Archive

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12/05/04 - Long journeys ahead

BROMSGROVE Rovers face some lengthy treks in their bid to bounce back from the disappointment of last season. Rovers' failure to secure a top seven spot has seen them placed in Dr Martens Division One West for the start of the 2004/05 season. The Eastern

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Time to cook up a winner

FOUR fabulous main courses and puddings will be served up today when the finalists of the Worcester Chef of the Year battle it out for the winning title. The final cook-off takes place at Fownes Hotel, Worcester in the presence of celebrity chef, Paul

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Cash prizes for poetry

ASPIRING poets stand the chance of winning cash prizes and having their work published in a regional poetry competition. Forward Press is searching for Worcestershire poets to enter Poetry Now Worcestershire 2004. Each entrant must submit two original

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Wander across county heritage

WORCESTERSHIRE people can ramble through history this summer, in the company of county experts. Staff with Worcestershire County Council's Historic Environment and Archaeology Service will lead a number of walks between now and the start of autumn. On

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Battle for heart of city

ECONOMIC development and job creation are vital to the prosperity of Worcester and the region. But how would the major parties at the city council go about attracting businesses and keeping them in the city? Councillor Martin Clarke, cabinet member for

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Spa-ing partners for change

PATIENTS at the Brine Spa in Droitwich will not be the only ones receiving non-surgical facelifts. The complex itself is to be the focus of a major refurbishment programme. The spa, which stands near the town centre, and is part of Droitwich Hospital,

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Addict facing jail

A drug addict who tried to burgle a neighbour's home has been remanded in custody. Kevin Jones, of Gilgal, Stourport-on-Severn, also attacked a man trying to detain him. At Worcester Crown Court Jones, aged 24, admitted attempted burglary and an assault

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Baby, you've got rhythm!

TOTS as tiny as three months are having music lessons in Bidford. It is all part of a scheme called Rhythm Time, run by Birmingham mum Cathy Doolan. The former secondary school music teacher set it up when she had a young family of her own as a means

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Broadway

GOOD LUNCH CLUB: The proceeds from the first lunch were sent to the Willow Stroke Unit at Evesham. A letter from the stroke unit was read out that a bicycle had been bought with the donation. Although the attendance at the second lunch was less than the

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Eckington

THURSDAY CLUB: After the AGM, the new officers are: chairman, Mr Joe Mole; vice chairman, Mr Ken White; secretary, Mrs Margaret Draper and treasurer, Mrs Valerie Mills. On June 3 there is a meeting in the village hall at 2.15pm, with speakers from Pershore

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Evesham

CSRF: There was a good attendance for the meeting on May 11 at Wallace House, chaired by Mr Eric Marsh in the absence of Mrs Anne Innes. Members were pleased to learn that Mr Charles Innes was making steady progress after his recent operation and the

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Harvington

CABARET TIME: HATS' latest offering, an evening of fun, frolic and food in the village hall on Saturday played to a sell-out audience. Based on the idea of cabaret, the atmosphere was skillfully achieved in a hall mysteriously dressed in draped curtains

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North Cotswold

DISABLED CLUB: North Cotswold Disabled Club members celebrated their 40th birthday on Tuesday, May 11, at Oddington Village Hall. Tea was enjoyed, given by Mrs Janet Smith. A few special guests were invited including two founder members, Sheila Berry,

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Pershore

RBL WOMEN'S SECTION: The May meeting took place at St Wulstan's Hall. Ray Green, who was delegate at the National Conference at Blackpool, gave her report. Names were taken for helpers for the cake and tombola stalls the branch is running at Pershore

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Arrows trounce Jaguars

Redditch Arrows remained top of their American Football table with a stunning display against Coventry Jaguars. The Division Two South Western Conference leaders overcame a spirited Coventry Jaguars side 26-7 on Sunday to remain top. The Arrows, who went

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Studley on the bounce

STUDLEY A team retained second spot in the PRS League's Premier Division with a 3-1 win over Henley A. Although Henley put up a good fight in all rubbers, Studley emerged the stronger side with Jim Hunt and Gary Jackson in top form. Chris Hughes and Dave

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Cylists claim more titles

Redditch road and path cycling club's slipstreamers claimed yet more honours in the British Schools Cycling Association Regional Championships. This time the discipline was circuit road racing in West Park, Wolverhampton. Lauren Carbutt added to her already

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Grand scores for archers

TWO members of The Redditch Company of Archers managed towering performances at the Walsall Double Fita Star. Despite injuring a hand during training Jonathan Mynott scored Grand Master Bowman scores on both days of the event. Mynott's second day score

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Miller time

Feckenham 2 Malvern Town 1 (AET) FECKENHAM capped an impressive season with some deserved silverware after an injury time penalty winner against Malvern Town. Brian Powell grabbed a brace for the Millers after they travelled to Pershore Town on Saturday

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Police in plea after raid

POLICE were called to a warehouse burglary in Castle Road, Studley, at 10pm last Wednesday. The alert went out after reports of three white men seen at the premises in a silver Vauxhall Omega with a sunroof. It is believed the men made off with two flat

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Up, down and out on a high

AMBITIOUS Headless Cross under 9s had an up and down season which ended on a high after scooping the R and T Tours Southport Cup. The Central Warwickshire League Division A side lacked consistency in the league but managed to beat teams from Liverpool

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Support for new carers' unit

A NEW centre that provides support for Worcestershire carers is celebrating after being inundated with more than 2,000 requests for help since it opened. Worcestershire County Council's Carers' Unit opened in January - and is proving to be a huge hit

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Asthmatic teen's fatal dose of drug

A POPULAR Worcester teenager "suffered tragic consequences" after accidentally taking a fatal dose of heroin substitute, an inquest has heard. Matthew Grundy, a 16-year-old from Durham Road, Ronkswood, died after taking methadone at some point during

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Body in the wood mystery - police identify man

MYSTERY still surrounds the death of a man whose body was found in a Worcestershire woodland on Monday. Police have identified the man, but are not releasing his name and details until his next-of-kin have been informed. A spokesman for the force would

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Armed to tackle waste mountain

RESIDENTS in Droitwich and the rest of Wychavon are being urged to shape up for the Mission Impossible waste challenge that is set to hit their homes this week. Wychavon District Council, along with Worcestershire County Council, has challenged householders

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Chrissies 'causes bullying'

BULLYING and truancy is blighting Christopher Whitehead High School because of its dilapidated buildings, a public inquiry has heard. The claim was included in a summary of Worcestershire County Council's arguments about why the school, in St John's,

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Take a chance

ABBA nostalgia arrives at the Palace Theatre next week when Voulez Vous - The Greatest Hits Tour, celebrates 30 years of the Swedish icons' music. Demand for tickets for the show has been so great the Palace has had to add another date. With Wednesday

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Viaduct rods 'reduced to apple cores'

STEEL rods reinforcing the concrete viaduct at Upton-upon-Severn have corroded away in places to a fraction of their original thickness. Their condition came to light during a routine inspection in March, when high-pressure jets trained on cracks in the

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Elixir is rife and raunchy

UP-and-coming band Elixir bring their "unique blend of raunchy and melodic classic rock" to the New Tardebigge pub, Hewell Lane, on Tuesday night. The four-piece from Birmingham are made up of three brothers - guitarist PJ, vocalist John and drummer Paul

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Cricket fixtures

Saturday, May 22 Birmingham & District Premier League Premier Division 1st XI - Barnt Green v Moseley (1pm) Premier Division 2nd XI - Moseley v Barnt Green (1.30pm) First Division 1st XI - Aston Unity v Bromsgrove (1pm) Second Division 2nd XI - Bromsgrove

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Wolves fought off by last Boars ball

BROMSGROVE Cricket Club First XI finally got their Birmingham and District Division One season off the ground with a winning draw at St Godwald's Park. Wolverhampton pushed the Boars, who have had their last two league games called off due to rain, to

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Woman dies in crash

EVESHAM police are appealing for witnesses following the death of a woman motorist. The victim's silver Honda Jazz was in collision with a white Scania articulated lorry on the A46, near the Grafton turn, Beckford, at about 11.30am on Monday. The lorry

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Jealous DJ headbutted dirty dancing clubber, claim

A JEALOUS disc jockey broke a man's cheekbone after watching him dance with his former girlfriend, a jury was told. Mark Franklin followed Ian Hall from the Ambassador club in Evesham and headbutted him in the face, it was alleged. Franklin admitted to

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Parents attack decision

CAMPAIGNING parents have thrown a lifeline to their children's special school, which is facing the axe in August. The Alexander Patterson School, Kidderminster,will close on Tuesday, August 31 because pupil numbers for next academic year will not attract

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Five-star Spa

DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club won all of their five matches last weekend. After two weeks of rain-wrecked action, the St Peter's Field club won three games against Eastnor last Saturday and two against Stourbridge 24 hours later. Captain Steve Walsh said

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Title bid off to a flyer

BARNT Green CC First XI made a fantastic start in their bid to claim the Birmingham League Premier Division crown with a thumping eight-wicket victory at Himley. Lyndon Jones' side, who have seen both of their league fixtures to date ruined by rain, had

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Off the mark

NEIL Fletcher gave a glimpse of what may be to come this season at Cutnall Green Cricket Club. Fletcher, awesome with the bat last season, hit an unbeaten 95 as Green's First XI recorded a nine-wicket victory at Knighton-on-Teme last Saturday. Century

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Hall's injury optimism

WORCESTERSHIRE'S Andrew Hall is optimistic of an early return to action after being sidelined with a back problem. The South African all-rounder underwent a scan after breaking down during the County's totesport League defeat against Durham on Sunday

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Guinan on target for Game XI

FORMER Hereford United hot-shot Steve Guinan scored twice for England's National Game XI but they still lost 3-2 to the Republic of Ireland in Banff in their Four Nations Tournament opener. Cheltenham-bound Guinan opened the scoring but Ireland hit back

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Saints pipped at post by Warriors

A STIRRING performance from Worcester Saints ended in defeat as Gloucester Warriors ran in three late tries to seal a 42-20 victory. Both sides were evenly matched and it was only in the final quarter of the game that Gloucester's superior fitness allowed

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Bradley joy at triple sprint win

SPRINT specialist Daniel Bradley helped himself to a treble at the Worcestershire County Track & Field Championships at Stourport. Bradley, from Kidderminster & Stourport Athletic Club, triumphed in the U15 boys category, winning the 100m, 200m

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Malvern mark 10th anniversary

MALVERN Rugby Club celebrated the 10th anniversary of their Pilkington Shield win at Twickenham with a special match at their Spring Lane headquarters. The Twickenham side, some of whom had not set foot on a rugby field for some years, took on a guest

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Team goes unbeaten

A JUNIOR rugby team from Droitwich Spa has gone the whole season without losing a game. Witton Middle School's Year Five side (pupils aged nine and 10) have not lost a match since last year. Their latest success saw them win a triangular tournament at

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Three to Twickenham

THREE players from Bromsgrove RFC First XV will make their Twickenham debuts after reaching a final with North Midlands. Jon Taylor, Tom Churchill and Richard Arnold were all part of the North Midlands side who saw off Notts, Lincs and Derbyshire 33-3

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Canada for Crawford

DROITWICH Spa-based rugby star Nicky Crawford has been named in the England women's squad or a trip to Canada. Crawford, who plays for Worcester, is part of head coach Geoff Richards' 25-strong squad for the Churchill Cup next month. The tournament offers

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Angel of dearth?

A 'DEARTH' of public artwork in Redditch has prompted calls to utilise the town's historic industry of springs, needles and fishhooks. During an arts forum, chairman of the Community Arts Festival Event (CAFE) Malcolm Hall, said the town was suffering

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19/05/04 - Fidoe is player of year

JOHN Fidoe has been named as Droitwich Spa RFC's First XV player of the year. Fidoe, a flanker, picked up the accolade at the Memorial Ground club's annual awards evening on Friday, May 7. Scrum half Craig Burgess was named Second XV player of the year

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19/05/04 - Three to Twickenham

THREE players from Bromsgrove RFC First XV will make their Twickenham debuts after reaching a final with North Midlands. Jon Taylor, Tom Churchill and Richard Arnold were all part of the North Midlands side who saw off Notts, Lincs and Derbyshire 33-3

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Rovers hoping Sinton will stay

FORMER England international Andy Sinton could still be a Bromsgrove Rovers player next season. Rovers chairman Tom Herbert is meeting with the star this week in a bid to persuade him to stay with the Victoria Ground club. He said: "I am having a meeting

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Ardens Grafton

ANIMAL WELFARE: A summer fair will be held at the weekend at the Hark animal rescue centre from 2pm until 5pm. Entrance is 50p to raise funds for the work done by Moira Manns.

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19/5/04 - Worcs run riot as Smith and Hick impress

GRAEME Hick completed a double century for Worcestershire in the Frizzell County Championship Division One match against Glou-cestershire at New Road today. He reached the milestone with three sixes and 30 fours off 300 balls. It was his 14th double ton

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19/5/04 - Hall's injury optimism

WORCESTERSHIRE'S Andrew Hall is optimistic of an early return to action after being sidelined with a back problem. The South African all-rounder underwent a scan after breaking down during the County's totesport League defeat against Durham on Sunday

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Angling round-up with Tony Brunn

THERE were 48 members competing on Tuesday at the Northfield Starlets Veterans event. Fishing at Woodland View's Deans pool it proved to be a tight finish with Bill Drew (Bewdley) continuing his good run with a winning 52-12-0 by pole fishing meat up

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Open audition

BUDDING stars are invited to an open audition at the Norbury Theatre in Droitwich Spa. The Friar Street theatre is looking for people to star in 'Beyond a Joke' in September. The audition is on Monday at 7.30pm.

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Focus on crime

RECENTLY I had an organised visit through Neighbourhood Watch to see the Bromsgrove CCTV camera operations centre and was very impressed with the clarity of the pictures and also the versatility of the cameras. The zoom-in facility was exceptional under

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May 18, 1979 25 years ago

THE temperature in Bromsgrove reached a sweltering 79 degrees Farenheit on Tuesday, the third consecutive day the temperature had hit the 70s mark. It was the warmest May day since 1970. The hottest May temperature on record was in 1822 and 1944 when

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Fire increases are excessive

I UNDERSTAND Councillor Udall, the Fire Authority chairman, has sent out a plea to residents to support the Fire Authority against the Government's decision to cap them. I recently sent Cllr Udall an e-mail asking him to justify the 23 per cent increase

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May 22, 1954 50 years ago

LABOUR group leader, Councillor Henry Webley's name, had been put forward to be the next chairman of Bromsgrove Urban District Council. Cllr Webley, from Perryfields, would be the council's 21st chairman and the first Labour man to hold the highest civic

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Taking matters a tad too far?

HAVE you felt so strongly about something you've seen on television that you felt you had to complain about it? Do you think that sometimes television just takes things too far? Is the idea of the television "watershed" still important in the 21st century

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A look back at village life

DID you grow up in a rural village in Worcestershire? If so, you might be able to help. I am currently researching a book which takes a nostalgic look at village life between 1930-1970. I would love to hear from anybody who has photographs, or memories

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Get in shape for summer

WOMEN wanting to shape up for the summer are invited to try a unique ladies-only gym being opened in Bromsgrove next week. The first Curves gym in the Midlands will open on the Silver Birches Business Park, in Aston Road, next Monday. The gym offers women

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Art demo

JUNE Dudleston will demonstrate her artistic talents at a meeting of the Bromsgrove Art Club next month. She will show budding artists how to create a portrait using pastels at the Red Cross Centre, in Barnsley Hall Drive, Lickey End, on Tuesday, June

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Tyres are slashed in orgy of vandalism

EIGHTEEN cars had their tyres slashed on an Aston Fields industrial estate overnight on Monday in an escalating orgy of vandalism. Emma Quinney, who works at Mason and Jones Packaging, in Sherwood Road, claims this is the latest in a spate of attacks

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Tim hopes new path leads to garden glory

A BROMSGROVE gardener has high hopes for his first attempt at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show next week. Former farmer Tim Dunkley of Greenfields Farm, Upton Warren, lost his entire flock of sheep during the 2001 foot and mouth crisis. After a restriction

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No stopping the carnival

"FANTASTIC, brilliant news." Those were just a few words used by a relieved Jeff Evans, chairman of Bromsgrove carnival committee yesterday when told by this newspaper they hadn't got to stump up £3,000 to stage this years big June spectacular. Earlier

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Runners turn out in huge numbers for annual event

FITNESS fanatics put themselves through the paces of the annual Leukaemia Research fun run in blistering heat on Sunday at Bromsgrove Rugby Club on Finstall Road. More than 500 entrants, the best ever turn out and double the number of runners from last

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Youth service praised

THE thumbs-up have been given to the youth provision in Bromsgrove, a new report reveals. Education watchdogs Ofsted have deemed the Worcestershire Youth Service satisfactory in a new-style report published on Monday. The opinion of the report, which

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Voting farce

THE Eurovision song contest is a farce as once again we see political voting at it's worst. Talent obviously counts for nothing, and loyalty counts even less when you consider the thousands of people from Britain who holiday in Spain, France and Malta

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Thank you to the slimmers

MAY we, through your letters page, thank all the Slimming World members from the Aston Fields Group and Hollymoor Group in Rubery who participated in our Slimathon and raised an amazing £650 for the NSPCC. We were truly inspired by their motivation to

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Paranormal possibilities

SPOOKY stories and ghostly goings-on are needed for a new website being launched by a Sidemoor man. Steve Minett is urging residents who have tales of the unexpected to email them to him and he will post the best on his new website, Supernatural Chronicles

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Surrendering our power

THE Prime Minister's EU Referendum climb-down represents a welcome victory for grassroots campaigners throughout the country. The Freedom Association was the first organisation to call for the public to be given an opportunity to endorse or reject the

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Euro election date looms

ON June 6 we will remember the Allied Landings in Normandy in 1944 - 60 years ago. Four days later many of us will cast our vote for the same cause in the Euro Elections. That is, we will vote to keep Britain an independent country. Since 1973 successive

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Taking matters a tad too far?

HAVE you felt so strongly about something you've seen on television that you felt you had to complain about it? Do you think that sometimes television just takes things too far? Is the idea of the television "watershed" still important in the 21st century

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Monkeys to make music

LITTLE monkeys can get into the groove at new music classes which are being launched in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa. Monkey Music gives tots, aged between six months and four years, the opportunity to sing, play instruments and meet other little ones

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Life in paradise

IS Wychavon a biblical theme park? They have just spent £1m in Evesham making Waterside into Paradise. Their council chamber in Pershore resembles a Tower of Babel. Now they plan to mask Droitwich Spa water tower by suspending shrubs in planters hanging

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Sign up for new scheme to help elderly people

A NEW scheme to help the elderly is being set up and kind-hearted residents are called on to get involved -- and earn themselves a pretty penny while they're at it. Age Concern is launching a new project to help older folks keep their houses clean and

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John Wayne attitude

I was interested to read the views of the weekend warriors, aka TA "soldiers" who, having just got back from Iraq, stated that they were lucky to be alive. My point exactly. They should be thankful that they weren't the target of the civilian Iraqi population

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Shut it, George

NEARLY every night in the Evening News Mr George Cowley seems to express an opinion on anything and everything, has he got nothing better to do or is it, he is a person who knows it all? Give us all a rest George from anymore of your diatribe and let

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It's terrible that women have been ordained as priests

AMONGST the apparent joy with which your newspaper reported the tenth anniversary of the Anglican Church in England deciding that women could be ordained as priests, I thought you would give a voice to the large number of Christians who can only say that

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Hagley Gardeners' Club

OUR members enjoyed an evening with Michael Leach, learning about life in the "fast lane" with his contacts in the media and an insight into television programmes. Next Wednesday is our annual plant fair - open to all. It starts at 8pm at St Saviour's

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Blackwell and Burcot WI

AFTER thanking Mrs Denning for the pretty flower arrangement and reminding us that the minutes from last month's meeting were, as promised, on show for all to read, the president reported on the many events of the month. The group outing to Denman College

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Spadesbourne Ladies Club

CHAIRMAN Betty Long welcomed members and visitors to the May meeting at the Bromsgrove Golf Centre, explaining as she did so that she had fallen down the stairs of Hanbury Hall while working as a guide there. The infamous compensation culture was never

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Childcare concerns over older kids, too

YET again the childcare concerns seem wholy focussed on young children (Childcare crisis, Evening News, Wednesday, May 12). But what are the working parents of older ones supposed to do? When my daughter's education first started, finding care at the

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Droitwich Spa Winemakers and Social Club

IT was skittles night in April, so the club forsook its usual meeting place of the Old Library and met instead at the British Legion Club in Droitwich Spa, where members gathered for a friendly but nevertheless competitive evening of beer and skittles

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Troy (15) (Opens Friday)

HOLLYWOOD is not great at re-telling history and more often than not doesn't let the facts get in the way of a good story. And so it is with Troy, Wolfgang Peterson's sprawling sword and sandals epic which is undoubtedly a triumph of style over substance

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BOXING: Adam fighting corner on ban

A DROITWICH Spa boxer is currently fighting a battle out of the ring as he attempts to further his education. Adam Mytton (pictured), aged 16, wants to choose boxing as his optional sport for A-level PE but students are currently banned from doing so.

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Anger at plans for chateau

ANGER has been vented over plans to demolish part of the famous Chateau Impney Hotel in Droitwich. Residents and historical groups have raised concerns over changes to parts of the towering landmark and believe a modern building would be harmful to the

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Soil causes safety fears

A DISTRICT councillor, who fears for the safety of pedestrians, has voiced concerns at the amount of soil washing onto pavements in Hampton Lovett. Councillor Andrew Christian-Brookes claims problems started on the A442 Droitwich to Kidderminster Road

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Watch the birdie!

A FIRST-of-its-kind event attracted tenants from Droitwich, who met to discuss how they could become more environmentally friendly. Residents of Spa Housing Association's properties throughout the district were invited to the first tenants conference

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A449 deaths spark action

CONCERNED Ombersley residents have set up a petition calling for action over a fatal stretch of road which claimed the lives of two young men last year. Peter Luff, MP for Mid-Worcestershire, presented a petition of 415 signatures to Archie Robertson,

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Hospice celebrates its 20th birthday

A WELL-known hospice which originated in Droitwich will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary. A thanksgiving service to celebrate St Richard's Hospice's landmark birthday will be held at Pershore Abbey next Thursday. More than 6,500 patients and their

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The Last Samurai (15)

THE Wild West meets the inscrutable East, Top Gun meets Shogun in this cracking adventure starring Tom Cruise. Edward Zwick's movie is Hollywood's typical treatment of history and it will never rank among the Samurai classics of director Kurasowa, such

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Out of Order Palace Theatre

REDDITCH laughed its socks off on Friday night and probably did the same again on Saturday. All fans of the farce would love this classic Ray Cooney Parliamentary romp. Set in one room of a Westminster Hotel, it follows the deceitful activities of a senior

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BIATHLE: Alex gets call

A 14-YEAR-OLD Bromsgrove student is set to represent Great Britain in the sport of Biathle. Alexander Williams, a pupil at Bromsgrove School, has been named in the GB team for the third event in this year's Biathle World Cup Series in Capalgio, Italy,

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SQUASH: Team win promotion

A BROMSGROVE squash team is celebrating after winning promotion. The men's first team from David Lloyd Leisure Centre, in Slideslow Drive, won the Worcester Squash League Division Four earlier last month. Following a closely contested first half of the

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GOLF: One foot in Algarve

TWO golfers from a Lickey club stand on the verge of a trip of a lifetime. James Davidson, aged 33, and his Rose Hill PGA professional Mark Toombs are just one win away from reaching the final stages of Europe's biggest pro-am tournament, the Lombard

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GOLF: Club's national victory

STRONG performances saw Bromsgrove Golf Club win through to the next round of the Hawtree Trophy by beating Bondhay Golf Club 4 and 1. In this national club competition Bromsgrove pairing P Williams and B Philpots lost the opening game 2 and 1 before

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SAILING: Suggitts rule races

SIXTEEN sailors contested the Lark Sail Boat open meeting in ever-changing wind strengths at Barnt Green Sailing Club last weekend. The event at Upper Bittell Reservoir was dominated by the Suggitt family, of Barnt Green, who won four races. Last Saturday's

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Were your relatives sent Down Under?

HAVE you ever wondered how those distant relatives Down Under, who you only ever hear from at Christmas, got to settle in Australia? writes Pete Lammas. You have? Then it's possible your ancestors arrived there not of the own free will but were among

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Gentleman John

John Tidmarsh was born in the Vale of Evesham in 1925, the age of gentlemen, and during my visit to his home it became clear he retains the charm and dignity of that era. John was one of seven children. His father was a successful market gardener, like

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Shopping gets up my nose

As a once frequent visitor to the Kingfisher Centre, it is with regret I now only go out of pure necessity. The reason for my now infrequent visits is the obnoxious smell that pervades the area around the walkway from Plymouth Road car park entrance through

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A major way to have fun!

A REDDITCH woman wants to get youngsters fit and make sure they enjoy themselves by organising a new majorette troupe in the town. Anne-Marie Carter will be holding training sessions at St George's Community Hall on Wednesday evenings from 7-9pm, starting

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Redi awaits fate

A POPULAR skills centre could be sold off for housing if a proposal to change its use is given the go-ahead. The fate of the Redi Centre should be decided once and for all at a crunch Redditch Council meeting on Monday. The Smallwood centre has been the

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Biker, 24 is killed

A CRABBS Cross man died after coming off his motorbike on Ravensbank Drive on Sunday at about 1pm. Anthony James Goff, aged 24, of Jordans Close, received head and internal injuries after falling from the Suzuki bike as it went round a bend. The road

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Get that dog breath licked!

DOG and cat owners can make sure their pets have the happiest smiles thanks to Hopwood Veterinary Centre. The centre will be giving free dental check-ups to cats and dogs as part of National Pet Smile month, which runs throughout June. For details, call

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25 years ago

May 18, 1979 A GROUP of businessmen has announced plans to ease Redditch's hotel shortage by converting a large 19th century house into an overnight stopping place for visiting businessmen. Redditch councillors have been asked to give permission for the

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100 years ago

Saturday May 21 1904 A ROUGH-looking man named William Ballock, labourer, of Hunt End, was charged, in custody, with committing an aggravated assault upon his wife, Emma Ballock, on May 14. Prisoner admitted he did assault complainant, but not severely

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Praise for bath rescue

A POLICE Community Support Officer from Redditch came to the rescue of an elderly man who collapsed in the bath last week. Paul Gunnell was patrolling in Alcester with his colleague Lee Proud last Wednesday afternoon when a resident rushed out and asked

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Festival frolics

MORE events have been announced for this year's Community Arts Festival Event (CAF) in Redditch. There will be some spooky goings-on in the town centre on Thursday, May 10, when celebrated author Anne Bradford takes residents on a ghost walk. Members

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Travels through time

YOUNGSTERS from Studley Junior School took a step back in time last week as part of their historical studies. The youngsters went on a trip to Tamworth castle, accompanied by staff and parents, dressed as evacuees from the Second World War. Carrying a

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Everywoman's Circle

THE April 8 meeting proved very enjoyable when members Sandra Boreham and Angela Stearn skilfully demonstrated ideas for construction and planting of annuals and perennials in tubs, hanging baskets and other containers. On April 29, chairman Jenny Johnson

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Adam fighting corner on ban

A DROITWICH Spa boxer is currently fighting a battle out of the ring as he attempts to further his education. Adam Mytton (pictured), aged 16, wants to choose boxing as his optional sport for A-level PE but students are currently banned from doing so.

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Action is still needed

NOWADAYS, it might be assumed disabled people are well catered for with regard to shop access and transport in Redditch. But if you are in a wheelchair on a trip to a frozen food store in the town centre, you might be on a hiding to nothing. Redditch

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Wythall History Society

AT the April meeting, Ralph Richardson, a former headteacher in Redditch and renowed historian, has spent some years researching place names and life in Worcestershire as recorded in the Domesday Book. Everyone is familiar with 1066 but not everyone knows

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Shoppers given own police base

ANYONE with concerns about Redditch town centre will be able to pop into a new police base which opened in the Kingfisher Centre on Monday. The scheme has been launched as a joint initiative between the centre and West Mercia Police to provide a service

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Skaters to have say on new site

PLANS for skating facilitites in Morton Stanley Park have been given the go-ahead by Redditch Council. And youngsters are to get a proper say on how it is run and how fellow users should behave. The executive committee voted in favour of putting the equipment

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Talented band first on bill

A QUIRKY mix of jazz, country and blues music will delight fans at a Bromsgrove watering hole this weekend. The Molly Brown band will entertain an audience at the Hop Pole Inn, in Birmingham Road, this Saturday night. The talented foursome features Mark

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Edgar's dream comes true

AN elderly avid snooker fan from Droitwich Spa has finally seen his favourite player lift the world crown after ten years of waiting. Edgar Hudson, of Welland Close, has had one of the best seats in the house for eight of the last ten world championships

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Band is back

A COUNTRY and western group will show they have real calibre at a gig in Droitwich Spa this weekend. 'Kalibre' will entertain a crowd at the End of the Trail Country Music Club at the Royal British Legion this Saturday from 8pm. The popular trio has performed

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Elvis

ELVIS fans feeling lonesome are invited to a disco devoted to the king. Residents can shake, rattle and roll to non-stop Elvis tunes at the Aston Fields Social Club, in Stoke Road, on Friday, June 4. Details on 01527 831508.

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Stricter checks for taxi drivers

REDDITCH council chiefs have agreed taxi drivers should have stricter criminal background checks carried out when applying for a licence in order to protect vulnerable passengers. At last week's executive committee meeting, taxi licensing officer Eddie

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Legge-ing it for charity

A WINYATES West walker will be taking steps to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief. Self-employed IT consultant John Legge, whose week-long journey begins on Sunday, June 2, will walk from Chipping Camden to Bath. He will travel about 100 miles by

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Rotting rabbits spoiling park

A GREENLANDS woman has expressed concern over the number of dying, dead and decaying rabbits she has seen around Arrow Valley Park. Christine Caswell said she had spotted rotting rabbit carcasses near to the children's play area and she now wants something

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Victory for safety push

CAMPAIGNING residents in Alcester Heath are jubilant this week after Warwickshire County Council agreed to put safety measures in place on the busy B4090 which runs past their homes. Double white lines will be painted on the hill crests to make overtaking

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Towns pay tribute to liberation

THE 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings formed the focus of Redditch's twin town event in France. Earlier this month, Redditch Mayor Kieth Boyd-Carpenter and representatives visited Friendship Link town Gruchet-le-Valasse in Normandy. Over the weekend

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Walk gently and don't flap your arms around

A SWARM of about 20,000 bees took up residence in a garden in Evesham Street last week - to the horror of the owners. Local bee expert Elizabeth Davey was called in to help and on Wednesday, she successfully removed them from the tree into a skep, which

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Motorcyclist dies in crash

A MOTORCYCLIST died after an accident on the A46 at Oversley Green on Sunday. Anthony Quinn, 51, of Leamington Spa was travelling towards Stratford when he was in collision with a red Volvo 850 saloon which was turning right into Trench Lane. Mr Quinn

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* County boffins bring hope to cancer sufferers * Teenager's drug death tragedy * State of Chrissies

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Chris back again as Mr Mayor

ALCESTER has a new mayor. Chris Gough was elected at last week's town council meeting and said he was looking forward to his second term of office - though he is already aware of how much the role has changed since he last wore the mayoral chain. Mr Gough

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Head looks to future of new school

WHEN Sally Staley became headteacher of Alcester Infants School four years ago, she had responsibility for 170 children and 16 members of staff. In just four months' time those figures will have increased to 385 and 32 respectively as the school merges

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Sainsbury's shake-up after slide

THE new chief executive of Sainsbury's un-veiled a shake-up of the company's management team today after seeing profits for the last year slide 2.9 per cent. Justin King, who joined the troubled supermarket chain two months ago from the food department

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"Miss Jones" has come a long way

MISS Moneypenny is probably the most famous secretary in history but things have changed since the days of studiously writing shorthand notes and taking the boss's suit to the cleaners. The role has become a demanding one, requiring decision-making and

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Bereavement helpers appeal

REDDITCH volunteers are needed to support a countywide charity which helps people struggling to come to terms with the emotional pain they feel after losing an adult child. Parents Experiencing Adult Loss (PEAL) started in 1999 and is a free bereavement

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Walk the Wythall walk

AN ancient ceremony will be re-enacted in Wythall with a 'beat the parish bounds' ceremony on Saturday. Setting off from the Coach and Horses pub on Weatheroak Hill, councillors and residents will walk along the village boundaries, following either a

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Get all charged up for Bull Run

ORGANISERS of the Inkberrow fun run are delighted that after the disappointment of last year's cancellation, the event will be returning this year even bigger and better. Organised by John and Stella Harris, the 9km 'Bull Run' will take place on Sunday

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Chelsea calls for Hannah

A ROWNEY Green garden expert will be helping to make this year's Chelsea Flower Show bloom for blind people. Hannah Genders is creating a sensory sensation on behalf of Living Paintings Trust to celebrate the charity's 15th anniversary. Her creation,

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19/05/04 - Rovers hoping Sinton will stay

FORMER England international Andy Sinton could still be a Bromsgrove Rovers player next season. Rovers chairman Tom Herbert is meeting with the star this week in a bid to persuade him to stay with the Victoria Ground club. He said: "I am having a meeting

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Champions' ball

REDDITCH United rounded off their unbelievable season with an awards evening on Thursday. Redditch Mayor Kieth Boyd-Carpenter along with conservative councillor Karen Lumley and other invited guests and fans joined the team for their prize-giving night

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Charity night an Epic event

RESIDENTS in Worcestershire are being urged to tuck into fine food with friends at a bar brasserie to raise cash for county people with life-threatening illnesses. Epic, in Dunhampton, near Droitwich is holding a fund-raising evening on Friday to help

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Teddy bear's picnic will turn up treasure for nursery

TEDDY bears and their owners will gather on the Plovers Rise playing field in Kempsey for a special picnic and treasure hunt next month. The Rocking Horse Pre-School, which meets in Kempsey Youth Centre, is planning the event on Monday, June 7, to raise

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Perry date

CONTROVERSIAL Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry will be hoping to turn heads when he pays a visit to a college to give a lecture on the arts today. The high-profile transsexual artist - who won the prestigious Turner Prize 2003 with one of his pots -

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B-loo-ming rosey in Ron's garden!

A RETIRED man's potty idea is coming up roses - almost 40 years after his flash of inspiration. Former scrapyard owner Ron Skinner has lined his driveway with old toilets for flowerpots. Ron, of Church View, Naunton Beauchamp, near Pershore, saw an old

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Alas poor mulberry!

A TREE with its roots in Shakespearean history has been rejected by Alcester conservationists. The mulberry tree is believed to be a descendant of one planted by William Shakespeare and has been offered to the town by resident Peter Pritchard. He is leaving

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Top by a long shot

YOUNG footballers from Our Lady's Primary School have been celebrating their success in the Warwickshire Police five-a-side tournament. The team won all their matches against Temple Grafton, Mappleborough Green, Dunnington, Studley and Welford before

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Bidford

EDDIE HOUGHTON: Bidford man Eddie Houghton, who has died aged 90, was the proprietor of a baker's shop which stood opposite The Falcon and now serves as a solicitors. Eddie eventually sold the shop to Gardners who traded as Bloodworth's Bakery. He moved

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Handbag snatched

AN elderly woman had her handbag snatched after being followed in her car by a man. The 75 year old went to the shops in May Lane, Hollywood, last Wednesday between 11.30-11.45am She drove down Shawhurst Lane to Drakes Cross parade and stopped by Spar

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Mickleton

WEDNESDAY CLUB: Members were entertained by Mrs Margaret Harding. Mrs Harding has in the past suffered serious illness and since recovery has begun a series of visits to groups in aid of her charity to raise money for diagnostic equipment for the Oxford

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Moreton

FLOWER CLUB: Ann Sinclair was the demonstrator for the April meeting at Broadwell Village Hall, where she gave six colourful modern arrangements. The next meeting is on May 27 at 7.30pm, when Mrs Hazel West will give a demonstration entitled Purely for

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Salford Priors

FRED BETTERIDGE: The funeral was due to take place at St Matthew's Church, Salford Priors, yesterday, of Mr Fred Betteridge, a well-known Salfordion. Until recently he lived in School Avenue with his wife Doll, until her death. Fred was a carpenter by

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We're all having a ball! - picture special

Coming soon.....

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Is it now Tesco to the rescue?

Things have moved on since the heart of every community consisted of the pub, the shop, the church and the village school - and you could walk between all of them. These days, it's "out-of-town" this and "drive-in" the other - in many communities, the

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Skipper runs out of excuses

REDDITCH Cricket Club opened their account in the Birmingham League with a disastrous start against Nuneaton. With their first two games of the Division Three season abandoned, the team have hardly stretched their legs on a cricket pitch and they showed

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Ali ace shows the way

FORMER racketball masters champion turned coach Ali Aziz put in a classic display to win Club Ventura's sponsored championships at the weekend. The 56 year old former World Squash number seven was one of 25 players who entered the men's tournament which

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Festival will aid hospital

REDDITCH United Girls FC are holding the town's first ever festival of female football in aid of the Alexandra Hospital. The festival on Sunday, May 30, kicks off at Studley FC at noon with matches from the under 8s, 9s and 10s playing mini soccer before

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A mixed result for Alex trust

THE trust which runs the Alexandra Hospital is the seventh worst in Britain and Ireland for outpatient waiting times, according to a new survey. But Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is also in the top 30 nationally when it comes to patient satisfaction

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Champions' ball

REDDITCH United rounded off their unbelievable season with an awards evening on Thursday. Redditch Mayor Kieth Boyd-Carpenter along with conservative councillor Karen Lumley and other invited guests and fans joined the team for their prize-giving night

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Church urn a win!

Alvechurch 3 Malvern Town 2 THERE was more cup joy at the weekend as Malvern lost their second cup final in six days - this time to the Churchmen. The Lye Meadow men must have been eager to get the Worcester Senior Urn final underway after the scheduled

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Rush is on

THE Russians are coming to Stratford for a unique concert at the Civic Hall on Monday evening. The Central Band of the White Russian Army, together with guest soloists from The Bolshoi and dancers from the Belarussian National Folk Dance Academy, will

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BOFFINS' HOPE FOR CANCER VICTIMS

MILLIONS of cancer patients worldwide have been given a ray of hope by county scientists who are starting trials on a revolutionary new life-saving treatment. A team of experts from Malvern medical technology company pSiMedica have spent three years painstakingly

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Man in mask found hanging from ceiling

A MAN suffocated while he was wearing a gas mask and was suspended from his ceiling by bondage equipment. Richard Farrah-Mills, aged 36, of Old Street, in Upton-upon-Severn, was discovered wearing the mask and hanging from the ceiling of his flat by rope

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Citizenship moves out of classroom

STUDENTS at Christopher Whitehead High School enjoyed a day of activities to take citizenship outside the classroom. Years 7, 8 and 9 took part in a range of events to experience other cultures and promote out-of-school learning yesterday. Eleven and

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Inventor George is steel enjoying life!

WIZARDS, tin men and even aborigines can be found in the garden of a Worcestershire sculpture, who has created a stunning range of life-size models. Retired inventor George Wells has spent more than 40 years working with welded steel and has created a

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Retired postman fondled girl, 10

A retired postman has been jailed for nine months for sex attacks on a 10-year-old girl. Malcolm Grogan committed the offences six years ago after a swimming session, Hereford Crown Court heard. He fondled the victim's chest and kissed her on it, said

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Bobby dazzler!

FUNNY man Bobby Davro stops off at the Palace Theatre on Friday with his brand new show Not in Front of the Children. The well-known TV performer first hit our screens in 1981 but his major breakthrough came with an appearance in Live at Her Majesty's

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Jazz to suit all

BIRMINGHAM Jazz presents three opportunities to enjoy different artistes in the course of the coming week. Starting tonight The Jam House, St Paul's Square, Birmingham, is the venue for Amp Fiddler from Detroit. A Birmingham Jazz spokesman describes his

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Go-ahead for Civil War work

COUNCILLORS in Worcester last night "blew their own trumpets" as they gave the go-ahead for an ambitious project which could turn an historical Civil War site into a worldwide attraction. City council cabinet members were delighted to be able to give

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Threat to resign over fire budget

ANGRY members of Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority have threatened to resign in protest if the Government presses ahead with plans to cap its budget. The combined fire authority (CFA), which provides fire services across the two counties, says lives

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Views given

MORE than 830 residents took the chance to give their opinion on the most recent Local Plan to affect Redditch. The six-week consultation took place between March 8-April 19 and residents were asked the question "Where is your pot of gold?" by the council

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What's On Guide

Thursday, May 20 The Full Monty, Birmingham Hippodrome. Until May 29. Tickets from 0870 730 1234. European Ballet: Sleeping Beauty, Swan Theatre, Worcester. Also May 21. Tickets from 01905 611 427. Wythall Theatre Company: The Memory of Water by Shelah

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Goddard hits form

DROITWICH Spa CC First XI produced a clinical performance to record an excellent seven-wicket victory over Eastnor. Karl Goddard's 4-23 helped Steve Walsh's side dismiss Eastnor for 155 before Australian Matt Leddin steered Spa home. Winning the toss,

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Himbleton win at Old Vigs

HIMBLETON CC First XI won by 41 runs at Old Vigornians in Worcestershire County League Division Four. M McCann hit 56 as the visitors were all out for 141. McCann then took 4-24 to dismiss Old Vigornians for 100. Half centuries from M Preece and T Pretty

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Andy unsure of route to follow

IT'S been another seesaw time for Winyates Green 250 GP rider Andy Burbidge. The past month has seen the 24 year old tell of his best ride of the season at Cadwell Park finishing third in the second race to now being in two minds about getting back on

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Know their needs

WITH Worcestershire County Council's annual campaign to find foster families well under way, Helen Clarke talks to two Redditch people whose lives have been changed by fostering. FIFTEEN years ago, a Batchley woman made a decision to help youngsters which

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How you can be involved

THERE are about 57 foster carers in Redditch but the county council's fostering team desperately need another 10. Following initial inquiries into fostering, residents will receive an information pack and a reply slip. After the submission of the slip

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Torn apart by illness

WHEN people think about children and young people being taken into foster care, they usually think of violent homes and mistreatment. But they rarely consider how illness can rip a family apart. Becky, 26, from Redditch, who does not want to be identified

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Warriors verdict goes to lawyers

WORCESTER Rugby Club are sweating on their Premiership dream after England Rugby deferred a decision on their fate. A meeting, to decide whether the National One champions would be promoted next season, went on late last night at Twickenham and the 10

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Sun shines on record triathlon entry

A RECORD number of entries and perfect weather made Worcester Triathlon Club's annual Malvern Sprint Race a scorching success. And with local competitors Ruth Heatley and Phil Parsons coming second overall, it proved a good day for the hosts. Ros Townsend-Hope

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Charlotte lands top prize

CHARLOTTE Tysler has won Worcester Sixth Form College's annual Victor Ludorum sports award. She received her trophy along with other winners at the college's sports dinner at Worcestershire County Cricket Club. Charlotte was nominated for the top prize

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Fidoe is player of year

JOHN Fidoe has been named as Droitwich Spa RFC's First XV player of the year. Fidoe, a flanker, picked up the accolade at the Memorial Ground club's annual awards evening on Friday, May 7. Scrum half Craig Burgess was named Second XV player of the year

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Arts forum for art's sake

A REDDITCH-based arts forum has been set up to co-ordinate the work of several groups in the town. The group was set up last October and is aiming for a future where the arts is an important part of everyone's agenda. Meeting once every two months, the

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Indigo well in the pink

A CASH-injection of more than £18,000 has been invested in Indigo Arts to help fund its Musicmaker project. The grant, from the National Foundation for Youth Music, has enabled the Woodrow Drive group to employ additional vocal coaches, guitar and drum

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Swifts go up again

CALLOWBROOK Swifts U9s are celebrating after winning their second successive promotion. The seven-a-side team have won the Central Warwickshire Youth League Division C title, adding to their Division D success last season. Swifts, who only started playing

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Tribute to a man who will be missed by many

AVONCROFT Museum, and more importantly Bromsgrove, has lost a man who will not be forgotten and easily replaced with the death of Dr Simon Penn. I first met Dr Penn, or Simon to anyone who met him, properly in 1997 when the exhibition of historic telephone

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Voting farce

THE Eurovision song contest is a farce as once again we see political voting at it's worst. Talent obviously counts for nothing, and loyalty counts even less when you consider the thousands of people from Britain who holiday in Spain, France and Malta

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Thank you to the slimmers

MAY we, through your letters page, thank all the Slimming World members from the Aston Fields Group and Hollymoor Group in Rubery who participated in our Slimathon and raised an amazing £650 for the NSPCC. We were truly inspired by their motivation to

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May 21, 1904 100 years ago

A PAIR of starlings had built a truly mobile home. It was in a coal wagon in a Midland Railway Wagon in sidings at Blackwell station. BROMSGROVE haulier Charles Lamb had a lucky escape when an 18 hundredweight girder, destined for the new ayslum at Barnsley

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Give our kids some respect

WERE you ever a teenager? Did you ever hang about in the street with your mates? Did you talk and should loudly and maybe swear a bit because your mom and dad were not around? Well, I know I did, and I am just a normal person who you probably wouldn't

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Surrendering our power

THE Prime Minister's EU Referendum climb-down represents a welcome victory for grassroots campaigners throughout the country. The Freedom Association was the first organisation to call for the public to be given an opportunity to endorse or reject the

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Euro election date looms

ON June 6 we will remember the Allied Landings in Normandy in 1944 - 60 years ago. Four days later many of us will cast our vote for the same cause in the Euro Elections. That is, we will vote to keep Britain an independent country. Since 1973 successive

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Fun at folk festival

THREE days of top class folk music and fun is on the cards at an annual Bromsgrove festival. A selection of world-class bands and soloists are booked to play at the Bromsgrove Folk Club Festival at The Bowling Green, in Stoke Prior, this July. The line-up

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Seek all views

BROMSGROVE is known, and has been known for centuries, as a market town, and any attempt to modify the Market Hall should be well thought out beforehand, with input from the citizens of Bromsgrove. Retention of the Market Hall and its pleasant atmosphere

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Life in paradise

IS Wychavon a biblical theme park? They have just spent £1m in Evesham making Waterside into Paradise. Their council chamber in Pershore resembles a Tower of Babel. Now they plan to mask Droitwich Spa water tower by suspending shrubs in planters hanging

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Take a ramble

THE Fairfield Ramblers will enjoy a stroll around Belbroughton next weekend. Residents are invited along for the walk, which starts at the Belbroughton recreation ground, on Saturday, May 29, at 10.15am. For further details call 0121 453 6501.

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It's animal magic

THE wonders of the animal kingdom were on display for all to see when wild and magical animals visited Charford First School. Debbie Pearson, from Wildlife Displays, took a menagerie of creatures to the school, including Bill the baby barn owl, a tarantula

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Catwalk career beckons

ONE Bromsgrove girl is just a step away from the haute-couture catwalks of the capital now she has gained a place at one of the world's top fashion colleges. Eighteen-year-old Jayne Hemsley has learned she has a place at the prestigious London College

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Street sounds

YOUNGSTERS have been practising hard and hitting all the right notes in preparation for the massive youth carnival in June. And they won't just be rocking out with guitars. One group of teenagers are planning to let rip on the 'street drums' using bins

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Tribute to a man who will be missed by many

AVONCROFT Museum, and more importantly Bromsgrove, has lost a man who will not be forgotten and easily replaced with the death of Dr Simon Penn. I first met Dr Penn, or Simon to anyone who met him, properly in 1997 when the exhibition of historic telephone

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New chair chosen for twinning role

THE new chairman of Bromsgrove's twinning group will not be stuck for words when she talks to her opposite numbers in the town's links in Germany and France. Linguist Rosalind Cooke, better known as Roz, of Manor Court Road, who runs her own technical

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Focus on crime

RECENTLY I had an organised visit through Neighbourhood Watch to see the Bromsgrove CCTV camera operations centre and was very impressed with the clarity of the pictures and also the versatility of the cameras. The zoom-in facility was exceptional under

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Paula's big prize

A LUCKY Bromsgrove woman won something soft, strong and very, very large in a charity raffle. Paula Slater scooped the first prize of a giant Andrex puppy in a raffle run by ASDA supermarket, in Market Street, earlier in the month. All profits will go

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Expert help for epilepsy

ONE Bromsgrove family is more than aware of the potential risks of epilepsy, as their daughter has lived with the condition for most of her life. But, according to a survey, two-thirds of people with epilepsy have never been told of the risks of the condition

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Fire increases are excessive

I UNDERSTAND Councillor Udall, the Fire Authority chairman, has sent out a plea to residents to support the Fire Authority against the Government's decision to cap them. I recently sent Cllr Udall an e-mail asking him to justify the 23 per cent increase

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Give our kids some respect

WERE you ever a teenager? Did you ever hang about in the street with your mates? Did you talk and should loudly and maybe swear a bit because your mom and dad were not around? Well, I know I did, and I am just a normal person who you probably wouldn't

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Five men arrested after outdoor thefts

OPPORTUNIST thieves took advantage of day-trippers enjoying the warm, Bank Holiday weekend weather at a beauty spot near Bromsgrove. Five men have been arrested in connection with a number of thefts, which took place at the Lickey Hills Country Park on

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Seek all views

BROMSGROVE is known, and has been known for centuries, as a market town, and any attempt to modify the Market Hall should be well thought out beforehand, with input from the citizens of Bromsgrove. Retention of the Market Hall and its pleasant atmosphere

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A look back at village life

DID you grow up in a rural village in Worcestershire? If so, you might be able to help. I am currently researching a book which takes a nostalgic look at village life between 1930-1970. I would love to hear from anybody who has photographs, or memories

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Calls made to cut speed

THREE hundred residents are demanding motorists curb their speed on a stretch of road in Barnt Green. Dorothy Young, of Margesson Drive, took it upon herself to collect the names of villagers who agree traffic calming measures need to be imposed on Bittell

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A landmark journey

WRITER, broadcaster and lecturer, John Pilkington, is to give his presentation The Royal Road of the Incas in St John's Church, Bromsgrove, on Friday, June 18, in aid of the church's Landmark Appeal. John made his name in the 1980's as a travel writer

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Do your research on the migrants, Dan

So Councillor Dan Wicksteed thinks "Parts of the local economy are reliant on economic migrants, particularly in areas such as fruit picking". If he believes this, it's time he did a bit of research. These farms (and vegetable farms) now have coach loads

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Driving is now a total lottery

I AGREE entirely with what D Ingram (You Say Tuesday, May 4) has to say regarding a legal system that continually persecutes motorists simply because they are an easy target. Driving these days has become a lottery. Indeed, for the authorities, it is

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Studley has first winner

STUDLEY cricket club notched up their first win of the season with a 34 run win over strugglers Attock. Skipper Mark Edward literally played a captain's role, top scoring for the Birmingham Road men with 32 after the home side opened the batting. Opener

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Villagers in shock as body found in wood

A BODY has been discovered in a Worcestershire woodland close to where French student Celine Figard's body was found almost 10 years ago. Villagers in Ombersley were in shock as police officers as forensic teams swarmed on nearby Hawford Wood, yesterday

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Tongue lashing

WYTHALL got off to a flying start in the Warwickshire League Division Two beating Leek Wootton by 25 runs at their Silver Street ground. After losing the toss Wythall were put into bat by their opponents and with a slow outfield managed a creditable 164

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Cookhill off the crease

Cookhill finally got their season underway with a resounding victory against Kenilworth Wardens. Batting first, they amassed 159 all out with captain Billy Harris scoring 78. Kenilworth were then dismissed for a measly 30, with Simon Edmunds taking 5

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Messing about on the water

SPORTY pupils from a Droitwich school had a wet and wild time at an outdoor water sports centre in Upton Warren. Students from Whitford and Dodderhill School took part in numerous activities at the Upton Warren Sailing Centre, which is off the A38. This

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CRICKET FIXTURES

Saturday, May 22 Birmingham Senior League Division 2 Fordhouses v STUDLEY (1pm) Birmingham Senior League Division 3 Highway v REDDITCH (1pm) Crusader Worcestershire County League Division 2 ASTWOOD BANK v Belbroughton FECKENHAM v Worcester Nomads Stourport

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MP praised for energy support

DROITWICH MP Peter Luff has won praise for his commitment to energy efficiency. Mr Luff has shown his support by backing a House of Commons motion calling on the Government to set a firm target for energy efficiency which will support national targets

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Cameraman James gets on his bike

A TV cameraman from the Spa is preparing to swap his equipment for two wheels for charity. James French is no stranger to sports coverage but before he sets off to record the Olympics in Athens he will take part in a marathon bike ride for charity. James

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New tenants settle in

THE first residents have just moved in to a new £500,000 housing scheme which is providing Droitwich with much-needed homes for rent. Spa Housing Association is behind the development of seven three and two-bedroom houses at Impney Green. "There is a

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Holly's is a haven

YOUNG entrepreneur Claire Hale has a growing future in childcare since the Prince's Trust helped her take those crucial first steps. After learning all about being a nanny the hard way, Claire set up her own agency and runs it from her home in Ford Road

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Out of Time (15) DVD

WHEN Matt Lee Whitlock (Denzel Washington), chief of police for the small town of Banyan Key, discovers his lover and her husband have been murdered in an arson attack, his life begins to fall apart. The situation would not be quite as bad except Whitlock

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The Who Then and Now!

This is a fine introduction to The Who but falls short in a couple of areas. Townshend and Daltry have recorded two new tracks for this greatest hits selection, though are rumoured to have a whole new album in the pipeline later this year. Apart from

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Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings Just For A Thrill

Ex-STONE Bill is getting on a bit now, not that you should hold that against the man. Even if you didn't know he was entitled to concessionary bus fares, he and his band do sound like old men trying to relive some past glories. But you can forget Beggars

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SNOOKER: Edgar's dream comes true

AN elderly avid snooker fan from Droitwich Spa has finally seen his favourite player lift the world crown after ten years of waiting. Edgar Hudson, of Welland Close, has had one of the best seats in the house for eight of the last ten world championships

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MARTIAL ARTS: Awards for town pair

TWO young martial artists from Bromsgrove have fought of competition from across the Midlands to land student of the year titles. Jack Simpson and Kasey Corbett picked up the prestigious awards for their effort at the British Free Fighting Academy, in

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CYCLING: George stars

COFTON Hackett's George Bate rode to a superb second place in the British Schools Cycling Association's West Midlands Regional Circuit Race Championships at West Park, Wolverhampton. Bate, aged 13, was runner-up in the boys category and fourth in the

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19/5/04 - Warriors verdict goes to lawyers

WORCESTER Rugby Club are sweating on their Premiership dream after England Rugby deferred a decision on their fate. A meeting, to decide whether the National One champions would be promoted next season, went on late last night at Twickenham and the 10

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Yob blitz pays off

THERE are now virtually no calls being made to police about yob disorder in four areas of Redditch where a zero tolerance policy has been in force. New powers under the Antisocial Behaviour Act, called Section 30 Orders, have been enforced in Church Hill

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I am a tree. Could you help save me?

I'M the tree who lives up Rough Hill Drive (Advertiser, May 12). I am 150 years old. It's my birthday today but us oaks call it our acorn day. My mother was chopped down to make way for Rough Hill Drive and it was she who told me a squirrel hid her seed

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Second ban for teenager

A teenager who was released from prison on licence last month has had a second Antisocial Behaviour Order (ASBO) issued against him. In March 2002, magistrates gave Shaun Walsh, aged 19, of Langley Close, Matchborough, a two-year ASBO preventing him from

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Kidderminster Harriers FC - Fixtures and results - 2003/04

Pre-season friendlies Sat July 12 Evesham (a) 3-1 Lewis, J Williams, Paschalis Sun July 13 Stratford (a) 1-0 Ward Sat July 19 Boldmere (a) 6-1 (og), J Williams 2, Lightbourne, Wilding, Danks Mon July 21 Leicester (h) 1-1 Shilton Sat July 26 West Brom

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I was on no bandwagon

COUNCILLOR Audrey Steel made dodgy claims about my involvement in supporting the development of a medical centre and additional parking for Inkberrow First School (Letters, May 12). She said I used a recent leaflet to "jump on the bandwagon" of changes

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Thanks for crucial help

THE Redditch & Bromsgrove branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society held a collection outside Currys store in Redditch on Saturday, April 24. This raised £54.24. Our thanks go to the manager and staff at Currys for their co-operation in enabling us

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Author on village trail

DID you grow up in a rural village in Worcestershire? If so, you might be able to help. I am researching a book which takes a nostalgic look at village life between 1930-70. I would love to hear from anybody who has photographs or memories which they

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Council bills are so taxing

WHAT world does our MP, Jacqui Smith, live in? After an 80 per cent rise in seven years, she says, "Council tax rises must be sensible and the level affordable. We are roughly at that level now." (Letter from Westminster, May 12). Richard Udall, the chairman

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Positively delighted

MANY thanks for the gift vouchers you sent to me as a runner-up in the Redditch Advertiser/Studley Co-op competition. I was sent £100 in gift vouchers as a prize and I want to say a big thank you to yourselves and the Studley Co-op. Please print my letter

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Find kindness

RECENTLY, I left my walking stick in a trolley at Tesco, Oakenshaw. This stick was bought for me by my late husband. Whoever picked up my stick, would they find the kindness in their heart to please hand it in to Tesco? Name and address supplied

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Wait for the facts

I WAS not intending to raise quite so many hares but since my name has been mentioned in three letters to your excellent journal, I feel I must respond if only to make my position a little (not totally) clearer. It is my lot in life to always be misunderstood

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Tree-mendous!

I WISH to add to the article Peter's Labour Not Lost (Chronicle, April 28). The Mulberry tree was propagated by Arthur Coldicott, the late husband of Shirley Coldicott, who was depicted in the photograph without any explanation. The tree started life

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Crabbs Cross & Hunt End WI

VICE -president Wendy Hart chaired the May meeting in the absence of Sue Lawson, who was on holiday. Wendy welcomed two visitors and Jackie Gregory to the meeting. Jackie is the delegate at the AGM to be held in Sheffield this year. Doris Smith was presented

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50 years ago

May 21, 1954 DESPITE the installation of a £20,000 dust extractor plant at a Redditch gas works, the problem of coke dust straying onto nearby houses is still unsolved, an official of the West Midlands Gas Board admitted on Monday. People living near

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Schools issue put on hold

THE problem with surplus places in Redditch schools will not be looked into properly until the autumn, it has been announced. In March, a report by Worcestershire County Council's education scrutiny panel stated there were still too many school places

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Friends of Coughton Court

THE April meeting was held in the saloon at Coughton Court by invitation of Clare Throckmorton. A record number of people came to watch a video of Miss Mary Thompson BEM, who rose from humble seamstress to be Housekeeper and Administrator of the Court

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Probus Club of Alcester

THE 203rd meeting took place at the Holly Bush on April 28. Thirty-one members attended, with 11 apologies. President Steve Jones welcomed everyone, especially new member Eric Portman. Congratulations were given to Allan Harrison and Raymond Hobart, who

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Redditch Speakers Club

BEFORE the AGM, guest speaker Lindsay MacDonald from Sans Souci Speakers Club in Solihull gave a clear and lucid talk on evaluations. This is a skill that all members must use as they evaluate speeches and topics. He also touched on general evaluations

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Solihull & District Orchid Society

AT the May 1 meeting, Richard Lawrence gave a talk and slide show on native orchids of Australia. The slides were excellent and it was an interesting afternoon. There were some good plants on the monthly table show; points are awarded for culture and

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Wythall Gardening Club

THE speaker at the May meeting was Judy Berrow, Worcestershire County Organiser for the National Garden Scheme. The theme of her talk was Private Gardens for Public Enjoyment. It was an interesting talk with slides of some of the 60 gardens in the county

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Wythall WI

THE May meeting was resolutions night and president Jill Warner welcomed Margaret Aldridge, president of Hollywood WI and Wythall's delegate to the AGM in Sheffield. Members had made a donation to St Mary's Hospice in memory of Doreen Ansell, a past president

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Wythall Writers

WHEN members were set a series of characterisation exercises at the meeting on April 8, advertisements in ''lonely hearts'' columns were found to be a useful source for ideas. The group's busy year continues with a visit from Christopher Harris, who is

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Blessings for room of faith

PRAYERS have been answered at the Alexandra Hospital after its eagerly awaited multi-faith centre was officially opened at the weekend. Children from all over the community helped open the new multi-faith prayer room, which was built with money collected