Archive

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Playing the original Atomic kitten

Blondie tribute act Bleach are set to return to Worcester next week for what could prove to be an "Atomic" performance. The foursome were formed in 1999 when all members Helen, Paul, Andy and Martyn worked together in Bill Kenwright's 70s show Thankyou

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Hamsters swap cage for stage

ONE of the UK's top blue-rock bands will be gracing the stage at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall next week. Now in their 18th year together, The Hamsters have been voted one of the UK's best unsigned bands by Kerrang! magazine. They have a wealth of experience

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A pair of poorly puppies in a box

TWO four-week-old puppies have been found abandoned in a cardboard box in Wick. Wychavon District Council dog wardens discovered the puppies, both suffering from sarcoptic mange and worms, by a tree in the village, near Pershore. The miniature breeds,

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Tory survey dupe claim

SIR Michael Spicer has been accused of beginning a "dishonest" campaign ahead of a possible General Election in a hotly contested Worcestershire constituency. Liberal Democrats in West Worcestershire have accused their Tory rivals of duping recipients

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Mentors make the grade - now they'll help pupils

TEENAGERS preparing for their GCSEs in two Worcester high schools will, this year, receive some extra training to help them make the grade. Newly-qualified Learning Mentors from University College Worcester will visit Christopher Whitehead High School

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Hammer falls in city for TV show

THE spotlight fell on Worcester in the latest edition of the antiques show Flog It! on BBC2. Viewers this week saw items come under the hammer which had been collected and valued at a special event in the city's Guildhall last autumn. The show, which

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No sweets, just salads!

HEALTHY food was the order of the day and chips were off the menu for youngsters learning about nutritious meals. Yesterday, pupils at St Barnabas' Primary School on Green Lane, Rainbow Hill, had a culinary crash course in how to cook up a healthy and

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BOSBURY Correspondent: Mrs R Krinks Tel: 01531 640076

SIX children from Bosbury took part in a five-mile sponsored bike ride in aid of the Tsunami victims. The fundraising event was the idea of Ben Bulson (9), who was joined by Laura Bulson (9), James Bulson (2), Isabel Bennion (9), Zoe Yapp (7) and Gabrielle

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BROMSBERROW Correspondent: U Groves-Smith Tel: 01452 840273

MANY people in Bromsberrow will have happy memories of the late Reverend William (Bill) Barber, who died in December, when he lived at The Rectory and conducted services. He and his wife were a delightful couple and he nursed her devotedly until her death

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COLWALL Correspondent: Mrs P Hockett Tel: 01684 564872

ON Sunday, February 6, a casserole lunch is being held for the Tsunami Appeal. This will be served from 12.30pm to 3pm. Tickets are £12 adults and £6 children. Contact Belinda Sparrey on (01886) 833923 or email bestoftaste@hotmail.com. There will also

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HOLLYBUSH Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287

AN international evening awaits our benefice at Bushley Village Hall on Tuesday, February 8, commencing at 7pm. Come and enjoy a taste of international food and wine. Sample the delights of delicious cuisine from Poland, France, Italy, Mexico and Wales

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STAUNTON Correspondent: U Groves-Smith Tel: 01452 840273

AT the family service at St James' Church, Staunton on Sunday, February 6, at 10.30am, Canon John Evans will bless the new noticeboard, which is now in full use. The money was raised for the project by the Get Together coffee morning for Staunton Church

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WELLINGTON HEATH Correspondent: Mrs P Jacobs Tel: 01531 634941

THE new monthly circle dance evening is today (Friday) at 8pm and, as well as this regular event, there will be a ceilidh on Saturday, February 12 from 7.30pm-11pm. The music will be by Ringerike with their caller. A licensed bar and supper is included

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4/2/05 - Upton put on their own splendid exhibition

UPTON took to the highways on Saturday to visit Birmingham Exiles, near the NEC, for this North Midlands (South) One fixture. BIRMINGHAM EXILES 3pts, UPTON 31pts As results and league position show, Exiles are a mere shadow of their former glory days

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Foster presses for fair funds ruling

MINISTERS have been warned of growing "disquiet" in Worcestershire over funding inequalities. Worcester MP Michael Foster said the criteria for awarding Area Cost Adjustment to local authorities was unfair on Worcestershire. He went on to urge the Office

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Record-breaking history-making free prize trip balloon bonanza

A couple who landed a romantic prize trip to Italy found themselves on the brink of making hot-air ballooning history into the bargain. Vincent and Rowan Williams, of Comer Road, St John's, Worcester, lent a helping hand to Virgin hot-air balloonist Lindsay

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So this is what a library is like...

YOUNG bookworms caught the reading bug early thanks to their first trip to the library. Babies and toddlers up to the age of four collected certificates, designed by popular illustrators, and stickers during the Book Crawl at Warndon Library, in Cranham

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Strike a light - no one wants to join my matchstick model club!

THE organiser of a new matchstick modelling club in Droitwich says he is devastated only one person turned up at the launch, despite numerous enquiries. However, Terry Hickman says he is remaining positive that the club will take off. Kidderminster Harriers

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Malvern Concert Club n Review: Ex Cathedra Consort, Malvern Theatres

In a programme stage-managed engagingly, conductor Jeffrey Skidmore, beating a large drum, led his esteemed ensemble through the auditorium singing Hanacpachap cussicuinin by J C Bocanegra, an early polyphonic processional ritual. Thus began a concert

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Warning on top 10 scams

CONSUMERS in Worcestershire have been warned to be on their guard against scams which could cost them thousands of pounds. People across the country lose an estimated £1bn a year to scams and on Tuesday the Evening News reported how Garnett Alderson,

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Summit good!

INTERNATIONAL rugby star Pat Sanderson put Bargain Hunt's Philip Serrell and Worcester youngsters through their paces to mark the latest Sport Summit. Pupils from Northwick Manor Junior School trained with the high-profile stars at Sixways to raise awareness

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Fresh image and top marks

A PLAYGROUP celebrating an impressive Ofsted report has relaunched itself with a snazzy, modern image. St Stephen's Pre-School Playgroup has changed its name to Sticky Fingers @ St Stephen's Pre-School Playgroup, to lift its profile and move it into the

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Sue beats NHS wait at French hospital

AN Upton woman who would have had to wait eight months for NHS hospital treatment has advised people in a similar situation to travel abroad for private care. Sue King, of London Lane, was told in last July that she had cysts on one of her kidneys that

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Farmer tastes success

Clives Fruit Farm in Upton makes the best apple juice in the West Midlands . . . and that's official. Jane Clive was presented with the West Midlands Tastiest Apple Juice Award, Cox Variety, at a ceremony in Birmingham on Thursday (January 27). Mrs Clive

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Theft from viaduct site

CONSTRUCTION equipment worth £10,000 was stolen from the site of the new viaduct in Upton. Taken were three compressed-air concrete compactors, two nine-inch petrol-driven disc cutters, three 2.4 KVA petrol generators, an electric circular saw and a petrol-driven

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Stolen from garage

Four wheels, tyres and a soft top were taken from a Suzuki jeep-style vehicle at Price Cars on Tewkesbury Road, Ryall, between 7am on Monday (January 31) and 7am on Tuesday. Anyone with information should call police on 08557 444888.

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Artists put on a show

OIL paintings by local artists Margaret Moore and Anthony Williams are on show at Upton Library. The exhibition, Landscapes and Seascapes of England, runs until February 28.

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Fun way to raise funds

A FUN quiz takes place at Upton Church Rooms at 7.30pm on Monday, February 21. The cost is £5 per team, with a raffle to raise money for the tsunami appeal.

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MP holds surgery

WEST Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer will be holding a surgery for constituents at 10am tomorrow (Saturday) at Upton Memorial Hall.

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Need a five star hospital

WHAT a farce on the part of South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust was last Monday's so-called consultation meeting. With around 350 to 400 people in the main body of the Elgar Suite at the Abbey Hotel, at least 250 more people were summarily dismissed

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Poor comparison

IT took 20 years to build Kufu's Great Pyramid at Giza. The Colloseum in Rome, with shopping malls and seating for 80,000 people, was built in five years. It took NASA nine years to get men to the moon. After some 25 years of discussion a consultation

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Prepare to be disappointed

HEALTH chief Mike Ridley has warned Malvern people disappointment over the new hospital is inevitable. The chairman of the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust was speaking after a trust meeting at which he denounced "hostility and opposition" to the

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Rubbish service

I WONDER if I am alone in feeling total disillusionment with Ledbury's waste collection service. Yes, they do collect our rubbish, but why can't they deliver the new bags properly? On several occasions there have been no bags at all and on windy days

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4/2/05 - Better show by Radar

AFTER a 4-4 draw two weeks ago, there was always going to be plenty of action in this reverse Worcester Sunday League division two fixture, and so it proved. CMB SPORTS 2, MALVERN RADAR 4 The only surprise was that there were only six goals as both teams

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Victim of success

Firstly, may I make a public apology through the Malvern Gazette to the management and members of the Civil Service Sports & Social Club (formerly known as the RSRE Club) for any inconvenience caused by unauthorised parking by visitors to Malvern

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4/2/05 - Oak Allstars go to top on goal difference

THE only game in The Soccer Site Malvern League division one on Sunday saw Oak Allstars looking to go back to the top of the table. They faced the hurdle of visiting their bogey team Talbot Head, who had more than played their part in denying Oak Allstars

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Must be psychic

I thought you and others might be interested in the following occurrence. It would appear the Post Office employs psychics! I have always held the Post Office in high esteem, feeling that it does a sterling job most of the time and particularly now when

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Spread of pointless lines makes me sick

THERE'S a new disease stalking our lanes and streets and I've got it! It's irritation with the spread of pointless and redundant white lines and road signs across the countryside. A new outbreak has just appeared at the junction of the B4211 at Tunnel

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Thieves take wheelchair

A WHEELCHAIR belonging to a man with multiple sclerosis was stolen from a garage in Victoria Road, Malvern. The theft took place between 2pm and 2.50pm on Thursday (January 27). The homeowner, who asked not to be named, had borrowed the wheelchair from

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Bottom of a slippery slope

I VISITED Auschwitz with a package tour group. At first we were reluctant to go, feeling we were no more than voyeurs adding another interesting place to our list and indeed we heard three couriers in one room shouting out facts to their groups as at

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Gang linked to car park thefts

A gang from outside the area is believed to have stolen cash from car park ticket machines in Malvern. Two machines in the Malvern Splash car parks were broken into last week and a machine in the Grange Road car park, next to Malvern Theatres, was targeted

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Kind donations

ON behalf of Worcester & District Cats' Protection I would like to thank the people of Malvern for their kind donations of cat food given over the Christmas period. A total of 1,523 cans and many packets of dried food were gratefully received. Many

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Raising morale

WHILE recently having treatment at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital, I would like to thank my bed mate who helped to keep my morale up and was so friendly. Thank you Louise. BETTY SHUTTLEWORTH, Defford.

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We will not be moved, say Friday market traders

TRADERS at Malvern's Friday Market are digging their heels in to stay at the Avenue Road site. The stallholders have launched a weekly draw to help bring back customers to the Council House car park. Malvern Hills District Council had hoped to move the

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Dowser Daphne asked to find family's missing dog

A family desperate to trace their lost dog have called in the services of a Malvern dowser. Professional dowser Daphne Smith is helping the Boardmans trace their beloved English setter Henry, who disappeared from their Solihull home in March. So far,

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Galloping through 100 years of hotel's past

COLWALL may no longer feature on a list of British racecourses but a hotel built when the village was alive with runners and riders is still going strong. The Colwall Park Hotel, which celebrates its centenary this year, was designed and built for racehorse

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Blow to fishing lake plan

A plan to make a fishing lake fully accessible to people with disabilities has suffered a set-back. This follows the refusal of Malvern Hills Conservators to grant an easement allowing access to the lake across Malvern Common. The application was made

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Past owners toast shop's half-century

The owners of town centre bookshop were joined by their predecessors this week to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Sir Reginald and Lady Anne Lechmere opened the Malvern Bookshop, on the Priory Steps in February, 1955. When they retired in 1987, they handed

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New boss aims for a quick impact

ANDY Preece is desperate to make a positive impression on and off the pitch tomorrow as he takes his first game in charge of Worcester City against Nationwide North leaders Southport. City's new player-manager is ready to name himself among the starting

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Watkiss staying positive as Harriers patch up team

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers may go to Scunthorpe United with a patched-up team tomorrow but positive boss Stuart Watkiss still believes they are capable of returning with a result. A string of first teamers will be given last-minute fitness tests on illness

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Double mission for Mullen's men

BROMSGROVE Rovers are aiming to kill two birds with one stone when Burnham visit tomorrow (3pm). Victory for Jimmy Mullen's side would not only keep them in touch with the Southern League Division One West promotion chase but also guarantee an end to

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4/2/05 - Charlie is Dynamos' star turn

CHARLIE Burford won all his sets for Dukes Way Dynamos and Collette James won two and Vivien Tolley one when they played Allsorts in this Division Three match in the Malvern Table Tennis League. Alex Lindner was again the best player for Allsorts with

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4/2/05 - Reliability ride takes place Sunday

THE 16th running of local club Cyclesport Midlands' Reliability Ride takes place on Sunday (February 6). While not a race, this event is quite sporting, starting from St John's Sports Centre at 9am, the route goes out to Tenbury Wells via Great Witley

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4/2/05 - Fixtures ...

SATURDAY FOOTBALL THE TRAVEL FACTORY MIDLAND FOOTBALL ALLIANCE Alvechurch v Malvern Town (3.00). WEST MIDLANDS LEAGUE Premier Division: Wednesfield v Ledbury Town (2.45); Tipton Town v Bromyard Town (2.45). Division One: Malvern Town Reserves v Ashbourne

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Bradders on Friday

Have you been round The Commandery in Worcester lately? No, neither had I, until this week. Well, I had been round before but it was more than five years ago. It's the sort of place you take a visiting relative or friend to keep them entertained for the

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Make a date for a night to stir your passions!

LOVE will be in the air at a number of Valentine events in and around Malvern. From classical music to food and poetry, organisers promise there will be something for every romantic. In Colwall, the Bransford Singers and Players will stage The Love Anthology

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4/2/05 - Watkiss staying positive as Harriers patch up team

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers may go to Scunthorpe United with a patched-up team tomorrow but positive boss Stuart Watkiss still believes they are capable of returning with a result. A string of first teamers will be given last-minute fitness tests on illness

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Book your tickets now

THE comedy Joking Apart is set to be staged at Worcester's Swan Theatre this month and people are being urged to book their tickets. The play will be performed by the Swan Theatre Amateur Company and is being directed by Brian J Burton. A spokesman for

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Bill pair return

A PLETHORA of television stars are promising to keep audiences hooked tomorrow night when a drama is staged at a Gloucestershire theatre. The Gentle Hook will be performed for the last night at the Everyman in Cheltenham, and the cast includes The Bill's

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'Remarkable pianist' set for Hall showcase

A LEADING British pianist who has achieved international recognition for championing music of our time is to perform in Worcester. Mark Bebbington, who has featured on national radio and is getting rave reviews from top critics for his live and CD performances

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4/2/05 - Penalty miss proves costly

THIS was a disappointing league performance by Malvern Town on Saturday at Langland Stadium and in reality the visitors deserved to win by a bigger margin. MALVERN TOWN 0, COALVILLE TOWN 3 Town had a number of early chances but both Des Cox and Phil Preedy

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All the gigs and where to find them

If you have any gigs at your pub/venue call Joby Mullens on 01905 742252 or e-mail: jobymullens@midlands.newsquest.co.uk February 4: Bootis, Marrs Bar, Worcester. February 5: Vicky Pensom, Barbourne Ex-Services Club, Worcester; Punk Ska Night plus Northern

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Collection purr-fection

CATS Protection Christmas Cat Food Collection has come to a close. We would like to say a very big thank you to the public for their amazing generosity, and to Sainsbury's, Warndon; Tesco's, St Peter's; Severn Veterinary Centre, Warndon and MacArthur,

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It's coming to a head

FULL marks to Neil Morris, headmaster of Christopher Whitehead School, who was called to London to receive the thanks of the Prime Minister and for persuading Stephen Twigg, the Schools Standards Minister, to visit Worcester and consider all the options

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Damage limitation ruse didn't fool pensioners

I HAD hoped to write to this paper congratulating Simon Geraghty and his cabinet colleagues on Worcester City Council for listening - and more importantly reacting - to the voting, tax-paying pensioners whose indignation over the bus passes and the closing

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New City boss backing our Wishband appeal

THE new manager at Worcester City Football Club will be stepping on to the pitch in style sporting an Evening News Wishband. Striker Andy Preece is the latest celebrity to join our campaign to raise more than £22,000 for the tsunami disaster fund. The

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Wild night fans flames as hillside blazes

AN alarming gorse fire made headlines in the Gazette 100 years ago. The fire began shortly before midnight on the hills opposite Stuart Lodge, Malvern Wells. It was a wild night and the flames spread rapidly as the fire burned "fast and furious" for an

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Echoes from the Past

100 years ago The managers of Cowleigh School are issuing an appeal for £400 to enable them to increase the accommodation for scholars at the school. The accommodation is inadequate for the growing needs of the district. At present there is room for 131

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Traditional panto gets modern twist

RUMPLESTILTSKIN has been given a 21st Century make-over in a pantomime by the Pepperpot Players. The main character, played by Viki O'Rourke, is a dwarf who runs a dot.com business dealing in magical futures. After helping the beautiful Eudora (Vanessa

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Malvern stage is added to Cole CV

VETERAN actor George Cole makes his Malvern Theatres debut in the guise of a grumpy old man. Mr Cole, 79, best known as wheeler dealer Arthur Daley in the TV series Minder, plays a character who argues with his neighbours in Party Piece. He said it was

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What's on

Theatre February 4&5-Dick Whittington, Conquest Players, Conquest Theatre, Bromyard. 3pm & 7.30pm. £7, concs £6. (01885) 488575. 4&5-Daisy Pulls it off, West Malvern Players at West Malvern Village Hall. 7.30pm. £4, concs £2 on the door or

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Cast a net for a Valentine sparkler

KEMPSEY, on a dank Autumn evening, is hardly the most romantic place in the world. But it was here, at a charity wine tasting for Macmillan Cancer Relief, that I found our St. Valentine's Day wine - a sparkling pink Spanish Cava full of delicious fruit

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* Nurses told to get on their bikes * Is search for a church finally over? * Using club for hunt ven

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Bid to make this scooter a world-beater

A STOURPORT scooter company has been given the chance to modify a bike with a view to making it a world-beater. Readspeed Scooters, based in Mitton Street, has been asked by Aprilia, one of the world's largest scooter manufacturers, to fine tune a 50cc

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Lemar the merrier...

FAME Academy runner-up and Brit and Mobo Award Winner Lemar is looking forward to meeting his fans when he pays a visit to the area as part of an 18-date UK tour in April. The soulful singer already has a double-platinum album - Dedicated - under his

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Ta - you gave me my big break...

TALENTED singer songwriter Andreya Triana owes much to Worcester - because it was the place where she got her big break in music. The 23-year-old sang at a jamming night at the Marr's Bar at the age of 17 and was subsequently introduced to fellow musician

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Playing the original Atomic kitten

Blondie tribute act Bleach are set to return to Worcester next week for what could prove to be an "Atomic" performance. The foursome were formed in 1999 when all members Helen, Paul, Andy and Martyn worked together in Bill Kenwright's 70s show Thankyou

Date

A taste of flamenco

A FLAVOUR of the Spanish jazz, Latin and Flamenco cultures will come to Worcester this weekend when Birmingham band Trio Gitano visit. The group comprises three young guitarists who perform gypsy-influenced music, including work from artists such as Paco

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Elgar's early text books go on show at birthplace

TEXT books which composer Edward Elgar used to teach himself music have gone on display at the Elgar Birthplace Museum. The music primers contain notes and comments written into the margins of the books by Elgar himself. "The primers are really interesting

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Malvern Concert Club n Review: Ex Cathedra Consort, Malvern Theatres

In a programme stage-managed engagingly, conductor Jeffrey Skidmore, beating a large drum, led his esteemed ensemble through the auditorium singing Hanacpachap cussicuinin by J C Bocanegra, an early polyphonic processional ritual. Thus began a concert

Date

Book your tickets now

THE comedy Joking Apart is set to be staged at Worcester's Swan Theatre this month and people are being urged to book their tickets. The play will be performed by the Swan Theatre Amateur Company and is being directed by Brian J Burton. A spokesman for

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Bill pair return

A PLETHORA of television stars are promising to keep audiences hooked tomorrow night when a drama is staged at a Gloucestershire theatre. The Gentle Hook will be performed for the last night at the Everyman in Cheltenham, and the cast includes The Bill's

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Malvern show is more scary than Palladium!

WHEN Richard Swerrun literally bounces into the Circle Bar at Malvern Theatres it's impossible not to smile back at his beaming grin. A ball of energy, he brushes his hands through his shoulder-length blond locks and places a hand over his impressively

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They're flying in for frolics...

TONIGHT will see three professional opera singers and a pianist presenting a host of operatic classics at a Pershore venue. Hatstand Opera (left) will entertain crowds with Golden Moments at 7.30pm at Number 8 in the town's High Street. "Golden Moments

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Meet Larry the Duck during half-term fun

AN arts centre in Worcestershire is planning a host of activities to keep children entertained this February half-term - including theatre and music. Charlotte Saunders, spokeswoman for Number 8 Community Arts Centre, in the High Street, Pershore, said

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Exhibitions in and around Worcester

Until February 12: Fibreart Exhibition at Artistree Church Lane Ledbury. February 15-March 12: Open Exhibition. Amateur or professional. To apply send sae to Artistree, Church Lane, Ledbury. The Barber's Baroque masterpiece, The Marriage Feast at Cana

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Whats on at your local theatre

Until February 5: Theatre Royal Bath Productions presents The Lady in the Van starring Susan Hampshire. Box office: 01684 892277. Until February 5: Habeas Corpus at The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster. Box office: 01562 743745. Until February 5: Cole Porter's

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Traditional panto gets modern twist

RUMPLESTILTSKIN has been given a 21st Century make-over in a pantomime by the Pepperpot Players. The main character, played by Viki O'Rourke, is a dwarf who runs a dot.com business dealing in magical futures. After helping the beautiful Eudora (Vanessa

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Swan turns to comedy

ONE of Alan Ayckbourn's most famous plays, Joking Apart, is being staged by the Swan Theatre Amateur Company. Anthea and Richard are naturally charming and successful, but almost without knowing it, they dominate the lives of their friends and colleagues

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What's on

Theatre February 4&5-Dick Whittington, Conquest Players, Conquest Theatre, Bromyard. 3pm & 7.30pm. £7, concs £6. (01885) 488575. 4&5-Daisy Pulls it off, West Malvern Players at West Malvern Village Hall. 7.30pm. £4, concs £2 on the door or

Date

Cast a net for a Valentine sparkler

KEMPSEY, on a dank Autumn evening, is hardly the most romantic place in the world. But it was here, at a charity wine tasting for Macmillan Cancer Relief, that I found our St. Valentine's Day wine - a sparkling pink Spanish Cava full of delicious fruit

Date

Lemar the merrier...

FAME Academy runner-up and Brit and Mobo Award Winner Lemar is looking forward to meeting his fans when he pays a visit to the area as part of an 18-date UK tour in April. The soulful singer already has a double-platinum album - Dedicated - under his

Date

Ta - you gave me my big break...

TALENTED singer songwriter Andreya Triana owes much to Worcester - because it was the place where she got her big break in music. The 23-year-old sang at a jamming night at the Marr's Bar at the age of 17 and was subsequently introduced to fellow musician

Date

A taste of flamenco

A FLAVOUR of the Spanish jazz, Latin and Flamenco cultures will come to Worcester this weekend when Birmingham band Trio Gitano visit. The group comprises three young guitarists who perform gypsy-influenced music, including work from artists such as Paco

Date

Punk-ska at the Bar

PUNK and ska fans will be in for a treat tomorrow when Worcester's Marrs Bar hosts three bands who combine both musical styles. Bristol-based ska-punk act Kenisia - who are about to record their third album - will kick off the event with a mixture of

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My mate Lonnie

IT'S not every day you get the chance to perform songs by your idol to a mass of appreciative fans, let alone meet the musician himself. But that is exactly what has happened to Lonnie Donegan fan Paul Leegan, who has been touring the country for more

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Police appeal for witnesses to three-car A44 collision

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a crash on the A44 between Bromyard and Bredenbury in which a driver sustained serious injuries and had to be cut free from the car. The collision involved three vehicles - a black Volkswagen Passat Sport TDI Estate

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Off to Miami

TWO fun-loving girls have won a prize draw to attend the opening of an English themed nightclub - in Florida. Kerry Partridge will be swapping her winter woollies and raincoats for a spot of sun in Miami after winning the competition at a Bushwackers,

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Off the peg fashions...

FASHION-conscious women in south Worcestershire have been warned by the police not to be tempted to buy designer dresses stolen from a Malvern shop. The warning follows the theft of approximately 150 items - created by such leading names as Betty Berkley

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Callow End home getting bigger

THE size of a prominent house at Callow End, near Worcester, would be increased by between 50 and 70 per cent if a proposed extension is allowed "It would dominate the hill overlooking the village," said a neighbour, Christopher Brickell, of the plan

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Joint funeral

MORE than 400 people are expected to pay their respects at the joint funeral today of a teenager and his father killed in a helicopter crash. Fifteen-year-old James Tartaglia, of South Littleton, near Evesham, was on board the ill-fated Jetranger 206B

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BERROW Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287

A PHENOMENAL result, the like of which Berrow Village Hall has not seen before, at its giant jumble sale last Saturday. This was to raise funds for the Earthquake Appeal. Congratulations to all the helpers and all who contributed to this remarkable event

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CORSE Correspondent: U Groves-Smith Tel: 01452 840273

A DATE for your diary - a May festival weekend is being held from May 13-15 starting with a concert in Corse Church on Friday, May 13, at 7.30pm with wine and nibbles. For tickets, contact (01452) 780599. There will be flower arrangements in the church

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Cradley Correspondent: n g holden

Friday, February 25, will see a quiz night in Cradley Village Hall, in aid of Cradley Church. Tickets are £5 for teams of four, and include a fish and chip supper. There will also be a bar. To book or for details, call 01886 880 349. Filbert Splosh's

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POWICK Correspondent: Mrs M Allsopp Tel: 01905 830746

MEMBERS of 1st Powick Brownies, plus parents, brothers and sisters, enjoyed their visit to Malvern Theatre to see the local production of the Snow Queen. A team of girls took part in the swimming sports in Lower Wick Pool, Worcester competing against

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Welland Correspondent: Stephen Try Tel: 01684 310068

Tomorrow (Saturday) sees the Friends of Welland's ferret race night at Welland Village Hall at 7.30pm. All the fun of a race night with the added advantage of actual furry creatures competing and you will see their progress. There is no fix - the actual

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West Malvern Correspondent: Colin Jackson Tel: 01684 577604

Visitors to the childrens' playground in the past few days will have noticed a new feature - a charming little igloo of woven willow twigs. It is, in fact, a living willow dome, based on a framework of slips which will in due course take root and should

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It'll be alright wheelie

IN more than 27 years with Worcester City Council, I can't recall a single subject that has attracted quite so much comment and attention as the planned introduction of wheelie bins - almost all of it based on half-truths and a fear of the unknown. Few

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Elgar's early text books go on show at birthplace

TEXT books which composer Edward Elgar used to teach himself music have gone on display at the Elgar Birthplace Museum. The music primers contain notes and comments written into the margins of the books by Elgar himself. "The primers are really interesting

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It's the staff that suffer

WHEN the proposal to make hospital workers pay to park was first mooted last year we derided the idea as both unworkable and unthinkable. For hard-working staff at the Royal to be forced out of their cars and made to suffer the vagaries of public transport

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4/2/05 - Stuart-Smith -- my future is at Sixways

CLIVE Stuart-Smith has pledged his future to Worcester ahead of tonight's relegation showdown with Leeds. The 21-year-old scrum-half, who made the switch from Headingley to Sixways in the summer, has endured a frustrating season behind Matt Powell and

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4/2/05 - Preece has Football League as his target

ANDY Preece has returned to his roots and aims to bring the glory days back to Worcester City following his appointment as player-manager. The confident 37-year-old striker, born in Evesham and a City player during the early stages of an impressive career

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4/2/05 - New boss aims for a quick impact

ANDY Preece is desperate to make a positive impression on and off the pitch tomorrow as he takes his first game in charge of Worcester City against Nationwide North leaders Southport. City's new player-manager is ready to name himself among the starting

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NURSES TOLD TO GET ON THEIR BIKES

STAFF at Worcestershire Royal Hospital are being told to get on their bikes if they want to avoid paying up to £500 a year to park at work. An interest-free loan to buy a bicycle is just one of the options being tabled by Worcestershire Acute Hospitals

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It's going to snow... oh no it's not

A WEATHER war has broken out between a university expert and the Evening News's own forecaster over whether Worcestershire needs to brace itself for the coldest February for 15 years. John Kings, a meteorologist from Birmingham University, said snowfall

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Is their search for a church finally over?

PARISHIONERS who have been raising funds for a new church for 10 years may finally have found a permanent place to pray in St Peter's Members of St Peter's Church, formerly Red Hill Church, have been looking for a new site for a decade after their numbers

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Science park to switch owners?

OWNERSHIP of the Malvern Hills Science Park could soon switch hands in order to secure the future of the site. Worcestershire County Council is considering whether to purchase the freehold of the park from its current owners, QinetiQ, the Malvern-based

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Using club for hunt conference a 'disgrace'

WORCESTER Rugby Football Club is under fire for letting hunt supporters use their facilities for a conference on how they could combat the ban. And hunt saboteurs have pledged to help the police to bring convictions against any rebels when the ban comes

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Finding his long-lost family

A MAN given up for adoption as a baby over 50 years ago has discovered two brothers he never knew existed. David Turner - the former owner of the Toy Box and Top Line Sires in Ledbury - had always known he had been placed with adopted parents in Herefordshire

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Give estate £30k to make it nicer

A RUN-down housing estate that is "dragging itself up by its bootlaces" should be given £30,000 to help make it a more pleasant place, a councillor has said. At a meeting of Wychavon District Council's executive board, Councillor Roy Seabourne called

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Bochmann Quartet n Review: Huntingdon Hall, Worcester

The Bochmann Quartet, Michael Bochmann and Mark Messenger (violins), Helen Roberts (viola) and Peter Adams (cello), were on extremely good form. Their cohesion and rapport was paramount as they achieved high quality ensemble in a programme of lyrical

Date

ESO Friends Strings & Brass n Review: Malvern Theatres

Friday evening's light-hearted concert given by a small group of musicians from the ESO and Fine Arts Brass, directed by Michael Bochmann, was one to sit back, relax and enjoy. Strings began with Divertimento in B flat by Mozart, the dainty outer movements

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The Lady in the Van n Review: Malvern Theatres

AS a mad, bad, stinking old woman, Susan Hampshire appears to have found her niche. The actress, best known for more genteel roles in Vanity Fair, The Forsyte Saga and Monarch of the Glen, is, quite literally, the driving force behind Alan Bennett's The

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Green graves idea will materialise vows farmer

A GREEN burial ground proposed for Lord's Wood at Collett's Green, Powick, has failed to get planning permission - but the applicant plans to fight the decision. Lack of parking space, damage to trees and tree roots, road safety and an unacceptable level

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Special school shake-up set to reach £5m

THE proposed cost and timeframe for south Worcestershire's controversial special school reorganisation have finally been announced. The bill for the overhaul is expected to hit £5m, with notices of closures issued for the three Worcester schools this

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Project will build up database of town flooding

UPTON residents are being invited to take part in a new project to promote awareness and understanding of flooding. The Lower Severn Community Flood Network is being launched by the University of Gloucester-shire, in partnership with organisations such

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Charities set out their stall at sale

CHARITY funds were given a boost with a table-top sale at Upton Memorial Hall. St Richard's Hospice and Acorns Children's Hospice were among the charities that ran stalls. A raffle was also held, making £215 for Acorns. Daisy Souza, of Gardens Walk, organised

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Grants go begging

STUDENTS living in the parish of Ripple still have time to apply for a grant. The Ancient Parish of Ripple Trust makes grants to undergraduates and post-graduates for books and equipment. Application forms are available from John Willis on 01684 594570

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Planning for the future

Upton Parish Church will present its plans for 2005 at an open meeting at the Church Rooms at noon on Saturday, February 12. A light lunch will be served.

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Dressing down for event

A pyjama party for children aged four to 10 takes place at Upton Library on February 14, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Entry costs 25p and includes cocoa and stories.

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Friends hold AGM

THE Friends of Upton and The Hook Churches will hold their AGM at 7.30pm on Monday, February 14, at Upon Church Rooms. Everyone is welcome.

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Decision proving expensive

IN August 2002, when Malvern Hills District Council was under Conservative control, the overview and scrutiny committee expressed its commitment to the decriminalisation of car parking and regarded it as a priority. The executive committee gave its support

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4/2/05 - Philpotts is star for Rangers

RANGERS travelled to Chaddesley Corbett on Saturday and, on a spongy clay surface, turned in an indifferent West Midland division two performance. CHADDESLEY CORBETT 1, MALVERN RANGERS 4 This was, however, more than sufficient to earn them a 4-1 victory

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Can't be ignored

That South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust underestimated the numbers expected at last Monday's meeting is a fact and, judging by past experience of the trust, not totally unexpected, but more worrying is the very lack of appreciation by this organisation

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Offer of Pickersleigh depot as new hospital site is withdrawn

MALVERN Hills District Council is set to withdraw its offer of the Picklersleigh Road depot as a site for a new hospital. This would leave Seaford Court, on Worcester Road, as the only possible site where a new hospital could be built. MHDC leader Tom

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Lucky escape as family flees fire

A family of six escaped with their lives when a fire broke out at their Malvern home. Spencer and Amanda Butler, who live with their four children in Elgar Avenue, woke at 3am on Wednesday to find their tumble dryer in the hall on fire and billowing smoke

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4/2/05 - Drinkwater hits Powick hat-trick

POWICK returned to Worcester League division two action on Saturday, after a six-week absence, against a weakened West Malvern. POWICK 6, WEST MALVERN 0 The first goal was long over-due with chance after chance went begging but it finally came from Dean

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Ask for our views

I totally agree with the views of Mr Taylor (Your Letters, January 28), it would make far more sense to use the old post office building to house a town hall, or community centre, than fill it with more shops. Unlike small villages, which usually have

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Man survives being hit by train at railway crossing

A MAN was hit by a train at a railway crossing in Malvern. The accident took place at around 6.50pm on Monday (January 31), at a crossing off Jamaica Road. British Transport Police were called to the scene by the driver of the 6.40pm Great Malvern to

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Ownership of science park poised to change hands

Malvern Hills Science Park could be about to change hands. Worcestershire County Council's cabinet will decide on Tuesday (February 8) whether to buy the park's freehold from its current owners QinetiQ. The council is considering buying the land using

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4/2/05 - HFA coaching courses set

FOLLOWING the success of its coach education programme during last year, the Herefordshire Football Association has once again organised a varied programme of courses. These include eight FA Level 1 Certificate in Coaching courses during February, March

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Cigarettes stolen in garage raid

A LARGE quantity of cigarettes were stolen in an early morning raid on a Malvern garage. Police are appealing for information after the break-in at Bicknell's Garage, Pickersleigh Road, on Tuesday (February 1) at about 2.55am. The break-in triggered an

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4/2/05 - County squad

MALVERN Town's James Rimell and Lucas Marston have been selected for the Worcestershire youth squad to play East Riding next Sunday (February 13). The fifth match in the Midland Youth Championships takes place at Worcester City FC, St Georges Lane. Kick-off

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Just what we wanted

WE are fortunate enough to live on Malvern Common, where last year I identified and photographed more than 25 wildflowers, including the now copious common orchids, rapidly spreading southern marsh orchids and one isolated green winged orchid. We have

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Building work due to start on £3m surgery

A NEW doctors' surgery serving more than 8,000 patients in Malvern should be in use by the end of the year. Work on the £3 million building, at the Enigma Business Park, will begin on February 21. It will house the services currently being provided at

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4/2/05 - Junior Soccer Scene ...

BROMYARD Town Girls U13s lost out in a close encounter at home to Evesham United in their Mercian League fixture. BROMYARD TOWN GIRLS U13S 3, EVESHAM UNITED GIRLS U13S 4 Bromyard, without a win in their last two games, were keen to get back to winning

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Elderly live in fear of youth gang

A GANG of youths has been causing trouble all over Malvern, throwing eggs and stones, banging on windows and running through people's gardens. Areas targeted include Madresfield Road, Avenue Road, Christchurch Road, Manby Road, Court Road, Steamer Point

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Group points way to promoting town

The Bromyard Means Business group is launching a range of projects to put the town and its attractions on the map. Formed to promote local trade, tourism and business, the group is leading the way by pioneering improvements to street signs. Group leader

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Ex-landlord's football past recalled in book

It is not every day that a former landlord of the Full Pitcher pub in Ledbury has a biography written about him. The man in question is former footballer Ernie Hunt, a celebrated goal-scorer of the 60s and early-70s, who said he once raced naked from

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Actress opens new facility at school

Susan Hampshire has officially opened the new Learning Resource Centre at Dyson Perrins CE High School in Malvern. The Emmy Award-winning actress unveiled a plaque yesterday (Thursday), before being given a tour of the facilities. The centre, for children

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Dental surgery offers 200 extra NHS places

A MALVERN dental surgery will be offering places to an extra 200 NHS patients from Monday. Parsons Dental Care, on Worcester Road, will be opening its books to local people on a first-come, first-served basis. The move follows the arrival of newly qualified

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Former barman's plight prompts pub fundraiser

A Malvern pub is raising funds for a unit that is caring for a former barman and regular customer. Staff and fellow customers at the Bluebell Inn, on Guarlford Road, are holding a race night and raffle on Tuesday, February 8. Proceeds will go to the Acquired

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Opinion

ON one hand Mike Ridley, chairman of the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, complains of "hostility and opposition" to the consultation process over plans for a new hospital, while urging people to back the PCT. On the other, he threatens to put

Date

Preece has Football League as his target

ANDY Preece has returned to his roots and aims to bring the glory days back to Worcester City following his appointment as player-manager. The confident 37-year-old striker, born in Evesham and a City player during the early stages of an impressive career

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Foundation funds new theatre job

A new trainee has been appointed to the marketing team at Malvern Theatres. The one-year post has been funded by The Elmley Foundation, a grant-making trust founded by the late Countess Beauchamp of Madresfield Court, near Malvern. New recruit Anna Evans

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Brain backing Brown

JOHN Brain has backed James Brown to shine in tonight's Leeds Tykes sell-out showdown at Sixways. Worcester's director of rugby believes that the fly-half, who has come under fire from certain sections of the crowd this season, is the best man to spark

Date

Rare trees face new threat to future

Landmark trees in the Malvern Hills area are under threat from a rapidly spreading disease. The black poplar, Britain's rarest native tree, could be wiped out by the advance of black poplar scab. The disease has already killed trees in Manchester and

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Yapp named England skipper

WORCESTER'S scrum-half Jo Yapp will captain England for the first time tonight when she takes to the field against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park. Yapp, 25, who has been captain of Worcester since 2003, is excited at the prospect of leading her country through

Date

4/2/04 - Blaze of glory for Richard

RICHARD Blaze looks set to make his England Under-21 debut tonight in their Six Nations tournament. The 19-year-old, who is part of the England RFU Academy at Sixways, is being tipped to start against Wales in the Six Nations opener at Newport. Worcester

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Nursery pair aim to share expertise

The owners of an organic nursery in Colwall are planning to branch out. Will Leaper and Bridget Evans, of Caves Folly Nurseries, want to share their expertise by creating an educational and alternative therapy centre. They have applied for planning permission

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A first class delivery - Post Office will return

VILLAGERS in Upper Welland will soon have a new post office. The former post office, at Upper Welland Village Stores, closed more than a year ago, to the regret of many local people. But the shop now has new owners, who plan to bring back post office

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United have no Hyde-ing place

HEREFORD United chief Graham Turner is not expecting an easy ride tomorrow as Hyde United arrive at Edgar Street in the FA Trophy fourth round. The Tigers from Greater Manchester have reached the semi-finals of the competition on three occasions and are

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4/2/05 - Draw finally stops the rot

AFTER losing their last three Worcester & District League games against Droitwich, Malvern Chess Club finally stopped the rot with a draw. The match could have gone either way and a draw was probably a fair result. The results were as follows, Malvern

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4/2/05 - Newtown bill is full of action

HCW-UK Wrestling returns to the Newtown Club in Malvern next Friday (February 18) with an action packed line-up starting at 7.30pm. The main bout of the evening sees fan favourite Maddog Maxx teaming with the sensational Carl Mizzery, who returns to the

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4/2/05 - Record number of entries for first annual championship

THE first of six annual Ledbury and District Amateur Swimming Club Championships attracted a record 113 entries and yielded 15 new records as the club looks set for another successful year. The youngest record-breaker was seven-year-old Alexander Dereham

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4/2/05 - Improved display is best yet

THIS West Midlands League Division Two fixture brought together two local county rivals. MALVERN 0, PERSHORE 4 Having lost the away fixture 9-0, Malvern were keen to show just how much they had improved in the last few months. Under their new captain

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4/2/05 - Promotion bid

MANOR Park Squash Club's first team is having a successful season and is more than 30 points clear at the top of the Worcestershire Squash League Division Two. The team consists of Adam Curry, Keith Young, Dave Arnold, Martin Hollingworth (captain) and

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4/2/05 - Colwall hit back for fine draw

COLWALL fought back to draw 3-3 with local rivals Hereford in an exciting match on Saturday. HEREFORD 3, COLWALL WHC 3 Colwall started slowly and allowed Hereford to take a 2-0 lead before Coral Handley picked up a half-cleared ball and placed it just

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4/2/05 - Teams

MALVERN RFC Saturday, February 5 1st XV v Aston Old Edwardians (Home). Meet Railway Inn 11.45am. Kick-off 2.15pm. No 1 dress code. Maroon shorts and socks. From: M Richardson, A Wenden, S Lancett, A Ruddock, C Smith, J Hynes, N Smith, N Richardson, A

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4/2/05 - Yapp named England skipper

WORCESTER'S scrum-half Jo Yapp will captain England for the first time tonight when she takes to the field against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park. Yapp, 25, who has been captain of Worcester since 2003, is excited at the prospect of leading her country through

Date

4/2/05 - Brain backing Brown

JOHN Brain has backed James Brown to shine in tonight's Leeds Tykes sell-out showdown at Sixways. Worcester's director of rugby believes that the fly-half, who has come under fire from certain sections of the crowd this season, is the best man to spark

Date

Concerts will return

THIS summer's dates for the ever-popular Bands in the Park concerts have just been announced. The season opens on Sunday, May 29, with the Chase High School Brass Band. They will be followed the following Sunday, June 5, by the Malvern Hills District

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Doyle's our patron - it's great news

Long-standing supporters of the Swan Theatre may well remember John Doyle, who was the director for seven years in the 1980s. Many people refer to his time as "the golden age of the Swan" and say that he was one of the nicest and one of the most talented

Date

Malvern show is more scary than Palladium!

WHEN Richard Swerrun literally bounces into the Circle Bar at Malvern Theatres it's impossible not to smile back at his beaming grin. A ball of energy, he brushes his hands through his shoulder-length blond locks and places a hand over his impressively

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They're flying in for frolics...

TONIGHT will see three professional opera singers and a pianist presenting a host of operatic classics at a Pershore venue. Hatstand Opera (left) will entertain crowds with Golden Moments at 7.30pm at Number 8 in the town's High Street. "Golden Moments

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You'd be barn-y to miss touring group

VILLAGE halls and community centres across Worcestershire are to be treated to sounds from Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean. The touring group Boka Halat will be presenting its show Mutual Inspiration - a programme of multi-cultural music

Date

Moody's measures for love

A TOURING theatre company is to visit Worcestershire later this month to perform the brand new comedy Bedazzled. Penned by Irish writer Sylvia Cullen, the play is set in the Gold Rush of 1795 and sees the heroine Moody Mangan trying to strike gold in

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Meet Larry the Duck during half-term fun

AN arts centre in Worcestershire is planning a host of activities to keep children entertained this February half-term - including theatre and music. Charlotte Saunders, spokeswoman for Number 8 Community Arts Centre, in the High Street, Pershore, said

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4/2/05 - Top award for rowing coach

MARK Perkins from Malvern Link scooped a top accolade at the Amateur Rowing Association's annual awards ceremony. He was named senior club rowing coach of the year at the Warwick University conference. Perkins, 49, who coaches at both Worcester Rowing

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4/2/05 - Malvern grind out tough win

MALVERN maintained third spot in the league on a dank day on the banks of the Avon against a Newbold side short on invention but full of grit. NEWBOLD 15PTS, MALVERN 23PTS Few sides take the points when they visit the Rugby-based side, a team which has

Date

Events in and around Worcester

February 4: Brian and Philomena invite you to an evening of Ballroom and Sequence dancing at Powick Village Hall, Powick, Worcester. Bring your own refreshments. Telephone Brian or Philomena on 01905 454338 for further details. February 4 and every Friday

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Exhibitions in and around Worcester

Until February 12: Fibreart Exhibition at Artistree Church Lane Ledbury. February 15-March 12: Open Exhibition. Amateur or professional. To apply send sae to Artistree, Church Lane, Ledbury. The Barber's Baroque masterpiece, The Marriage Feast at Cana

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Minds are focused

I AGREE wholeheartedly with Tony Pepper's comments (Letters, Wednesday, January 26). It is early days yet to be able to tell whether the tsunami will have a serious effect on donations received at home. However, the local community continues to support

Date

Classy and easy listening music

February 4: The Auriel Ensemble at CBSO Centre, Birmingham. Tickets available on 0121 767 4050 or book on-line at www.cbso.co.uk February 8: Worcester Concert Club presents Mark Bebbington, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester. Box office: 01905 611427. February

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Cage rage

HELEN Mead (Evening News, Monday, January 17) writes of her cat. I have a canary, but he doesn't share my bed, unlike Helen's cat - I keep him confined to his ample cage. He does threaten me, with his wings outspread, if I put my finger through the bars

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Whats on at your local theatre

Until February 5: Theatre Royal Bath Productions presents The Lady in the Van starring Susan Hampshire. Box office: 01684 892277. Until February 5: Habeas Corpus at The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster. Box office: 01562 743745. Until February 5: Cole Porter's

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4/2/05 - Adam Oakley is youngest winner of Malvern Closed

MANOR Park's 15-year-old Adam Oakley became the youngest winner of the Malvern Closed trophy since its inauguration in 1976. The 2005 Malvern Closed was held at Manor Park Squash Club and is a competition for members of both Malvern Squash Club and Manor

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Chancellor extols virtues of empire

THE main news in the Malvern Gazette a century ago was the visit by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Austen Chamberlain. The event was described as one of the largest meetings ever held in Malvern, the crowd overflowing from the hall at the

Date

Cinemas

Malvern Cinema: Vera Drake (15) 7.30pm, Sat, Sun & Thurs mats 4pm. Odeon Worcester: Advance Screenings - The Magic Roundabout (U) Sat & Sun 11.45, 1.35, 3.25, 5.10, Free list suspended; Meet the Fockers (12A) Fri & Sat 12.05, 2.30, 5.15, 7.40

Date

Rehearsals in hand for spectacular

A script that is 80 pages long, 20 new songs and a line-up of over 150 people - preparations for the new Ledbury mystery play are well under way. It's a Mystery has its premiere at St Michael and All Angels' Church on Wednesday, March 16, and runs for

Date

Swan turns to comedy

ONE of Alan Ayckbourn's most famous plays, Joking Apart, is being staged by the Swan Theatre Amateur Company. Anthea and Richard are naturally charming and successful, but almost without knowing it, they dominate the lives of their friends and colleagues

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4/2/05 - Pirates soak up pressure and then turn on the style

IT is always a pleasure for the Pirates to host Yardley & District at Spring Lane, especially as there have been some titanic confrontations between the two teams over the past few years. MALVERN U16S Pirates 36pts, YARDLEY & DISTRICT 7pts The

Date

4/2/05 - Committed performance by U10s

A WELL-supported Malvern U10s squad hosted a triangular fixture last Sunday against Dursley RFC and Luctonians RFC. In their first match against Dursley, Malvern were slow to start but after conceding an early try to the visitors, Malvern forwards Daniel

Date

4/2/05 - Green start in the nets

BARNARDS Green CC start their pre-season preparations when they take to the nets on Thursday (February 10), 6.30pm till 8pm at Hanley Castle High School. The nets will be for seniors and colts from under 15s upwards. Any new member wishing to join will

Date

4/2/05 - Town away at Alvechurch

MALVERN Town visit Alvechurch tomorrow (Saturday) in the Midland Football Alliance. Fifth-placed Town will be hoping to bounce back from their home 3-0 defeat at the hands of Coalville Town to keep pressure on the leading teams. Alvechurch are just in

Date

Worcester jobs hint

ONE of Worcester's biggest employers has hinted it could soon be creating even more jobs in the city after posting successful half-year results. Misys General Insurance, which sells IT systems to insurance brokers, achieved half-year revenues of £16m

Date

4/2/05 - Thomas inspires Town Reserves

TOWN Reserves travelled 70 miles to Staffordshire side Brereton on Saturday and played on a bumpy sloping pitch, and in a strong wind, which did little to assist passing football. BRERETON SOCIAL 1, MALVERN TOWN RES 1 The home side hustled and bustled

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Punk-ska at the Bar

PUNK and ska fans will be in for a treat tomorrow when Worcester's Marrs Bar hosts three bands who combine both musical styles. Bristol-based ska-punk act Kenisia - who are about to record their third album - will kick off the event with a mixture of

Date

Hamsters swap cage for stage

ONE of the UK's top blue-rock bands will be gracing the stage at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall next week. Now in their 18th year together, The Hamsters have been voted one of the UK's best unsigned bands by Kerrang! magazine. They have a wealth of experience

Date

My mate Lonnie

IT'S not every day you get the chance to perform songs by your idol to a mass of appreciative fans, let alone meet the musician himself. But that is exactly what has happened to Lonnie Donegan fan Paul Leegan, who has been touring the country for more

Date

Bochmann Quartet n Review: Huntingdon Hall, Worcester

The Bochmann Quartet, Michael Bochmann and Mark Messenger (violins), Helen Roberts (viola) and Peter Adams (cello), were on extremely good form. Their cohesion and rapport was paramount as they achieved high quality ensemble in a programme of lyrical

Date

ESO Friends Strings & Brass n Review: Malvern Theatres

Friday evening's light-hearted concert given by a small group of musicians from the ESO and Fine Arts Brass, directed by Michael Bochmann, was one to sit back, relax and enjoy. Strings began with Divertimento in B flat by Mozart, the dainty outer movements

Date

The Lady in the Van n Review: Malvern Theatres

AS a mad, bad, stinking old woman, Susan Hampshire appears to have found her niche. The actress, best known for more genteel roles in Vanity Fair, The Forsyte Saga and Monarch of the Glen, is, quite literally, the driving force behind Alan Bennett's The

Date

Concerts will return

THIS summer's dates for the ever-popular Bands in the Park concerts have just been announced. The season opens on Sunday, May 29, with the Chase High School Brass Band. They will be followed the following Sunday, June 5, by the Malvern Hills District

Date

Make a date for a night to stir your passions!

LOVE will be in the air at a number of Valentine events in and around Malvern. From classical music to food and poetry, organisers promise there will be something for every romantic. In Colwall, the Bransford Singers and Players will stage The Love Anthology

Date

Doyle's our patron - it's great news

Long-standing supporters of the Swan Theatre may well remember John Doyle, who was the director for seven years in the 1980s. Many people refer to his time as "the golden age of the Swan" and say that he was one of the nicest and one of the most talented

Date

You'd be barn-y to miss touring group

VILLAGE halls and community centres across Worcestershire are to be treated to sounds from Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean. The touring group Boka Halat will be presenting its show Mutual Inspiration - a programme of multi-cultural music

Date

'Remarkable pianist' set for Hall showcase

A LEADING British pianist who has achieved international recognition for championing music of our time is to perform in Worcester. Mark Bebbington, who has featured on national radio and is getting rave reviews from top critics for his live and CD performances

Date

Moody's measures for love

A TOURING theatre company is to visit Worcestershire later this month to perform the brand new comedy Bedazzled. Penned by Irish writer Sylvia Cullen, the play is set in the Gold Rush of 1795 and sees the heroine Moody Mangan trying to strike gold in

Date

Events in and around Worcester

February 4: Brian and Philomena invite you to an evening of Ballroom and Sequence dancing at Powick Village Hall, Powick, Worcester. Bring your own refreshments. Telephone Brian or Philomena on 01905 454338 for further details. February 4 and every Friday

Date

All the gigs and where to find them

If you have any gigs at your pub/venue call Joby Mullens on 01905 742252 or e-mail: jobymullens@midlands.newsquest.co.uk February 4: Bootis, Marrs Bar, Worcester. February 5: Vicky Pensom, Barbourne Ex-Services Club, Worcester; Punk Ska Night plus Northern

Date

Classy and easy listening music

February 4: The Auriel Ensemble at CBSO Centre, Birmingham. Tickets available on 0121 767 4050 or book on-line at www.cbso.co.uk February 8: Worcester Concert Club presents Mark Bebbington, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester. Box office: 01905 611427. February

Date

Cinemas

Malvern Cinema: Vera Drake (15) 7.30pm, Sat, Sun & Thurs mats 4pm. Odeon Worcester: Advance Screenings - The Magic Roundabout (U) Sat & Sun 11.45, 1.35, 3.25, 5.10, Free list suspended; Meet the Fockers (12A) Fri & Sat 12.05, 2.30, 5.15, 7.40

Date

Rehearsals in hand for spectacular

A script that is 80 pages long, 20 new songs and a line-up of over 150 people - preparations for the new Ledbury mystery play are well under way. It's a Mystery has its premiere at St Michael and All Angels' Church on Wednesday, March 16, and runs for

Date

Malvern stage is added to Cole CV

VETERAN actor George Cole makes his Malvern Theatres debut in the guise of a grumpy old man. Mr Cole, 79, best known as wheeler dealer Arthur Daley in the TV series Minder, plays a character who argues with his neighbours in Party Piece. He said it was