Archive
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Bust-up over Fayre corsets
A LINGERIE specialist has hit out at the organisers of this year's Victorian Fayre, who say her corsets are "inappropriate" for the event. Chris Allen, owner of La Femme in The Trinity, said she could not believe the attitude of the fayre's city council
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Sweet talk proves to be real winner
CHOCOHOLICS enjoyed some samples and a talk about Thorntons confectionary at a special indulgence morning. The Thorntons event was held at St John's Library by the Coffee Pot Club, a group which meets at the library twice a week for coffee mornings. Two
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Truants rounded up as Minister slams parents
CHILDREN are being picked up off the streets and handed back to schools as Education Minister Ivan Lewis today launched the latest round of truancy sweeps. For the next three weeks, teams of police and educational welfare officers will be patrolling Worcestershire's
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Pupils pucker up for charity
DROITWICH High School pupils are taking part in some weird and wonderful events this week in an effort to raise money for good causes. Students are particularly expected to enjoy the planned eatathons, kiss auctions, and that old favourite, pelting a
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Price increase threat to store
THE future of the proposed Waitrose development in Droitwich once again hangs in the balance, after it was announced it will cost taxpayers a lot more than previously thought. The supermarket giant is being paid by Wychavon District Council to build the
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Heroin woman is jailed for 2 years
A WOMAN was found to be carrying heroin with a street value of £1,390 after police took her to hospital for an intimate body search, Worcester Crown Court heard. Tina Wyer claimed she needed the stash to slowly wean herself off drugs when she moved with
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Minister caned over 'kit' offer
THE Government stands accused of a "calculated insult" after offering Worcestershire's cash-strapped headteachers a "toolkit" to help balance their books. Schools Minister David Miliband unveiled a website for heads to check how other schools with similar
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Rovers seal double
IT wasn't pretty but Bromsgrove Rovers secured the league double over Stourport Swifts and with it took three valuable points at the Victoria Ground last night (Tuesday). Mark Atkinson and Marcus Jackson got a goal in each half to leave George Rooney's
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Watkins' work in an exhibition
BEEHIVES and a whalebone are among the items on display at a new exhibition marking the work of famous Herefordian, Alfred Watkins. Hereford Art Gallery and Museum has been transformed by large wood and stone structures and giant wall drawings for the
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Chance to keep an eye on what your councillors do
DECISIONS taken by Worcestershire County Council are to come under greater analysis - and the public are being encouraged to get involved. A series of six scrutiny panels shadowing each cabinet member's work are due to begin their investigating in earnest
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Text scam warning
TRADING Standards have warned that fraudulent text messages are the latest scam to hit the public, as bogus companies continue to target consumers. In one instance a prize of two nights at a top hotel was offered as long as the recipient replied to a
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Malvern Town FC - Fixtures/Results - 2003/4 Season
FIXTURES WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL LEAGUE Saturday, November 22 Premier Division: Malvern Town v Ledbury Town (2.45). Division One (South): Ludlow Town Reserves v Malvern Town Reserves (2.45). Tuesday, November 25 WFA Senior Urn: Malvern Town v Brierley
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Jennie aiming for Olympic gold
HOCKEY star Jennie Bimson has spent the last 14 years chasing one goal in the sport - Olympic gold. Ever since the Bromsgrove-born player picked up a stick at school aged 13 she has wanted to reach the pinnacle of the game. And now, with two Commonwealth
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Spa win first of the season
PHIL Horton scored four goals as Droitwich Spa Hockey Club Men's First XI mauled Kynoch 7-1 to record their first win of the season. Spa, one place above their basement side opponents before the start of play, led 5-0 at the break and could have doubled
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Praise from captain
CAPTAIN Clare Berrisford was full of praise for her team as Bromsgrove Hockey Club Ladies Second XI defeated a strong Stourport side 1-0 at home last Saturday. Berrisford's side were handed their goal by Stourport mid-way through the first half but held
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Lead is thrown away
BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Men's Second XI threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Kingswinford. Bromsgrove started well and took the lead after good work down the right by Simon Clifton, creating an opening for Scott Reeves to score. Soon after Ali Shaw
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Corsets a good idea for the fayre
UNDERWEAR. We all wear it. For some it consists of purely functionary garments, while others prefer a slightly more elaborate approach. But it's always there, lurking just beneath the surface. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Unless, it would seem, you
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FRANCIS IN VALLEY TRIAL
FORMER Birmingham City star Kevin Francis could be poised to become Redditch United's biggest weapon in the Dr Martens Western championship race. Reds boss Rod Brown has confirmed that the giant 6ft 7ins striker is training at The Valley Stadium after
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First-home Tonks eyes the series
BROMSGROVE & Redditch AC's Sharon Tonks arrived at Birmingham's Alexandra Stadium on Saturday for the 2nd Mid Winter League race still suffering the effects of a heavy cold. Friday's storms has also brought havoc to the normal course and a new one
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19/11/03 - Cottrill takes centre stage
IAN Cottrill - so good George Rooney bought him twice - will grace St George's Lane for one last time in his testimonial against Kidderminster Harriers on Monday night. It will be a fitting send off for a City stalwart who earned his spurs during two
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Love in the air at the Beehive
NO wonder there will be cup romance at the Beehive on Saturday...manager Mark Chambers and his players are simply in love with the FA Vase. The buzzing Bees take on Derby outfit Mickleover Sports (3pm) and, according to Chambers, there will be much more
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Christmas spree on cards for Bees
STUDLEY boss Mark Chambers is preparing an audacious Christmas spending spree after his red-hot side registered another high-flying Midland Alliance success on Saturday. The Bees' continued their winning ways to cement fifth spot in the Midland Alliance
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Wild and thrilling
BRITAIN'S foremost choreographer Richard Alston brings his dance company to Malvern with a varied programme, including two newly-created dances. The contemporary company, renowned for quality, creativity and adventurous entertaining styles of dance, performs
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Clerk is off
ALVECHURCH Parish Council is set to recruit a new clerk following the resignation of Gill Lungley. Mrs Lungley has held the post for 10 years but will be leaving in January. Anyone interested can apply in writing to chairman Derek Waters at 16 The Square
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What's On Guide
Thursday, November 20 Tom's Midnight Garden, Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham. Until January 31. Tickets from 0121 616 1519. Richard Alston Dance Company, Forum Theatre, Malvern. Also November 21. Tickets from 01684 892277. Redditch Operatic Society: Carousel
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Barton backing City to recover
WORCESTER City boss John Barton has brushed aside fears over their recent rough patch and insists they will emerge stronger for it. The St George's Lane club's dip in form has seen them drop to ninth in the Dr Martens Premier Division but Barton remains
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Lucs home
LUCTONIANS have been handed a home draw against lower-graded opposition in the fourth round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup. The Kingsland-based Midlands One side will entertain Horden, from County Durham, at Mortimer Park in the last 32 on Saturday,
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Rovers in fourth after derby win
BROMSGROVE Rovers completed a Dr Martens Western Division double over Stourport Swifts with a 2-0 victory at the Victoria Ground last night. Mark Atkinson and Marcus Jackson got a goal in each half to leave George Rooney's side, who won 2-1 at Swifts
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Town hit nine to move well clear
Malvern Town extended their lead at the top of the West Midlands League Premier Division table to eight points, following an emphatic 9-0 success at bottom club Coseley Town last night. Still reeling from a 7-0 reverse at Ledbury on Saturday, Coseley
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Moffet turns on the style
WORCESTERSHIRE'S Victoria Moffet of East Gloucester Tennis Club was in terrific form as she finished sixth at the Sunday Telegraph Centre Parcs National Grand Prix Masters at La Manga Club, Spain. The 14-year-old from Stoke Prior produced a series of
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County duo go through to finals
WORCESTERSHIRE duo Laura Hollier and Lori-Dee Jackson collected tickets to the Blue Chip finals after impressive performances in a national show jumping qualifier staged at Gracelands Equestrian Centre at Elmbridge. Laura, aged 14 and from Wychbold, was
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Town's crash landing
BROMSGROVE RFC First XV were brought down to earth with a bump last Saturday as Burton dumped them out of the Powergen Intermediate Cup. Bromsgrove, 44-12 victors against Malvern last week, led 12-0 at half time but let the unbeaten Midland Three West
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Junior rugby round-up
Droitwich Spa RFC U8s 30 Bromsgrove RFC U8s 30 Alex Russell scored five tries and Ed Beech one. Droitwich Spa RFC U8s 35 Bromsgrove RFC U8s 35 In the second match Ian Haley scored two tries as did Alex Russell. David Haley scored one and George Frost
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Society holds meeting
BROMSGROVE Rovers Supporters Society has held its Annual General Meeting. The meeting, held at the DDS&S Club, in Stourbridge Road, on Monday October 20, saw the election of the board. Des Best was elected chairman, Bob Birch as vice chairman, Tracey
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Junior football round-up
Catshill Warriors U13s 0 Kings Heath Concorde U13s 0 (Kings Heath won 12-11 on penalties) A fiercely competitive game saw the Warriors unlucky in the first half when Nick Seabourne hit the post and then the crossbar before Craig Swallow's effort was disallowed
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19/11/03 - Let there be floodlight
ENGLAND'S shot at World Cup rugby history against Australia this Saturday has given Droitwich Spa RFC First XV the chance to make history themselves. Spa will play their first ever match under floodlights this Friday so fans can savour the England-Australia
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Where to fish
WATERS booked by the Birmingham Anglers Association. Saturday, November 22 Avon - Barton 1, Wood Norton, Cropthorne 7, 8, 9, Wick, Pershore R/B. Pools - Stubbs pegs 1 - 15. Sunday, November 23 Avon - Barton, Bidford L/B, Marlcliff, Salford Priors, Evesham
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Exchange lessons for more money matters
A report published by Insight Investment, asset managers for the Halifax and Bank of Scotland, reveals that almost nine out of 10 parents think money management and behavioural lessons should be compulsory in schools. Dan Kendrick takes a look at the
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Health views are important
DEAR EDITOR - It's all too easy to complain about the state of the NHS and other health care services in England, but I wonder how many people are aware that ordinary members of the public not only have a chance to voice their concerns, but actually make
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To 'refuse' is not the answer
DEAR EDITOR -- I agree with Susan Holbeches letter of last month that Bromsgrove District Council has been slow to improve the methods of collection of refuse in the area. Black bags have been supplied in Birmingham for many years. Unfortunately now they
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Independence
DEAR EDITOR -- When five of us decided to give up membership of the Conservative group on Bromsgrove District Council we had no idea how strong the support for our action would be and we would like to thank all who have made this known. People of all
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Beaten at first hurdle
Coventry Saracens 17 Alcester 13 For the third time in a month, Alcester returned from Coventry empty handed. They followed up recent losses at Stoke Old Boys and Pinley with defeat at the first hurdle of the Shield competition, against a Saracens side
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Tanned
Barkers Tanners 22 Redditch Exiles 15 REDDITCH Exiles did not lack in commitment but in key areas at key times they were found wanting and conceded two tries in each half. A strong mauling side, Barkers forwards fed their backs with a steady supply of
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Learning attitude awarded
A REDDITCH woman is to be given a prestigious award by a national newsreader for her work in promoting and encouraging continuous learning and development among her staff. Wirehill resident Joan Flood, a 55 year old who studies at Longden Ltd in Bickenhill
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Bromsgrove 18 Burton 22
Saturday, November 15, 2003 BROMSGROVE RFC First XV were brought down to earth with a bump last Saturday as Burton dumped them out of the Powergen Intermediate Cup. Bromsgrove, 44-12 victors against Malvern last week, led 12-0 at half time but let the
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Centre is in the zone
THE Kingfisher Centre has become the third shopping centre in the UK to introduce a vital children's safety service. The centre launched the Child Safe Zone scheme on Friday and Saturday, which will ensure all children visiting the centre can be reunited
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Year ends with poet
A PROLIFIC poet and literary festival director will be giving a Bromsgrove group its final talk of the year this weekend. Dr Charles Bennett will be speaking to members of WORDS at the L.G. Harris Brushworks conference room, in Stoke Prior, this Friday
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Ramble
RESIDENTS are invited for a stroll round Sanders Park next weekend. The Fairfield Ramblers will meet in the overflow car park of the Kidderminster Road venue on Saturday, November 29. It stars at 10.15am and takes around two hours. Call 0121 453 6501.
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Artist
TALENTED artist Lorraine Wright will be holding an exhibition of her paintings at Bromsgrove Library, in Stratford Road, this month. The show runs from Monday, November 24, until December 20 during opening hours.
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What's on guide
Wednesday, November 19 Show: The Play What I Wrote, Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Until Saturday. Show: Michael Harvey, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 7.30pm. Show: Shakespeare's Villains, The Swan Theatre, Worcester, 7.30pm. Show:
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Full marks to Mr Mayor!
BED-BLOCKING has been continuing for several years and all this time no one seems to try to do anything about it except moan. If there were more and better financed residential homes the problem would soon disappear. It is all a matter of money. Social
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Rosehill Flower Society
THE demonstration, flowers on the wings of time, by Andrew Lloyd brought great delight to the members and visitors who attended the November meeting. Andrew's demonstrations are eagerly anticipated and his deftness and quickness always amaze. He provided
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Tracing relatives who fell on foreign fields
A RECENT edition of the Evening News ran an interesting and moving article on A-level English Literature students who travelled to Belgium and France to see the commemoration sites of the First World War writers. On student, Rory McGrath, described how
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ID cards are a good idea
I READ with alarm but not surprise about the funding of the Trading Standards operation concerning alcohol and weapons being sold to children underage. I know a lot of people are against carrying an ID card and think it is taking people's liberty and
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Something must be done about rat-runs
FROM the feedback that I have received from the residents of Ambleside Drive and Tolladine Road, it would appear that the majority are highlighting traffic problems in this area. Both of the roads in question are used daily as a rat-run. People who are
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Heavy metal work
CARING students are putting their skills to the test by restoring a classic fire damaged bike. NEW College is helping to restore a Triumph XR75 Hurricane which was damaged in the blaze at the National Motorcycle Museum. The early 1970s bike was one of
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Family suffer fire tragedy
TWO beloved family dogs were given mouth-to mouth resuscitation in a desperate attempt to bring them back to life after they were dragged from a blazing Rubery home. Bromsgrove firefighters tried in vain to revive the pair of Labradors outside the burning
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CD Stacie Orrico
MY GOD boys it's the 'dirrty' Christina Aguilera mark two. Stacie Orrico even sounds like pop's genie in a bottle. And at just 17 Ms Orrico, complete with Madonna-esq beauty spot, has the world at her feet and with this, her second album, she's sure to
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Switch on biggest and brightest yet
A KALEIDOSCOPE of colourful lights and a packed programme of street entertainment will bring plenty of Christmas cheer to Bromsgrove and Rubery this Yuletide. Santa Claus will join district council chairman, Councillor John Tidmarsh, for the official
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Concert for a can
A FINE selection of music will keep Spa residents entertained at an exciting, charity piano and cello concert. Nikki and Andrew Kristy, professionally known as Finesse Piano and Cello, will give a concert in aid of their local church fund. The event will
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Church is hit by vandals
WORSHIPPERS at a town church are picking up the pieces after a break in which is the latest in a long line of attacks and loutish behaviour. Although only a bottle of Communion wine was stolen, members of All Saints' Church in Birmingham Road were forced
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Rec ban for booze bingeing teens
A COMMUNITY leader is demanding an alcohol ban is slapped on Rubery's parks in an attempt to crackdown on loutish and anti-social behaviour. Bromsgrove district councillor Peter McDonald (Lab-Waseley) is campaigning to have St Chad's park and the Brook
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Agency staff bill sparks row
AGENCY staff working at the Council House in Bromsgrove are adding thousand of pounds to the authority's annual wage bill, it is being claimed. The opposition Labour group is angry after discovering that extra temporary staff are to be engaged to cope
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It's a real honour for swan lady Jan
A WILDLIFE lover who has dedicated 30 years of her life to helping injured and distressed swans has been nominated for Midlander of the Year. Jan Harrigan first set up the Swan Rescue Centre in Wychbold after she nursed a swan with a broken wing back
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Care about carers
A FEW people in our society do a very special job and yet gain very little recognition for their supreme efforts. These people are carers, and devote hours to selflessly looking after the wellbeing of loved ones, friend s or family who are unable to care
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Adding some sparkle
GIVING youngsters from Tibberton First School wore their heart on their sleeves when they took part in Operation Christmas Child this week. Pupils from the Plough Road school brought in dozens of shoeboxes crammed full of goodies including scarves, crayons
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D-day looms for town's new supermarket plan
After months of uncertainty over the town's new multi-million pound Waitrose development, the wait is finally over. Crunch talks over the future of the supermarket will be held at a special meeting of Wychavon District Council next Tuesday. Members will
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Disgust over bins grime
AN angry Spa resident has hit out at dustmen who she claims regularly leave her street piled high with household rubbish. Elizabeth Griffiths of Paddock Way is furious at the dustmen who collect in her area. She claims they regularly stack 20 or more
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7ft tree holding us at bay, couple claim
AN elderly Spa couple are desperately seeking funding to chop down the tree they say has blighted the past two years of their lives. Joan Brown, 62 and her disabled husband Leonard, 60 are struggling to find the means to remove a 7ft tree from the garden
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CD Holly Valance State of Mind
IT'S hard to know what to say about Holly's latest album as I didn't dislike it but I wasn't bowled over by it either. I love her current hit State of Mind and it's a dead cert to get me in the mood for partying the night away. But then the rest of the
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Theatre Don't Dress For Dinner Wythall Theatre Company
Palace Theatre A SUMPTUOUS offering was served up by Wythall Theatre Company's production of this Marc Camoletti farce. The play begins when Bernard, played by Mike Beamish with great aplomb, decides to make the most of his wife's weekend away at her
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DVD X-Men2 (12)
FILMS generally conform to the cinematic rule that the sequel is always poorer than its predecessor and very rarely is that broken. However this is one of those instances when the second film is actually better than the original and much more enjoyable
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MARTIAL ARTS: Ross' skills to the test
A MARTIAL artist from Bromsgrove is preparing to test his skills against the best in the business. Ross Mason, who specialises in Ju-Jitsu, will go head-to-head with Muay Thai world champion Ciro Gallo from Italy at the Grapple and Strike Eight event
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SNOOKER: Adie's big break
ADIE Waldron compiled a well-crafted break of 50 as Aston Fields Social Club A got revenge on Bromsgrove Police Club B in the Howard Harrison Cup. In a repeat of last year's final, Aston Fields edged out the holders at the preliminary round stage to reach
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19/11/03 - Barton backing City to recover
WORCESTER City boss John Barton has brushed aside fears over their recent rough patch and insists they will emerge stronger for it. The St George's Lane club's dip in form has seen them drop to ninth in the Dr Martens Premier Division but Barton remains
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19/11/03 - Tough run tests City's resolution
FOOTBALL is a tough game at the best of times but it's doubly difficult when you are in a run like ours. It is not easy for all kinds of reasons but we've no intention of sitting here feeling sorry for ourselves. In fact to be honest the situation has
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Terrible tragedy's tenth anniversary
A SPECIAL service to mark ten years since the tragic minibus crash which claimed the lives of 12 Hagley school children and their teacher, will take place tomorrow (Thursday). The Archbishop of Birmingham, the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, will conduct
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Vicar slams Abbey plan
A CHURCH leader has hit out at plans for a £50 million sports, leisure and entertainment complex on the site of the Abbey Stadium, saying its location next to the crematorium would be "totally inappropriate". The Rev Andrew Smith has slammed the proposal
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Such attitudes belong to a bygone age
I WOULD like to respond to Councillor Tom Wareing's continuing belittling of women police officers and their role in frontline policing (Advertiser, November 12). Firstly, I will point out that I am not a 'militant feminis'" nor am I in any way connected
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Pool secrecy spurs anger
A REPORT into the debacle surrounding the Studley Leisure Centre refurbishment will not be made public - prompting anger from certain Stratford councillors. Members of a scrutiny committee meet today to discuss a long list of 'lessons to be learned' after
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Ratting on rubbish
A RECYCLING scheme is to be expanded across the town after a successful pilot. Redditch Council's kerbside recycling scheme will be increased to another 2,250 homes next month and will be introduced to parts of Callow Hill, Crabbs Cross, Ipsley, Lodge
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Army stalwart Winnie, 97, dies
A STALWART member of the Salvation Army in Redditch has died in a Callow Hill care home at the age of 97. Winnie Skinner was born into the organisation and spent her entire life supporting and promoting the cause. During her working life, she spent time
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Bear-faced fun is all for Pudsey!
PEOPLE across Redditch are preparing for fun and frolics on Friday to help raise cash for this year's BBC Children in Need appeal. The appeal started in 1980 and has raised £325 million to improve the life of British children who have experienced hardship
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We will keep up protests
I WRITE in response to the letter 'Bring back school bus" (Advertiser, November 12). I am one of the parents protesting outside St Stephen's CE First School and I would just like to point out to Mr and Mrs Hardwick that there are indeed yellow lines,
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Pair with £m debt step down
TWO Redditch businessmen whose haulage business failed with nearly half a million pounds of debt have undertaken not to hold directorships for a combined 13 years. Paul Marriott, aged 35, of Jersey Close, Church Hill North and Jason Lediard, aged 32 of
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My duty to voice views
THE Emperor's New Clothes Syndrome is but one manifestation of the permissive society, the 'thought police' of the politically correct equal opportunities industry another, as those of us advocating common sense in personnel management policies can confirm
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It was a joy to be part of it all
I AM writing to say how much I enjoyed collecting in Redditch town centre on behalf of the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal. This was the first time I have collected for them and I would urge anyone to spare a few hours next year to help out. I was
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Hall's well now
IT was with interest that I read the future of Cookhill Village Hall is safe now the target has been reached and building work will begin next year to bring it up to public standard legislation. Although my husband and I left Cookhill five years ago,
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Addict is spared jail
An addict who targeted his own family to feed his drug addiction has been given a chance by a judge to avoid going to jail. Steven O'Brien burgled his sister's home while she was on holiday and stole her car. He also filled out one of his mother's blank
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Project needs our support
I READ with interest David Smith's letter regarding the fight for a village hall in Astwood Bank (Advertiser, November 12). It would seem the village hall committee had put in a considerable amount of work to reach the point of taking this proposal to
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Vicar lays into plans
THE latest plans for a £100,000 town centre environmental improvement programme have met strong opposition from the vicar of St Stephen's Church. The Rev Andrew Smith said he had not been consulted over the plans to revamp the area around the church,
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Merry Wives of Alcester
TABLE Etiquette was the subject of the talk by Rueben Lynch, who describes himself as "the only black toastmaster in the UK". His bible is Debrett's Etiquette and Modern Manners and gives advice on how to behave at dinner, including which cutlery to use
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Let there be floodlight
ENGLAND'S shot at World Cup rugby history against Australia this Saturday has given Droitwich Spa RFC First XV the chance to make history themselves. Spa will play their first ever match under floodlights this Friday so fans can savour the England-Australia
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Redditch Music Society
THE November concert by virtuoso double bassist Dominic Seldis and pianist James Pearson was voted one of the best ever in the society's 42-year history. They are famed for their hugely entertaining performances and this fame is certainly well deserved
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Rous Lench and Inkberrow Royal British Legion
THE Act of Remembrance had added poignancy at the AGM of the branch, which was held at the Flyford Arms on November 4 when the chairman, Mr P Laight, was saddened to record the deaths of nine members during the preceding 12 months. Reports were given
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MP pays visit to support group
JACQUI Smith was invited to visit Redditch Victim Support for an update on its activities and to hear about its new facilities at the magistrates court. Ms Smith visited as part of National MPs' Day, during which hundreds of MPs visited their local Victim
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Trumpeting her success
A CHURCH Hill student has hit a high note after completing her gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Rachel Lacey, 18, completed sections including weekend music practice, swimming lessons and a four-day, 50-mile hiking trip in the Lake District. She also attended
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Wythall History Society
The October Lecture was Diaries of a Victorian Wythall Farmer. Val Lewis, secretary of our society, presented to us through diaries and illustrations a picture of the life and times of Richard Pountney, landowner, farmer and major public figure. Born
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Rovers seal double
IT wasn't pretty but Bromsgrove Rovers secured the league double over Stourport Swifts and with it took three valuable points at the Victoria Ground last night. Mark Atkinson and Marcus Jackson got a goal in each half to leave George Rooney's side, who
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School praises pupils' efforts
PARENTS, staff and governors came together at Studley High School on Thursday to mark the efforts of pupils who took their GCSEs this year. Those at the annual awards evening welcomed vice-chairman of governors and speaker Geraldine Quinney, who is celebrating
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Jennie aiming for Olympic gold
HOCKEY star Jennie Bimson has spent the last 14 years chasing one goal in the sport - Olympic gold. Ever since the Bromsgrove-born player picked up a stick at school aged 13 she has wanted to reach the pinnacle of the game. And now, with two Commonwealth
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Enough to send you off your trolley!
STRAY shopping trolleys are driving Greenlands residents mad, according to one resident. Earlier this month, she took a stroll with a camera and managed to spot 10 Tesco trolleys - a small part of an ongoing problem she says. The resident, who did not
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Bubbly Studley returns
AFTER a gap of five years, the old Studley Mop is to make a revival on Friday, December 12. Part of High Street and Marble Alley will be closed off from 6-9pm for the big night, which will have a Christmas theme. Organiser Sally Macreavy, who helped create
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New website
THIS week sees the launch of a new Advertiser/Messenger website dedicated to Droitwich Spa Rugby Football Club. The on-line resource will house all the latest news and match reports from the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground as well as facts and figures and
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Top praise for village school
FECKENHAM First School has been praised after the results of its Ofsted report were published. The inspector said it was a good school where children had positive attitudes and which was well led and managed by the headteacher, senior staff and governors
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Vicar to mark his farewell
THE Ven Frederick Hazell will celebrate his last service at St Bartholomew's Church in Tardebigge this month. Mr Hazell, 73, who is married to Norma, was asked to take over as vicar of the church in 1999. He was born in Preston, Lancashire, and was ordained
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Plaudits for bus scheme
TARDEBIGGE First School was recently congratulated for the success it has achieved with its Walking Bus scheme. School representatives went to an event at Redditch Town Hall earlier this month where staff from other schools were invited to attend to see
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Pub decision still to come
INVESTIGATIONS are being carried out into whether the Duke of Marlborough pub in Studley should be listed. Village councillor Bill McCarthy applied to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport for a listing because the Alcester Road pub is under threat
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Swoop made on village site
CASTLE Maudslay enthusiasts' bid to buy the only surviving works in Great Alne has been dealt a huge blow. The group said owners of the land, US-based ArvinMeritor, were willing to accept £4 million for the land but a retirement village company has swooped
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Plans may be refused
MAJOR plans for the creation of a golf course at Clarkes Green, west of Mappleborough Green, looked as if they could well be refused tomorrow by councillors. The application, made by the Highland Hill Golf Course company, will be discussed by councillors
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It's the jail-house mock
ST Benedict's High School pupils got a taste of life behind bars on Thursday as part of a Crime and Safety Awareness Day. The Prison! Me! No Way! Team from Her Majesty's Young Offenders Institution and Remand Centre took a full-size mock up prison cell
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Arts plan in offing
AN exciting arts plan to develop Redditch as 'a hub of creative activity' will soon be put to the council for adoption. 'From Paolozzi to Panto - Preparing Redditch for the Arts' is a new arts policy with objectives and aims for the town. It also incorporates
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CBI chief at print launch
THE head of Britain's most powerful employers' group is due to be in Worcester on Friday to launch a new company. Digby Jones, director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), will take time out of his busy schedule to officially open
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Nails a speciality at new beauty salon
THE closure of a famous Worcester department store has led to two friends setting up in business. Nicola Moore and Nichola Milton worked at the former Russell & Dorrell department store, in the High Street, as make-up consultants. When the pair found
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Windfall cash for children
SEVERAL Redditch childcare groups have scooped a share of a county-wide cash windfall, allowing them to increase the number of places they can offer to youngsters. Worcestershire County Council's Early Years and Childcare Partnership has secured £300,000
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Armed robbers
MASKED robbers snatched cash, telephone cards and cigarettes when they struck at a convenience store in Droitwich today. Two armed men - believed to be carrying knives - struck at the Spar Shop, in Oakland Avenue, between 5.30am and 6am. The raiders,
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Extra bug testing for sports facility
FURTHER tests are to be carried out for the potential killer bacteria of Legionnaire's disease at the changing rooms of a Worcester playing field in a bid to give it the all-clear. Legionella bacterium was found in the shower room of the King George V
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Scam as firms told to send data protection fees
BUSINESSES are being warned about the return of a scam, which claims they need to pay £95 to comply with data protection laws. Official-looking papers from a company called The Data Collection Enforcement Agency tell firms to send cash in order to register
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I only used cannabis to make the pain go away
A Pershore man suffering from an intestinal condition has been fined for possessing cannabis with a street value of over £850, which he claims he used medicinally to ease his pain. Officers discovered almost 200g of cannabis resin and just over one gram
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Kayleigh is named sexiest girl next door
A WORCESTERSHIRE teenager has scooped £10,000 and an exclusive photoshoot, after winning the FHM High Street Honeys competition. Eighteen-year-old Kayleigh Pearson said she was "absolutely stunned" to be named the UK's sexiest "girl next door" by the
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'Drunken students wrecked my wall'
DRUNKEN students are being blamed for late-night vandalism in Worcester which saw a trail of damage including a 6ft wall demolished. Residents in Henwick Road, St John's, were awoken yesterday to the damage, which led from the city to University College
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Man, 20 charged over farm building blaze
A MAN is facing an arson charge after allegedly burning down an Evesham commercial farm building causing £172,000 damage. Appearing at Worcester Magistrates' Court yesterday, Edward Allcock, of Kempsey Close, South Woodrow, Redditch, faced one charge
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A case of DIY policing
FAMILIES worried about crime in their neighbourhood will be offered the chance to hire their own "beat bobbies" - for £10,000. Home Secretary David Blunkett says if neighbourhood groups stump up the cash, the Government would pay the other half of a community
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City college proves that you are what you eat...
AN innovative menu aimed at providing students with a healthy diet has led to a Worcester college being awarded with a prestigious accolade. Worcester College of Technology, in Deansway, has been granted the Heartbeat Award by the Health Education Authority
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Prison fails its learning targets
LONG Lartin prison, in Evesham, has serious deficiencies but generally provides a safe environment for its high-security inmates. That was the conclusion of an inspection report, which found both good and bad points about the establishment. The report
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Music
A NIGHT of contemporary classical music can be heard at a Stoke Heath venue tonight (Wednesday). Bromsgrove Concerts is hosting Noszferatu at The Guesten Hall, Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, from 8pm.
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Festive messages will help charity funding
RESIDENTS of the Faithful City are being urged to ditch traditional Christmas cards in favour of an innovative way of sending their festive greetings that will help raise cash for life-limited children in Worcestershire. Instead of sending traditional
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Flagg
RANDOLPH Flagg will be playing their usual blend of classic and country rock at a Bromsgrove venue next week. The popular town band will be playing at the Ye Olde Black Cross, in Worcester Road, on Sunday, November 30. For further details call lead singer
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New blue plaques to depict Lottery
HUNDREDS of blue plaques are likely to appear across Worcestershire as projects, large and small, acknowledge the help they have received from the National Lottery. Nearly every Lottery beneficiary will eventually receive a plaque with the crossed fingers
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Teacher's plea to work thief
A TEACHER whose bag was snatched in a smash and grab raid on her car is appealing to the thief to return her pupils' work. Pat Lewis, a primary teacher at Sunnyside School and Nursery, in Barbourne Terrace, Worcester, went home around 11.30am on Monday
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Conran cash charge
A MAN has been charged with stealing more than £340,000, after an inquiry into the theft of funds from a bank account belonging to Habitat founder Sir Terence Conran, it emerged today. West Mercia Police said the man, who is also accused of attempted
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Adoption messages of hope to children
SCHOOLCHILDREN in Worcestershire have sent special messages of support to youngsters awaiting adoption. Hand-made stars, complete with meaningful notes, were put on display by the county's adoption recruitment team at County Hall. The team asked pupils
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Bromsgrove Rovers 2 Stourport Swifts 0
Tuesday, November 18, 2003 IT wasn't pretty but Bromsgrove Rovers secured the league double over Stourport Swifts and with it took three valuable points at the Victoria Ground. Mark Atkinson and Marcus Jackson got a goal in each half to leave George Rooney's
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Rugby United 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 5
Saturday, November 15, 2003 BROMSGROVE Rovers got their revenge on second place Rugby United in emphatic style at Butlin Road. George Rooney' side, beaten 3-1 at the Victoria Ground in September, had Kevin Banner, James Dyson, Marcus Jackson and Paul
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19/11/03 - Rovers seal double
IT wasn't pretty but Bromsgrove Rovers secured the league double over Stourport Swifts and with it took three valuable points at the Victoria Ground. Mark Atkinson and Marcus Jackson got a goal in each half to leave George Rooney's side, who won 2-1 at
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Plea made for return of film
POLICE are appealing to thieves to return a camera film that has 'extreme sentimental value' which was stolen during a burglary in Tardebigge. Thieves broke into a house on Saturday morning, taking a Canon camera worth £50, a Toshiba TV worth £1,000 and
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B&Q tools taken
POWER tools worth £100 were stolen from the Redditch branch of B&Q on Saturday. A man threw the tools over a 10ft barbed wire fence and then jumped over himself, running off by Matalan towards the dual carriageway. Redditch police are appealing for
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What a shame our Kate was so easily tamed
Review: The Taming of the Shrew at the Festival Theatre, Malvern TOO tame by half and far from the rocky ride normally associated with Shakespeare's sparring couple. Nichola McAuliffe's Kate provided a softer interpretation - no rough-house tomboy tactics
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Poking fun at politics
Review: Pardon Me Prime Minister, Norbury Theatre, Droitwich Spa THERE'S nothing like a good bit of scandal and some scantily clad women to attract a crowd. And the latest offering from the Norbury Theatre had it all, providing a barrel of laughs along
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Men miss chances
BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Men's First XI were held to a 1-1 home draw by Rugeley last Saturday despite throwing everything but the kitchen sink at their opponents. Julian Court's side attacked for the whole game, forcing countless penalty corners in the
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Just ready to rumble!
A TALENTED trio of Redditch superfighters will embark on the relatively brave new world of mixed martial arts fighting on Saturday - and battle it out for major titles. Worcestershire Ju Jitsu Club's Ross Mason and Chris Rice will compete for world titles
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Super seven
Redditch Ladies 7 Camp Hill Ladies 0 Redditch continued their winning ways with an emphatic 7 - 0 victory against Camp Hill. Redditch's impressive Jo Stafford made a surging run and Liz Thomson was on hand to open the scoring. Angela Taylor made it 2-
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Stamp of approval
REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith has done her bit to help boost the coffers of the Alexandra Hospital's League of Friends fund. On Monday, Ms Smith went to the office to give the Friends all the used stamps she has collected in her constituency office. Collecting
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Ross salvages last-gasp point
Redditch United 1 Sutton Coldfield Town 1 SUPER sub Lee Ross played Reds' get-out-of-jail card last night as he salvaged a potentially crucial league point. The roaring Reds were in danger of losing their first league match in five outings when another
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ADAM WILLIS - Centre-half. 21/9/76. 6ft 1ins. Squad number 18.
Impressed on trial with Harriers during pre-season and signed a one-year deal before the start of the 2003/04 season. Started his career as a young professional at Coventry but was not given a first-team debut for the then-Premiership club. The promising
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Miss doesn't hit the spot with Brown
Taunton 0 Redditch 2 REDDITCH United manager Rod Brown revealed that he gave Matty Hall a right Reds roasting after he missed an early penalty in Devon. United went on to to chalk up another convincing Dr Martens Western victory which put them five points
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Adams sees red over Bosnan's 'petulance'
Feckenham 0 Meir 0 FECKENHAM boss Lee Adams described Lee Bosnan as 'silly' after he was sent off in Saturday's goalless Midland Combination Premier draw with Meir. Bosnan was given a straight red before half-time after kicking out at an opponent which
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'Church back to 'school'
Stourbridge 5 Alvechurch 3 ALVECHURCH'S joint boss Neil Bryan blasted his side's 'schoolboy errors' after their recent Midland Alliance revival came to a shuddering halt on Saturday. The visitors conceded all Stourbridge's goals from set pieces - two
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Fixtures
Friday, November 21 RUGBY Midlands Three West (South) - Droitwich Spa v Ledbury (7.30pm). Saturday, November 22 FOOTBALL Dr Martens Western - Swindon Supermarine v Bromsgrove Rovers (3pm). Midland Football Combination Division One - Wilmcote S&S v
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Giles given royal status
ENGLAND cricket ace Ashley Giles has been honoured with a new nickname following a printing blunder. The Droitwich Spa-based spin bowler is now jokingly referred to as "The King" by his international team mates after an error on a set of commemorative
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Giles makes a late rally
ENGLAND spin bowler Ashley Giles (pictured) made a late rally with the bat but could not save his side from humiliation in Sri Lanka. Batting at number nine, Droitwich Spa-based Giles hit 21, the second highest English score behind Paul Collingwood's
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25 years ago November 17, 1979
BROMSGROVE'S oldest inhabitant Lucy Barnes celebrated her 103rd birthday this week. She came to Bromsgrove with her husband in 1903 when he got a job at the world famous Guild. Lucy had run a small shop in Aston Fields where she lived for many years.
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50 years ago November 21, 1953
THE Poppy Day collection in Bromsgrove amounted to £353, last year it amounted to £380. In Rubery £57 had been raised for the Earl Haig Fund. THE opening meet of the Worcestershire Foxhounds was at the Vernon Arms, Hanbury. The start had been delayed
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100 years ago November 21, 1903
THE vicar of St John's Parish Church in Bromsgrove, the Rev E Vine Hall, had been ordered to rest for two months on health grounds. He proposed to leave forthwith for Mentone where he would escape the worst of the British winter. His illness had also
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Evesham snap up front man Hammett
NEW Evesham United boss Dave Busst has swooped to sign another forward. Andy Hammett, who has been training with Bristol Rovers, joins the Robins and will be included in the squad to face Shepshed Dynamo at Common Road in the Dr Martens Western Division
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College girls make progress
WORCESTER Sixth Form College girls indoor hockey team have progressed to the Midlands indoor finals by finishing second in the Worcestershire competition. The team played well considering their lack of experience indoors beating Kingsley College 5-1 and
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Let there be floodlight
ENGLAND'S shot at World Cup rugby history against Australia this Saturday has given Droitwich Spa RFC First XV the chance to make history themselves. Spa will play their first ever match under floodlights this Friday so fans can savour the England-Australia
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Star out for 12 weeks
JAMIE Faulkener has been ruled out of Droitwich Spa RFC First XV action for up to 12 weeks with ankle ligament damage. The prolific try scorer, who has touched down seven times in his last two games, injured his left ankle scoring in Spa's 38-18 win at
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U15s draw Warwick
BROMSGROVE School's U15s rugby team has been paired with Warwick School in the fourth round of the Daily Mail U15s Schools Cup. The two schools, who bumped into each other on an Italian tour in half term, will meet on Tuesday, November 25. Bromsgrove
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Rovers seal double
IT wasn't pretty but Bromsgrove Rovers secured the league double over Stourport Swifts and with it took three valuable points at the Victoria Ground last night (Tuesday). Mark Atkinson and Marcus Jackson got a goal in each half to leave George Rooney's
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Villa let lead slip at the end
TWO goals in injury time saw Fairfield Villa hand Bloxwich Town their first victory of the season, 2-1 at the Recreation Ground. John Baker and Neil Gallagher's side were leading with seconds left last Saturday before the visitors, bottom of Midland Combination
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Blaber: We were robbed of points
DROITWICH Spa boss Kevin Blaber (pictured) believes his side was robbed of victory amid controversy in his side's 0-0 draw at Continental Star Reserves. With last Saturday's game evenly poised and ten minutes left, Greg Thomas headed the ball over the
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Blaber: We were robbed of points
DROITWICH Spa boss Kevin Blaber (pictured) believes his side was robbed of victory amid controversy in his side's 0-0 draw at Continental Star Reserves. With last Saturday's game evenly poised and ten minutes left, Greg Thomas headed the ball over the
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Sunday league latest
LATEST results from the Advertiser/Messenger Football League. LMS Shield Rubery RBL 1 Star and Garter 2; Inter Sports v Blackwell and Stoke Prior v Hoolahans - postponed. Centenary Cup Wychbold RBL 1 Barley Mow 0; Turks Head 0 Alvechurch Darts 6. Division
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Latest Combination action
SELECTED action from the Central Sports Redditch and South Warwickshire Combination. Studley Charity Cup Mappleborough 1 Webheath 6; West Heath Snooker 2 (Thomas, Dunkley) Thorn FC 2 (Allen, Smith); Rubery Red Star 1 Access Security 0; Lodge Park 0 Hymatic
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19/11/03 - Let there be floodlight
ENGLAND'S shot at World Cup rugby history against Australia this Saturday has given Droitwich Spa RFC First XV the chance to make history themselves. Spa will play their first ever match under floodlights this Friday so fans can savour the England-Australia
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New website
THIS week sees the launch of a new Advertiser/Messenger website dedicated to Droitwich Spa Rugby Football Club. The on-line resource will house all the latest news and match reports from the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground as well as facts and figures and
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19/11/03 - Town's crash landing
BROMSGROVE RFC First XV were brought down to earth with a bump last Saturday as Burton dumped them out of the Powergen Intermediate Cup. Bromsgrove, 44-12 victors against Malvern last week, led 12-0 at half time but let the unbeaten Midland Three West
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Declining congregations
DEAR EDITOR - Some weeks ago a unique survey was launched in the press to identify why church-going is declining in Britain and Ireland. The response to this survey has been truly phenomenal with literally thousands of letters pouring in from people anxious
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Gravy train is overflowing
DEAR EDITOR - We shall soon know whether the politicians have betrayed our trust again by inflicting yet more enormous council tax rises upon us. This Government inspired legalised robbery has been going on for six long years under new Labour. The results
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Poppy thanks
DEAR EDITOR - I have been involved in the Poppy Appeal this year and would like to thank all the residents of King George Close for their contributions. A sum of £262.43 was raised. Fred Stanley Sidemoor Bromsgrove
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Now I need an extending loan
DEAR EDITOR - Some years ago I had my house extended, and for that moment of madness I now pay additional Council Tax. Apparently it is not the norm, but at the time a small window opened when it was determined that it was my duty to suffer this pleasure
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Let's have a lasting tribute
DEAR EDITOR - The Service of Thanksgiving for the life and work of the late Councillor Terri Matthews was a most moving tribute, to a totally dedicated, diligent, loyal, caring and very special lady, who gave over thirty years in service to the town and
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Just a case of sour grapes
DEAR EDITOR - I think it is important for the people of Bromsgrove to hear an alternative version of events from that put out by disgruntled councillors. When Cllr Nick Psirides was district council leader, he increased our council tax by an unacceptable
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True and loyal to the party
DEAR EDITOR - Over many weeks your paper has been printing statements made by some Conservative councillors whose main aim has been to destabilise the leadership of Bromsgrove District Council. These councillors have now formed a new group and continue
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Redditch turn form around
Redditch 18 Cloebury Mortimer 8 Redditch entertained Cleobury Mortimer at the weekend, which has traditionally always proved to be a very tough fixture. This was made all the more difficult by the injuries that Redditch incurred the previous week against
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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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Chance to see village panto
FUN loving folk from Chaddesley Corbett still have five chances to shout 'he's behind you' at this year's village pantomime. Dick Whittington, which is being staged by the Chaddesley Amateur Theatrical Society (CATS), is set to run until this Saturday
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Festive show is set to open
DON'T miss your chance to get into the seasonal spirit with a cracker of a Christmas show, which opens tomorrow night (Thursday). The All and Sundry theatre company, which stars around 50 talented townsfolk, is staging 'A Christmas Tale' at the Spadesbourne
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It's disgusting
I DESPAIR of the Tory-led city councillors, allowing an Ann Summers shop to be opened, opposite the Guildhall and not five minutes walk from the Cathedral. Other sex shops have been stopped from opening in the city - why not this one? After all, it is
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Dinner dates with Gary and Ainsley
TWO of the country's leading celebrity chefs are set to cook up an entertaining night when they visit Bromsgrove next weekend. Aimed to coincide with the BBC Good Food Show at Birmingham's NEC, the Hilton Bromsgrove provides a unique chance to experience
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Pebble in ocean
ALL legislation in Britain has been introduced to stop violence and murder of humans, and cruelty to animals. Ninety-nine per cent of the nation have to obey these laws. So why should one per cent of population -the hunting brigade - be above the law?
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Down in the garden
A SPECIAL preview launch of An Oasis of Delight, a new edition of the history of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens by Phillada Ballard, is to be held at the Gardens in Edgbaston next Monday. The author will be signing special copies of this definitive
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Catshill WI
VOLUNTEERS please! This was the cry of the evening when Catshill WI held its AGM. Although Catshill WI is a large and very progressive organisation, there is always a shortage of new committee members. Visiting WI advisor, Rosemary Edwards, urged members
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Lickey WI
A good number of members attended the meeting of Lickey WI on Tuesday, November 4, at the parish hall. President Sue Taylor announced new roles for the revised committee, which included Chris Bould taking over the post of secretary. Catherine Parker gave
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Full marks to Mr Mayor!
THE Emperor's New Clothes Syndrome is but one manifestation of the Permissive Society. The "thought police" of the politically-correct equal opportunities industry is another, as those of us advocating common sense in personnel management policies can
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Stoke Prior WI
DURING the morning, a home economics and crafts contest was held. As well as awarding marks, the judges gave helpful written comments against each exhibit. Nancy Davis opened the afternoon meeting by reading out the judges' report of the morning's presentation
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Chaddesley Corbett WI
VICE president Jean Andrews welcomed everyone to the 83rd birthday meeting of Chaddesley Corbett WI. Business matters were discussed, including the planned budget for the coming year. Details of our New Year meal were announced. A telephone call had been
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The Primrose Choir
THE Primrose Choir gave another successful concert in October. This was 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
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Celebrating a success storey
THE screens which have been surrounding Bromsgrove's first multi-storey car park were finally removed on Monday when the £2.5m building was officially opened. The three-storey car park in Churchfields has six levels and spaces for 330 vehicles, 130 more
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Time to remember
CHILDREN at a Rock Hill school took a step back in time when they learned about the history of Remembrance Day. As part of the commemorations, pupils at St Peter's RC First School had a special visit from a member of Bromsgrove's Royal British Legion.
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Cleaning up for cash
CARING Catshill school children swapped their pens and pencils for sponges and soapsuds for a charity car wash. Youngsters at Chadsgrove School for Physically Handicapped Children in Meadow Road washed 27 cars to raise cash for the Blue Cross Animal Adoption
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Lost in a world of books
BROMSGROVE bookworms put their skills to the test in a reading challenge. As part of a county initiative, Bromsgrove Library took part in the Reading Maze where children were challenged to read six library books of their choice over the summer holiday
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Rallying to George fund
MAMMOTH bike rides, hours busking in the winter weather and office dress-down days are some of the fundraisers being attempted by townsfolk to raise cash for a critically ill tot. Fraser Mitchell, dad of two-year-old George, has been astounded at the
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It's a work of art
LUCKY pupils from a Spa school can now put their creative talents to work in a brand new arts classroom. The new room at Whitford Hall and Dodderhill School officially opened after a major revamp at the beginning of September. The six-week refurbishment
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Indecent exposure
A MAN indecently exposed himself to three women who were walking their dogs in Bromsgrove woodland. Police are urging other people, who may have seen the partially clothed jogger around the Lickey Hills Country Park on Sunday morning, to come forward.
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Pub serves up family values
A LANDLORD is offering guests the opportunity to carve a permanent place in his inn's history. Paul Ryder, landlord of The Robin Hood, off Worcester Road has joined forces with a local branch of the International Tree Foundation, to encourage traditional
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U16s win county netball title
NORTH Bromsgrove High School's U16s netball team has been crowned county champions. The side came out on top against eight other teams at Redditch's Kingsley College last Saturday. After winning through their group, the team saw off Malvern College in
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A sign of the times
THE clocks were turned back when 300 people enjoyed an evening of pure nostalgia, writes Pete Lammas. Now it is hoped that cash from the evening will help Bromsgrove get a second town sign, similar to the one erected in Stratford Road a year ago. Encouraged
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Very healthy
ENERGETIC and fun-loving youngsters from Wychbold First and Nursery School learnt to put fitness first as part of their healthy living week. The programme centred around fitness, healthy eating and a visit from dental nurse Cathy Thomas, who explained
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Motoring mayhem
MOTORISTS faced frustrating rush-hour delays when a main road was closed after an accident - and the mayhem got even worse when there were two more collisions on alternate routes. The first accident took place in Bromsgrove's Birmingham Road just outside
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Sickened by cat attack
A FURIOUS Rednal mum has hit out at heartless thugs who left her disabled daughter's beloved cat fighting for its life. Olivia Price was horrified to find her daughter Melissa's cat lying in a pool of blood near to their home in Malcolm Grove on Sunday
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Arrests follow snatch warning
TWO women have been arrested less than 24 hours after police launched a campaign to combat purse and hand-bag thefts in Droitwich. Two women shoppers had their purses stolen in two separate incidents only a day after police launched a campaign to prevent
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Thumbs up for cycle route re-jig
A HEADteacher has applauded plans for a controversial new cycleway to take a different route. After months of discussions and objections over Ombersley Way cycle path, outside St Joseph's School, headteacher Kate Hill is delighted at the new proposals
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CD Atomic Kitten Ladies Night
THE feline trio's third album can be described as pointless pop but they must be doing something right to have stayed around for so long - on the basis of just a handful of hits. The album starts off on a hopeful note with disco classic Ladies Night but
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CD Andrea Bocelli Viaggio Italiano
HOW could this man, this epitome of Italian warmth and passion deserve any fewer than five complete stars. Experts speak of his voice as not having reached full maturity, but give me a sound that makes the hairs on the back of my neck prickle and you
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TABLE TENNIS: Green held to a draw
BARNT Green A and Carter Retail A played out a 5-5 draw in the latest round of Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League matches. The two sides could not be separated in the best division one match of the week. Pat McCabe was the star of the night,
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Strike threat carried out
TAXI drivers carried out their threat to strike at the weekend following a dispute over the position of a town centre taxi rank - and there could be more strikes on the way. Most hackney carriage drivers stopped work at 11pm on Saturday after the Unicorn
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Boy escapes injury as airgun fired at his chest
STUDLEY police are still seeking witnesses to what is believed to be an airgun attack from a moving car in the middle of the village. At about 8.40pm on Sunday, November 9, a 'baby blue' old-shaped Suzuki Swift was driven from the medical centre car park
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Distress at tribute snub
THE vicar of St Stephen's Church has expressed extreme disappointment that a planned Holocaust Memorial to the millions who died through genocide has been refused planning permission. The Rev Andrew Smith said he felt the decision to refuse the siting
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Don't spree - save my trees
AUTUMN is now upon us and Redditch Council has resumed its spending spree of the £2 million raised to clear trees and shrubbery. While I can appreciate that some pruning of trees is necessary and clearance of shrubbery, particularly around pathways and
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Plan not to be proud of
I READ with interest Jacqui Smith's Letter from Westminster (Advertiser, November 12). I agree, at this time of the year the autumn colours are magnificent and we do have things to be proud of in Redditch but at the same time we have tolerated overgrown
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Backing over buses
REPRESENTATIVES from Worcestershire's older people's forums met Redditch MP Jacqui Smith to discuss concerns and disappointment with the quality, quantity and affordability of the county's bus service. Representatives from Redditch, Worcester, Wyre Forest
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Traffic delay alert
MOTORISTS are being advised to avoid Birmingham Road through Bordesley in the next five weeks as water works cause long tailbacks. But drivers are being assured by Severn Trent Water this will be the last time they face disruption as it replaces old pipes
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'Mad' motorist drove on paths
A 'maddened' motorist drove down footpaths in a bid to get away from police during a chase which reached speeds of 70mph. Kieran Barnes also crossed a dual carriageway and drove the wrong way round a traffic island. His Volvo had been followed in Redditch
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Good luck to birthday Bert
IT is with interest that I follow your articles about Bert Batty in his new career of author and poet. It may interest you to know that I must be the only one left of his workforce pre-1939. I started in his employ at the age of 15, supposedly as a bricklayer's
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Tories taking stock
THE town's Tory group has been taking stock after last month's resignation of its leader and vice-leader from the top two jobs on Redditch Council. Gavin Smithers and Pat Wilson claimed they were being "undermined" by Labour and the Liberal Democrats.
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Crabbs Cross & Hunt End WI
TO the accompaniment of fireworks we held our annual meeting on November 5! Hilary Taylor, our retiring president, was in the chair. Cards were given to members who had birthdays in November. We are holding a group Christmas event on December 17 and there
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Christmas all wrapped up
CHRISTMAS is all wrapped up for some lucky youngsters in poor countries thanks to Birchensale Middle School pupils, who have been taking part in Operation Christmas Child. The project encourages children to fill parcels with toys and goodies for those
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Distinctive show
A GROUP of youngsters have been celebrating after being awarded distinctions in their first recorder exams. The former Marlfield Farm First School pupils took the Trinity Board Initial Recorder Examination earlier this year. They also attend Redditch
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Hopwood WI
AT the November meeting a report was given on the very successful skittles evening. Not only was it great fun but also made a financial profit. The luncheon club had a surprise ending to their October trip to Birmingham, when after an enjoyable lunch
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Redditch Railway Interest Group
Railways Overseas - from East Africa to Ecuador was the theme of October's Redditch Railway Interest Group Meeting. Henry Gunston from Wantage described with the help of colour slides some fascinating railways seen during his years working overseas as
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Redditch Art Circle
THE Chairman opened the November meeting by reporting on the recent Autumn Exhibition and giving the results of the vote for the best flower painting and best painting overall. He announced that both categories had been won by Barbara Winfield who was
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Studley Daytime WI
THE November meeting opened with the reading of the minutes and correspondence. After an interval for refreshments, Barbara Beaman demonstrated her flower arranging skills by creating three most attractive Christmas displays. She used a variety of materials
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The Redditch Society
ABOUT 130 members greeted Michael Crockett, Forensic Science Officer and fingerprints expert on October 31 as he fulfilled the Society's aim of promoting scientific knowledge. He told of the amazing diversity of our fingerprints and progress made in their
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Wythall Gardening Club
SPEAKER at the November meeting was Jim Clarke who gave a very interesting talk and slide show on the subject of an English country garden. An excellent photographer, his talk covered not only plants and flowers but all the different kinds of wildlife
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College wins award
KINGSLEY College is celebrating after achieving the prestigious Investors in People award. The award is a rigorous assessment of how an establishment treats and trains its workforce. A Kingsley College spokesman said: "During its short life the college
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Flats planned for old club site
A BLOCK of flats is to be built on the site of the once-popular Hewell Road Social Club. The club, near Redditch Railway Station, Batchley, is to be demolished and a three-storey block of flats erected by a company called Caf Quote. Plans were originally
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Week highlights need for adoptive families
LAST week, hundreds of adults and children throughout the county took part in events to raise awareness of the need for people to come forward and be adoptive parents. In Redditch, there are currently several youngsters who are desperately seeking loving
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A thoughtful day together
YOUNGSTERS from several schools visited Tardebigge First School for a challenging Thinking Skills Day. Year 3 and 4 pupils from Feckenham, Holyoakes Field, Stoke Prior, St Stephen's, Wychbold and Tardebigge first schools took part in activities led by
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Town 'jewel' blaze drama
'THE jewel of Alcester' - the 400-year-old town hall - was just minutes away from becoming the latest building to fall victim to a suspected arson attack. Massive amounts of rubbish bags stacked up outside the hall were set alight on Tuesday - but luckily
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Du'aine drops in to school
EUROPEAN 400m runner and former Commonwealth Champion Du'aine Ladejo dropped in to talk to youngsters at St Bede's Middle School on Thursday. The sports star posed for pictures with staff and pupils at the Holloway Lane School and gave autographs, as
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Reward idea to catch arsonists
A REWARD could be offered for information leading to the arrest of arsonists in Alcester. This was just one option put forward at an urgent meeting called by town councillors to catch lawbreakers who have persistently vandalised and set fire to buildings
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Drug action boost
ALCESTER community groups can take advantage of more Government money to tackle drug problems in the town. The Building Safer Communities funds have been made available through the Stratford District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP). Cash
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Pub to be jazz base
INKBERROW could become a regular venue for jazz bands if a new project gets off the ground. The first of what is hoped to be many gigs will be held in January when renowned UK saxophonist Alan Barnes will lead his quartet in The Bulls Head pub in the
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Council in £1m bid for school
MORE than £1million is being sought by Warwickshire County Council for Alcester's newly planned primary school. The county council is readying a £1.3 million bid to the Government after the green light was given to amalgamating St Faith's Junior and Alcester
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Was this man a burglar?
ALCESTER police have issued a warning after a man conned his way into the home of a Bidford pensioner. At about 5.20pm on Friday, a 68-year-old woman from Jubilee Close answered her door to a man who said he was from a housing association and asked for
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Wednesday women meet
THERE are still a few places remaining at a women's networking meeting, due to take place tonight. The Wednesday Club was established to provide a forum for mutual support and ideas among working women. Tonight's meeting will feature Virgin Vie cosmetics
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Hoping for a Triumph
REDDITCH NEW College students are getting their hands dirty after offering to restore one of the thousands of motorbikes which were damaged at the National Motorcycle Museum blaze in September. The students will be working on a Triumph XR75 Hurricane
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Police rewarded for keeping order
SIX Redditch police officers have received awards for their work in keeping law and order on the streets of the town. North Worcestershire Division of West Mercia Constabulary held an awards ceremony last Wednesday at its headquarters, Hindlip Hall, Worcester
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25 years ago
November 17, 1978 A lorry park could be re-established in Redditch following a plea from local trade unions. Officials from Redditch District Council and development corporation are to hold talks on the need for a lorry park in the town - complete with
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50 years ago
November 20, 1953 Trees described as "the most natural and beautiful memento of the Coronation" were planted at Rowney Green playing field on Saturday afternoon in the presence of a large crowd of villagers and children. Main interest on Saturday was
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100 years ago
November 21, 1903 Redditch Petty Sessions - Leonard Walton of Silver Street, failed to answer a charge of deserting his wife. Supt. Hayes said he understood the defendant had had the misfortune to fall into the hands of the County Court bailiff on the
