Archive
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Man died from multiple injuries
A MAN who was killed when he stepped out in front on a train travelling at more than 50mph had made previous attempts to take his own life, an inquest has heard. Unemployed Paul Hardman, a single 37-year-old, had been standing on the train lines at Eckington
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Disease attacks eighth victim
HEALTH officials have confirmed an eighth person has been struck by Legionnaire's disease following the outbreak in Hereford. The latest case of the illness was discovered in a man in his 30s, who lives in the county and comes less than 24 hours after
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Armistice Day attack
AN ex-servicemen's club came under attack on Armistice Day when an explosion blew out all its windows. But rather than grenades and mortars, a large firework is thought to be responsible for the explosion at the Barbourne Ex-Servicemen's Club. The club
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Farmers fight on as court case is postponed
A COURT case, which would have seen two Worcestershire farmers fight to save their cows from being culled, has been postponed for more talks. Andy and Nicola Morris last month refused to allow officials from Defra and Trading Standards on their Eatons
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Dowsers lured to 'healing' Malvern
A SOCIETY dedicated to the ancient art of dowsing is seeking to make its base in Malvern, attracted by the town's association with healing waters and sacred wells. The British Society of Dowsers is hoping to move its offices to 2, St Ann's Road in January
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Mayor labelled as 'pompous'
THE Mayor of Worcester has been branded "over-bearing and pompous" by a former holder of the post following a walk-out protest at his behaviour. Three Labour councillors quit a meeting of Worcester City Council last night after the Mayor, Councillor Gareth
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Trees shocked by dry summer
SQUIRRELS are going nuts about the weather! The dry conditions over the last few months has been bad news for many animals, but the squirrels are not complaining. While hedgehogs are dehydrated and badgers are venturing into back gardens in their search
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Shake-up for rural services
SERVICES in rural areas of Worcestershire face a shake-up after Government adviser Lord Haskins' report proposed the creation of a new "integrated" rural agency. It would be created by a merger of English Nature, the Rural Development Service and parts
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Bitter pill for dealer
A teenager who picked the wrong "customer" when she tried to supply her with drugs at a Worcester nightclub has ended up being detained. Suzanne Burfitt approached a woman who worked for the club's security firm and asked her if she wanted to buy ecstasy
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Let folk band entertain you
FOLK fans are in for a vibrant night of first class entertainment tomorrow night (Thursday). The Gravelly Hillbillies will be performing for the Bromsgrove Folk Club, which meets at The Ladybird Inn in Aston Fields. Club organiser Bob Bignell said: "This
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Music group
AN award-winning classical music quartet is set to make their debut in Bromsgrove this weekend. Bromsgrove Concerts has invited the Takacs Quartet to play at the Spadesbourne Suite in Burcot Lane this Friday. The concert, which starts at 8pm, will feature
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Classic night
CLASSICAL music lovers are in for treat at a concert this weekend. The Droitwich Spa Concert Club has invited the Guarneri Trio of Prague to play at the Methodist Church in Worcester Road on Saturday. The Spa show will start at 7.30pm.
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Variety of fun on offer to raise disability awareness
MUSIC and live theatre performances are just two of the items on the menu at a special open day being held to raise disability awareness. The day is being staged by Worcestershire County Council - at County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester - this Friday
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Councillor has allies in battle to ban the sale of fireworks
A COUNCILLOR'S fight to ban the sale of fireworks in shops has sparked a storm of support in the city. Richard Udall said he has received more than 20 letters and phonecalls from concerned St John's residents since he pledged to take action in the Evening
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Bromsgrove Rovers 2 Halesowen Town 1
Tuesday, November 11, 2003 A PAUL Szewczyk double put Bromsgrove Rovers into the Dr Martens League Cup second round at the expense of Western Division rivals Halesowen Town. The 6ft 2in hitman struck in each half to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 victory
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Bromsgrove Rovers 3 Yate Town 2
Saturday, November 8, 2003 BROMSGROVE Rovers overcame a hard working Yate Town team by the odd goal in five to claim three points at the Victoria Ground. Despite missing Dave Benton, Richard Tomkins, Mark Benbow and James Dyson, Rovers made a dream start
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12/11/03 - Swifts match postponed
BROMSGROVE Rovers' Dr Martens Western home derby with Stourport Swifts next Tuesday (November 18) has been postponed to make way for cup commitments. George Rooney's side will instead play their league cup second round game at Cinderford Town following
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Taxi driver robbed by his passenger
POLICE are seeking information after a taxi driver was robbed in Redditch on Saturday morning. He picked up a man walking along the A38 towards Bromsgrove near the Forest pub at about 3.55am. The man told the taxi driver he had been to the Marlgrove club
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Crimestoppers
Police are appealing for information after a man stole several bars of chocolate from McColls newsagents in Church Hill centre). As the man was leaving the shop a woman who saw him steal the chocolate approached him and he swore at her. The incident happened
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Carpet conmen trick pensioners
POLICE are warning elderly householders to beware a bizarre con trick in which they are offered free fitted carpets, only to be intimidated later into paying for them. Last Tuesday afternoon, a 68-year-old Matchborough woman was approached by two men
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Raid on post office
MASKED raiders escaped with cigarettes from a Church Hill newsagents and post office at about 4.40am last Tuesday. Four people wearing balaclavas were seen running away from McColls, in Knowle Close, after the alarm was activated. One was wearing a grey
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A time when so many did owe a great deal to so few
Review: We Happy Few, Festival Theatre, Malvern (until Saturday) THIS world premiere was purposely staged as we approached Remembrance Sunday, and what a fitting tribute. Not only to the many who - in conflict - laid down their lives on some foreign field
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Late goal proves enough
A GOAL three minutes from time ensured Bromsgrove Hockey Club Ladies Second XI continued their unbeaten record this season with a 2-1 home win against Cresconians. A tense first half remained goalless thanks to a fantastic reaction save by Bromsgrove
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Passion overspilt in war of words
WE'VE long argued that, just as Worcester has suffered over the years for being home to folk who won't stand up and make a big noise, so it has lacked a vibrancy in its civic leadership. That hasn't been the case since Gareth Jones slipped the Mayoral
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Praise for customers
THE chairman of the Feckenham and District Macmillan Cancer Relief Committee has thanked Tesco customers for helping to raise nearly £1,800 in a recent collection. David Hunt said: "I am delighted to say that the sum total raised was £1,777 which will
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12/11/03 - Juggling act for City manager
FOOTBALL managers are by nature a wheeler-dealer bunch, especially at non-league level. It's part of the job and the maxim that you are only as good as your contacts (toss in budget to that equation as well) stands up to scrutiny. That's why when you
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Giant move ahead
Alvechurch 1 Rocester 1 ALVECHURCH took a giant step in their mini revival by securing a super point against Midland Alliance high-fliers Rocester at Lye Meadow on Saturday. In a performance that joint managers Neil Bryan and Andy Hibbert both described
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Just captivating
DANCEXCHANGE, based at the Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, showcases the talents of five international choreographers in Bare Bones 2/003 on Tuesday and Wednesday. The evening of dance, aimed at age eleven upwards, is presented in the round with
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It's Rover and out as United roar on
Gresley Rovers 2 Redditch United 3 REDDITCH United boss Rod Brown was full of praise for his players after a polished performance - topped by a cracking Richard Burgess strike - saw off Gresley Rovers on Saturday. The Reds remained two points clear at
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Fixtures
Saturday, November 15 FOOTBALL Dr Martens Western - Rugby United v Bromsgrove Rovers (3pm). Midland Football Combination Division One - Fairfield Villa v Bloxwich Town. Division Two - Continental Star Res v Droitwich Spa (all 2pm). RUGBY Powergen Intermediate
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Lorraine in drive to help
A local fundraiser is calling for sponsorship to bring one of the familiar sights of India to the streets of Malvern. Lorraine Page, who will travel to Bangalore in March, is hoping to attract sponsorship to bring back a motorised rickshaw for a fund-
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What's On Guide
Thursday, November 13 Wythall Theatre Company: Don't Dress for Dinner, Palace Theatre. Until November 15. Tickets from 65203. The Roy Orbison Story, Birmingham Hippodrome. Until November 15. Tickets from 0870 730 1234. The Taming of the Shrew, Festival
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Ace Stewart signs on in Worcester
FORMER England wicketkeeper Alec Stewart was signing in Worcester yesterday -- but he's not about to take Steve Rhodes' job. Stewart, who announced his retirement from first-class cricket at the end of the season, was in the city to sign copies of his
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Bulls lose their place at summit
HEREFORD United hadn't visited Accrington Stanley for 71 years before last night's 2-0 Nationwide Conference defeat. By the look on Graham Turner's face after by far United's worst performance of the season at the Crown Ground, he would shed few tears
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25 years ago November 10, 1978
BROMSGROVE florist Barbara Winsper, owner of the Flower Box in Worcester Road, was to take on 12 other finalist in a national competition to find the Florist of the Year staged at the NEC in Birmingham. HANBURY widow Joyce Sawyer, in her will, left her
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50 years ago November 14, 1953
THE cost of the coronation celebrations enjoyed by residents living in rural areas of Bromsgrove was less than had been anticipated. The final bill totalled £1,286/2s/6d (£1,286.12.5p). This was the equivalent of a little over a two penny rate. PLANS
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Malvern return to front
Malvern Town went two points clear at the top of the West Midlands League Premier Division, courtesy of a hard fought 2-1 win at home to neighbours Bromyard Town in front of a good crowd at the Langland Stadium last night. Malvern made the early running
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100 years ago November 14, 1903
THERE were no contenders to take on the role of Mayor of Droitwich this year as was usual ahead of the annual selection meeting. Fortunately Alderman Bradley saved the council much embarrassment at the eleventh hour by agreeing to take on the job as he
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Result will send out shockwaves
SKIPPER Dave Clark believes Bromsgrove RFC First XV's obliteration of Malvern at Finstall Park will send shockwaves through Midlands Two West. Clark (pictured) went over for a second half try in last Saturday's clash as Dean Ball's side romped to a 44
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Town's record victory
BROMSGROVE RFC First XV turned on the style to notch up a record victory over Malvern at Finstall Park. Dean Ball's side scored 36 unanswered points to come from 12-7 down to win 44-12 in their best performance of the season. But the match started with
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Keresley 18 Droitwich Spa 38
DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV moved up to third place in Midlands Three West (South) with a hard-fought victory at Coventry-based Keresley. Jamie Faulkener scored a hat-trick of tries, to add to his four last week, while Matt Blackmore kicked four penalties
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Junior rugby round-up
Worcester RFC U9s 5 Bromsgrove RFC U9s 5 Bromsgrove were put under pressure from the whistle but soon gained the momentum and restricted most of the action to the Worcester half. This pressure paid dividends when James Harborne bulldozed his way over
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Szewczyk double sees Rovers past Halesowen in cup
A PAUL Szewczyk double put Bromsgrove Rovers into the Dr Martens League Cup second round at the expense of Western Division rivals Halesowen Town last night. The 6ft 2in hitman struck in each half to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 victory and set up a
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Triple seals Yate's fate
BROMSGROVE Rovers overcame a hard working Yate Town team by the odd goal in five to claim three points at the Victoria Ground. Despite missing Dave Benton, Richard Tomkins, Mark Benbow and James Dyson, Rovers made a dream start, scoring with their first
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Break to be lucky
ZAHOOR Sulliman, captain of runaway Midland Combination division one leaders Barnt Green Spartak, is set to benefit from a three-week break. Spartak, currently ten points clear at the summit, do not play again until a trip to Wilmcote S&S on Saturday
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Collins returns with a red
ROSS Collins marked his return to action with Bromsgrove Rovers Reserves by getting sent off in their 2-1 defeat at Hinckley United. Collins, injured since the close season, was given his marching orders for dissent ten minutes into the second half. Rovers
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Villa advance in the cup
FAIRFIELD Villa reached the second round of the Smedley Crooke Cup with a hard fought 1-0 victory against Cadbury Athletic Reserves at the Recreation Ground. The visitors looked the more dangerous early on last Saturday but gradually John Baker and Neil
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Waters booked
THE following waters have been booked by the Birmingham Anglers Association. Saturday, November 15 Avon - Pensham 1, 2; Severn - Severn Stoke 3, 4, Upton; Canals - Staffs/Worcs Br. 39 - 42. Sunday, November 16 Avon - Manor farm 2, Barton, Bidford L/B,
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12/11/03 - Result will send out shockwaves
SKIPPER Dave Clark believes Bromsgrove RFC First XV's obliteration of Malvern at Finstall Park will send shockwaves through Midlands Two West. Clark (pictured) went over for a second half try in last Saturday's clash as Dean Ball's side romped to a 44
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Check the small print
DEAR EDITOR - A few days ago, a letter arrived telling me that I was the lucky winner in a competition, which I had certainly not entered and that I had definitely won one of the five very acceptable prizes. I find that I am not the only 'lucky winner
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The right places to write
DEAR EDITOR - As a resident I have become totally frustrated by all the recent power cuts and have decided after the last one, on November 1, to write to Aquila and also to the energy Ombudsman at Energywatch. As it took me some time to find out the relevant
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How far is too far in keeping our pupils safe in schools?
SECURITY in schools has leapt to the top of the education agenda after the death of Luke Walmsley - a 14-year-old who was fatally stabbed by a fellow pupil at his Lincolnshire school. Dan Kendrick takes a look at how far is too far in keeping pupils safe
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Dump it on own doorstep!
DEAR EDITOR -- May I ask the person (male) I saw pushing a wheelbarrow across the road from his own house on Saturday, October 18 at approximately 17.45 hours to tip his garden refuse in the entrance to my field between Catshill cemetery and the Plough
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'We're not that foolish'
DEAR EDITOR - I feel I must reply to the nameless 'Spectator' who so freely insults the people of Lickey End. We in Lickey End have a saying - 'If you want to find a fool in the country, then you have to take him with you.' We reject the idea of an active
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Wheelie bin check begins
DEAR EDITOR - Your readers will recall that I have previously expressed some sympathy with residents who were concerned about the proposals to introduce a new refuse collection service in the district. I am pleased to inform them that the long-awaited
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Early try fails to prompt win
REDDITCH scored early against North Midlands 1 leaders Veseyans but injuries to the squad took their toll by the final whistle. The home side bagged their try after 13 minutes thanks to a fine individual run by Andy Irvine which was chipped through for
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Stourport Swifts FC - Fixtures and results - 2003/04
Pre-season friendlies Sat July 19 Bromyard (a) 7-1 Ball 3, Robinson, Giddings, A Wright, Wood. Wed July 23 Studley (h) 1-3 Ball Tues July 29 Westfields (h) 1-1 Wood Sat Aug 2 Bilston (a) 6-1 Ball 4, Sayer, Wood Tues Aug 5 Stourbridge (h) 4-1 Robinson
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Convincing KN
Kings Norton 37 Bromyard 9 KINGS Norton produced a convincing performance, despite missing influential skipper Peter May. Bromyard did make life difficult for the Ash Lane outfit in the first half by keeping in touch with two well-taken penalties in reply
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Outplayed
Redditch Exiles 3 Stourbridge 4ths 38 REDDITCH Exiles were outplayed by Stourbridge with three tries in each half doing the damage with only a penalty from Jez Thomas in reply. Injury replacements spoiled the flow of the game in the second half when both
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Alcester defeated
Pinley 20 Alcester 5 ALCESTER slipped to a second successive Warwickshire League Division One in Coventry on a disappointing afternoon at Wyken Croft. Apart from brief spells in both halves, they were second best for most of the game with the platform
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Penpics
Andy Smith - Defender - Experienced full back who is enjoying his fourth season with the Robins. Provides numerous chances for the strikers with his surging runs down the right. Has also played for Solihull Borough, Redditch United and Racing Club Warwick
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Pub landlord in panto role
THIGH-slapping pantomime magic will be brought to a village near Bromsgrove this weekend. The Chaddesley Amateur Theatrical Society (CATS) is staging family favourite Dick Whittington from Friday, November 14 until Saturday 22. It will be staged at Chaddesley
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Next on its way
FASHION giant Next and Sports World will be opening new stores in the Kingfisher Centre in 2004, it has been announced. Next, which according to research is the store most people want to see in the centre, will be sited in Park Walk near to BHS and Marks
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Bromsgrove 44 Malvern 12
Saturday, November 8, 2003 BROMSGROVE RFC First XV turned on the style to notch up a record victory over Malvern at Finstall Park. Dean Ball's side scored 36 unanswered points to come from 12-7 down to win 44-12 in their best performance of the season
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Single
SINGLETONS are invited to meet with friendly faces at a local village pub next week. The Live Wyres social singles group will meet in The Talbot pub, in Chaddesley Corbett, on November 18 from 9pm. Call Chris on 01299 824619 for details.
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Blackwell and Burcot WI
THE meeting opened with thanks to Mrs Denning for her flower arrangement. Our skittles team needs new members and a leader, volunteers are called for. The play day was very enjoyable, and there is probably going to be another such event in the New Year
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What's on guide
Wednesday, November 12 Film: Young Adam, Cinemac, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 6pm. Musical: The Roy Orbison Story, Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Until Saturday. Show: Don't Dress for Dinner, Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch
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Passing on skills
A DEMONSTRATION of how to use pastels to depict water will be given to artists in Bromsgrove next week. Roger Forbes will share his skills on the subject with the Bromsgrove Art Club on November 18. The demonstration will take place at the Red Cross Centre
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Firemen really cleaned up in a blaze of glory
I WOULD like to take this opportunity to thank Homebase Store and McDonald's of Tybridge Street, Worcester for their support and permission for firefighters of Worcester Red Watch and retained firefighters to hold a car wash in the stores' car park on
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Spadesbourne Ladies
Cheerful chairman Betty Long welcomed 60 members and guests to the October meeting at the Ladybird Inn, Aston Fields. The minutes read and signed as usual, and the treasurer's report given, Mary Rutter confirmed that the speakers for 2004 were now all
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Soroptimists International
This month we celebrated the 37th anniversary of our club with the president's annual dinner at the Ladybird Inn, Bromsgrove. President Judith Green welcomed members, friends and visitors from other Midland Arden Clubs and we enjoyed a scrumptious dinner
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Arrow Valley Countryside Group
The long dry summer continued right into October when our rambling programme took place exclusively in the Cotswolds. On the 6th 21 members walked eight miles of the classic countryside between Ebrington and Ilmington, south of Stratford, taking in extensive
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Town remembers those who fell
BROMSGROVE, in common with hundreds of other towns and villages the length and breadth of Britain, honoured those who died in two world wars and conflicts since at Remembrance Day parades and services on Sunday. A parade made up of representatives from
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Building on success
HARDWORKING staff at a Bromsgrove museum are celebrating after scooping a top award. Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, in Stoke Heath, has won the visitors attraction quality assurance award from the English Tourism Council. The site was visited
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Tackling the vandals
NEW crime busting CCTV cameras are being installed in a vandal-hit Rubery subway. Safety chiefs have scooped a Government grant for the underpass linking Gannow Road and New Road. Bromsgrove District Council leader Dennis Norton said: "We will not tolerate
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Cycling the safety way
CATSHILL pupils proved they were wheelie good when they took part in cycle training. Year Four children at Catshill First School and Nursery improved their cycling skills and safety awareness. They were also shown how to carry out safety checks on their
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Misery as lost supply hits homes
FED-UP Catshill businesses were left high and dry when water supplies were severed for almost 11 hours, just one week after they endured a six-hour power cut. The latest drought of services came on Sunday when a burst water main affected two thousand
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Blunkett joins judges as Spa attacker's appeal quashed
A SPA man who burst into another's home and subjected him a to "sustained and degrading attack" has failed an Appeal Court bid to win a cut in his sentence. Home Secretary David Blunkett sat alongside three Appeal Court judges on Monday as they refused
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Fencing star beats jet lag
A FENCER from Bromsgrove fought off her jet lag to be crowned a national champion. Naomi Taylor, aged 17, won the U18s epee title at the England Youth Championships in Telford on Sunday, November 2. Success also guarantees her a place in the England U18s
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Tributes for town doctor
A WELL-known and much-loved Bromsgrove GP has died aged 90. A funeral service for Dr Noel Kenchington was held at St Bartholomew's Church in Church Lane, Tardebigge, last Wednesday. He died on October 29. Dr Kenchington moved to Bromsgrove in 1946 after
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Drivers snub silence
THE MAYOR hit out at people who failed to support yesterday's two minutes' silence. Cllr Jan Bolton (Con-East) attended Victoria Square on Tuesday for the two minutes remembrance. But she was disheartened at the lack of support from motorists at such
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Special thanks for poppy man
THE POPPY appeal organiser for Droitwich ended his tireless campaigning, hard-work and dedication, retiring after 26 years of service. Spa Royal British Legion chairman, Roy Hewlett was honoured for his selfless efforts by the Town Mayoress, Jan Bolton
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Taking it to another level
by Pete Lammas MORE car parking spaces than ever before will be available for motorists in Bromsgrove with the opening of the town's first multi-storey car park. More than 330 car parking spaces - 130 more than before - will be unveiled on the Churchfields
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Gareth scores smashing role
A RISING star from Droitwich has been selected to play in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. Talented Gareth Ceredig of Ombersley Road has clinched one of just 150 coveted places in the 2004 orchestra. The 14-year-old is now preparing to start
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Mark Owen In Your Own Time
FOREVER the 'cute' one from Take That, Mark Owen insisted before the launch of his first album that during all his years in Britain's biggest boyband there was an indie kid desperate to get out. Green Man was a reasonable hit, although he never achieved
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Third place for rally ace
A BROMSGROVE rally driver has ended the Silkolene 1400 Championship season on a high. Crewe, with navigator John Connor, secured third place in the championship after finishing third in their class and fifth overall at the final rally of the year, the
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DVD The Recruit (12)
THE Recruit is a movie which only really works on one level depending on whether you like your espionage thrillers or not, but will probably quickly forget all the same. Colin Farrell plays a smart college graduate recruited by Al Pacino for the CIA and
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TABLE TENNIS: Monarchs on roll
CHAMPIONS Lickey Monarchs continue to lead the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League division one after a comfortable 9-1 victory over SPSP. Mervyn Wood and Sid Hodgetts won their three games for the Monarchs while Lester Winterbourne got SPSP's
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CYCLING: Finishes for trio
THREE Bromsgrove Olympique Cycling Club youth riders secured respectable finishes at the fifth round of the West Midlands League Cyclo-Cross at Wolverhampton last Sunday. First to finish was George Bate in only his second race, coming home in 15th place
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Violent crime almost halved
INCIDENTS of violent crime in the town centre have been almost halved in the last four months, figures have revealed. The steep decline has come about after a major police operation called Dynamics was set up at the beginning of July specifically to tackle
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Memorial may be refused
PLANS by Redditch Council for a Holocaust Memorial in Church Green East looked as if they could be refused last night - by Redditch Council. The contradiction has arisen because planning officers have recommended councillors refuse the application for
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Police reply to village misery
THE inspector in charge of policing in Studley says reducing antisocial behaviour in the village is a priority. Insp Tim Bailey said he was aware that maximising visible policing reassures villagers and a new initiative involving new uniformed 'community
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Most prefer cops taller
SIR Charles Rafter, the then Chief Constable of the City of Birmingham Police Force, became concerned by public disquiet about drunkenness and fighting in pubs on the streets and in lodging houses of the then immigrant population. With the support of
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We DO NOT all use centre
I AM taken aback by the arrogance of Redi Action Group representatives Sandra Horne and Michaela Carpenter's sweeping statement regarding how they are representative of all the community (Letters, November 5). With 1,000 signatures, they are representative
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Give us our quarter pipe
I AM a skateboarder and because of the recent removal of the quarter pipe ramp at Church Hill, myself and other skaters are now left without a place to skate. Because of this, we have to go to Winyates skatepark but due to the nights drawing in, we don't
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Calendar Girl bares soul
ONE of the original Calendar Girls has bared her soul to fellow WI members giving them an insight into her life and how a small-time idea to raise money for charity was transformed into a blockbuster movie. Tricia Stewart, who was one of several members
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Bring back school bus
WE wish to know why it's the parents who have to protest outside St Stephen's CE First School (Advertiser, October 29)? Surely if the parents and staff wish to end the parking outside the school, it should be done by the police or Redditch Council, not
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Treat memorial with respect
ANOTHER Remembrance Sunday has passed. So how can we remember and respect the memory of those young men and women who lost their lives during the last two world wars throughout the year? In Redditch, we can do a simple thing - make arrangements to avoid
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Action on louts
LOUTISH behaviour in Wythall and Alvechurch is being targeted after the introduction of the first antisocial behaviour co-ordinator - and residents are being called on to help. Former West Midlands police officer Graham Hancox has joined Bromsgrove Council
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Shops first with safety
THE Kingfisher Centre will be the first shopping centre in the West Midlands and one of the first in the UK to introduce a vital children's safety service this week. The Child Safe Zone scheme, to be launched on Friday and Saturday, will ensure all children
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The beat goes on
THE need to set the record straight on his famous brother drove Mick Bonham to write a unique biography which, three years after his own death, has finally been published. He had just completed the second draft of the book on John Bonham - widely renowned
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Caring chef up for prize
A CHEF at a Redditch sheltered housing scheme could become Care Chef of the Year after making it to the final five. Liz Forty has worked at Terry Spring Court since it opened in Smallwood three years ago. Her manager Ginny Larkin nominated her to magazine
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Arrow Valley Countryside Group
THE long, dry summer continued right into October when the rambling programme took place exclusively in the Cotswolds. On October 6, more than 20 members walked eight miles of the classic countryside between Ebrington and Ilmington, south of Stratford
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Children's voices rise to charity challenge
CHILDREN from two Redditch schools are set to sing their way into the record books next month. Youngsters at Webheath First and Dingleside Middle schools will take part in the World's Biggest Sing. The event is being held to raise cash for Sargent Cancer
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Store signing for author, 95
AFTER celebrating his 95th birthday, author Bert Batty made time to visit WHSmiths in the Kingfisher Centre for a book signing. Mr Batty, who was born and bred in Redditch, has published an epic poem with a patriotic theme called Great Britain's Glory
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Cookhill Keyboard Club
THE club meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Cookhill Village Hall. The approximate time for most meetings is 7.30-10.15pm. The club is a friendly forum for anyone interested in keyboard or organ music, whether as a player or a listener. During
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Bromsgrove Rovers fixtures and results 2003/2004
HOME, away (Dr Martens Western fixtures unless stated) JULY Sat 19 WALSALL (Friendly) 5-1 (Sutton, Banner, Dyson, Bowen, Scheppel) Tue 22 WOODFORD UNITED (Friendly) 3-1 (Sutton, Stephenson, Scheppel) Sat 26 STOCKPORT COUNTY (Friendly) 0-0 Wed 30 ASTON
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Alcohol-free zone backed by police
WYTHALL police have backed plans to introduce the first alcohol ban in the village. Wythall Parish Council is keen to introduce the alcohol-free zone, covering Drakes Cross shopping parade, after youngsters have been spotted hanging around the area drinking
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'High Street of a night is a place you don't want to be...'
THE owner of a model shop in Studley who has been burgled twice in two weeks says crime might drive him elsewhere. Steve Holtom has run Steve's Hobbies and Models for five years after leaving his previous job as a printer. Last Wednesday at 4.30am, thieves
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Village delight at Tolkien double bill
FECKENHAM'S movie buffs are celebrating after their film society was chosen as the only one in the country to officially re-show the two Lord of the Rings films. The FeckenOdeon Cinema Society, which usually shows vintage films, will show the first two
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Free English for students
NEW College has been approved as a provider of free courses to people in English as a second language. The ELLIS course is a computer-based course which uses video clips showing everyday situations - such as meeting people, shopping, finding somewhere
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Land's future up for debate
A LARGE piece of scrub land between Studley and Redditch could be turned into dedicated recreation land for the village says a parish councillor. Bill McCarthy, who is also a Stratford Councillor, says the land between St Jude's Avenue and Redditch Road
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Health update furore
HEALTH bosses have been given a hard time by Alcester residents and councillors angry that an update meeting about the town's hospital was not publicised. They have accused doctors and members of the South Warwickshire Primary Care Trust of trying to
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Design under the spotlight
NEARLY 200 exhibitors were in Coughton Court at the weekend as part of the Home Design and Interiors Exhibition. A huge range of items, from conservatories to holiday homes and furniture to flowers was on offer from Friday to Sunday. The stately home,
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Shift in stroke therapy
ALCESTER'S Meadow View Care Home is one of a number in south Warwickshire which have been earmarked as rehabilitation centres for stroke patients in a new development between social services and South Warwickshire Primary Care Trust. The new development
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Firms compare their success on-line
BUSINESSES can compare their e-business with other firms thanks to a new on-line tool from the Department of Trade and Industry. The DTI-led UK Online for Business has launched the online ''benchmarking'' tool and CD-ROM to show companies how they match
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Swapping cruise ships for confetti
A DANCER has swapped cruise ships for confetti and started her own wedding planning business. After a decade of dancing her way around the world, Debbie Harding decided it was time to "get back on dry land" and settle down. The married mum-to-be - her
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Concert crowns busy week
THERE is a busy week ahead for Ipsley Middle School with some European visitors arriving and a special concert. The Winyates Way school will be welcoming teachers and pupils from three schools in Sicily, Majorca and Portugal as part of a friendship initiative
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Club faces end after 74 years
A POPULAR women's group is on the verge of closing after almost 74 years because nobody is prepared to help run it. Beoley WI has 62 members and a committee of 11 but nobody will volunteer to be secretary or treasurer. If the position is still the same
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25 years ago
November 10, 1978 THERE were angry scenes as over 100 parents protesting at plans to knock down The Abbey High School lobbied civic leaders. They shouted down corporation chiefs, who argued the demolition of the school was necessary to complete the town's
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50 years ago
November 13, 1953 ONE of the founders of the Redditch branch of the British Legion, Mr John Cross, of 87 Sillins Avenue, Redditch, with Mrs Cross celebrated his golden wedding last Thursday. They were married on November 5, 1903, at Brunswick Road Baptist
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100 years ago
November 14, 1903 A MEETING was held in the Ridgeway School on Tuesday afternoon to consider a proposal to start a drum and fife band at Cookhill. Mr Barber explained that he had called the meeting in consequence of an interview with Mrs Daniell, of Brackenhurst
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Attack leaves man fighting for life
A MAN has been left fighting for his life after being discovered with serious head injuries lying in a Warndon street. Residents say the alarm was raised after the man was found unconscious outside a row of houses in Buttermere Drive, yesterday. The first
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Collapsed towpath is still out of bounds
A TOWPATH is still out of bounds after the pressure of storm water in a sewer caused a manhole to blow, collapsing the bank. A chunk of land, measuring around 20ft in length by 8ft in width disappeared into the River Severn by Severn Street, Diglis, Worcester
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Your limo to St Andrew's awaits
ELECTRICIANS are being offered an exciting incentive to help Droitwich score a winning goal with this year's Christmas decorations. Last year's display was criticised by many people and the celebrations turned out to be something of a flop as a result
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Pupils' safe parking message
GREEN-minded pupils at an eco-friendly primary school have carried out a traffic survey to highlight the dangers of illegal parking outside its premises. As a result, parents of children at Worcester's Oldbury Park Primary School, in Oldbury Park Road
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Open verdict after cleaner saw OAP's feet
AN 84-year-old woman was found dead at the bottom of the stairs at her home in Stourport-on-Severn. Winifred Prottery's feet were spotted on the bottom steps by cleaner Pauline Morris on her regular Friday visit. Ms Prottery's grandson, David Prottery
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'An engaging, humorous and passionate debater'
A COUNCILLOR known for his keen wit and debating skills has died after a long illness. The Rev David Short, who represented the ward of St Nicholas in Herefordshire, passed away on Saturday and tributes have since been pouring in from council colleagues
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Charity gig to help Somphet
A CHARITY gig to raise money for a Thai man who was born with severely deformed legs takes place at Worcester's Marr's Bar tomorrow. Somphet Bunsorn uses a self-modified bicycle to give him limited mobility, but his English friends want to buy a hand-controlled
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Carols for the bereaved
A SPECIAL memorial Christmas carol service for people who have recently lost a loved one is to be held in Worcester. The service - entitled For Those We Have Loved - is aimed at attempting to help bereaved city residents through what can be a very difficult
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Probing pupils crack the case
PICKING up their magnifying glasses and deerstalkers, pupils at Grimley and Holt Primary School became super-sleuths on the trial of the worst offenders for wasting energy. The youngsters, aged between four and 11, scoured their school in Grimley, near
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Youthful exuberance
A NIGHT of uplifting organ music played by talented youngsters in set to take place in a Bromsgrove village later this month. Young people, ranging in ages from nine to 25, will play a variety of popular church music at Holy Trinity Church, Belbroughton
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Drug den is boarded up
A VANDALISED garage, turned into a drug den by teenage junkies, has been boarded up to banish the problem. Environmental services removed seven used syringes, glue bottles, tin foil, can bottoms and lighters used to prepare the drugs from the property
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Award winning band heads for Spa venue
A TOP country music act will play for the first time in Droitwich Spa this weekend. Tom Williams and The Borderline Music Company will be performing for the End of the Trail Country Music Club at the Royal British Legion Club this Friday. The five-piece
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Jail for man, 30 who ran off with girl, 15
A man who sparked a nationwide police hunt after he disappeared with a schoolgirl lover has been jailed for nine months. Worcester Crown Court heard that Ian Jamie Scott was away for nearly a fortnight with the 15-year-old and stayed at boarding houses
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Mystery death
AN inquest has been opened to find out why a 73-year-old man died. Albert Blomfield, of Sinton Lane, Ombersley, was taken to hospital by ambulance on Wednesday, November 5, but was pronounced dead on arrival. Opening the inquest yesterday, coroner Victor
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Camera plan to cut crime at station
A CRIME-BUSTING action plan is being drawn up to combat anti-social behaviour and graffiti as well as tighten safety and maintenance at Droitwich railway station. The move, hoped to include closed circuit cameras, follows talks between Droitwich town
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Teddies and tots hit the right note
TOTS and their teddies struck a chord at a music event yesterday that had been rescheduled following a Legionnaire's scare. Mothers and children using Tot Talk, a baby caf at The Green Centre, in Gresham Road, Dines Green, had been looking forward to
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Malvern Town FC - Fixtures/Results - 2003/4 Season
FIXTURES WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL LEAGUE Saturday, November 15 Premier Division: Malvern Town v Lye Town (2.45). Division One (South): Gornal Athletic v Malvern Town Reserves (2.45). Tuesday, November 18 Premier Division: Cosely Town v Malvern Town (7.45
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12/11/03 - Cup run is worth £13k
BROMSGROVE Rovers' FA Cup run has seen their bank balance swell to the tune of £13,000. Figures released by the Victoria Ground club, recently out of administration, will make good reading for directors and fans alike following Rovers' six-game stay in
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12/11/03 - Mahon signs
BROMSGROVE Rovers have signed midfielder Ryan Mahon from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 18-year-old made his debut in last night's Dr Martens League Cup win over Halesowen Town. Injury doubts surround Dave Benton, Mark Benbow, Grant Beckett, Mark Atkinson
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Drive nets 80 vehicles
THE police's Operation Firesafe resulted in 80 abandoned vehicles being removed from Redditch and Bromsgrove. They were recovered as a result of calls to the hotline detailing where the cars were along with the relevant documentation. Redditch and Bromsgrove
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Warning to players
BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Men's First XI captain Julian Court has warned his players not to get carried away with their excellent start to the season. Court's side won 4-2 at basement side Kynoch last Saturday, moving them up to second in West Midlands One
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Spa need to win next one
DROITWICH Spa Hockey Club Men's First XI need to get three points from this Saturday's home relegation battle with Kynoch according to skipper Barry Williams. Spa, one place above basement side Kynoch, are, like their opponents, yet to register a victory
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School is the venue
SEVENTY teachers and coaches will descend on Droitwich Spa High School today for a national hockey seminar. The Briar Mill school is one of just two venues in the country, the other in London, staging the England Hockey Schools and Club Development Conference
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Reds come out on top in Beehive battle
Studley 0 Redditch United 2 Birmingham Senior Cup Second Round NO REAL blood and thunder but important footballing lessons were learned in the Redditch derby at The Beehive last night. Redditch United's full-time report will read: Could do better while
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Magic Matt is out to make Games splash!
A TALENTED teenage disabled swimmer has his sights on the 2008 Olympic Games after already making great waves in the sport. Wythall's Matthew Wilkes produced some sparkling form at the National Short-Course Championships to bag a glittering array of medals
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Alex's tiptop hip verdict
HEALTH chiefs have hailed a national report which highlighted good results for Redditch patients undergoing hip surgery as a success. The report, in The Times newspaper, was compiled from data taken from Dr Foster, an independent publisher of healthcare
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A super show
Redditch Swimming Club won their Second Round Gala in the West Midlands Speedo League. Having travelled to Chesterfield, the team were determined not to let the long journey interfere with their winning ways after finding success in the first round. The
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Staff join in NHS first
STAFF at the Alexandra Hospital are being surveyed along with other Worcestershire health staff as part of the first national NHS staff survey undertaken in England. Some 850 questionnaires have been sent out to workers. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals
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Brown in star chase
AMBITIOUS boss Rod Brown is closing in on another big-name signing to bolster Redditch United's promotion charge. Brown has revealed that top talks with the former Football League star are ongoing as the club bid to strengthen their squad while they're
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Bromsgrove RFC First XV fixtures 2003/04
HOME, away (Midlands Two (West) fixtures unless stated) SEPTEMBER Sat 06 HEREFORD 47-9 Sat 13 Kenilworth 15-16 Sat 20 STONEYGATE (Powergen Intermediate Cup First Round) 31-9 Sat 27 NUNEATON OLD EDWARDIANS 27-19 OCTOBER Sat 04 Aston Old Edwardians 20-8
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Studley keep show on road to claim league's fifth spot
Pelsall Villa 0 Studley 3 STUDLEY'S winning streak rolled on as their latest success saw Mark Chambers' men climb up to fifth on the Midland Alliance ladder. A Mark Crisp brace and Mark Neath's strike was enough to see off second-from-bottom Pelsall whose
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Millers deal out six of the best
Feckenham 6 Pershore 0 IT just gets better and better for promotion-chasing Feckenham. They hit Pershore for six and Midland Combination Premier leaders Romulus lose at home 2-1 to Leamington all in one day. There's still a 10-point gap between The Millers
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Plan fear for firm's owners
THE owner of a tyre firm based in Malvern town centre says he fears for its future. Wayne Miller, who runs Miller Tyre Services in Edith Walk with his brother Mark, is concerned that the Local Plan, newly published by the Malvern Hills District Council
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12/11/03 Barrett bashes cup bid
A LAST-gasp goal from Gresley substitute Jamie Barrett cruelly dumped Stourport Swifts out of the Dr Martens Cup second round 3-2 on Tuesday. A goal in each half from Rob Taylor looked like taking the tie to extra-time until Barrett's deflected shot ended
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Sixways recall in prospect for Ben
WORLD Cup star Ben Hinshelwood looks set for a first team return at Plymouth. Worcester Rugby Club's back, who returned from Down Under this week after Scotland's World Cup exit, is earmarked for a full back role in Saturday's National One clash at Brickfields
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Snape injury scare
MIDFIELDER John Snape was forced to seek hospital treatment with suspected concussion. The Worcester City player was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital suffering a severe pain in the head while training. But Snape, who had a clash of heads in the
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Szewczyk brace clinches it
TWO goals from Paul Szewczyk put Bromsgrove Rovers into the Dr Martens League Cup second round at the expense of Western Division rivals Halesowen Town last night. The 6ft 2in hitman struck in each half for a 2-1 victory and set up a trip to Cinderford
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Last-gasp goal sees off brave Swifts
Stourport Swifts were cruelly edged out of the Dr Martens Cup last night, a last-gasp goal from substitute Jamie Barrett taking Gresley Rovers through 3-2. A goal in each half from Robert Taylor looked like taking the second round tie to extra time until
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Club hits top form to land 16 medals
WORCESTER Swimming Club returned from the ASA National Masters Championships at Sheffield with a healthy medal tally. Racing against some of the country's best Masters swimmers at the Ponds Forge pool, the club's five competitors all came home with medals
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Colts lose battle
BROMSGROVE RFC Colts lost a dour battle 10-3 against Earlsdon at Finstall Park last Saturday. The first half was dominated by wave after wave of attacks by the visitors, manfully resisted by Bromsgrove. Bromsgrove lost captain Warren Oliver after ten
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Cup run is worth £13k
BROMSGROVE Rovers' FA Cup run has seen their bank balance swell to the tune of £13,000. Figures released by the Victoria Ground club, recently out of administration, will make good reading for directors and fans alike following Rovers' six-game stay in
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Spa fall at the first hurdle
DROITWICH Spa had two goals disallowed as they fell at the first hurdle in the Smedley Crooke Cup. Kevin Blaber's side, two divisions below their opponents, were a goal behind at half time before conceding four after the break. Gary McGrillan got Spa's
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Ladies beaten by Marconi
FAIRFIELD Villa Ladies were beaten 2-0 by Marconi in a well-fought game last Sunday. Villa played some good football and were unlucky not to take the lead when Andi Pryor's shot flew just wide. Marconi took the lead early in the second half with a second
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Sunday league results
LATEST results from the Advertiser/Messenger League. LMS Shield Meadow Park 1 Dog and Pheasant 2. Rose Bowl Star and Garter 4 Droitwich Red Lion 1. Division One Woodbourne 3 Hoolahans 2; Inter Sports 4 Bromsgrove 0; Ringspanners 0 New Olympic 4. Division
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Latest Combination action
LATEST from the Central Sports Redditch and South Warwickshire Combination. Keith Parfitt Cup Duck Pond 1 (Bignell) Arrow Valley Social 0. Premier Division Wychbold RBL 1 South Redditch 1; Stoke Sports 1 Bromsgrove Athletic 0; Westbury Celtic 0 Austin
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Junior football round-up
Great Park Rangers U13s 2 Catshill Warriors U13s 10 Danny Evans hit a tremendous first half hat-trick before being rested. A Nick Ingram double and a goal from man of the match Craig Swallow put the Warriors 6-0 up at the break. Great Park pulled two
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12/11/03 - Spa climb into third
THREE more tries for Jamie Faulkener saw Droitwich Spa RFC First XV climb one place to third in Midlands Three West (South). Spa won 38-18 at basement side Keresley, from Coventry, last Saturday. The victory was the fourth league success in a row for
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Two carriages driving us all off the rails . . .
DEAR EDITOR -- I catch the 7.23am train from Bromsgrove railway station to Birmingham New Street most mornings. A couple of months ago I wrote to Central Trains asking them to explain why most mornings we only have two carriages. I was told this was only
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Speaking for the electorate
DEAR EDITOR - Councillors Ann Doyle, Nick Psirides and myself have been suspended from the Conservative group on Bromsgrove District Council for daring to propose that local people should have a referendum on proposed changes, which would alter the face
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Posters are an eyesore
DEAR EDITOR - I should like to complain and ask why a company advertising "Handmade Three Piece Suites Aston Fields" has been allowed to put up bright yellow posters on every traffic light in the whole of our area and also on many lampposts in between
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Waiting for a little help
DEAR EDITOR - I am writing in support of all the disabled people. I am an 84-year-old, crippled with arthritis, I have had a stroke and I have cataracts on both eyes that cannot be operated on. I have had a wheelchair for 15 years but still I am unable
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Show of power
Woodrush 31 Old Griffinians 17 WOODRUSH powered up their pack to meet the physical challenge of Old Griffs - and got their reward. The home side started strongly after fielded a very big back row in Matt Playford, Nigel Smith and Dave Warren. After a
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New show hits stage
SOON will be the season to be jolly and how better to prepare than with a winter warmer of a Christmas show. The Spadesbourne Suite will be hosting A Christmas Tale, a delightful and uplifting seasonal musical penned by talented local playwright Paul
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Saucy secrets to be revealed
A DROITWICH Spa theatre is set to reveal the saucy secrets lurking behind Number Ten Downing Street, in a hilarious new comedy. Pardon Me Prime Minister! begins a four-night run at the Norbury Theatre tonight (Wednesday) and audiences can look forward
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Sidemoor WI
The president, Maureen Smith, welcomed the members to the meeting. Two visitors, Rita Bing and Catherine Bristow, were given a warm welcome. Nomination forms for members of the committee were distributed. The November birthday girls were given birthday
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Bromsgrove WI
Sue Kirby thanked Marge Colvin, our secretary, for the lovely arrangement of flowers for the president's table. Thanks was given to Beverly Davenport for taking and arranging the flowers in WI house. A special collection for ACWW was taken. Forms were
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Catshill WI
President Hazel Aston began the October meeting by welcoming everyone back after the summer break. She apologised for the abandonment of the September meeting due to yet another power cut. Four members celebrating October birthdays were each given a card
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Pavements
PARKING on pavements in Worcester is reaching epidemic levels. Paths in the Bath Road/Battenhall area are often completely blocked. Why isn't something done? JIM STOTE, Worcester.
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It's what you know
BRAIN-boxes can pit their wits at a fundraising quiz night in Bromsgrove this Friday. North Bromsgrove High School is hosting the fun-packed evening to raise enough cash to buy white boards for the school's classrooms. There will be prizes, a fully licensed
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Bromsgrove Railway Club
The club welcomes Bristol-based Terry Nicholls for its November meeting with a cine film show entitled steam on cine. Terry is an ex-railway worker, based at Swindon and also Bristol, so he has a vast knowledge of the railway system, with steam being
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Stores monopoly
I SEE lots of advertisements on the television for Asda bargains but we have a council who do not want them here. Meantime Tesco is spreading through Worcester like a rash. It is a monopoly, there is little competition. In 50 years time will Worcester
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Barnt Green Garden Society
For our October meeting we invited Hilary Twigg, a lecturer from Pershore College, who gave a talk on preparation for winter. Hilary passed on lots of advice and information on how best to treat our plants in order to help them survive the winter weather
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Happy days
HOW sad to read in your leader (Evening News, Monday, November 3) of the "dozens of children in foster homes across the region". I had a very happy village childhood, and have that to look back on, with gratitude. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
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Bromsgrove RNLI
A most relaxing evening was spent at the October meeting at Bromsgrove School when Ellanor entertained us with their wonderful slides accompanied by appropriate music, transporting us to Westonbirt, the Lake District, the lost garden of Heligan etc. Members
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Let's make it a year to remember
SINCE its first performance nearly 100 years ago, Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, has been a part of every childhood. J M Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, gave the copyright of his classic play to Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1929. Ever since
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Chaddesley Corbett Gardeners' Club
In October we had a wonderful perspective of English gardens by Dr John Page. His photography was a joy and his commentary held us entranced all evening. A return visit on another subject will be very welcome. Today (Wednesday) we are holding a visual
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Tragedy of mothers who gave up babies
WERE you forced to give up your baby in the 1940s, 50s, or 60s? I am looking for natural mothers and their children - now reunited - to take part in a major TV series about the history of unmarried mothers and their children in 20th Century Britain. The
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An unjust law that must be challenged
I SHOULD like to thank D E Margrett for being concerned about my well-being. As regards the rest of Mr Margrett's letter headlined "Frustration and grief," somebody must attack these "Dick Turpin" speed camera laws, even at the cost of upsetting the goody-two-shoes
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Graham is new Bailiff
BROMSGROVE'S ancient Court Leet has chosen its new Bailiff for the next 12 months. Burcot dental surgeon Graham Boyles was sworn in to the coveted position at the Cooke's Room at Bromsgrove School in Worcester Road last Thursday. He will take over from
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Outstanding in their field
TWO beauty spots are flying the flag for Bromsgrove after being awarded top environmental gongs. Waseley Hills and Lickey Hills country parks were both winners at the Green Flag Awards ceremony, held in Stratford-upon Avon last Thursday. The coveted Green
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Winning ways with puppets
A BUNCH of colourful of puppets, which have been tackling topical issues in town schools, has scooped an award. The All Sorts puppet group - run by the NewSong Community Church in Sidemoor, came third in the recent European Puppet Ministry Festival held
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In the picture
ARTY students will be kept in the picture thanks to a new digital camera. Media studies pupils at South Bromsgrove High School now have the latest technology through help from West Bromwich Building Society. The school's PTA approached the building society
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We're re-open for business
FOODIES flocked to the reopening of a revamped supermarket. There were queues of shoppers waiting outside the newly-refurbished ASDA supermarket, ready to hit the aisles at 9am last Thursday. The Market Street store had been closed since November 1, during
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Boxing clever
KINDHEARTED children at a Catshill school have got Christmas all wrapped up. Youngsters from Chadsgrove School, in Meadow Road, have filled 100 shoe boxes with festive goodies for children in eastern Europe as part of Operation Christmas Child. Items
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Taxi driver's cash stolen
A BROMSGROVE taxi driver was robbed of £200 and a mobile phone after he picked up a passenger in Lickey End. The passenger flagged down the taxi at about 3.55am Saturday morning on the A38 Birmingham Road - just past the Harvester restaurant. He told
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UB40 Homegrown
THE homegrown band from Brum have come up with another album featuring their distinctive reggae sound that was so groundbreaking and made them so popular more than two decades ago. Their last album two years ago, Cover Up, was not well received but this
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Traders warned to be on guard
SHOPKEEPERS are being warned to be on their guard following a spate of suspicious incidents in Bromsgrove. Police have received reports that a group of Eastern European men and women have been visiting small shops and post offices and behaving in a strange
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Action plan for railway station
A CRIME-BUSTING action plan is being drawn up to combat anti-social behaviour, graffiti and tighten safety and maintenance at Droitwich railway station. The move, hoped to include closed circuit cameras, follows talks between Spa town councillors and
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A special delivery
ARTISTIC postie Sharon Hanson drew on her own experience of getting stuck in the snow to create the winning design for this year's Royal Mail employees Christmas card, which won her a trip to the USA. The 33-year-old, who works at the Bromsgrove delivery
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Walkabout
ADVENTUROUS youngsters from a Droitwich school put their best foot forward to complete their Duke of Edinburgh bronze award this week. Seven girls from Whitford Hall and Dodderhill School in Crutch Lane completed the four sections of the challenge to
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Tributes for 'our' Terri
CLOSE on 200 people crowded into All Saint Church, Bromsgrove, last Thursday for a civic service in memory of district councillor Terri Matthews. Terri died in September following a short illness. Among those at the service were Lord and Lady Cobham,
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The cash floods in
by Emily Bridgewater BELBROUGHTON villagers are celebrating the bumper funds raised by this year's Scarecrow Weekend. The mammoth task of counting all the cash collected during the two-day event, which was held in September, is finally over and organisers
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Just what the doctor ordered
BROMSGROVE patients are getting just what the doctor ordered from a top class hospital, according to a watchdog report. Bromsgrove and Redditch Community Health Council (CHC) visited Worcestershire Royal Hospital, which is used by many town residents.
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Dumped cars blitz
A COMMUNITY scheme to rid the town roads of abandoned vehicles has been hailed a success. Under Operation Firesafe, police officers removed 80 abandoned cars from the roads in Bromsgrove and Redditch working along side town firefighters, the DVLA and
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Gang warning to Spa shops
SHOPKEEPERS in the Droitwich area are being urged to remain vigilant because a distraction burglary gang are operating in the county. The group, described as being Asian or Middle Eastern in appearance is believed to be behind two failed burglary attempts
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Farm defying TB cow cull faces judge
A COUPLE who defied an official culling squad are set to be the first farmers in Britain forced to hand over animals for slaughter under new laws. Andy and Nicola Morris refused to allow DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and Trading
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Waning support for town's ex-service people
A SPA organisation, which looks after the welfare of service and ex-service people are desperately looking for new recruits. The Droitwich branch of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association has made a plea to find kind-hearted residents
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Heirlooms are taken in raid
After a number of burglaries near Droitwich, one villager has spoken of her heartbreak at the loss of two precious pieces of jewellery which were stolen in a raid at her home. Louise Garner, of Berry Lane, Upton Warren, was distraught when she came home
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Gunpowder plot
CREATIVE youngsters from a Spa first school had a cracking good time when they took part in a design a firework competition. Bubbly pupils from Chawson First School, in the Wyche Road, took part in the contest to design and create an inactive firework
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Planning for next year's carnival
CARNIVAL festivities are set to rock the town again next year thanks to the success of this summer's fun-packed event. At its last meeting, the carnival association's executive committee agreed that following the re-launch of the Droitwich Spa Carnival
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Hilary Duff Metamorphosis
POP, it seems, is on a slippery slope. Yet another former TV star hits the charts with an album that more than anything lacks soul. It stinks of a last-ditch effort from shameless pop bosses to introduce someone who already has some fame to the music
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Liberty X Being Somebody
IF HEAR'SAY were, at their height, the Chelsea of the pop world, then Liberty X must be the Accrington Stanley - revered underdogs who are really quite good to boot. How lucky for this talented fivesome that they didn't win the cursed Pop Stars competition
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Blue Guilty
I HAVE a soft spot for Blue, partly because they are easy on the eye and partly because they support my football team. I really liked the all rise album and I wanted to like this one too. I note from the sleeve notes that the boys think it's their best
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SWIMMING: Dolphins win gala
DROITWICH Dolphins won their second Speedo League division three gala in succession in Aylesbury last Saturday. The Dolphins, on 215 points, secured a five-point win ahead of Wellington, Aylesbury, Enderby, Tamworth and Warley Wasps. They now qualify
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SWIMMING: Club battles injuries
BROMSGROVE Swimming Club battled against injuries and a depleted U15s boys squad to finish third in the second round of the Speedo League division two. The club, who had to find eleventh hour replacements, finished on 175 points, 20 adrift of second place
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12/11/03 - Time to put run of wins together
EVERY side we play at the moment seems to be finding form and Saturday's visitors Hednesford Town are no different. However we will relish the challenge because it gives us an opportunity to exorcise a few demons following the 5-1 defeat by Newport County
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12/11/03 - Snape injury scare
MIDFIELDER John Snape was forced to seek hospital treatment with suspected concussion. The Worcester City player was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital suffering a severe pain in the head while training. But Snape, who had a clash of heads in the
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Police chief angered by comments
A COUNTY councillor who believes some women police officers should not serve on the 'front line' has been invited out to patrol the town on a Friday night - with a woman officer. North Worcestershire's Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Suzette
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Outraged at sexist comments
I am writing in response to Councillor Tom Wareing's comments (Redditch Advertiser, November 5). As a female police officer working on the streets of Redditch and as a female who served in the Royal Navy for six years, I am outraged to read such sexist
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Drunken attacker locked up
A TEENAGER who started violence on a bus which ended with a disabled man being stabbed 12 times has been sentenced to three years' detention. Kevin Fergie and Daniel Hinton became rowdy on the journey between Redditch and Matchborough and were asked by
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People unite to remember heroes
RESIDENTS of Redditch and the surrounding area came together on Sunday to remember those who fell in battle, this year's ceremonies tinged with more poignancy following the recent Iraq War. The town's Sea Cadets' band led the parade of veterans and other
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Old library for sale
CASH from the sale of NEW College's Old Library Restaurant will be pumped into further modernising the college's Redditch and Bromsgrove sites, it was revealed on Monday. The three-storey Church Road building was formerly the college's training kitchens
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A sign of things to come?
I HAVE no wish to ruin anyone's day but I have a sneaking suspicion our council is running short of the "Redditch Readies" - cash, to you and me. Why do I think it? Well, I recently wrote to Jacqui Smith MP asking if she would get the council to repair
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Please leave our pub alone
DON'T let 'them' destroy the lovely old Duke of Malborough (Advertiser, November 5). My husband proposed to me in that pub way back on Christmas Eve 1966. Every time we have visited England since we left in 1970, we have always dropped in at The Duke
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Let's support our teenagers
I WRITE to thank Mrs Lesley Taylor for her very kind letter, 'Praise for good, clean fun' (Advertiser, October 29) regarding the rock concert recently held at Redditch Town Hall. Yes, the gig was packed and sadly we had to turn some people away. Yes,
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Letter from Westminster
Last week I had the pleasure of celebrating the launch of 40 new scooters for Shopmobility in Redditch. Our Shopmobility scheme has been copied across the Country in the twenty years since it was set up. Over the years, thousands of people struggling
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Droitwich Spa RFC First XV fixtures 2003/04
HOME, away (Midlands Three West (South) fixtures unless stated) SEPTEMBER Sat 6 Old Leamingtonians 17-8 Sat 13 CAMP HILL 27-8 Sat 20 Stewarts & Lloyds (Powergen Intermediate Cup First Round) 38-16 Sat 27 LEAMINGTON 18-24 OCTOBER Sat 04 Old Coventrians
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£29,000 nursery grant to YMCA
REDDITCH YMCA has teamed up with a first school to offer improved pre-school nursery services. The YMCA's Church Hill Centre service will be moved to Ravensbank First School from January after a £29,000 grant from the Worcestershire Early Years Childcare
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Friends of Coughton Court
THE final meeting of the year took place in October. After the AGM, speaker Prof Bob Davies gave a talk about Worcester porcelain. Bob began by collecting furniture but this proved in the end to be too bulky. He decided to specialise in porcelain, especially
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Primrose Choir
THE choir gave another successful concert in October, the Primrose Proms Concert, at the Spadesbourne Suite in Bromsgrove. It was sponsored by the Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre, to which the choir's profits are always donated. The Proms Concert
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Wythall Photographic Society
THE annual theme slide competition was won by Tony Leake with Misty Morning, a lovely moody scene featuring two fishermen. The theme was weather and it was judged by Ken Webb, who set next year's theme as people and places. The first slide competition
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Reds come out on top in Beehive battle
Studley 0 Redditch United 2 Birmingham Senior Cup Second Round NO REAL blood and thunder but important footballing lessons were learned in the Redditch derby at The Beehive last night. Redditch United's full-time report will read: Could do better while
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Mulch magic
A NEW hero in the battle to reduce garden refuse has hit the streets of Redditch in the form of Shredderman - a free waste service launched last month. The Redditch Council and Worcestershire County Council initiative is designed to reduce the amount
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Fencing star beats jet lag
A FENCER from Bromsgrove fought off her jet lag to be crowned a national champion. Naomi Taylor, aged 17, won the U18s epee title at the England Youth Championships in Telford on Sunday, November 2. Success also guarantees her a place in the England U18s
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Spa move into third with away day win
DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV moved up to third place in Midlands Three West (South) with a hard-fought victory at Coventry-based Keresley. Jamie Faulkener scored a hat-trick of tries, to add to his four last week, while Matt Blackmore kicked four penalties
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Group lifts pool award
THE community group responsible for revamping Batchley Pool have had their hard work recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony. Batchley Support Group was given a highly commended certificate at the Worcestershire Community Pride Awards, organised by
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Crew scoops award
STUDLEY fire crews have proved their outstanding commitment to the village by scooping a record 100 per cent 'availability' award for the ninth year in a row. The village's fire cover is provided by 10 retained firefighters who have full-time jobs but
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Keresley 18 Droitwich Spa 38
Saturday, November 8, 2003 DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV moved up to third place in Midlands Three West (South) with a hard-fought victory at Coventry-based Keresley. Jamie Faulkener scored a hat-trick of tries, to add to his four last week, while Matt Blackmore
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Evening helpline proves a hit with young callers
TWELVE young Redditch people have undergone specialist training to man a free helpline offering support and guidance to needy peers. The Youth Comm helpline, set up by Millennium Volunteers, is based at Redditch Youth House, in Smallwood, and up to 10
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Scooter show for shoppers
SHOPPERS in the Kingfisher Centre were the first to see the new fleet of Shopmobility scooters set to grace the town. The scheme has been running for 17 years but Friday was the first time the entire fleet of 39 scooters had been replaced. Prior to the
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Society to stage anniversary spectacular
ALCESTER Amateur Operatic Society will be pulling out all the stops for their 40th anniversary show next week. Their 40 Years of Music promises to be one of their best shows yet as they pull together some showstoppers from the past four decades in a single
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Double honour for High Baliff
THE High Bailiff of Alcester looks a grand sort when you see him on parade. Bedecked in red robe and tricorn hat with his chain of office hanging proudly on his chest, he heads many a procession with an air which puts him a cut above the rest. But don't
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Cash boost for WI stalls
ADVANTAGE Alcester has pledged £400 to help train new bakers for the town's WI Market. The market, which sells home-baked goods every Friday morning, is desperately short of suppliers and the funding is an attempt to recruit more by paying for their essential
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Miss Rose remembered
AN ALCESTER character has been immortalised in a book by one of her former colleagues. Rosie Bunting, otherwise known as Miss Rose, was a familiar figure to everyone who visited the family shop (now Costcutters). She died last year. Maggie Payne has many
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Website
HOTELS and restaurants in Worcestershire can now access a new online resource that helps small businesses understand their environmental responsibilities. The NetRegs website is being developed by the Environment Agency and the Small Business Service.
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A town united
FOR the old it was a day to remember what the young could only imagine - but both were united as Alcester paid tribute to its fallen war heroes on Sunday. Many people lined High Street to watch the parade, led by Alcester Victoria Silver Band, and then
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Cider is a winner
A CIDER maker has struck gold at an international festival. Weston's Cider, based at Much Marcle, near Ledbury, has scooped a Gold award for the second year running at the Beer and Cider Festival, in Stockholm, Sweden. The firm won the medal in the competition's
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Village hall joy
YEARS of hard work by a group of dedicated village volunteers have secured the future of Cookhill Village Hall. Most of the building is over 50 years old and urgently needs work to bring it into the 21st century and to comply with approaching public standards
