Archive
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Plug pulled on concert
AN all-star extravaganza which had included a guest appearance from choral singer Aled Jones has been cancelled due to poor ticket sales. Puzzled organisers of picnic@thewicket say they cannot understand how the line-up failed to generate interest and
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Woman carried knife in bag
A WOMAN who carried a knife in her handbag after she was the victim of an attack found herself in court yesterday. She was charged for carrying a weapon in a public place. Mary Wallace, prosecuting, told Worcester Magistrates Court that the landlord of
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Nush's knicker shock for mum
THINGS certainly became steamy in the Big Brother house as Malvern girl Nush cuddled up on the sofa with fellow housemate Scott. Their 'will-they, won't they' love antics have been gripping fans of the Channel 4 cult show and things almost came to a head
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Collision
WORCESTER'S Blackpole Road was heavily congested for about an hour-and-a-half after a collision between a blue Austin Montego and a white Mercedes panel van. The accident happened yesterday at about 12.15pm outside the McDonald's restaurant. Both drivers
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Triple train tragedy prompts MP's action
MID-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff is calling for closer regulations of farm labour after three immigrant workers were killed in Monday's train crash. Mr Luff - a passenger on the high-speed express that smashed into the minibus at White House Farm in Charlton
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Petal guru's confetti brainwave
ACRES of colourful delphiniums are being harvested and turned into confetti on a county farm. The purple, pink and fuchsia delphiniums are grown on 12 acres at Wyke Manor Farm, near Pershore, and are the brainchild of owner Charles Hudson, who was inspired
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Bankruptcy bid to make rates rebel OAP pay up
REBEL Droitwich pensioner Nellie Copson is to be made bankrupt once again for refusing to pay business rates. The 84-year-old has been served with a bankruptcy order in relation to debts totalling £1,229.28. Miss Copson refuses to pay the business levy
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Recycle scheme runs out of bags
THE success of the city's kerbside recycling scheme has taken Worcester City Council by surprise and left it unable to cope with the demand for bags. Many residents have used up the initial eight-week supply of bags during the first two collecting rounds
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Students star in pop show
BUDDING pop stars from a Spa high school stretched their vocal chords recently for a unique rendition of Pop Idols. Twenty-three students from Droitwich Spa High School, in Briar Mill, took part in the finals held at Huntington Hall, Worcester, on Monday
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Pump House 'too small for conversion'
PARISH councillors have been accused of depriving someone of a home after they objected to a plan to convert a derelict pump house into a dwelling. But members of Powick Parish Council agreed that nothing had changed since a previous plan for the Old
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Band in town
THE sweet sound of music will ring out across the town of Droitwich Spa this weekend. Malvern Hills and District Brass Band will perform at the Lido Park, off Worcester Road, this Sunday. The event, sponsored by Droitwich Spa Town Council, will kick off
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AT THE ROYAL Richard Babington spends five days behind the scenes at the Worcestershire Royal Hospit
Taking the fear out of treatment ON a sweltering May afternoon, the last place any child wants to be is in a hospital bed. Even being at school would be preferable. Hospitals are daunting places for people of all ages, but for children, who often don't
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25 years ago
July 7, 1978 REDDITCH'S plush new magistrates court opened this week - and it was business as usual. Magistrates quickly settled in to hear deception, indecent assault and theft cases after their move from the old Church Green courtrooms. The purpose-built
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Boost for transfer of city homes
CITY councillors have agreed to release consultants appointed by the council, in a bid to give a possible transfer of tenants' homes 'a flying start.' At a housing board meeting last night councillors voted unanimously in favour of releasing lead consultants
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Gem of a haul for hospice
MORE than £2,500 worth of jewellery has been donated to a hospice for the terminally ill, following an appeal. Staff at Worcester's St Richard's Hospice, on Rose Hill, were appealing for people to donate any unwanted items to the hospice to help raise
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Kidnap bid ordeal
A 31-year-old woman was left badly shaken after a man tried to abduct her as she walked along a Redditch town centre road on Sunday night. The woman had spent a night out with friends at Chicago Rock Caf and was walking up Unicorn Hill at about 11.45pm
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9/7/03 - Ben on World Cup mission
BEN Hinshelwood jets off to Poland tomorrow desperate to keep his World Cup dreams alive. Worcester Rugby Club's star centre will travel with a Scotland squad to Poland as they begin the countdown to the autumn showpiece event Down Under. However, this
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Cash in till taken
POLICE are appealing for information after money was snatched from a till at a Wythall chemist. The theft happened in Lloyds Chemist at about 4.30pm on Thursday when a man walked into the store and paid for a can of drink. As the till was opened, the
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A show not to be missed
Review: Don't Dress For Dinner, at the Festival Theatre, Malvern (until Saturday, July 12). THIS classic bedroom farce is the perfect pick-me-up remedy for the relieving of any of life's little cares or woes. It bowls along at quite a pace - one funny
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Yeoman service in war on drugs
WEST Mercia Police deserves a huge amount of praise for the success of Operation Yeoman. A network responsible for the distribution of drugs with a street value of £250,000 a week in Worcestershire has been shut down because of the dedicated and courageous
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Reds are on their travels
REDDITCH United have been handed away draws in their opening two rounds of the FA Cup. The draw, which pits United away to lower league Leek CSOB in the preliminary round, was announced on Monday. Rod Brown's side enjoyed a profitable cup run which ended
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Studley happy with Rushall
Studley manager Mark Chambers pronounced himself happy with his side's draw, despite being pitted against a Rushall team who narrowly missed promotion to the Southern League last season. Kevin Hadley's side were denied promotion despite finishing runners-up
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Heigh ho, panto time once more
SOAP star Kay Purcell will play the Wicked Queen in the Palace Theatre's Christmas pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs later this year, it has been announced. Well-known as Cynthia Daggert in Emmerdale, Kay has also starred in Coronation Street,
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Working to help young homeless
ABOUT 10 young people a week are approaching homeless agencies in Redditch, it has been revealed. Redditch Council is now drawing up a five-year strategy to look at homelessness in the town and how it can be dealt with. The strategy goes on to state that
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Pub application meets concern
HEADLESS Cross residents have raised concerns about fighting and antisocial behaviour following a pub's application for a public entertainment licence. Tomorrow, Redditch Council's licensing committee will decide whether or not to agree to the application
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Star names join jazz day
A UNIQUE event takes place at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre on Saturday, when Midday 2 Round Midnight fills every corner of the venue with 12 hours of non-stop jazz. Part of the 19th HMV Birmingham International Jazz Festival, the occasion features a
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Monster of a part
SHAKESPEARE'S Richard III begins its run at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre this week. The play, set in the bloody period at the end of the Wars of the Roses, stars Henry Goodman in the title role, described as "one of Shakespeare's most extraordinary and
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Spa pay for loss with table slide
DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club First XI slipped to seventh in Worcestershire County League division one following a seven-wicket defeat by Ombersley at St Peter's Field. Steve Walsh's side, without opening bastman Dave Scott-Walker and key bowlers Mike Rogers
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What's On Guide
Thursday, July 10 Miss Saigon, Birmingham Hippodrome. Until September 6. Tickets from 0870 730 1234. Don't Dress for Dinner, Festival Theatre, Malvern. Until July 12. Tickets from 01684 892277. Jane Eyre, Swan Theatre, Worcester. Until July 12. Tickets
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Collapse sparks third Boars loss
BROMSGROVE Cricket Club First XI captain Nick Husbands is calling on his side to dig deep in a bid to save their season after a three-wicket defeat at Wroxeter and Uppington. Husbands watched his side capitulate to 91-5 after a promising start last Saturday
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Paul's ton
FORMER Bromsgrove Rovers player Paul Hutchins was at it again for Cutnall Green Cricket Club last Sunday as he hit 142 not out in their 155-run defeat of Offenham. Hutchins, who hit an unbeaten 102 and took 3-18 the Sunday before after coming in as a
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School tests touring side
CRICKETERS representing North Bromsgrove High School came within two overs of beating Marylebone Cricket Club. The school's select XI went down by 18 runs to the touring side from Lord's in their annual match at Barnt Green Cricket Club last Friday. The
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Awards honour for Jane
REDDITCH'S town centre manager has been commended in a national awards scheme. Jane Muckle was a finalist in the annual Sceptre awards, in the Town Centre Manager of the Year category. Mrs Muckle was nominated by Hereford and Worcester Chamber of Commerce
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Ben on World Cup mission
BEN Hinshelwood jets off to Poland tomorrow desperate to keep his World Cup dreams alive. Worcester Rugby Club's star centre will travel with a Scotland squad to Poland as they begin the countdown to the autumn showpiece event Down Under. However, this
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Hay takes first podium placement
WORCESTER race star Richard Hay scored his first podium placing of the season in the Autosport Caterham Eurocup. Hay finished runner-up in the eighth round of the championship at Zandvoort in the Netherlands. Hay's progress through the field from the
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New website
THIS week sees the launch of a new Advertiser/Messenger website devoted to Bromsgrove Rugby Football Club. The site, separate to the club's official web home, will house all the latest news and statistics from Finstall Park. To find it, log on to Bromsgrove
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Away day to start quest
BROMSGROVE Rovers will start their quest for FA Cup glory away from the Victoria Ground. George Rooney's side has been handed a trip to either Midland Alliance side Cradley Town or Daventry Town of the United Counties Premier in the preliminary round
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Penalty loss
A PENALTY shoot-out defeat denied Droitwich Spa Boys Football Club U15s victory in the annual Badsey six-a-side tournament. Spa were beaten 4-3 from the spot by Battledown Saracens in the final after the match was 0-0 after extra time. After coming through
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Final defeats
RUBERY U13s lost 3-1 to the hosts in the final at Feckenham's five-a-side tournament. Stand in goalkeeper Daniel Grove scored the winning penalty against Headless Cross in the semi-finals last Saturday. Rubery U8s lost in their final on Sunday, 2-0 to
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09/07/03 - New website
THIS week sees the launch of a new Advertiser/Messenger website devoted to Bromsgrove Rugby Football Club. The site, separate to the club's official web home, will house all the latest news and statistics from Finstall Park.
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Rumours are disturbing
Dear Editor - In April, town and district councillor Donald Lawley received much credit via your pages, for proposals to improve Droitwich health facilities. Achieved by relocating the police station and Wychavon shop to a redundant magistrates building
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Wetlands, what is going on?
Dear editor - I am referring to Mr Hugh Wylie's letter of June 18 concerning the conservation of the wetlands. He is worried at the loss of these habitats through drainage and with them the loss of many marsh plants and birds, such as the lapwing. He
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25 years ago July 7, 1978
THE former vicar of St Godwald's, Finstall in Bromsgrove, the Rev Leslie Dicker, died while on holiday in Australia. He was 64. He had been at Finstall from 1955 until his retirement three years ago. BELBROUGHTON was suffering a living death, an inquiry
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50 years ago July 11, 1953
THE Stoke Prior brush works of L G Harris celebrated its silver jubilee with a gala and sports day held on the Hanbury Road playing field. The company's managing director Leslie Harris crowned Mrs Joan Walters as Miss Brushworks. Jean Barratt and Brenda
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Speed camera is the answer
Dear editor - I have lived in Hampton Lovett for the past six years and the A442 Droitwich to Kidderminster Road has always been busy, more so since the Stonebridge Cross Business Park was built. I can now see a dual carriageway is in progress to accommodate
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Concern over Scout hut plan
Dear Editor - I was horrified to read in the Advertiser/Messenger, dated June 25, about the ludicrous suggestion being proposed by Stoke Prior Parish Council to take over the disused Scout hut in Ryefields Road for use as a community centre. Apart from
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100 years ago July 11, 1903
THE high cost of equipping a young female inmate at Bromsgrove workhouse in readiness for her transfer to live in a home for epileptics was raised by the institution's governing Guardians. Mr Brazier considered £5/7/0 (£5.35p) too dear. He complained
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Bees wait for news
BIRMINGHAM Solihull RFC are still waiting for a decision from the RFU which could bring forward their move to Redditch. The National One side are planning to sell their Sharman's Cross Road ground in Solihull to finance a move to a redeveloped stadium
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Graduates puzzling why work is so hard to find
NOT too many years ago, students went to university for three years of work, a degree and then the assurance of a good job. But universities and the Government have changed. Tony Blair has announced plans to have 50 per cent in university-level education
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Summer fun
CREATIVE youngsters will have fun in the sun this summer holiday thanks to a packed programme of events at a Charford venue. The Multi-Agency Resource Centre, in Humphrey Avenue, will play host to the annual Summer Arts Festival from Monday, July 28.
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Barnt Green Day Centre
Fine weather and careful organisation contributed to a splendid summer outing for 19 volunteers and members of the Barnt Green Day Centre and Luncheon Club. Members were driven in volunteers' cars to the Lenchford Hotel, on the River Severn, where the
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Knockout
A CHARITY fun-fuelled event will be on the cards at a Clent school this month. Town residents are urged to pop along to the summer event It's a Knockout at Sunfield School in Woodman Lane on Saturday, July 19. The fun-packed programme of events will include
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Salwarpe WI
Twenty-four members, including a new member Margaret Peasley, attended Salwarpe WI's June meeting. Plans for the future include the formation of a walking group and a boat trip from Worcester to Upton to take place in August. The annual draw for the bursary
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A weekend of open gardens
INTERESTED town residents will have a chance to enjoy the village gardens open weekend this month. For the first time the United Church of England parish of Stoke Prior, Wychbold, and Upton Warren will open 12 gardens to the public. There will be a variety
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Stoke Prior WI
The June meeting was held at Stoke Prior village hall. Twenty people, including two visitors, attended, and the president, Nancy Davis, welcomed them. Members are preparing a history of the Stoke Prior W I, covering the period from when it was formed
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Last few tickets for top tour of capital city sites
A FEW tickets remain for what promises to be a day trip to remember. This Friday, a party from Bromsgrove will travel by luxury coach to spend a day in London organised by the St John's Church Landmark Appeal to help swell its target of £700,000 to repair
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Droitwich Spa Inner Wheel
The June meeting followed by the AGM, presided over by president Marion Neale, took place at the Raven Hotel. Members were delighted to learn that Freda James, a much valued honorary member for several years, could now become a full member under new Inner
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Barnt Green Garden Society
THE speaker at our June meeting of the society was Phillip Aubury, director of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. His subject was, "Labour Saving gardens" and we were given lots of tips to reduce our work load in the garden by choosing plants and tools
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Fairfield Women's Institute
MARY Fairbairn welcomed members to our garden meeting. Lynne Jones read minutes of the last meeting, including news of our skittles team who came through to the finals in a competition involving 80 teams. The business was done back in the village hall
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Speak out against the speed camera lunacy
IT is difficult to argue against road safety initiatives. All of us know someone who has been injured, or worse, upon our roads. That said, someone has to speak out against this speed camera lunacy. New Road is to be fitted with "spy" cameras, because
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Summer time fun
A feast of summer entertainment greeted Blackwell residents when they visited their village fete. Hundreds of visitors basked in the warm sunshine as youngsters enjoyed pony rides, a bouncy castle, tombola and a balloon race. The event was organised by
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It's the king of pop
YOUNGSTERS at a Bromsgrove school were in for a Thriller when a Michael Jackson look-a-like put on a fundraising concert. Anthony Edwards, dressed as the king of pop, performed a musical extravaganza for the children of Rigby Hall School in Rigby Lane
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Taking a straw poll
THERE were smiles all round when foster carers, youngsters and staff popped along to a scarecrow themed fun day. Around 250 people turned out to the event at Foster Care Associates Midland in Brickhouse Lane, Stoke Prior, last Saturday. The day, organised
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Good sports for the big escape
ENERGETIC staff, pupils and parents donned their sportswear for a long distance charity event at a town school. The event, 'Escape from Bromsgrove', was held at Bromsgrove Lower School in aid of Action Research. A total of 636km was covered in 12 hours
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On your bike sir
STAFF at a town first school are using pedal power to enhance their chances of gaining eco-status. Teacher Matthew Ascroft, of Sidemoor First School, uses his bike to deliver paper to a recycling centre on the Recreation Road South car park. The Broad
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Making sweet music
YOUNGSTERS from two town schools worked in harmony at their annual musical festival. Children from St Peter's First, in Rock Hill, joined their friends at Millfields First for a morning of song and sounds. Each group performed a variety of pieces of music
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Honey for tea
tiny tots can be "sure of a big surprise" when The National Childbirth Trust holds a teddy bear's picnic this weekend. The party, which will include children's games, a bouncy castle and face painting, will take place in Sanders Park, off Kidderminster
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Children make giant tulip
CREATIVE youngsters from a Rednal infant school put their artistic talents to the test when they designed a new sculpture for their millennium garden. The new tulip sculpture designed by the youngsters of Rednal Hill Infant School, in Irwin Avenue, was
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Spa MP in train crash
DROITWICH Spa MP Peter Luff was in the triple death Evesham train crash. The Tory MP was among passengers on Monday's Great Western inter-city train which ploughed into a mini bus on an unmanned level crossing. He escaped unscathed. The Mid-Worcestershire
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Sleeping Beauty Birmingham Royal Ballet Company Birmingham NIA
FAULTLESS in its dramatic, baroque, sets and dazzling costumes, The Birmingham Royal Ballet has had Sleeping Beauty as one of its flagship performances for nearly 20 years. But the recent performances at the NIA disappointed. To a ballet novice the sets
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Exchange visit blow
Children and staff at a Bromsgrove school are devastated after a group of exchange visitors from a sister school in the Gambia were refused travel permits. Pupils from North Bromsgrove High have spent the last 12 months raising around £1,200 towards the
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Stepping in to ease fears over school change
Speculation that a town special-needs school is set to include youngsters with learning and behavioural disabilities have been played down by a county education chief. Worcestershire County Council's portfolio holder for education and lifelong learning
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Moving Rovers talks 'on-going'
TALKS involving Bromsgrove Rovers possible relocation to another ground with the clubs' landlord, the district council, are ongoing - it has emerged. News that exploratory talks between club officials and the authority have not been concluded is contained
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Dad attacked by daughter's ex
A FATHER was beaten up on his own doorstep by his daughter's former boyfriend, Worcester Crown Court heard. Ronald Weaver, who was nearly 60, was attacked by Mark Nicklin who had been drinking following the break-up of a nine-year relationship. Temper
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Laura jumps to silver
A BROMSGROVE high jumper has leapt to new heights by winning the silver medal at a national championship. Laura Davis, from the Mount School, in Birmingham Road, cleared 1.28 metres to finish second while representing the Midlands at the Independent Schools
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Painting's second nature
FRESH watercolour exhibition From Apple Blossoms to Acorns launched in Droitwich Spa yesterday (Tuesday July 8). Talented Rosemary Hatton is displaying her work at Droitwich Spa Library, in Victoria Square, until August. She will also be working in the
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Women runners wanted for race
RESIDENTS throughout the Bromsgrove district are being urged to get together to help speed up the race to cure cancer. Leisure chiefs at Bromsgrove District Council are appealing for volunteers to join the town's 'Race for Life' on Sunday, July 27. Councillor
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Bank are in sight
THERE were contrasting emotions at teatime on Sunday as Astwood Bank celebrated passage into the last 16 of the National Knockout Cup but Exhall and Wixford's adventure came to an end. Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Powys champs the Bank did it again
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Wythall delight
WYTHALL eased home to a comfortable win in their Warwickshire League Division Three derby against struggling Five Ways Old Edwardians. The relegation-haunted visitors won the toss and opted to bat, posting a respectable 202-4. But Wythall responded with
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Feckenham win
FECKENHAM'S inconsistent Worcestershire County League season continued with a win over Hereford City at the weekend. City were bowled out for 190 before the Mill Lane side replied reaching their target for six wickets for a straightforward victory which
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'Communi-tea' spirit
STUDENTS who throw themselves into the heart of the Spa community have earned recognition in a national education report. Whitford Hall and Dodderhill School, Crutch Lane, featured in the Independent Schools' Council study on interaction between private
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Pensioners pull rank for cabs
TOWN pensioners are driving forward a campaign for more taxi ranks in the town centre. The Droitwich Spa Forum for Older People says many pensioners use hire cars but the town is not geared up for their custom. Pick-ups Forum transport spokeswoman Sheila
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Bidford slip near trapdoor
THE ugly spectre of relegation has reared its head again for Bidford-on-Avon after Saturday's derby day defeat to Exhall and Wixford. An upturn in form looked to have banished fears of a drop into Division One but the weekend reverse has left the struggling
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Secret talks over lido to continue
EXCLUSIVE talks regarding the Lido Pool will continue between a private developer and Wychavon District Council after councillors failed to block the move. Thermae Ltd applied for an extra six months to draw up plans for the salty site and won approval
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We are the music makers
CREATIVE classes dedicated to tune and tone certainly hit the right note with students at a village school near Droitwich Spa. Ombersley Endowed First School, at School Bank, held a 'Lets Make Music Week' which included visits from a drumming group, samba
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Spy Kids 2 The Island of Lost Dreams
WHO would have believed that I, mother of four, would have had to settle down to this classic children's adventure film with just one of my brood for company. I'm afraid my 10, 12 and 14-year-old saw the word 'kids' and took umbrage. They are certainly
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Morcheeba Parts of the Process
WHAT'S not to like about this chilled out album? Laid-back, summery sounds are a hefty feature of this "best of" from the Dover band of brothers Paul and Ross Godfrey and lead singer Syke Edwards, whose sweet voice brings a vulnerable quality to Morcheeba's
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Electric Six Fire
MUSIC is officially fun again thanks to speed-metal monsters Electric Six. The Detroit disco punks have already had two hits from the two singles released off Fire (Danger! High Voltage and Gay Bar) and there is no doubt there will be more on the way.
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Three under
JOHN Bickerton finished on three under par along with South African and 2002 Masters runner-up Retief Goosen at the Smurfit European Open. The Droitwich Spa golf ace fired two one under par rounds of 71, a 70 and a 73 at Dublin's K Club over the weekend
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Stoke's setback
STOKE Prior Bowling Club's hopes of winning Warwickshire and Worcestershire League division six took a severe knock with a three-shot home defeat to Hall Green BC. The match turned into a nightmare for the hosts as they lost the first four matches. Colin
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As safe as houses? - think again
It's the dead of night and you're asleep upstairs. The car outside is locked, the doors and windows are locked and you should be safe in your beds. But downstairs, unseen and unheard, thieves could be at work, rifling through your personal belongings,
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RETHINK ON BUS STATION
THE running of Redditch's £20 million bus station is being reviewed - less than a year after it opened. The station has been dogged by technical and safety issues from the start. Now Kingfisher Centre bosses are looking to tackle the problems, including
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Hotel in offing
WORK on building a 100-bed budget hotel and 84 houses and flats in Redditch town centre will start in September if plans are given the go-ahead. Redditch Council has received an application for the old rail yard in Hewell Road. The development will cover
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Steph's poster is all sewn up
A HUGE banner suspended from a town centre car park in support of Redditch Big Brother star Steph Coldicott was slashed by vandals on Thursday night. The 10x5m banner, featuring a picture of 28-year-old Steph, has sparked controversy ever since it was
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Child in bus smash
AN 11-year-old boy was taken to hospital on Sunday after he was in collision with a bus in Church Hill. The boy was riding his bike along Church Hill Way at about 6.15pm when he collided with a bus near Upperfield Close. He was taken to the Alexandra
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Hairy and scary!
THIS scary-looking creature was found in Astwood Bank last week. Viv Holmes, of Priest Meadow Close, contacted the Advertiser following an appeal last month for people to come forward if they had seen a 'woolly bear' caterpillar, which scientists believed
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Cameras may be better option
In response to Mrs Jones' letter regarding parking spaces, I would like to clarify some of the points she raises in her letter about traffic calming along the Evesham Road. Does she live along the Evesham Road? I do, and I have a parking space to the
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I would pay more to feel safe
I read with great interest the article "Age limit of cabs up for debate" (Advertiser, June 18). As someone that has travelled extensively, I have always wondered why cabs in the UK generally and not just Redditch always seem so old. Just last week I was
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Yes, I live in village
I was really quite amused at Mrs Jones very judgmental response to my letter (June 25). She assumes a lot, quite wrongly. Firstly, my 20-minute mile is the first mile that I travel of my 10-mile journey to work. Yes, surprise surprise! I acually do live
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Give thought to our needs
I HAVE never met Gavin Smithers, but from his article on the letters page I wonder whether he is of this world. Does he really think that the people of Redditch feel an overwhelming need for things like yoga, cookery classes and litter picking? What about
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Alcester Conservative Wives
AT the June meeting held at the home of Mrs Christine Pugh, members were shown slides by Peter Preece on "A beginners guide to wildlife photography," and heard a very interesting talk on his work. Jackie Clark won the raffle. In July there will be a "
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Bordesley Historical Society
ON June 11, the society embarked on a new venture. Until now all outings have been on a Saturday but it has been decided to try a midweek trip. This proved almost as popular. Very few members had heard of Chastleton House in the Cotswolds before and what
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Rotary Club of Alcester St Nicholas
PRESIDENT'S Night, held at the Swan Hotel, was a special evening to thank the retiring President, Alf Thompson, for all his work on the completion of his two years in office. A large party of fellow Rotarians, guests and friends enjoyed an excellent evening
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St Mary's Wives Group
THE 40th anniversary church service was held on June 26 at the Village Institute, Wythall. The group welcomed Rev Fred Sharpe, his wife Freda and 11 founder members to the meeting. The theme for the service was "Peace" with relevant hymns, readings, poems
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Studley Women's Country Club
AT the June meeting, members met at the village hall for a talk and slide show by John Clews from the Royal Society for the protection of Birds. He spoke of how the Society began in 1889, called the Plume and Feather Club, to protect birds from having
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Out with a swing
FECKENHAM Village Hall will host an unusual evening on Saturday when a 20-piece swing band - Spaghetti Junction - plays the hits of the 30s and 40s. The evening starts at 8pm with a sumptuous three-course Mediterranean supper followed by music for dancing
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Call to back fair funding
A REDDITCH parent governor is calling on parents across the town to add their weight to the campaign for fairer funding for schools. Juliet Brunner, of Kenchester Close, said children in the county were suffering "educational discrimination" and urged
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Boost to fight racism
MORE than £450,000 is to be ploughed into tackling racial discrimination in Redditch in the next few years. The news came as plans for a new office dealing with race relations were unveiled to Redditch councillors. Worcestershire Racial Equality Council
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'It was a real rollercoaster'
A REDDITCH soldier who returned home from Iraq last week has spoken to the Advertiser about some of his experiences. Royal Engineer Matthew Dare, 23, of the EOD bomb disposal regiment, returned to his Alderbrook Close home last Monday after four months
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Unsafe sites closed
SEVEN building sites in Redditch were shut down last month because of poor health and safety measures, it has been revealed. The move came during a national investigation by Health and Safety Executive (HSE) officers who visited a total of 22 sites across
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Site may be the answer
SOUTH Warwickshire Primary Care Trust's "Plan B" for Alcester Hospital is being put into action. Instead of the original £2 million from the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority for a new hospital, a new way forward has been found for the Kinwarton
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Sun shines for royal visitor
PRINCE Edward officially opened a new school hall in a flying visit last week. After landing by helicopter next to Haselor Junior and Infants School, the prince was shown around by headteacher Sine Wyatt - meeting most of the 101 pupils along the way
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Agency exceeds its business targets
THE regional development agency for the West Midlands has exceeded its 2002/3 targets for new businesses by more than 40 per cent. Advantage West Midlands (AWM) has helped create or attract 170 businesses to the region in 2002/3. The number of learning
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Funds to transform stores
A MARKET town is set for a spruce-up thanks to a new initiative. Owners of shops and businesses in Bromyard can apply for a grant to help fund improvements to their shop fronts. Funds are available to replace modern fascias with styles more appropriate
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Workers fired up to boost charity
WORCESTER Bosch has rounded off its 40th anniversary celebrations with a cheque presentation for £45,000 to Cancer Research UK. Staff, suppliers and stockists of the company, which was established on September 14, 1962, all joined in the fund-raising
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Enjoying a date with fete
THOUSANDS of people joined in the fun at Alexandra Hospital's annual fete at the weekend. The event, in aid of a new £25,000 state-of-the-art mobile X-ray machine, raised thousands of pounds on Saturday. Crowds enjoyed entertainment from skipping world
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Artists are high-flying
PUPILS from Ipsley Middle School got to the art of the matter as part of a week-long festival. To play their part in Big Arts Week, the youngsters were helped by Annette Lucas from the University of Central England (UCE) to make about 100 wind socks.
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90 YEARS FOR DRUGS GANG
A GANG which targeted Worcestershire with drugs worth £10m has been jailed for a total of 90 years. The 13 men were convicted as part of Operation Yeoman, the biggest drugs probe West Mercia police has ever launched. The two-month trial at Stafford Crown
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Girl, 7, dies from suspected meningitis
HEALTH experts are investigating after a seven-year-old girl died from suspected meningitis. Emily Rose Davidson was a pupil at Grove Infant School, in Pickersleigh Grove, Malvern. Emily, who is believed to have contracted meningococcal septicaemia, became
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Pensioner dies after fire in his bungalow
AN elderly man has died in a fire that completely destroyed his home. Firefighters from Stourport and Kidderminster were called out to a bungalow on Narroway Lane in Crossway Green, near Stourport-on-Severn, at 8am. The man is believed to be 76-year-old
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Jail looms in GBH
A Worcester man faces a jail sentence for a serious attack. Gavin Martin, aged 25, of May Avenue, pleaded guilty to causing Trevor Pryce grievous bodiy harm. Worcester Crown Court heard that he faces other charges of grievous bodily harm, affray and aggravated
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Body ID
The body of a man found in the River Severn in Worcester last month has been identified as that of a 70-year-old Birmingham man. The badly decomposed remains of Alan Green, a retired builder from Manor Road in Stechford, was discovered among reeds and
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New info in case of murdered skydiver
POLICE have received dozens of calls from people who were at a party with a Herefordshire skydiver the night before he plunged 13,000ft to his death. Stephen Hilder died at Hibaldstow Airfield, North Lincolnshire, on Friday afternoon. The cord on the
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Severn heaven for dragon fans
THE River Severn will come alive on Sunday as 28 dragon boat teams compete for prizes and raise money for local charities. The dragon boat festival, which has been organised by Worcester South Rotary Club, is set to take place at The Riverside Centre
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Venue change for race against cancer
A MEN-only race to raise money for Cancer Research UK's work into testicular cancer has changed venue and time. The 10km race, which was originally set to take place at Nunnery Wood Sports Centre running track and woods at 2pm, is now scheduled for 3pm
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Top organist plays church
A TALENTED young organist will let off a volley of organ fireworks at a church in Alvechurch this weekend. Keith Hearnshaw, whose programme will include music ranging from Bach's Toccata and Fugue D in minor to film music by John Williams, will appear
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Panel criticises tourism strategy
A SLOGAN to market Worcestershire's top attractions could help revive tourism. Despite crowd-pullers such as Worcester Cathedral, Royal Worcester Porcelain and the Malvern Hills, a county council investigations has highlighted the region as a whole is
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Music duo
FEET will be tapping when a country music group makes its debut at a Spa venue this month. The End of the Trail Music Concert Club welcomes The Saloon Drifters to the Royal British Legion Club, in Salwarpe Road, on Saturday, July 19. The duo from Derby
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Results reveal you're alive and kicking...
PEOPLE in the Lyppard Grange and Woodgreen areas of Worcester feel healthier than those in other parts of the county, according to the latest census. Seventy-eight per cent of residents in Warndon Parish North (including Woodgreen) and Warndon Parish
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Worcester's population has soared in 10 years
WORCESTER'S population increased by 12 per cent between 1991 and 2001, the highest percentage increase in the region. There were 93,353 residents on census day, with more children aged under four and fewer people over 65 than most other parts of the county
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Volunteers awarded for helping county patients
SIX kind-hearted people have been rewarded for their volunteer services at a Red Cross presentation. The Mayor of Worcester, Coun Gareth Jones, gave out service badges on behalf of the Red Cross to a number of volunteers working for the Red Cross Home
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50 years ago
July 8, 1953 WARWICKSHIRE County Council is to be told by its Buildings Committee next Wednesday that plans are now complete for the erection of the new County High School to be built in Studley at an estimated cost of £65,800. A group of youngsters who
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100 years ago
July 11, 1903 JOHN Henry Baylis, of Brook Street, was charged with using indecent language within view or hearing of Prospect Road. Evidence in support of the charge was given by Superintendent Hayes and four women, who said he made the use of such language
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Woman cut in foiled robbery
A 51-year-old woman was attacked by two men as she walked down Hewell Road in Redditch town centre at about 9.20pm last Tuesday. The woman was approached from behind by two black men, who grabbed at her handbag. After a struggle, the woman managed to
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Man attacked for wallet
A 45-year-old man suffered bruising to his body and face after being attacked and robbed of his wallet in Batchley on Saturday, June 21. The man was walking home after a night out and was in Willow Way at about 12.15am when he was set upon. The victim
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09/07/03 - Away day to start quest
BROMSGROVE Rovers will start their quest for FA Cup glory away from the Victoria Ground. George Rooney's side has been handed a trip to either Midland Alliance side Cradley Town or Daventry Town of the United Counties Premier in the preliminary round
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Stefan set for Seat series
HEADLESS Cross speedster Stefan Hodgetts is bidding to regain top spot in the Seat Cupra Championship at the weekend. The Redditch driver was on blistering form at his home track in the last round and is just one point behind series leader Robert Huff
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Enzo is out again
OAKENSHAW ace Enzo Mucci will be sitting out the action again at the weekend because of continuing engine problems. The Atlanta Motorsports Renault Clio V6 has been operating with a standard engine which has handicapped the Redditch drivers efforts in
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Redditch lose out by a point
In a tight-fought final round Redditch Swimming Club finished second behind Leamington with just one point separating the teams. In the 10U age Robert Stanley finished first in the 50m breast and freestyle while Lucy Knibbs scooped first in the 50m back
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Church absent
Alvechurch missed the boat in this season's FA Cup because their application was submitted too late - suggesting their Midland Combination title took some board members by surprise. The Church start their Vase campaign at either Heanor Town or Boston
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Blues make new signings
BIRMINGHAM City Ladies FC manager Marcus Bignot has lost left back Michelle Hickmott to treble winners Fulham but swooped to make two signings of his own this week. Hickmott stunned the club by accepting an offer from new Fulham manager Marianne Spacey
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No stalling on markings
MOTORISTS are being assured work to rectify problems with new road markings on two Redditch roundabouts has been pushed forward and planned changes will be announced imminently. The installation of new lane changes and white lanes on both the Sainsbury's
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More say for public
RESIDENTS will be given the chance to name new streets, manage landscaping in their area and have greater involvement in planning decisions, it has been announced. Redditch Council wants to be seen to make a difference in the town by giving greater responsibility
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Nicholas returns... without hesitation
RADIO 4 panel game Just A Minute comes to Malvern Theatres on Tuesday, when two recordings of the classic show will be made. The programme, one of the longest running in broadcasting history, has been hosted by Nicholas Parsons for 35 years and will include
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Fixtures
Saturday, July 12 CRICKET Birmingham & District Premier League First XI Premier Division - Wellington v Barnt Green (1pm). First Division - Leaminton v Bromsgrove (1pm). Birmingham & District Premier League Second XI Premier Division - Barnt Green
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Worst display to date as Croft lose by six runs
AVONCROFT Cricket Club First XI produced their most disappointing performance of the season as they lost by six runs at home to Amblecote and Wollaston. Having lost by nine runs at Amblecote on the opening day of the season, Paul Athey's side again failed
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First in 70 years
DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club First XI will play Worcestershire for the first time in 70 years next Monday. The two sides meet at St Peter's Field on Monday, July 14 as part of county player David Leatherdale's (pictured, left) benefit season. Worcestershire
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Seven-wicket haul
RICHARD Illingworth took 7-34 as Barnt Green Cricket Club First XI secured a winning draw at Halesowen last Saturday. The former England international cut through the Halesowen order as the hosts made 182-9 in reply to Green's 200-9. Lyndon Jones' side
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U11s keeping school on cricket map
CRICKET is going from strength to strength at Bromsgrove School with victory for the U11s in a West Midlands eight-a-side championship. The Worcester Road school team won the event at Solihull School last Wednesday, beating Temple Gwliy School from Gloucestershire
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Seconds win
AVONCROFT CC Seconds had their youngsters to thank for an 88-run victory at Amblecote and Wollaston. Batting first, 19-year-old Matt Hare (51) and Luke Townsend (50), aged 16, showed the way with a half century each before 15-year-old Adam Rodway chipped
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County sell out for C&G contest
CRICKET fever has swept Worcestershire with all 6,500 seats snapped up for the County's eagerly anticipated Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy semi-final clash with Lancashire next month. Capacity for the New Road match on Saturday, August 9, will be
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League gets £26,000 boost
GRASS roots cricket in Worcestershire and Herefordshire will benefit by £26,000 thanks to the Worcestershire County League's new sponsorship deal. The three-year deal with Crusader Sport and Leisure was officially launched at the league's cup final at
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Leaders clinch triumph in cup
DIVISION One leaders Evesham have won the Crusader Worcestershire County League's Knockout Cup. They beat Alvechurch and Hopwood by seven wickets in the final at Kidderminster's Chester Road ground. Division Two side Alve-church made an impressive 159
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May claims series win after fourth
KEVIN May shrugged off a time delay in the third race of the Hillingdon Tri Series to clinch fourth place and win the overall event. The Worcester Triathlon Club member endured a 800-metre swim, 6km run and a 22km bike ride to claim the fourth despite
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Young guns boost City
WORCESTER City have been delighted with the response to trials for their new-look junior set-up and have added additional dates. The opening night of trials attracted 50 boys and 60 girls to the club's new Junior Development Centre at the old Porcelain
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Tens tourney at Spa
DROITWICH Rugby Club stage their annual tens tournament at their Hanbury Road headquarters on Saturday, August 16. Sixteen sides including National Two club Doncaster and Welsh side Brynithel will take part in the 16-team tournament which will also feature
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Surviving PO given new look
MOUNT Pleasant Post Office has undergone refurbishment ahead of the imminent closures of the Beoley Road West Branch. The Mount Pleasant branch re-opened yesterday following four days of work which involved installing a new two-position post office counter
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Handbag theft prompts alert
AN 80-year-old Wythall woman has warned motorists to be on their guard after her handbag was stolen from the front seat of her car on Friday. Wythall Parish Councillor Charlotte Webb was pulling out of a layby in Station Road at about 11am when a man
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Kids get free football gear
FOOTBALL mad kids are ready to reap the benefits of new training equipment donated by the Football Association. Meadows Minnows, a Saturday morning U6s soccer school based at Meadows First School, in Stourbridge Road, has been given £500 worth of balls
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Angling round-up
TOP Alvechurch matchman Ken Giles was the latest winner in the Northfield Starlets Veterans series, with a pole, chopped worms and casters catch of 33-9-0, from Woodland View's Arles pool peg 27. Mick Scott (Bewdley) was a close second with 32-0-0. Also
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Pat on the back for first school
Dear Editor - Congratulations to Eleanor Sinton, the headmistress, and staff at Wychbold First and Nursery School. As parents, it is quite a challenge to select the right school for your children and more difficult for individual small schools to convince
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Collection is 50 per cent up
Dear Editor - On behalf of St Godwald's Church, Finstall, we would like to thank all those who delivered, collected and donated in the area of Finstall/Aston Fields as part of the recent Christian Aid collection in Bromsgrove. A total of £1,300 was raised
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Be a friend to the boarders
Dear editor - May I reply to last week's 'Skateboarders are a menace' letter. Skateboarders and child cyclists who ride on pedestrian areas are not being encouraged by their parents and the law to use the designated areas like Sanders Park. They are usually
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We must stop speeding idiots
Dear Editor - I read with interest the letter about problems with speeding in Fernhill Heath. Here in the Broad Street/Sidemoor area of Bromsgrove, we also have big problems. As York Road leading into Lincoln Road is quite straight, it is used for speed
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Poppy appeal - many thanks
Dear Editor - May we, the Poppy Appeal committee of the Bromsgrove branch, through this letter, thank the people of Bromsgrove for their wonderful generosity. The final figure raised for the year ending May 31 is £9,061.04. Also to be thanked are the
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Abused while out shopping
Dear Editor - I write to complain about the assault I received in Rubery on the afternoon of Sunday, June 29, just going about my business. I bought some items from a local shop and was waiting to pay when a youth pushed in front of me. I explained to
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Was it cruel election hoax?
Dear Editor - In the Advertiser two weeks before the May elections, district councillors boasted that they had finally secured the open space off Primsland Way in Droitwich. Funding for immediate work on ambitious plans to benefit the local community
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Claims really are a load of old rubbish
Dear Editor - Rubbish!!! Having read the uninformed comments made by Cllr Peters, I should like to set the record straight. Cllr Peters must have a very short memory as he was at the full council meeting on June 17 which made the decision to go ahead
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Elderly woman duped by two men
AN 81-year-old woman was duped by two men who came to her Astwood Bank home posing as police officers late at night on Monday, June 30. The bogus officers told the woman they had come to collect forged money and said she would be in trouble if she refused
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Spellbound
A FEAST of magic and comedy will hold youngsters spellbound at a town venue this month. Clown Peteza will perform in Sanders Park, off Kidderminster Road, on Thursday, July 24. The free family entertainment will kick off at 2pm with an extra performance
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Craft lovers
CRAFTY art lovers across Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa will be in their element this week when the Craft in Action fair is held at a Hanbury venue. The craft fair takes place at Hanbury Hall, in School Road, this Sunday. Details on 01527 821214.
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Wychbold Flower Club
The June meeting was at the home of member Lorna Hill and we were favoured with a fine evening for the conducted tour of the lovely garden with its long views over the valley. Indoors Lorna demonstrated her skills in the art of sugarcraft, making delicate
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What's on guide
Wednesday, July 9 Exhibition: mac staff show, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 12 until 8pm. Until August 3 Film: Summer Things, Cinemac, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 6pm. Show: Miss Saigon, Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham, Until
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Puppet fun
YOUNGSTERS will be dazzled by a magic and puppet show at Bromsgrove library this month. There will also be a host of puzzles to solve and storytelling designed to link with the "Reading Maze challenge" at the Stratford Road site from 10am on Thursday,
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Bromsgrove Canine Society
THE society held its second show of the 2003 series at the usual venue - All Saints Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove. Denise Barney, a toy and gundog specialist from Walsall, came in to judge a very good entry of 106 dogs. Mrs Barney made a Boxer bitch,
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Dancing classes
ALL would be pop stars are being urged to take part in dance classes at a Spa venue. Video Pop Stars dance classes are being held throughout the school holidays for children between the ages of six and 14. Youngsters will be able to learn all the dance
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There but for the grace of...
ONE can sympathise with John Phillpott's disappointment (Evening News, June 30) with Channel 4's option to go for the popular-celebrity programme such as Big Brother compared with what it broadcast when it started, but I expect he's noticed that another
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Flew over
JOHN Phillpott writes (Evening News, June 30) regarding Channel 4, of the lunatics taking over the asylum. As a one-time "member" of Powick Hospital, I reckon we inmates could have made as good a job of things as many of the staff. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester
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Chaddesley Corbett Gardeners
Rob Cole, landscape architect and nurseryman, kept us entertained with garden-related stories accompanied by his extensive knowledge of sowing perennial seeds. We all managed to pick up a few tips, as well as buy some wonderful plants. Our trade stand
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Main parties' same old tired talk
HOW people can enthusiastically support the main political parties defies logic. Few people approve of economic migrants, political correctness, soft treatment of criminals and the "if it moves, sue it culture". Nonetheless, that is precisely what they
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Conspiracy theory on rule of the regions
E F SHOWELL (You Say, June 26) once more appears to suggest that the idea of regional governments in the UK is a Machiavellian scheme, deliberately devised by the EU and intended to be to the detriment of the UK. What nonsense! Scotland, Wales and the
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Bromsgrove Women's Institute
VICE President Brenda Jenkins welcomed members to the June meeting, telling first of how she enjoyed her visit to the Lowry Exhibition at Salford. Secretary Marge Clovin read minutes from the previous meeting, ending with notices and correspondence. A
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City people having fun shocker!
CHRIS Lee (You Say, July 2) makes a good point about fencing off the quayside fountains, but we could go further. The riverside also seems soiled by people's insistence in walking up and down the edge of it. Some vandals even have the gall to take to
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Droitwich Women's Institute
OUR President Margaret Wainwright welcomes us to the June meeting again. After attending to the necessary business we expressed out condolences and Margaret presented our Treasurer Dorothy Groves, who had very recently lost her husband, a basket of flowers
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Quality staff award
STAFF at a pre-school in Bromsgrove were rewarded for their five months of hard work when they received their gold Quality Assurance Award for their high standard of work with the group. It was presented to Sidemoor pre-school recently at a ceremony held
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Church choke
ALVECHURCH'S slimline cricketers may have beaten the odds to reach the Worcestershire County League Cup final but they were unable to overcome a strong Evesham side on Monday night. The Division Two underdogs were chasing honours on two fronts after their
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Going loopy over lupins
AN ENTERPRISING farmer is pinning his hopes on a new colourful, ground-breaking crop. Peter Whittaker, who farms at Stoney Lane, Tardebigge, has planted 50 acres of lupins, which he plans to harvest before selling the highly nutritious seed for animal
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Computer show-how
LOGGING onto the computer age is a whole lot easier for children at a first school near Bromsgrove thanks to some older friends. The nine-year-old pupils at Tardebigge First School are getting help from sixth formers at South Bromsgrove High who are running
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Snowdon trip is tops
Energetic youngsters from a Bromsgrove school dusted off their walking boots and went on their annual expedition to Snowdonia. Under the direction of games teacher Doug Newman, 28 pupils from the Mount School, Birmingham Road, set off for the dizzy heights
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SCHOOL RUN-INS
NEIGHBOURS of a Spa school are suffering daily abuse from school-run parents causing chaos in their quiet close. Parking problems at St Joseph's RC Primary School are getting worse by the week, according to Droitwich Spa town councillor John Cook (Lab
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9/7/03 - County sell out for C&G contest
CRICKET fever has swept Worcestershire with all 6,500 seats snapped up for the County's eagerly anticipated Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy semi-final clash with Lancashire next month. Capacity for the New Road match on Saturday, August 9, will be
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Aiming to call time on booze
Angry villagers, living in fear of vandalism and intimidation from groups of unruly youths, are calling for an alcohol ban. Under-age drinking, damage to property, tampering with cars and drug and verbal abuse are just some of the problems which Catshill
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Spinster faces bankruptcy
DEFIANT Spa spinster Nellie Copson is facing a bankruptcy order. The 83-year-old owes Wychavon District Council £1,229 in unpaid council and business taxes. Miss Copson, of High Street, was jailed in 2001 for failure to pay off similar debts. And in 2002
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Crime's not for laughs
Students at South Bromsgrove High School will discuss the true consequence of crime in a drama production next week. Members of Bromsgrove District Council, West Mercia Police as well as other pupils and their parents have been invited to see the show
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Mum and tot in flood nightmare
A CHAWSON mum is living in fear of heavy rain after her home was wrecked by flood water - twice. Forced upstairs Melanie Gardner and her four-year-old daughter Lauren are being forced to spend most of their time upstairs because of the damage. Landlord
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Our tenants are happy Spa housing claim
Spa Housing proudly announced its tenants were satisfied with their landlord. The claim was made days before tenant Melanie Garder told how she's waiting for her home to flood again before it can be fixed. (See below) The Queen Street group carried out
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It's not all Greek
A GREEK woman is working in Droitwich Spa to take travellers off the tourist trail and into the heart of her nation's culture. Fenia Papadopoulou is hosting free language and culture classes at Droitwich Youth House, in Old Coach Road, during July and
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School plan sparks row
SCHOOL shake-up plans in Bromsgrove look likely to get the go-ahead tomorrow (Thursday) despite protests from parents. Hundreds of new homes in the town have forced education chiefs to take a fresh look at which schools children can go to. From September
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TV licence clampdown
TV LICENSING has launched its new generation of detector vans in Bromsgrove. The new vans not only use the most advanced technology, they are also the first to be designed with removable TV Licence branding - which makes them look like any other white
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Redditch in the mire
REDDITCH slipped to just one place below the likely relegation zone after a crushing defeat at home to high-flying Fordhouses at the weekend. The hosts, taking first innings, were given a decent start by Dan Friedrich with 27 and Alan Houghton 11 and
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Party in the park date set
GRAFFITI art walls, bands and skateboarding ramps will attract teenagers to a summer bash in the Spa. The successful Party in the Park held in 2002 is being repeated following the top turnout of 300. On Wednesday August 13, the Lido car park, off Worcester
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All set for an open road
YOUNGSTERS from across Bromsgrove will be able to branch out when they get their own set of wheels tomorrow (Thursday). Chairman of Bromsgrove District Council, Cllr John Tidmarsh (Con-Stoke Prior), will hand over the keys of a 17-seater mini-bus to the
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Pharmacy petition lands in parliament
A PETITION to protect community chemists from closure has been laid bare in Parliament by the town's MP. MP Peter Luff wants support for chemists serving housing estates and small rural communities. He believes they help people with transport issues and
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Census shows healthy bonus
GOOD health and some of the best qualified people in the county are key findings about Bromsgrove in the latest census results. Most people drive to work and two wards in the area have the highest number of vehicles per household, according to figures
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Cup final day for Studley
STUDLEY continued their resurgence with a fourth league win in a row, on Saturday, to put them within four points of Birmingham League Division Two East leaders Walmley. And with Brandon Miller's side again upsetting the odds last week to book a place
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Pet store skater girl
AN array of skateboarding goodies has been wheeled out for a young animal lover from Droitwich Spa. Jennifer Hebden won a Supreme Petfoods' colouring competition and scooped a skateboard and safety gear. Her winning sketch beat off competition from 7000
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CARNIVAL CAPERS An Advertiser carnival picture special with Droitwich Spa reporter SARAH CHAMBERS a
CARNIVAL capers captured the hearts of Spa families over the weekend. Young and old turned out to support the town's first parade since 1996. Organisers hailed the weekend a success and are already thinking about next year's event. Chief organiser Gordon
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Swimmers get third
BROMSGROVE Swimming Club took third place in the third and final round of the Mercian League at Wombourne last Saturday. Lisa Newport recorded the first victory of the gala while Matthew Hunt took second place in the boys open 100 metres breaststroke.
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National Lampoon's Van Wilder - Party Liaison (15)
CONTRARY to my initial predictions for Van Wilder and complete reluctance to even sully my DVD player with it, this film is actually quite funny. Ryan Reynolds plays Van Wilder, a college guy that can get things done. He has the cash, the willing and
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Gangs of New York (18)
BRUTAL and hard-hitting, Martin Scorcese's masterpiece pulls no punches in portraying gang warfare in the early days of New York. With such a massive name at the helm and a stellar cast which includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz and Liam Neeson, how
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New record set
A GOLFER has set a new record for a three-club competition in Ombersley. Bernard Gray, aged 66 and from Worcester, fired a one under par 35 in winning Ombersley Golf Club's annual two club and putter event on Thursday, June 19. The score is one shot better
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Boys shine
BROMSGROVE School's junior boy athletics team have finished 11th out of 5,000 schools across the country. The Worcester Road school's 15-strong team, all aged 12 and 13, achieved their ranking at the English Schools National Cup final in Southampton last
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Parkside win
EIGHT girls from Bromsgrove's Parkside Middle School have fought off competition from five other schools to land an athletics title. The U11s girls team from the Stourbridge Road school won the Challenge Athletics meeting at Droitwich Spa High, in Briar
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Council has chance to do good
I have lived in Redditch for just over eight years now and have seen a number of changes, some good and some bad. A good change is the Kingfisher Centre - it has improved tremendously (especially now it is smoke free). We don't find the need to travel
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Musician made attacks on boys
A TALENTED musician who carried out sex attacks on teenage boys has been jailed for two years at Worcester Crown Court. Kevin Drinkwater met victims through band practice and even groped them as he gave them driving lessons. One 15-year-old told police
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Woman jailed over dog case
THE mother of a man who claimed he had discovered an emaciated dog in Woodrow - which later had to be destroyed - has been jailed for six months for causing the animal unnecessary suffering. Shirley Mentos, aged 53, of Astley Close, Woodrow, who appeared
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We weren't consulted
OVER the past few years, the council has spent many thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money on neighbourhood group meetings, held, we are told, so that residents can "have their say" on issues which concern and affect them. I find this difficult to reconcile
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Royal rumpus over rail travel
I WAS shocked to hear that the Queen spends £45,000 every time she uses the train. Surely there must be Super Saver Tickets that she could buy at a cheaper price? Our monarch could also plan her journeys outside peak hours, again making huge savings.
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School in £500,000 boost
HALF a million pounds will be on its way to a Wythall high school over the next four years. Woodrush High School will be receiving the money after its successful bid to become a specialist technology college. The Shawhurst Lane school heard about the
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Everywomans Circle
THE 41st AGM took place on June 4 and was very well attended. Yearly reports were submitted and thanks expressed to the committee and members for all their support. The committee was re-elected en bloc with the addition of Pat Jones on the social committee
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Hollywood WI
AT the July meeting, John and Dorothy, two volunteers for the Acorns Children's Hospice in Selly Oak, came to talk about they work that goes on there to enrich the lives of the children and the support that is given to their families. The friendship and
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Redditch Art Circle
THERE was a good attendance of members and visitors for the July meeting when speaker Peter Milward's subject was Water Colour and Chinese Brushwork. Peter teaches in all disciplines of the graphic arts and has a particular interest and knowledge in Chinese
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Redditch Choral Society
THE July 9 meeting was a talk and slide show by Ronald Russ entitled "The Extremes of Argentina". Following the summer break, rehearsals will recommence on September 3 for the December concert. Works to be performed are Vivaldi's Gloria and Bach's Sleepers
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The Primrose Choir
THE first Summertime Concert on June 7 was a great success. The choir was in particularly good voice and the delightful atmosphere of the marquee at The Gate Hangs Well in Stoke Prior added to the pleasure of the evening. There was an audience of well
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Going to great lengths for pool
PUPILS at a Redditch first school will be crawling their way to success following the creation of a £150,000 swimming pool for learners. Staff, parents, and pupils of Woodrow First School have spent the last two-and-a-half years raising funds to build
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Market change sought
PLANNING permission to extend market stalls into Alcester Street and Market Place for three days a week will be sought, it was agreed on Monday. The decision, which was originally made at a full council meeting on May 12, was put on hold at an Executive
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School's status launch
A REDDITCH school has launched a fund-raising bid to become a specialist business and enterprise college. Trinity High School has already secured more than £25,000 from companies and the total sum raised will be match-funded by the Government. If the
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PLAN FOR 400 HOMES RULED OUT
A HUGE housing development to be built in exchange for a new Alcester High School has been ruled out by Warwickshire County Council, it has been revealed. County Councillor Susan Juned said the Warwickshire Structure Plan (WASP) would not allow any more
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Bliss-ful prom for students
CHART-topping celebs were in the town on Friday to take part in a lavish American-style prom at Alcester Grammar School. Lucky student Caroline Appleby, 16, won the Bliss magazine competition to hold a £20,000 star-studded prom for herself and 250 classmates
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Money tap turned off for small shops
THE owner of a store that closed its doors last week has blamed it on a "general downturn in trade". Roger Lanchbury, who owns Brants convenience store, on the Droitwich Road, Worcester, said it was as if somebody had "turned the money tap off". "I've
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Wanted: one balloonist
ANYONE who fancies a thrilling week of hot-air ballooning in France could see a dream come true later this month. Redditch-based Polomoche Balloon Team needs one more member for its trip to Mondiale '03 in Chambley, north-eastern France, where nearly
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Garden plan out
RESIDENTS in Mount Pleasant were overjoyed on Monday night when a decision to include the bottom of their gardens in a development plan was overturned. At an executive committee meeting last month, councillors agreed to a development brief for more than
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Kate's golden goal
A STUDLEY woman will be attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace after going for gold and achieving her goal. Kate Harris, 20, from Node Hill, will be going along on July 17 to be presented a gold certificate for her success in the Duke of Edinburgh's
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Safety plans unveiled
INITIAL proposals for a £250,000 road safety package for four Redditch schools have been drawn up and are out for consultation. As part of its Safer Routes to School initiative, Worcestershire County Council has identified safety problems at St Augustine's
