bromsgrove brothers are aiming to become the best in the business at the sports they love. Jordan and Daniel Crane, of Friarscroft, are both carving out successful careers at the top end of rugby and football respectively. Seventeen-year-old
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Steam it up with Scott or you're out
AFTER being nominated for eviction for a third time, Malvern student Nush will not survive this week's eviction unless she steams up her relationship with Scott, say bookies. Nush, whose flirtations with Scouser Scott have provided the only flicker of
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BOWLS: Stoke top table
STOKE Prior Bowling Club moved top of the Yardley Wood and District League division two by defeating Redditch-based White Hart by 24 shots. Elsewhere, the Big Crown team produced a great display to beat the Bell Inn from Harborne by 45 shots to move into
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Club get medals
MEMBERS of Droitwich T.A.G.B. Tae-Kwon-Do club have scooped a number of medals in competition. Students at the Spa club took part in the South-East Championships at Burgess Hill, in West Sussex. Instructor Matt Lennard, aged 22, won bronze in the individual
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Hosts lend players
Bretforton 2, Kidderminster 1 IT WAS agreed to play the latest match as a ten-a-side affair with Kidderminster only having eight players and having to borrow two from hosts Stour-port. One of them who made the first goal when she sliced through the Bretforton
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Single equality body to spur on debate locally
WORCESTER will be leading the way in a new scheme to create a single body that will fight for equality throughout all strands of society. The debate into creating a Single Equality Body, which would fight discrimination against race, age, gender, sexual
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One last night in the big top
PEOPLE will have one last chance to catch all the excitement of the big top before it leaves town as Billy Smart's New World Circus puts on its last show in Malvern. Russian dancers and jugglers, a Venezuelan clown, Bulgarian trampolinists and South African
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BT offers to bring broadband to the country - but only if enough surfers agree to sign up
MORE villages in Worcestershire and Herefordshire have the opportunity to surf the internet at a greater speed. British Telecom has announced that 15 villages in both counties have been set a "trigger level". This means that once a certain number of residents
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This fortress in the heart of our village
A NEW village development has been dubbed "Fortress Kempsey" because of plans to put 6ft high spiked gates at the entrance. The gates planned for Sunnyside Close, a development of 15 homes on the Old Vicarage site at Old Road South, in the Kempsey conservation
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First edition News to aid soccer team
AN historic first ever edition of the Evening News has been discovered among a discarded bundle of papers. Worcester newsagents, John and Angela Williams, stumbled over the 68-year-old publications, when a friend, Reg Mogford, gave them a handful of newspapers
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Parents accused of selfish parking
PARENTS have been accused of parking across driveways and even on people's lawns when they attended last week's sports day at Kempsey Primary School. Complaints about inconsiderate parking in Ellsdon were raised with Kempsey beat manager PC Alan Naulls
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Band in Spa
DROITWICH Spa will vibrate to the beat of a popular brass band set to visit later this month. The Muller Cleobury Mortimer brass band will pay a visit to the Lido Park, off Worcester Road, on Sunday, July 27. The event, sponsored by Droitwich Spa Town
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Music in fine surroundings
SUDELEY Castle at Winchcombe hosts a spectacular musical evening on Saturday featuring the English Symphony Orcestra and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight which is due overhead at 8.10pm
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Top gardener will judge competition
ENTRANTS in this year's Worcester in Bloom competition can be sure that their gardens will be judged to the highest standard. In fact, judge Bill Simpson even taught the nation's favourite gardener a thing or two. "Alan Titchmarsh?" said Mr Simpson. "
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25 years ago
July 14, 1978 Speculation is rife in the area about what route the newly announced Alcester and Studley bypasses will take. Local people have been left wondering whether the Evesham to Gorcott Hill road will pass near their homes. The Government has announced
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Funeral staff undertake a big challenge
STAFF from two funeral directors have been gearing up to take part in a fund-raising relay for Worcester's St Richard's Hospice. Brothers Darryl and Ashley Mogg, Shirley Phillips and Roger Rawle, of Worcester-based A V Band, were today due to join Hilary
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Estranged wife was subjected to torrent of abuse
A FATHER-of-four launched a torrent of abuse down the phone at his estranged wife, calling her a "two-faced cow", magistrates heard. Mark Hodson appeared at Worcester magistrates yesterday, where he admitted a charge of sending a message by telephone
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100 years ago
July 18, 1903 CHARLES Crow, a well known character in the town, made his 40th appearance on a charge of being drunk and incapable in Millsborough Road on Saturday night. PC White stated the facts, and prisoner, who pleaded for another chance and promised
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Isn't it about time we broke down the barriers?
I HAD my first bitter taste of racism when my family moved to Worcester in 1985. I was nine-years-old and strolling up Mealcheapen Street with my mum, stepfather and younger sister. "Go home you paki, and leave our women alone," a man in his 20s spat
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County at forefront of skills move
HEREFORDSHIRE and Worcestershire Learning and Skills Council will be at the forefront of Government plans to give people more skills in the UK. This move follows the launch of the national strategy last week, which outlines the Government's commitment
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Youth died after taking heroin
TWO men who had been taking heroin with another man found him dead a day later, an inquest has heard. Haydn Casey, of no fixed address, was found dead in Tolladine Road, Worcester, where he was staying with a friend, Worcestershire coroner Victor Round
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16/7/03 - Injuries update pleases Keast
ANDY Keast remains positive that Worcester Rugby Club will have a fully fit squad to choose from by September. The Sixways coach has been monitoring a number of injury concerns since the promotion-chasing squad returned to training this month. Werner
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Man flashed at two girls
A MAN exposed himself to two 15-year-old girls as they were walking along a Redditch road during rush hour on Thursday. It happened on Beoley Road West, St George's, near the Kings Arms pub, between 5.15-5.30pm. As the girls were walking, the man, who
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Bank boys in Lord's dream
ASTWOOD BANK batsman Andy Clayton is promising an all-out assault on the glory road to Lord's this Sunday. Former finalists Astwood take on Nottinghamshire outfit Plumtree (2.30pm) in a bid to make the quarter-finals of the prestigious National Knockout
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100mph horror crash!
LUCKY Headless Cross speedstar Stefan Hodgetts survived an 100mph horror crash - just moments after this picture was taken. The 21-year-old rising star's brakes on his super-charged Seat dramatically failed as he hurled around a bend at the fifth round
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Barnes on his Mark...
TEEN sprint ace Stuart Barnes is doing his level best to follow in the footsteps of Birmingham's world track star Mark Lewis-Francis. The 17-year-old rising Redditch flyer clocked up a personal best 10.74secs to win 100m silver at the English Schools
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Anyone for tennis in Alcester?
SUMMER holiday tennis courses for children will be held at Alcester Tennis Club and Alcester Grammar School, starting on July 21. Different age groups from five upwards are catered for and the weekly courses start at £13.50 for the youngest age group,
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Proud Tonks picks up points
BROMSGROVE & Redditch Athletic Club's Sharon Tonks teamed up with the Great Britain squad to compete in an international match at Barcelona's Olympic Stadium last week. Tonks - along with Worcester AC's Wendy Bennett - represented GB in the first
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Bees still hunt buzz of Baggies
STUDLEY boss Mark Chambers is hopeful that the club can re-arrange their friendly clash with West Brom Reserves this summer. The Bees were due to take on the Nationwide First Division giants' second string this Sunday but injuries in the Baggies camp
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Reds in 'Bridge battle
REDDITCH United face a tough test against Midlands Alliance champions Stourbridge in their first pre-season friendly of the season at the Valley on Saturday. Reds manager Rod Brown, who is still on holiday, will be likely to blood several of his new summer
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Grants available to ease parking
RESIDENTS who want to create their own parking spaces in their front gardens can now apply for a £200 grant from Redditch Council. The grants are being provided for 'in-curtilage' parking to help ease parking hot-spots in areas around town, especially
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What's on guide
Thursday, July 17 The Young Rep: After Juliet, The Door, Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Until July 19. Tickets from 0121 236 4455. Far From The Madding Crowd, Swan Theatre, Worcester. Until July 19. Tickets from 01905 611427 Miss Saigon, Birmingham Hippodrome
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A feelgood night
HUNTINGDON Hall in Worcester is the venue for an appearance by the Wilko Johnson Band on Friday. Co-founder of Dr Feelgood, during his time with the band as guitarist and songwriter, they released four classic albums, including the number one live album
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Worcs back on top of the table
WORCESTERSHIRE eased back to the top of the Frizzell County Championship division two table as wickets tumbled on the opening day of their match against bottom-placed Derbyshire at New Road. They leap-frogged former lea-ders Northants after picking up
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City shine in opening warm-up
COACH Mick Tuohy was delighted with the workout Worcester City's players had as they won 4-2 at Tividale in their opening pre-season friendly last night. City recovered from two goals down to beat the West Midlands League side, helped by two goals from
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Death of Pershore Town stalwart
PERSHORE Town Football Club is mourning one of its greatest stalwarts. Cyril Milward died suddenly at the weekend aged 79 after collapsing at a function at the club. He had been Town's press officer for many years, contributing match reports to various
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Saints fail to conquer the Demons
WORCESTERSHIRE Saints went down 52-12 in their latest rugby league defeat in Cardiff. The Cardiff Demons Total RL.Com Rugby League Conference South West Division clash was always going to be tough. Following Worcestershire's 64-0 defeat away to the Somerset
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Star Wendy walks on the wild side!
WENDY Bennett has starred for Great Britain on the world stage -- and she walked it! The Worcester ace was selected to race for Great Britain in the 5K walk on Friday and came in sixth in sultry conditions inside the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona. Forty
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Skills sessions
FUN junior cricket sessions are once again being held in Droitwich Spa this summer. Karl Goddard, a level two qualified English Cricket Board coach, is running his annual week of activities at the town's St Peter's Field club, from Monday, July 28 to
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Third place
A JUNIOR cricket team from Bromsgrove School put on some top performances to finish third in the U11s national hardball finals. The Worcester Road school's U11s eight-a-side hardball team, winners of the West Midlands area, won two out of three group
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Decisions halt Croft challenge
TWO controversial umpiring decisions halted Avoncroft Cricket Club First XI's run chase as they ended up with a losing draw at Old Vigornians. Both Matt Hare and David James were dismissed via contentious LBW rulings in last Saturday's Worcestershire
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Giles stars
SPINNER Ashley Giles picked up two wickets in three overs as England cruised to a seven-wicket victory against South Africa in the NatWest series final. Droitwich Spa-based Giles, currently on duty with Warwickshire at Middlesex, caught and bowled M van
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Neil's ton
NEIL Fletcher blasted an unbeaten 147 as Cutnall Green Cricket Club cruised to a 10-wicket victory at Barnards Green. The hosts batted first and were dismissed for 217 before Fletcher's 147 not out and Derek Higgins' 56 not out saw Green home inside 32
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Skipper's instinct comes up trumps
ZIMBABWEAN Ross Liddell proved his skipper's instincts right last Saturday as Bromsgrove Cricket Club First XI secured a winning draw at high flying Leamington. Liddell was deliberately moved down the order to number seven by Nick Husbands for the trip
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Seventh defeat
HIMBLETON Cricket Club First XI lost for the seventh time this season, going down by three wickets at home to Tenbury to stay bottom of Worcestershire County League division four. Dean Oliver's side gave themselves every chance of their second victory
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Former county men in action
FORMER county cricketers Ted Hem-sley, Rodney Cass and Roger Tolchard will be in action at Evesham this afternoon (Thursday). The occasion is an Over-50s Champion-ship match that gets under way at 2pm. Hemsley and Cass both played for Worcestershire for
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Benefit match
DAVID Leatherdale will be bringing a host of Worcestershire stars to Overbury on Sunday when the Cotswold Hills Leaguers stages a benefit match for the county favourite. The action gets under way at 2pm when the club players pitch their talents against
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Bards blaze a title trail as Overbury snuffed out
STRATFORD Bards took an even firmer grip on the race for the Cotswold Hills League championship after brushing aside struggling Bidford. The losers' plight was worsened at the wrong end of the Premier Division after Overbury's batsmen failed miserably
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Corby at helm
A COTSWOLD Hills League representative squad travels to Dumb-leton on Sunday, July 27. The match gets under way at 11.30am and the visiting side will be skippered by Ship-ston's Andy Corby. The rest of the side comprises Simon Holl-ands, Leon Gates and
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Underground car park
Dear Editor - I have recently visited the show flats at the new Worcester Road development in Droitwich Spa and was told if anyone requiring a flat had two cars, the second would have to be parked on the road. When plans were submitted for these flats
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Asylum seekers warm welcome
Dear Editor - In an age of prejudice and intolerance, it is wonderful to see the welcome extended to asylum seekers by the people of Droitwich Spa. The Somali families currently being housed here by Wychavon have been made to feel a real part of the community
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50 years ago July 18, 1953
NEWS that a new secondary grammar school to accommodate 646 pupils was to be built in Bromsgrove came as quite a surprise. It would be built on land between Alcester Road and Burcot Lane. Other new schools in the pipeline were planned for Lickey and Charford
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Spa carnival congratulations
Dear Editor - Congratulations to Gordon Hughes and his intrepid hard-working group of helpers, a big pat on the back is well deserved to the dedicated assistance of Gordon's gang. He pleaded, pressured, promised, pushed, cajoled, coaxed, commandeered,
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100 years ago July 18, 1903
A VALUABLE horse was found straying in the town by a constable on duty in Bromsgrove who placed it temporarily in a field off College Road. The animal subsequently escaped and was later found dead in a yard near the railway station, belonging to Mr Evans
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Go and board somewhere else
Dear Editor - I am writing in response to the letter by skateboarder A Wainman. I am a parent of two young children in Redcar Close and I would like to reveal the real truth of the situation. There is damage to my car and other cars in Redcar Close caused
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Speed humps are the answer
Dear Editor - I read in your letters column concerning speeding in built up areas (30mph). If the idea to slow down traffic in these areas is to reduce accidents, why on earth don't they put down speed humps - this works - not ripping off the motorists
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We do not want games area here
Dear editor - The Westlands Community Association, in their wisdom, has decided that a multi-use game area for all ages is necessary for the Westlands estate. The area to be used was described at the Westlands Community Associates Planning Forum, held
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Ballboys
BALLBOYS and girls are required by Bromsgrove Rovers for first team and reserve matches next season. Those with the Victoria Ground club last season and anyone else interested can apply to Brian Kite in the club shop at 1.30pm before this Saturday's pre-season
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Festival fun
NEARLY 60 teams took part at the Worcestershire Football Association's third annual female football festival. Competitors from U8s to adult were involved at Pershore High School on Sunday, June 29. Winners and runners-up from across the county were presented
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New venture
A PIONEERING venture between football and computer gaming is being launched at Rubery Juniors Football Club next month. Software giants EA Sports has chosen the club as one of only five in England to kick-off its grassroots football programme on Tuesday
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ANGLING: Waters booked
WATERS booked for Saturday, July 19. Avon - Barton 1, Pershore Left Bank, Nafford 5; Severn - Knowle Sands 1, 2, Danery, Hampton Loade Left Bank 1, 2, Highley Stanley 3, 4, Arley Kinlet, Arley Left Bank 7, 8, Trimpley, Ladyham, Lyth Farm, Hallow 3, 4,
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A team on top
EVESHAM'S emphatic Worcestershire A Team League win over strong opp-osition earned six points to leave them top of the table ahead of Droitwich by half a point with five matches remaining. Unfortunately, a no show from one of the Ross players meant that
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Pairs turn on the heat
THE Throckmorton Trophy is an Open Mixed compe-tition played over the full 27 holes at the Vale. No fewer than 112 competitors from 23 clubs entered this annual event and enjoyed the warmest day of the year. The leaders after the nine holes with a splendid
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Laugh
FUN and laughter will be the name of the game when a vibrant puppet show visits Bromsgrove. Punchinello's Puppets will present Mother Goose and her Nursery Friends at the town Library, in Stratford Road, on Friday, August 1 from 2.30pm. The event is open
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Photos
TOWN residents with a keen interest in photography are urged to attend a Spa venue. Droitwich Spa Photographic Society will have prints on display in the Wychavon Shop, High Street, for two weeks from Friday, August 1. New members also welcome to the
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Funky Friday fun for girls
FOUR fabulous "Funky Fridays" have been organised in Bromsgrove to give town youngsters a bumper package of summertime fun. The fun-packed programme of activities organised by Bromsgrove District Council will take place at the Ryland Centre, in New Road
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What's on guide
Wednesday, July 16 Exhibition: mac staff show, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 12 until 8pm. Until August 3. Film: Max, Cinemac, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 6pm. Show: Miss Saigon, Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham, Until September
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Golden glory as Lake lands a Summer double
Evesham and District Disabled AC and Partnership's LAST Thursday's latest match in the Summer Evening League fished at a local lake turned up a surprise with the winner coming off peg 11 on the reed free side of the lake. Carp to 4.0.0 helped Frank Lake
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Sidemoor WI
Maureen Smith, the president, welcomed members to the meeting. Items from the County News letter was read and discussed. Much enthusiasm was shown that Clarissa Dixon-Wright, star of Two Fat Ladies, would be attending the annual council meeting in March
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Ready to leave
HAPPY youngsters from a Bromsgrove School were all smiles this week as they finished for the summer holidays and prepared to move on to their new schools. The pupils at the Mount School in Birmingham Road finished on Friday on a high note after achieving
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Have minibus, will travel
A TRIP to the sunny shores of Weston-Super-Mare is one of the first journeys planned for a new minibus presented to a Charford community centre. Councillor John Tidmarsh, chairman of Bromsgrove District Council, presented the 17-seater vehicle to the
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Bank boys in Lord's dream
ASTWOOD BANK batsman Andy Clayton is promising an all-out assault on the glory road to Lord's this Sunday. Former finalists Astwood take on Nottinghamshire outfit Plumtree (2.30pm) in a bid to make the quarter-finals of the prestigious National Knockout
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It must be feted
TOTS at Sidemoor First School got their money-spinning hats on for their annual summer fete. The children took part in a country dancing display and enjoyed a visit from Bromsgrove firefighters. A games room was set up where the children tried their hand
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Flagging up green scene
DELIGHTED students from a Bromsgrove school have been awarded the green flag for their eco-friendly attitude to the environment. Two representatives from the Tidy Britain Group visited Aston Fields Middle School in Drummond Road to assess their application
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Top trio get dance titles
A GROUP of talented dancers from Bromsgrove scooped trophies after showing off their dazzling moves in a recent dance competition. Sarah Peters, Emma Perry and Amy Knight all walked away from the prestigious Rising Stars event in Aylesbury with trophies
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The Hulk (12A)
HOLLYWOOD'S continuing love affair with comic book legends continues with a jolly green giant of a movie. The man you don't want to make angry is back on the big screen and it's better than first impressions. After pondering how Hollywood could beat the
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Society brings art to the masses
VIBRANT artwork in watercolour, pastel and acrylic greeted visitors to a Droitwich shopping centre at the weekend. Members of Droitwich Arts Society congregated in Salters shopping centre to display their artwork from landscape paintings to floral designs
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Baby unit could move
BROMSGROVE mums face an hour-long round trip to see their prematurely born babies if a proposal to move neo-natal services to Worcester is given the go ahead at a meeting tomorrow. Members of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust meet tomorrow
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Medics rule on porn plea
DOCTORS are to assess whether a deaf man charged with computer child pornography offences is fit to plead. Richard Stevens, aged 23, of Crofters Green, Droitwich, is accused of possessing indecent photographs, distributing them and making them. His barrister
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Spa drugs gang member jailed
A SPA man was jailed for five-and-a-half years for his part in a £10m drugs racket. John Davies was one of thirteen gang members who swamped Worcestershire with cocaine, heroin, cannabis and ec-stasy. Together, the gang was sent down for a total of 90
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Kings and Queens
CARNIVAL festivities may be over but the hard work was far from forgotten as the town's carnival queen awarded the trophy for the best float this week. Spa beauty, Stephanie Warburton handed over the trophy to the Norbury Theatre for the best float on
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Arsonist jailed for risking lives
THE lives of residents in ten flats were put at risk when a man with an alcohol problem began four separate fires, Worcester Crown Court heard. Richard Tranter was upset after an argument with his girlfriend and a telephone conversation with his business
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It's good to walk
A CAMPAIGNING, blind Spa resident has won his battle to have a telegraph pole removed and kerbs dropped outside his home. Keith Harrison, who began losing his sight while serving in the Merchant Navy, has fought a long, hard battle with British Telecom
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Cutting it with latest rescue gear
VICTIMS of plane, train and automobile crashes could all benefit from new heavy duty cutting equipment unveiled at Droitwich Fire Station. Standards of tools on engines at the Saltway station have been bolstered thanks to a £100,000 investment package
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Redditch claim 11 crucial points
REDDITCH skipper Neville Mason was left positively upbeat after his side stopped their recent Birmingham Senior League Division Two West slide. Mason's men carved out a winning draw with Pelsall and claimed 11 points in what could turn out to be a crucial
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Big toddle
GENEROUS fun runners from a Spa nursery group have bagged £500 for a children's charity. Tots at Bright Eyes Montessori Day Nursery took part in the national Big Toddle to collect cash for Barnardo's. Little ones trekked around the Lido Park, off Worcester
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Rock n' roll stars wanted
Budding rock stars are needed to step into the limelight for this summer's party in the park. Wychavon District Council is set to hold the event at the Lido Park off Worcester Road on Wednesday, August 13. There will be skateboarding, basketball plus
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Orange County (12)
IF it wasn't for having such fond memories of Wayne's World and Ferris Bueller, this film would be more of a winner. It's an engaging teen movie, with some truly funny scenes, but somehow after the true hilarity of the Wayne and Ferris classics, the humour
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Meadow to save county landscape
SEED from a nature reserve near Hanbury will be used to rescue the county's wildflower grasslands. Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is donating seed from Eades Meadow as part of a larger push to encourage landowners and managers to restore and protect the
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Kings of Leon Youth & Young Manhood
The hype about these boys isn't totally unjustified, though the mainstream music press may be slightly over-egging it. Kings of Leon are three brothers and a first cousin from the Southern states, the three brothers having spent most of their short lives
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The Thrills So Much For The City
IT was a surprise to discover the band responsible for hits such as One Horse Town and Big Sur are not American but in fact hail from the Emerald Isle. Think of a less energetic Beach Boys crossed with The Byrds and with a pinch of Bob Dylan thrown in
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Fran's War Break-a-Leg Theatre Group Arrow Vale High School
FRAN'S WAR was something of a departure for Break-a-Leg Theatre Group and a world premier too. Beginning with the opportune moment when theatre group leaders Barnaby and Jo picked up Sally Trench's book at the airport, the story was turned into a stage
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Young talent raises the roof
An Evening of Big Band Jazz and Swing Worcester Youth Jazz Orchestra Countess of Huntingdon Hall, Worcester DID my ears deceive me? Was this really the county's youth jazz orchestra punching out their swing into the celestial surroundings of the Huntingdon
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Retain winning ways to stay top
NOTHING more than a win would have kept Evesham at the top of the table and that's exactly what they got when they entertained Droitwich last Saturday. The five-wicket win leaves Evesham two points clear of closest Crusader Worcester-shire County League
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Sheep shape and Bristol fashion
CHAMPION sheep keeping teachers Steve and Chris Higgins have learned enough lessons to come top of the class in their hobby. During the day, the couple both work in education. But out of school, Steve and Chris spend their time looking after a flock of
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Beating the odds to combat meningitis
NOBODY could have failed to be moved by the tragic death of young Emily Davidson from meningitis. Every year, families from across the UK are devastated by the sudden deaths of children and young people from the vicious disease. The loss of the Malvern
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Pupils on track for sporting stardom
PERSHORE High School pupil James Train has been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Cano-eing Championships in Japan next month. The 17-year-old enjoyed a triple triumph at the British Champion-ships at Holme Pierpoint earlier this month
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Benefit match
DAVID Leatherdale will be bringing a host of Worcestershire stars to Overbury on Sunday when the Cotswold Hills Leaguers stages a benefit match for the county favourite. The action gets under way at 2pm when the club players pitch their talents against
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Strugglers on high after win
PERSHORE'S players were walking a little taller on Saturday evening after a convincing Crusader Worcestershire County League triumph. The Division One strugglers pocketed welcome points after a terrific all-round display. Pershore were invited to bat
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A self-important pile of tosh
I AM always entertained when Redditch Matters drops through my door, with its delightful mix of wishful thinking and ill-conceived propaganda. However, the latest issue surpasses all others. I was delighted to learn on page 8 that alongside paying my
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Hosts lend players
Bretforton 2, Kidderminster 1 IT WAS agreed to play the latest match as a ten-a-side affair with Kidderminster only having eight players and having to borrow two from hosts Stour-port. One of them who made the first goal when she sliced through the Bretforton
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Grab ordeal of girl, 10
PARENTS and children are being warned to be on their guard after a 10-year-old girl was grabbed by a man as she walked to school on Thursday. The incident happened at about 8.50am in Church Hill Centre. Police believe the man, aged in his late 60s, gave
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Travellers' mess to cost taxpayer...£2,000
IT will cost more than £2,000 to clear up the mess left by travellers who stopped at the side of a Redditch road for almost three weeks. Redditch Council will have to foot the bill for the rubbish, opposite Bartleet Road in Washford. Steps will now be
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Town needs outright majority
I HAVE met Alan Mason a few times, on friendly terms. So when he suddenly accuses me of having 'been asleep' at important council meetings - none of which he has ever bothered to attend - he's clearly acting as the mouthpiece of the local Labour party
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'Thirty weeks of the hardest training in the world is enough to change any man.'
A FORMER Abbey High School pupil has been awarded the coveted Green Beret after passing out as a Royal Marine. Nicholas Williams completed 30 weeks of gruelling training designed to instil a high standard of self-discipline, professional ability and physical
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Writer made assumptions
YOUR sad, anonymous correspondent makes a number of assumptions (Letters July 2), of equal irrelevance and factual error. He/she may be interested to learn that at the meeting on July 2 of Worcestershire Highways Partnership - Redditch, the recently appointed
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Shop din is just a big headache
I WAS both delighted and relieved that I am not alone in my disgust and annoyance at the belting out of so-called background music, not only in the Kingfisher Centre but also in most of the shops. The question I put to assistants is: "Is this din to benefit
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Stranded by bad parking
SINCE a disabling accident some time ago, I am much given to travelling by bus and consider we have a very decent service for the most part - up to tea-time anyway! However, I would be interested to know how the current law, by-law or condition operates
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CCTV should spot criminals
HAVING read two reports in the Advertiser, I have come to the conclusion that the money spent on installing CCTV in the town centre was a waste. In one report, the police say they are going to step up patrols in the town centre to try to cut down on violent
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Island needs on-site help!
WHILE waiting in the queue for Sainsbury island, from Bordesley direction, I noticed drivers swerving from the inside lane and, not giving two hoots to authority, drive on the half of the road designated for white lines. Goodness, I thought, whatever
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Cameo Club
IT is with great sadness members learned of the death of friend and committee member Rita Jordan. Thoughts and love to Peter and family. The June meeting turned out to be a social afternoon as speaker Simon Thomas was held up due to road works at Sainsbury's
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Cookhill WI
THE June meeting began with the planting of a black pear tree to commemorate the millennium - better late than never! Historian Mrs Cooper then talked about the Remarkable Women of Worcestershire. The best known was Vesta Tally, born in 1872, the daughter
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Crabbs Cross & Hunt End WI
PRESIDENT Hilary Taylor opened the July meeting. There is to be a butterfly walk on July 20 at Alfrick Pound. Every member was handed a questionnaire from the National Federation and a copy of the newsletter. Rhona Green brought along some small craft
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Abigail wins county crown
RUBERY gymnast Abigail Walker has exceeded her expectations to be crowned a West Midlands champion. Abigail, aged 12, won the West Midland County Championships at FIG (Federation of International Gymnastics) regional level in Birmingham last Saturday.
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Probus Club of Alcester
THE 192nd meeting took place at The Swan Hotel on June 25 and 11 apologies were received from members. Four members had celebrated birthdays, including Derek Turner's 80th, and the president wished them good health and many more birthdays. Mac continued
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ATHLETICS: Trio triumph
THREE ladies from Droitwich Athletics Club have scooped top prize at the Runaround Wyre Forest half marathon. Anita Tyler, Natalie Tyler and Janine Hahner, all from the town, were the first team home over the 13-mile course at the last Sunday. Natalie
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CYCLING: Medal success
BROTHERS Jason and Ross Dingley enjoyed another successful weekend for Bromsgrove Olympique Cycling Club. Jason claimed silver and bronze medals at the Halesowen track League last Friday before adding a second silver in the British Schools Cycling Association
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Golf - Bickerton will miss the Open
DROITWICH Spa golf professional John Bickerton will miss the 132nd Open Championship starting tomorrow (Thursday) after turning down the chance to qualify. Bickerton, from Upton Warren, missed the cut at last week's Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond
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School outcry at test results
ST Augustine's High School is calling for re-marking of Year 9 English tests after finding what they believe are "serious shortcomings" in the external marking. The Year 9 pupils at the Hunt End school did well in their Scholastic Assessment Tests (SATs
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Smiling through the glen
ASTWOOD Bank First School's Year 4 leavers are performing Robin Hood for parents this week. About 50 youngsters are taking part in the production, along with 60 children from Year 3. The production runs until Thursday.
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Parents sign up
REDDITCH parents are being urged to sign a petition calling for fairer funding for county schools. Juliet Brunner, a parent governor at Matchborough First and Ipsley CE Middle schools said children across the county were suffering "educational discrimination
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Activities for the holidays
HOLIDAY activities are taking place at Prince Henry's High School in Evesham next month. There will be three days of sporting activities on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, August 4, 6 and 8 all for boys and girls between eight and 13 from 10am each day.
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Tina strikes for gold
LAST weekend saw the Henley Masters Regatta taking place and Evesham's Tina Bonham won gold in the women's Vet C Eights with a comfortable win over Broxbourne RC. Llandaff Regatta produced three wins for the club with the men's Novice Eight having a straight
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Blooms to spout about
STUDLEY In Bloom is preparing for the big day next week when judges from Britain In Bloom arrive to assess their efforts. The group has been working hard to make sure all the flower beds around the village are in tip-top condition before Wednesday. But
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Dickin delight at sunny Stratford
STABLE star Shampooed stormed to Sunday afternoon's biggest prize at Stratford for local trainer Robin Dickin, writes Mervyn Collins. The nine-year-old mare recorded a popular 11th career success in the Birmingham Evening Mail Handicap Steeple Chase on
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Make it to Monaco
REQUIRING top six finishes to book a trip to Monaco, two Vale youngsters did just that in Bournemouth last weekend. Jessica Wheatley and Callum Tustin finished fifth and sixth respectively at the qualifiers for the World Biathle Championships in September
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Sabre success for Ebrington fencer
STRATFORD celebrated at the double after the British National Fencing Championships last weekend when Mike Johnson, 23 from Bridgetown, Stratford (Portsmouth University) and Louise Bond-Williams, 21, from Ebrington (Ohio State University) triumphed at
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Top racers on track for best in Autograss action
BREDON Hill Autograss Club stages round three of the Kent Cams/K & N Filters British Autograss Series on at Hilltop Raceway, Tirley, near Tewkesbury this weekend. More than 500 drivers are expected to be in action from all over England, Wales and
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Dedication pays off as final place is secured
EVESHAM emerged victorious after the most exciting third and final round of the Nuneaton League at Tamworth. The swimmers worked as a team both in and out of the water, supporting each other all the way through to the final event. The team performed well
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16/7/03 - City shine in opening warm-up
COACH Mick Tuohy was delighted with the workout Worcester City's players had as they won 4-2 at Tividale in their opening pre-season friendly last night. City recovered from two goals down to beat the West Midlands League side, helped by two goals from
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Williams champion
EVESHAM Motor Cycle Club's grass track meeting at Willersey was run in excellent conditions last Saturday when a new Worcestershire champion was crowned. Mark Williams was a worthy winner after winning six of his seven races. In the final, Jon Cox from
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Inkberrow stay on top
LAST week saw the clash of the titans as the top two teams in the Prudden Road Surfacing League battled it out. Leaders Inkberrow A met second-placed Stratford C in what could have proved a decisive encounter. Nick Aylett and Tim Bradshaw got Inkberrow
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Pupils on track for sporting stardom
PERSHORE High School pupil James Train has been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Cano-eing Championships in Japan next month. The 17-year-old enjoyed a triple triumph at the British Champion-ships at Holme Pierpoint earlier this month
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More people on the water
AS the weather improves so do entries for the Wednesday evening meetings at Arden Sailing Club in Defford. Last week the small fleet decided just to enjoy messing about in boats and, in this light hearted atmosphere Helen Williams was seen helming a Vintage
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Class on course
PUPILS from a Redditch middle school have been awarded certificates after taking part in a drugs awareness course. The seven-week scheme, called The Star Course, is aimed at 10 and 11 year olds and teaches them to Stop, Think, Act and Reflect, particularly
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Rainbow adds colour to a Turner Cup triumph!
ANOTHER exciting week in Broadway's season saw the men progress through to the next round of the Vernon Turner Cup. The final margin of victory was 84-71 - a result made possible by the comprehensive 37-3 win recorded by Mark Rain-bow's rink. All three
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More members reach Leamington
IN ADDITION to having three of their ladies through to Leamington in the finals of the County Triples, Littleton now have Angela Roberts and Sue Heming through in the Pairs event after coming through several rounds before defeating Margaret Stokes and
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League meeting
THE annual general meeting of the North Cotswold Dominoes League takes place next Wednesday night from 8pm at Weston Friendship Club. All teams wishing to participate in the 2003/2004 season are invited to attend. New teams will be welcome.
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Vets in front
THE annual Inter-Club 25 challenge between the Evesham Wheelers and Chel-tenham and County CC took place on the new course between Broadway and Bishops Cleeve last Wednesday evening in warm but humid conditions. With three riders cloc-king under the hour
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Susannah's a little hero
IT will be a hair-raising experience for a 12-year-old girl tomorrow when she shaves her head to raise money for Chinese orphans. Susannah Grumball, of Ardens Grafton, near Alcester, is raising the money after she visited Tianjin, north-eastern China
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Alcester couple's royal visit
IT was a right royal occasion for Maggie and Eric Payne when they visited the Queen at Buckingham Palace yesterday. Alcester town councillor and St Nicholas' Churchyard committee member Eric Payne was nominated to attend the Queen's Garden Party in recognition
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Facelift for second PO
A SECOND Redditch post office will undergo refurbishment this month. The Mason Road post office will close at 5.30pm on Tuesday, July 30, and re-open on Saturday, August 2, although the shop will remain open. The work involves installing a new two-position
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Fifty jobs at restoration
MORE than 50 new jobs have been created at a restored medieval building near Alcester. Husband and wife team Jayne and Paul Roberts re-established the buildings at Alcester Heath and have rejuvenated the town with five new businesses, including a thriving
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Stand by your flower beds!
THERE'S just one week left until judges from the Heart of England in Bloom competition come to Alcester. The four Heart of England in Bloom 2003 judges have already got under way in their quest to find the best and most beautiful towns and cities in the
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M&S give pupils a taste of time in two city stores
MARKS & Spencer is giving Worcestershire school pupils the taste for an exciting career in the retail industry through its work experience programme. Currently, two pupils from Pershore High School and three pupils from Hanley Castle High School are
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They're a credit
REDDITCH people are being encouraged to join a co-operative that has already helped scores of residents who found themselves spiralling into debt. Unlike high street banks and money lending companies, Credit Union, which opened about two and a half years
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Lifelinefor bus route
ANOTHER vital bus route serving outlying villages around Alcester have been axed - but its route has been joined with another service. The Friday-only 213 service from Dunnington, Exhall, The Graftons and Haselor to Stratford, operated by Welcombe Garages
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Hole in one move for band
A REDDITCH band which has recently undergone a name change is set to appear in Carlton TV series Xposure in September. Loophole were approached by the television network following a successful appearance at the Hard Rock Caf for radio station Heart FM
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Moth is all in a larvae!
AN Oakenshaw South nature lover believes the hairy and scary looking caterpillar featured in last week's Advertiser was not the larvae of a white-marked tussock moth but that of a vapourer moth. We reported that Viv Holmes, of Priest Meadow Close, Astwood
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Students drum up some jazz
KINGSLEY College students recently took part in a celebration of the performing arts at Malvern's Forum Theatre. African drumming group Zambezee was involved in county arts festival Voices and Visions. The nine-strong group is made up of Year 9 and 10
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Now it's £3m for Acorns
DREAMS of building a hospice for life-limited children in Worcester have come another step closer after Acorns Children's Hospice Three Counties Appeal cracked the £3m mark. Fund-raisers now need to generate the final £1m to hit their target for the state-of-the-art
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Water pressure is absolute shower
AN angry mother-of-two is feeling rather hot under the collar - because she can't have a shower. Gaynor Amphlett has been unable to use the shower at her Pershore home for two days because of low water pressure. And Mrs Amphlett, of Hurst Road, is demanding
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Hospice a step closer
ACORNS Children's Hospice is now three quarters of the way to funding its £4m state-of-the-art hospice in Worcester. Chief executive John Overton announced the Three Counties Appeal had broken the £3m mark at the trust's annual general meeting. He added
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TENNIS: Summer success
A SUCCESSFUL tennis coaching course for adults is attracting interest from across Bromsgrove this summer. Two-hour sessions are being held in Sanders Park, off Kidderminster Road, on Thursdays by Bromsgrove Tennis Club qualified coach Richard Lawton.
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Appeal for more instruments as guitar is donated
USERS of a centre for homeless and lonely people will no longer need to play 'air-guitar' after being donated a real guitar for a music workshop they are trying to start. Maggs Day Centre, on Deansway in Worcester, is appealing for donations of anything
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Students attacked
A GROUP of yobs assaulted two Spanish students while they waited at the main bus station in CrownGate after a night out in the city centre. The two pupils, who are at the University College of Worcester on an exchange trip, were attacked on Monday night
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Health crisis in county
THIS year is the first time that the health trust ratings have been carried out by the Commission for Health Improvement. Every acute hospital trust, ambulance trust, primary care trust and mental health trust in England has been given a star rating,
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Foot-and-mouth ordeal 'dead and buried' now nature is set to bloom at carcase site
Plans to turn the infamous Throckmorton burial site into a nature reserve have been given the go-ahead. Wildflowers and grass will transform the area, which was used to bury 133,000 carcases during the foot-and-mouth crisis. The Department of Environment
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I wasn't a danger - death crash driver
ONE man was killed and two others were seriously injured in a head-on crash near Worcester after a Land Rover driver tried to overtake a lorry, a jury heard. Katherine Dawkes collided with a Ford Capri coming towards her on the A4538 between Spetchley
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Slime time as pupils meet pond life
PUPILS took the plunge and delved into the murky world of their school pond as part of a special eco day. Youngsters at Warndon Junior School, Edgeworth Close, took part in a variety of activities from pond-dipping to games involving recycling as part
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Music
TOE-TAPPING Spa folk are urged to pop along to a night of vibrant country music. Cardy and Coke will make their debut appearance at the End of the Trail Country Music Concert Club, in Salwarpe Road, on Saturday, August 16. A club spokesman said they are
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Scouting around for more storage
STORAGE problems are proving a headache for Kempsey's expanding Scout group since it acquired £4,000 worth of new camping equipment with the aid of a Lottery grant. The group used to meet in the community centre, where it has the use of a separate brick
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50 years ago
July 17, 1953 Redditch is permitted to have two pedestrian crossings by the Minister of Transport. On Monday, Redditch Council's public works committee decided to recommend to the council to ask the minister for permission to place a crossing in Alcester
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Pub man had head injuries
AN investigation has been launched after police found a 36-year-old man unconscious outside a Redditch pub. The man, who is in a serious but stable condition, was discovered at about 11.15pm on Saturday, July 5, at the Archers pub in Birchfield Road,
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Youth pulled pansies
A WINYATES teenager has been fined £75 for pulling up two pansies worth £2.50 in Redditch town centre. Daniel Cartlidge, 19, of Tillington Close, was charged with criminal damage following the incident in Alcester Street on April 5. Redditch Magistrates
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Rovers saddle up for Walsall
BROMSGROVE Rovers return from the summer recess this Saturday as they begin their pre-season warm-up against Walsall at the Victoria Ground (3pm). Colin Lee's Nationwide Division One side is the first of eight opponents lined up for George Rooney's team
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Date change
BROMSGROVE Rovers' pre-season friendly at Alvechurch has been re-arranged for Thursday, August 7. The game was originally scheduled to take place this month, but was replaced on Saturday, July 26 with the visit of Stockport County to the Victoria Ground
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Another grim day as a star is shorn
HOW our heart has sunk at the savaging Worcestershire's health services have suffered in the annual star ratings. Hats off to Worcestershire Mental Health Trust, the only body to retain the two stars it earned last year. But the rest? Well, words almost
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Studley duo serve up big victory
WYTHALL held its annual open mixed tournament, sponsored by Coors Brewery, with pairs from Stratford, Studley and Beachcroft together with four pairs from the home club. Wythall pair, Joe Singleton and Lynn Woolley made their debut in this type of tournament
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New grant gives go-ahead to hall
A £240,000 revamp of Cookhill Village Hall is now almost certain to go ahead after a bid for £100,000 was successful. The grant, from the Community Buildings Trial Programme, makes up more than 40 per cent of the total project cost, which includes extending
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Partridge in a plum role
A REDDITCH teenager stars in The Young REP production After Juliet at Birmingham Repertory Theatre until Saturday. John Partridge, 16, from Winyates West, has been acting since he was seven and last year played a pirate in Peter Pan in the Birmingham
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Injuries update pleases Keast
ANDY Keast remains positive that Worcester Rugby Club will have a fully fit squad to choose from by September. The Sixways coach has been monitoring a number of injury concerns since the promotion-chasing squad returned to training this month. Werner
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Hereford have to settle for draw
HEREFORDSHIRE had to settle for a draw in their Minor Counties Champion-ship Western Division clash with Devon at Torquay. Set a daunting 406 to win in 68 overs, they closed on 276-4 led by an unbeaten 103 from Rob Hughes, with support from Ismail Dawood
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Pitchcroft mission for Johnson
TOP jockey Richard Johnson looks set to steal the show at Worcester Racecourse tonight. Pitchcroft opens its doors to six races between 6.40pm-9.10pm with Johnson looking a solid each-way bet in five. Johnson goes off in the 6.40pm selling handicap hurdle
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County put Spa through their paces
WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club defeated Droitwich Spa CC's First XI by 164 runs in David Leatherale's benefit match. Crowds flocked to St Peter's Field last Monday to soak up the scorching sun, as well as bar and barbecue, and watch Spa pit their
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Duggan's effort in vain for Spa
CENTURION Ian Duggan hit more than half his side's runs as Droitwich Spa Cricket Club First XI lost by five wickets at Evesham. Spa's second defeat in a row saw Duggan hit 100, but Spa were dismissed for 192, leaving Worcestershire County League division
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Mackay hat-trick
GUS Mackay took a hat-trick and hit 64 as Barnt Green Cricket Club First XI dismantled Birmingham and District premier division leaders Wellington. Zimbabwean Mackay's treble, part of a 5-22 haul, helped restrict the leaders to just 87-7 in reply to Green's
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Title defence
NORTH Bromsgrove High School attempts to defend an U14s cricket title this week. The school will be one of four teams descending on Bromsgrove Cricket Club, in St Godwald's Road, this Friday for the club's annual U14s tournament. Last year's winners will
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Win to finish
BADSEY Under-14s completed their Cotswold Hills League season with a 62-run victory over Evesham. Badsey batted first and scored a respectable 277-4. Christian Pearce top scored with 18, while last pair Adam Westmacott (11) and Matt Smith (15) added 32
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Bishop bags the big one!
FORTY-FOUR years after making his bow as a Shipston player, John Bishop finally scored a century for the club. Now, a regular in the second team's middle order, Bishop, who also lovingly prepares and maintains the London Road ground, reached his milestone
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Strugglers on high after win
PERSHORE'S players were walking a little taller on Saturday evening after a convincing Crusader Worcestershire County League triumph. The Division One strugglers pocketed welcome points after a terrific all-round display. Pershore were invited to bat
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Clark named new captain
DAVE Clark has been named as the new captain of Bromsgrove RFC First XV. Open side flanker Clark, aged 32, takes over from new head coach Dean Ball as skipper at Finstall Park. He said: "It's a great honour to be captain of Bromsgrove and I am chuffed
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Carnival was the most successful yet
Dear Editor - The weather for this year's street market and carnival could not have been better, as the summer's warmth brought out the people of Bromsgrove in their hordes. Here's just a few words of thanks to all those who have given so much time and
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Club chairman needs backing
Dear editor - Two years ago, Bromsgrove Rovers were hours away from closing down and it was only due to the intervention of the current chairman that the Rovers are now a power to be reckoned with again having completed two extremely successful seasons
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Wrong about asylum seekers
Dear Editor - When the Throckmorton asylum centre plans were shelved, I heard Wychavon had cut a deal with Whitehall offering to house immigrants in surrounding towns. I expected lodging hostels full of single men, urban unemployment, rising crime rates
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Spa is used as a dumping ground
Dear Editor - Property values are safe in the Vale of Evesham and the good citizens of Pershore can walk their streets in peace. The country gentry nimbys of Wychavon stopped Throckmorton immigration centre in its tracks, at a price. Whole asylum seeker
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25 years ago July 14, 1978
"MANIACS and louts" were ruining the game of rugby with the authorities doing little to stamp out the bad behaviour of some players. The strong words came from Bromsgrove Rugby Club secretary Paul Rabey in a speech at the annual meeting. He went on to
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Objections to kick-about area
Dear editor - In response to Frank Simmonds' letter, I totally repudiate the things he said. Firstly if, according to Mr Simmonds, only one or two people object to this scheme, I challenge him to survey the residents in the Meadows to find out exactly
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Comments are a disgrace
Dear Editor - Your correspondent's reply, Protecting Your Property, to my earlier letter is a disgrace. He suggests that we are somehow to blame by 'sharing the criminals taste in cars.' I presume criminals have many different preferences in cars, cycles
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Two decades for staff football team
FOR two decades teachers in Droitwich Spa have been unwinding from the stresses of the classroom with an informal weekly kick-about. Nothing, not even ageing limbs or a lack of players, has stopped about 12 staff joining together on a football pitch since
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Top tuition
TOP football coaching is available at a residential course at Bromsgrove School during the summer holidays. Robert Cleverley, of Coventry City Football Club's academy, and former West Bromwich Albion player Steve Lilwall are running a three-day course
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New referees
A JUNIOR football league is in desperate need of more referees. The Mercian Festival Football League, formerly the Mercian Elgar Football League, needs officials to take charge of games to teach young footballers the laws of the game. Any interested in
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Spa warm-up
DROITWICH Spa Football Club has lined up five pre-season warm-up matches in preparation for their new Midland Football Combination division two campaign. Kevin Blaber's side, who kick-off the new season on Saturday, August 16, start their friendly fixtures
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Outrage at new hike in cost of vetting teachers
On Tuesday, July 1, the Criminal Records Bureau announced that the cost of ''vetting'' teachers would double. Dan Kendrick looks at why a service that has consistently failed Worcestershire's schools is being rewarded with more money. THE Government's
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Angling round-up
THE Woodland View's affordable open was held on Arles pool last Tuesday and begins this week's round-up. Leading the strong field was Paul Foster (Blackheath) with short pole fished corn and meat at peg 10 to take a 64-9-0 catch. Colin Pace (Bilston)
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On road in cup
SHIPSTON face a difficult task if they are to return to Twickenham next year. After gaining promotion for a second successive season in addition to reaching the Powergen Junior Vase final, the Mayo Road men's rise in status will see them feature in the
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Company tours with female rights show
A DRAMATIC story of how women got the vote will be told at a Bromsgrove venue this month. Mikron Theatre Company will visit the Ladybird Inn, in Stoke Road, with their production A Woman's Place - the fight for Women's Suffrage on Sunday, July 27. The
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Prizes galore
THERE will be prizes galore this month when Bromsgrove library holds an exciting Reading Maze Challenge. The event, open to youngsters aged four to 12 years-old, will take place at the library, in Stratford Road, from Tuesday, July 22. There will be medals
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Ah, men
MIKE Lindley criticises the Church of England for "trying to be all things to all men". But that is precisely what St Paul said Christians should be - and to all women too. GEORGE COWLEY, Warndon.
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Summer action
ENERGETIC local residents are being urged to dust off their walking boots and take part in a relaxing three-mile stroll in Rubery. The walk, organised as part of Bromsgrove District Council's Walks for Health, will take place in the Waseley Hills at 1pm
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LICKEY WI
Lickey WI celebrated its 39th birthday at the parish hall on Tuesday, July 1. Catherine Parker was thanked for organising the outing to Tetbury and Berkeley Castle in June and an outing to Bath in November was announced. Final arrangements were made for
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Save cash, don't state the obvious
n HOW stupid can people and organisations be? I saw SARA asked for signs to be put on Worcester Bridge telling people not to jump off it, into the River Severn, as this is very dangerous! Why do they also not tell Worcester City Council to put up some
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Wychbold WI
AT the June meeting, President Dot Waldron thanked Ann Brown for hosting the coffee morning at her house in aid of the Wychbold Village Hall Appeal Fund, £95 being raised as a result. The outing to the Cotswolds at the beginning of June had also been
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It's like trying to convince someone drowning
THE hunting brigade are desperate. They will say anything to keep their wicked past time lawful. If they thought it would work, they could stand on the riverbank and try and convince a drowning man that, actually, water was good for him. Any human being
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Want to save tourism? Then look at this first
A SLOGAN, according to your report, could help revive tourism. No it couldn't. It's just another tired old clich of the PR industry. And marketing organisations earn millions for promoting such claptrap. Here - for free - is how to revive tourism here
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Spadesbourne Ladies Club
Nearly 60 members and visitors gathered at the Ladybird Inn and enjoyed listening to Mel Mills talking about his gran, who was a gypsy. His stories about her life were quite hilarious, from measuring 4ft 6in, whichever way she was, either lying down or
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Old folk need the 29B back on road
I AGREE with Mrs Chambers regarding the loss of the 29B bus. The area between London Road and Liverpool Road is an extensive one and needs a regular bus service. Many elderly - including 80 to 90-year-old - widows live near me and I know personally that
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Hadzor & Oddingley WI
Our president welcomed two visitors to our June meeting. The flowers in the village hall had been arranged by Margaret Neale and Christine Hawker. Diane Bidwell was thanked for organising the luncheon at Droitwich Golf Club. June Nicolson reported on
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Blair's desperation shows why he can't be trusted
TONY Blair's struggle to justify joining the US in the war against Iraq is looking increasingly desperate. From asserting that weapons of mass destruction could be launched in 45 minutes, to secure House of Commons support, he has now changed his emphasis
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Bromsgrove Soroptimists
Have you ever heard of "CONDUCTIVE EDUCATION"? Very few people have - but the National Institute for Conductive Education in Birmingham was the first centre to be set up in the UK. To treat, help and educate cerebral palsy in children and adults, as well
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The heat is on
BROMSGROVE sun-worshippers basked in the sweltering heat wave this weekend as scorching temperatures in the town reached the soaraway heights of 32C (90F). June was the warmest on record since 1976 and Monday was the hottest day this year. ASDA in Market
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16/7/03 - Worcs back on top of the table
WORCESTERSHIRE eased back to the top of the Frizzell County Championship division two table as wickets tumbled on the opening day of their match against bottom-placed Derbyshire at New Road. They leap-frogged former lea-ders Northants after picking up
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Ready for the run
BROMSGROVE fitness fanatics are getting set for a marathon trek across the Malvern Hills this Sunday. Athletic Jamie Jones and around 25 other runners will be pounding across the local beauty spot from around 10.30am. Jamie, who runs three circuit training
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Anniversary sail
A popular town sailing club celebrated its 25th anniversary with a charity-sponsored sail. Members got wet and wild at the Upton Warren Sailing Club, off Worcester Road, while raising cash for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) last weekend
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Celebrating 60 happy years
DECADES of love, commitment and devotion were celebrated when a Bromsgrove couple donned their glad-rags to mark 60 years of marriage. Kath and Ernie Warman were escorted by Rolls Royce when they went to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary at
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Fluffy surprise
TOTS at Home Farm day nursery in Bromsgrove had a fluffy surprise when they watched two duck eggs hatch. After a visit to Umberslade Children's Farm, the nursery was given four fertilised duck eggs to look after. The eggs were kept warm and dry in an
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Artful dodgers
ARTY students at South Bromsgrove High School had the chance to polish up their painting skills when they met a working artist as part of Big Arts Week. Artist-in-residence Kay Jones visited the Charford Road school during the national arts week. Head
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SYMPATHY FOR AXED WORKERS
THE Town Mayor has voiced her sorrow for staff at a Droitwich factory whose jobs will be axed in October. Office equipment manufacturers Acco, last Wednesday announced moves to shut its factory on Berry Hill industrial estate. The firm, which has been
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Is your garden shed breaking new law ?
GARDENERS in Bromsgrove are being asked to check their sheds for soon-to-be banned pesticides. Under an EU directive, some popular lawn feed and weed killer products sold under 'own-label' brands, ASDA, B&Q, Boots, Do-It-All, Homebase and Woolworths
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Row at heart of the parish
A PARISH councillor has hit out at a fellow member amid claims that she failed to comply with the council's strict code of conduct. Stoke Prior parish councillor Athol Deakin claims that Cllr Jeanette Birmingham failed to adhere to the code of conduct
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Having fun in the sun
YOUNGSTERS in Bromsgrove can look forward to an explosion of summertime fun with plenty to keep them amused during the long summer holidays. Free family entertainment throughout the whole of the school break is on the agenda for boys and girls of all
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Still left Roo-ing result
FECKENHAM suffered more Worcestershire County League Division Two disappointment - despite an impressive 118 from Nardis Roos. The in-form batsman's knock could only help earn a winning draw with bottom club Oldswinford. He was aided and abetted by Kevin
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Tragic kids memories spark summertime play safe plea
POLICE are calling for Spa kids to play safe this summer and ensure it does not become a season of tragedy on the roads. Tragedy The message comes a year after the tragic death of Droitwich Spa High School pupil, Josh Simpson, struck by an articulated
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Clean out brook now
A ONE-WOMAN campaign has been launched to spruce up Bromsgrove's scruffy High Street and clean out one of its most valuable natural assets, the town brook. Areas such as Clegg's Entry, running from High Street to Crown Close, which is frequently used
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Bidford in drop fear
BIDFORD slipped closer to the Cotswold Hills League Premier Division relegation trap door with a nine-wicket defeat to table-topping Stratford Bards on Saturday. It was the second reverse on the bounce for the club that is now just three points clear
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Rovers' ground meeting called
RESIDENTS concerned over the effects development at Bromsgrove Rovers' Victoria Ground may have on their homes can air their views at a public meeting called for next week. The meeting is set to take place at Parkside Middle School, in Stourbridge Road
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Miller's mission
WITH England running away with the NatWest Series, Studley's South African skipper Brandon Miller has been forced to eat some humble pie at Washford Fields this week. But the likeable captain believes the same spirit sparking Michael Vaughan's one-day
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New man at the helm
THE man who stepped into the breach at the Bromsgrove Society earlier this year has been confirmed as its new chairman. Des Clarke of Alvechurch Highway, Lydiate Ash, has been acting chairman since March, when Tim Harris had to step down through ill health
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A safer walk to school
JOURNEYS to three town schools will have big money spent on them after a survey among pupils and parents highlighted problem areas. Through Worcestershire County Council's Safer Routes to Schools initiative, travel chiefs plan to spend £200,000 on getting
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Wythall getting Street wise...
WILY Wythall put up a brave fight against Warwickshire League Division Three leaders Streetley to earn themselves a losing draw on Saturday. Dave Gollum's 4-25 helped restrict championship-chasing Streetley to 265-9. Shiriz's solid 55 with the bat then
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Private hospital's new operation
A NEW £2.88m hospital extension, set to benefit the residents of Droitwich Spa has been officially unveiled. The extension at the Droitwich Spa Private Hospital in St Andrew's Road, was officially opened by mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff on Friday.
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R Kelly Chocolate Factory
After releasing the four-week chart topping single Ignition - Remix, you would have thought that R Kelly's new album would have been great. But it has had poor ratings and reviews, and to be quite honest, it is obvious why. This is his seventh album and
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Spiked drinks alert
REVELLERS are being warned to be careful when they are out in Redditch town centre after several reports of people having their drinks spiked. Redditch police have launched an investigation after one man spent three days in hospital claiming his drink
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Pairs turn on the heat
THE Throckmorton Trophy is an Open Mixed compe-tition played over the full 27 holes at the Vale. No fewer than 112 competitors from 23 clubs entered this annual event and enjoyed the warmest day of the year. The leaders after the nine holes with a splendid
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Young guns shoot for glory
HOT weather and similar competition welcomed the visitors from South Worcester SG to Throckmorton CPSC. Still smarting from their recent defeat, Throckmorton's young guns put on an excellent display of marksmanship. Stuart Emms and Jim Ford lead the way
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More people on the water
AS the weather improves so do entries for the Wednesday evening meetings at Arden Sailing Club in Defford. Last week the small fleet decided just to enjoy messing about in boats and, in this light hearted atmosphere Helen Williams was seen helming a Vintage
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Back on the baize
Evesham and District Snooker League A DECLINE in the number of teams taking part competitively has led to a call for new clubs to join the league. Not too long ago, 36 teams made up the local league but just 16 were in combat last season. Teams consist
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On road in cup
SHIPSTON face a difficult task if they are to return to Twickenham next year. After gaining promotion for a second successive season in addition to reaching the Powergen Junior Vase final, the Mayo Road men's rise in status will see them feature in the
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Heat is on for workers
HOT and bothered Redditch Council workers have been warned they will be sent home if they are caught wearing shorts. Despite the town sweltering in temperatures of above 30 degrees, a council employee said bosses had told them it was against their policy
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Pervert caught by credit card
A successful businessman who downloaded 1,082 child porn photographs on his computer has been jailed for three years at Worcester Crown Court. Ashley Smith was caught because he subscribed to an American website using his credit card. Seven of the pictures
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Thumbs up for Royal Enfield
THE biggest gathering in Royal Enfield history took place on Saturday as more than 1,000 machines descended on Arrow Valley Countryside Centre for Redditch Revisited. The event saw a reunion of about 100 former Royal Enfield employees, as well as displays
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Steph to stay in house
REDDITCH'S very own Big Brother housemate Steph Coldicott has proved she has real staying power after once again being left out of the eviction nominee line-up. The public has instead decided that Cameron and Malvern girl Nush should be the contestants
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Thanks for arts festival
CAN I, on behalf of the organisers, say a big thank you to those organisations and individuals who took part in this year's Community Arts Festival Event (CAFE). It was good to see so many talented and enthusiastic participants. In particular, we would
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Addict is jailed
A drug addict who went shoplifting to fund his habit has been given a six month jail sentence at Worcester Crown Court. Judge John Cavell also ordered 25-year-old Anthony Lee to serve an additional nine months and four days of an unexpired prison licence
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Keep that nose out
WITH regard to the bottlenecks created through changed road markings, Worcestershire County Council is doing its best to try to kill off any potential business which might be able to flourish now that a few shops have opened in Redditch town centre. This
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Music was a summer treat
YOU recently published details of a concert held at Studley Village Hall with music by Katie Walters on flute and Sadie Fleming on piano. My husband and I attended (our first visit to the newly built and beautifully designed hall). The title of the concert
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BROMSGROVE ROVERS FIXTURES 2003/04
(HOME, away) (Dr Martens Western unless stated) August Sat 16 TAUNTON TOWN Tues 19 Bedworth United Sat 23 Gresley Rovers Mon 25 REDDITCH UNITED Sat 30 Cradley or Daventry (FA Cup preliminary) September Sat 6 RUGBY UNITED Sat 13 FA Cup first qualifying
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All in a season's work for Rovers
THERE is no doubt the visit of Redditch United four games into the new Dr Martens Western season is the highlight of Bromsgrove Rovers' new fixture list. The computer at league headquarters has been in overdrive once again pairing teams up and has handed
