Archive
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What do you think of life in Upton?
PEOPLE in Upton-upon-Severn have been offered a chance to comment on every aspect of life in the town, including issues like shopping and transport, as well as future development. Questionnaires have been delivered to every household to gauge opinion
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Doubts over 'one-stop shop'
MISGIVINGS about plans to create a "one-stop shop" for council services in Upton-upon-Severn were aired this week. The creation of a Worcestershire Hub, or service centre, for the district and county councils involves buying land from West Mercia Police
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Fight goes on for reopening
A DETERMINED mother's fight to see post-natal services return to Wyre Forest Birth Centre has prompted a change of opinion by the man who closed the facility after six babies died. After being handed a petition containing 3,202 names, collected in three
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Cheated council out of £10,000
A 69-year-old woman who cheated Wyre Forest District Council out of £10,212.52 has been given a 200-hour punishment order. Irene Wilde, of Tomkinson Drive, Kidderminster, pleaded guilty at the town's magistrates court on Friday to failing to declare a
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Crews find asbestos
ENVIRONMENTAL health inspectors were called on for advice on a burnt-out building in Stourport after firefighters discovered asbestos in the roof. Leading firefighter Steve Andrews said two pumps were called out to the disused storage shed on Worcester
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DJ makes plea for stolen CD return
AN up-and-coming DJ has made an impassioned appeal for muggers to return a master copy of recordings they stole from him - fearing they will get into the hands of bootleggers. One of the songs on the CD Insulted By The System that was stolen has already
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Save Our Streets: Your views will get us streetwise
CAMPAIGNERS are urging Stourport residents to boost their civic pride in their town by supporting an initiative to have eyesores cleared from the local landscape. Save Our Streets is being driven by Stourport Civic Society and backed by the Shuttle/Times
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Ex-mayor ticked off for swearing
A FORMER mayor of Bewdley has been rapped for swearing during a heated council meeting over a skatepark plan - but has refused to apologise. Members of Bewdley Town Council agreed councillor Jeremy Ferguson had used "inappropriate terminology" during
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Chipping Campden
DEBATING SOCIETY: The society met for its annual encounter with Chipping Campden School to debate the motion -this house believes that advertising is the bane of society. Tom Foster, head boy of the school, proposed the motion. Pointing out that the affluent
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Disability Advice and Information
DO you have a question about a disability issue? Did you know there is an advice service in Evesham and Broadway that can help you find the answer? On Monday, February 21 DIAL South Worcestershire will have a member of staff at the Evesham Community Contact
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Hospices Lottery
1st (£1,000) 13662, Worcester; 2nd (£100) 19816, Ab Lench; 3rd (£50) 19389, Malvern.
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Hunting Dates
SATURDAY: The North Cotswold Hounds - meet at The Kennels, Broadway at 10.45am.
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Chemists
ALCESTER: Lloyds Pharmacy, 51-53 High Street, except Weds and Sats, until 6.30pm. 01789 400122. Hopkins Pharmacy, 4 Hopkins Precinct, Mon-Fri to 6.30pm. 01789 762634. No rota Sunday and public holidays. BIDFORD: Colin Harris, Bidford Pharmacy, 17 High
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Evening News is not racist
RACISM. It's an ugly word for an ugly sentiment. And in modern, tolerant Britain, few people would stand for being accused of it. So when the Evening News was tarred with that particular brush yesterday, it was clear we had no choice but to defend ourselves
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A-lister in firing line
PROLIFIC playwriting genius Alan Ayckbourn has another of his creations on the Malvern stage next week. Drowning on Dry Land is a new Ayckbourn comedy, in which he turns his eye to look at our modern society of media-driven fame. It focuses on Charlie
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Students inspired by hospices' work
A GROUP of students are staging a fund-raising show, inspired by stories about local hospices in the Journal. Mia Causier, a student studying for her HND in performing arts at Worcester College of Technology and her colleagues have put together a show
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Aspirant farce-wives
JOIN in with what could be the last production in Hall's Croft Garden in Stratford by auditioning for a part in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Falcon Productions is staging the play at the end of June. Next summer the gardens are set for a major redesigning
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I can finally bury my son
THE BODY of "lovely" son and brother Einstein Ellis has been found in the Severn three months after he disappeared. It means the 36-year-old bookseller's heartbroken mother, Yvonne Ellis, and sister, Sharon - who have been searching for him since his
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Blow as hospitals miss waits target
WORCESTERSHIRE hospitals have missed out on a £100,000 cash windfall after failing to hit a target to end long waits in casualty on time. The Department of Health awarded the cash to hospitals treating 97 per cent of emergency patients within four hours
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More job losses at Kays
UP to 65 jobs could be axed at the former Kays Company in Worcester. The announcement was made to employees by Shop Direct - which owns Kays - yesterday and affects staff at the Bransford Road warehouse. It follows an efficiency review carried out by
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Three good reasons to celebrate
WEST Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer dropped in on an old people's home in Malvern this week for a triple birthday celebration. Sir Michael visited Friends of the Elderly's Geraldine Court Midweek Club in Geraldine Close, Barnard's Green, on Tuesday
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Jobs cut hunt plan to ride out in defiance
NEWS that jobs in rural Worcestershire are to be lost was confirmed as top judges yesterday rejected a Countryside Alliance appeal to overturn the fox-hunting ban. Three judges, including Lord Chief Justice Woolf dismissed the CA chairman, John Jackson's
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We need a youth club - but you must help
YOUNG people from Upton- upon-Severn are travelling to youth clubs in Kempsey and Hanley Swan because there is nothing for them in the town itself. Meanwhile, there have been complaints about bored teenagers loitering in Upton - but parents have been
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Fresh face takes over fire service
THE Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has a new chief officer. Paul Hayden is taking over from David O'Dwyer who is retiring at the end of next month after more than 10 years in the role. Mr Hayden started his career in the West Midlands
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Staff back at university
PRIMARY school teachers from across the Midlands are working with University College Worcester to improve their modern language skills. Thirty-six linguists are learning how best to teach French to 7 to 11-year-olds as part of the Government's bid for
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Jailed for indecent assault on girl, 9
A MAN who simulated sex with a nine-year-old girl has been jailed for two years at Worcester Crown Court. David Shurmer, aged 50, climbed on top of the victim as she lay on her bed playing a computer game. In another assault, he lay on her as she sorted
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Car and clothes torched
A STOURPORT man's day went from bad to worse when his prized car caught fire and torched his designer clothes which he was taking to the launderette because his washing machine had broken down. Firefighters said the Ford Probe caught fire in Wilden Lane
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Watch groups growing
WE wish to respond to the letter from Mrs Sue Savage (Shuttle/Times & News, January 13 ). Mrs Savage ran Neighbourhood Watch for many years and we would like to thank her for all her hard work. However, we would like to make it clear that from January
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Bail dodgers named and shamed
TWO people who failed to turn up in court and whose last whereabouts were believed to be in Kidderminster were included in a list of bail dodgers issued by police. West Mercia Constabulary named Shane John Eccles and Helen Marie Hart among 20 individuals
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Buses in chaotic state
CAN anyone in authority please tell me who is responsible for the chaotic state of the bus service? They have cut the No 8 service to one every hour, then send a minibus up to serve Franche, Ferndale and Habberley which gets full and leaves folks behind
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Grant and loan to fund review?
A LEAFLET sent by local Tories to the residents of Spennells in Kidderminster seems to suggest the decision to change from a three-tier school system in Wyre Forest to two-tier has already been made and the £160 million needed to implement the change
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From the archives
100 Years Ago February 18 1905 There seems to have been a good deal of misunderstanding between the members of Badsey Parish Council and Evesham District Council as to what has taken place in reference to the negotiations in regard to the sewerage scheme
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Funds to help veterans visit battlefields
THE Birmingham War Research Society is a voluntary organisation which has been taking people to visit battlefield sites across northern Europe for 30 years. This year marks a historic landmark - 60 years since the end of the Second World War. It will
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Waitrose site ideal for indoor market
I AM astonished at the outpouring of grief, over the closure of the Waitrose store. If the store had been competitively priced, and attractive as an alternative to Sainsbury's, Tesco et al, then I am sure the store would have been re-considered as a candidate
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The Prime Minister meets the Vale's Helen...
EVESHAM schools campaigner Helen Donovan had a private meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair when he came to Worcestershire! The mother of two "ambushed" the Prime Minister when he visited a sports centre in Redditch as part of a whistle stop tour of
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Farewell to another specialist store
SO, Waitrose is to close. Goodbye to another specialist store in Kidderminster. In recent times, this town has lost a dedicated bookshop, record shop, family-run electrical business and sports shop. That seems to be OK, however, because most of the supermarkets
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Footballer jailed for glass attack in a pub
A talented footballer smashed a glass in the face of a former school friend after an argument in a Worcester bar. The Evesham United footballer Wesley Joyce, who had drunk nine pints of strong lager, was picked out by the victim Wayne Southall on a police
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Car owners want home parking permits
EVESHAM car owners demanding parking permits for their street, following the re-enforcement of waiting restrictions, have been backed by town councillors. Neighbours living on Briar Close cannot park for more than two hours at a time from 7am to 7pm each
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Return of the farm markets
FARMERS and growers in the Vale of Evesham are taking another step in the fight back against the giant supermarket chains. Fed up with being "under the thumb" of the superstores they are reopening the "farmers market" in Evesham. The move comes almost
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Fastday to help abolish the World's poverty
VALE schools and parishes are being encouraged to make a difference this lent by lobbying politicians and raising money for CAFOD. The call is part of CAFOD's annual Lent Fast Day tomorrow. The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development is a member of the
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Claire and David are a vow on TV
A VALE couple renewed their vows in front of millions on Valentine's Day when they took part in GMTV's Breakfast Show. Claire and David Fletcher from Church Walk, Norton were chosen by GMTV who invited viewers to write in to say why they deserved to attend
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School rises to the challenge
STAFF at a Vale school are pulling out all the stops after an Ofsted inspection revealed weaknesses. When inspectors visited Harvington First School last October they found the needs of the older pupils were not being met and their level of performance
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Housing group given top ratings
EVESHAM and Pershore Housing Association has been named as one of the top organisations of its kind in the country. The national annual ratings report by the Housing Quality Network showed EPHA as one of only three top performing large scale voluntary
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Hampton take eight-goal stroll to the semi-finals
Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League HAMPTON WMC stormed into the last four of the Bluck Cup with an eight-goal romp against Ashton, the goals coming from Redding (2), Dipple (2), Rogers, Dyer, Young and Beattie. Hampton are joined in the last four by
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Bodrum's defence in pieces (of eight)
ANYTHING you can do... Long Compton went one better than last week's big scorers in the Stratford Alliance's Nursing Home Cup. They rattled in eight to overcome Bodrum and join, among others in the second round, the previous week's seven-up merchants
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Three return as Robins aim for revenge
AN almost full-strength squad will be out for revenge at Common Road on Saturday when a fourth successive Southern League Division West win will further strengthen Evesham United's hopes of promotion. Manager Dave Busst will welcome back Lee Knight, Neil
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Pair come home for a dream job at the RSC
TWO former Stratford schoolchildren have grown up into RSC actors and are making their debuts next month. Caitlin Mottram and Chris McGill are making ready for appearances in both A Midsummer Night's Dream and As You Like It, which open at the RST in
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Boheme's not just rhapsody
THE 2005 season at Longborough Festival Opera opens on Friday, June 17, with Puccini's bittersweet La Boheme. There will be a total of 20 performances of three different operas staged at the Palladian-style opera house between Moreton and Stow right through
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West Midland Bird Club
WHAT is the lifespan of a mute swan, do they partner for life, do they return to the nest? At the January indoor meeting these questions were answered by Bert Coleman. His knowledge of mute swans had been gained from an intensive and ongoing survey. Members
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Ramblers Association
THE Wyre Forest group's latest walk is on Sunday, a four-five mile walk at Churchill. Ramblers are meeting at New Road car park, Kidderminster, at 10am. On Monday, members are invited to a pub night at The Brinton Arms, Stourport, at 8pm. For details
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National Trust Wyre Forest Group
'A WRITER'S Shropshire" was the title of Gordon Dickens' talk at the Wyre Forest and District Centre January meeting in Blakedown parish room. Mr Dickens, a librarian, was born in Coalport, and has had a longstanding interest in Shropshire writers and
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Hagley Rotaract
THE organisation is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a ball on April 1, 2005, at the Pine Lodge Hotel in Bromsgrove. President Sue invites any ex Hagley Rotaractors or Rotarians to celebrate this milestone. If interested, please contact Sue Munday
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Stourport Churches Forum
DURING the week of Prayers for Christian Unity the member churches of the Stourport Churches Forum signed a Covenant declaring their common belief in Jesus Christ and pledging to work together wherever possible. The Covenant was drawn up to demonstrate
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Stone WI
AT the February meeting, Shirley Gledhill reported on the skittles match played against Chaddesley Corbett, which Stone lost. Anne Brooks volunteered to be communications officer. The guest speaker was Eileen Tasker of the Wyre Forest Talking Newspaper
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Kidderminster and District Archaeological and Historical Society
IN a change to the advertised programme, on Wednesday a talk entitled "The life of Francis Brett Young" will be given by Mr Michael Hall. The meeting will be held at St Georges Church Annexe, Radford Avenue, Kidderminster commencing at 7.30pm. Visitors
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Kidderminster Cycling Club
ON Sunday, two rides will leave The Green, Blakebrook, Kidderminster. At 9am the A ride will set out to tour the Kinver area, and at 9.30am the B ride will head for Tenbury Wells. All cyclists will be welcome and should take a packed lunch. On Tuesday
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Chaddesley Corbett WI
AT the February meeting, the first speaker was Peter Graham on the subject of Fairtrade. The second speaker was Jackie Emery from Hartlebury WI . The title of her talk was "Winter Warmers" and as she pointed out this didn't mean thermal underwear but
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Farmers given chance to air their views
FARMERS held an exchange of views on current areas of concern in the agricultural industry when they met David Fursdon, deputy president of the Country Land and Business Association. The meeting was organised by Chris Tallis, of Chris Tallis Farm Machinery
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The defence for playful squirrels
IF you take a walk in any wood, park or other area with trees there is one wild mammal you are more or less certain to encounter. Despite living a totally wild life, this animal is a frequent visitor to our gardens and can even become so accustomed to
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Nomads on top as teams fight the floods
ON A Warwickshire Avon that was more than a foot in flood, Saturday's final round of the Fisheasy Teams League was fished on Ham-pton Ferry and Evesham Town Waters. Ten teams of six fought for the coveted title of Fisheasy Team champions on a day when
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Sixth-form trio pass on skills to next generation
SIXTH-FORMERS Dan Antonelli, Joe Newcome, and Chris Hesketh have returned to their roots in mini-rugby to help in the training of the Bredon Buzzards Under-10s. With more than 28 years of rugby playing experience between them, the boys are fashioning
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Intriguing screening of Son's Room
A FILM entitled The Son's Room is to be screened at Worcester's Swan Theatre in association with the city's film society. A spokesman for the theatre explained the storyline: "Giovanni is a successful psychoanalyst who has to put up with the seemingly
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Pinball Wizard on stage
THE Who's hit rock musical Tommy is currently being premiered at Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre before embarking on a UK tour. It is the story of a deaf, dumb and blind child who endures a life of torment and ridicule until the day he happens to play
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Oxford points put graduation closer
ANOTHER clean sheet, another win on the road and, more importantly, another three points in the promotion locker. A victory that should have been wrapped up long before the delayed five o'clock finish was thoroughly deserved but the failure of the Robins
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Ton-up for club
ASHTON Cricket Club celebrate their centenary in 2007 and plans to mark the event are being made. Anyone with information on Ashton CC from the past is asked to contact Alistair Keen at alikeen@tiscali.co.uk. Ashton start pre-season nets on Monday at
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Why this bride's wedding was all about shedding the pounds* * That's £s as well as lbs
With the average wedding costing more than £25,000 as we desperately try and keep up with the celebs, it seems there's nothing we'll stop at to make sure our big day is perfect. Here, Emma Cullwick speaks to one woman who literally lost pounds to make
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Judo club pitches in
A JUDO tournament raised £300 for Operation Covert. The contest, at the home of The Samurai Judo Club in Lisle Avenue, Kidderminster, saw clubs from throughout Wyre Forest battle it out. School-based clubs and eight other clubs took part in last month's
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Tash is keeping team on the ball
FOOTBALL may have been a "man's game", but now women are breaking through - both on and off the pitch. There are more women than ever pulling on shirts, shorts and socks, taking up the whistle and working behind the scenes. That's certainly the case at
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They can't be trusted with spaces
YOUR story headlined "MP Foster blasted in Cripplegate backlash" (Evening News, Friday, February 11) simply goes to show that neither the Conservatives nor New Labour can be trusted with our green spaces. We have not forgotten 1992, when Labour tried
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Seatbelt 'criminal'
I WAS under the impression that it was illegal to drive along with a mobile phone glued to one's ear. Why then, do I keep passing all manner of drivers still doing so? Even people driving articulated lorries on the motorway! And where are the police when
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Attraction mystery
I WONDER what it is that makes government ministers attracted to Europe. It has been going on now for about 40 years since the days of Harold Wilson and Ted Heath. Then John Major signed the Maastricht treaty. Tony Blair has been doing everything to bring
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Last-gasp bid to save lido
CAMPAIGNERS are organising a last-gasp bid to save Droitwich Spa's historic lido. Townsfolk are being called on to support the final chance to save the lido when Wychavon District Council meets next Tuesday (February 22). A full meeting of the authority
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Staff funding of TIC is still big issue
FINANCING is proving to be difficult for Broadway's Tourism Information Centre, which is hoping to move into its new home in April. At present the TIC, based in the shopping arcade Cotswold Court, is run by volunteers with some financial help from the
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Right direction
A BROADWAY charity, which helps solve people's problems by pointing them in the right direction is hoping to expand its services from its new premises. Signpost has just moved to its fourth new home in Russell Square, Broadway next door to the parish
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Drop in for Rolie's chat
THE Theatre, Chipping Norton, continues its Soundbites series with Rolie's Rambles on Wednesday. Anyone is welcome to call in to the theatre bar for a free session listening to local raconteur Rolie Clarke reminiscing with some of her favourite poems
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Old favourite
A NEW take on an old favourite is on offer for youngsters at The Swan Theatre in Worcester next Friday. Hansel and Gretel, complete with house of sweets and nasty witch, is presented by The Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds in a scary treat for families.
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Woodland festival to be revived
A NEW music event has been lined up in Cheltenham in the summer, promising a new take on festival-going. World, folk and contemporary music will combine in a weekend festival from June 3 to 5, which will also include talks, debates, films, workshops and
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Volunteers save event from axe
BEWDLEY Carnival will go ahead this year after new members came to the rescue of the summer event. Organisers told the Shuttle/Times & News they would pull the plug on the June carnival if more volunteers did not come forward. A further nine people
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Theatre and music for tsunami victims
TWO fund-raising events involving theatre and music will be held this weekend in Kidderminster and Stourport to raise cash for victims of the Asian tsunami disaster. A gala concert will take place at The Rose Theatre, Broadwaters on Saturday. All proceeds
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Phone box blast cordons off road
A PHONE box blast in Bewdley could have been caused by thieves using a powerful firework to get to the cash box, police believe. They think the firework was taped to the telephone before it caused extensive damage when it went off at about 7pm on Monday
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Hunters expect a bumper turn-out
HUNTERS in Kidderminster are expecting a bumper turn-out when they meet as usual on Saturday - the day after a ban becomes legal. A demonstration of support is expected to back the Albrighton Woodland Hunt, based at Hurcott Lane in Kidderminster, which
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Golden wedding blessed at church
LOVESTRUCK teenager, Beryl Hall, was bowled over when she spotted future husband, Brian, playing in a holiday cricket match near Kidderminster. It might have been love at first sight for the 14-year-old but it was 10 years before they married, on February
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Barcode stickers set to beat the burglars
CRIMEBUSTING stickers are being offered to Neighbourhood Watch members in Kidderminster in a fresh bid to beat the burglar. The barcode stickers contain address and postcode information and are hard to remove once they have been put on household items
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Youth club future hangs in balance
A MAKE or break meeting on the future of Salford Priors Youth Club is to take place next month. If no-one comes forward to form a new committee to resurrect the club, it will be closed for good and it's building sold. The Salford Priors Youth Club building
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Snooker loopy at all-star show
KIDDERMINSTER sports fans went potty when four of the world's top snooker players graced the town's Glades Arena during an exciting new tournament. A sell-out crowd of more than 900 packed into the centre to watch Ronnie O'Sullivan, Jimmy White, Paul
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School move on the cards
WORCESTERSHIRE'S top education boss has insisted no decision has been taken on a new site for King Charles I High School although a move is almost certainly on the cards. Julien Kramer, director of educational services at Worcestershire County Council
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Support for workers
THE number of young Polish people living and working in Wyre Forest is steadily increasing following their country's entry into the European Union last year. Polish Consul, Wyre Forest district councillor Mike Oborski, estimates there are now several
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Consumers given extra advice
CONSUMERS will be able to get off-the-shelf advice about their rights from their local libraries in a campaign being run by trading standards chiefs. Advice leaflets have been made available in Wyre Forest's libraries for the campaign, which runs throughout
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Victoria Carpets: Victim of fashion trends
JOBS lost in Kidderminster's carpet industry over the years have effectively been exported, said the managing director who has reluctantly been forced to axe employees at one of the town's top manufacturers. Alan Bullock, who has been with Worcester Road-based
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More teams keen to play
THE Prudden Road Surfacing Tennis League's annual meeting takes place next Tuesday, starting at 7.30pm at the Royal British Legion Club in Bidford. Even after last year's record number of teams applying to join, this year sets yet another record entry
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Author Ian reveals facts behind fiction
ANYONE in the know about science fiction probably knows that writer Ian R MacLeod has won a host of gongs, including a Hugo, a Nebula and not one, but two, World Fantasy Awards. Fewer might know he is living in Bewdley or that his home town was an inspiration
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Dan breaks away to victory
EVESHAM High School pupil Dan Keen won the senior age group race at the Worcestershire Schools Cross Country Championships in spectacular style. Forty athletes lined up for the four-lap 6,000 metre race. On the first lap Dan was in a breakaway group of
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Thrilling tale of deception
A COMPELLING psychological thriller entwining fantasy and reality is to absorb theatregoers in Kidderminster next week. The Nonentities are performing Veronica's Room in the studio of the Rose Theatre from Monday until next Saturday. The play begins in
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Support it or lose it plea over jazz club
A JAZZ club that has been bringing international musicians to Kidderminster for 10 years is facing the axe unless attendance at its concerts improves fast. Aggborough Jazz promoter, Alan Biggs, said the number of people at meetings had dropped off this
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Tough at the top as leaders tumble
Evesham and District Airgun League THE tussle for superiority at the top of the table took another turn when leaders Stanton Club lost out at Campden RBL. Bryn Evans top scored for the top side with 49 but 48 from the ever-consistent Bob Pitcher helped
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Riders take shelter in the lanes
EVESHAM Wheelers A team rode the Stratford Reliability from Clifford Chambers with all riders completing it in record times . The B team went to Studley Garden Centre and after a snowy, windy start the riders kept to the lanes avoiding the stronger winds
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Top four hopes are kept alive by two-goal revival
Evesham 3, Solihull Blossomfield 2 EVESHAM produced an excellent comeback to secure all three points and guarantee safety for the season. The result also keeps their hopes of a top four finish alive as they enter the final stage of their campaign. Despite
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Worcestershire backing Olympic bid
BUSINESSES in Worcestershire are among those who have given their backing to Britain's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee began its visit to the UK this week, and businesses joined with Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell
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Largest deal in 20 years
A LEADING North Worcestershire engineering company, which makes air conditioning systems for major new building projects nationwide, has completed the biggest property deal in its 20 year history. Mercury Climatic has paid out £1 million for the factory
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Chance to sing with stage star
KNOWN as 'the world's most popular Phantom', Peter Karrie is visiting the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury and giving local singing fans the chance to join him for an on-stage experience of a lifetime. Peter has played many roles in West End musical productions
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Yes you can raise cash
ENTERPRISING youngsters, committee members and volunteers from Bidford Youth Club started aluminium can collection to raise money for the club. Children aged nine or more are taking part, and for every kilogram they collect for recycling they earn themselves
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Ace Aziz sees Red
A SKILLED guitarist who has toured with the band Simply Red is set to bring his talents to Worcester at the weekend with a gig at the city's Marrs Bar. Aziz Ibrahim began playing guitar at an early age and had his first taste of success and excess in
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Colosseum ready to rock Huntingdon Hall
AGEING rockers Colosseum are dusting off their instruments for a performance at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall next month. The band, pictured left and right, was originally formed in 1968 by drummer Jon Hiseman and were instantly signed by Hiseman, who released
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Exhibitions
MAC, Birmingham - Lost and Found, until February 27. Makeshift, until February 27. Room: Piujatat Hemmatat, until March 6. Jerwood Drawing Prize 2004, until March 6. Ikon, Birmingham - Writing in Space, until Friday. Where the stars are coming one span
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Take Grand Tour
LEOMINSTER'S Lion Ballroom is staging a concert of baroque music for oboe and strings. The Grand Tour will be led by Mark Baigent, with Ben Sansom and Veronique Matarasso (violins), David Hatcher (cello & viola da gamba) and Warwick Cole (harpsichord
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Evesham
GARDENING CLUB: Evesham Gardening Club will be meeting on Tuesday, February 22 at 7.30pm at Wallace House, Oat Street, Evesham. The speaker will be Peter Pashley whose talk is called Some Enchanted Island. The talk is sponsored by Pro-Culture of Evesham
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Evesham Decorative and Fine Arts Society
THE February meeting was an illustrated talk by Hugh Cantlie on the life and work of Sir John Vanburgh, Dilettante or Genius? Members heard of his importance as architect of stately homes such as Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace, both of which clearly
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Harvington
ST JAMES'S CHURCH: The pancake party organised by the social committee and held in St James's church on Shrove Tuesday evening was very well supported and raised £75 for the Children's Society. This was one of those occasions when the area at the west
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Too many rules are forcing people out
BRITAIN has become a country governed by regulation, one follows another as we advance towards the Orwellian Society of Animal Farm, according to Andrew Grant, West Midlands regional chairman of the Country Landowners' Association. He said while the UK
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Hospices Lottery
1st (£1,000) 13662, Worcester; 2nd (£100) 19816, Ab Lench; 3rd (£50) 19389, Malvern.
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Mickleton
WEDNESDAY CLUB: This year 52 members sat down to an excellent festive meal with a friendly service. The rooms were beautifully decorated as were the tables and the turkey was carved at the table. On January 19, Mr Tony Hamblin brought his photographs
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Moreton
INTEREST AND LEISURE CLUB: On February 9 in the Royal British Legion Club vice-chairman David Cham opened the meeting by asking members to stand for a minute's silence in memory of the following members: Mrs Ward (vice-chairwoman in the early days of
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Talking newspaper
TALKING NEWSPAPER: An edited edition of the Evesham Journal is available on audio tape for those who find newsprint difficult to read. The Vale of Evesham Talking Newspaper can be contacted on 01386 853602 or 01386 831319.
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The passions of flamenco
ALL the drama and passion of flamenco comes to the Malvern stage next week. The Alma Flamenco Dance Company is coming with its show Soul, involving six dancers, two guitarists, three singers and a flautist in their own brand of ancient tradition blended
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A-lister in firing line
PROLIFIC playwriting genius Alan Ayckbourn has another of his creations on the Malvern stage next week. Drowning on Dry Land is a new Ayckbourn comedy, in which he turns his eye to look at our modern society of media-driven fame. It focuses on Charlie
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Tribute to miller
STUDENTS on the performing arts degree at Herefordshire College of Art and Design are to stage a tribute to the great American playwright Arthur Miller next week. All My Sons, the first Broadway success by Miller, who died last Thursday, gives the author's
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Pair come home for a dream job at the RSC
TWO former Stratford schoolchildren have grown up into RSC actors and are making their debuts next month. Caitlin Mottram and Chris McGill are making ready for appearances in both A Midsummer Night's Dream and As You Like It, which open at the RST in
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Boheme's not just rhapsody
THE 2005 season at Longborough Festival Opera opens on Friday, June 17, with Puccini's bittersweet La Boheme. There will be a total of 20 performances of three different operas staged at the Palladian-style opera house between Moreton and Stow right through
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Deadline for pony passport
OWNERS of horses and ponies in the Vale of Evesham have just days to get a passport for their animals. Without a current "passport" horses and ponies cannot be sold, bought, exported, slaughtered for human consumption or moved to attend a competition,
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Badsey
BADSEY SOCIETY: Retiring chairman Terry Sparrow spoke in his address to the society's AGM of another highly successful year. Solid sales of the society's second publication had helped produce a buoyant balance sheet. After the official business, Mr Sparrow
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The defence for playful squirrels
IF you take a walk in any wood, park or other area with trees there is one wild mammal you are more or less certain to encounter. Despite living a totally wild life, this animal is a frequent visitor to our gardens and can even become so accustomed to
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Intriguing screening of Son's Room
A FILM entitled The Son's Room is to be screened at Worcester's Swan Theatre in association with the city's film society. A spokesman for the theatre explained the storyline: "Giovanni is a successful psychoanalyst who has to put up with the seemingly
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Old favourite
A NEW take on an old favourite is on offer for youngsters at The Swan Theatre in Worcester next Friday. Hansel and Gretel, complete with house of sweets and nasty witch, is presented by The Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds in a scary treat for families.
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What's on in city and county
Events/talks February 18 Wine Tasting with John Hurley, in aid of Tsunami Appeal, Bartestree Village Hall, 7.30pm. 01432 850543 19 Foundation Sampler, with Linda Hayter, Monkland Village Hall. 01885 483186. 19 Card Making, The Pedlars Tray Limited, 4/
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Author Ian reveals facts behind fiction
ANYONE in the know about science fiction probably knows that writer Ian R MacLeod has won a host of gongs, including a Hugo, a Nebula and not one, but two, World Fantasy Awards. Fewer might know he is living in Bewdley or that his home town was an inspiration
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Colosseum ready to rock Huntingdon Hall
AGEING rockers Colosseum are dusting off their instruments for a performance at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall next month. The band, pictured left and right, was originally formed in 1968 by drummer Jon Hiseman and were instantly signed by Hiseman, who released
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Shakedown showcase!
WORCESTERSHIRE band The Shakedown are preparing for the gig of their lives this month as they play an industry showcase event in Birmingham. The band will be performing at the Hard Rock Caf in the city on Wednesday, February 23, where representatives
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Some of the bread of heaven
HEREFORD'S internationally acclaimed Police Male Voice Choir will be celebrating St David's Day in its home city this year, with a concert at The Royal National College for the Blind. "Fresh from outstanding performances at the Royal Albert Hall and Hereford
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Kings come home
WHEN Hereford's premier hard rock band returned to their home town to promote their new EP they raised the bar for all bands in the area. Returning from a national tour to the low-key setting of the Horse and Groom must have been slightly unnerving for
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Chipping Campden
DEBATING SOCIETY: The society met for its annual encounter with Chipping Campden School to debate the motion -this house believes that advertising is the bane of society. Tom Foster, head boy of the school, proposed the motion. Pointing out that the affluent
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Disability Advice and Information
DO you have a question about a disability issue? Did you know there is an advice service in Evesham and Broadway that can help you find the answer? On Monday, February 21 DIAL South Worcestershire will have a member of staff at the Evesham Community Contact
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Hunting Dates
SATURDAY: The North Cotswold Hounds - meet at The Kennels, Broadway at 10.45am.
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Stratford Mayor's Diary
FRIDAY: 7.30pm, Whitnash Town Council civic dinner at Leamington and County Golf Club, Whitnash. TUESDAY: 6.30pm, extraordinary mayoral and protocol meeting at Town Hall. WEDNESDAY: 4.30pm, Pragnell prize meeting at Shakespeare Institute. 7.30pm, Chairman
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Chemists
ALCESTER: Lloyds Pharmacy, 51-53 High Street, except Weds and Sats, until 6.30pm. 01789 400122. Hopkins Pharmacy, 4 Hopkins Precinct, Mon-Fri to 6.30pm. 01789 762634. No rota Sunday and public holidays. BIDFORD: Colin Harris, Bidford Pharmacy, 17 High
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Walks
SATURDAY: Worcester Ramblers - Panoramic Bredon, meet at 10am for an eight to nine mile moderate walk, it takes place in the Bredon and Kemerton area and has lovely panoramic views. Bring packed lunch. Details: Cedric 01905 779872. SUNDAY: Evesham Ramblers
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Students inspired by hospices' work
A GROUP of students are staging a fund-raising show, inspired by stories about local hospices in the Journal. Mia Causier, a student studying for her HND in performing arts at Worcester College of Technology and her colleagues have put together a show
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Aspirant farce-wives
JOIN in with what could be the last production in Hall's Croft Garden in Stratford by auditioning for a part in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Falcon Productions is staging the play at the end of June. Next summer the gardens are set for a major redesigning
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Young movie makers in line for awards
YOUNG filmmakers from Herefordshire and Shropshire are to attend their very own Oscar ceremony in London's Leicester Square. Three locally-made shorts are up for prizes in three categories at the First Light Film Awards, with a panel of celebrity judges
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Hundred performers set for stage
ONE hundred local performers are preparing to take to the stage in Rhayader this Sunday (Feb 20) to raise money for victims of the Asian tsunami. CARAD (Community Arts Rhayader And District), with the help of organisations including Rhayader Leisure Centre
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Everybody needs good neighbours - but not this bunch
PICTURE the scene. Two London back gardens on a Saturday afternoon. In one, a young, upwardly mobile couple are planning a barbecue to celebrate the completion of their home renovations. Next door, in slightly shabbier surroundings, an old man reads Hello
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Farmers given chance to air their views
FARMERS held an exchange of views on current areas of concern in the agricultural industry when they met David Fursdon, deputy president of the Country Land and Business Association. The meeting was organised by Chris Tallis, of Chris Tallis Farm Machinery
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Roadshow to offer advice on Single Payment Scheme
FARMERS will be able to find out directly how to apply to the Single Payment Scheme - the biggest change facing farmers in 30 years - at a roadshow at the Three Counties Showground on Wednesday, February 25. There will be two events, one at 9.30am and
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Board meets
AT the first meeting of the newly created Cotswold Conservation Board, Niel Curwen, of Woodchester, Stroud, was elected chairman and Jeffrey West, of Charlbury, vice-chairman. It was the first time the 40 members had come together to discuss the role
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Hereford fan Lloyd Webber is set to lead masterclass
WORLD-class cellist Julian Lloyd Webber is in Hereford on Monday. During the afternoon he will lead a masterclass at Hereford Courtyard with local cellists of varying abilities, and in the evening he will perform a programme of music including Bach's
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Everything in garden's lovely
HEREFORDSHIRE College of Art and Design continues its successful series of illustrated talks on gardens next month with three new speakers, all of whom have been involved in major garden projects of national importance. Nick Burton presents The Renovation
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Flavour of Spain flies in to Hills
AN evening of "electrifying energy" is in store for an audience at Malvern Theatres when a flamenco dance company comes to town. Alma Flamenco will be making an eagerly awaited return to Malvern on Friday, February 25, and will include performances from
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Pinball Wizard on stage
THE Who's hit rock musical Tommy is currently being premiered at Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre before embarking on a UK tour. It is the story of a deaf, dumb and blind child who endures a life of torment and ridicule until the day he happens to play
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Lee Mack steps out on stage before cracking American comic scene
INTERVIEWING comedian Lee Mack rather aptly got off to a comical start. Calling him on the mobile phone number given to me by his PR agent, Mack couldn't be quicker to get me off the line - telling me, in all seriousness, he was convinced God wouldn't
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Drop in for Rolie's chat
THE Theatre, Chipping Norton, continues its Soundbites series with Rolie's Rambles on Wednesday. Anyone is welcome to call in to the theatre bar for a free session listening to local raconteur Rolie Clarke reminiscing with some of her favourite poems
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Woodland festival to be revived
A NEW music event has been lined up in Cheltenham in the summer, promising a new take on festival-going. World, folk and contemporary music will combine in a weekend festival from June 3 to 5, which will also include talks, debates, films, workshops and
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Finding a little haven in earth...
AN exhibition celebrating the diversity of wildlife and the rich cultural heritage of churchyards and burial grounds is being held at All Saints Church, Hereford. Haven in Earth is the title of the exhibition, organised by conservation charity Caring
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Wild about wildlife
AN exhibition about Herefordshire wildlife at Leominster Library sees the results of a wide range of wildlife surveys undertaken by hundreds of volunteers. You can walk inside the BioPod - made by pupils at Haywood School to a design from Herefordshire
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Theatre and music for tsunami victims
TWO fund-raising events involving theatre and music will be held this weekend in Kidderminster and Stourport to raise cash for victims of the Asian tsunami disaster. A gala concert will take place at The Rose Theatre, Broadwaters on Saturday. All proceeds
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Madame Butterfly - Dormy House Hotel
POOR Madame Butterfly. The Japanese geisha waits for her American navy husband's return. Faithful and trusting, bringing up his child, she doesn't waver in her belief in him. But three years later he comes back, with an American wife, and hopes to take
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Party Piece - Festival Theatre, Malvern
THE Valentine's night crowd settled expectantly at Malvern Theatres ready to enjoy a night of comedy, and as usual, the clever characters and witty script in Party Piece by Richard Harris, did not disappoint. Opening on an amazingly lifelike set, this
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Thrilling tale of deception
A COMPELLING psychological thriller entwining fantasy and reality is to absorb theatregoers in Kidderminster next week. The Nonentities are performing Veronica's Room in the studio of the Rose Theatre from Monday until next Saturday. The play begins in
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Support it or lose it plea over jazz club
A JAZZ club that has been bringing international musicians to Kidderminster for 10 years is facing the axe unless attendance at its concerts improves fast. Aggborough Jazz promoter, Alan Biggs, said the number of people at meetings had dropped off this
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Chance to sing with stage star
KNOWN as 'the world's most popular Phantom', Peter Karrie is visiting the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury and giving local singing fans the chance to join him for an on-stage experience of a lifetime. Peter has played many roles in West End musical productions
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Worcester's top ten
WORCESTER'S TOP TEN ALBUMS: (brought to you in association with Face The Music in Worcester's Cathedral Plaza) 1. Athlete - Tourist. 2. Keane - Hopes and Fears (right). 3. Scissor Sisters - Scissor Sisters. 4. Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand. 5. Green
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Ace Aziz sees Red
A SKILLED guitarist who has toured with the band Simply Red is set to bring his talents to Worcester at the weekend with a gig at the city's Marrs Bar. Aziz Ibrahim began playing guitar at an early age and had his first taste of success and excess in
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Bats in the Belfry save the day
A TALE of mystery and humour will be keeping Droitwich youngsters on the edge of their seats as the Norbury Theatre is brought alive by Bats in the Belfry. Worcestershire writer Angela Lanyon's latest children's tale is up-to-date. When a village post
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Return of town's farmers markets
FARMERS and growers in the Vale of Evesham are taking another step in the fight back against the giant supermarket chains. Fed up with being "under the thumb" of the superstores they are reopening the "farmers market" in Evesham. The move comes almost
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Salsa queen to step it out at dance club
AN international salsa star from America is coming to Worcestershire for one night only to help teach residents how to shake their stuff on the dance floor. Salsa dancer, performer and choreographer Jamie Josephson, from New York, will be a special guest
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One for the ladies
A FANFARE for solo French horn will be played for the first and last time at a Rotary Club ladies' night in Pershore this month. Composer Gordon-Hartley Bennett (pictured) wrote the 100-note fanfare, which lasts about half a minute, especially for the
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I'm wearing my PJs - are you?
WORCESTER Mayor Coun Allah Ditta donned his traditional "shalwar kameez" to give his backing to St Richard's Hospice PJ Day next month. Hundreds of workers and students across the county have already signed up to go bananas in their pyjamas on the charity
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Pay freeze for city's councillors
FURTHER rises in pay for Worcester city councillors have been ruled out. An independent panel has said it will not increase allowances for certain committee chairmen or the deputy leader as the authority asked. But it has said it will consider the requests
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Shelter heaven for St Peter's residents
COMMUTERS in St Peter's will have somewhere else to take cover from the rain - as a total of eight new bus shelters are being installed in the city. The work - which started on Monday - is being carried out on behalf of Worcester City Council and six
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Panto fun at Claines
THE Claines Amateur Theatrical Society (CATS) are hosting their annual pantomime this week. The group is putting on Panto at the OK Corral at the church hall in Cornmeadow Lane, Claines, until Saturday, February 19. The show, which stars Jeremy Field
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Exhibitions
MAC, Birmingham - Lost and Found, until February 27. Makeshift, until February 27. Room: Piujatat Hemmatat, until March 6. Jerwood Drawing Prize 2004, until March 6. Ikon, Birmingham - Writing in Space, until Friday. Where the stars are coming one span
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Shock as traders are told to quit
SHOP managers in a Kidderminster centre have sprung to the defence of stallholders given just two weeks to leave - saying they play a key role in drawing shoppers into the complex. Stallholders in the Rowland Hill Centre were told they had to be out by
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Make voices heard, urges battling mum
PEOPLE are being urged to carry on having their say on Wyre Forest Birth Centre by writing to the district's maternity services liaison committee. The group's chairman, Debbie Bakewell, called for comments after watching the group's new lay member, Elizabeth
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Manager moves on
THE hunt is due to start for a new manager at Kidderminster Hospital's treatment centre. David Evans, who oversaw the development of the facility before he was appointed general manager of the treatment centre, will officially leave on Friday next week
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Man on drugs charge
A STOURPORT man accused of dealing in drugs with an estimated street value of £50,000 has made a brief appearance at Worcester Crown Court. David Butler, 27, of Calder Road, Burlish Park, was remanded in custody for a plea and directions hearing on April
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Rescued from lift
TWO people had to be rescued from a lift in a residential home following a power cut. Firefighters were called to Shenstone House, Kidderminster, last Saturday, and released a resident and an employee, stuck just below the first floor. Leading firefighter
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Jamie accused in court
A STOURPORT man has made a five-minute appearance at Worcester Crown Court accused of causing the death of a Bewdley teenager by dangerous driving. James Gillman, 23, of Claerwen Avenue, Burlish, who is also charged with careless driving, was remanded
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Save Our Streets: Play your part
SAVE Our Streets forms were distributed to members and visitors to the most recent meeting of Stourport Civic Society. "We gave our initial supply of forms out last Thursday at our meeting," said Pauline Annis, "At our meeting next month we will see how
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Tory apology for leaflet blunder
A TOP Tory has apologised for a photograph in a campaign leaflet which a leading school governor said made parents think their school was in line to be knocked down. The Conservative leader of Wyre Forest District Council, Stephen Clee, said he was sorry
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Beckhams' boost for scanner appeal
A CANCER sufferer's appeal to buy a hospital a life-saving skin cancer scanner is to benefit from a tribute show in Kidderminster, despite its second target having already been smashed by Posh and Becks. When it was arranged that a showcase by Upfront
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Evesham
GARDENING CLUB: Evesham Gardening Club will be meeting on Tuesday, February 22 at 7.30pm at Wallace House, Oat Street, Evesham. The speaker will be Peter Pashley whose talk is called Some Enchanted Island. The talk is sponsored by Pro-Culture of Evesham
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Evesham Decorative and Fine Arts Society
THE February meeting was an illustrated talk by Hugh Cantlie on the life and work of Sir John Vanburgh, Dilettante or Genius? Members heard of his importance as architect of stately homes such as Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace, both of which clearly
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Harvington
ST JAMES'S CHURCH: The pancake party organised by the social committee and held in St James's church on Shrove Tuesday evening was very well supported and raised £75 for the Children's Society. This was one of those occasions when the area at the west
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Too many rules are forcing people out
BRITAIN has become a country governed by regulation, one follows another as we advance towards the Orwellian Society of Animal Farm, according to Andrew Grant, West Midlands regional chairman of the Country Landowners' Association. He said while the UK
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Mickleton
WEDNESDAY CLUB: This year 52 members sat down to an excellent festive meal with a friendly service. The rooms were beautifully decorated as were the tables and the turkey was carved at the table. On January 19, Mr Tony Hamblin brought his photographs
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Moreton
INTEREST AND LEISURE CLUB: On February 9 in the Royal British Legion Club vice-chairman David Cham opened the meeting by asking members to stand for a minute's silence in memory of the following members: Mrs Ward (vice-chairwoman in the early days of
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Stratford Mayor's Diary
FRIDAY: 7.30pm, Whitnash Town Council civic dinner at Leamington and County Golf Club, Whitnash. TUESDAY: 6.30pm, extraordinary mayoral and protocol meeting at Town Hall. WEDNESDAY: 4.30pm, Pragnell prize meeting at Shakespeare Institute. 7.30pm, Chairman
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Talking newspaper
TALKING NEWSPAPER: An edited edition of the Evesham Journal is available on audio tape for those who find newsprint difficult to read. The Vale of Evesham Talking Newspaper can be contacted on 01386 853602 or 01386 831319.
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Walks
SATURDAY: Worcester Ramblers - Panoramic Bredon, meet at 10am for an eight to nine mile moderate walk, it takes place in the Bredon and Kemerton area and has lovely panoramic views. Bring packed lunch. Details: Cedric 01905 779872. SUNDAY: Evesham Ramblers
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The passions of flamenco
ALL the drama and passion of flamenco comes to the Malvern stage next week. The Alma Flamenco Dance Company is coming with its show Soul, involving six dancers, two guitarists, three singers and a flautist in their own brand of ancient tradition blended
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Saints undone by Patrick's late goal
THREE straight wins booked Holy Redeemer RC Primary School a place in the final of the Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College tournament. The Pershore side then went on to face St Joseph's from Droitwich in the final when they were again triumphant.
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Strike ace needed as chances go astray
Pershore 2nd Xl 2, Market Drayton 2nd Xl 1 PERSHORE'S inability to convert chances in front of goal meant that their latest Coaching Solutions league match was much closer than it should have been. They dominated the whole game with Ben Wright and Pete
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Quad bikes stolen
SIX quad bikes were among a haul worth more than £30,000 stolen during a break-in at a farm in Wolverley. They were taken from an outbuilding which was broken into over a weekend. The values of the bikes ranged from £1,500 to £6,000 each. They included
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Attack on Evening News 'outrageous'
COUNTY race boss Mohammed Aslam is being called upon to withdraw "outrageous and false" claims that the Worcester Evening News is "racist" and took part in a "Paki-bashing spree". The chief executive of the Worcester Racial Equality Council made the accusations
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Look at all the junk dumped in our green spaces
THIRTY-two shopping trolleys, 2,820 newspapers, 14 bicycles and 23 items of assorted household furniture - all these were dumped in Worcester's parks in 2004. But it's an improvement on the year before, when the city council's four-man Ranger team collected
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A new park for both 'Tollies' and 'Brickies'
"TOLLIES" and "Brickies" will be able to stroll together in a Worcester park after it is treated to a £270,000 overhaul. Worcestershire city councillors unanimously approved a huge improvement programme of the King George V Playing Fields, in Rainbow
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Nunnery pupils 'damaged fence'
PUPILS using a shortcut through a wooden fence have been blamed for smashing through a repair job just hours after it was completed, claim residents. And homeowners believe their properties are vulnerable to attack at night because intruders can easily
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Helen pins down Blair
A FAIR funding campaigner was granted a personal audience with Tony Blair during his visit to Worcestershire - but got just two minutes to state her case. While the Prime Minister snubbed the Evening News on Tuesday's trip, he and Education Minister Ruth
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Builder is sentenced
BUILDER, Tristram Scully, 32, of Primrose Way, Aggborough, Kidderminster, admitted receiving stolen equipment valued at £2,300 from Express Tool Hire, of Lisle Avenue, Kidderminster, and was sentenced to a community punishment order for 60 hours and ordered
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Riverside set for cash sweetener
HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds could be spent by Worcester City Council on developing the riverside area. The council has just short of £1m in the coffers, which it received from Arena Leisure for taking control of Pitchcroft racecourse. Leader of the
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Show support with donations
I REFER to David Guest's letter concerning Bewdley Museum (Shuttle/Times & News, February 10). It was a Government initiative which removed entrance fees to all national galleries and museums. Reintroducing them would defeat the purpose of removing
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Motorbike snatched
A MINI motorcross motorcycle was stolen from a shed in the rear garden of a Kidderminster house. The green Kayaba bike, worth £350, had three or four stickers on it and a cracked rear mudguard. It was taken from the locked shed of the property in Walter
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Tivoli must have become Bijou
I WOULD like to thank those who responded to my request for information concerning the Tivoli in Mill Street, Kidderminster. Whilst no-one could remember the Tivoli, there were a number who could remember the Bijou Cinema, which was sited at what is now
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Vandals target six cars
SIX vehicles were vandalised during a wrecking spree in Kidderminster. A group of six or seven youths were reported as smashing car windows and hitting cars in Grasmere Close just after 1am on Sunday morning. A motorcycle was also pushed over. A police
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Bike lane safety compromised
I AGREE with the view expressed in the letter from Malcolm Flight (Shuttle/Times & News, February 10) that cars parked on cycle lanes are a dangerous obstacle for cyclists. Cars, vans and lorries can park on the cycle lanes because there are no waiting
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Serious loss of recycling group
FRIENDS of the Earth are seriously concerned to learn that the community network dealing with electrical appliances is due to close on March 2 with the loss of eight jobs. Since opening last year they have dealt with approximately 6,000 items and restored
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'Battle' pair found guilty
A FATHER and son have been fined at Worcester Crown Court after being found guilty of an early morning affray outside a Kidderminster nightclub. The violent confrontation was described as the battle of Kidderminster by prosecutor Tim Sapwell. Self-employed
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Why book sensible drivers?
ON a recent Sunday morning, I was in the empty Green Street surface car park near the Aldi supermarket in Kidderminster. To my astonishment there was a car park attendant booking several cars which appeared to have been there all night. Possibly the reason
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Caught up in schools mess
SO district council leader Stephen Clee now writes about "pride" (Letters, February 3) does he? Well, he really fails to understand that the small schools that may become casualties of the schools review truly don't deserve to be caught up in its mess
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CSI sorry!
A VALE woman has praised the Advertising Standards Authority's prompt response after complaining about receiving a mock police file from Channel 5. Penny Dunkley, aged 50 from Clevedon Green, South Littleton was one of 30,000 people sent the promotional
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Very kind staff
I AM writing to say that I and several women - eight altogether who travel on the Dial-a-Ride service - use Waitrose to get our groceries. Now that it is closing we do not know where we will get our shopping from. In the Waitrose area of the town I have
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Inferno could be arson
A VALE farmer who lost more than £20,000-worth of straw in a suspected arson attack claims those responsible should pick up the tab. Joe Furness of Vale Farm, Saintbury, was devastated to discover around 2,100 bales of wheat straw had been set alight
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Snack wagon gets six months' break
A SNACK wagon has been given permission to continue to trade from a lay-by in Willersey, despite concerns expressed by residents. Mr Mehmet Okten, from Chipping Norton, has been granted a six-month provisional licence to continue trading by Cotswold District
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Bubble has burst for car that was a landmark
IT was like saying goodbye to one of the family when Sam Boulter watched as a bubble car was removed from the garden of his home in Honeybourne where it had been for about 40 years. Mr Boulter had to get rid of the car from the garden in Honeybourne Road
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Bills by the end of week
THE final council tax bills for people living in the Vale of Evesham and Broadway are expected by the end of this week. Bills are made up of payments to Worcestershire County Council, Wychavon District Council and the police and fire authorities as well
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Street life story
EVESHAM'S Port Street will never again be a shopping street, according to a town councillor. Cllr John Smith, who is also a member of the district and county councils, made the comment at a town council meeting on Monday. Members were discussing a proposed
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Police mark the dodgers' cards
BAIL dodgers had a double Valentine's Day surprise from police this week in an initiative to crackdown on people who try to evade the justice system. Valentine cards from West Mercia police dropped through their letter boxes as part of the force's commitment
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Learning from their mistakes
CONVICTED drink drivers living in the Vale are taking the opportunity to reduce their sentences by learning from their mistakes. An increasing number of people are signing up for a 16-hour rehabilitation course, held throughout the county. The course,
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Mum backs scheme to improve school funding
PARENT campaigner Helen Donovan from Evesham attended a conference in Chester to show support for a new funding scheme which could bring in another £4m for county schools. Mrs Donovan joined others at the F40 Conference including Sir Nicholas Winterton
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Food and transport in Vale under spotlight
THE food industry and its related transport problems in the Vale of Evesham came under the spotlight at a forum organised by the Country Land and Business Association. A Modern Food Industry - a Place in the Countryside was set up last Friday to allow
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Elmley win top clash
WCB Indoor League Elmley Castle 130-6, Overbury 93-6 WITH both teams undefeated, it came as no surprise that Elmley were asked to bat first. But Simon Cooper and Ian Woodford were in no mood to take things easy and had 29 on the board after only two overs
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A question for village's future
RESPONSES to a questionnaire that will help shape that future of Broadway have come flooding back to the parish plan's steering group. At the end of last month questionnaires were sent out 2,000 Broadway households to help shape the parish plan, and 200
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Severnside Ramblers
A WALK has been organised around Trimpley of about eight miles on Sunday, meeting at the Memorial Park Gates, Park Lane, Stourport at 10am prompt. For further details telephone Dillis Lacey on 01562 829204.
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Wyre Forest Film Club
ON Tuesday, Shaun of the Dead, directed by Edgar Wright, will be shown at Kidderminster Library at 7.30pm. This film, which lasts one hour 39 minutes, is made by the same people who devised the television series Spaced. When zombies attack your neighbourhood
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Habberley WI
AT the February meeting, Mrs Jean Armishaw demonstrated painting on silk. Several members had a go themselves. There is a skittles match on February 23 and tickets are booked for Me and My Girl at the Rose Theatre on March 8. Members decided to cancel
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Kidderminster Arthritis Care
THE next meeting is at Holy Innocents Church Hall on Monday at 2pm. All welcome. Enquiries to 01299 826109.
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Cleobury Mortimer Churches Together
FOLLOWING last year's series of talks and discussions on the theme of the Arts in Worship, Churches Together are this year organising a similar series. There will be meetings in the Methodist hall each Wednesday of Lent with the exception of Holy Week
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Roadshow to offer advice on Single Payment Scheme
FARMERS will be able to find out directly how to apply to the Single Payment Scheme - the biggest change facing farmers in 30 years - at a roadshow at the Three Counties Showground on Wednesday, February 25. There will be two events, one at 9.30am and
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Deadline for pony passport
OWNERS of horses and ponies in the Vale of Evesham have just days to get a passport for their animals. Without a current "passport" horses and ponies cannot be sold, bought, exported, slaughtered for human consumption or moved to attend a competition,
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Board meets
AT the first meeting of the newly created Cotswold Conservation Board, Niel Curwen, of Woodchester, Stroud, was elected chairman and Jeffrey West, of Charlbury, vice-chairman. It was the first time the 40 members had come together to discuss the role
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Badsey
BADSEY SOCIETY: Retiring chairman Terry Sparrow spoke in his address to the society's AGM of another highly successful year. Solid sales of the society's second publication had helped produce a buoyant balance sheet. After the official business, Mr Sparrow
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Dave gives first prize to himself!
Evesham GC EVESHAM's February Medal was Dave Everitt's first competition as captain, and his first task was to present the first division prize to himself, playing off 11. Conditions last Saturday were extremely difficult with a strong and cold north
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Bishops check revival hopes
Evesham 0, Bishops Castle 6pts EVESHAM were looking to get back to winning ways in Saturday's North Midlands Shield match but, yet again in atrocious conditions, the Avonsiders came up short. Still not being able to field their strongest back line through
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Flavour of Spain flies in to Hills
AN evening of "electrifying energy" is in store for an audience at Malvern Theatres when a flamenco dance company comes to town. Alma Flamenco will be making an eagerly awaited return to Malvern on Friday, February 25, and will include performances from
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Lee Mack steps out on stage before cracking American comic scene
INTERVIEWING comedian Lee Mack rather aptly got off to a comical start. Calling him on the mobile phone number given to me by his PR agent, Mack couldn't be quicker to get me off the line - telling me, in all seriousness, he was convinced God wouldn't
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Players wanted
EVESHAM Henricans Cricket Club are looking to recruit players of any age or standard to play Sunday friendlies. Match frees are £4 a game. For details contact Mark Green on 01562 750715 or 07817 325718.
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Cash takes us past £20,000
SHOPPERS and snooker fans helped to send our Operation Covert total soaring past the £20,000 mark this week. Two hugely successful fund-raising events saw the tally boosted by a fantastic £2,394.55 in just three days. Bag-packing by an army of Scouts
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Let's hear it for the girls
GIRLS have continued to get behind Operation Covert with a donation from a Kidderminster Rainbow and Brownie pack. Following on from last week's £100 donation from 1st Wilden Guides, the 8th Kidderminster Rainbows and Brownies raised £75 with a day of
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More teams keen to play
THE Prudden Road Surfacing Tennis League's annual meeting takes place next Tuesday, starting at 7.30pm at the Royal British Legion Club in Bidford. Even after last year's record number of teams applying to join, this year sets yet another record entry
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Pensioners don't exist as far as Labour's concerned
FLYING round Britain in his Magic Helicopter, Tony Blair has performed his most powerful magic - with a flourish of his wand of pledges he has made that most dreaded band of goblins disappear. Yes, the pesky pensioners no longer exist. What an achievement
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That's the way to do it
REGARDING road accidents, Terry James, I reckon if no one under the age of 25 was allowed to drive a car, the amount of drink and drug-induced crashes would greatly decrease. GEORGE COWLEY, Warndon, Worcester.
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Stop means just that...
YOUR correspondents Mr James and Mr Wornham suggest road safety measures. On which planet do they live? Mr James should spend a while standing by a stop sign (it means stop!) He could count the number of drivers who comply on the fingers of one hand.
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We're Wishband crazy!
YOUNG and old are showing their support for the tsunami victims by snapping up their Evening News Wishbands. The aquamarine bands are "flying off the shelves" of newsagents across Worcestershire with everyone wanting to get in on the fund-raising act.
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Gum crime
EVESHAM is getting all gummed up and keeping the town clean is a major headache. Nearly 20 million people in Britain chew gum and almost a billion packets are brought each year - a lot of it getting deposited in the streets of towns and villages in the
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Russell's fine run ends in the medical tent
The Tough Guy, as seen on TV, is a world-renowned SAS-style race that combines a fearsome bog, dyke, barrier and fire assault course with a long run over muddy fields. With thousands of drenched wannabe Tarzans competing each year in near freezing temperatures
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Soccer-mad Bradley's write stuff is winner
A FOOTBALL-mad youngster, who put his love of the sport on paper, has scooped a prize in a reporting competition run by a national newspaper. Nine-year-old Comberton First School pupil, Bradley Gibbons, finished runner-up in The Guardian's Young Reporter
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Reserves leak seven goals in last quarter
Tenbury United Reserves 1 Gemini 12 AFTER a number of good performances, the Reserves came unstuck when league leaders Gemini visited Palmer's Mead-ow and ran riot in the closing stages of their Kidderminster League First Division fixture. The final score-line
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Bail dodgers named and shamed by police
TWO people who failed to turn up in court and whose last whereabouts were believed to be in Kidderminster were included in a list of bail dodgers issued by police. West Mercia Constabulary named Shane John Eccles and Helen Marie Hart among 20 individuals
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Club unveils revamp
REINFORCEMENTS have given Royal British Legion members in Stourport the chance to relax in style when their newly refurbished lounge is opened officially on Friday. Officials at the club, in Lichfield Street, have been able to spend £16,000 on improvements
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Farmer John finds Valentine puzzler
A TRUE love pledge has stood the test of time inside an old oak tree on a farm near Kidderminster. It is a 100-year-old Valentine puzzler for farmer, John Jenkin, who discovered the initials R.B. and W.S. and the date 1905 inside the blasted oak on his
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Laughter key for diamond couple
LAUGHTER is the key to a long and happy marriage, according to a Bewdley couple celebrating their diamond wedding today. Stanley and Eileen Kirkbright, of Gardener's Meadow, met as teenagers during the Second World War and said they had never been closer
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Scout hut appeal gains cash boost
A CAMPAIGN to replace a Stourport Scout hut that has outlived its usefulness has received a cash boost following its recent launch. The town's Rotary Club has donated £1,000 towards the £60,000 scheme to erect a new hut, on the site of the ageing one,
