Archive
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Child career course
ANYONE interested in learning about working with children may benefit from a free introductory course from Worcestershire Early Years and Childcare Service. Organisers are urging anyone interested in such a career to attend to find out about the opportunities
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Goals galore as visitors score late to clinch win
Walsall II 6, Evesham II 8 AS THE scoreline illustrates, Saturday's game was a right old thriller! Evesham took control of the game from the whistle and Mark Dufty opened the scoring with a shot from the top of the D that hit the roof of the net. Walsall
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Bragg nets a vital treble
Bretforton II 5, Cheltenham CS 3 TRAILING 3-2 early in the second half Bretforton staged a superb fightback to record an excellent friendly success last Saturday. The visitors opened the scoring but Sarah Bragg levelled courtesy of an effort from the
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Bumper hamper
FESTIVE hampers full of Christmas treats can be won in a charity raffle launched by the British Heart Foundation. BHF shops in Worcestershire and Herefordshire are selling tickets for £1 each, giving local people the chance to win a hamper worth more
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Classical
INNOVATIVE classical musicians, Chamber Domaine, will be performing at Avoncroft's Guesten Hall on Wednesday, November 3. For more information visit www.bromsgrove-concerts.org.uk
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Litter louts will be hit in pocket
PLANS to hit Worcester litter louts with on-the-spot fines have moved a stage closer. Councillors have said they will look into how the idea can be developed, with implementation possibly coming next April. A series of proposals were drawn up as to how
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Rainmaker hope to see the crowds pour in for charity
ROCK band Rainmaker host a night of toe-tapping live music in aid of the County Air Ambulance Charity at Evolution, in Lowesmoor, Worcester on Friday night. Drummer Jamie May has organised the event as a thank you to the Air Ambulance after their assistance
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Hear plot of the Plot before the fireworks
THE story of the Gunpowder Plot will be performed before this year's bonfire at Crowle, near Worcester. The unusual prelude to the village's traditional family fireworks celebration marks the 25th anniversary of bonfire parties in the village and has
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Great fun in the bedroom
RUBERY drama group's Bedroom Farce had the audience rolling in the aisles on its opening night at Beacon Church Centre. The Alan Ayckbourn production, brilliantly directed by David Morris, opened at the Whetty Lane venue last Thursday. Set in three bedrooms
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At last, putting a value on literacy
"OUR greatest concern is - and will always be - that the standard of written English and numeracy among our young adults is lacking and doesn't serve society well. "That's a sweeping generalisation, of course. But the concern is shared by lecturers and
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'THE ERROR WAS OURS'
REDDITCH United look set to be deducted points coupled with a fine by the Nationwide Conference for fielding an ineligible player against Hinckley United on September 18. The man in question - Scott Voice - was in the last week of a month's loan at Solihull
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County test for Jenny
REDDITCH hockey sensation Jenny Mitchell has been handpicked for the Worcestershire Girls Under-17s squad. St Augustine's High School pupil Jenny, 14, has been playing since the age of 11 and was spotted at the Worcestershire Youth Games recently. After
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Eye unit is still 'under pressure'
THE former chairman of a health watchdog fears staff at a Redditch eye unit are still under "severe pressure", despite recent improvements. Councillor David McGrath, who recently underwent an eye operation at the Alexandra Hospital, said the lead consultant
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No new cases
ENVIRONMENTAL health officers are still hunting the mystery source of a recent Legionnaires Disease outbreak in Redditch which has already claimed two lives. A fourth case was diagnosed in the town just two weeks ago. Dr Alan Tweddell, of the Health Protection
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Jacqui drops in for a visit
REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith last week visited the Alexandra Hospital to see the measures being taken to fight infection. She met with Michael O'Riordan, chairman of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Dr Chris Catchpole, the trust's director of infection
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Bingo! Tenants get cash
MORE than half a neighbourhood group's budget has been designated for a St George's tenant's association, but councillors have said remaining money is "still waiting to be snapped up". At a recent meeting of Lodge Park, Lakeside and St George's Neighbourhood
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No stopping Sylla
Redditch United 3 Aston United 2 IT was that man again Stormin' Norman Sylla who dug Redditch United out of a rut to secure all three points for the Reds at a chilly Valley Stadium. Sylla's two second half goals coupled with a late Simon Hollis strike
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Bikes stolen
POLICE are hunting six youths who were seen pushing bikes which were still wrapped up after a theft from a town firm. The bicycles worth £1,500 were stolen from Oxleaslow Road on Sunday, October 17 at about 4.30pm. The youths were seen pushing new bicycles
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Studley stung by cup exit
Studley 0 Loughborough 1 A SINGLE goal ten minutes into the second half was enough to halt the Bees progress in the Midland Alliance League Cup. Bees manager Kevin Rowlands said his team had the better of the first 70 minutes but lacked a cutting edge
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Green light for homes on carcass burner site
OUTLINE plans for housing on a site currently earmarked for an animal carcass incinerator have been given the go-ahead. A planning application for seven luxury homes in Popes Lane, Astwood Bank, has now been referred to the Secretary of State for a final
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Bees get derby day
STUDLEY will be hoping to emulate last season's unbelievable FA Vase run next month when they get their first outing in the competition against Midland Combination Premier outfit Barnt Green Spartak in the second round proper. Bees boss Kevin Rowlands
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£105m TO BRING THE SKILLS OF LIFE ALIVE
THE biggest shake-up in education and skills ever to hit the two counties has been unveiled in an annual £105m package. The Learning and Skills Council Herefordshire and Worcestershire aims to spend the Treasury handout to revolutionise the way people
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Why Chrissies 'should move'
ANOTHER pressure group has waded into the furore surrounding the relocation of a major city high school. The future of Christopher Whitehead High School in St John's hangs in the balance as councillors argue whether to replace the dilapidated classrooms
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'Colonel' to join army of the Lord
AFTER three years of hoeing and planting in Worcester's parks, ground maintenance man Andrew Geuter is swapping his hoe for a Bible. He has decided to follow his true calling as an evangelist, after a 40-year career that has covered art, music, farming
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Plea for a new church
AFTER years of planning, the first application for a Baptist church in St Peter's, Worcester, is set to be submitted to the city council by Christmas. Red Hill Baptist Church has been looking for a new venue for over a decade and is currently in the process
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Pupils gather cans for city pensioners
GENEROUS pupils at a city school have collected more than 600 cans for the Harvest Festival, which will be donated to pensioners in St John's. This is just one of a number of fund-raising activities students and staff at Christopher Whitehead High School
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Image of inner torment has vicar reflecting on success
A DRAMATIC image of a statue in a flooded crypt has won a prize in a national photographic competition for Kempsey vicar Peter Holzapfel. His picture, shot in Winchester Cathedral, was placed first in Round Four of the Photographer of the Year competition
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Play within a play celebrates return
BACK by public demand, the hugely successful comedy The Play What I Wrote returns to Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre, for one week only, from Monday. Written and created by Hamish McColl, Sean Foley and Eddie Braben, The Play What I Wrote celebrates Britain's
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Luff's train gripe swipe
TRANSPORT Ministers have been accused of failing to grasp the scale of the problem of overcrowding on Worcestershire trains. Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff referred the complaints of his constituents regarding the Droitwich Spa to Birmingham line to
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What's On Guide
Thursday, October 28 Palace Youth Theatre: The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13, Palace Theatre. Until October 30. Tickets from 65203. Sixties Gold: P J Proby, The Troggs, Herman's Hermits, Ivy League, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Tickets from 0870
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New faces needed
VALE Wanderers are seeking new players for one of their junior squads. The Under-14s squad is in need of bolstering and interested youngsters are invited along to training at Evesham Sports Club in Albert Club on Wed-nesday nights from 6.30pm. More details
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Oddies hit seven and move up to second
ODDFELLOWS Arms moved into second place in Division Two of the Evesham and District Sunday League after victory in a high-scoring match with Defford and Besford. Sears (3), Carter (2), Williams and Haines scored for the Oddies, while Lawson, Alcock and
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Find net but not points
FINDING the net three times proved sufficient for Kenilworth Town to claim a Stratford Alliance maximum last weekend but not enough for Badsey Rangers and Blockley Sports. Kenilworth took three Journal Premier Division points at FISSC but Rangers lost
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Katie's a cracker
Evesham Utd Girls U-13 4, Bredon Colts 4 A LATE equaliser from Katie Armento earned Evesham a point from Saturday's highly entertaining contest. The same player had earlier opened the scoring only or Bredon to level within a minute. Josie Symonds restored
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Let's all be vigilant . . .
I HAVE been thinking of some time of writing in and challenging anyone who prefers to throw their rubbish on the floor instead of in the bin, to write to your paper and explain 'Why?' Now, however, I suppose I really have no need as this morning I met
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Film delights
I WOULD just like to thank the people at the Norbury for putting on films for us. I went to the first one, Stage Beauty , and it was great. Not just the film but the venue. Big enough to have a cosy audience, but small enough to feel at home. You could
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Differing views
I WAS interested to read the letter from 'Appalled' concerning the recent play at the Norbury Theatre Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell. First, may I offer full credit to the letter writer because at least they came to see the show and anyone who takes the trouble
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Elmes is not Civil
Birmingham Civil Service 0 Redditch 15 WITH confidence sky-high at Bromsgrove Road these days, Redditch visited league newcomers Birmingham CS knowing another victory could stretch their lead at the top of North Midlands One. In torrential rain, CS showed
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Lerner shows class
WOODRUSH got their second win of the season under their belts after a 14-11 drubbing of Cleobury Mortimer. New Woodrush coach Matt Elwell said his team controlled the game from the first whistle, despite the inclement weather and managed the result thanks
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Uprising!
THERE have been references in the paper to Droitwich people as 'Spartans'. My ancestors were local salt makers for centuries and this made-up name is insulting to all Droitwich natives. Spartans were a pre-Christian, east Mediterranean, military race,
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Well attired
I WAS sorry to read Tony Woodwards' letter last week. Whilst I can understand his dislike of fox hunting, I cannot agree with his reasoning, which seems to centre on "questionably attired pest controllers", "over-weight" hunters, and "blood lusting followers
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Film delights
I WOULD just like to thank the people at the Norbury for putting on films for us. I went to the first one, Stage Beauty , and it was great. Not just the film but the venue. Big enough to have a cosy audience, but small enough to feel at home. You could
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Differing views
I WAS interested to read the letter from 'Appalled' concerning the recent play at the Norbury Theatre Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell. First, may I offer full credit to the letter writer because at least they came to see the show and anyone who takes the trouble
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It's ladies day!
EVESHAM Rugby Club is staging a "ladies rugby day" at their Avon Street ground on Sunday. Players from the North Midlands Develop-ment Squad are holding a training session from 1.30pm. Then, at 3pm, Worcestershire Ladies Under 17s are playing host to
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Foiled by rain
HEAVY rain foiled Per-shore's attempts to consolidate their position at the top end of Midlands Three West South when last Saturday's scheduled visit to Hereford was postponed. The Piddle Parkers rem-ain second in the table after Barkers Butts won for
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Olympic hopefuls sail on with firm's help
A REDDITCH fastener manufacturer has offered "stern" financial backing to two of the UK's best young sailors who are steering a course for the Olympics. Protex Fasteners, of Lakeside, has signed a sponsorship deal with Rick Peacock, who comes from Redditch
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Estate is sold for £5m
AN industrial estate in Park Farm has been sold for £5 million. Willmoreton Properties, a joint venture between Buccleuch Property and Edinmore Properties Ltd, has sold the freehold for 20-35 Crossgate Road, to clients of CBRE Investors for £5.01 million
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Gourmet
GOURMETS will relish a taste of Italy at Bromsgrove Rugby Club, on Friday November 19. Friends of Bromsgrove Festival are holding an Italian evening to provide some pre-Christmas cheer and to raise funds. Tickets are available at £20 each, which includes
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Explosive time at St Andrew's
MIDLANDS football club Birmingham City will be staging a Fireworks Bonanza at their St Andrew;s Ground on the evening of Sunday, November 7. The event will include a controlled firework display to music and a funfair, so promises to be great fun for all
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What's on guide
Wednesday October 27 FILM: Bride and Prejudice, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 6pm. Thursday October 28 FILM: Bride and Prejudice, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 6pm. FOLK: Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies, Bromsgrove Folk Club
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Stoke Prior WI
A lunch held prior to the October meeting was well attended. It was a leisurely affair with ample time for conversation and exchange of news. It was generally agreed that the arrangement was a success and providing lunch again before some of the future
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Bromsgrove WI
OUR October meeting was well supported and after being welcomed to the meeting by Rene Cridge apologies were received, birthday wishes given out together with details of other WI markets in the area. Roma, our secretary, dealt with the correspondence
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High Street... setting the record straight
WHEN we improve or extend our home, we expect to create mess. But when the work is finished and the litter removed, we are pleased with an enhanced environment. The same is true for our High Street. At present it looks like a building site because, of
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Clent History Society
AT Clent History society's next open meeting on Wednesday, November 10, the distinguished and entertaining Birmingham historian Ken Hughes will be talking about "Sauce, Tea and Custard". You may already realise that the subjects of this illustrated talk
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It's time to remember
IT'S time to remember the brave men and women who fought and died for their country. Bromsgrove's Royal British Legion is launching this year's Poppy Appeal, with door to door collectors starting their rounds this Saturday. Collectors will be calling
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Stars in their eyes
STAFF at a town school are appealing to past star pupils to come forward and shine again in its annual variety show. North Bromsgrove High is gearing up for its tenth anniversary show, which feature performances from staff and students. The school also
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Any colour - as long as it's pink
FOOD from salmon to gammon was available at a nursing home to promote breast cancer awareness. Pink was the colour of the day at the Hall Nursing Home, with staff at the Old Station Road home dressing in pink outfits and giving residents the choice of
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The white stuff
SCHOOL milk could be making a comeback if a campaign involving a Bromsgrove school is successful. Finstall First has teamed up with the Midlands Co-op Diary in an initiative to raise awareness of the availability of subsidised school milk. Many years
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Fahrenheit 9/11 (15)
THIS is a great watch and makes some stunning claims about George W. Bush and the rest of the Bush administration. The question is whether you truly believe all the allegations made or do you focus on the fact that Michael Moore is hugely selective about
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Ice rink idea could save the Spa's lido
DROITWICH Spa Lido could feasibly be re-opened as an open-air pool in the summer and an ice rink in the winter, a town engineer has claimed. John Thistlethwaite, who is a member of the Eden Project in Cornwall, has put forward his ideas for how the historic
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Tech park boom time
INTEREST in Bromsgrove's new technology park is booming more than a year before the site opens for business. Contracts are expected to be signed before Christmas and Peter Michael, the town's economic development chief, says that if serious enquiries
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Toddlers waddle for trust
LITTLE ones did the walk of life in a sponsored toddle waddle for the Meningitis Trust. Twenty toddlers, babies and parents from the nursery of Whitford Hall and Dodderhill School took part in the fundraiser last Thursday. Everyone had to follow the leader
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Cooking up new facilities
A CHARFORD scout group can enjoy improved cooking facilities thanks to Bromsgrove District Housing Association. The association, which took over responsibility for the town's 3,200 council houses in March, has donated a new kitchen to the scout group
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New jewels for mayors?
DESIGNS for a new medal, to be given to past mayors of Droitwich Spa, will be decided by a special committee. Droitwich Spa town councillors Mike Barratt, Kate Spencer and Janet Clarke all volunteered to be on the committee after a decision could not
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Reassesment is nothing to fear
RESIDENTS who have been given special permission to have refuse collectors empty their wheeliebins and recycling boxes have been assured they have nothing to fear from being reassesed - if their case is genuine. The district council has also scotched
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CCTV expertise
BROMSGROVE council is to help make the streets of the neighbouring Wyre Forest district safer for residents. The local authority has agreed to monitor seven district council-owned closed circuit television cameras, which are being installed in Kidderminster
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Musical youth
BUDDING musicians tinkled the ivories in harmonious style at a Spa school. Hundreds of schoolchildren from all over the county got into the groove at Droitwich Spa High School in a workshop staged by Yamaha and Classic FM. The Through Vision Tour had
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A timely reminder
CLOCKWATCHERS will need to turn back the hands of time this weekend. Residents are reminded to turn their clocks back an hour at 1am on Sunday morning signalling the end of British summertime and the arrival of winter. Over at Hanbury Hall staff had the
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Drivers: belt up!
DROITWICH drivers are being urged to belt up in a new campaign aiming to decrease the number of motorists penalised. The warning follows a 73 per cent increase in the number of drivers receiving a fixed penalty for not wearing a seatbelt in south Worcestershire
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Van Helsing (12)
WHAT'S more horrifying than this evil epic of a movie, is how the hell it grossed more than $100 million at the box office? Van Helsing is the latest of Hollywood's fascination with taking not just one, but a few of history's great fiction books and turning
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Signalling future safety
A NEW set of traffic signals has been given the green light by two of Droitwich Spa's civic leaders. Worcestershire county councillors for Droitwich Pam Davey and Peter Pinfield officially opened the new lights at the junction of Tagwell Road and Worcester
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The Day After Tomorrow (12)
IF you only watch this disaster movie for the special effects, it will be worth it because they are fantastic and quite spectacular. However, this film actually sends out quite a worrying message about the dangers of global warming and the devastating
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Improving Pershore still hunting for new manager
PERSHORE Town visit Barnt Green Spartak tomorrow in another vital Midland Combination Premier Division fixture (2.45pm). Director of Football and acting manager Richard Anson, who has seen his side pick up a much needed four points against two sides with
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Foiled by rain
HEAVY rain foiled Per-shore's attempts to consolidate their position at the top end of Midlands Three West South when last Saturday's scheduled visit to Hereford was postponed. The Piddle Parkers rem-ain second in the table after Barkers Butts won for
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Safari up for grabs
AN AMAZING Ken-yan safari, including a week's game bird shooting, is on offer to bidders at the Cou-ntryside Alliance's Countryside Race Day at Cheltenham on Friday, November 12. The Ultimate Travel Com-pany and Ker & Downey have donated the lot for
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'Copter chase drama
A POLICE helicopter searched for more than an hour for a driver who allegedly stole a car from Crabbs Cross in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The car was abandoned at about 12.40am on the island at the junction of Alcester Highway and Rough Hill
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Call for man to come forward
A GOOD samaritan who returned stolen goods to their owners is being sought by police so they can thank him. Three shed and garage burglaries were reported in Ilmington Close, Matchborough, on Monday. Later the same day, a man knocked on the doors of people
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Charity cash is so comforting
SEVERAL weeks ago, some brave souls slept out on the streets of Redditch to raise cash to help homeless youngsters in the town. On August 21, Redditch Nightstop, joined by supporters from various companies, held a sponsored sleep out to raise funds for
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Time to invest in our young
IT is a pity Councillor Rebecca Blake, on her recent visit to Matchborough, did not think to ask sixth form students about the youth shelter I have proposed for the area. I may be cynical but is this because she would have to explain how Matchborough
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I'm worth every penny - Jacqui
REDDITCH MP and Government minister Jacqui Smith has hit back at claims MPs are receiving too much money, saying her expenditure merely enables her to do her job. Ms Smith, Minister of State for Industry and the Regions and Deputy Minister for Women and
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Be grateful you can walk
I AM writing in response to the letters you have published recently regarding disabled parking in Redditch. I am appalled at the responses you have received from able bodied people moaning about the fact they have to walk a little bit further now the
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Scare tactics over crime
I WAS disappointed to see that statements made by Karen Lumley at the Conservative Party conference about violent crime went unchallenged in the Redditch Advertiser (October 20). There is clear evidence her claims are based on dodgy statistics. Evidence
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Tories fighting for POs too
IN replying to Mr King's letter about post offices (Advertiser, October 13), I must point out to him that had it not been for legislation by this Labour Government, we would not be in the situation where we are now having to camapign for post offices
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Chef had sex with teenager
A chef who appeared on TV in a Prince's Trust programme had sex with a drunken 14-year-old schoolgirl, Worcester Crown Court heard. Warren Tonks drank a litre of vodka, four pints of beer and a bottle of cider before the offence. He, the teenager and
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Pub fate hangs in the balance
AN appeal which could decide the fate of the historic 18th Century Duke of Marlborough pub in Studley is set to start on Tuesday. The public inquiry will be held at Studley Village Hall, High Street, as developers McCarthy and Stone look to overturn a
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Pair rescued from car
A MAN and a woman were rescued by boat after they were left stranded in 5ft of water when flash floods struck Wythall. Redditch firefighters were drafted in to rescue the couple, who were found sitting on the roof of their Jeep Cherokee in Hounsfield
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Flying the family flag
ALMOST exactly 64 years after a Second World War Spitfire pilot took his first solo flight, he proudly watched his grandson take to the air by himself for the first time. Former RAF pilot Len Thorne, who was in the thick of action over wartime France,
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Astwood Bank Flower Club
THE October meeting was a practical and had been transferred from the June programme. The title A Basket of Roses was not too appropriate for a wet October evening but the roses were beautiful and the colours splendid. Emma demonstrated an arrangement
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Alcester WI
THERE was a full house of members and visitors for October's meeting, which reflected the popularity of the evening's subject - Private Gardens for Public Pleasure. Mrs J Barrow, Worcestershire organiser for the National Gardens Scheme, gave a beautifully
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Feckenham Forest History Society
At the October meeting, members took part in a practical workshop on Archives for Amateurs organised by founder member Elizabeth Atkins. Three types of local history source were considered - parish records, tithe maps and census records. A study of 1851
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The Redditch Society
ON October 15, a talk on Dudley Castle was given by Adrian Durkin, of Dudley Museums, who began with the history and nature of castles in general. Romantic pictures of castles in books and fairytales were untrue, as basically they were fortified residences
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School of Rock hits the high notes
PUNK, grunge, rock and heavy metal were just a few of the sounds pumping out of Arrow Vale Community High School last Thursday. At Band Night 2004, pupils of all ages gathered to enjoy a musical marathan - performed entirely by the Greensward Lane school's
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Adam eyes summit
ADAM Turner from Evesham excelled in the fifth round of the Junior Championship at Castle Combe achieving 25 points and he now lies third in the league 16 points ahead of his nearest rival. Turner has had a succession of excellent race days this season
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Bob the job for Rollers!
Evesham and District Table Tennis Association THE MK Technical Service Divisions are now under way at Evesham High School on Friday nights. In Division 3A, Littleton Rock and Rollers' Bob Beswick beat both Jamie Anderson and Sam Thomson from clubmates
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Chance to get on track
INDOOR karting facility, Mr Karting in Leamington Spa, has been made one of the National qualifying centres for the 2005 World F1 Drivers' Challenge. The event provides the opportunity for the man in the street to become a racing driver and to compete
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Latest crib league news
Evesham & District League Results - Division One: Bidford RBL 6 (1), Hospital C 3 (2); Angel Vaults 3 (1), Angel Vaults B 6 (2); Norton Grange 3 (1), Railway Club 6 (2); Hampton WMC 4 (1), Rowing Club 5 (2). Division Two: Bear Hotel 3 (3), Coach &
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Eric's on top
THE river was well up for Sunday's racing at Arden SC but a brisk and increasing breeze enabled the dinghies to beat the current. The first race was the Arden Burgee in which Eric Ison in his Laser performed well to win ahead of Niall Campbell and Jane
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Bikers on road
THERE was a good turnout of Evesham Wheelers for Sun-day's run to Tewkes-bury. With quite a strong wind blowing and in bright sunshine, the group headed out via Elmley and into the lanes. Coffee taken, the route home took in Winchcombe and back through
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Teachers are seeing double
TEACHERS at St Nicholas' CE Primary School in Alcester are seeing double this term, for the school has no less than eight sets of twins. But most are not identical so it is not causing too many problems, according to headteacher Sally Staley. Mrs Staley
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Call to refuse £800k funding
A FORMER Greig Centre trustee is calling for Stratford Council to turn down the venue's £800,000 bid for crucial funding. Bill Bayley is writing to Paul Lankester, chief executive of the council, urging him to instruct officers not to give the money to
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Call to restore beauty
A FORMER beauty spot, ruined by cars and four-wheel drive vehicles, should be rescued and returned to its former glory, according to parish councillors. The ford at Coughton, which adjoins the historic stately home Coughton Court, used to be a popular
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Building ruined as cylinders explode
A BUILDING has been destroyed in a blaze that swept through a Lakeside car recovery business in Arthur Street, Redditch, on Sunday. Redditch fire fighters were drafted in at around 6pm to tackle the fire, which took around three hours to extinguish completely
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£60k joy for arts scheme
USERS of a new community project in Studley were delighted to discover they had been granted £60,000 for the next three years from the Lottery Community Fund. Escape: Community Art in Action, which has been running since the spring, has already attracted
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All change for library
OPENING times at Bidford Library are set to change to meet the demands of readers. From November 1, the library, in Bramley Way, will open at 9am and close at 7pm with an hour's lunch break from 1-2pm. On Saturday, the library will open at 9.30am. County
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Woman living in fear after car attacks
A WINYATES East woman whose car has been vandalised twice in two weeks says she is positive it was deliberately targeted. Margaret Berry, whose daughter works at Sainsbury's on Birmingham Road, said both times the dark blue L-registered Peugeot 206 was
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Christmas gifts all wrapped up
IT may only be October but two Alcester women are already wrapping Christmas presents. Pam Boswell and Joy Foster are local organisers for Operation Christmas Child, a charity appeal which sends thousands of shoeboxes full of goodies to deprived children
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Dazzling designs
COPPICE Primary School children proved they had the know-how with a two-day technology event. The Shawhurst Lane school in Hollywood was transformed into a commercial unit, with teams of pupils taking on the challenge to design and make a product. Design
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Tree is a poignant reminder
THE Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre is once again launching its annual Christmas appeal for the Tree of Light. The tree will be situated at the back entrance to Debenhams and the lights will be switched on in conjunction with the Kingfisher Centre's
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A model scheme on offer
ANYONE who has ever fancied being a model may find an Alcester photographer the answer to their dreams. Allan Board is offering a new service, Photographic Experience, which includes a full day shoot at a location of the model's choice. Two practice shoots
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60 years ago October 28, 1944
AN Aston Fields man knocked out two giant tiger tanks in France. Sergeant Frank H Barker, of Coronation Terrace, of Worcestershire Regiment, used his anti-tank gun to take out the German tanks by loading and firing together. He said: "They went by slowly
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Rovers 'swift' exit
ROVERS saw another cup route blocked off when they suffered a disappointing home defeat in this first round tie. It was a night of considerable dejection as they once again let a lead slip and were found wanting in so many facets of the game. The first
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Home tie for Spartak
FA VASE minnows Barnt Green Spartak have drawn neighbours Studley in the next round of the competition - a tie that has left manager GJ Singh with mixed emotions. The Midland Combination Premier Division side have hit form on their travels lately culminating
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No reward from battling display
AN impressive debut from full-back Chris Hooper failed to save Droitwich from a sixth straight league defeat - a result that leaves them rooted to the foot of the table. The youngster, who has been playing his rugby with Worcester's Academy and University
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Spartak delight at Vase victory
EXTRA time goals from Alex Lewis and Simon Campbell secured Barnt Green Spartak's place in the second round of the FA Vase. A late equaliser from Leicestershire outfit Barrow Town made the score 2-2 but the visitors secured a 4-2 win with their extra
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A thriller to lift the spirits of diehards
'I'VE started, so I'll finish' - that famous catchphrase from tv quiz show Mastermind leapt to mind as these two played out a totally enthralling and entertaining draw on what could best be described as a swamp. The heavy rain produced a number of moans
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Visitors stick to their winning game plan
BROMSGROVE may have bagged their first win of the season last week but there was to be no repeat performance at the weekend as they crashed to a 4-1 home defeat at the hands of Yardley. The Birmingham side have been something of a bogey team to Bromsgrove
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Second half strikes seal win
Evesham Ladies 3, Badsey 1 BADSEY started the stronger and more physical side and at times dominated play. Evesham couldn't get into the game and struggled to string passes together and were punished for their efforts when Badsey took the lead midway
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Snatch win at death
Kynoch 2, Pershore 3 PERSHORE maintained their unblemished start to the Coaching Solutions League campaign after coming through easily the toughest game of the season. The visitors opened the scoring after a good move down the right flank. Russell Scudamore
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Barlow's double joy fails to save Lickey
IT was Clements Cup week in the Bromsgrove and Redditch League - the competition where the first and second division teams go in the hat together. Lickey Rocs, without their number one Brian Belcher, put up a good fight at West Midlands Phones C but went
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Inquests - Pillion-riding mum thrown to death from tricycle
A MOTHER was killed after she was thrown off a converted tricycle being ridden by her husband-to-be, an inquest heard. Julia Jones, aged 49, of Hudson Close, Honeybourne, near Evesham, was the pillion passenger of the vehicle ridden by David Churchley
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Sinfonia
CLASSICAL music fans will relish the second concert of the Midland Sinfonia in the 2004/05 season at St Laurence Church, Alvechurch this Saturday. This popular professional chamber orchestra will play work by Mozart, Haydn and Gluck. The concert starts
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Kilimanjaro climb
AN intrepid charity fund-raiser who has made nearly £40,000 for Mencap is hoping slides of his latest adventure will raise even more cash. Peak Engineer Ray Sturdy, of Northwick Road, Worcester, returned home after climbing 19,335ft to the peak of Mount
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Rock for charity
TOP town rock band will be appearing at the Lickey End Social Club, on Alcester Road this Friday. Classic rockers Trigger will be banging out the power chords of Bon Jovi, Queen and Bryan Adams, as well as original material, from 8pm. Tickets are £3 on
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Save energy or face road chaos
A NIGHTMARE vision of even more flooding causing increased transport problems has been revealed in a report forecasting climate change over the next 50 years. Transport chaos caused by heavier downpours in winter will be combined with hotter, drier summers
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Car death man ID'd
A MAN who died in a car accident on the M5 in Worcestershire in the early hours of Saturday morning has been named. Matthew Bawden, aged 37, from Upleadon in Gloucestershire, died after his Audi crashed into a central barrier on the southbound section
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A flaming good time
THIS year's bonfire at King George's Field, off Brickfields Road, Ronkswood, Worcester, will take place on Friday, November 5. It will begin with a lantern procession at 6pm, which will be followed by the lighting of the bonfire and a firework display
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Chicken peril alert
HOUSEHOLDS in Worcestershire have been warned to look out for batches of contaminated organic chicken. Products from Tesco, Waitrose and Morrisons are among those containing traces of nitrofuran, a banned veterinary medicine linked to an increased risk
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Mountain of fans for Palin's signing
ENTHUSIASTIC admirers queued for hours for a brief meeting with Michael Palin when the Monty Python actor and renowned traveller visited Worcester yesterday. His schedule allowed just one hour for signing around 300 copies of his latest book, Himalaya
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Trees to stay after bid fails
AN Alcester couple have lost a bid to remove two large trees from their garden following a campaign by neighbours. David and Jane Bowen were objecting to a tree preservation order placed on the silver birch and western red cedar by Stratford Council because
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Suchet style shines bright
Review - Man and Boy at the Festival Theatre, Malvern (until Saturday). ABSOLUTELY outstanding! Terence Rattigan's thought provoking play is done full justice by two of our top names from the world of stage, film and television - David Suchet's acting
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'Bouncebackability!'
Leamington 2 Redditch 2 REDDITCH waited for the last play of the game on Saturday to make sure of a point away against tough opponents Leamington. Andy Brookes slammed home from a Tom Hiles penalty corner to make sure Redditch stayed unbeaten in the West
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Wythall proving they're a hit
ON SUNDAY Wythall A continued their unbeaten run in Division Two of the Stratford and District League with a 2-2 draw at home to Henley A. Paul Foster and Jake Smith were the first pair for Wythall, playing Howard and Vickers. The home pair began well
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Food fear is allayed
FEARS about the catering department at the Alexandra Hospital have been allayed after a recent investigation. Bromsgrove Councillor David McGrath decided to visit the unit after concerns were voiced during a meeting of the Health and Leisure Scrutiny
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Fixtures
July (friendlies) Thurs 15 PERSHORE TN (H) 6-1 Ross, Vincent, J Clarke (2), Stokes, og SAT 17 HALESOWEN TOWN (H) 1-0 O'Toole TUES 20 COVENTRY CITY (H) 0-1 TUES 27 HEREFORD UTD (H) 0-3 WEDS 28 REDDITCH UTD (H) 1-3 Williams FRI 30 WORCESTER CITY (H) 3-2
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Lumley 'appalled' at PO closures
TORY parliamentary spokesperson Karen Lumley has again hit out at post office closures, saying Conservatives are 'appalled' at recent decisions to cut services across the town. Mrs Lumley said post office trade was declining as a result of legislation
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Clouds lift for couple on voyage
RIVALRY and desire under a hot Cuban sun feature in witty romantic comedy Clouds, by Michael Frayn, at Malvern's Festival Theatre from Monday. Set in Cuba in 1976, the first major revival of the play stars Lloyd Owen and Tara Fitzgerald as world weary
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Last gasp win
Shifnal 1 Feckenham 2 A THIRD round win at Midland Combination Division One high-fliers Knowle could see the Millers safely into the last eight of the Challenge Cup. Feckenham had a second-half spot kick to contend with after Tom Harris was sent off for
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Top side sunk by top show
Evesham Utd 2, Taunton Tn 1 WHAT should have ended up as a cricket score saw a profligate home side hanging on in stoppage-time to book a place in the Southern League Cup second round, writes Mervyn Collins. However, nothing should be taken away from
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Boots Christmas contract jobs gift
DISTRIBUTION group Exel has won a six-year contract with Boots to store and distribute its Christmas giftware lines in Worcester, providing up to 250 jobs for the city. The value of the contract will be in the region of £40m, and the operation will be
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Scheme snookers boredom
YOUNGSTERS have been kept busy with a half-term playscheme at a Worcester community centre this week. The scheme is running at Warndon Community Centre on Shap Drive in Warndon. Yesterday, scores of children came along to take part in a whole host of
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Hospital neglect left my wife fighting for her life
THE husband of a pensioner who has been left bed-bound for more than a year after contracting the hospital-acquired "superbug" MRSA has lashed out at health chiefs. Stanley Knibb, aged 75, of Scafell Close, Warndon, Worcester, claims a catalogue of neglect
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From A&E to Arcadia
CASUALTY star Loo Brearley leaves her nurse uniform behind for a part in Tom Stoppard's Arcadia, at Birmingham Repertory Theatre from Friday. Better known as Roxy Bird in the BBC series, Loo appeared for the final time on the September 12 episode having
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Bund building halted in wet
WET weather has temporarily stopped work on a soil barrier being built on a Kempsey farm to deaden the noise of the M5 motorway. But farmer Richard Williams said the huge bank of soil, now two-thirds complete, had already reduced the disturbance experienced
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Fixtures
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27 FOOTBALL (Kick off 7.45pm unless stated) Midland Combination Premier Division - Barnt Green Spartak v Brocton. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30 FOOTBALL (Kick off 3pm unless stated) Southern League Division One West - Taunton Town v Bromsgrove
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Duncan delivers a telling strike
Evesham Utd 1, Ashford Tn 0 A SOLITARY Steve Duncan strike and results elsewhere have left the Robins in a strong position at the top end of Southern League Division One West, writes Mervyn Collins. Saturday's three points and the failure of three of
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Junior round-up . . . Junior round-up . . . Junior round-up
Evesham Utd U-14 0, Cinderford Tn 4 THE Robins were suffering from a hangover from the previous week's success and lost Saturday's game in a five-minute spell in the first half. The visitors, and potential future league opponents, found the net twice
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Town back in the groove
Pershore Tn 2, Coleshill Tn 1 STRUGGLING Pershore pulled off an excellent Midland Combination Premier Division success last Saturday. The high-flying visitors had the better of the early exchanges and they might have taken the lead on more than one occasion
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Double figure blast puts ladies back on track
Evesham Utd Ladies 16, Bredon 0 AFTER three games without a win, United bounced back to form in stunning style last Sunday. The hosts made their intentions clear from the start when a sweetly struck shot from Kayleigh Hateley came back off a post. Hateley
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Burned by Cinders!
Evesham Utd U-14 0, Cinderford Tn 4 THE Robins were suffering from a hangover from the previous week's success and lost Saturday's game in a five-minute spell in the first half. The visitors, and potential future league opponents, found the net twice
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Duncan delivers a telling strike
Evesham Utd 1, Ashford Tn 0 A SOLITARY Steve Duncan strike and results elsewhere have left the Robins in a strong position at the top end of Southern League Division One West, writes Mervyn Collins. Saturday's three points and the failure of three of
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Badgers take a bashing
Evesham Utd Robins U-9s 9, L & B Badgers Wdrs 0 UNITED made it five straight wins and they are still to concede a goal this season. Player of the match Dominic Berry had another solid performance at the back and this allowed the rest of the team to
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Double figure blast puts ladies back on track
Evesham Utd Ladies 16, Bredon 0 AFTER three games without a win, United bounced back to form in stunning style last Sunday. The hosts made their intentions clear from the start when a sweetly struck shot from Kayleigh Hateley came back off a post. Hateley
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Lions' pride shows
PROUD Alvechurch Lions FC have become a roaring success. What started out as a kick about for just six football-mad youngsters last year has now gripped the village. The Lions, who play in the Central Warwickshire League, now boast eight full- strength
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Team off to a flier
HEADLESS Cross Harriers Under-7s have just started their first season, but already have some heavyweight backing from two town sponsors. Thomas Brothers Funeral Directors have donated some training kits and Prudden Road Surfacing have sponsored the team
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Weather ruins Glades battle
HEADLESS Cross Ladies game against Solihull Glades was cancelled due to the adverse weather. Despite the break injuries still plague Cross with Mandy Ellicott out with an ankle problem and Denise Markham absent with a rib injury. However, Becky Ankcorn
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'THE ERROR WAS OURS'
REDDITCH United look set to be deducted points coupled with a fine by the Nationwide Conference for fielding an ineligible player against Hinckley United on September 18. The man in question - Scott Voice - was in the last week of a month's loan at Solihull
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Uprising!
THERE have been references in the paper to Droitwich people as 'Spartans'. My ancestors were local salt makers for centuries and this made-up name is insulting to all Droitwich natives. Spartans were a pre-Christian, east Mediterranean, military race,
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Support system
OVER the last few weeks I have read many letters and articles about the changes to refuse collection in the Bromsgrove area. The most recent of these being from J Wilson, Rubery, who suggests the system smells and that we will be storing up problems.
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Well attired
I WAS sorry to read Tony Woodwards' letter last week. Whilst I can understand his dislike of fox hunting, I cannot agree with his reasoning, which seems to centre on "questionably attired pest controllers", "over-weight" hunters, and "blood lusting followers
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The samaritan
I AM an 82-year-old Droitwich woman and a few weeks ago my car broke down in Westwood Lane during a terrible storm. I got out of my car and was immediately drenched. A few cars saw me but drove by. Then a young man in a smaller car with gelled hair stopped
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Excellent effort
READING the letter from 'Appalled' prompted me to write as my husband and I saw the production of Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell. We knew what the play was about when we went so knew what to expect. We were full of admiration for the production. Martin Bourne
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Honesty
JUST to let your readers know there are honest people out there. A special thank you to the staff of Michael's Wine Store in Broad Street, Bromsgrove, for returning my wallet to me. Fred Stanley Sidemoor Bromsgrove
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Colourful scene
THIS year climate change has delayed the onset of frost and freeze and the leaves of deciduous trees have more time to change colour before dropping. Now is the time to see the finest examples at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire where the Acer
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Closure concern
IT'S disturbing news that Fusion in St Andrew's Street, Droitwich, is closing. To the young people in the Spa it was an excellent drop-in centre, as they do not like the formality of a doctor's surgery. Let's hope funding will be found so that it can
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Well cared for
I WOULD like to convey my grateful thanks for the excellent way I was treated recently at the Alexandra Hospital right from our first emergency call in the early hours to my return home a few days later. The paramedics arrived in just over ten minutes
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Alcester gobble up Old Wheats
Alcester 20 Old Wheats 0 Alcester moved out of the relegation zone with a comfortable win over basement boys Old Wheats who are still pointless in the Warwickshire One this season. Played in heavy rain Alcester showed a much-needed 'grunt and grind' up
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Lions roar as Kings fail to deliver goods
Stourbridge Lions 16 Kings Norton 14 THE Kings men's unbeaten record was chewed up and spat out by Stourbridge Lions in an epic battle at Stourton Park. Without three first team regulars, Kings Norton went behind inside five minutes after a well-taken
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Let's all be vigilant . . .
I HAVE been thinking of some time of writing in and challenging anyone who prefers to throw their rubbish on the floor instead of in the bin, to write to your paper and explain 'Why?' Now, however, I suppose I really have no need as this morning I met
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Support system
OVER the last few weeks I have read many letters and articles about the changes to refuse collection in the Bromsgrove area. The most recent of these being from J Wilson, Rubery, who suggests the system smells and that we will be storing up problems.
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The samaritan
I AM an 82-year-old Droitwich woman and a few weeks ago my car broke down in Westwood Lane during a terrible storm. I got out of my car and was immediately drenched. A few cars saw me but drove by. Then a young man in a smaller car with gelled hair stopped
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Excellent effort
READING the letter from 'Appalled' prompted me to write as my husband and I saw the production of Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell. We knew what the play was about when we went so knew what to expect. We were full of admiration for the production. Martin Bourne
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Date
Honesty
JUST to let your readers know there are honest people out there. A special thank you to the staff of Michael's Wine Store in Broad Street, Bromsgrove, for returning my wallet to me. Fred Stanley Sidemoor Bromsgrove
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Colourful scene
THIS year climate change has delayed the onset of frost and freeze and the leaves of deciduous trees have more time to change colour before dropping. Now is the time to see the finest examples at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire where the Acer
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Closure concern
IT'S disturbing news that Fusion in St Andrew's Street, Droitwich, is closing. To the young people in the Spa it was an excellent drop-in centre, as they do not like the formality of a doctor's surgery. Let's hope funding will be found so that it can
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Well cared for
I WOULD like to convey my grateful thanks for the excellent way I was treated recently at the Alexandra Hospital right from our first emergency call in the early hours to my return home a few days later. The paramedics arrived in just over ten minutes
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Trio feature for North
A TRIO of of rugby players from Prince Henry's High School were in action for North Midlands 18-Group last weekend. Carl Robinson, Joe Baldwin and Dan Antonelli played in the representative side's A team against Notts. Lincs and Derbyshire at Newark on
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Second half salvo earns Evesham away success
Southam 10, Evesham 20pts IN APPALLING conditions, Evesham elected to play into the strong wind and up the slope. The much larger home pack adapted to the poor weather better than the lighter but more mobile Evesham pack. After a few early exchanges,
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Seconds pick up spoils of season
EVESHAM Rugby Club was well represented by players and committee at the annual Worcestershire and Herefordshire RFU dinner at Ledbury last Friday. It was a double celebration for the Avon Street club as the second team picked up the W & H Second Team
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Panto throws open invite to 'all and sundry'
AMATEUR dramatic group All and Sundry launched the ticket sales of their new pantomime - King Arthur - on Monday. The panto, which is being directed by professional director Neale McGrath, will be performed in the Spadesbourne Suite Theatre in Bromsgrove
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Still a mystery for audience
ONCE again a host of mystery stars have been lined up to make guest appearances when a West End hit comedy returns to Birmingham next month. Following a sensational season at Birmingham Hippodrome last year The Play What I Wrote returns by public demand
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MP's caption capers
A TOWN marketing firm had a surprise entrant to its in-house monthly caption competition recently - the Leader of the Opposition Michael Howard MP. Fizz-Bang! Marketing Ltd, based in Weights Lane, was initially surprised to receive a hoax entry to its
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Spicing up depot
BUSES are again running from an abandoned Redditch terminus thanks to a 20-year business friendship which started over a few curries. Commercial property consultant John Truslove has struck a £250,000-plus deal to let the former Midland Red bus depot
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Caught cold! Anglers suffer
Evesham Jubilee Society THE scheduled Wye match was cancelled, while cold water affected sport at The Fishery. There's a ten-a-side match at Bidford on Saturday with the draw at the bridge at 9am. Members are urged to turn out for this annual challenge
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I've never seen fox in the wild
GEORGE Cowley is lucky to have seen a live fox. In the 1930s, I followed the hunt on foot and cycle, and never saw a fox in the wild. The only one I've seen has been in a zoo. F C CLAXTON, Worcester.
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Loss of liberty
I'VE been reprimanded. I was playing a Joe Loss dance LP, when a female Community Housing Officer passed my open window and asked me to turn it down. Do I now have to ask permission to cut my toenails? This is England, land of the free, not a communist
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Brush up on your art skills
ARTISTIC townsfolk are being invited to express themselves with potter's wheels, paints and materials at a Bromsgrove society. The Avoncroft Arts Society, based at the Stoke Heath Community Centre, is a vi-brant and encouraging group, which offers a range
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Snakes alive
LIKE most people, I don't much like snakes and other reptiles. But I would never hurt them. Your readers should know that snakes, crocodiles and alligators are usually skinned alive to satisfy the fashion trade. Sobering thought? ROBIN HOPKINS, Worcester
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Rubery WI
AT the October meeting of Rubery WI the minutes were read and noted and it was announced that some members will be attending the lunch at Great Witley, while others will go to the council meeting in Bromsgrove - an added bonus for us. Dave Cartwright
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Elderly are given a hard time
I WISH to draw attention to the treatment of pensioners. Many, like myself, paid our stamp, income tax plus all the other dues for 50 years and went without luxuries to save for a home and a little nest egg so as to enjoy extra treats on retiring. Now
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Kilroy-Silk doesn't deserve any support
IN response to Stanley D Parr, I think he is flogging a dead horse. His overwhelming support for Robert Kilroy-Silk as Prime Minister needs to be put in context (You Say, Tuesday, October 19). This year, the BBC dropped Mr Kilroy-Silk as a chat-show host
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No stopping Sylla
Redditch United 3 Aston United 2 IT was that man again Stormin' Norman Sylla who dug Redditch United out of a rut to secure all three points for the Reds at a chilly Valley Stadium. Sylla's two second half goals coupled with a late Simon Hollis strike
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Bromsgrove and Redditch Soroptimists
IT was business all the way at the October meeting of the Bromsgrove and Redditch Soroptimists Club at the Perry Hall Hotel in Bromsgrove. We were welcomed by President Carolyn Gibbs, who told us of the functions that she had attended in the past month
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Can you help me meet the ancestors?
MAY I thank every one in the Hanley Castle, Upton-upon-Severn on Severn and Worcester area for all their help and kindness during my recent holiday. My main reason for the visit was because all my ancestors seemed to have originated in the village of
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Spadesbourne Ladies
Chairman Betty Long greeted the members and visitors after which the meeting continued with the reading of last month's minutes, and the treasurer's report. Joan English gave details of the forthcoming visit to Stratford-upon-Avon. Mary Rutter announced
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Hairdresser is all cut up over loss of her tools of trade
A HAIRDRESSER was left broken hearted after equipment collected over 24 years was taken when her sports car was stolen - and now she is offering a £500 reward for its safe return. A disconsolate Michelle Griffin at the Scandals hair salon in Barnt Green
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Looking good
Ken Turbutt got a surprise when he paid his first ever visit to an optician - he picked up a free pair of specs as their 10,000th customer. The family firm of Chapmans handed over a pair of titanium half-rimmed Silhouette glasses, worth around £250, to
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Anniversary
A TOWN nursery school is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Since 1994, the Pear Tree Nursery, at Sidemoor First School in Broad Street, has seen more than 700 children pass through its doors. Parents, teachers and education chiefs joined last Thursday's
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Budding poets are write on
A BUDDING poet at a town school is celebrating with fellow pupils after winning a writing competition. Rachel Shilvock, from South Bromsgrove High, came first in the 13-16 age group in a poetry competition run by Ottaker's bookstore in the High Street
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Chris has time on his hands
TIME was fast running out on a bid to bring an historic Bromsgrove-made clock back to the town. Both the town's museum and historical society were unable to buy the 18th century grandfather clock because of lack of funds or space and all looked lost until
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Museum gets new director
THE new director of Bromsgrove's premier visitor attraction has pledged to get the museum back on track. Angela Gill takes over as director of Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings after a difficult period, which has seen the death of its previous director
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Harvest festival
GATHERING in the harvest before winter has been the theme at a Bromsgrove nursery. Children at the Stepping Stones Nursery, at Meadows First School, collected food for the town's youth homeless forum.
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Building bridges
A PRIEST from Thailand has been in Bromsgrove to thank pupils at a town school for supporting an orphanage in the Far East. Father Philip Banchong visited St Peter's to meet children and tell them about the work of the orphanage in Pattaya. Youngsters
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Ghostly goings-on
CHILDREN from a Bromsgrove after-school club celebrated Halloween with a fancy dress party. Youngsters in the Tom Tom Club, at Blackwell Methodist Church Hall, Green Hill, dressed as skeletons, ghosts and ghouls. The club, which is for children from Blackwell
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Facing the world again
CANCER sufferers are being helped to face the world again thanks to a Bromsgrove company. Wills Wigs, which is based at the Holt Studios in Birmingham Road, specialise in helping patients who have suffered hairloss through chemotherapy or because of the
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Pumpkin dreams
HEARD the one about the monster pumpkin that takes two grown men to lift and weighs more than the person who planted it? This is no tall story but what happened after Louise Dawes dropped seeds on a bed of manure back in the spring. With Halloween just
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Halloween is 'evil' time
by Kate Hughes A PASTOR has blasted the celebration of Halloween saying concentrating on 'evil' can "bring fear to impressionable young minds." Reverend Neil Bennett, of Catshill Baptist Church, said: "Halloween is seen as just harmless fun and it is
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Get tough with parking rebels
THE days are numbered for drivers who dodge paying a car parking fee by accepting the gift of a valid ticket from a fellow motorist. Keypads are to be installed into the ticket machines on each of the ten Bromsgrove town centre car parks to make it more
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To buy or not to buy?
A DECISION is expected today (Wednesday) on whether Bromsgrove District Council should spend £135,000 to buy four second-hand recycling vehicles. The freighters are needed to handle the red and blue recycling boxes, which have proved time consuming and
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It's better to be safe than sorry
A SMOKE alarm can save your life and every home in Bromsgrove should have one. That's the message from town firefighters who are now offering free home safety checks for all residents. The free checks have been gradually growing in popularity but Bromsgrove's
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Rhymes provided sweet inspiration
THE Old Woman who lived in a Shoe has never looked sweeter than in a new exhibition at Droitwich Spa Library. CREATION: Gill Jones with new chairman Ann Newton and one of her exhibits. The Wychavon branch of the British Sugarcraft Guild has used children's
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Sue to raise profile
THE daughter of a former Droitwich Spa Mayor is working tirelessly to raise the profile of a charity close to her heart. Five years ago, Sue Walton completed a solo 800-mile bike ride across Great Britain to raise £1,000 for the asthma charity Give A
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Row over adult gym members
MEMBERS of a Bromsgrove youth centre are angry at the prospect of having to share gym facilities with adults. They claim adults are already well provided for in the town, while youngsters have no such facilities in Bromsgrove or indeed the whole of Worcestershire
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Record breakers
ENERGETIC residents are urged to don their leotards, sweat bands and cycling shorts ready for a fundraising exercise class. Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre is participating in a nationwide attempt to smash the Guinness world record for the greatest number
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Curfew for Rubery yobs
NEW laws to impose a curfew on gangs of youths are being used in the fight to curb vandalism, drunkenness and threatening behaviour in Rubery. Groups of young people have been making life a misery for residents living in the centre of the village. Residents
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Mast refusal "a triumph"
THE recent refusal of plans to extend the telephone mast at the town's water tower has been labelled 'a triumph for Droitwich'. Town councillor and planning committee chairman Richard Morris, who campaigned for the plans to be turned down, spoke of his
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Group revamp is on the cards
A SPA business group is planning to revamp its image with the hope of attracting new members and gaining much-needed support. Members of Droitwich Association for Retail, Trade and Service (DARTS) discussed their ideas at a recent meeting. They suggested
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Teechers Swan Theatre, Worcester
IT is over 18 years since John Godber wrote this play but surprisingly it seems, nothing much has changed in education since then, because it was still fresh and relevant. A lot of young people in the audience found it very funny, but from my standpoint
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25 years ago
November 2 , 1979 MIDLAND Red is applying for a fares increase to try to offset losses caused by inflation. The company says bus fares have to rise to bring in 12 per cent more revenue. It had been hoped to avoid a fares increase until next April. "Midland
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Robbie Williams' Greatest Hits
Anyone who likes Robbie Williams will love this collection, which does exactly what it says on the tin. Listening to this album, I found myself reminiscing sentimentally, charting different points of my life during which each song was released. Although
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50 years ago
October 29, 1954 ALTHOUGH Post Master General Earl De La Warr said in a speech last week the Post Office was "definitely on the offensive" when it comes to the matter of improving the telephone system, it will be another fours years at least until Redditch
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Mean Girls (12)
AS so-called teen movies go, Mean Girls isn't as good as some of the others like Clueless and Never Been Kissed, but it is still entertaining. Yes, it's very silly and very corny - but it's two hours of escapism from the real world into the world of the
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100 years ago
October 29, 1904 ELGAR Robers, cab driver, Studley, and Thomas Kemp, labourer, Birmingham, were charged with fighting in Studley on September 28. Roberts only appeared and pleaded not guilty to fighting on the highway. Sgt Grubb stated that on the date
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Improving Pershore still hunting for new manager
PERSHORE Town visit Barnt Green Spartak tomorrow in another vital Midland Combination Premier Division fixture (2.45pm). Director of Football and acting manager Richard Anson, who has seen his side pick up a much needed four points against two sides with
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Top side sunk by top show
Evesham Utd 2, Taunton Tn 1 WHAT should have ended up as a cricket score saw a profligate home side hanging on in stoppage-time to book a place in the Southern League Cup second round, writes Mervyn Collins. However, nothing should be taken away from
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Greg's golds in Ireland
AN EVESHAM teenager's eyes were smiling in Ireland when Greg Hay returned home from the World Tae Kwon Do Championships with two gold medals. The AIMAA event took place in Dublin and the 16-year-old succeeded beyond his wildest dreams as he took individual
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Anna in frame
ANNA Bailey, a founder member of the Worcestershire-based Old Wrecks Rowing Club, has been nominated for induction into the Concept 2 UK Hall of Fame. The current British indoor champion holds every possible record in her age group after taking up the
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Local business backs young racer
CHAPMAN Tyrrell Racing have taken under their wing one of the brightest prospects in British motor cycling. Thirteen-year-old Chris Jones from Droitwich has just been crowned National GP 125 Racing Champion when winning at Brands Hatch last weekend on
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Disputed decider leaves losers in bottom three
Evesham 0, Wednesbury 1 EVESHAM could have moved into second place with a victory on Saturday only to concede a late disputed goal that leaves them in the bottom three. Despite playing the undefeated league leaders, the home side were determined to take
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Outcry at mast No. 5
ENOUGH is enough, say Church Hill residents concerned about the rash of mobile telephone masts in their area. And one angry couple are even calling for a reduction in their council tax as a result. Vodafone has applied to Redditch Council to install yet
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We're left with worsening traffic
THE letter from Heather Wersocki regarding Studley bypass (Advertiser, October 13) has caused me to write. I attended both public inquiries and am totally appalled by the outcome but not surprised. I felt at the inquiry it was an expensive waste of time
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Town back in the groove
Pershore Tn 2, Coleshill Tn 1 STRUGGLING Pershore pulled off an excellent Midland Combination Premier Division success last Saturday. The high-flying visitors had the better of the early exchanges and they might have taken the lead on more than one occasion
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Snatch win at death
Kynoch 2, Pershore 3 PERSHORE maintained their unblemished start to the Coaching Solutions League campaign after coming through easily the toughest game of the season. The visitors opened the scoring after a good move down the right flank. Russell Scudamore
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Eric's on top
THE river was well up for Sunday's racing at Arden SC but a brisk and increasing breeze enabled the dinghies to beat the current. The first race was the Arden Burgee in which Eric Ison in his Laser performed well to win ahead of Niall Campbell and Jane
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Milo takes a spin
AN eight-week-old kitten had a lucky escape after climbing into a washing machine for a cat-nap. When Jinny Troth put some washing in last Tuesday morning, she was unaware her little tabby Milo was asleep inside. Ms Troth searched her Astwood Bank home
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Half term high jinks
THE last three days before half-term provided Studley High School pupils with the chance to sample some activities which were a little different to their normal curriculum. The school organised a huge range of events for the pupils, from Asian cooking
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A new home for memorial
PLANS are back on track to place a memorial to the millions who died in the Holocaust near St Stephen's Church in Redditch. The memorial was rejected by Redditch Council last year when it was proposed to place it near the fountain in Church Green. This
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Soggy sensations!
THE rain did not stop a band of fundraisers hitting the streets of Studley on Saturday as they held a wheelchair race for a good cause. The aim was to raise cash for the charity Dreams Come True which is sending Lee Grummet, 20, of Winyates, and his full-time
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Liberalisation will bring ruin
WHO is kidding who? The national average IQ has remained around the 100 mark for years, yet New Labour claims our current examinations system at GCSE and A Level have not been made easier! Now the Rev AP Blair, together with his "Team Ministry", is claiming
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Riding the crest of an airwave
A BUDDING broadcaster from Redditch is riding the radio waves of success after reaching the finals of a competition to create a radio station run by young people. Hannah Morrison, 20, of Winyates Green, is among 20 finalists selected from hundreds of
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Heat is on for Andy
THE heat is on for one young Redditch soldier currently on exercise in Africa. Andy Rich, 18, of Greenlands, is on "Exercise Grand Prix" with the 1st Battalion Irish Guards in Kenya. But it's a big change of scene for the former Kingsley College pupil
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Surgeon cleared
A TOP judge has ruled that no disciplinary action will be taken against an Alexandra Hospital surgeon who as been at the centre of a court battle. Calvin Tudor, of Webheath, has campaigned for justice for his wife since she died from bowel cancer in May
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Pay up like the rest of us
IN response to the letter relating to parking charges at the Alexandra Hospital, I wonder why the writer believes those who work there should have privileges not afforded to those working elsewhere. I work for another NHS acute trust and we, along with
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ASBO led to cut in crime
AN Antisocial Behaviour Order aimed at preventing nuisance behaviour on the streets is set to be renewed alongside an Alcohol Free Zone in Wythall. Police applied for the Section 30 Order - which gives them powers to disperse gangs of youths and escort
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Letter from Westminster
ON Friday, I visited the Alexandra Hospital to see for myself the work that is going on to tackle hospital-acquired infections. These infections are transferred in a variety of ways and there are many ways of reducing the risks they present to patients
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Downpour led to flood chaos
BUSINESSES in Enfield are calling for urgent flood protection after a deluge swept through their units during a Saturday afternoon downpour. Mike Pearman, of Windsor Carpets, Windsor Road, described the torrent of water coming off an embankment at the
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'Back to square one'
A CHURCH at the heart of a controversial community debate over its future is not of "sufficient architectural interest" to be listed, the government has announced. Headless Cross Methodist Church, Evesham Road, has been planning for four years to demolish
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Young talent vies for final
THE young talent of Redditch will be on show on Saturday at Kingsley College Theatre when a heat of the Redditch-Vision Song Contest takes place. Eighteen acts will perform, representing the six areas of the town, and the judges will be local councillors
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Alcester & District Local History Society
RURAL Industries Before the Railways (Alcester & District) was the subject of an entertaining talk by Richard Churchley. The local historian's research of the years 1660-1860 revealed diverse occupations in the district - many with obscure names,
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Beoley WI
THE speaker at the October meeting was wildlife photographer Peter Preece. Peter has taken photographss of a variety of birds but concentrated his talk on the more common garden birds. He has been successful in many competitions. Members were told how
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Cookhill Keyboard Club
THE highlight of the year's activity for the club occurs on Wednesday, November 3, when the Annual Professional Celebrity Concert will be held at the Studley Village Hall, starting at 8 pm. The club is proud to have, as this year's celebrity, the internationally
