Archive
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A taste of music
A FREE taster session is to be held at Woodrush Community High School for parents and children who want to learn how to play the keyboard. The Yamaha Music School session will be held on Saturday. Those taking part do not need to have their own instruments
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Rovers hit by Lowe blow
BROMSGROVE Rovers have been stunned by the news that goalkeeper Matt Lowe has been hit with a three match suspension and will miss Saturday's derby match at Evesham United (3pm kick off). The news comes as a hammer blow for manager Jimmy Mullen, who will
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Incident plea
WORCESTER police are appealing for witnesses to a disturbance in the Akaash restaurant in Lowesmoor. The incident happened between 10pm and 10.30pm on Friday, January 21, and anyone in or near the restaurant between those times is asked to call police
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Star sheds light on winning ways
LEGENDARY film director, writer and food critic Michael Winner is set to take a trip to the Malvern Hills next month. Mr Winner's career spans more than 40 years during which he has made around 30 films. He will be at Malvern's Forum Theatre, Grange Road
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Second chance for a say on hospital plan
WORCESTERSHIRE health chiefs are calling on Malvern residents to air their views on plans for a new hospital in the town. The county council's health scrutiny panel - a body comprising county and district councillors - is due to meet on Monday, February
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Safety stickers
SCHOOLS across Worcestershire are being offered free reflective stickers for their pupils as part of a Road Sense campaign. The yellow reflective stickers are designed to stick on school bags, blazers or coats to help ensure children are seen by motorists
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Mystery of death at Police station - Special investigation team appeals for witnesses
MYSTERY surrounds the death of a 24-year-old man found collapsed in the entrance of Kidderminster police station. Leon Bradley Laga, of Bewdley Hill, Kidderm-inster, was confirmed dead at the scene by paramedics after his body was discovered at around
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Crash appeal
A BIDFORD woman was taken to hospital after a collision between her car and a lorry in Oversley. The 22-year-old woman was travelling southbound on the A46, towards Alcester, at 7.35am on Wednesday, January 19. She suffered concussion and lacerations
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Gig date
ALCESTER Grammar School is the venue for a gig to be held on Saturday evening in aid of the victims of the Asian Tsunami. Jive and Swing outfit The Dr Teeth Big Band (pictured) will be joined by The Rackets and the AGS Soul Band. Tickets for the event
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Rothwell rain on Rovers' parade
Saturday, January 22, 2005 Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Rothwell Town 1 Southern League Division One West By Peter McKinney HITMAN Leon Mitchell limped off injured as striker-less Bromsgrove Rovers' promotion aspirations were stalled by well-organised Rothwell
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Burglars caused damage to doors
POLICE are appealing for information after an attempted burglary at a house in Croft Close, Winyates, between midnight and 7am on Sunday. Offenders climbed over the garden wall and tried to break into the house, damaging patio doors. Pc John Bailey, of
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Hairdressers raided
WITNESSES are sought after a burglary at a Headless Cross hairdressers. Mr Stopps in Evesham Road was broken into between 6pm on Sunday, January 16, and 5.55am the following day and equipment and cash was stolen. Anyone with information is asked to call
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Car theft prompts appeal
POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an incident in Redditch shortly after 3.30pm on Saturday, January 15, when two men were arrested. The incident started in Morton Lane, Walkwood, when police saw a red VW Polo which had been stolen earlier that
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Make the effort - dress up and go
Review - The Dresser at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, until Saturday. THE show must go on... Hitler's Luftwaffe is overhead, the bombs are falling, but in the best theatrical tradition the troupers take to the stage and... the show goes on. And this
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Act now on gun crimes
THE fact that the West Mercia region has one of the lowest gun crime rates in the country is good news for everyone that lives there. What is not quite so welcome, however, is the fact that the region saw an increase in gun-related crimes of 29 per cent
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Boss-nian fight for hitman Ross
REDDITCH mixed martial artist Ross "The Boss" Mason has stepped into the international arena for his next fight as he takes on Bosnian Amir Subasic. Mason, 28, of Woodrow is undefeated at MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) by a UK opponent and has decided to make
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What's on guide
Wednesday Jan 26 FILM: House of Flying Daggers, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 6pm. LIVE MUSIC: The Academy of Ancient Music, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 7.30pm. Thursday Jan 27 FILM
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Tenants set for powers
A SCHEME to transfer power from council officers to residents has received unanimous support from Redditch councillors. Plans have been drawn up for a Tenant Management Organisation (TMO), giving tenants of council-owned accommodation the chance to manage
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'Flattering'
REDDITCH skipper Ashley Freeman labelled the 5-2 scoreline away at Barlaston as "flattering" and called for his team to reproduce more of the last 15 minutes of the game rather than the previous 55. Redditch's top scorer Andy Brooks equalised through
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Kingly touch
REDDITCH Ladies boasted a full compliment of players and put in a scintillating display as they took apart Kings Heath 4-2. A resilient Kings Heath held firm for the opening exchanges until Emma Preston opened the scoring. A combination of Karen Buckthorpe
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Projects get go-ahead
DEVELOPMENTS in Astwood Bank and Headless Cross were both given the green light last week by Redditch Council's planning committee. The re-development of the corner of Feckenham Road and Castle Street in Astwood Bank will be allowed. JS Bloor wants to
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AJ lifts Bees out of danger
ANOTHER vital three points was picked up by the Bees on Saturday which further lifted them out of the danger area. Super sub Andy Johnson lobbed the Barwell keeper on 75 minutes with his second touch of the game to hand the Bees all three points. Bees
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Pull up a pew for play
FECKENHAM'S St John the Baptist Church is the apt setting for a production of T S Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral next month. The church's vicar, The Rev Alistair Fuller, is playing the part of Thomas Becket and the rest of the cast is drawn from experienced
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Please hear our concerns
ANGRY residents opposed to the Cripplegate Park car park expansion must be listened to, a city councillor has pleaded. Coun Sam Arnold, who represents St John's, said that the plans for the enlargement amounted to "concreting over" parts of the park.
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Rail issues need to be addressed
TRANSPORT Minister Charlotte Atkins has been accused of ducking the problems plaguing Worcestershire rail services. Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff last night set out a string of difficulties which are holding back improvements for train passengers in
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Bequest to schoolgirl contested
THE carer of an eccentric old man who left his six-figure estate to an 11-year-old girl is challenging his will. When Wilfred Lamb died, aged 72, his entire estate - which has risen in value to around £250,000 since his death - went to Katie Loveridge
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Merry times ahead
REHEARSALS are well under way for the Astwood Bank Operatic Society's next production, Franz Lehar's The Merry Widow, at the Palace Theatre from March 22-26. The show will be the last major production at the Palace before it shuts down for a major overhaul
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Van-tastic!
A "WILDLY funny" play by Alan Bennett, The Lady in the Van, starring Susan Hampshire, arrives at Malvern's Festival Theatre from Monday. The hilarious drama has enjoyed huge critical and public acclaim during its West End run and concerns the eccentric
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Stage show breezes into Birmingham
By Lynda Morrison CLASSIC children's book The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame has been brought to life in a new stage production, which can be seen at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre from Tuesday. Mole, Rat, Badger, a riverbank, a wild wood, some
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Student fares in place say firm
RAIL chiefs have poured scorn on claims it is not doing enough for students commuting to school, by saying a cut-price fare scheme is already in place. It comes after Malvern Hills District Young People's Forum said it was again lobbying First Great Western
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LGVs face speed blitz
A NEW educational campaign to help drivers of light goods vehicles identify their speed limits has been launched by the Safety Camera Partnership in West Mercia. LGVs, like heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), are subject to lower speed limits than cars because
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Woman caller alert
HOUSEHOLDERS are being warned to be on their guard after reports of a woman knocking on doors claiming her car has broken down. The woman calls at residential addresses claiming she has left a young child in the vehicle and asking for money for petrol
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Ventura squashed
SQUASH: Club Ventura were looking to improve on their mid-table position in Worcestershire League Division One but were outwitted 3-2 at home by Stourbridge. Wins for James Bralee and Mark Field were cancelled out by defeats for captain Stuart Harris
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56 years of caring
THE committed work of two Studley carers has been recognised by Warwickshire County Council. Penny Cauwell and Christine Franklin have between them provided 56 years of service at Four Acres Home for Elderly People in Archer Close. They were both presented
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26/1/05 Improved City in a cup exit
MANAGERLESS Worcester City crashed to a 3-1 defeat at Tamworth last night in the GLS Cup third round, despite producing their most encouraging display of 2005. City showed no signs of a side lacking in confidence as they gave the Lambs the runaround for
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Defending blast from Turner
GRAHAM Turner was angry with Hereford United's defending after they slipped out of the LDV Vans Trophy northern semi-finals last night. Visiting Coca-Cola League One outfit Wrexham prevented Bulls adding them to their list of scalps this season that have
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City trio win England squad place
THREE forwards from Worcester's RFU England Regional Rugby Academy will get the chance to turn out for their country. They have been included in the England Under 19 squad for the international against Wales at Aberavon on Thursday, February 3 (7pm).
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Rovers fail to reach cup final
A LATE brace by Bromsgrove Rovers sub Kevin Banner could not stop Studley progressing into the Worcestershire Senior Cup final at the Beehive last night. Banner came on with 30 minutes left to blast past Studley player-coach Trevor Whittington twice in
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Philpotts on form in win
EXCELLENT shooting and team work from both West Malvern and TWS ensured a tight match in Worcester City Netball League Sunday Division Two. Kate Webb at wing attack for West Malvern and shooter Kate Philpotts for TWS had outstanding games as TWS hung
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Worrying storey of village plans
THE number of planning applications for three-storey blocks of flats in Studley has started to worry the parish council. Yet another application has been submitted for a block on the site of the old police house at the top of Bell Lane, off Alcester Road
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Young to have say
YOUNG people will be given the chance to have their say on the issues which affect them in a series of interactive meetings. "Youthink" will be touring Redditch offering young people the opportunity to air their views to key figures in the decision-making
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Coach puts faith in Spa strugglers
Droitwich 5 Bedworth 27 Midlands Division Three West (South) DIRECTOR of rugby Julian Bailey has not given up on Droitwich turning around their terrible season - despite suffering a heavy defeat at the Glynn Mitchell Memorial Ground on Saturday. The coach
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Service history!
Redditch 43 Birmingham Civil Service 3 THE Kingfishers league campaign got a much-needed shot in the arm as they closed the gap on teams above them in the North Midlands One. But the Civils, who have only got one win under their belts this season, took
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Rovers hit by Lowe blow
BROMSGROVE Rovers have been stunned by the news that goalkeeper Matt Lowe has been hit with a three match suspension and will miss Saturday's derby match at Evesham United (3pm kick off). The news comes as a hammer blow for manager Jimmy Mullen, who will
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Rothwell rain on Rovers' parade
Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Rothwell 1 Southern League Division One West HITMAN Leon Mitchell limped off injured as striker-less Bromsgrove Rovers' promotion aspirations were stalled by well-organised Rothwell Town at the Victoria Ground on Saturday. Mitchell's
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Kevin is flying high
A high-flying Woodrow pilot has landed an award for making the greatest progress in his hang-gliding club. Kevin Fisher gained the "silver C" award in only 46 hours - instead of the usual three years - at The Soaring Club in Husbands Bosworth. The 44-
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Red hot Davies leads improving Villa
Heather Athletic 0 Fairfield Villa 0 RESURGENT Fairfield grabbed a valuable point at Heather to keep puling away from the relegation zone in the Midland Combination Division One on Saturday. Villa can entertain thoughts of mid-table safety after an impressive
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Away duck is broken
Old Wheatleans 7 Alcester 20 ALCESTER managed their first win on the road in more than a year as they pummelled bottom club Old Wheats in their own backyard. Old Wheats, still fighting for their first points this season, gave their visitors a tough opening
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Kings men kicked off throne by Stourbridge
Kings Norton 0 Stourbridge Lions 6 THE Kings men paid the penalty for not taking their chances and were beaten off the top of the table by a tough Stourbridge side. The Lions kicked over a penalty in each half at Ash Lane to secure the win which took
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In-form Spa stopped in their tracks by derby rivals
Droitwich Spa Reserves 1 Inkberrow 2 MIS-FIRING Spa reserves slipped to a rare defeat in the Midland Combination Division Three on Saturday. A deflected second half effort punished Droitwich for their inability to take their chances. Droitwich had dominated
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Rhinosready to roar back
AFTER a 15-year gap junior rugby has returned to Kings Norton RFC. The Kings Norton Rhinos is a new group of under 13 year olds and will kick off for their first competitive outing as they face a team from Baverstock School in an 11am kick off. The project
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50 years ago January 29, 1955
THERE were reports of packs of hungry foxes roaming the Bromsgrove area. It was claimed that the deliberately introduced disease myxomatosis, which was devastating the rabbit population, was upsetting the balance of nature and was depriving foxes of their
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Sally is lending her support to this year's Swimathon
IF you've made a New Year's resolution this year, it's likely to be either ' get fit', or 'give some time to a worthy cause'. If you'd like to do both at once, then I've got the perfect answer - Butlins Swimathon 2005. As a keen swimmer myself I've found
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Have a big breakfast!
I AM writing to ask your readers to join me and support a very special event to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Britain's Biggest Breakfast is taking place for the seventh time on March 4, 2005 and we are aiming to raise a massive £400,000 this year
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Time to put Spa first
I FIND it strange Councillor Kate Spencer should object to Droitwich Town Council voting to support the SALT proposals for the Lido. I voted in favour of these proposals for one main reason. For many years Droitwich has lacked any sort of leadership.
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Response from SALT
IN view of some of the reported comments of councillors in recent Droitwich Town Council meetings - at which our proposals for the Lido have been discussed, I feel I should bring to the attention of your readers the views of SALT to redress the balance
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Answering the 'call'
TWO local young actors are set to show their talents as they perform at the Rep theatre in Birmingham next month, writes Lianne Cooper. appearing together at the Repertory Theatre in Birmingham in An Inspector Calls. Todd Lawrence, aged eight of Stourbridge
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Revival rolls on
THE manager of the Kingfisher Centre has welcomed a move to relax planning laws to allow retailers to move into a vacant unit near Redditch Market. The unit in Market Way, behind Debenhams, has been vacant since 2002. Until last week, it could only be
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Easy-to-use guides
A NO-Nonsense Guide to Small Business Funding and a No-Nonsense Guide to Finance for High-Growth Companies have been launched by Business Link, the Government's business advice service. The free guides, available online at www.sbs.gov.uk or by calling
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Enter world of politics
IF you've ever wearily shaken your head about "that lot at the town hall" then read on. If you don't like what councillors are doing in your name, then why not do something about it. It's simple. Stand for election to the county council as an independent
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Romance in the air
LOVEBIRDS should get down to a St Valentine's exhibition at Forge Mill Museum in Redditch next month. The event opens on Sunday, February 6, with a free family fun day and townsfolk will be able to view a romantic collection of Victorian Valentine cards
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26/1/05 - Emotional end to my five years
IT goes without saying that resigning as manager of Worcester City was a very sad moment for me -- but a decision I believe is in the best interests of the football club. It was really tough having to tell the players of my decision last Thursday. It
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Both foolish and wrong
AS a councillor in the previous administration at Malvern Hills, my memory has not failed me in confirming that Councillor Clive Smith spoke in haste in Malvern Focus a week last Friday. For him to state that the overspend on the refurbishment of the
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St John's community... is it just unelected group?
CORRESPONDENT Bill Davison is very plausible (Letters, Wednesday, January 19) but what is this "St John's Community" to which he refers if not an unelected pressure group? He can hardly be referring to the Parish of St John's which is only a very minor
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Foal in need of a name
ANIMAL lovers are being called upon to be creative. Instead of the party game - Pin the tail on the Donkey, they are being asked to name a newly born donkey at Dodford Children's Holiday Farm. The Warbage Lane farm had the new arrival at the tail end
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Helping hand
FAMILIES and friends who have suffered bereavement through cancer can find help at a new group set up by the Primrose Hospice. The St Godwald's Road hospice will provide a safe environment for discussion and mutual support for those who have suffered
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Calling in the property doctor
FILM crews set up shop in a difficult-to-sell Bromsgrove house to capture a property makeover for national television. John and Anne-Marie Hansell, from Stourbridge Road, found themselves in the firing line when they took part in Channel 4's Selling Houses
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Is there any room at the inn?
A colourful new guide aims to make choosing where to stay in Bromsgrove easy. The latest edition of the Bromsgrove and District Where to Stay guide, published by the district council, is now available from the Tourist Information Centre in Birmingham
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Tamworth 3 Worcester City 1
Tuesday, January 25, 2005 Managerless Worcester City crashed to a 3-1 defeat at Tamworth last night in the GLS Cup third round, despite producing their most encouraging display of 2005. City showed no signs of a side lacking in confidence as they gave
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Millennium youngsters
A RUBERY-based volunteer group has nominated five of its eager youngsters for regional and national awards. The Millennium Volunteers, who are based at the Youth Worcs, Rubery, in New Road, has put forward five of its youngsters after successful placements
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Net gain
CRICKET: Wythall CC players will be back in the nets at Woodrush High School on Sunday from 11am-1pm. The club has dipped into its pockets and forked out for a bowling machine and two new bowling coaches to help the squad. Anyone interested in joining
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Sickened by out of hours healthcare
A SICK man was told by a doctor to "take paracetamol and go to sleep" when he phoned the Worcestershire Out of Hours medical help service. Brian Phillips, from Deansway in Bromsgrove, has suffered from diabetes for 33 years. He was doubled up with crippling
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Lucky strike for new club
THE gaffer of a top football team will be enjoying a different kind of match when he opens a new club in Droitwich Spa. Stuart Watkiss, manager of the Kidderminster Harriers, will spark some interest in the town's new matchstick modelling club next Thursday
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By George - it's a chance to get out walking
PATRIOTIC townsfolk are being invited to join in a walk for England on St George's Day in aid of the Primrose Hospice. The St Godwald's Road hospice is hosting three walks in the Clent Hills to cater for all abilities, ranging from a one-mile walk to
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New Year resolution
TOWNSFOLK who have started smoking again or not quite got round to starting that New Year diet, should think about taking up a different kind of resolution. Kind-hearted volunteers are needed to help out in the Primrose Hospice's administration office
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A night at the movies
A £50,000 one-off windfall payment from the firm which developed the Oakalls estate in Bromsgrove is to be spent on buying cinema equipment for the town's new Artrix. The trust which runs the new School Drive arts centre, which is set to open in the spring
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Working with victims of crime
A charity dedicated to helping the victims of crime is looking for new volunteers in the Bromsgrove area. Victim Support Worcestershire offers help, support and guidance to people whose lives have been blighted by crime. The charity believes victims of
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Slippery slope is a 'danger'
COMMUNITY leaders are urging shopkeepers in Ombersley Street East to improve the safety of a sloped walkway. Droitwich Spa town councillors agreed something must be done to improve the slippery surface outside the stretch of shops, which includes Droitwich
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Send out the clean up unit
A SPECIAL clean up unit was sent out to tackle stray rubbish blown around Bromsgrove by high winds. Streets in the area were covered in rubbish, in particular waste set to be recycled, after it was blown across the roads and into nearby gardens. The problem
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Hospice's marathon meeting
ENERGETIC bunnies running the Flora London Marathon this Easter attended a special meeting last night (Tuesday). Droitwich Spa fitness fanatics were invited to the special reception, held in Worcester for London marathon runners by St Richard's Hospice
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Book takes a look at village life
A FASCINATING new book exploring the history of villages, churches and pubs of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and the north Cotswolds has proved a hit with Spa residents. Roy Millar, author of The Village, the Church and the Pub, says he has been inundated
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Spa to pilot new scheme
A NEW scheme to improve the uptake of benefits by pensioners and other residents is being piloted in Droitwich Spa. Peter Pinfield, town and Worcestershire county councillor, has welcomed the initiative, which will see councils and other agencies work
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It's the brainy bunch!
THE future is looking particularly bright for a bunch of Spa students who have been offered places at the country's most prestigious universities. Six students at Droitwich Spa High School including Clive Collins, Guan Qin, Sarah Jennings, Katrina Shearman
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Junior efforts
RONKSWOOD Junior School has raised a total of £321.80 for the disaster appeal through a charity event. The school - in St Alban's Close, Worcester - organised a raffle, tombola and tabletop clothes sale. "Everybody who came along seemed to be very happy
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Musicians to drum up cash
MUSICIANS of all ages from across the county will be drumming up cash for victims of the Asian tsunami. A benefit concert at the Unitarian Church, Church Street, Kidderminster, will feature performances from musicians ranging from six to 50, and a star
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Sheer devastation has inspired people to act
4 INTREPID walkers braved the snow-capped Malvern Hills on Sunday to raise more than £7,000 for the tsunami appeal. The walk, organised by Luke Simons from WH Smith News, in Block House Close, Worcester, attracted around 70 participants. Ria Simons, who
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TERROR TEEN IS BEHIND BARS
REDDITCH police have welcomed a jail sentence and five-year Antisocial Behaviour Order (ASBO) imposed on a tearaway teenager at Redditch Magistrates Court last Tuesday. Martin Alan Masters, aged 18, of Sycamore Avenue, Southcrest, was sentenced to six
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So frustrated over recycling
WHY is it that when Redditch Council urges residents to be environmentally friendly and recycle as much as possible, when we do, there always seems to not enough room in the recycling containers placed around the town to be able to do this? I find it
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New bus fleet ready to roll
REDDITCH bus passengers can finally enjoy a first-class service following the introduction of a gleaming new fleet of vehicles. After years of waiting, the new First fleet of 19 buses will be officially launched on Friday, the result of a £2.5 million
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Making a song and dance over church!
MUSIC will kick off Studley Parish Church's 900th Anniversary Year celebrations on Friday. The church, which is raising funds for an extension and new heating system, is holding a cabaret night at Studley Village Hall, High Street, and is encouraging
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Police to extend powers
THE success of new antisocial behaviour legislation to disperse gangs in north east Redditch has prompted police to extend the powers to further areas in Redditch. The Section 30 orders will take effect in Walkwood and Headless Cross from Tuesday and
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Attack woman facing prison
A MOTHER-of-four was warned she could be jailed for attacking a woman with a pair of cricket stumps. Kellie Smith flew into a rage after a phone call from Melba Jones. The women had a history of trouble between them, Worcester Crown Court heard. Smith
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Medal honour for top cadet
A MEMBER of Redditch and Bromsgrove Sea Cadets has received a coveted award after gaining top marks in the country during his promotion to Cadet Petty Officer. James Mitchell, a Year 12 pupil at St Augustine's High School, was presented with the Cornwell
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Victim was seeking a 'better life'
THE wife of a 39-year-old Redditch man who suffered serious head injuries in an attack in Birmingham, has spoken of how he and his family had left Zimbabwe to find a "better life" in Britain. Father-of-two Thandi Sithole underwent intensive medical treatment
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Coining it in for appeal
Arrow Vale Community High School has started fund-raising in earnest for the tsunami disaster appeal after requests from students. Pupils and staff have drawn a huge map of all areas which have been affected on the floor of the school theatre. Youngsters
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June's sacking was shameful
SO much for our "Conservative-controlled county council" when recently Labour councillors, en-bloc, joined with a motley collection of poisoned political dwarfs in order to sack the dedicated county councillor June Longmuir (Advertiser, January 19). My
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Haunted by the horror of Belsen
THE name Belsen is synonymous with the horrors carried out by the Nazis and for one Redditch man, the memory of spending just one day there still haunts him to this day. Tomorrow, the nation will mark Holocaust Memorial Day, remembering the estimated
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Plea to help the orphans
A REDDITCH woman is hoping to raise as much cash as possible for her aunt who runs a convent in Sri Lanka and is trying to help children who were orphaned in the the Tsunami. Dot Hopkins, of Melen Street, who is collecting cash and supplies for St Teresa's
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MPs' pensions
REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith did not vote for the change in pensions for MPs announced last year, nor has she accepted the new terms, as claimed in a letter published in last week's issue of the Advertiser. Her pension remains at the original level.
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Memories of an old friend
I FOUND this photograph in some old correspondence. It was sent to me at Christmas in 1933 and I would like to know what happened to Arthur Rust, of Redditch. We were great friends and when I joined the army, I lost touch with him. I think he was the
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Art comes naturally
A STUDLEY wildlife artist is set for the biggest break of her professional career. Diane Howe, of Allendale Crescent, has been invited to display her work at the nationally renowned Gloucestershire gallery Nature in Art, alongside such greats in the field
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Droitwich Spa RFC First XV fixtures 2004/2005
HOME, away (Midlands Three West (South) fixtures unless stated) SEPTEMBER Sat 4 STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 22-32 Sat 11 BARKERS BUTTS 7-20 Sat 18 Bridgnorth (Powergen Intermediate Cup First Round) 22-27 Sat 25 Hereford 14-37 OCTOBER Sat 2 OLD LEAMINGTONIANS
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Spotlight on town safety
REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith met a top police officer last week to discuss a range of issues concerning crime and safety in Redditch. Ms Smith talked about matters, including the use of Community Safety Officers (CSOs), new anti social behaviour orders, acceptable
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Alcester & District Local History Society
HOOK Norton Brewery was the subject of a talk by Howard Hicks. The brewery tour guide revealed his passion for the company's heritage and its award-winning ales. The speaker described how John Henry Harris bought a thatched cottage and malting just over
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A green day for families
BEADS, rag rugs and old CDs will feature at the Countryside Centre's next family learning event. The recycling workshop to be held on Sunday is one among a series of events supported by Worcestershire LEA aimed at encouraging enjoyable family activities
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Volunteer to help victims of crime
VOLUNTEERS in Redditch are needed to help support victims of crime. The role involves visiting victims and contacting them by telephone for four hours a month and Victim Support Worcestershire is offering volunteers extensive training for the role. The
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Hats on for Bugsy
ASPIRING actors from Trinity High School are taking to the stage to perform classic musical Bugsy Malone. The performance will be staged in the main hall of the Easemore Road School on February 1, 2 and 3 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on the evening
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Honey grasps chance
MUCH has changed in a year for Droitwich darts ace Dave Honey. Since he moved into the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) the 38-year-old has been scoring bullseyes. He said: "I train up to five hours and day now so that I am ready for the tournaments
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Atkinson calls on leaders to keep run going
CAPTAIN Paul Atkinson believes Droitwich Hockey Club's men's first XI control their own title destiny. Spa have a healthy over Walsall in the West Midlands Division after Saturday's win over Kingswinford (match report - p117). Droitwich can take a big
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Astwood Bank Flower Club
THE AGM was held on January 11. Joyce Mumford was thanked for her two years as chairman. Glynis Pearce was voted in to replace her for the next two years. The next meeting will be on March 8 at 7.45pm in the Church Hall, Church Road, Astwood Bank. The
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Table toppers power to victory
Droitwich 1st XI 9 Kingswinford 1st XI 0 DROITWICH men tightened their grip on the West Midlands League Division One by recording their biggest win of the season on Saturday. In-form Spa bounced back from last week's stalemate with Rugeley to pile more
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Feckenham Forest History Society
AT the January meeting, members heard a fascinating talk from Brian Draper on the River Severn. Having worked as an engineer on the river for 40 years, Brian knows every inch of it and took his audience on a journey from Bridgnorth to the sea. Along the
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Boars blitzed by sharp Drayton
Market Drayton 1st XI 3 Bromsgrove 1st XI 2 BROMSGROVE'S mid-table aspirations in the West Midlands Division One were shot down by Market Drayton on Saturday. Defeat means that the Boars are going to struggle to finish in the top half of the table. Despite
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Inner Wheel Club of Redditch
THE January meeting was held at the Quality Hotel, where members were pleased to welcome district chairman Shirley Clutton. After speaking to the club, Mrs Clutton was presented with a patio rose by Inner Wheel president Sue Whiteside. Overseas service
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Ladiesdefeat rivals
Bournville Ladies 1st XI 0 Bromsgrove Ladies 1st XI 1 VICKY Powell grabbed a last gasp winner as Bromsgrove returned from Birmingham with all the points in the Worcestershire County League on Saturday. A pulsating gamehad seemed to be heading for a goalless
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Teams battle it out in cup
TEAMS battled it out in the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League's Handicap Cup. Division One sides experienced few scares in the cup, despite the sides from below being awarded extra points. Hillcrest had lost to Cofton Hackett B 378-204 and despite
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Bromsgrove win call up
BROMSGROVE Indoor Bowls Club guaranteed international action by defeating Welford-on-Avon 78-61 on Sunday. Victory ensured Bromsgrove have qualified from group D to represent England in the Four Nations tournament. They are set to take on the best teams
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Wythall WI
PRESIDENT Jill Warner wished everyone a happy new year and hoped the few members who had been ill over Christmas would soon be better. In order to get healthy, the Worcestershire Federation was encouraging every institute to complete 90 miles of walking
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Coach puts faith in Spa strugglers
Saturday, January 22, 2005 Droitwich 5 Bedworth 27 Midlands Division Three West (South) DIRECTOR of rugby Julian Bailey has not given up on Droitwich turning around their terrible season - despite suffering a heavy defeat at the Glynn Mitchell Memorial
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25 years ago
January 25, 1980 AN unpopular poplar tree could be getting the chop if Alvechurch landowners get the go-ahead. The 40ft high tree in Alvechurch Playing Fields is interfering with play in a Sunday soccer side's matches. Playing officials and spectators
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50 years ago
January 28, 1955 REDDITCH golf club is concerned with the drop in membership over the past year. Membership at the close of 1954 was given as 257. This includes life, honorary, playing, junior, country and club members. Touching on this subject at the
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Saddle up for fitness
ALCESTER is gearing up for a green year with the launch of a new project to put residents back on bikes. "Bikes in Alcester" is set to be launched in March with a Cycle Awareness Day at the Greig Centre, one of the partners in the scheme. And other organisations
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Teacher bids a final farewell
A PE teacher who dedicated 29 years of his life to Alcester Grammar School has finally hung up his boots. David Cowell, former head of PE, started at the Birmingham Road school when he moved up from Sussex to live nearer his wife's parents. He said he
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Report joy for school
INSPECTORS have praised a village school as "very welcoming" while pupils' achievements were said to be "very good". And headteacher Stephen Blackman said staff and pupils at Great Alne Primary School, in School Road, were thrilled after receiving the
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Wartime tales
ALCESTER folk continue to record their war memories for an exhibition to be mounted in Alcester this summer. Two women, Kathleen and Pat, are among the latest to tell their tales - and both involve changing career plans. Kathleen's plan to join the Auxiliary
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Scheme success
A binge drinking crackdown during the festive period has been hailed a success by Warwickshire police. The campaign ran in Alcester and the surrounding South Warwickshire area and was aimed at tackling the knock-on effects of alcohol abuse on violent
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Recognising the 'unsung heroes'
UNSUNG heroes and heroines across Worcestershire's care industry are being targeted for a new monthly award to help give public recognition to the difficult job they do. The project has been launched by Worcester-based Guide2care - a large internet resource
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Police chief outlines the war on yobs
TACKLING antisocial behaviour and other crime in Studley was top of the agenda when police, residents and councillors gathered in the village. Alcester area sector commander Insp Tim Bailey came face to face with residents at last Wednesday's meeting
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Panto joy
THE panto Aladdin was a box office success for the Palace Theatre at Christmas, with nearly 15,000 seeing the show. And it was the third year in a row the panto had seen an increase in numbers. Press officer Paul Hughes said: "We are delighted by the
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Feast of festival in store
THE Community Arts Festival Event (CAFE) and Redditch Council are joining forces in a partnership which plans to take forward the excellent work of the voluntary sector in the town. The partnership is looking to work together to create a festival of new
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Council's mast woe
ALCESTER town councillors are to oppose plans to erect another telecommunications mast in Oversley Green to give residents the chance to have their say. Although not all members of the council voted against T Mobile's proposals for a 25ft tower on the
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Town is very much alive
ANGRY shop owners in Alcester have hit out at claims that the town is dying. And they have urged shoppers to see for themselves what the town has to offer. Rosemary Mosson, of evening wear shop Dress Rehearsal, in Swan Street, said she is incensed by
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'It's buzzing and vibrant!'
FORMER high bailiff John Moss, of Church Street, said Alcester was "very much alive" and had a great deal to be proud about. He added: "It's a buzzing and vibrant place, packed full of thriving businesses and with a wonderful church and town hall. There's
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Rotary celebrates centenary with concert
A CONCERT to celebrate 100 years of the Rotary movement takes place at Hereford Courtyard on January 29, with music from across the century performed by Hereford Amateur Operatic Society. The evening commences with All That Jazz from the hit musical,
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Make the effort - dress up and go
Review - The Dresser at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, until Saturday. THE show must go on... Hitler's Luftwaffe is overhead, the bombs are falling, but in the best theatrical tradition the troupers take to the stage and... the show goes on. And this
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Pull up a pew for play
FECKENHAM'S St John the Baptist Church is the apt setting for a production of T S Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral next month. The church's vicar, The Rev Alistair Fuller, is playing the part of Thomas Becket and the rest of the cast is drawn from experienced
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Merry times ahead
REHEARSALS are well under way for the Astwood Bank Operatic Society's next production, Franz Lehar's The Merry Widow, at the Palace Theatre from March 22-26. The show will be the last major production at the Palace before it shuts down for a major overhaul
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Van-tastic!
A "WILDLY funny" play by Alan Bennett, The Lady in the Van, starring Susan Hampshire, arrives at Malvern's Festival Theatre from Monday. The hilarious drama has enjoyed huge critical and public acclaim during its West End run and concerns the eccentric
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Answering the 'call'
TWO local young actors are set to show their talents as they perform at the Rep theatre in Birmingham next month, writes Lianne Cooper. appearing together at the Repertory Theatre in Birmingham in An Inspector Calls. Todd Lawrence, aged eight of Stourbridge
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Romance in the air
LOVEBIRDS should get down to a St Valentine's exhibition at Forge Mill Museum in Redditch next month. The event opens on Sunday, February 6, with a free family fun day and townsfolk will be able to view a romantic collection of Victorian Valentine cards
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Seeing more of Monroe
A REMARKABLE collection of rare photographs of Marilyn Monroe and some of Hollywood's greatest stars is coming to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in a very special exhibition to be held in the Gardens' Gallery for just three days - February 6-8. Marilyn
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Careers advice on offer
DEMAND for more information and careers advice for young people has prompted a new town agency to throw open its doors for one day. Connexions - a not-for-profit company funded by the Department for Education and Skills which has replaced the old careers
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More members
THE size of Worcester City Council's licensing committee will be enlarged from 11 to 15 members. Conservative councillors Stephen Hodgson and Allah Ditta and Labour councillors Roger Berry and Richard Bird will join the committee as its workload is increased
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Silky sound
THE silky sounds of the saxophone and jazz infused vocals will fill the air of Bromsgrove's Epic Bar Brasserie on Sunday, February 13. Following the success of previous evenings, The Dutch Lewis and Delroy Brown Band, with Jayne Lewis on vocals, is back
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Students set for solo challenge
A MUSICAL extravaganza is being put on at a church in Redditch on Friday in aid of the Primrose Hospice. Students of music teacher Graham Hobbs will be performing solo pieces of their choice from jazz to classical music at the St George's Church event
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Folk fans are in for a treat
FOLK music fans will have an enthralling evening of music when the innovative Limerick -born fiddle player, Joe O'Donnell, comes to Bromsgrove tomorrow (Thursday). Joe will bring his own mixture of traditional and contemporary music to Bromsgrove Folk
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Dentists arrested amid alleged fraud probe
NVESTIGATIONS into allegations of fraud at a Droitwich dental practice are continuing after the arrest of two dentists. Police swooped on the two dentists following inquiries by the NHS Counter Fraud Service. An NHS Counter Fraud Service spokesman said
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Second sounds
MUSIC fans have been reminded to bring and buy LPs and CDs at the Worcester branches of Oxfam. The charity is the country's biggest secondhand book retailer and is looking to repeat its success in records. Volunteers at the city's shops, in Mealcheapen
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Masked men raid wine shop
TWO men stole cigarettes during a burglary at Victoria Wine in Monarch Drive, St John's, at 3am yesterday morning. The men were both 6ft tall, wore balaclavas and were dressed in black - with the exception of one wearing white trainers. They were seen
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Twin town tsar an old hand
THE new chairman of Droitwich Spa Twinning Association is no stranger to the world of town twinning. Rob Jacobs has been a member of the association for about 15 years and has visited Droitwich's twin town of Bad Ems, in Germany, several times. Mr Jacobs
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Friendly fake sheep's short back and sides
DRINKERS in a Worcester pub will not quite get the chance to tie their kangaroo down but they will be able to shear a fake sheep for Australia Day. The Courtyard in St Nicholas Street, is offering what it calls "Worcester's first ever sheep shearing competition
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Bidders' delight
ALCESTER pub-goers can have double the fun this Friday at a charity auction for the Tsunami Appeal. The town's businesses have clubbed together to offer prizes for the event at the Lord Nelson Pub at 9.30pm. The Priory Road pub raised £400 at a bric-a-brac
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Rookie Hayes stung by Studley
Tuesday, January 25, 2005 Studley 3 Bromsgrove Rovers 2 ROOKIE goalkeeper Sean Hayes experienced a baptism of fire on his debut as youthful Studley knocked Rovers out of the Worcestershire Senior Cup on Tuesday night. Hayes, in for the suspended Matt
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Appeal after bag snatched
AN 80-year-old woman was left shaken after having her bag snatched. The victim was walking along Hewell Road away from the town centre at about 2.45pm on Thursday, January 20. She passed The Railway pub and as she continued under the bridge, a man approached
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Probe into flat blaze
RESIDENTS of a block of Winyates flats had to be evacuated at the weekend after what is believed to be a suspicious fire. The fire started in a cupboard outside flats in Mainstone Close about 12.30am on Saturday. Redditch and Bromsgrove fire stations
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Rovers hit by Lowe blow
BROMSGROVE Rovers have been stunned by the news that goalkeeper Matt Lowe has been hit with a three match suspension and will miss Saturday's derby match at Evesham United (3pm kick off). The news comes as a hammer blow for manager Jimmy Mullen, who will
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BEES BUZZ TO FINAL
STUDLEY made their way to the final of the Worcestershire Senior Cup with another giant-killing performance after beating Bromsgrove Rovers 3-2 last night (Tuesday, January 25). The Bees had already beaten Moor Green and Evesham to get to the semi and
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Celebration time
REDDITCH Special Olympians and distinguished guests gathered at Arrow Valley Social Club for their annual presentation evening on Saturday night. Town mayor Jack Cookson and councillor Dot Dudley both attended the event along with supporters of the club
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Final date for VC
REDDITCH VC's journey in the Birmingham County Open League Cup has landed them in the final after a thrilling 2-1 away win over West Brom Strollers. Jenny Worthington's lob early on gave VC a deserved lead and the visitors' pressure didn't let up as Emily
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New services just the tonic
GPs and Primary Care Trust members dropped into a Redditch pharmacy on Friday to see a consultation room which forms part of a new approach to supporting patients on medication and promoting health. Under a new NHS initiative, pharmacists will offer patients
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Millers climb
Feckenham 3 Bolehall Swifts 0 FECKENHAM fans are getting used to reading the Midland Combination Premier Division table from the top down rather the bottom up after another well earned victory at the Valley Stadium. The Millers, who were languishing at
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Schools may play role in recycling
A REDDITCH Council committee was last night due to look at a number of ways of improving and increasing recycling opportunities in the town. One of the main ideas being explored by the environmental overview and scrutiny committee was introducing recycling
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FATHER AND SON HEROES
by Mike Maloney AN heroic father and son helped pull a cancer-stricken man from his burning Worcester home. Donald Smith, aged 74, and his son Martin, 42, spoke minutes after they helped Clive Davis, of Himbleton Road, St John's, to safety last night.
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Gun crime rising ... and by a third
GUN crime and homicide have both risen in West Mercia over the last year, latest Government figures have revealed. West Mercia police recorded a 29 per cent increase in gun crime between September 2003 and September 2004, outstripping a national rise
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Schools celebrate specialist status awards
TWO more Worcestershire schools are this morning celebrating being awarded specialist status. Chantry High School and Tenbury High School were both included in the latest round of the scheme, which gives extra funding to improve teaching in specific subjects
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In running for best pub title
A FAMOUS Worcestershire pub is in the running to win a prestigious national title next week after scooping a regional prize in the annual Best Pub Awards. Licensee Judith Allen, of the Mug House, Claines, will enjoy a glittering night out at The Hilton
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Lost swans found alive
TWO rival swans have survived for a whole month without food in the pitch dark of a canal overflow pipe at Claines, Worcester. The previously magnificent pair - both males named Percy and Gazza - were unable to stand up, turn round, feed or preen themselves
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School's results 'not good enough'
LABOUR councillor Peter Pinfield has criticised Droitwich Spa High School for failing to achieve the national average in its GCSE results. But the school has defended its performance saying the statistics did not reveal the school's real improvements.
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Charity calls for volunteers to staff Hanbury
VOLUNTEERS are invited to a drop-in session near Droitwich to find out how they can get involved in different projects. The volunteer drop-in day at Hanbury Hall, will take place on Wednesday, February 2, from 2pm to 6pm. People will be encouraged to
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Ambitious oral history project
LIFE in The Commandery - one of Worcester's finest historical buildings - is to be recorded in an ambitious oral history project of eyewitness's memories. Tradition has it that it was built by St Wulfstan on Sidbury in 1085. It started life as a monastic
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Tributes paid to air crash teenager
TRIBUTES have been paid to Evesham teenager James Tartaglia who died in a helicopter crash at the weekend. The 15-year-old lived with his mother, Gill Tartaglia, in South Littleton near Evesham. He was in the helicopter with his father Allan, of Brockworth
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Mayor boosts tsunami funds
A WALK by the Mayor of Worcester, Coun Allah Ditta, and macebearers through the centre of the city raised £1,900 for the tsunami aid appeal. Coun Ditta said a total of £3,223 had so far been collected through the Mayor's office. He thanks staff for their
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What's On Guide
Thursday, January 27 The Dresser by Ronald Harwood, Festival Theatre, Malvern. Until January 29. Tickets from 01684 892277. City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra: Rossini, Mozart, Strauss, Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Tickets from 0121 780 3333. 3 Men &
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Snitter felled!
TENNIS: On Sunday Wythall B were at home to Snitterfield A in Division Four of the Stratford Winter League, in a game neither team could afford to lose. The home pair of Kevin Turner and Joe Singleton played Righton and Straker. The first set was close
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LDV heartache for brave Bulls
HEREFORD'S brave bid to become the first non-league side to reach the LDV Vans Trophy area final was scuppered by two defensive errors. Danny Carey-Bertram had given the Bulls just the start they wanted with a goal after 20 minutes last night. But the
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Watkiss laments loan structure
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' loan quandary is threatening their Coca-Cola League Two status, according to boss Stuart Watkiss. They went through temporary signings at a phenomenal rate earlier in the season, mainly due to injury problems and the small size
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Teams win through
YOUNG table tennis stars have qualified for the latter stages of a national tournament. Both the boys and girls teams from St George's CE Primary School, in St George's Lane North, have reached the regional stages of the English Schools Table Tennis Association
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Parish rewards Claire's efforts
THE sterling efforts of a Studley student both at home and abroad have been recognised by the parish council with the presentation of the Golden Jubilee Shield for Outstanding Youth Achievement for 2004. The award was presented to 20-year-old Claire Ford
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Village land lease
AN ancient monument that serves as a centre point for life in Feckenham may be leased on a long-term basis to a village trust after nearly 60 years of Redditch Council control. The council has agreed to a long lease of Feckenham Playing Field to Feckenham
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New faces for council
FRESH faces at Alvechurch Parish Council are hoping to take people's concerns on board and bring the community together. Di Farlow and Rehan Ul-Haq are the latest recruits to the parish council. Mrs Farlow, who was born and bred in the village, has always
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Bees boys in the hunt
Junior football round-up: Studley Juniors under 12A beat Romulus 3-0 thanks to goals from Ross Hunter, John Mutton, and Harry Sharpe. Man of the match was Elliott Williams. The under 12s A team are looking for an experienced player to join the team, for
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No Rae of sunshine
HEADLESS Cross Ladies improved after last weekend's battering but suffered the same result after going down by the single goal to Rae Valley. Valley made the most of the blustery conditions as they put the Cross defence under pressure for long periods
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26/1/05 - City trio win England squad place
THREE forwards from Worcester's RFU England Regional Rugby Academy will get the chance to turn out for their country. They have been included in the England Under 19 squad for the international against Wales at Aberavon on Thursday, February 3 (7pm).
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Bromsgrove eager for more Derby delight
Tuesday, January 25, 2005 BROMSGROVE will be aiming to maintain their excellent record over Saturday's rivals Derby at Finstall Park and kick-start their top three aspirations in the Midlands Division One. Despite the Boars' clash away at Longton on Saturday
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Bromsgrove eager for more Derby delight
BROMSGROVE will be aiming to maintain their excellent record over Saturday's rivals Derby at Finstall Park and kick-start their top three aspirations in the Midlands Division One. Despite the Boars' clash away at Longton on Saturday called off because
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Young Boars edge past Birmingham
Birmingham U15s 10 Bromsgrove U15s 22 The young Boars were unable to repeat last week's ten try demolition of Stourbridge against a dogged Birmingham side. After going a try down Bromsgrove hit back with touch downs for Law, McGregor and Everton. Bromsgrove
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Sally is lending her support to this year's Swimathon
IF you've made a New Year's resolution this year, it's likely to be either ' get fit', or 'give some time to a worthy cause'. If you'd like to do both at once, then I've got the perfect answer - Butlins Swimathon 2005. As a keen swimmer myself I've found
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Out of touch
SO, Councillor Athol Deakin, the parish councillor for Stoke and Labour district councillor for Sidemoor, deems himself worthy of payment whilst carrying out the voluntary duties of a parish councillor. 'The days of getting something for nothing are over
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No escape
I SOLD my home in Bromsgrove last July and moved to live permanently in the Republic of Ireland. I dutifully notified Bromsgrove District Council I had sold my property and was therefore no longer responsible for paying council tax. Imagine my surprise
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Apology call
THE Advertiser/Messenger should print an apology to the Rev Roger Antell concerning the very misleading report in last week's edition. He would never tell anyone that they were not welcome in his church. He is not allowed, by law, to marry, baptise or
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Our support
WE must express our disappointment at reading the headline quoting our rector had been reported as saying 'you can't use my church' regarding the use of Stoke Prior church. The headline does not reflect the whole picture and does not take into account
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Refund us
AS a resident of Stoke Heath, I am both appalled and angered at the attitude of the vicar of St Michael's, in saying that Stoke Heath residents cannot use his church for christenings, weddings or funerals. We were led to believe that by merging Stoke
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Door is open
I Am writing as the former rector of Stoke Prior, Wychbold and Upton Warren. Rev Roger Antell is absolutely correct when he said that church boundaries are often different to civic boundaries. Actually, this was the case when I was rector. However, the
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Costly paper
RECENT articles in the Advertiser/Messenger have prompted me to write. Twelve months ago the people of Stoke Heath were co-opted into the parish of Stoke Prior. Since that time I have paid £15 Council Tax to the parish council and what have I received
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26/1/05 - Watkiss laments loan structure
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' loan quandary is threatening their Coca-Cola League Two status, according to boss Stuart Watkiss. They went through temporary signings at a phenomenal rate earlier in the season, mainly due to injury problems and the small size
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Rookie Hayes stung by Studley
Studley 3 Bromsgrove Rovers 2 ROOKIE goalkeeper Sean Hayes experienced a baptism of fire on his debut as youthful Studley knocked Rovers out of the Worcestershire Senior Cup on Tuesday night. Hayes, in for the suspended Matt Lowe, picked the ball out
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Manager demands apology
BARNT Green Spartak manager GJ Singh has demanded a Leamington FC fansite post an apology after a furious war of words erupted after Saturday's Midlands Combination clash. Singh has demanded the Warwickshire club apologise for a match report which he
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Spartak feel the sting as leaders avenge earlier defeat
Leamington 4 Barnt Green Spartak 0 BARNT Green suffered a Leamington backlash on Saturday as the Midland Combination Premier Division leaders avenged defeat earlier in the season on Saturday. Spartak were no match for their Warwickshire rivals. The game
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Last gasp Droitwich keep winning habit
West Hagley 0 Droitwich Spa 1 IAN COTTRILL grabbed the only goal of the game as in-form Spa continued their steady rise up the Midland Combination Division Two on Saturday. Victory saw Droitwich, who have seven games in hand on leaders Birmingham University
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McGrath magic earns reserves' a deserved point against Boldmere
Boldmere St Michaels 2 Bromsgrove Rovers Reserves 2 ROVERS had to produce a gutsy display to win a point in this tense Midland Combination Reserves Division clash on Saturday. Bromsgrove, missing top scorer Shaun Maynard, had to battle back from a goal
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25 years ago January 25, 1980
JULIE Emms, aged 14, had turned her bedroom at her parents home in Mount Lane, Fairfield, into a shrine to the popular TV series Star Trek. The walls were covered in pictures of Captain Kirk and crew of the Enterprise and she belonged to four clubs and
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100 years ago January 28, 1905
FIVE months after Bromsgrove Urban District council had sanctioned the installation of warning bells in the homes of town firemen, the work had still not been carried out. The telephone company was experiencing wayleave problems from people who objected
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Sending off blights victory
Saturday, January 15, 2005 Marlow 0 Bromsgrove Rovers 2 RIAD ERRAJI was hero and villain as ruthless Rovers maintained their relentless promotion pace at Oak Tree Road on Saturday. The adventurous midfielder had set Rovers on their way by opening the
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Late drinks
IT must be hell living in a city centre but, even though I live in a small town like Droitwich, with no night-clubs, I'm often disturbed at night by drinkers returning from pubs through my residential area. Apart from the occasional vandalism, car damage
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Angling is not affected
THERE was great news for angling: at a recent meeting when I gained a public assurance from Fisheries Minister, Ben Bradshaw, that angling will be exempt from the forthcoming Animal Welfare Bill. The Countryside Alliance had previously expressed concern
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Wonderful generosity
THE magnificent response to the tsunami appeal demonstrates a wonderful willingness among ordinary people throughout the country, and not least in Droitwich, to dig into their pockets to help those in distress elsewhere in the world. But it is not only
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Could be tour de farce
DRAMATISTS will be putting on a classic Alan Bennett play at the Rose Theatre in Kidderminster from Monday, January 31, to Saturday, February 5. Habeas Corpus will be the next production by The Nonentities drama group at the Chester Road North theatre
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What a swell party this is...
Coronation Street actress Susie Blake stars in hit musical High Society at the Birmingham Hippodrome next week. Adapted from one of Hollywood's best loved movies, the classic show features 15 of Cole Porter's greatest ever songs including Swell Party,
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An 'eventful' first year for new boss
A REDDITCH woman turned entrepreneur recently celebrated her first successful year of trading after setting up her business with help from the Prince's Trust. Elizabeth Clifford, 27, is the founder of Swamp Kids, which produces handcrafted products for
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Radway hits new heights
REDDITCH-based fenestration contractor Radway has won the LHC Partner of the Year award for 2004. To be appointed as the Partner of the Year by the LHC (formerly London Housing Consortium) is possibly the premier accolade in the construction industry.
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Office blocks sold for £3.7m
TWO Redditch office blocks have been sold for £3.7 million. DSM House and Kelsey House in Paper Mill Drive were sold to a private UK-based bank by GVA Grimley on behalf of client Henderson Global Investors Damian Lloyd, of GVA Grimley's Investment team
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First words from Janice
A SCOTTISH novelist will kick the literary year off with the first event of the Words season on Friday, February 11. Janice Galloway will give a talk entitled 'What's ordinary and what's extra?' at the literary group's event, which will be held in the
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Appealing dance
TOE-tapping townsfolk should get down to a jazz dance class is to raise money for the tsunami appeal. The class, which takes place this Sunday, begins at 3.15pm and will be lead by Martina Ponsonby, principal of The Stage Door Dance Academy. With a donation
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Book for parents
n I AM writing a book for parents who would like their children to go to college or university. If you are a parent, what information would you like to see in this book? Is there anything about the education system you don't understand? What are your
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Seeing more of Monroe
A REMARKABLE collection of rare photographs of Marilyn Monroe and some of Hollywood's greatest stars is coming to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in a very special exhibition to be held in the Gardens' Gallery for just three days - February 6-8. Marilyn
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Not wanted in the city
"HERE are the crowds but where are the sales?" (Evening News, Wednesday, January 17). Take a close look at the photograph and ask the question - why has Worcester become unfriendly to the family and young people? I cannot see anyone under the age of 20
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Stoke Prior WI
The January meeting started with the singing of Jerusalem. President Betty Wolsey welcomed a good attendance, which included one new member and visitor. Margaret Chance was thanked for her floral arrangement and for the past efforts in providing the requirements
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Join me in good cause
I AM writing to ask your readers to join me and support a very special event to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Britain's Biggest Breakfast is taking place for the seventh time on March 4, 2005 and we are aiming to raise a massive £400,000 this year
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Rotary Club of Droitwich Spa
AT our weekly meeting at St Andrew's House Hotel on January 11 president John Skilton was in the chair. The speaker was Julie Millard, head of Westlands First School. All the Rotary members were impressed by her presentations. Throughout her talk you
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War against the abuse of solvents
WITH reference to an article in the Evening News headlined "Woman: Sex claim girl 'a liar'" (Friday, January 7) your readers may be interested to note that Re-Solv, the Society for the Prevention of Solvent and Volatile Substance Abuse (VSA) operates
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Blackwell & Burcot WI
Our president, Mrs. Prior, was happy to report that we had had a very good turn-out for our Christmas carol concert at St Katherine's, Blackwell, which had been much appreciated by the congregation. The Christmas lunch on the following day had been so
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Bentley Pauncefoor WI
Members were welcomed by their president Lynne Reading, then began their New Year's programme with a very interesting and factual talk by Paul Betterton on RMS Titanic. He even suggested the ship that went down might not have been the Titanic! Members
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Lake battle is won
A LONG campaign by a group of nature-loving neighbours to save 'a little piece of paradise' has finally been won. Two years ago residents of Cofton Hackett were distraught to learn the 17-acre fishing lake behind their houses, which was owned by West
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Outstanding architecture
THE search is on to find Bromsgrove's outstanding new architectural gems. The Bromsgrove Society is inviting entries for its award scheme, which seeks to recognise architecture which adds to the value of the district environment. The society has made
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Sky really is the limit for Skye
A BRIGHT Bromsgrove youngster has been declared one of Britain's brainiest after being accepted into Mensa. seven-year-old daughter, Skye, carry out a spot of revision. Seven-year-old Skye Hadley, from the Oakalls, has been accepted into the exclusive
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Giving peace a chance
PEACE campaigner Neil Laurenson has set up a Bromsgrove Stop the War Coalition and is looking for more people to get involved. Neil, of the Oakalls, is already a press officer for the Birmingham Stop the War Coalition. But he said: "I have talked about
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Give me one moment in time
ADVENTUROUS youngsters at a Rubery school are seeking help to make their company a success. Pupils at Waseley Hills High School, in School Road, have set up Moment In Time, an enterprise company run by volunteer students. The students, who are mostly
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Have your say
RESIDENTS and visitors to Bromsgrove are being asked to help reshape the town's museum and tourist information centre. A cross-party task group of councillors has been set up to carry out a complete review of how both facilities work and who visits them
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Fundraising still on a high
KIND-hearted fundraisers show no signs of slowing their efforts for the survivors of the Indian Ocean tsunami. Generous elderly folk from sheltered housing in Sidemoor raised more than £1,000 for the tsunami appeal. The fundraising night at Crabtree Court
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Dentists arrested in fraud probe
TWO Droitwich dentists have been arrested in connection with investigations into alleged fraud. The dentists, who are from the Droitwich Spa Dental Practice, in Blackfriars Avenue, were arrested last Tuesday. Police swooped following investigations made
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Major cash boost for youngsters
TROUBLED teenagers in Bromsgrove are in line for a share of a massive cash boost from Europe. The county's Learning and Skills Council launched the project last week at the town's Hanover International Hotel. Youngsters from all over Worcestershire will
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U-turn on mast plan
VILLAGERS in Droitwich Spa are celebrating after planning permission for a mobile phone mast was disconnected. Officers at Wychavon District Council were expected to agree to retrospective planning permission for the Vodafone mast on land just off Copcut
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The forefront of research
A SPECIAL school in Clent will be top of the class when it becomes the first in the country to have its own research institute. Sunfield School, on Woodman Lane, has set up the institute to develop understanding of learning difficulties and to find ways
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The start of a new chapter
A NEW library has been built at a secondary school in The Gambia, thanks mainly to the efforts of pupils, parents, teachers and friends of Bromsgrove schools. Armitage Senior High School in the town of Janjang-Bureh, in the tiny west African state, forged
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A blooming vote of confidence
A leading West Midlands wholesale florist has chosen to move to Bromsgrove. Staff from A Prince Flowers will be leaving the centre of Birmingham and moving to a 7,100 sq ft packaging warehouse at the Harris Business Park, Stoke Prior. The £300,000-plus
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Plan for new waste trucks
BROMSGROVE is to hitch a 'piggy back' on near neighbour Dudley to speed up the purchase of three special refuse freighters. The vehicles will be used by Bromsgrove District Council to collect general and green waste from roads within the district which
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USA trip for teen
AN energetic Spa teenager will be swapping the great British seaside this June when he jets off to the USA for two months on a summer camp. Luke Hogarth can't wait to go back out to the States, where he spent last summer working as a children's counsellor
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Illegal gypsies' charter
A NEW charter to advise town and parish councils how best to deal with illegal travellers could be adopted in Droitwich Spa. The town's planning committee discussed taking up the charter at its meeting on January 17. The document aims to encourage town
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Sheer devastation has inspired people to act
THE sheer devastation of the Asian tsunami disaster and the immense suffering is what inspired four of Worcester's biggest organisations to support the Evening News' Wishband Appeal. Worcestershire County Council, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber
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Library hosts retailer event
WORCESTERSHIRE County Council's Trading Standards team is inviting Redditch retailers to a free seminar next month covering subjects such as consumer and trader rights, distance selling and pricing. The event at Redditch Library on February 10 will give
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Donors
VOLUNTEERS are needed to give blood in Bidford. Blood donor sessions will be held on Thursday, February 3, at Crawford Memorial Hall, Salford Road, between 2pm and 3.45pm and from 5pm to 7.15pm.
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Gesture is wondrous!
INDY 90s pop idols The Wonderstuff have offered to play a one-off fundraising concert after hearing about the plight of a Redditch and Bromsgrove diving club caught up in the tsunami disaster. The Millennium Dive Centre wants to raise £50,000 to help
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Pensioners deserve pass
IN response to the letter ''Bus passes are not free (Advertiser, January 19), I would like to point out that most people will reach pensionable age (including the writer) and hopefully benefit from this concession. Does the writer realise pensioners also
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Festive cash appreciated
THROUGH your columns, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to your readers for their tremendous generosity over the Christmas period in supporting the Primrose Hospice Lights of Love and Tree of Lights campaigns. As well as remembering their loved
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Missing our post office
I AM sure I speak for many people when I say what a pleasure it was to go into the post office on Batchley Road (now closed). The staff were so pleasant and most helpful - nothing was too much trouble, no matter how busy they were. I would like to wish
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House party attack on man
A party gatecrasher struck a guest on the head with a bottle and then bit his finger in a second attack. David Hyett upset a female partygoer by branding her "a slag" and was advised to leave by the victim, Terence Rzezniczak. Witnesses watched in horror
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Bromsgrove Rovers fixtures and results 2004/2005
HOME, away (Dr Martens Division One West fixtures unless stated) JULY Tue 20 Stratford Town (Friendly) 1-1 (Frost) Sat 24 AFC TELFORD (Friendly) 2-1 (Szewczyk 2) Tue 27 HEDNESFORD TOWN (Friendly) 1-2 (Frost) Thu 29 KOREA UNIVERSITIES XI (Friendly) 1-4
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Hopwood WI
THE January meeting began with president Ann Thurrell welcoming two visitors and wishing everyone a happy new year. Letters of thanks received from visitors to the December party were read out. A report was given on the county-organised trip to Bath,
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Goal seals win
Harborne Ladies 2nd XI 1 Droitwich Ladies 1st XI 2 TWO SECOND half goals made sure Spa returned home from Birmingham with maximum points in the Worcestershire League on Saturday. After a goalless first half Droitwich had taken the lead through Hannah
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Ipsley WI
President Judith Scott welcomed members to the January meeting with wishes for a happy new year. The Christmas party had been an enjoyable occasion, as had the Redditch Group Christmas celebration of carols and readings held at St Peter's Hall, Crabbs
