Archive

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Points boost at lowly rivals

STOURPORT'S last pair remained stubborn but the winning draw for Cookley still lifted them off of the foot of Division Two. In Monday's derby, Cookley made a poor start and slumped to 80-6 with only New Zealander Greg Arnold batting with any distinction

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Brave bid from Meese

MARK Meese batted superbly for Chainwire but could not save his team-mates in Worcestershire League Division Five. Meese ran out of batting partners as he ended on 90 not out in the Kidderminster outfit's 144 all out which was 131 runs too short. After

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Chance spurned

STONE dropped two vital catches as Highley marched to a Worcestershire League Division Five victory by six wickets. Highley put Stone into bat on a damp wicket and scoring runs was difficult against accurate bowling as only James Batsford (33) seemed

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Knockout hopes

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria will be hoping for an extended run in the U-17s Knockout Cup after brushing off Stourport. A strong team, with seven Worcestershire youth players but many from a younger age group, faced 10-man opponents in a re-arranged match.

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Grab your bats

GIRL power will be sweeping Kidderminster Victoria as the club start up a new section this weekend. KVCC's cricket for girls is at their Chester Road base from 10am until noon every Sunday and caters for those aged up to 14 years. More details are available

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School hit for six

FORMER county star Stuart Lampitt put on an entertaining skills workshop for Heathfield School youngsters. Lampitt, now Worcestershire Cricket Board development officer, concentrated on batting and fielding with 20 pupils aged nine and 10. A school spokesman

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Chance to air your opinions

THE first public meeting of a group set up to provide a voice to patients in Worcestershire on how their health services are run is set to be held this month. The independent Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Forums were set up for every health trust

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Oxfam calls for help in the war on want

OXFAM has called for Evening News readers to help people in Sudan and Chad. The charity has launched a £1m public appeal to raise funds for people who have fled their homes because of the conflict in Darfur, Western Sudan. An estimated one million people

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Vicar's on the attack

The vicar of Pershore, the Rev Kenneth Crawford, has accused Western powers of being determined to "dominate and subdue" countries that are opposed to them. Writing in the town's latest Abbey Link magazine, Mr Crawford said: "As we read of 'fake' photographs

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Man of many parts

AN actor who has graced both the small and big screen in a variety of serious and comedy guises is coming to Worcester's Huntingdon Hall for an evening of folk and chat. Bernard Wrigley has appeared in Dinner Ladies, Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights and as

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Burglary case man in cell

The case against a 38-year-old man was adjourned after his barrister told a judge he was facing 30 charges of burglary at Worcester magistrates court next week. Adrian Sharp, of Alderley Close, Bromsgrove, was remanded in custody by Judge David Matthews

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Youngsters travel around the world

YOUNGSTERS from Hallow Primary immersed themselves in other societies during a multi-cultural fortnight. Pupils studied the history of Native Americans, Aborigines and Maoris during the event, which led to a colourful array of artwork and creative writing

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Tributes pour in for tragic Peter

Father-of-two killed by lightning strike at airfield A CLOSE friend of a model plane enthusiast killed by lightning has paid tribute to the father-of-two - saying he could not have met a more honest or kind-hearted man. Roger Baggott was one of many people

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Stark warning over carnival's future

THE countdown to Bewdley Carnival begins this weekend - but organisers warn it could be the last. Carnival week kicks off on Sunday with a host of events to whet the appetite of summer revellers, but more volunteers are needed for the popular day of fun

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Tower back to Civil War era

A HISTORIC Kidderminster landmark is preparing to travel back in time to one of its most colourful eras. Caldwall Tower is to become the temporary encampment of members of the Civil War Society who will stage mock skirmishes from the 17th century conflict

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Battling for all 42 seats on council

l The Shuttle/Times and News election coverage concludes with a look at the candidates in four Wyre Forest District Council where independents are standing. IT is just one week until Wyre Forest voters go to the polls for the most significant district

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Early summer flowers are a joy to behold

I ALWAYS feel that the months of May and June are important times in the calendar of a Ranger looking after wetland areas. It is at this time of year that the results of the previous year's management can be most clearly seen as the spring and early summer

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Judo club set to help sport fund

YOUNG judo players will be thinking of others when they take to the mat for a major charity event this month. Kidderminster's Samurai Judo Club has held an annual competition to support a variety of good causes for the last four years and it is hoped

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Day centre in 'exciting' expansion

A MILLION pound cash injection will expand services delivered to people with learning disabilities in Wyre Forest. The special one-off funding boost is being pumped into Wyre Forest Day Opportunities by Worcestershire County Council. It will enable the

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Spotlight on the elderly

THE needs of older people living in Wyre Forest are to come under the microscope as part of a plan to improve their quality of life. Councillors on the Wyre Forest District Council executive committee heard that the district's population is ageing at

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Yatesy bids farewell after offbeat career

A FAMILIAR face from BBC's Midlands Today - John Yates, who lives near Stourport - has filed his final report after deciding to retire. Well known for sporting a bow-tie while reporting on the more offbeat and quirky aspects of life, his decision was

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Harvington

TEAS FOR ADVENTURE: The afternoon teas fund-raising event in the village hall run by Hannah Small and Sophie Langman last Saturday afternoon was a big success, well supported by a lot of people anxious to show their encouragement for the girls' planned

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Evesham

EDPA: The Evesham and District Pensioners' Older People's Forum are holding their next meeting on Tuesday, June 8, 2pm, Wallace House, Oat Street. The speaker will be Rob Mace, community outreach officer, Wychavon District Council.

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Ilmington

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING: Ilmington's annual parish meeting, chaired by coun Tony Wilkins, was attended by 45 parishioners, which must be almost a record. Mrs Sheila Ribbans gave an account of the progress on the parish plan. A steering group and a committee

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Mickleton

PARISH COUNCIL: Preceding the monthly meeting, held in King George's Hall, the elections of officers took place. The only change was for coun J Medlyn to join the planning sub-committee, otherwise positions remain the same. Coun L Stowe, chaired the meeting

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Shipston

Zambian visitors: The hall of Shipston Community School was filled for a concert by a visiting choir. The 20 singers, dressed in national costume which included grass skirts, were from Zambia. The concert was arranged by Shipston Baptist Church. The Chililabombwe

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Willersey

ST PETER'S CHURCH: In June the church remembers St Peter. Patronal and other services will be held in the parish church and a patronal festival service with songs of praise on Sawpit Green on Sunday, June 13. This will be attended by the Salvation Army

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Valentine gains athletes Midland honours at last

ATHLETICS: Lee Valentine became Kidderminster and Stourport's first Midland champion after a long wait of more than 10 years. Valentine won the U-17s boys' triple jump at the Midland U-20s Track and Field Championships over the weekend at the Alexandra

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West Midlands double for club

VOLLEYBALL: Cleobury Mortimer proved their pedigree at West Midlands level with cup final victories for both the men and women. It was a fitting finale for the club's most successful season which saw the ladies record a highest National League finish

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ASBO fires warning to youths

A WARNING has been fired out to youths wreaking anti-social behaviour in Stourport after a 17-year-old was banned from parts of the town. Timothy Bower was the third Stourport teenager to have an Anti Social Behaviour Order slapped on him by Kidderminster

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Burton's triple stake is in vain

POINT-TO-POINT: Jockey Richard Burton went to the Albrighton Woodland Hunt point-to-point at Chaddesley Corbett on Monday two winners behind his nearest rival Ashley Farrant in the championship race. But, despite the Shropshire-based rider scoring a hat-trick

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Greed - The Theatre, Chipping Norton

GOOD theatre comes in many guises and the Clod Ensemble's witty and innovative production proved that even without the actor's main instrument, the voice, it is still possible to engage and entertain. Greed is a simple fable of a dentist and his wife

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Under Milk Wood - Malvern Theatres

DYLAN Thomas's stream-of-consciousness look at life in a Welsh village clearly retains its hold on the imagination of theatregoers 50 years on. Tuesday's first night performance at the Festival Theatre was greeted with rapture by a large audience who

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Bright future for turtles in the bag

STOURPORT's Beth Williams has a novel business idea in the bag by combining her dual concerns for the environment and the plight of turtles in the world's oceans. Mrs Williams's business - Turtle Bags - is aimed at persuading people to use fewer plastic

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Steve's busy June

DARTS: An exhibition match between Terry Jenkins and Steve Webb on Friday, June 11, at Hartlebury British Legion will be decided on the first to 10 legs. Both players have got a big month in June with Jenkins live on Sky Television at the weekend in the

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Arley set sights

PARISH GAMES: Upper Arley proved their aim was true by staking their claim in the Wyre Forest Parish Games' archery competition. Their team of four ensured first place at Arley Sports and Social Club with 1,095 points, ahead of Blakedown and Churchill

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Wrench for rest

CHESS: John Wrench had the skill and stamina to finish ahead of 12 rivals in Kidderminster's annual quick play tournament. Wrench fought off strong challenges from Peter Yates, Jim Friar and Maurice Bissell. Full scores: Wrench 10.5, Yates and Friar 10

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DEAN BENNETT - Midfield 13/12/77. 6ft. Squad number 7.

Bennett was a then club record buy of £30,000 from rivals Bromsgrove Rovers in January 1999 and proved a goal-scoring menace to Conference opponents in the title-winning season. The ex-England semi-professional international signed a two-year deal at

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TWO KILLED IN FIREBALL HORROR

TWO lorry drivers were killed when their vehicles collided and erupted in a fireball this morning on one of Worcestershire's busiest roads. The articulated lorries - one carrying magazines and one fruit and vegetables - met head-on at around 3.50am between

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Fire crews save historic manor

AN historic manor house in a Worcestershire village nearly went up in smoke after a fire broke out early this morning. Two fire crews from Evesham were called to Wyke Manor House, in Wick, near Pershore, at 4.40am after reports of a ground-floor blaze

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Saddened at the plans for hotel

CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish an "integral" part of the famous Chateau Impney Hotel and replace it with a new bungalow have been given the green light. Councillors on Wychavon's development control committee have given permission to demolish the existing

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Brilliant Bill finds rainbow on Lakes

STOURPORT angler Bill Simmons caught five rainbow trout to 2lb on the Wyre Dell at Shatterford Lakes Fishery. Another angler managed three rainbows to 2lb with the same bait on the Stella Lake, while a Halesowen man landed two with a bag weight of 8lb

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MPs called on to fight fire cash cuts threatening jobs

MPs across the region have been asked to fight to stop budget cuts at Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority which could lead to 195 staff losing their jobs. Hereford MP Paul Keetch, today appealed for Worcester Labour MP Michael Foster, Mid-Worcestershire

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WILLOW MARSH

FRIDAY Evening Open, Dragonfly Pool: Alister Gavin 48lb 12oz, Kevin Johnson 42-10, Paul Cook 28-4. Saturday morning, Oscott AC, Dragonfly: C Hayes 22-6, J Whately 18-6, D Bradbury 18-3. Astwood Bank AC, Whispers: John Bailey 14-15, Ron Evans 13-10, Steve

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Thieves snatch £10,000 digger

A DINGHY and a digger were snatched in two incidents in Stourport. A mini-digger worth £10,000 was taken from the former Carpets of Worth factory site in Severn Road last Monday. The digger is an orange Hitachi EX30-2 3 tonne excavator. The lower body

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Cruelty charge

A 36-year-old Kidderminster woman has appeared before Worcester Crown Court charged with child cruelty. The woman did not enter a plea to the charge. Judge David Matthews granted her bail until July 14 when she will tender a plea at another hearing.

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GILT EDGE AC

THE Gilt Edge Shield, Woodside Fishery, Cleobury Mortimer: Chris Lyon 36-12, Graham Rosser 16-2, Rick Massey (jnr) 14-8. The next contest will be on Sunday on the KDAA Pool and members are asked to telephone the secretary on 01562 824651 for details.

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Costly gamble

A COMPANY director who gambled away nearly £1.6 million he stole from a pension fund over a 21-month period has assets of only £37,784 to compensate his victims, Worcester Crown Court was told. Dad-of-one Andrew Petrie, who is serving a six-and-a-half

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BLACK BOY AC

STRAWBERRY Pool: B Hudson 20-8, A Williams 15-2, R Moule 13-10. The next match is on Strawberry Pool on Sunday, June 13, draw 8am.

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TOMKINSONS AC

ANNUAL subscriptions and Lyttelton card monies must be paid on or before the contest on Sunday, June 13.

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HETA AC

HORSLEY Piggot AC, HETA Pool: C Plested 22-4, W Freeth 22-11, F Taylor 14-1. HETA results, HETA pool: Gavin Wright 32-5, Keith Moss 14-0, Pete Jellyman 9-13. A match will be fished at Docklow on Sunday and those taking part should meet at Habberley shops

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Call for pledge on Wolverley school

WE will shortly elect a new district council but one of the most important decisions affecting the Wyre Forest, namely educational provision for the next 30 years, will be taken in Worcester on July 5. It is my belief that senior LEA officers want only

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WAGGON & HORSES AC

RESULTS, Wellfield Swimming Pool: L Galazewski 8-3, J Mills 7-2, K Billingham 6-14. The next contest is on Sunday, June 13, at Furnace Mill with an 8am draw. Anyone interested in joining the club can call Max or Les on 01299 832728.

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Someone has to pay for buses

ONCE again your letters page reflects the opinions concerning the local bus services, but Messrs R Millsum and J Rayner fail to understand the implications of the operations of such services. Firstly all bus operators have to pay to use bus stations,

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OLD BEAR AC

A JUNIORS contest will be on Saturday on the Wren's Nest Pool, meeting at the Old Bear car park for 9am. The seniors meet on Sunday on the HETA Pool with cars leaving Broadwaters at 7am. Anyone wanting to fish should put their names on the list.

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Let us stay, say gipsies

ALL the gipsies want, they say, is to settle down on the edge of Eckington and be accepted as part of the community. They want to pay their council taxes, have a refuse disposal and postal service and send their children to nearby schools. This week the

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Record entries in our Race for Life

VALE women taking part in Evesham's Race for Life have surpassed themselves. Organisers set a target figure of 1,200, but nearly 1,500 have signed up and entries have now closed. The Cancer Research UK event, which takes place on Sunday, June 20 has far

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Ramraiders smash into shop

RAMRAIDERS who smashed into a village shop to steal a cash machine dropped their loot as they led police on a dangerous car chase to Cheltenham. The raiders struck at Badsey's Spar shop in the early hours of Sunday morning, May 30. Using a green Cherokee

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Question of timing

I SEE that bus company First, with the help of Worcestershire County Council, are at it again with their new timetable for the Sunday service between Kidderminster and Stourport. As from Sunday the buses are departing three minutes to the hour from Kidderminster

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Cookley appeal

COOKLEY Boys are searching for players to boost their U-15s squad next season. Anyone interested can call Steve on 07792 359207 or Sue on 01562 741725.

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Wychavon accused of taking easy route

WYCHAVON District Council has been accused of trying to cover up the number of complaints it has received about travel token cuts for the elderly. Liberal Democrat councillor Charles Tucker said hundreds of letters and calls protesting about the end of

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Archers star's on target to start bike ride

AN Archers star will have the honour of starting this year's Hearts First Worcester Bike Ride in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Alison Dowling, who plays Elizabeth Pargetter, will send off riders from Worcester Rugby Club along the 10 or 20-mile

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Views over equality

RESIDENTS are being asked to tell Worcestershire County Council what they think about plans to improve equality issues in all areas of the council's work. The council is opening up its draft Equality and Diversity Policy for public consultation until

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Veteran Carty set for knee surgery

VETERAN Worcester City full-back Paul Carty is to have routine surgery on a cartilage injury. The veteran sustained the injury against Stafford Rangers in April but a recent scan has revealed no major damage. The 37-year-old is due to see a specialist

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From the archives

100 Years Ago June 4, 1904 The annual asparagus and cabbage show promoted by Messrs. Johnson Bros., soot merchants, of Acock's Green, was held in the Town Hall on Monday, and from every point of view the show was the most successful yet held. The proceeds

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Hinton quits the Harriers

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers favourite Craig Hinton has quit the club and signed for Third Division rivals Bristol Rovers on a free transfer. The 26-year-old, who has been at the Aggborough club for six years, rejected the offer of a new two- year contract

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Dazzo has eyes on Euro crown

BRITISH featherweight title-holder Darren 'Dazzo' Willi-ams sent his home town fans wild with delight when he successfully defended his crown against Coventry's Roy Rutherford in front of a capacity crowd at Hereford Leisure Centre last night. Both fighters

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Hereford regatta triumphs

HEREFORD Rowing Club's annual regatta brought a host of fine performances from the home club as well as several wins. The morning division saw Hereford victories in the following events. Women's senior two eight, Rebecca Hancock, Emma Bennett, Sarah James

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Bayliss captures top position

MARK Bayliss took the honours in the KB Racing Open Experts race at the Mission Control Motorsport motocross meeting at Tirley, near Tewkesbury after three strong finishes. Gavin Hookam failed to score in the opener, but won the remaining two races with

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Colwall sunk by Boult from blue

JON Boult continued his good form for Barnards Green in the Worcester Evening Cricket League Division One with 60 in a total of 136-4. Colwall were never on terms and finished 26 runs adrift. A quick fire 70 not out by Andrew Van Vuren which included

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STOURPORT DIVERS

Among other business at a regular monthly meeting the club training officer offered praise to Kay Dalloway on passing the club diver exam, Laura Lane, Lynda Powell and Sam Dalloway on passing the elementary diver exam and Luke Morgan on passing the dry

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Life of a roving news reporter

THE former political editor of ITN will share stories from more than 30 years in broadcasting at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham. John Sergeant will tell of his time as a reporter in Vietnam, the Middle East and southern Africa and as a political correspondent

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WYRE FOREST GROUP RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION

On Sunday, an eight-mile walk has been organised at Clent. Walkers should meet at New Road car park, Kidderminster at 10am and are advised to take a packed lunch. Contact the walk leader on 01299 878181 for further information. On Thursday, June 10, there

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WORCESTERSHIRE WIS

Preference will be given to bookings received by Wednesday for the coach trip to Burlington House, London, on August 1, to see the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. The closing date for bookings is July 9.

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Classic sounds from big band

CLASSIC big band songs will be performed by Chris Dean and the Syd Lawrence Orchestra and Singers at the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury. Chris Dean will once again lead the big band swing orchestra in a collection of favourite tunes from the likes of Glenn

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Chance to be a local rock hero

A STRATFORD venue has launched a search for local singing talent to put forward for a national competition. Chicago Rock Caf, in Greenhill Street, is taking part in Luminar Leisure's Rock Idol competition which is being launched across the country in

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Making new friends

A JOINT concert by the Stratford Music Festival and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust helped to raise funds for the festival and prompted many people to sign up as Friends of the festival. The concert in the Shakespeare Centre in Stratford featured an

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LIVE WYRES

Tomorrow night an social event is being held at Great Witley Village Hall from 8pm with dancing to Siddy Sounds. Telephone 01299 400979 for more details. On Saturday, there will be a four mile walk starting at the Queen's Head, Wolverley. Call 01384 274809

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Getting wise to diversity

FARMERS were urged to wise up on waste at a meeting organised by Worcestershire Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group as part of the enhancing biodiversity through sustainable waste management project. The two year project was funded by £50,000 by Severn

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3/6/04 - Career best for County spinner

GARETH Batty took advantage of some dismal Northamptonshire batting to capture a career-best 7-52 and put Worcestershire in command on the opening day of the Frizzell Championship Division One clash at Wantage Road. Watched by England selector Geoff Miller

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Best paws forward

POOCHES will be putting their best paws forward when they line up for a heat of the RSPCA Dog of the Year competition at Button Oak, near Bewdley. The competition, for mongrels, will be part of the Kidderminster and District Fun Dog Show, Fete and Craft

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Classics are ready to Roll...

A BEWDLEY undertaker will be among Freemasons taking part in a charity drive featuring cars of yesteryear. The Masonic Classic Car Run, on Sunday, intends to raise thousands of pounds for good causes. It takes place at Drayton Manor Park, near Tamworth

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Bredon

WALK TO SCHOOL WEEK: The week seemed to get off to a good start in Bredon, with one parent at least walking from as far away as Westmancote with his young son. At a rough estimate, about half the children already walk to school on a regular basis and

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Figures show shock rise in breast cancer

MORE women suffer from breast cancer in Wyre Forest than anywhere else in the West Midlands, shock new figures show. The number of patients with the condition has been steadily rising - and health bosses do not know why. Urgent meetings have been held

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3/6/04 Craig's joy of the Rovers

POPULAR defender Craig Hinton is poised to join Division Three rivals Bristol Rovers on a free transfer. Hinton will end a glittering six-year spell with Kidderminster Harriers when his contract runs out at the end of June. The 26-year-old has been an

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3/6/04 Harriers must watch out in future after FA warning

A WARNING over future conduct has been handed to Kidderminster Harriers for an on-pitch bust-up at Leyton Orient back in March. The FA Disciplinary Commission felt Harriers had failed to control their players in an incident which saw Dean Keates and Orient's

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3/6/04 Getting the best out of Sall

ABDOU Sall can be one of the top defenders in Division Three, according to Jan Molby. The giant Senegal-born centre-half, who has penned a new one-year contract, is back at Aggborough with a revitalised attitude. Molby explained: "When he focuses and

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Cook up Chinese feast to celebrate circus tour

ORIENTAL food specialist Blue Dragon is proud to be sponsoring the spectacular Chinese State Circus Tour 2004 which stops off in Kidderminster. The circus will be performing at Kidderminster's Oldington Sports Ground from Tuesday until Sunday. Curtain-up

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NBA JAM

NBA Jam is one of the most addictive, fast-flowing, and fun-filled basketball titles to grace any console. Gamers partake in three on three gameplay in one of the three main modes available: Exhibition, Jam Tournament, and Legends Tournament. Before every

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Impressive total raised in Claire's memory

NEARLY £1,700 has been collected in memory of Pinvin teenager Claire Stones, who collapsed and died while on a night out with friends. The money will be given to Ward 12 of Birmingham Hospital's heart unit, where Claire received treatment throughout her

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Home to a fire shock

A PERSHORE couple will return home from holiday this weekend to find their bedroom gutted by fire. Fire fighters from the town's station were called to a blaze at a home on Allesborough Drive on bank holiday Monday morning. The alarm was raised by the

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Birds and the bees

WE have all read the story about the 14-year-old girl who underwent an abortion and didn't feel able to talk to her mum. At Parentline Plus, we hear from many parents who find it difficult to talk to their children about sex. Last year, thousands of parents

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Pinvin school's art appreciation

PINVIN C of E First School is celebrating an Artsmark award which recognises schools that demonstrate a commitment to providing opportunities across all art forms. Headteacher Pat Trivett said: "I am delighted that the Arts Council has recognised all

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Establishment's hidden agenda

MAY I be permitted, with great respect, to remind Mr D E Margrett of the "hidden agenda"? 1. Gain control of key positions in radio, television and the cinema, as well as other media. 2. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship

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So, are you warming more than the patio?

WITH the British weather being what it is, it's no wonder patio heater sales are surging as the barbecue season gets underway. After all, why put up with the evening chill as you dine al fresco when you can pick up an artificial taste of the Mediterranean

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Mickleton pupils do the continental lesson

PRIMARY school children in the north Cotswolds have been getting the drift of the continents. The children at Mickleton Primary School spent last week learning about North America, South America, Asia and Africa, with each of the four classes studying

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Man is arrested

A MAN is due to face charges of theft at Worcester magistrates after being arrested by officers at Murcot, Broadway. The suspect has also been charged with causing racially aggravated fear or provocation of violence, and fear or provocation of violence

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Court threat as gipsies move in

GIPSIES who descended on land just outside Eckington village face High Court action. Dozens moved on to the land, which they own, last Friday after submitting a planning application to Wychavon District Council. On Saturday morning contractors arrived

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50 years has seen high school go from strength to strength

EVESHAM County Secondary School was born into a changing world in 1954, built for 350 pupils and led by headmaster Arthur Cave until he was succeeded by Michael Duffy in 1970. "This birth was not without its troubles," said David Kelly, current headmaster

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Cause for alarm

HEREFORD and Worcester Fire Brigade is set to join a national initiative to fight the growing problem of automatic false alarms which, nationally, cost the economy around £1 billion a year. The brigade attends around 2,500 automatic false alarm calls

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Head's anger at train change

A HEAD teacher has slammed what he called "absolutely ludicrous" changes to a train timetable which, he claimed, were putting young lives in danger. Ted Hammond, from Hagley RC High School, hit out at changes which meant youngsters now had to wait an

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Treasured memories in store

FORMER employees of a bygone Kidderminster department store reminisced about old times when they met up at the Gainsborough House Hotel. Geoff Hough, who had been general manager and executive director of Attwoods, said more than 20 staff had turned up

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Help with tax matters

Inland Revenue staff will be on hand with advice at Kidderminster Job Centre each Thursday during June. The sessions, at the Lower Mill Street-based centre, run from 9am until 4pm today, June 10, June 17 and 24. Topics covered include working families

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Schools praised for tackling obesity

SCHOOLS in Wyre Forest which promote a healthy lifestyle have been held up as shining examples of ways to tackle obesity at the launch of a major Government report. Stourport High and Birchen Coppice Middle schools were leading models for cutting down

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Preparations for decorations

PLANS for this year's Christmas lights display in Bidford are already in place with the first fundraising events being held next weekend. The Bidford Christmas Lights Committee has planned a weekend extravaganza on Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13

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Primary finds future bright

A VILLAGE school in the throes of major building work as it prepares to become a primary school has received a satisfactory Ofsted report. Blakedown CE First School, which, next September, reopens as a primary, was visited by inspectors in March as major

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Youth service wins praise

THE youth service which covers Wyre Forest has been given a satisfactory rating by Ofsted inspectors. Among aspects highlighted in the inspectors' report on Worcestershire Council Youth Service were good use of limited resources and satisfactory quality

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Care unit success

A COUNCIL care unit that provides information packs for Worcestershire carers has been hailed a success. More than 2,000 requests for information packs have been sought since the unit, based in Worcester, started in January. The pack gives information

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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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Pointing the way to "geopark"

GEOLOGY enthusiasts are expected to flock to Wyre Forest after a visitor information point for Europe's 17th prestigious "geopark" was opened in Bewdley. The Bewdley Museum based-facility is the first of 10 information points to be opened throughout the

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Double play dates

HEARTBREAK Productions' version of Shakespeare's Macbeth will be performed at Witley Court on Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and 6, at 7.30pm each evening, not on June 19 and 20, as reported in the Shuttle/Times and News of May 20. The troupe's production

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What's On

TONIGHT: Birmingham: Marriott Hotel - Lupa. Alexandra Theatre - Heartbeat. Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2 - The UK Doorz. Dudley: Town Hall - Forces Sweethearts. FRIDAY: Stourport: The Angel - Jazz. Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2 - Stipe. The Varsity - Lightness

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I've shed half a stone, but tum is a wobbly worry

THINGS have been going swimmingly in the first month of my quest to get fit after years of half-hearted attempts. My regular exercise regime - which now includes three swims a week, a gym session and two exercise classes - has made me feel better, stronger

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Chance to have own art shindig

A NEW scheme to take professional live arts to village halls and community venues has the support of Wyre Forest District Council. The initiative - Shindig - unites all the councils across Worcestershire and Arts Council England in offering a range of

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Violinist in return to library

A RECITAL at Kidderminster Library later this month will mark a homecoming for Julian Barber. The Kidderminster-born pianist is one half of a duo that includes violinist, Tomas Tulaceki, who comes from the Czech Republic. They are playing at the library

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Hole in the Wall gig

LIVE music in the open air will be rocking Hopton Court at Hopton Wafers over two days in July. The sixth annual Hole in the Wall Concert weekend features tribute act, the Counterfeit Stones, as well as covers band, Tom the Frop, and the big band sound

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Nonenties return with a classic tale

JANE Austen's novel, Pride and Prejudice, comes to the stage at Kidderminster's Rose Theatre when the Nonentities present a dramatisation of the classic. Adapted by David Pownall, the play will be performed in the Main House, from Monday until Saturday

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* Two dead in fireball horror crash * Petrol protest warning * Big boost for hip and knee patients *

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Talk is cheap

What do you do when your competitors are cheaper than you? A presentation by a Worcestershire accountancy firm will address this question, at Worcester Rugby Club, Sixways, on Thursday, June 10, at 6.30pm. The Business Leaders Network series of presentations

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Continuing our legal rights in objecting

WE have read with interest the recent articles and letters published about the planning dispute still ongoing in Wick (side garden 16 Wick House Close). These articles paint a picture of a poor retired couple that have been very hard done by and are in

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Thanks for the cash which aids Society

I AM writing on behalf of the Stratford-on-Avon Fund Raising Committee for the Children's Society to thank, most sincerely, all those local residents who gave so generously to our recent house-to-house collections. This year we raised over £4,431, which

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Leave hunt debate alone

IT is any wonder that we are cynical about our politicians. As each day passes we are becoming more deeply embroiled in a war that most of us were strongly against starting. In order to deviate attention and to placate backbenchers like Tony Banks and

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Double delight lifts KVCC bid

FANTASTIC fielding guided Kidderminster Victoria to a second Birmingham and League Division One victory over the Bank Holiday weekend. KVCC recorded a three-wicket win at Stratford on Monday, several days after a superb home victory over much-fancied

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Guide dogs support

THE committee of the North Cotswold Branch of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association would like to thank all those who supported their flag day in Moreton-in-Marsh, when £226.83 was collected. With ever-rising prices, the cost of breeding and training

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The army of volunteers is vital for all...

NATIONAL Volunteers' Week this week aims to entice more people into voluntary roles in the community. Workers at Evesham Volunteer Centre have warned that without more volunteers and more money, some of the services which hundreds of local people rely

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Riches finds batting brilliance in clash

CHADDESLEY Corbett's Jon Riches ensured basement boys Netherton are still without a victory on Monday. Riches crashed 117 runs as Chaddesley swooped for a four-wicket Worcestershire League Division One success. Rowan Vorster (6-58) earlier claimed another

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Bank too steep for cricketers

SATURDAY provided disappointment for Cookley whose firsts and seconds both came unstuck at the hands of Astwood Bank. The club's slow start to the Worcestershire League Division Two season continued as the first team could only muster 144-8 against promotion-chasing

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Stourport slump to new leaders

STOURPORT were unable to stop Belbroughton's charge up to the Worcestershire League Division Two summit. They were bowled out for 143 on Saturday with Andy Farmer tearing through the batting order with 6-37. In reply, teenager Lee Nightingale smashed

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Brintons' draw drama

BRINTONS lost their last wicket with just one run needed to record an exciting tie with Belbroughton. The Kidderminster side slipped down to second in Worcestershire League Division Five due to Cutnall Green's victory. They dismissed Belbroughton for

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It's Green day

CUTNALL Green romped to a 24-point success on Saturday and hit the top of Worcestershire League Division Five. Neil Fletcher (95) and Allan Morgan (82) powered Green to 227-7 before they dismissed Alvechurch and Hopwood for 96 in reply. Cutnall Green

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Kimberlin style

THERE were mixed fortunes in two games for Kidderminster Victoria U-15s who defeated Worcester but lost to Dominies. The town club finished eight runs short of Dominies' total last week, despite good knocks from Chris Baldwin (39), Andrew Kimberlin (23

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George jubilation at opening victory

THE George gained a first win of the season in Stainweld Wednesday League Division B when they beat Bayton by nine wickets. Brintons moved into second place in Division A with an eight-wicket victory over Gas. Arley and Wolverley Village proceeded into

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Honours board

BATTING TOP 10 134no Andrew Kimberlin (KVCC 4ths) May 22 123no Tom Sheriff (KVCC) May 9 117 Jon Riches (Chaddesley) May 31 112no Gavin Evans (KVCC 2nds) May 22 112no Matt Friedlander (KVCC) May 31 109no Will Gifford (KVCC) May 29 107 Andrew Kimberlin

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Cricket fixtures

SATURDAY (1.30pm unless stated) BIRMINGHAM LEAGUE DIVISION ONE Shrewsbury v KVCC (1pm) SECONDS PREMIER DIVISION KVCC 2nds v Halesowen (1.30pm) WORCESTERSHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE Bromyard v BEWDLEY (2nds home) Kington v CHADDESLEY CORBETT (2nds home) DIVISION

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Equality on the agenda

MOVES to improve equality and diversity guidelines at Worcestershire County Council are set for assessment by the public. The plans, which aim to eliminate unlawful discrimination, promote equal opportunities and encourage fair access to council services

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Making music

CHILDREN at a Worcester school tapped into their creative side through a range of dance routines and musical creations. Pupils at Ronkswood Infant School in St Alban's Close were set the challenge of finding the right moves across a wide variety of themed

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Elgar festival

SOME of the world's most famous classical musicians have gathered in Malvern for the start of an international festival celebrating the music of Edward Elgar. Cellist Natalie Clein and singer Robert Pomakov are among a host of musicians taking part in

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Man denies race charges

A 47-year-old man denied racially aggravated harassment of a married woman when he appeared before a judge at Worcester Crown Court. Gordon How, of Church Street, Evesham, denied abusing the woman on the phone and demanding that she leave a flat in Evesham

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The Weeks go by for Albert, aged 100 years

FIVE generations of a Vale family came together to celebrate a remarkable milestone. Albert Weeks was joined by dozens of his relatives aged from ten-weeks upwards to mark his 100th birthday. Mr Weeks, who has lived in Heathlands, Pershore, since the

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Anger at fee for 'Lifeline'

Charging for alarm system sparks fears for the elderly PENSIONERS' lives will be at risk once an alarm system - which calls the emergency services for OAPs who need urgent help at home - becomes fee-paying, it has been claimed. More than 1,300 elderly

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Baby ordeal left me 'sad and empty'

A KIDDERMINSTER man has called for a self-contained unit for terminations at Worcestershire Royal Hospital after a painful experience while emotionally supporting his wife. Adrian Taylor, 33, said he had been left "sad and empty" during the 17-hour ordeal

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Parents' fury at schools U-turn

ANXIOUS parents desperately waiting to find out where their child will go when a Wolverley special school shuts next month have slammed education chiefs after what they called a "shameful" U-turn left them hanging on over half-term. Worried mums and dads

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Storm over bid to move coffee shop

OLIVER EVANS reports from the annual meeting of The League of Friends of the Kidderminster Hospitals. SUPPORTERS of Kidderminster Hospital have hit out at health chiefs who are looking to move a volunteer-run coffee shop to "totally unsuitable" new premises

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60th anniversary of D Day

l D-Day, June 6,1944 saw Allied forces land in occupied France to begin the liberation of Europe. It was the largest amphibious invasion in history. The subsequent battle of Norm-andy involved one million men and helped seal the fate of the Third Reich

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Showcase for heart group

THE breadth of support available through a group dedicated to helping Wyre Forest people with heart problems is being showcased during a week highlighting the issue. Take Heart - The Wyre Forest Heart Support Group, is urging anyone in the district who

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Dunnington

SCHOOL SHOW: Dunnington School staged a musical evening performed by the children, in conjunction with Stop Listen and Play, a children's university module. The children performed with the visiting musicians English Seranata, who perform in many venues

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Fladbury

ANNUAL MEETING: At Fladbury Parish Council's annual meeting, all the existing councillors accepted office for the forthcoming year. It was agreed that Mrs C Worthington should be co-opted onto the council, replacing Mr Ian Baldry who had resigned. The

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Livestock's up at Show

A DETERMINED effort to retain the traditional food and farming focus of a long-running agricultural show is finally paying dividends for the organisers, the Three Counties Agricultural Society. Livestock entries for the Three Counties Countryside Show

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Oddington

ANNUAL MEETING: At the recent annual meeting of the parish, coun Alan Cox, chairman of the parish council, gave a report on the activities for the past year. Planning applications were almost halved this past year. Reduced speed limits were put into effect

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Wickhamford

GARDENING CLUB: At the May meeting at the memorial hall, David Worthington, a former teacher at Chemlsley Wood School, gave a talk about his experiences of Showing at Chelsea. Currently taking a part-time HNC course at Pershore and running a garden centre

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Disgust at dental treatment

MAY I write to you with most disgust at the way that the Community Hospital dentist is run. On Friday, May 28, I developed a toothache, and as normal took some paracetamol ease the pain, it came and went but on Saturday afternoon began to get worse, (

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Thrilling times at Elbury Mount

THE six years since 1998, when Worcestershire Education Director Julien Kramer launched his bid to close down Worcester's Elbury Mount Primary School, have been traumatic. To us, his reasons were sound. He believed the school wasn't delivering a good

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On the town with the rural innocents

A CLASSIC farce by 'a writer described as 'one of the world's cleverest playwrights' provides a showcase for Malvern Theatres' resident amateur company. Tom Stoppard's On the Razzle is adapted from Einen Jux will er sich machen by Viennese writer Johann

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Super ski at school

SKIING: Fencing is not the only sporting talent of a 12-year-old Chaddesley Corbett schoolgirl. Winterfold House School pupil Frankie Pioli proved she is an ace on the ski slope too by becoming national schools U-14s champion in Hemel Hemstead. Pioli

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Samurai provides highlight

JUDO: Kate Walker was the outstanding player for Great Britain at the Russian International Team Challenge in St Petersburg. Kidderminster's Samurai Judo Club star served up one of the British victories in a 15-3 defeat to the Russian A team as many of

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New pro will be driving ahead

GOLF: Patrick Smith's family specialise in the motor trade but the only driving career he has ever wanted is out on the fairways. Now the 25-year-old is set to realise a long-standing ambition by becoming head professional at Kidderminster Golf Club.

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Strokeplay prize back to district

GOLF: Joe Ferguson and James Toman tied in the Worcestershire County Strokeplay Championships at Redditch. The Kidderminster Golf Club pair will have an 18-hole play-off after they could not be separated, with both shooting a 36-hole total of 149. Ferguson

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Future is Rose-y after cup victory

GOLF: Jon Rose won the Aggborough Cup at Kidderminster with a nett 68, one shot ahead of Rob Hart. Other Aggborough Cup results (handicap 3-19): Malcolm Lockwood 70, Brian Cooper 71 (last nine), Dan Kelly 71. Gophers Trophy (Handicap 20-28): Roger Tunnicliffe

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A happy 80th

GOLF: The Habberley club's 80th birthday was celebrated in true style with a friendly competition followed by a barbeque. Everyone who played was given a bottle of wine and captain Les Wright presented cut glass to those golfers with good results. The

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Owen lifts cup

GOLF: The top 42 made the cut for the second day of the Wharton Park Cup which started with 80 entrants and produced some excellent golf. Results: Steve Owen -9, first round 67 second round 68 total nett 135, Jamie Bedwell -8, 69-67-136, Kevin Fincher

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Saunders leads

GOLF: John Saunders took the honours in Bewdley Pines' Mid-week May Medal competition. Results, Div One: Saunders 77 gross 13 handicap 64 nett, Trevor Eccleshall 86-22-64, Dave Colwell 78-13-65. Pro Shop competition: Jason Horton 43 points, Steve Bird

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Football golds

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Worcestershire's Jamie Dancyger and Philip Woodyatt won gold medals at the European seven-a-side football tournament in Luxembourg. They were on the winning Great Britain men's team which scored 29 goals with none conceded. Claire Andrews

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Bewdley A dent title bid at St John's

BOWLING: Brintons A opened up a two-point lead at the top of the Kidderminster and District Mid-week League after a slip-up from St John's A. They fell to second in Division One following a defeat at Bewdley A but Brintons A held their nerve with a home

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Five years for man who smuggled drugs in pants

A STOURPORT man who tried to smuggle £17,000 worth of cocaine into the country through Birmingham airport to try to pay off his debts has been jailed for five years. Aaron Weavers, 24, of Bullus Road, pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Court to being concerned

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Wood arrives before hour in time trial

CYCLING: Dave Wood beat the hour in his first attempt at the Ogmore Valley Wheelers 25-mile time trial on Sunday. Wood finished in 56 minutes 11 seconds at Glenneath, Wales, to make the best of perfect conditions after setting fast personal best times

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Society gathering

BOTH members and non-members of Stourport Civic Society are being invited to attend the group's next meeting next Thursday. It begins at the town's Social Day Centre at 7.30pm. Guest speaker will be Chris Crean, of the West Midlands Regional Sustainability

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Superb at schools

ROWING: Two Bewdley Rowing Club crews reached the later stages of their events at the National Schools Championships on Saturday. Four Bewdley teenagers, Andy Jarvis, Alex Holden-Smith, Graham Glen and Tom McNeil, coxed by Sian Thompson, finished fifth

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Smith's tall order

BOXING: Stourport welterweight Ernie Smith was stopped with 25 seconds of the third round left in Huddersfield last week. The Wyre Forest boxer stepped in at short notice to provide an opponent for unbeaten Liverpool fighter Graham Delehedy. With all

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Don't I know you from somewhere?

MICHAEL Howard hit the city streets with gusto, meeting refuse collectors, talking to shoppers and delivering a speech in front of the Elgar statue. He told voters his party would work hard to wrest powers back from the European Union, after taking a

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Fuel blockade? I'll be there with my tractor, says farmer

A WORCESTERSHIRE farmer says he is willing to join a blockade in order to force the Government to lower the tax burden on the cost of fuel. Mark Rawlings, who runs a 400-acre farm in Cleeve Prior, near Evesham, said only this morning he placed an order

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Private sector set to move in

A PRIVATE Canadian health firm could be contracted to perform knee and hip operations in a bid to slash waiting list times at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. The operations would be carried out at the new multi-million pound Kidderminster Treatment Centre

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Cutting edge new school design gathers backing

A "THRILLING" school development moved a step closer after councillors backed plans to transform a Worcester primary school. Proposals to build a state-of-the-art school to replace Elbury Mount Primary, in Fairfield Close, have been approved by city councillors

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Shindig invitation to county's village halls

A NEW scheme is being launched to take a range of professional live art shows to village halls and community venues across Worcestershire. The scheme - Shindig - is a joint initiative between all councils in Worcestershire and Arts Council England and

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Comedy cash for charity

A WORTHY charity dedicated to supporting youngsters who have lost a mum, dad or sibling, is thrilled with news of a £44,000 boost. The Noah's Ark Trust was awarded £44,076 by Comic Relief, and has now received the first instalment of more than £7,000.

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Have you got time to help our life-saving helicopter?

KIND-HEARTED Worcestershire residents are being urged to make a real difference to their community and become a volunteer for the County Air Ambulance service. The calls have been made to coincide with the 20th National Volunteers' Week, which this year

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POOLE HALL

FRED Jarvis was top angler, landing 87lb of mixed fish, the best a 18.5lb common. Jarvis managed other weights from 6.5lb to 10lb off peg 26 on the Heron Pool, using maggot and luncheonmeat bait. Other weights recorded from all pools varied from 36lb

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Expansion has to be managed

CONCERNS over the impact of the University College Worcester expansion must be managed carefully, the city's main political parties have warned. UCW is planning to increase its numbers by 5,000 over the next eight years with a £100m second campus on the

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Gardeners ready for a G-Day raid!

FLOWERBEDS and colourful cottage gardens in a picture postcard Worcestershire hamlet will be opened to the public this weekend. Eight residents of Uphampton, near Ombersley, have been preparing for the open day, which is held annually on the first Sunday

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MOORLANDS FARM

WEDNESDAY, Meadow, 24 fished: Giles Cockrane 103-6 (37), Eric Banner 71-5 (19), C Astbury 71-1 (17). Thursday, Moors: Harry Ward 121-4 (15), C Daly 85-12 (1), N Clarke 74-2 (21). Meadow, 10 fished: Dave James 153-9 (58), Steve Harris 83-6 (11), Ward 65

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Bog standard, actually...

IT was, as Australians might say, a deluxe dunny. Angola is not a land where toilets are 10 a penny. In some far-flung parts they're not even one a penny, so by those standards, this was a Carlton among khazis. Not only did the action station itself resemble

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Vital role fighting the hidden enemy

AS a young able seaman on board the cruiser HMS Wild Goose, George Atkins knew something was up in those late spring months of 1944, but not quite what. In the first week of May, Wild Goose had been recalled to the Royal Navy base at Scapa Flow for its

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KIDDERMINSTER & DISTRICT AA

SILVER Fish, Pool: Trevor Wills 7-2, Pete Knowles 6-4, Paul Wright 4-0. There will be a match on Saturday with an 8am draw.

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BEWDLEY AS

A CONTEST will be on Sunday at Grinnalls Pools, Clows Top. Names should be submitted to 01299 861289.

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Castle theft

A bouncy castle and a generator used to inflate it were stolen from a pub in Rock. The equipment was taken from the Duke William, Callow Hill, between 11pm on Sunday and 8.30pm on Monday. The castle was described as blue and yellow, with four corner posts

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WRENS NEST AC

SUNDAY'S match is on the canal, bridges 10-11. Anglers should meet at Oldington Lane for the 8am draw.

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No mention of bus services

A DILEMMA arises for the voter at the coming local election. One might think community-consciousness is an essential requirement of candidates offering to serve on Wyre Forest District Council. Perusal of election literature, however, reveals a surprising

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Carnival times

UNFORGETTABLE rock legends and rather regrettable fashion faux pas were equally celebrated when the 1970s-themed Evesham Carnival came to town. The town's streets were packed with people brave enough to revisit the decade that spawned bell-bottoms, platform

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Standing up against ageism

I AM writing to ask readers of the Shuttle/Times and News to support the Mobilise campaign which is fighting to end the injustice of age discrimination in disability benefits. The Mobilise campaign has the backing of numerous organisations, including

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Take part in the Vale trail

A VALE Trail has been devised by Wychavon District Council to take in the best of farm shops, garden centres and nurseries, pick-your-own and visitor attractions. There are also details of horticultural events and farmers' markets, where to stay, where

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Milestone for Acorns

FAMILIES, supporters and staff at Acorns' new hospice for children throughout the three counties of Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire were celebrating this week over a major milestone in the £4 million building project. The hospice, at

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Courses for horses

EQUESTRIANS competing at this year's Three Counties Countryside Show from June 18-20 are to benefit from extensive improvements to facilities. The Three Counties Showground, home of the Three Counties Agricultural Society, hosts in the region of 20 separate

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Toddlers will benefit at hall

YOUNGSTERS in Cropthorne and Charlton will benefit from new play facilities by Cropthorne Village Hall. The village hall committee applied to Wychavon District Council for planning permission to construct a toddler play area, skateboard area, multi-use

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People and glasshouses

VILLAGERS are being urged to have their say about plans for a glasshouse in Fladbury that would cover a greater area than the Millennium Dome. An application for the 8.3-hectare construction at Springhill Farm has been submitted by Evesham Vale Growers

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3/6/04 - Hinton quits the Harriers

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers favourite Craig Hinton has quit the club and signed for Third Division rivals Bristol Rovers on a free transfer. The 26-year-old, who has been at the Aggborough club for six years, rejected the offer of a new two- year contract

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Career best for County spinner

GARETH Batty took advantage of some dismal Northamptonshire batting to capture a career-best 7-52 and put Worcestershire in command on the opening day of the Frizzell Championship Division One clash at Wantage Road. Watched by England selector Geoff Miller

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Van the Man claims best bowler award

ANDREW Van Vuren prefers batting but his bowling exploits have earned him the Evening News/Fearnley Factory Shop Cricketer of the Week award. The 38-year-old's 7-68 helped his Droitwich side defeat Netherton by three wickets -- no mean feat for a man

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Chance to see ballet's stars of the future

ONE of Britain's most popular dance companies, Ballet Central returns to The Theatre, Chipping Norton, on Wednesday, June 16, with a varied selection of work displaying the inspiring talents of the dancers. Sponsored for the third year by ScottishPower

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ASTLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Judy Berrow, county organiser for the National Gardens Scheme, spoke to the club on May 19, with several members' gardens included in the presentation. The club followed this with a coach travelling over the Horseshoe Pass to Bodnant Gardens the following

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Course for stone walls

BROADWAY has been selected to host a course which teaches the techniques of dry stone walling. The Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership has set 19 new dates for courses, including Broadway in October, following the success of similar

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COOKLEY WI

The group joined with Wolverley WI for the meeting in Wolverley church hall. The resolutions for 2004 were presented to members by Pat Bell, Maggie Gregg and Janet Murray and a vote was taken, the results will go to the annual meeting. After a supper

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KIDDERMINSTER CYCLING CLUB

Members will take part in a 200k ride from Broadheath on Saturday, an event run by Worcestershire CTC. On Sunday there will be two rides. The A ride will start at 9am, but the destination will not be decided until the day. The C ride, starting at 9.30am

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BURLISH PARK TG

At the May meeting, two ladies spoke of their work at Home Start which is a voluntary organisation which helps young families who are experiencing difficulties. Members had visited the Rose Theatre to see Caught in the Net, but a walk in the Wyre Forest

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LICKHILL "E" TG

The guest speaker at the May 20 meeting was Sylvia Sheldon, who gave an illustrated talk on the Wyre Forest. On May 18 several of the members took part in the Macmillan Mile walk to raise funds for the Macmillan Nurses charity. This was followed by an

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WYRE FOREST SOCIETY

"June in the Meadow" is the title of the meeting on Saturday at the Horse and Jockey, Cleobury Road, Far Forest. The guest speaker will be John Gerrard. The meeting will start at 10am.

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Hey, hey it's the Sixties

A ROLLERCOASTER ride of 60s hits will have the audience dancing in the aisles at Cheltenham Town Hall on Sunday. A cast of 10 multi-talented, multi-instrumental singers and musicians will perform more than 35 of the greatest 60s hits, from The Beatles

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STOURBRIDGE AND DISTRICT CATS PROTECTION

This year's Cat Walks all take part on the weekend of June 26 and 27 and over 80 branches are taking part across the country. Stourbridge and District Branch's walk takes part on Sunday June 27 at 2pm. The walk takes place around Cotwall End Valley in

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BRITISH SUGARCRAFT GUILD WYRE FOREST BRANCH

The branch will have a change of venue for its monthly meeting on June 10 to Astley and Dunley Village Hall due to the usual venue being used for local elections. The meeting will start at 7.30pm when Rosalind Kelly will be demonstrating folk art. Visitors

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Invitation to the dance

THE Theatre at Chipping Norton has a variety of activities on offer during half term for children and adults. Workshops on offer for children have a space age theme and include dance classes today from 10am to 11am for four to six-year-olds and from 11.30am

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Cooking up a storm

THE popular chef at a Chaddesley Corbett hotel has earned further praise for his high quality cuisine. Jerome Barbancon took third place in the Aubrey Allen Midlands Chef of the Year competition. Eight top chefs from around the Midlands converged on Birmingham

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Buggies damaged

AROUND £6,000 of damage was caused to several vehicles in a Bewdley golf club after burglars broke into a compound and drove them around the course. West Mercia Constabulary spokeswoman, Julie Wedgbury, said seven golf buggies had been taken out of their

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School moves step nearer target

A BID to secure £500,000 for Bewdley High School has taken a step closer to its target with a fund-raising quiz night. More than £5,000 was raised at the event, at the Ramada Hotel in Bewdley last month, putting the school on course to receive the cash

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Teens bailed

Three teenagers were arrested in Bewdley after 40 badges were stolen from cars in the town. West Mercia Constabulary spokeswoman, Julie Wedgbury, said three youths had been arrested for theft of car badges after a member of the public reported seeing

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Loss of privacy fears

RESIDENTS fighting an extension mooted for a house in a leafy Bewdley street will have to wait another month to find out if their fears have been heeded by councillors. Members of Wyre Forest District Council's planning (development control) committee

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Veteran 3/6/04 - Carty set for knee surgery

VETERAN Worcester City full-back Paul Carty is to have routine surgery on a cartilage injury. The veteran sustained the injury against Stafford Rangers in April but a recent scan has revealed no major damage. The 37-year-old is due to see a specialist

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Health chief in vow over crisis

HEALTH boss, John Rostill, was given a round of applause by the friends after a frank speech where he admitted to a hospital "financial crisis". The chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust - which runs Kidderminster Hospital - was

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Friends cannot spend money

MORE than £500,000 is lying unused in the Friends' bank account - because there is nothing at Kidderminster Hospital worth spending it on. The treasurer of the fund-raising group said the financial picture was "almost an embarrassment" but came from "

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3/6/04 Melligan could be future target

AS well as confirming his pursuit of strikers Richard Walker and Phil Jevons, Jan Molby is also keeping a close eye on John Melligan's future. The former Harriers loan favourite, who won the title with Doncaster playing on the right side of midfield,

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Win a Polo! Find out how you could win a brand new Volkswagon Polo E1.2, only in your Worcester Eve

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Still time to win Apple iPod

IT is the must-have gadget of the new century, the essential companion for any self-respecting music fan. We are, of course, talking about the Apple iPod, the little white box which has revolutionised the way we listen to music - and we've got one of

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Are you Toon enough?

TOONTOWN needs saving! The evil Cog robots are threatening to rid the world of fun and colour, turning it into a miserable grey metropolis where no-one laughs any more. Are you Toon enough to help save it? If so, come online and join Mickey and friends

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Gheluvelt Park swans need protecting

I VISITED Gheluvelt Park a fortnight ago and saw that the council had put up notices warning that anyone interfering with the nesting swans would be prosecuted. It seems to have done the trick as five cygnets hatched there a week ago. How different things

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It's back to the future for town

BRIGHT bank holiday sunshine helped to draw the crowds to Pershore Carnival on Monday. As well as the procession through the middle of town, the event also included a farmers market, craft fair, funfair, radio road show, dog show and fire station open

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Le Pen and the National Front... what's difference?

n NOW that Abu Hamza is to be deported, perhaps Carole Roberts can answer my question raised several weeks ago regarding the difference between Le Pen of the French National Front, who the BNP cheerfully embrace, and the British National Front, a question

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Art arsonist may be public spirited

I KNOW this is the silly election season but I am tempted to wonder whether, if anyone did set fire to the London warehouse containing the "modern" art, she or he may not have performed a public service. I also wonder whether the chap who threw a condom

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There's no shortage of things to prohibit

IT would appear that Mr Spiteri has been watching too much BBC "telly." His letter headlined "Smokes curb needed" is the product of the propaganda now routinely disseminated by the left-wing loony High Priests who now run the Boring Broadcasting Company

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June 3, 2004

LACK of NHS dentists, trains to Birmingham New Street and buses have been concerns raised with me frequently recently. The shortage of dentists is a national problem. A survey by the British Dental Association has found widespread opposition to the Government's

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Parish to fight plans to remove payphone

BROADWAY parish council intends to fight BT's plans to remove a payphone from the village. Clerk Eddie Vickers told the council the removal of the kiosk near the junction of Leamington Road and High Street would affect many elderly residents in the area

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Wild about wildlife

AN exciting wildlife adventure including honey tasting, mask making and badger crafts will be on offer at Croome Park near Severn Stoke this weekend. The National Trust has organised the Wild About Wildlife event, which will include a migration game with

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Townsfolk to star on RST stage

STRATFORD residents will have the chance to take to the stage and express their thoughts on living in Shakespeare's home town during a new RSC event. The company is looking for people to create their own piece of work on the theme of living in Stratford

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3/6/04 Swifts just Ball watching

TOP scorer Richard Ball has been slapped on the transfer list in a shock move, just a week after seemingly committing his future to Stourport Swifts. The striker bagged 22 goals for Swifts last season, despite spending a short time away from Walshes Meadow

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Eileen is an office angel

EILEEN Austin's office skills paid dividends when she carried off a Secretary of the Year title in a competition run by a Kidderminster-based employment agency. The personal assistant to the managing director of Stourport firm, TP Activity Toys, beat

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Top dogs

THE Kidderminster and District Branch of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association held two flag days in Wyre Forest. On April 24 in Kidderminster, £569 was raised and on May 22 in Stourport, £374.12 was collected.

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James and the giant leap

A CHADDESLEY Corbett pub landlord and four of his regulars will be having a drop with a difference when they take part in a sponsored parachute jump. James Wood, host of the Fox Inn, will be down in one when he carries out the tandem jump near Nottingham

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Donations required

Blood donors are being asked to give during sessions being held at Kidderminster's Trinity Methodist Church tomorrow and next Friday, June 11. The sessions at the Churchfields-based venue run between 1pm and 3.15pm and 4.30pm and 7.15pm on each day. New

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Heads hope to win award

HEAD teachers of two Wyre Forest schools are hoping to come top of the class after being shortlisted in an awards competition. David Seddon, of Baxter College, and Tom Revell, of Sladen CE Middle School, are among contenders in the Teaching Awards 2004

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Carers' registration card launched

PEOPLE who look after sick or elderly relatives can now register themselves as carers with their local GPs. A new GP carer registration card has been launched to ensure doctors know whether their patients are carers. That will make them aware whether

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Treasure trail for teenagers

AS part of the Caldwall Capers event, teenagers from five Wyre Forest schools will be taking part in an historic treasure hunt on Friday, June 25, Teams of four from Baxter College, St John's Middle, Wolverley High, Stourport High and King Charles High

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Registerservices expand

SPECIAL events in the lives of Wyre Forest residents can now be celebrated through an expansion of Worcestershire County Council's registration service. Services recently introduced are re-affirmation of wedding vows and a ceremony of naming, giving parents

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Awards honour heroes

LIFESAVERS have been given the opportunity to have their good deeds recognised through a gala awards dinner, which features the chance to meet Tony Blair. The Vodafone Life Savers Awards honours Britain's most inspiring rescue stories. They are open to

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Fun afternoon to boost school funds

Bayton School is holding a fun afternoon to boost the coffers of its Parent Teachers Association. The event, on the school's playing fields, takes place on Saturday, June 12, beginning at 2pm. Among attractions will be an exhibition of Enfield motorcycles

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Saxophonist plays at cheese and wine

People attending an event being run by a league of friends for a Stourport doctors' practice will be entertained by a saxophonist during the evening. Peter King will play when the Friends of York House host a cheese and wine event at Stourport Social

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Double bill of ducks and jazz before carnival

A DOUBLE bill of fun and entertainment is lined up as part of Kidderminster's carnival's capers, ahead of the big day, which takes place on Saturday, June 19. First up will be the town's annual duck race, on the River Stour at Tesco's bridge, on Saturday

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Interpreter of piano music in town concert

A PIANIST who combines a career as a soloist and chamber musician with music education, lecturing and writing is to perform at Kidderminster Library. Duncan Honeybourne, who has given solo recitals throughout the UK and Ireland, will include pieces by

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Facelift for rail bridge

THE Severn Valley Railway's century-old bridge at the line's Bridgnorth station has been renovated with the backing of £35,000 contributed through building society proceeds. The money was channelled into the work from the West Bromwich Building Society's

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Classic music feast to boost centre's funds

A FEAST of light classical music is set to raise the rafters of Stourport Civic Hall to raise cash for a Kidderminster centre providing information and support for dementia sufferers. Stourport Brass Band will be playing at the concert on Saturday, June

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'Good record' on overpaying

WYRE Forest District Council has a good record when it comes to recovering the benefits which have been overpaid to residents, councillors have been told. Members at a meeting of the council's executive heard the council was owed £328,441 in housing benefit

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Theatre

Rose, Kidderminster - Pride and Prejudice, Monday until June 12. Witley Court, Great Witley - Macbeth, Saturday/Sunday. Alexandra, Birmingham -Carmen, Sunday. Crescent, Birmingham - Teapots and Superglue, until Saturday. Hippodrome, Birmingham - Rambert

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Exhibitions

County Museum, Hartlebury - Lifting the Lid, until September 30. Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham - Works on Paper, until Sunday. Talking Coins:1,800 Years of Numismatic Treasures, until October. Symphony Hall, Birmingham - Czechmania, until

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Mini-Olympics is a hit with stars of the future

THE countdown to this summer's Olympic Games began in earnest for pupils at Bewdley's Wribbenhall First School as they took to the field for a mini-version of the event. Some 250 pupils took part in 10 events, including a 100-metre sprint, shot put, long

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WIs hit stage for variety evenings

A FEAST of "olde time" entertainment, including melodrama and music, is set to entertain theatregoers in Kidderminster as 30 members of Worcestershire Federation of Women's Institutes take to the stage. The WI Variety Playhouse is being performed at The