Archive

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Fears over fire service job losses

SWINGEING cuts to Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority will be worse than first feared if the Government caps its budget - with 195 staff facing the axe. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is planning to impose a £2m budget cut after accusing the authority

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Caped crusaders' carnival mission

ORGANISERS of this weekend's Evesham Carnival are all flared up and ready to take full advantage of the event's 70s theme. The original caped crusader Batman and his trusty sidekick, Robin, are just two of the superheroes putting in an appearance. The

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'Give our lifeline back'

HORRIFIED Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor is "absolutely devastated" that hi-tech equipment worth thousands of pounds has been taken out of Kidderminster Hospital. After finding out a video link between Kidderminster nurses and their colleagues in Worcester

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Action on parking curb

A PETITION has been started in a last-ditch attempt to stop parking restrictions hitting trade and tourism in Pershore. Last year Wychavon District Council reduced the maximum stay in short-stay car parks, such as the one next to Pershore's leisure centre

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Raising cash to play

WELLY-wanging, chainsaw sculptures and go-karts are just a few of the attractions at a fund-raising fete and fun day in a Worcestershire village tomorrow. The money raised will help fund a project to build a children's playground in Claverton, Stoulton

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Tram track pointer to the past

A SECTION of tram track excavated from Worcester's High Street has been salvaged for use in a new education centre. The 100-year-old track was presented to Worcester Heritage and Amenity Trust (WHAT) for use in the group's planned heritage education facility

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Out of the darkness cometh the light

THE Lightness are a tribute band to The Darkness and even dress like the lads. The band, who hail from Kidderminster, Bewdley and Bridgnorth, are beginning to tour the country, and have been playing such places as Edinburgh, Swansea and Liverpool. Now

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BOSBURY Correspondent: Mrs R Krinks Tel: 01531 640076

BOSBURY Church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and the celebrations to mark the start of the Trinity season will be on June 4-6. The traditional Music for All concert will take place at the church on Friday, June 4. If you are able to play an instrument

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CORSE Correspondent: U Groves-Smith Tel: 10452 840273

BERT Moffatt and Jean Cresswell would like to thank everyone for their continued support, enabling them on this occasion to raise funds for Cancer Research and Corse Church, especially Jane Langford and Mervyn Gould for not only raising funds, but accompanying

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PAUNTLEY Correspondent: Mrs S Martin Tel: 01684 562714

Saturday, May 15, was a gloriously sunny day at Pauntley Memorial Hall in Brand Green, the venue for Pauntley playgroup's fun day. The event was very well attended and there was a full round of activities. Teas, cakes and ice creams were served. The ices

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STAUNTON Correspondent: U Groves-Smith Tel: 01452 840273

A PAINTINGS and crafts exhibition is being held over the Bank Holiday weekend at Gadfield Elm House, Staunton for Staunton Church funds, by kind permission of Canon and Mrs John Evans and an added attraction will be the opening of the garden with its

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UPLEADON Correspondent: Mrs S Martin Tel: 01684 562714

ON the morning of Saturday, May 8 Gerald and Christine Draper gave a coffee morning at Broadlands, their home in Upleadon. Funds raised are to be devoted to the Miss Annie Lawrence Memorial. Many friends gathered, some of whom had know Miss Lawrence all

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Patronal festival

BOSBURY residents will perform for friends and neighbours at a concert to be held in Holy Trinity Church. Children from Bosbury Primary School and the church choir will perform varied programme of music accompanied by monologues and other entertainment

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Gourmet fundraiser

TWO historic Herefordshire estates will be open for an exclusive fundraising event. Homme House, Much Marcle, and Fawley Court, a few miles away, have links dating back to the 16th Century. Now the two locations will play host to a Gourmet Gardens Extravaganza

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Focus turned to Elgar

PHOTOGRAPHS of Elgar's favourite places around Worcestershire will help commemorate the 70th anniversary of his death. Alex Pownall has captured images of places frequented by the composer on foot or bicycle, along with cottages and locations he used

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Fair date

The Malvern Antiques and Collectors' Fair takes place at the Three Counties Showground on Sunday, June 6, from 8.30pm to 5pm. There will be up to 200 stands selling jewellery, silverware, textiles, antique bottles and ceramics. Tickets are £2.50 to £4

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Tinsel town invades County Kerry

WHEN a major Hollywood film studio descends on a village in rural Ireland, the demand for extras from the local community is huge. Giving you the premise for Stones In His Pockets, where the absurdities involved in making a film are observed from the

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On the way to health recovery

AFTER the recent furore over the cash crisis, that brought the future of GP surgeries in the county into doubt, readers could not be blamed for wondering just where the priorities of some health "managers" lay? However, the good news - and good sense

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Blow that for a game of billiards!

A SNOOKER fan is disgusted at the treatment received in Worcester by two of the game's most colourful stars. Former world champion Alex "Hurricane" Higgins and player turned TV pundit John Virgo both showed off a range of skills at Perdiswell Leisure

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You'll fly by the seat of your pants, Big Brother parents told

PARENTS of Worcestershire's Big Brother stars have issued a warning to the new contestants' families ahead of tonight's new series of the reality TV show. The mother of last year's finalist, Nush Nowak, and father of one of the previous year's stars,

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Tesco cash offer 'is driving force'

A PUBLIC inquiry into the possible relocation of Christopher Whitehead has ended with an attack on the county council's motivation for moving the school out of Worcester. The city council claimed in its closing submission that Worcestershire County Council

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Bishop's warning about racist parties

THE Bishop of Worcester has issued a joint statement warning the electorate that voting for racist political parties was like "spitting in the face of God". The Rt Rev Peter Selby was one of 11 bishops from across the West Midlands to put their names

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Motorists' traffic hell

ROADWORKS in Worcester have turned rush-hour into traffic jam hell, with motorists taking up to 50 minutes to travel through the city centre. College Street, Sidbury, Edgar Street and City Walls Road have all been affected by a £58,000 scheme to improve

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Shock portrait of Rachel escapes art blaze in London

A CONTROVERSIAL portrait of heroin addict Rachel Whitear snapped up by art collector Charles Saatchi has escaped the blaze which destroyed part of his priceless collection. Mr Saatchi bought the Stella Vine portrait of Miss Whitear, which depicts blood

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Painting to fetch £50,000 at sale

AN oil painting by Worcester's great artist Benjamin Williams Leader will be seen in public for the first time in 140 years. The picture of Claines churchyard is expected to fetch up to £50,000 when it is auctioned at Christie's next month. Painted in

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Tax is the major issue

IF you are allowed to vote, you are liable to pay tax. While some issues being discussed in the Worcester election campaign might not directly impact on all of the city's residents, tax is the single issue that will. And there are distinct differences

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Ready to go with the flow

Staff at Upton's White Lion are going to have their work cut out over the bank holiday weekend as they serve up 25 different beers and ciders. The High Street hotel is hosting the inaugural Lion and Pepperpot Beer Festival from 7pm tonight (Friday) until

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Threat to payphones

PAYPHONES in Upton have been earmarked for removal following a BT survey. The increased use of mobile phones has been blamed for a decline in the use of payphones and two of Upton's five payphones are now losing money. Phone boxes at Queensmead, Brotheridge

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Album launch at gig

AN Upton band will launch its debut album at a gig in the town next Saturday, June 5. Neitherbignorclever, fronted by 16-year-old Luke Leighfield, will be performing tracks from the album Neitherbignorclever Do Jazz for Jesus. Proceeds from the gig will

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Church sets out stalls

The annual spring garden fete takes place at St Joseph's RC Church, Upton, at 2pm on Bank Holiday Monday. There will be a variety of stalls, plants and a tombola. Admission is free.

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Disco for youngsters

A Little Party People disco takes place at the Hill Centre, Upton, tonight (Friday), from 7pm to 9pm, for children up to 11. Admission is £2. Call 01684 594461.

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Choirs unite for service

CHORAL evensong will take place at Upton Parish Church on Sunday (May 30). The choirs from Upton and Stroud will perform at the service, which starts at 6.30pm.

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Eyes down . . .

BINGO will take place at Beechwood nursing home on Tuesday (June 1). The evening, organised by the Friends of Beechwood, starts at 7pm and includes a raffle and refreshments.

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Moved to write

MY daughter lives on Lower Wyche Road in Malvern and sends me regular copies of the Malvern Gazette. Although I rarely write letters to the press, I feel so exasperated at the petty minded obsession of some of your readers with dog excrement that I thought

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Play area not suitable for kids

I read with interest your article 'Children need a place to play' (Malvern Gazette, May 7), with the lovely picture of the play area in Elgar Avenue. What a shame you did not take a close-up picture of the play area and surrounding area, and show the

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Consideration not a one-way street

What is the world coming to? The "older people" living in Elgar Avenue don't want to be disturbed by the noise of children playing ball games in their own gardens. So, of course, the Elgar Housing people have decreed that such activities should stop.

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Concern and funds welcomed

MAY I, on behalf of my colleagues and myself, thank the caring people of Malvern who, at our street collection on Saturday, May 15, stopped to voice their concerns and offer their support for our campaign to end the cruel live animal export trade and

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Resignation is loss to Ledbury

I HEARD, with absolute dismay, of Mark Read's resignation (Malvern Gazette and Ledbury Reporter, May 7). Mark has been a wonderful asset to Ledbury. He was always around if needed. You could depend on him. With Mark around, we felt some order was trying

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All the latest news in this week's Malvern Gazette.

All these stories can be read in detail in this week's Malvern Gazette, available from Friday, May 28. They will also be posted on this site in full next Friday, with details of what to look forward to in next week's paper. The parents of a toddler who

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Kabir back for key Trophy tie

KABIR Ali will make his first appearance of the season when last year's beaten finalists Worcestershire take on Somerset in a Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy third round clash at New Road tomorrow (10.45). The England paceman makes his comeback after

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Edgbaston pitch blast by Moody

WARWICKSHIRE have escaped a points penalty after an ECB pitches panel decided to mark the wicket "below average" for their Frizzell County Championship match with Worcestershire at Edgbaston. The Bears went top of Division One after their nine-wicket

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Tributes paid to car crash victim

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Colwall woman following her death in a car crash in Oxfordshire. Rhea Dermott-Walter, known as Ray, died at the scene of the crash at the Milton Interchange on Saturday. The 77-year-old's Honda Civic was in collision with

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Bickerton on song with four under par 68

WORCESTERSHIRE'S John Bickerton has made a fine start to the PGA Championship at Wentworth. A first round four-under-par 68 left the Droitwich Golf Club member four shots behind South African leader Ernie Els in joint 16th place. After a disappointing

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Malvern duo tackle Ben Nevis test

TWO county mountain bike aces will be hurtling down the slopes of Ben Nevis in the forthcoming UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. Women's downhill rac-er, Tracey Moseley and cross-country rider, Li-am Killeen, both from Malvern, are taking part in the Fort

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North Mids chase Twickenham glory

NORTH Midlands have given a vote of confidence to the team that overcame Notts, Lincs and Derbyshire two weeks ago for the Tetley's County Shield final against Eastern Counties at Twickenham tomorrow (3pm). They have named an unchanged starting line-up

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Council buses to plug service gap

BUS users in Fruit-lands, Malvern Wells are to lose a regular all-day service. From June, the First Midland Red 42 service, which runs regular half-hourly services to Great Malvern, will be reduced to peak times only. To reduce the impact, Worcestershire

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Worcester net title at the first attempt

THE talented Worcester Match Group outfit won this year's Alans Tackle Spring League at the first attempt by beating last seasons champions BroadAcres by just three points. The team on the day included two section winners and an individual second place

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Big catfish catch for Barry

THE biggest catfish recorded on the Gainsborough Lake at Shatterford Fishery was caught by a jubilant Barry Leworthy. The giant, tempted by popped-up trout, hit the scales at 40lb 7oz for Leworthy, while a 37lb catfish and seven carp to 19lb 8oz fell

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28/5/04 - Edgbaston pitch blast by Moody

WARWICKSHIRE have escaped a points penalty after an ECB pitches panel decided to mark the wicket "below average" for their Frizzell County Championship match with Worcestershire at Edgbaston. The Bears went top of Division One after their nine-wicket

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The birth of an exciting talent

A Million Little Pieces by James Frey (John Murray, £7.99). THIS autobiographical account of Frey's time in a Minnesota rehabilitation clinic marks the launch of a bold and talented literary voice. It is a compelling book that shows immense depth and

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How to win new friends

First Impressions by Ann Demarais and Valerie White, (Hodder Mobius, £10.99). IT takes less than a minute for people to make up their mind about you. In fact, in any new situation, you've only got seconds to make a good impression. Before you even open

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Would he tell us what he means by 'tackled'?

I HAVE just read Councillor Stephen Inman's comments in the Evening News (Thursday, May 20) and, I quote "recent concerns tackled include problems along Bilford Road associated with the household waste site." Would the councillor tell us what he means

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Imagine an athlete...

PARENTS in St John's may be concerned by recent Press reports about bullying and truancy at Christopher Whitehead High School. All should understand that on our present site these are ever-present potential problems. In fact these are exciting times for

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28/5/04 - County pay for lack-lustre bowling

WARWICKSHIRE moved to the top of the Frizzell County Championship First Division as they thrashed local rivals Worcestershire by nine wickets at Edgbaston. Skipper Nick Knight and Mark Wagh made light of a potentially tricky target of 160 with an opening

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Blockbusters at Malvern cinema

SUMMER blockbuster Troy comes to Malvern Cinema tonight (Friday). Set in the year 1193 BC, the film follows the epic siege of Troy, sparked when a prince of Troy stole Helen, Queen of Sparta from her husband, sparking a 10-year war between the two nations

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Exhibitions in and around Worcester

May 30-June 6: An exhibition of contemporary artwork by Charlotte Plummer will be showing at her studio at the Hop Pocket Craft Centre, Bishops Frome. June 5 - 30: The Gallery and Picture Framing at Bevere are pleased to present Gicle. For further details

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Players go On The Razzle with a comic tale of Edwardian high jinks

TOM Stoppard's farcical tale of high jinks in Edwardian Vienna will be brought to life by the Malvern Theatre Players next month. On The Razzle was adapted from the German play, Einen Jux will er sich machen by Johann Nestroy, and follows Zangler, the

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What's on

Theatre May Until 29-Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare presented by Colwall Players at Colwall Village Hall. Tickets £6, £3 concs from John Goodwin Estate Agents (01684) 540300. 31-June 4-Writing for Performance workshop at the Malvern Theatres

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* Drugs courier stashed cocaine in his Y-fronts * £2.25 boost for city health care *

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City's Mini adventure

A MINI adventure is coming to Worcester. Work has started on a new £3.5m car dealership, in Warndon, that will sell Minis, the tiny car that was re-launched in 2001 and has become an icon of the British 1960s retro-revolution. The 20,778 sq yard site,

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Club souvenirs sold

CLUBBERS had the chance to grab souvenirs and memorabilia when items from a top Hereford nightspot went under the hammer. The interior of Bridge Street's Crystal Rooms club, which closed earlier this month, was emptied and sold off by Brightwells Auctioneers

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Relief in sight over lack of loos

WOMEN had to use men's loos as the number of weekend visitors to Stourport-on-Severn overwhelmed the town's toilet facilities. Queues tailing back from the women's facilities highlighted "a spectacular failure" in Wyre Forest's toilet provision, according

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Big break for snooker hall

MEMBERS of Evesham's Ambassadors Snooker Club are celebrating now plans to demolish the club have been scrapped. The future of the Avon Street club was in doubt when owners of the site, West Midlands Leasing Limited, submitted plans to develop a nearby

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Pupils are set to have a ball...

PAST and present pupils of a village school are sure to have a ball at a grand reunion. Bowbrook House School, in Peopleton, near Pershore, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in July with a grand reunion ball in the grounds of the school. The celebrations

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The Classics with Annie Dendy-Norwegian inspirations

Grieg Piano Concerto/Symphonic Dances by Edvard Grieg. Havard Gimse, piano. Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Bjarte Engeset. n Naxos DDD 8.557279. Norwegian, Edvard Grieg aspired to promote his homeland and painting with music was a phrase

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Return to Second City

MULTI-platinum selling soul diva and singer/songwriter Gabrielle (right) returns to Britain's Second City with a concert at the NIA Academy on Monday, December 6. It's 11 years since Gabrielle released her debut classic single Dreams, which put the popular

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CALLOW END Correspondent: Mrs M Allsopp Tel: 01905 830746

CONGRATULATIONS to both the football and netball teams of Callow End Primary School for winning their respective tournaments in a competition against teams from Madresfield, St James's, Castlemorton and Broadwas schools.

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LONGDON Correspondent: Mrs E Moss Tel: 01684 833256

ON Saturday, Longdon Village Hall held a grand re-opening party to mark the completion of the refurbishment project. Children and their parents arrived from 3pm for games and refreshments. At 5pm a large crowd of local people, together with others associated

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PENDOCK Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287

A WIDE variety of raffle prizes generously donated towards the jumble sale held at Berrow/Pendock Village Hall boosted the taking of the afternoon's sales, making a total profit of £300 towards extension and furnishing of games equipment for Pendock School

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Welland Correspondent: Stephen Try Tel: 01684 310068

This Sunday at Welland Recreation Ground, between 11am and 3pm, there is another car boot sale in aid of the Friends of Welland. The cost is £5 per car and £7 per trailer/van. Last week's car boot sale was a real success and we hope that this this week's

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West Malvern Correspondent: Colin Jackson Tel: 01684 577604

We owe a debt of gratitude to the Hills Conservators in bowing to local opinion and sparing the ancient hawthorn hedge along the upper boundary of Joyner's Meadow (behind Camp Hill). It was proposed in 2002 to cut this down when the meadow was being enclosed

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Festival all set be soaring success

Next week's Elgar Festival looks set to be a sell-out success. Tickets for three of the four special concerts have already sold out and tickets for the final concert are selling fast. At the festival, the Malvern-based English Symphony Orchestra will

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Exciting weekend is powered by engines

VINTAGE planes will once again take to the skies, while old cars and motorbikes roar into action at a forthcoming event in Upton-upon-Severn. Wings and Wheels has been organised by local enthusiast David Cotton as an introduction to hobbies relating to

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Castle host to steam fair

GLEAMING traction engines and steamrollers will take to the roads around the Malvern Hills this bank holiday weekend. The vintage vehicles will take part in a drive from Eastnor Castle to Hollybush and back, as part of the Eastnor Steam and Woodland Fair

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Band acts as hosts for championships

BEATING drums, smart uniforms and the sound of kazoos come to a Malvern Link football field on Sunday. The Malvern Lynx Marching Band is holding the West Mercia Champion-ships and more than 12 bands from all over the country will be competing for divisional

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School's work wins top award

SOMERS Park Primary School has had its creative work in music and drama recognised with a special gold award from the Arts Council. The Artsmark awards are presented to schools that show commitment to all forms of art, from drama and music to design,

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Influences in childhood

EXOTIC flowers will fill the Foal Yard Gallery when a new exhibition opens. A childhood spent in Nair-obi's tropical surrounds has inspired the semi-abstract, botanical paintings of Leic-estershire artist Sue Aldridge. Sue has a degree in Fine Art from

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First duty must be to pupils

Christopher Whitehead High School has found itself in the limelight this month, as councillors and officers argue over its future. The 1960s classrooms are dilapidated and desperately need upgrading. The county council wants to sell the site to Tesco,

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Production pours fresh milk on day in the life saga

UNDER Milk Wood is one of those classic entities, so well known on the one hand, so little known on the other. It's a bit like Worcester Cathedral or the Guildhall. You might pass them everyday, but when was the last time you actually went in? You probably

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city health care boost

ANYONE with a mental health problem will be able to get immediate help at a new multi-million pound health centre set to open in Worcester. The £2.25m state-of-the-art Worcester Mental Health Resource Centre, being built in City Walls Road, is due to

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Jail for cocaine man who stashed package in pants

AN air passenger from Worcestershire who tried to smuggle £17,000 worth of cocaine into the UK in his underwear has been jailed for five years, Customs officials said. Aaron Weavers was found with two packages of the drug when he was stopped at Birmingham

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DEBUT: Acting role for 38-year-old driver Matt'll do nicely for race advert!

ONE of Worcestershire's best-loved sporting heroes is swapping his four wheels for filming in his latest challenge. Racing driver Matt Neal, who lives in Hanbury, near Droitwich, is making his TV acting debut in a series of adverts to be screened as part

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Parent's heartbreak for 'blue-eyed boy'

THE parents of a 16-month-old toddler who died of suspected meningitis have paid tribute to their "blue-eyed boy". Adam Foulkes, of Davenham Close, Malvern, died of suspected pneumococcal meningitis on Sunday. His parents Donna, aged 33, and Steve, aged

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Brand new centre planned for city

A HOSPICE in Worcester is set to celebrate 20 years helping patients with life-threatening illnesses by launching an appeal to raise cash to build a brand new centre. St Richard's Hospice, based in Rose Hill, near the city centre, will officially launch

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Elgar's European Influences Review: Louis Carus (violin) & Richard Pearson (piano), Elgar Birthplace

During this ongoing series, links between Elgar and some of his contemporary European composers are being made. Louis Carus and Richard Pearson, each a very successful artiste, performed with accomplishment in the peaceful atmospheric surroundings of

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We're aiming to make it a wonderful weekend!

BABY kestrels, vultures, tawny owls and red kites are just some of the exciting arrivals hatching out at the National Birds of Prey Centre in Newent, Gloucestershire. The centre is open from 10.30am until dusk. For further information log onto www.nbpc.co.uk

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Chopper

A HELICOPTER circled Worcester last night as police hunted for a youth who had done a runner from a city store. The police used the aerial search alongside ground officers at around 6.30pm near the A44 Bransford Road bridge, in St John's, yesterday. The

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Skatepark plan awaits grant bid

PLANS for a skatepark in Upton could become a reality by the end of the summer if a grant application is successful. The scheme, in memory of Kyle Salmon who died of leukaemia last year, would see ramps, half-pipes and a shelter installed on the town

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Exciting weekend is powered by engines

VINTAGE planes will once again take to the skies, while old cars and motorbikes roar into action at a forthcoming event in Upton-upon-Severn. Wings and Wheels has been organised by local enthusiast David Cotton as an introduction to hobbies relating to

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New-look village hall opens

A DAY of celebrations took place in Longdon on Saturday as the refurbished village hall was officially opened. The ceremony was performed by the Reverend Chris Moss. Wine tasting, children's games and a tour of the new-look building were among the activities

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Bargain galore!

GARDENERS enjoyed picking up some bargains at a plant sale in aid of Upton's Beechwood nursing home. Everything from bedding plants to perennials were on offer at the event on Saturday, which raised more than £500 towards providing birthday and Christmas

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Richard picks up award

A HANLEY Swan man has won an award for helping young people to start and develop their own businesses. Richard Partos has worked as a small business adviser for Business Link Gloucestershire for two years, giving support and encouragement to young entrepreneurs

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Walk group launched

WALKERS can enjoy the picturesque scenery around Upton by joining a new walking group. The group plans to meet at 7pm every Wednesday, outside Upton Parish Church. The first walk take place on Wednesday (June 2).

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Boot sale at school

A CAR boot sale to raise money for Upton CE Primary takes place at the school tomorrow (Saturday), at 10am. Cars cost £5, vans £8.

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Wonderful view of Malvern

The 70th Anniversary Elgar Concerts have been well publicised and it is nice to see that the concerts have been a sell-out, but what of other events in Malvern to celebrate the festival? Great Malvern Association of Traders have put together a series

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Reform of board urgently needed

YOUR editorial was an apposite comment on the conduct of the recent meeting of the Malvern Hills Conservators. Unfortunately, however, you fell into the same error as David Masters and myself: you appear to think, as we do, that Conservators are elected

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Enjoyable duty

Further to my previous letter concerning the axing of bands in the park, I feel I must explain to Coun Ian Fearnside that to merely vote in favour of Bands in the Park is not enough. Many of the previous town councillors found it really enjoyable to marshall

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Work continuing

It is pleasing to read that Malvern Hills District Council's efforts to increase recycling are being appreciated (Mrs J H Vivian, Your Letters, May 21). Mrs Vivian is absolutely right. There is a societal need to address the issue of 'over-packaging'

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Happy result

DURING an otherwise very enjoyable holiday in Malvern, I lost a wallet with money in it. After asking about it without success in shops that I had visited, I gave up hope of seeing it again. This week I was delighted to receive a letter saying that it

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Flock must stay

I SUSPECT that your recent report gave a somewhat misleading impression regarding the missing sheep from the Conservator's flock. There can be many explanations for sheep going missing, as anyone involved in caring for sheep will tell you. Unless there

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Tug-of-war effort was worth it

I WOULD like to thank everyone who took part in the tug-of-war in aid of the Worcester-shire Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association at the Leigh and Bransford May Fayre on May 1. Despite the wet and slippery conditions, two teams - the Badger

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Fire cuts threat to full-time crew

firefighters in Malvern fear the station could lose its full-time officers under budget cuts ordered by the Government. Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority this week raised the prospect of making more than a quarter of full-time firefighters redundant

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Opinion

IN every crime there is a victim, but there is something particularly heartless about deliberately targeting the most vulnerable members of society. The launch in Ledbury of a new campaign against con men who trick their way into the homes of the elderly

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Complaint is dropped

FORMER town clerk Shirley Young has dropped her claim for constructive dismissal against Malvern Town Council. Mrs Young handed in her resignation at about the time of last year's election, when the Malvern Town Action Group took control of the council

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Falcons join the race for Burke

WORCESTER Warriors look set to battle it out with Newcastle Falcons for Matt Burke. The Sixways club held talks with the Australian legend earlier in the week before the 31-year-old jetted off to the North East yesterday to meet Rob Andrew. Burke, though

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Abbey Road suggested as possible market site

MALVERN'S Friday market may be moved to a more central location in the hope of reviving trade. The market, which currently takes place in the Council House car park on Priory Road, is attracting fewer and fewer traders and shoppers. Plans are now being

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'Children need a place to play'

ELGAR Avenue children are desperate for somewhere to play, according to parents. Elgar Housing has told tenants and parents that their children must not play ball games in their gardens or in front of their houses, after receiving regular complaints about

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Farmer offers land to make blackspot safer

A CRADLEY farmer worried about an accident blackspot has come up with a solution to the problem. Dennis Johnson, of Lychcroft Farm, said he would give around half an acre of his own land for the junction at Tan House Lane and the A4103 Hereford to Worcester

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28/5/04 - Kabir back for key Trophy tie

KABIR Ali will make his first appearance of the season when last year's beaten finalists Worcestershire take on Somerset in a Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy third round clash at New Road tomorrow (10.45). The England paceman makes his comeback after

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All the latest movies and where to catch them

HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN (PG) The third film based on JK Rowling's bestselling series will undoubtedly be overshadowed by the replacement of Richard Harris as wise Professor Dumbledore by veteran British actor Michael Gambon. Odeon, Worcester

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Jazz time

ABBEY Jazz is celebrating its ninth anniversary on Sunday, June 6, at Malvern Rugby Club at 8pm. Joining bass player Len Thwaites are Tony Pipkin (trumpet), Mike Turner (clarinet/soprano sax), Richard Leach (trombone), Mike Graver (piano) and Tony Caldicott

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Always punt a know-all in the right direction

YOU must know the phrase "you learn something new every day". I remember my grandad said: "If you don't learn something new every day it ain't worth getting out of bed". How true that is. When you reach my venerable age you think you know a lot but...

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Novel debut is a captivating read

Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, (Fourth Estate, £12.99) Nigerian born Adichie has previously been short-listed for the 2002 Caine Prize for African writing and is currently short-listed for the 2004 Orange Prize. Her debut novel is an emotive

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George, man of letters

MRS L T Tipping's attitude regarding George Cowley is not to be applauded. Regarding the letters page of this newspaper, I generally look for the comments of regular contributors e.g. Messrs Hinton, Margrett, Griffin and certain others for their - which

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London's ready, but what about rest of us?

WATCHING the Panorama programme on television recently it was reassuring to learn that our government is ready for any terrorist attack on London and highlighted where further training is required. This is all good news. But what is going to happen if

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The worst schools scenario of all

THE proposals for the reorganisation of Special Schools in Worcester contain a number of different strands. Disquiet over the proposals was almost immediate but at first seemed to centre on the closure of the Nursery Assessment unit at Thornton House.

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Thatcher saved line from BR's clutches

IT may not be comfortable for people like A Reece to have their fundamental assumptions shattered (You Say, Saturday, May 22), but the simple fact is that it was Margaret Thatcher who intervened personally to save the Settle-Carlisle railway line. And

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28/5/04 - Falcons join the race for Burke

WORCESTER Warriors look set to battle it out with Newcastle Falcons for Matt Burke. The Sixways club held talks with the Australian legend earlier in the week before the 31-year-old jetted off to the North East yesterday to meet Rob Andrew. Burke, though

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Prince flies in for festival's birthday

HEAVY rain did not deter crowds turning out for a visit from Prince Charles, chronicled in the Gazette 25 years ago. The Prince arrived by helicopter at the girls' college playing field and was whisked up to the Winter Gardens, where that year's Malvern

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Henry Cooper among celebrities on fairway

THE Worcestershire Golf Club in Malvern Wells was the venue for a celebrity golf tournament, reported the Gazette 25 years ago. The event was organised by the Variety Club of Great Britain as part of the Malvern club's centenary year. Among the celebrities

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Echoes from the Past

100 years ago Harvey Rowberry, a youth of 5 Great Park Street, Wyld's Lane, Worcester, sustained slight concussion as the result of an accident on the hills on Monday. With other he was coming down the hill towards the Happy Valley when he fell. On the

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Events taking place in and around Worcester

May 28: Rock & Roll Night with Brian's Supersounds, at Barbourne Ex-Services Club, The Moors, Worcester. All welcome. n May 28: The Worcestershire branch of the national charity, Life, is holding a coffee morning at the Guildhall. There will be home-made

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All the latest gigs and where to find them

May 29: Top 8, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester. May 29: Jim Onslow, Sketchley's Social Club, Worcester; Stephanie Louise, Barbourne Ex-Services Club, Worcester; Steve Gibbons, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester. May 30: Garry James, Barbourne Ex-Services Club, Worcester

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Classical and easily listening- a guide to what's on near you

May 29: The Midsummer Ensemble will be playing a programme including Elgar, Dvorak, Telemann and Haydn in the 18th Century Croome Church. For further details and booking telephone 01905 371006. June 5: Chris Dean with The Syd Lawrence Orchestra &

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Whats on at a theatre near you

May 28-29: Stones in his Pockets, at the Swan Theatre, Worcester. Box office: 01905 611427. May 28: Good Vibrations! The Sounds of the Beach Boys, at The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury. Box office: 01684 295074. May 30: The American Drifters at Alexandra Theatre

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New direction for Compass points to fresh success

A MOVE to new premises just outside Worcester is pointing the way to yet more success for a computer firm. Compass Computers Direct Limited has moved to Top Barn Farm Business Centre, Holt Heath, near Worcester, from its previous premises in Malvern.

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Tax help

A WORCESTER accountancy firm is running free lunchtime tax workshops for local businesses. Rebecca Marshall, director of corporate tax with Rabjohns Business and Tax Advisers, said the firm, based in College Yard, had had a "really positive" response

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'Tarred with same brush'

AROUND 1,000 students from a Worcester high school have been barred from entering a city shop. Lidl supermarket, in Blackpole Retail Park, has banned all pupils from Elgar Technology College after complaining to the school about large numbers of students