Archive
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Heroin user died after tragic relapse
A HEROIN user who was making a new life for himself after a decade of addiction, died after a tragic relapse, an inquest heard. Marcus Day, aged 32, had been clean of the drug for more than three months. But a three-week stint in prison, for an offence
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Couple accused of luring young schoolgirl into bed for sex acts
A SCHOOLGIRL was persuaded to take part in a three-in-a-bed sex session with a couple at a house in Kidderminster, a jury was told. Afterwards, as Susan Morris made coffee downstairs, Christopher Howley made the child, who was aged 11 or 12, perform sex
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It's a Doc's life as pup is found
CHAMPION dog Doc slipped his lead and left owners tearing their hair out all night. Doc is one of only six Schipperke Belgian Barge dogs in Worcestershire, a national champion and a much-loved pet. Given to owner Catherine Earp as an inspiration to get
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Schools go green as part of eco-scheme
ENVIRONMENTAL issues were due to be top of the agenda as the Eco-Schools campaign hit Malvern Theatres. Malvern Hills District Council has teamed up with Worcestershire County Council to promote sustainability through the campaign for local schools, from
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Curtain raised for hospice funding
A GROUP of young thespians are hoping to transform rags to riches with their very own charity production of Cinderella. Far from waiting for a fairy Godmother to wave her wand, the youngsters have taken matters into their own hands and are producing,
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Rallying to prevent PO closures
PLANS to close more than a quarter of Worcester's post offices have been described as "devastating" and "absolutely crazy" by city councillors. Cabinet members criticised proposals drawn up by Royal Mail to shut five of the city's 19 sub-post offices
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Band need a bass ace
A BRILLIANT bass player is needed to help a town band reach its star potential. Web is a recently newly formed four-piece rock group, set up by talented songwriter and keyboard player Melvyn Banner. But an enthusiastic and proficient bassist is still
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Bishop predicts gloomy outlook
FARMERS have been warned of a "gloomy" future by the outgoing Bishop of Hereford. During his final week in office, the Rt Rev John Oliver criticised politicians for their lack of understanding of rural affairs and spoke up for a curate who is seeking
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Show is back
THE Dean Austin Country Show will be returning to Droitwich Spa this weekend. The End of the Trail Country Music has invited the group to play at the Royal British Legion Club, in Salwarpe Road, on Saturday from around 8pm. Tickets are available on the
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Popular choir
A POPULAR Black Country choir will be performing at a charity concert in Clent next month. Viva Musica will put on a dazzling Christmas show at Sunfield School, in Woodman Lane, on Saturday, December 6 from 7.30pm. The choir will be performing in Sunfield's
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Birds left at door of vets
STAFF at a Worcester veterinary practice had the shock of their life when they discovered four little finches abandoned in a cage in the doorway of their premises. Now, the caring vets and veterinary nurses are pledging to look after the hapless birds
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Hospice fund has £5,000 donation
THOUSANDS of pounds of multi-sensory equipment can now be bought for Worcester's new Acorns Children's Hospice, thanks to a dazzling donation by a Wolverhampton firm. Birmingham Midshires has donated £5,000 to the "home from home", being built in Bath
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Concern over stray canines
DOG wardens have expressed concern about the number of stray animals roaming the streets of Evesham, after they picked up 10 in the last fortnight. The unusually high number has shocked wardens, who are baffled by the increase. Impossible "It is impossible
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Peggy's big day finally arrives
AN adventurous pensioner who drove an ambulance during the Second World War is celebrating her 100th birthday today. Winifred Arnoldi Oates, of Worcester, who has been known as Peggy most of her life, was born in the north of England to William Oates
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Rugby United 0 Bromsgrove Rovers 3
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 BROMSGROVE Rovers moved safely into the Birmingham Senior Cup third round with a comfortable victory 3-0 at Rugby United last night. Paul Szewczyk scored in each half, taking his goal tally since joining George Rooney's side
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Swindon Supermarine 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 0
Saturday, November 22, 2003 BROMSGROVE Rovers saw their unbeaten away league record fall 1-0 to Swindon Supermairne at The Hunts Copse on a very sodden pitch. Rovers, who had also gone eight league games without defeat, stretching back to early September
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26/11/03 - Cobb joins Rovers staff
BROMSGROVE Rovers have added an assistant physiotherapist to their backroom staff. Stephen Cobb, who has impaired sight, joins forces with the Victoria Ground club's physio Stuart Elwell with immediate effect. Rovers are also preparing for the run up
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Race assault
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a racially aggravated assault near the Britannia Fish Bar, Unicorn Hill, about 9pm last Tuesday. A 15 year old was walking with friends when he was punched in the face by a man who shouted racial abuse at him. The
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Man suffers four inch cut to face
POLICE are appealing for information after a man suffered a four-inch cut to the face during a night out in Redditch. The incident happened at Time nightclub just after midnight on Saturday morning. It appears that some drinks were spilt and the man was
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Second spot with victory
MARK Robinson scored the winner as Bromsgrove Hockey Club Men's First XI went second in West Midlands One with a 3-2 home victory over rivals Redditch. Julian Court's side, who travel to Droitwich Spa for another local derby this Saturday, were 2-0 behind
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U16s miss final with shoot-out loss
AN U16s hockey team from Bromsgrove has missed out on a national final by the narrowest of margins after losing a nail-biting penalty shoot-out. The team, from Bromsgrove School, was beaten with the very last shot of the penalty lottery in the final of
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Defeat for Spa
BARRY Williams believes his Droitwich Spa Hockey Club Men's First XI were hard done by in their defeat at Rugeley last Saturday. Spa, 7-1 winners against Kynoch in their previous match, were beaten 2-1 after taking the lead and were unable to find an
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Four wins
DROITWICH Spa Hockey Club Men's Fifths extended their winning run to four games following a 1-0 victory at Silhillians last Saturday. After playing on grass for the first time this season, Spa have now gone seven games without defeat in the Fathom League
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Easy win
DROITWICH Spa Hockey Club Ladies Seconds were comfortable 5-2 winners at Badsey. Captain Susan Williams scored twice with single strikes for Linzi Eland, Hannah Deacon and Kate Rodgman. Spa led 4-0 at the break before losing their concentration in the
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Increase is a question of timing
THE news that Worcester city councillors have moved a step closer to awarding themselves a 10 per cent increase in allowances will be greeted with howls of derision in some quarters. At a time when the city is struggling to make £750,000 in cuts to vital
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CLUBS GEAR UP FOR CUP BOOST
REDDITCH rugby clubs are expecting a surge of new recruits to knock on their clubhouse doors after England's World Cup final triumph over Australia. But one local leading figure in the sport doesn't believe the excitement of Jonny Wilkinson's last-gasp
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Friends mourn founder's death
Tributes have been paid to a founder member of the Alexandra Hospital's League of Friends who died recently. Rae (Rachel) Allcock helped start the charitable group but a long time before this she helped arrange flowers, both at Bromsgrove Hospital and
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Gardening help sought
A GREEN-fingered person with some spare time on their hands is needed at the Alexandra Hospital. Someone is being sought to tend the two quadrangle garden areas which the League of Friends look after. The first area is attached to the garden suite where
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Final push for centre
THE multi-faith centre at the Alexandra Hospital is now open to anyone who wants to pray or contemplate in peace and quiet. The date of the official opening ceremony has still not been confirmed but it is believed it will take place some time in May.
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Good show for council
REDDITCH Council services have 'continued to show improvement' according to recently published performance indicator ratings. The council has to monitor progress throughout the year so action can be taken if performance in certain areas is not up to scratch
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Brown adds to Reds squad
GO-AHEAD Redditch United have cemented another building block in a potentially championship-winning squad by luring former Nuneaton Borough and Moor Green midfielder Craig Woodley to The Valley. It was the third signing inside a month for United who are
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Tory 'disgusted' by councillor's views
A REDDITCH Tory councillor has hit out at a fellow Conservative county councillor after he said some women police officers should not serve on the front line. Councillor Jim Uphill said he was "totally disgusted" by the comments made in the Advertiser
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Headache eased by away day
Bolehall Swifts 0 Feckenham 4 FECKENHAM pulled off another stunning Midland Combination Premier result - despite the absence of seven key players giving manager Lee Adams a major headache before kick off. Top striker Brian Powell, Gary Beedling, Mark
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Cross prove too strong ahead of derby contest
Headless Cross Ladies 14 Racing Club Hibs 1 HEADLESS Cross Ladies recorded their biggest win of the season with this 14-1 drubbing of Hibs. They got off to a perfect start taking the lead after 10 mins after Teresa Boddington fed fellow striker Sarah
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A beauty of a ballet
BIRMINGHAM Royal Ballet (BRB) presents the world premiere of their new ballet Beauty and the Beast at the Birmingham Hippodrome from Monday. Created by award-winning BRB Director David Bintley, the spectacular new production has sets designed by Philip
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A family favourite at village
FOLLOW the yellow brick road to Alvechurch Village Hall this week to see Alvechurch Dramatic Society's production of The Wizard of Oz. The society will be performing the play, adapted by Alfred Bradley from the novel by L Frank Baum, on Thursday, Friday
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Windfall for town causes
SEVERAL groups are reaping the rewards of the latest round of neighbourhood group meetings. The meetings are held so residents can have the chance to discuss local and town-wide issues with their neighbours, councillors and senior council officers. At
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50 years ago November 28, 1953
ALTERATIONS to the entrance of the school in Winnetts Lane, Droitwich, revealed a skull buried under eight inches of soil. It was sent to Professor Webster, Home Office pathologist, to establish its age. It was thought a friary had occupied the site and
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Sorensen named City president
FORMER Worcester City chairman Dr Michael Sorensen has been elected club president. Dr Sorensen, who stood down last month after 13 years in the City hot-seat, was elected to the position at a recent board meeting. The club has been without a president
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100 years ago November 28, 1903
AN extensive area of undergrowth, including some young trees, were destroyed in a blaze which swept over Gorse Hill on the Lickeys. Two labourers, Mark Warman, from Catshill, and George Ballard, 21, from Staple Hill, were arrested in connection with the
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United back on song
HEREFORD United manager Graham Turner hailed his side after their 7-1 thrashing of Halifax Town last night. The victory, including a Steve Guinan hat-trick, leaves the Bulls second in the Conference, a point behind Chester. Halifax took a second minute
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Old rivals at Sixways
IT'S the annual rugby match between Worcester's two oldest school sporting rivals -- King's and RGS - tonight. Worcester Rugby Club's Sixways ground hosts the match, starting at 6pm, and a large crowd is expected. King's took the honours last year with
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Rivals on song to see off Worcs
HEREFORDSHIRE got the better of rivals Worcestershire with a 3-2 win in the latest Midland Youth Football Championship match at Bromyard. It was the visitors who took a 17th minute lead when Jack Shipman headed home from a cross following a left wing
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Late goal sinks Evesham hopes
A LATE winner by Team Bath substitute Marc Canham was en-ough to send Evesham United crashing to a 1-0 defeat in last night's Dr Martens Western Division clash at rain-swept Common Road. Evesham turned in a more workmanlike performance than the one that
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Rovers march on with victory
BROMSGROVE Rovers moved safely into the Birmingham Senior Cup third round with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Rugby United last night. Paul Szewczyk scored in each half, taking his goal tally since joining George Rooney's side last month to six. Steve
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Biggest test this season
BROMSGROVE RFC First XV face their biggest test of the season so far when they entertain unbeaten Derby at Finstall Park this Saturday. The sides are joint leaders of Midlands Two (West) going into the crucial match, although Dean Ball's side has played
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Junior rugby round-up
Droitwich Spa RFC U13s 0 Camp Hill RFC U13s 24 Camp Hill got off to a good start, opening up an early 5-0 lead but Droitwich stuck to their task and took the game to the visitors. Good handling from the Camp Hill backs saw them extend their lead. Droitwich
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26/11/03 - Colts are excellent
BROMSGROVE Colts put on an excellent display to hand a workmanlike Burton side a 17-8 defeat. The Colts were much better than last Saturday's score suggests and the late consolation try scored by Cole earned Burton some credibility. All three tries were
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Szewczyk at the double in victory
BROMSGROVE Rovers moved safely into the Birmingham Senior Cup third round with a comfortable victory 3-0 at Rugby United last night. Paul Szewczyk scored in each half, taking his goal tally since joining George Rooney's side last month to six. Steve Frost
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Away record is taken
BROMSGROVE Rovers saw their unbeaten away league record fall 1-0 to Swindon Supermairne at The Hunts Copse on a very sodden pitch. Rovers, who had also gone eight league games without defeat, stretching back to early September, were beaten by a Sean Terry
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Spa clawing their way back
DROITWICH Spa continued their rise back up Midland Combination division two with a topsy-turvy victory against Leamington Hibernian. Kevin Blaber's side, who move up one place to 12th with their fourth win of the season, trailed 1-0 and led 2-1 before
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Spa fed up
DROITWICH Spa A must be sick of the sight of Hallow WMC. For Richard Goode's side have lost to them four times in the last six weeks, twice in the league and twice in cup competitions. In that time they have shipped 13 goals and scored just two, but they
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Reserves held to a draw
BROMSGROVE Rovers Reserves drew 1-1 with Chasetown Reserves at the Victoria Ground last Saturday. The hosts attacked in the early stages and it was no surprise when Ross Collins gave them the lead, turning in a corner after 25 minutes. Passes then began
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26/11/03 - Spa go second
DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV have climbed up to second in Midlands Three West (South) following their latest victory. Julian Bailey's side defeated Ledbury 17-8 amid fog and freezing conditions at the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground last Friday. It was the
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Church Hill hit ten in cup
CHURCH Hill United reached the Bridgwater Cup quarter-final with an emphatic 10-2 victory at Dog and Pheasant. Kendall scored four goals in the all division three clash last Sunday to set up a meeting with division one Woodbourne Sports. There were also
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26/11/03 - Spa victory is a chiller in the mist
MATT Blackmore kicked four penalties from five attempts as Droitwich Spa RFC First XV defied the fog to beat Ledbury. Spa's first ever game under floodlights last Friday was tough on spectators who were unable to see large spells of the game due to dense
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Super seven for Old Boys
LATEST results from the Central Sports Redditch and South Warwickshire Combination. Central Sports Terry Cup Sportsman United 1 (Goode) Millfield Old Boys 7 (Mannan two, Franklin two, Bennett, Wood, Spencer); Man on the Moon 0 Access Security 3 (Bills
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Junior football round-up
Droitwich Spa Girls U15s 1 Ferndale Ladies U15s 0 Spa out played Ferndale throughout and Danny Morris scored on the hour to gain a deserved victory. Girl of the match was Tanya Hill. Bromsgrove Town U11s 1 Wyre Forest Panthers U11s 0 Danny Jones scored
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26/11/03 - Career is at an end
DEAN Ball admits he will not play rugby again after snapping his left achilles tendon. Bromsgrove RFC First XV's player/coach (pictured) pulled up unchallenged just short of scoring a try in his side's 24-18 Midlands Two (West) victory at Stoke last Saturday
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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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Waters booked
THE following waters have been booked by the Birmingham Anglers Association. Saturday, November 29. Canals - B'ham/Worcs Br. 45 - 47. Sunday, November 30. Avon - Bidford L/B, Fladbury below bridge, Wick 7, Pershore L/B, R/B; Severn - Ribbesford, Stourport
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Get on the 'dog and bone' and give a gift
DEAR EDITOR - The Blue Cross Animal Adoption Centre would like your readers' help in being able to give all the animals in the centre over Christmas a Christmas dinner. A donation of 50 pence would help us to do this and to show that we do care about
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A refusal?
DEAR EDITOR -- Could someone please help me with some advice? Are the house legal obligation to accommodate two wheelie bins and two plastic containers on their property? Can we refuse to accommodate any or all of these ? I really hope that someone can
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Let's start prosecuting
DEAR EDITOR - Hooray! At last someone else has written about the disgusting garbage tied around our lampposts and traffic lights. However, I would ask M Harper from Staple Flats not to get too excited about writing to the local council about it. I have
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Enjoyable bonfire night...
DEAR EDITOR - A big thank you to the people of Rubery and the surrounding area who turned up in their hundreds to support our annual bonfire and firework display on November 7. A small band of committee members worked hard organising this event and it
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Squabble continues
DEAR EDITOR - I would have thought your readers would have had enough of the private squabbles of the Bromsgrove Tories. But seems the present Tory leadership wish to continue the saga so I am happy to oblige. Taking up the major point raised by Cllr
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The secrecy must end
DEAR EDITOR -- As a former Conservative member of the district council I read, with growing incredulity, of the serious divisions which are being brought about by secrecy and exclusion. What arrogant and high-handed leadership is responsible for the disintegration
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Few lessonslearned here
DEAR EDITOR - As a ratepayer I have followed with interest the continued washing of dirty linen in public of the Tories on our district council. This seems to follow on from the last administration, which was fraught with disputes, deposition of their
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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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Dodders take to stage
A BUNCH of budding amateur dramatists will be helping folk get festive with a rib-tickling seasonal show. The Fairbourne Dodders will be staging their annual pantomime at the Dodford Village Hall, in Priory Road, from Wednesday, December 3 until Saturday
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Roll up for panto fun
FUN-loving townsfolk are being urged to roll up, roll up and get their tickets for a village pantomime. The Lickey End Players are once again staging their popular festive show and this year it will be the tale of Dick Whittington. It will be performed
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Here's to Glynis on that 'graduation day'
FOLLOWING sensational runs in London and on Broadway, the West End production of the comedy hit, The Graduate, comes to Malvern's Festival Theatre for a week from Monday, December 1, as part of the first ever national tour. Set in California during the
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Stoke 18 Bromsgrove 24
Saturday, November 22, 2003 BROMSGROVE RFC First XV went joint top of Midlands Two (West) last Saturday with victory at Stoke. Dean Ball's side, who bring to an end Stoke's unbeaten home run, is now level on points with Derby after the fellow leaders
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I checked out euro claim
JULIAN Thake quoted some interesting numbers in defence of his view that the euro currency is to blame for Germany's economic woes (You Say, Wednesday, November 19). Knowing from long and bitter experience that anti-EU propagandists cannot be relied upon
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Barnt Green Garden Society
AT our meeting on November 13, the speaker was Keith Newnham on the subject of wonderful gardens. On what was a rather chilly windswept evening, he took us back to spring and summer in three magnificent gardens, Dyffryn in south Wales, Exbury in Hampshire
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Farcical situation over Angel Street bollards
I FULLY agree with the reported comments of Deputy Mayor Allah Ditta over the farcical traffic bollards at the junction of Angel Street. I am a frequent pedestrian user of Angel Street and have never witnessed a traffic situation that requires these bollards
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Bromsgrove WI
THE November meeting opened as usual with the singing of Jerusalem. Our president Sue Kirby welcomed members and visitors to the AGM for 2003, including the WI advisor Joan Ellis. The minutes were read and signed. Sue is retiring as president, together
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Peter Luff fights for majority on issue of funding
IN reply to Mike Foster on the subject of school funding, I did not think that this was a political argument. I thought that we all wanted fairer funding for Worcestershire schools. However, now that he seems to be making it political, let me assure him
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Referendums and the recent history of the Tory Party
WHY are the Tories so keen to have a referendum on the European Constitution? Only one UK-wide referendum has ever been held. This was in 1975, when the question was whether the UK should stay in or withdraw from the EU. We voted 2 to 1 in favour. The
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Spadesbourne Ladies
THE November meeting got under way when the chairman, Betty Long, greeted nearly 60 members and guests at the Ladybird Inn. This greeting was shortly followed by the bombshell of a letter read out by the secretary, from the owners of the Ladybird Inn.
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Sign here please!
BROMSGROVE bookworms packed into a High Street shop to meet a well-known broadcaster and author. Malcolm Boyden caused crowds to pack into Ottakar's when he signed his latest book. Perfect is his first fiction novel and he was also signing copies of Brum's
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Children in Need fever hits town
THERE was a dash for the cash when Bromsgrove went Children in Need crazy. All over town people were in the mood for fun as the cash came rolling in for the popular charity bash. Youngsters at the Lickey End Playgroup, in Alcester Road, raised £80 by
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It's a family affair
A FAMILY-RUN boat building business is making waves by creating offices out of boats. JL Pinder and Son, in Hanbury Road, Stoke Prior, has made the first order as part of a floating office complex system in Edinburgh. The business started making the first
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Carousel Redditch Operatic Society Palace Theatre
ANOTHER show, another winner! Against a merry-go-round of colour, sparkle and energy, the society brought this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic to life brilliantly. Set on America's New England coast, this tale of love, tragedy and hope contains some of
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Worker's machete hostage ordeal
AN ELDERLY shop assistant was left shaken after masked robbers snatched cash, cigarettes and telephone cards from a town convenience store. Armed Police are now appealing for witnesses after three armed men, one carrying a machete raided The Spar in Oakland
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Rallying round for George
ANYONE walking or driving in Charford's Grafton Crescent during December cannot fail to spot Bridget Kings' home - which is just as well because people from all over the Midlands travel to Bromsgrove just to see it. Bridget readily admits to being crackers
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Angered by trailer raid
A CLENT woman has been left heartbroken after thieves pinched her trailer containing more than £1,000 of horse riding equipment. Tess Godwin was horrified to find her Ivor Williams trailer missing from the field, near to her home, where she keeps her
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School races up national chart
HARD-WORKING staff and pupils from a Droitwich school were jumping for joy after coming ninth in a national newspaper's league table of top 500 independent schools. Whitford Hall and Dodderhill School in Crutch Lane achieved the prestigious status in
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RAF man cleared of sex allegation
AN RAF employee has been cleared of a sex offence in a tent at a young firefighters' camp. Drew Bradbury insisted he was falsely accused because of a vendetta against his family. A jury at Worcester Crown Court found him not guilty of inciting a 15-year-old
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From small acorns
SHARING caring Spa residents are being urged to dig into their pockets and help the Acorns Hospice. Kind staff from Toy World in High Street, have decided to donate five per cent of all their takings on Friday, (November 28) to Acorns Children's Hospice
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CD Kylie Minogue Body Language
OH dear. Has Kylie gone too far? The nation applauded when the diminutive 80s pop princess blazed the comeback trail a few years ago. We praised her bottle and almost put her on as high a pedestal as the queen of reinvention herself, Madonna. But this
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Gearing up for light fantastic
THE town will be sparkling with festive cheer at the annual switching on of the Christmas lights. The fun-fuelled event will kick off around 6pm on Friday, December 5, with the grand switch on by TV's Hi-De-Hi star Ruth Madoc. The sweet sound of music
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CD The Beatles Let It Be...Naked
IT'S amazing that these songs have been allowed to wallow under what a blanket of muddy production and overblown orchestration for quite so long. But for 33 years, all we had was the Phil Spector produced Let It Be album which sounded at times more like
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CD G Unit Beg For Mercy
HOW is this album not going to do well? Nine-time platinum selling solo rap star 50 Cent with three of his buddies, one of which is locked up, and two of the biggest names of the genre, Eminem and Dr Dre, produce the album. Since his massive debut - Get
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DVD The Hulk (12)
THIS was actually a hugely satisfying comic book-style film and within minutes of viewing, the great trepidation I felt prior to watching it dissipated. Bruce Banner (Eric Bana) finds his life going horrifically out of control after a lab accident turns
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TABLE TENNIS: Cup action
THERE were no surprises in the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League Cup last week with all fancied teams winning. Defending champions Lickey Monarchs had their strongest team out against West Midland Phones B and ran out 8-1 winners. Eric Hardman
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SWIMMING: Fourth at gala
BROMSGROVE Swimming Club's Diddy squad finished fourth in a friendly gala at Redditch. Many swimmers achieved personal best time during the five-team event on Saturday, November 15, while other claimed second and third place finishes. Among the highlights
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Warming up for the festivities
THERE will be festive fun and frolics at Forge Mill Needle Museum's Christmas craft fair on Sunday, December 7. More than 20 stalls with a selection of gifts, including sparkling beads, textiles and turned wood will be on offer at the Needle Mill Lane
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Why should we pay out?
I NOTE with interest in last week's Public Notices column that council taxpayers are given nine days to object to the proposal to sell a plot of land off Oakenshaw Road. It will have taken the council many months to decide upon this proposal, yet we the
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Carnival was sheer magic
I HAVE read with interest the recent correspondence in your letters column about past Redditch carnivals. It is quite right that Wilson's Fun Fair always took over the centre of the town for the carnival night. It was magical and one of the happiest memories
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Research is a breeze
KINGSLEY College has been helping a TV programme inform the public about the weather in this part of the county. Last term, Carlton Television asked schools in the area if they would be interested in becoming "Metmonitors". The schools collect data for
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Astwood Bank Flower Club
THE November meeting saw the welcome return of Mark, from Alcester Flowers. Resplendent in kilt and sporran, he did five arrangements on the traditional Christmas theme of green and red, incorporating white lilies and red amaryllis and orchids. His sixth
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Rise of the Lark
A STUDLEY pub has been hailed by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) as pub of the season for its fine selection of tasty guest beers. The Little Lark pub in Alcester Road was one of the few around which serves such a range, said Redditch CAMRA chairman
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Police move in
POLICE are to have their own base in the Kingfisher Centre. Work is now under way to create a police office in Evesham Walk, which will hopefully be open around Christmas or the New Year. The new venture has been welcomed by centre manager Ian McLelland
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Town pulls together for charity
THOUSANDS of pounds has been raised to help needy youngsters thanks to the generosity of Redditch folk who took part in the BBC's Children in Need appeal on Friday. At Matchborough First School, pupils teamed up with Action Sport to enjoy 20 minutes of
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Bordesley Historical Society
THE winter season began on October 16 with an entertaining talk by Joyce Finnermore called Introducing Family History. Although this is a local history group, not many members have traced their family history and Mrs Finnemore showed everyone how to begin
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Ladies Probus Club of Alcester
AT the November luncheon, members were told of ideas for next year's summer outing. A trip to Frogmore House, with maybe a visit to Windsor, was suggested. The planned speaker was unable to attend through illness but Gill Huddlestone worked her magic
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'Still a long way to go'
A REDDITCH campaigner fighting for fairer education funding said she was 'cautiously optimistic' after the Government announced it had earmarked millions more to be spent on education in Worcestershire. Local Government minister Nick Raynsford recently
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Soroptimists International
SIX members of the Redditch and Bromsgrove branch attended the 69th annual Soroptimists International Federation conference in Belfast in October. More than 6,000 delegates from around the world attended. Each of the members who was there gave a report
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St Mary's Wives' group
THE 40th Anniversary meal was held on October 23 at Wythall Village Hall. Anne Wilson welcomed members and especially honoured guests, the Rev Fred Sharpe and his wife Freda. The evening began with a delicious meal prepared and served by Sue Dalby, cater
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26/11/03 Talks with Jesper
JESPER Christiansen's taste for English football can give Kidderminster Harriers a headstart in securing his signature, according to Jan Molby. The big Odense Boldklub forward has had offers from Denmark but Molby is optimistic he can agree terms with
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26/11/03 Woe in Worcester
A STRONG Kidderminster Harriers reserve line-up stumbled to a 4-2 defeat at Worcester City on Monday. Craig Hinton and Bo Henriksen scored the goals in a testimonial match which raised £2,300 for injury-hit former City player Ian Cottrill. But non-league
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That's a wrap!
HUNDREDS of Redditch people rose to the challenge when asked to help out needy children in less developed countries. For weeks, residents have been filling up shoe boxes with toys and goodies for youngsters and dropping them off at the Kingfisher Centre
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Alarm bells over alarms
POLICE in Redditch are warning householders not to respond to hard-sell tactics from companies promoting sales of home security systems. Crime Risk Manager Pc Stan Baker is recommending people considering the installation of an alarm should call either
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Homeward bound
A REDDITCH Territorial Army soldier is set to return from a three-month posting in Afghanistan tomorrow. Fusilier Martin Gorin, 27, was one of 55 soldiers from the West Midlands TA Infantry Regiment serving in Kabul. Their tasks included guard duties,
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Festive break-in warning
A TRADITIONAL rise in house burglaries around Christmas time has prompted Redditch police to launch an operation to tackle the problem. Residents are being asked for help with Operation Holiday, which has been set up to cut the number of house break-ins
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Pupils take on waste
A REDDITCH school has been picked to take part in a pilot project with the county's Rethink Rubbish - Turn the World campaign. Oakhill First School was chosen along with nine other schools from Bromsgrove, Worcester, Malvern, Wyre Forest and Wychavon.
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Lining up for festive frolics
ALCESTER Infants School children dressed as characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for a special school theme day on Friday. All the youngsters dressed as dwarfs and staff dressed up as other characters in the popular children's story. And everyone
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Split over plans for golf club
A PLAN to extend Bidford Grange Hotel and Golf Club has met strong opposition from Stratford Council officers. The hotel's owners want to extend the building with 70 more hotel bedrooms, two function rooms, a swimming pool and leisure facilities, as well
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Homes on Gypsy site unlikely
OUTLINE plans for a housing development on land where Gypsies still live look set to be thrown out by councillors. Cranbrook Homes wants to build 120 homes, a nursing home and a shop at Friday Furlong, Bidford. Stratford Council officers have recommended
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Nature staff fly the flag for management
ALCESTER'S River Arrow Local Nature Reserve has won the prestigious National Green Flag Award for the second year in a row. Representatives from the nature reserve went to the Civic Hall in Stratford to pick up the award, which recognises and rewards
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Charity shop raid
CALLOUS thieves have stolen a collection box - containing no more than £5 - from an Alcester charity. Staff at the Red Cross shop were shocked to discover thieves had broken into the High Street charity shop overnight between 5.30pm on Saturday, November
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Store to shut for a month
ALCESTER shoppers will be without a convenience store for more than a month as Tesco Express comes to town. The supermarket giant is taking over from the One Stop shop in Hopkins Precinct but won't open until 8am on January 5 - after five weeks conversion
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Firm broadens its scope with new acquisition
ACCOUNTANTS and business advisers PKF West Midlands has acquired the corporate arm of Haden Insolvency, Bromsgrove. The move broadens the reach and services in Worcestershire and the south-west Midlands for PKF, which has an office in The Butts, Worcester
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Age is not a barrier
AGE is not an obstacle to job satisfaction, according to a leading Worcestershire recruitment agency. Hewett Recruitment, which has offices in Worcester and Kidderminster, said Britain's ageing population was being reflected in the Worcestershire job
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Prison scheme on TV
A SCHEME set up at Blakenhurst prison to tackle the chronic re-offending of drug addicts will be the focus of a television programme tomorrow. Operation BORRIS, Blakenhurst Offenders Resettlement and Rehabilitation in Solihull, has been running at the
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25 years ago
November 24, 1978 REDDITCH Council has been accused of crowning the highest point in the town with an 'ugly' 30ft high radio mast. The transmitter - intended to serve two-way radio buffs in the town - is being erected on the top of the Headless Cross
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50 years ago
November 27, 1953 AN increase in output of nearly 60 per cent at the Central Works of Needle Industries, Studley, in the 10 months since January is reported in the current issue of the works magazine. The increase is attributed to two factors - the addition
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It's the new City slickers!
WORCESTER city councillors have moved a step closer to increasing their pay by more than 10 per cent - despite struggling to make £750,000 in council spending cuts. The council cabinet last night agreed to deepen the allowance purse, from which councillors
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Customs in major fraud clampdown
A MAN from Worcester is among 12 people arrested in a major customs operation to root out a multi-million pound VAT scam. During a 25-day period in 2002, the alleged fraudsters, who have not been named, are alleged to have stolen around £25m from the
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Child of achievement award for Jemma
HARD work has paid off for a pupil at Hindlip CE First School who picked up an award from the North Claines Parish Council. Jemma Wyles became this year's name to be engraved on the Child of Achievement Award from the council. "We've been running the
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Three more struck by Legion bug
A FURTHER three patients in Hereford diagnosed with the potentially fatal Legionnaire's disease have been discharged from hospital, health officials have revealed. Twenty-six people have been diagnosed with the disease in Hereford since the outbreak struck
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Our dream flight with Jonny & Co
A RUGBY-mad Worcester businessman enjoyed the perfect end to his honeymoon by flying back with the World Cup-winning England team. Richard Davies, who runs an advertising agency in Worcester, travelled from Australia yesterday accompanied by his wife,
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Denies making death threats
A WORCESTER man denied making threats to kill, intimidating witnesses and stealing at Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday. Ian Stone, of Tolladine Road, appeared before magistrates facing five charges - two counts of intimidating witnesses, two of making
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Chance to show off your garden
GARDEN designers are being urged to dig deep and produce their best displays for Malvern's Spring Garden show. Next year's event at the Three Counties Showground promises to be the biggest and best yet, with around 90,000 people expected. Organisers are
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Meat cleaver found on man
A TWENTY-four-year-old who was found carrying a meat cleaver and Bowie knife in Worcester, has been found guilty of two counts of unlawfully possessing a blade. Justin Wynn, who had been drinking alcohol, was attempting to sell perfume to passers-by in
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Hall in dire need of cash to stop the rot
PP:48477203.jpg:National Trust Property Maager Stewart Alcock inspects the scale of the prolems on the roofof Hanbury Hall ONE of Worcestershire's greatest stately homes is in danger of going to rack and ruin due to a huge backlog of repairs, it has been
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Caring for county's owls would be a hoot
THE Worcester Barn Owl Society is desperately seeking volunteers to help care for and monitor the birds in the county. Roy Fowler, conservation officer for the group, said that although they have around 200 members they only actually have three volunteers
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Artist returns
INTERNATIONAL folk artist Jeremy Taylor will be returning to Burcot this weekend. The exclusive evening of top class entertainment is set to take place at the Burcot Village Hall, in Alcester Road, this Saturday. Fans can look forward to Jeremy's renowned
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Special carol service to honour loved ones
ONLY a few tickets remain for a special memorial Christmas carol service to be held in Worcester for recently bereaved residents. The Evening News reported last month that Worcester City Council is set to host a special For Those We Have Loved Christmas
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Play area to be transformed with grant
A NEGLECTED St Peter's play area is to be spruced up thanks to a share of a £95,000 hand-out for playground refurbishment. The play area between Abbotsbury Court and Tesco, on the Worcester estate, has fallen into disrepair over the last few years. At
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Sinfonia stages The Messiah
ONE of the most famous pieces of classical music, traditionally associated with Christmas, will be performed in Alvechurch this weekend. The Midland Sinfonia will perform Handel's The Messiah at a concert at St Laurence's Church, in Bear Hill, on Saturday
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Cyclists brushing up against walkers
A WOMAN who witnessed a "near miss" between a cyclist and two pedestrians has voiced her concerns at a St Peter's Parish Council meeting. Chairman Roger Knight, said the issue of pathway markings would be placed on the next parish council agenda after
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Countess may keep seat as Peers plan faces defeat
WORCESTERSHIRE'S Countess of Mar could keep her seat in the House of Lords after the Government was warned plans to scrap hereditary Peers face defeat. Ministers unveiled plans to remove the Countess, along with the other 91 Peers allowed to sit in the
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Benbow on the way back
MARK Benbow (pictured) could make his first Dr Martens Western appearance in a month this Saturday. Rovers entertain third place Sutton Coldfield Town at the Victoria Ground and Benbow, out since the FA Cup loss at Whitby, could feature in the squad after
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Malvern Town FC - Fixtures/Results - 2003/4 Season
FIXTURES WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL LEAGUE Saturday, November 29 Premier Division: Heath Hayes v Malvern Town (2.45). WFA Junior Cup Round Three: Malvern Town Reserves v Littleton (1.45). Saturday, December 6 Premier Division: Malvern Town v Heath Hayes (
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Szewczyk at the double in victory
BROMSGROVE Rovers moved safely into the Birmingham Senior Cup third round with a comfortable victory 3-0 at Rugby United last night. Paul Szewczyk scored in each half, taking his goal tally since joining George Rooney's side last month to six. Steve Frost
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Clevedon Town 0 Bromsgrove Rovers 0
Saturday, October 18, 2003 A LARGELY forgettable game saw Bromsgrove Rovers take a point at Clevedon Town. Neither side seemed capable of breaking the deadlock in a dull game but George Rooney's side should be content with a clean sheet. Apart from two
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26/11/03 - Benbow on the way back
MARK Benbow (pictured) could make his first Dr Martens Western appearance in a month this Saturday. Rovers entertain third place Sutton Coldfield Town at the Victoria Ground and Benbow, out since the FA Cup loss at Whitby, could feature in the squad after
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26/11/03 - End of year fixtures set
BROMSGROVE Rovers Reserves are set to play four matches between now and the end of the year. The Midland Combination has released fixtures for the end of November and December 2003. Rovers Reserves travel to Boldmere St Michaels this Saturday and Quorn
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26/11/03 - Reserves held to a draw
ROMSGROVE Rovers Reserves drew 1-1 with Chasetown Reserves at the Victoria Ground last Saturday. The hosts attacked in the early stages and it was no surprise when Ross Collins gave them the lead, turning in a corner after 25 minutes. Passes then began
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26/11/03 Jan Molby after Torquay
A DIVISION Three home win eluded Kidderminster Harriers for the fourth match in a row on Saturday. Boss Jan Molby admitted their struggles on Aggborough turf would just drag them deeper into a relegation battle, despite fine form on the road. Molby said
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Offer led to attack
A WOMAN had her arm grabbed and was threatened by a man after offering him a light for a cigarette in a Redditch pub. The assault happened just before 9pm on Saturday in the Kings Arms pub. The man, who spoke with a slurred Midlands accent, approached
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OAPs targeted in 'despicable crime'
AN elderly couple were robbed in their Hollywood home in what police have described as 'a truly despicable crime'. The couple, who are in their 80s, heard persistent ringing at the door and the man went to open it. A man forced his way into the house,
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Celebrations as new target set
THE Alexandra Hospital's League of Friends is celebrating yet another hugely successful year of fundraising and are now setting their sights on the next target. This year, the league raised more than £153,000 and spent more than £137,000 on vital equipment
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Festive fair date
ALL the fun of the League of Friend's Christmas fair will begin at noon on Saturday. There will be festive crafts and flowers, books and videos, a tombola, home-made cakes and a raffle at the event at the Woodrow Drive hospital. Santa will also be there
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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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Bees taken to FA Vase replay
Studley 0 Mickleover Sports 0 STUDLEY boss Mark Chambers was relieved his side were still alive and kicking in the FA Vase after a tense, heart-stopping 90 minutes at The Beehive on Saturday. The Bees earned last night's replay in Derbyshire, thanks to
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On the Mark at the double
Redditch 3 Mangotsfield 0 REDDITCH United boss Rod Brown was given evidence that strength in depth could hold the golden keys to open the Dr Martens Western League championship door this season. New signing Mark Shepherd started his first match for league
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And here's to you...
THE classic tale of seduction set in California in the 1960s - The Graduate - arrives at Malvern's Festival Theatre on Monday. Starring Glynis Barber, the play is adapted from Charles Webb's cult novel and the award-winning film by Terry Johnson and is
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Brett bags a hat-trick
Alvechurch 5 Willenhall Tn 2 IT MAY have sent shockwaves through the Midland Alliance and quickly acclaimed as the shock of the day...but joint-boss Neil Bryan knew a result like this was always in Alvechurch's locker. Last week's 5-3 defeat to Stourbridge
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Tom's classic story
A PLAY based on well-loved children's classic Tom's Midnight Garden is running at Birmingham's Old Rep Theatre. Written by Phillipa Pearce and described as 'one of the best children's stories ever written', the tale has been adapted for the stage by national
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All that jazz
JAZZ lovers can hear the legendary trumpeter Keith Smith along with his Hefty Jazz All Stars on Friday evening at the Palace Theatre. From Basin Street to Broadway showcases numbers from 100 years of jazz including the music of Louis Armstrong, Sidney
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Fixtures
Saturday, November 29 FOOTBALL Dr Martens Western - Bromsgrove Rovers v Sutton Coldfield Town (3pm). Midland Football Combination Division One - Barnt Green Spartak v Kenilwoth Town; Fairfield Villa v Knowle. Division Two - Central Ajax v Droitwich Spa
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Umpire course
A CRICKET umpires course is set to start in Bromsgrove in the new year. The Worcestershire Cricket Umpires Association will be running their annual cricket umpires courses from Wednesday, January 14. The 10-week course should run at Bromsgrove Cricket
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What's On Guide
Thursday, November 27 Alvechurch Dramatic Society: The Wizard of Oz, Alvechurch Village Hall. Also November 28 & 29. Tickets from 0121 4477071. Henri Oguike Dance Company -Mixed Bill including Front Line, DanceXchange at The Patrick Centre, Birmingham
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24/11/03 New blood needed for Swifts
MANAGER Dave Titterton looks set to ring the changes after Stourport Swifts slumped to a 3-1 defeat at fellow Dr Martens Western Division strugglers Taunton Town. The Walshes Meadow side have now gone five league matches without a win to leave them just
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Busst in hunt for two new players
SUCCESSIVE home defeats without finding the net will signal the hunt for new faces ahead of Evesham United's trip to Clevedon Town on Saturday, writes Mervyn Collins. Manager Dave Busst is set to meet up with an experienced defender tonight, while also
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25 years ago November 24, 1978
MRS Ray Fowler hardly expected one lamb from her Dorset Down ewes so early in the season but she was delighted when one gave birth to twins. Mrs Fowler, from Burcot, Bromsgrove, acted as midwife as the first new arrival was born backwards. TRADE unionists
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Death of rugby stalwart
WING Commander Paul Raby, a popular figure in Midlands rugby circles, has died after a short illness at the age of 89. He was secretary of Bromsgrove RFC from 1964 to 1983, a former president of Worcestershire & Herefordshire RFU, a former member
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Roberts eases Town through
DEAN Roberts' four-goal salvo blasted Malvern Town into the second round of the Worcestershire FA Senior Urn as they beat West Midlands League Premier Division rivals Brierley Hill 7-4 after extra-time at Langland Stadium last night. The visitors took
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Career is at an end
DEAN Ball admits he will not play rugby again after snapping his left achilles tendon. Bromsgrove RFC First XV's player/coach (pictured) pulled up unchallenged just short of scoring a try in his side's 24-18 Midlands Two (West) victory at Stoke last Saturday
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Town turn up heat on Derby
BROMSGROVE RFC First XV went joint top of Midlands Two (West) last Saturday with victory at Stoke. Dean Ball's side, who bring to an end Stoke's unbeaten home run, is now level on points with Derby after the fellow leaders opted to postpone their fixture
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Spa victory is a chiller in the mist
MATT Blackmore kicked four penalties from five attempts as Droitwich Spa RFC First XV defied the fog to beat Ledbury. Spa's first ever game under floodlights last Friday was tough on spectators who were unable to see large spells of the game due to dense
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Colts are excellent
BROMSGROVE Colts put on an excellent display to hand a workmanlike Burton side a 17-8 defeat. The Colts were much better than last Saturday's score suggests and the late consolation try scored by Cole earned Burton some credibility. All three tries were
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Late goals sink United
DAVE Busst's worst fears were realised as Shepshed won for the first time in 17 att-empts last Saturday. The Western Divis-ion's basement side easily overcame the Robins who were woeful in attack and were then found out at the back in the final 20 minutes
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Benbow on the way back
MARK Benbow (pictured) could make his first Dr Martens Western appearance in a month this Saturday. Rovers entertain third place Sutton Coldfield Town at the Victoria Ground and Benbow, out since the FA Cup loss at Whitby, could feature in the squad after
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Spartak score six
BARNT Green Spartak's three-week break from action has not halted their domination of Midland Combination division one. GJ Singh's side, who hammered Fairfield Villa 7-1 in their last match on November 1, picked up where they left off to win 6-1 at Wilmcote
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Villa win
DEBBIE Harris scored twice as Fairfield Villa Ladies beat rivals Redditch 3-1 United Ladies. In a well-fought game last Sunday, Harris signalled her intent as early as the fifth minute when she struck a shot against the cross bar. Redditch took the lead
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Angling round-up
BACK to reality after 18 days in the Florida sunshine, I wasn't surprised to find fish catches were generally on the low side and even those consistent Northfield Starlet Veterans struggled on Tuesday at Woodland View. Leading the 44-strong turnout was
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26/11/03 - Biggest test this season
BROMSGROVE RFC First XV face their biggest test of the season so far when they entertain unbeaten Derby at Finstall Park this Saturday. The sides are joint leaders of Midlands Two (West) going into the crucial match, although Dean Ball's side has played
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Well done
DEAR EDITOR - May we, the Poppy Appeal of the Royal British Legion Bromsgrove Branch, thank all who helped in this year's appeal, house-to-house, street collectors who braved the bitterly cold weather and to everyone who helped to raise a provisional
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...but it wasn't for everyone
DEAR EDITOR - I wonder if anyone else has suffered from fireworks like I did on November 7. The mother of my three-day-old puppies abandoned them to creep into the darkest corner she could find and sat there shivering and very distressed for a very long
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Real questions not answered
DEAR EDITOR - Finally the ruling group on the district council have come huffing and puffing out of their 'backs to the wall' corner! They have spectacularly failed to answer any of the real questions. I will list them below and we will see if we get
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Keeping it confidential
DEAR EDITOR - In reply to Councillor Dr Lammie's letter, 'Speaking for the Electorate', on November 12, I would like to establish the correct facts. 1 - Cllrs Psirides, Lammie and Doyle were suspended for six months for blatantly breaking the rules of
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WMDs here
WHY is Tony Blair fighting imaginary WMDs abroad when there are real WMDs in this country? Gun gangs, drug barons, pensioners living on pensions below the poverty line. Tony Blair cannot see this because he's blinded by Bush. JOHN CUNNIFFE, Malvern.
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Delights of fair
MINCE pies and mulled wine will delight festive folk at a traditional family fair this weekend. The Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, in Stoke Heath, will host its annual Victorian Christmas bazaar on Saturday and Sunday. There will be traditional
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Sects and the city
IN response to the letter from John Hinton (You Say, Thursday November 18), Ann Summers is not a sex shop. Even if it was, I doubt he would be able to tell by passing it. It could be a church vestry. I am sure an Ann Summers shop or sex shop would not
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What's on guide
Wednesday, November 26 Pop: Fleetwood Mac, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. Classical: Worcestershire Young Musicians, Huntingdon Hall, CrownGate, Worcester, 7pm. Show: John Godber's Bouncers, Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham. Until
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Rubery WI
OUR President Miss Marina Trow welcomed everyone to the AGM, including a new visitor. There were quite a few apologies, and Sylvia Parker, a WI advisor, was there to give us her support. Bee Flyn gave a short report on the autumn group meeting, which
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Credibility of council will be in full focus
A FEW months ago, my objections to additions to the Malvern TV and Radio Transmitter mast were treated with no little ribaldry and amusement at a meeting of the Malvern Hills District Council and its planning department. Indeed, this was coupled with
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Droitwich Spa Inner Wheel
From fashion to jumble - the members of the Inner Wheel Club of Droitwich Spa turned their hands to a range of events to raise £1,350 for the care work of St Richard's Hospice. Marilyn Peachey, St Richard's Hospice fundraising director, accepted the cheque
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Painting to boost appeal
FUNDRAISERS hoping to raise £1m to pay for urgent repairs to Bromsgrove's ancient parish church reckon sales of a beautiful painting of the 13th century building will give the fund a welcome boost. Already 50 of the colourful prints, individually signed
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Let's make it a date
RESIDENTS are a-spire-ing to raise cash for a village church with a fundraising calendar. Stoke Prior Saltmakers History depicts a collection of different working pictures. The idea for the fundraiser came from Thelma Roll, of Stoke Prior Parish Council
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Phone masts spark anger
WORRIED school governors and residents have slammed plans for three new mobile phone antennas on the roof of a Bromsgrove town centre building. People living and working, near the BT exchange building, in Hanover Street, are calling for changes after
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Xmas wish
STAFF at an animal rescue centre are hoping to find a loving owner for a dog that has never had a home. Harold, a black and white lurcher, has spent his entire life in rescue centres. Now staff at the Blue Cross animal centre in Bromsgrove are hoping
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Taxpayer to fill council's £1m funding gap
TAXPAYERS in Droitwich and the district are expected to bear the brunt of Wychavon District Council's £1m government funding shortfall. Next year's local government finance settlement for the council is nearly £1m down on this year due to a change in
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All ready for Santa
Christmas spirit will fill the air when the Fairfield Pre-school and Toddler Group holds its festive fair on Saturday, December 6. Santa will be dropping in and there will be lots of stalls, including tombolas, a raffle, cakes, crafts and second hand
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Theatre show leaves them star struck
THE enchanting story of Tom's Midnight Garden was enjoyed by all when youngsters from Wychbold First and Nursery School visited a Birmingham theatre this week. Children from reception classes to year four from the School Road establishment enjoyed the
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Festive rescue remedy
YOUNGSTERS at a Bromsgrove school have been boxing clever in time for Christmas. Pupils at St Peter's RC First School, in Rock Hill, have filled shoeboxes with generous goodies as part of Operation Christmas Child. The boxes were collected last week and
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Godsend for Spa hospital patients
PATIENTS who struggle to get from Droitwich to Worcestershire Royal Hospital are set to benefit from a new service early in the New Year. People carrier Droitwich Spa & Rural Council for Voluntary Service through the community transport scheme want
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Anger over closed path
PEDESTRIANS on a busy Bromsgrove footpath have been given the red light. A length of path in Rock Hill has been closed for three weeks and now residents want to know when it is being re-opened. Neil Holmes, of Rock Hill, said high winds caused a tree
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Awards for swimmers
TWO Droitwich Spa swimmers have picked up top awards in recognition of their sporting achievements. Rachel Roberts and Kim Briggs, who both attend the town's high school, scooped prestigious honours at the Wychavon Parish Games presentation evening in
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Attack on band girls after switch-on
TWO young girls who had earlier played in the band at Saturday's switching on of Bromsgrove's Christmas lights extravaganza were assaulted by yobs as they prepared to leave the town. One was given first aid at the scene before being taken to Redditch's
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Firestarter fears after blaze escape
A PENSIONER had a lucky escape after his Ombersley flat was deliberately torched on Friday night. Roy Minton, aged 68, of Styles Court, Sandys Road, made his exit through the bedroom window of his ground floor flat when fire broke out at 10.55pm. Police
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Recycling is magic
A WASTE Wizard has been brought in to encourage townsfolk to recycle their rubbish. The wise old man has joined the staff at the district council as the mascot for a campaign to encourage everyone to put what waste they can to further use. The Waste Wizard's
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D-day for supermarket
THE future of the town's multi-million pound supermarket development was due to be discussed by Wychavon District Council last night.(Tuesday) The district council's executive board were due to meet and make their final decision in Pershore. Before the
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Four names to choose from
VOTERS in Bromsgrove District Council's Furlongs ward will have a choice of four candidates when they go to the polls on December 18. The inclusion of a second Independent candidate surprised many when the list was published after declarations closed
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450 workers face axe before X-mas
MORE than 450 Droitwich workers face the axe if the merger of two mail order firms is blocked. Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff has joined the crusade along with other MPs and unions to allow March UK to merge with GUS home shopping. This company includes
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Man stole grandfather's credit card
A SPA man went on an £870 spending spree after stealing his grandfather's credit card. Wayne Recardo of Droitwich used the stolen card to make 14 transactions which included buying petrol and toiletries in May this year, Worcester Magistrates Court heard
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Children in Need
CHEERFUL youngsters from a Droitwich primary school were in their element when they took part in a 'Bring Your Teddy to School day.' Staff from Chawson First School in Wyche Road came up with a novel way to raise cash for Children in Need last Friday
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26/11/03 - Sorensen named City president
FORMER Worcester City chairman Dr Michael Sorensen has been elected club president. Dr Sorensen, who stood down last month after 13 years in the City hot-seat, was elected to the position at a recent board meeting. The club has been without a president
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TENNIS: Sixth for Victoria
BROMSGROVE tennis starlet Victoria Moffett (pictured) has finished sixth at a prestigious tournament in Spain. The 14-year-old talent, from Stoke Prior, played a high standard of tennis but still lost all of her five matches at the Sunday Telegraph Center
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DVD Charlie's Angels Full Throttle (12)
FOR the second week running, this poor put-upon reviewer has been forced to suffer the slings and arrows of the dreaded sequel. Unlike last week, this is not better than its predecessor but it's certainly not as bad as critics made out. Once you get used
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CYCLING: Phil's sixth
BROMSGROVE cyclist Phil Blacker continued his success in the West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League with a superb sixth place in the latest round of the series. In the Royal Sutton CC promoted event, held at Hagley Park School in Rugeley, Phil, of Wyre Forest
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CYCLING: Jason stars
JASON Dingley was Bromsgrove Olympique's top rider in the fourth round of the National Trophy Series Cyclo-Cross event at Mallory Park Leicestershire. Dingley took fifth spot on a technical course, including steep grass banks and mounds. Will Goulbourne
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'Just 50p to save free bus passes'
IT will cost council taxpayers '50p a week at the most' to allow Redditch to keep its free bus pass scheme for pensioners and the disabled, says Labour's former council leader. Councillor David Cartwright's claim comes just days before a public meeting
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Let council sort parents' parking
MANY parents and residents in this area will support the protests being made by the St Stephen's School parents. Here, we have the two largest schools in the county and therefore more than enough arrogant and selfish parents who simply do not care that
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Wife facing murder trial
A WOMAN accused of stabbing her husband to death has appeared before a judge at Worcester Crown Court. Sharan Boyden, aged 33, of Pedmore Close, Redditch, denied murdering husband Paul between August 16 and August 19 this year. Michael Conry, for the
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Threat to 'crucial' watchdog
A LACK of volunteers could mean a 'crucial' health watchdog is not set up in Redditch. The Patient and Public Involvement Forum (PPI) should immediately replace Redditch and Bromsgrove Community Health Council when it is abolished on December 1. But unless
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New venue for inquiry
A NEW location for the Public Inquiry into plans to revoke route orders laid down for the proposed Studley Bypass has been announced. The Highways Agency revealed on Monday the inquiry would take place at Studley Hall, High Street, at 10am on Tuesday,
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Cup causes injury time
REDDITCH ambulance crews spent Saturday afternoon and evening dealing with people who had injured themselves celebrating England's historic Rugby World Cup victory. However, during the tense and exciting morning game, which saw England beat Australia
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Taxis to escape the ticket trap
POLICE will not be issuing tickets to taxi drivers who use an illegal rank in Redditch town centre until the consultation period over its controversial relocation comes to an end. Moving the rank from Unicorn Hill to Bates Hill has met with safety concerns
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A divided nation does not help
ON the day champagne socialists, assorted ne'er do wells and other fellow travellers demonstrated in London against the state visit by the head of a friendly nation, British establishments in Istanbul were devastated by bombs set by Muslim extremists
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The things that Tom could learn!
WHEN I was a member of the West Mercia Police Authority, I spent several nights from 10pm-6am with women police officers. Their skill in handling difficult situations was outstanding. They were able to take the steam out of drunken brawls and send the
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Meeting called
CALLING all patients and carers. Are you interested in having a say in the way cancer services are provided in the future? A meeting will be at Redditch Town Hall on December 3 at 6.30pm to discuss how patients and carers can be involved in shaping local
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Letter from Westminster
LAST week, the Government announced next year's grant for local councils and Worcestershire County Council is set to receive a large increase. This is good news for schools that last year faced unexpectedly difficult budget pressures. The Government has
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Workshops cap a fun-filled week
YOUNGSTERS at Astwood Bank First School enjoyed a week of activities with a circus theme. Clowns gave demonstrations and circus skills performers worked with children at the Church Road school last week. Teachers ran workshops, including mask making,
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A brush stroke of genius
HANDY artists got together at Redditch Library on Monday for some magnificent Mendhi hand painting. The Mendhi painting was part of the celebrations of Eid, which comes after the month-long dawn-to- sunset fast of Ramadan. Yumna Bibi (left) with Memuna
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Award is on the mark
WYTHALL Primary School is celebrating a national sporting gold after securing the Activemark Gold Award. Sport England has given the Meadow Road school the prestigious title for outstanding commitment to providing physical activity. The school is just
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Cookhill Keyboard Club
THE next meeting at Cookhill Village Hall on Wednesday, December 3, will be devoted to a demonstration of the new Roland AT15 small organ, which has been produced to compete with top-end keyboards. The demonstration will be carried out by the international
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Cymdeithas Gymraeg (Welsh Society)
CHAIRMAN Pat Radford welcomed members and several visitors to the November meeting at St Luke's Church hall. The speaker was Elonwy Wright, niece of member Keri Williams. Elonwy is a Biology PhD who spends her working life teaching at the Welsh School
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Feckenham Forest History Society
AT the last meeting, Ken Hughes gave a talk on Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. He traced its origins, the estate of the Colmore family who built Newhall, which gives its name to Newhall Street. As people moved out towards the suburbs, it was decided to
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MP makes her point
REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith is calling for crossing points to be installed on Evesham Road in Astwood Bank. Ms Smith has written to Worcestershire County Council's highways manager responsible for Redditch, Jim Casey, following requests from residents. She
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Inkberrow WI
MEMBERS were greeted with a glass of wine at the November AGM. Sue Canfield presided over quite a lively meeting. It was agreed the biennial Denman Bursary should, for a trial period, be used to benefit all members rather than just one. Reports were given
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Ipsley WI
IN the absence of the president, the November meeting, the first of the new WI year, was chaired by vice-president,Jill Gallagher. Details of a planned visit to Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust near Gloucester in January, when there should be an abundance of
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Kingfisher WI
NOVEMBER brought the AGM and the news that long-time president Pam Day is taking a year out of committee work because of health problems. After an appeal for more committee members, one more was recruited, bringing the total to six, and May Lloyd took
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Kington with Dormston WI
VICE-chairman Delice Bayliss opened the meeting in the absence of Jenny Cox. Miriam Tilt, assistant secretary, read the minutes of the last meeting and treasurer Marion Collins gave the financial report. Miriam reported on the recent Dabble Day. A profit
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Hi-tech help for firefighters
REDDITCH firefighters are soon to be equipped with technology which will help them deal more safely with every situation they encounter. Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade is to equip all its front line fire engines with the latest onboard computerised
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Merry Wives of Alcester
AT the November meeting at The Holly Bush, Alcester, Lynda Kettle inspired members with her energy and positive attitude to life. Lynda talked about the clothing mistakes in her wardrobe and the guilt involved when buying clothes. Having to learn about
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Redditch Group of WIs
CRABBS Cross and Hunt End were the hosts of the autumn group meeting at St Peter's Church Hall, Crabbs Cross. All four institutes were represented - Ipsley, Kingfisher, Webheath and all members of Crabbs Cross. Janice Jones, WI advisor from Worcester,
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Redditch Speakers Club
ROGER Jauncey chaired a very different, yet enjoyable evening. The main part of the evening was a workshop on speech construction. In small groups consisting of experienced and new members, people were asked to plan the outline of a speech based on the
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Royal British Legion
BOTH sections of the Astwood Bank branch held their AGMs recently. The officers in the Women's Section were all re-elected with Pam Emery (president), Pat Crook (vice -president), Joan Ballantyne (chairman), Edith Ferguson (vice-chairman), Margaret Such
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Pupils hit high note
YOUNGSTERS from three secondary schools were hitting the high notes when they took part in a music workshop at Studley High School. Pupils from the Crooks Lane School and St Benedict's High and Alcester Grammar attended the workshop last week. It was
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Wythall WI
November saw the AGM so WI adviser Christine Hickman-Smith was welcomed to the meeting to assist at the elections. Fortunately, all went smoothly and Jill Warner agreed to stand as president for another year with her committee continuing unchanged except
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Parents join staff to improve book skills
BOOKWORMS at a Wythall primary school are recording great reading results thanks to staff and parents. Four Meadow Green Primary School parents and support workers at the Meadow Road school attended a better reader scheme organised by Worcestershire LEA
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26/11/03 Gulls break their duck at Harriers
TORQUAY 1, HARRIERS 2 THE home nightmare continued for Kidderminster Harriers but boss Jan Molby was rightly gracious in defeat. Slick visitors Torquay deserved Saturday's three points and Harriers could well learn a few lessons from a side who operate
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Police chief in firing line
RESIDENTS will tomorrow be able to fire questions at West Mercia's police chief on how he plans to maintain law and order in the town. Chief Constable Paul West was invited to Redditch's County Contact meeting by county councillor Tom Wareing, who has
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Recycling rewarded
CHILDREN from around the town have proved they are environmentally sound during a competition. Arrow Valley Countryside Centre organised the event so youngsters could share their ideas on recycling. In the eight to 12 years category, Robert Perks came
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Village visit for chief
WARWICKSHIRE'S Chief Constable John Burbeck will be in Bidford next week to open a new community police office. Mr Burbeck will be at the special opening on Friday after the county council and police thrashed out a new partnership. The base, which is
