Archive
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Golden opportunity
ONE of the country's leading opera highlight groups will be stopping off in Worcestershire. The Hatstand Opera will perform Golden Moments from Opera when they visit Droitwich and Redditch this week. The show is a modern, fun and easy introduction to
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Family feast of flute
A FAMILY concert of Peter and the Wolf will be held in Barnt Green. The event will take place at St Andrew's Church, Sandhills Road, on Sunday, March 13 at 3pm. The performance by The Queen's Park Sinfonia will last for just less than an hour and will
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Still wowing them
Review - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, until Saturday MASTER showman Richard Swerrun has virtually made the role of Joseph his own. The Worcestershire-born star has the style and the swagger to carry the
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Where to go
Wednesday, March 2 Film: My House in Umbria, Norbury Theatre, Friar Street, Droitwich, 8pm. Thursday, March 3 Comedy: Little Civic Comedy Night, North Street, Wolverhampton. Film: 2046, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. Film: Ladies in Lavender, Light
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What's On Guide
Thursday, March 3 The Hollow Crown, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford. Until March 19. Tickets from 0870 609 1110. Ullenhall Players: It Runs in the Family, Palace Theatre. Until March 5. Tickets from 65203. The Streets, NIA. Tickets from 0870 909
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It's a fresh twist for an old tale
THE classic children's fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood is given a crazy new makeover on Saturday at the Malvern Theatres. Aimed at children aged three to eight years, the Pandora Box Theatre Company's unique blend of music, comedy, puppetry and audience
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Joe to return
FOLLOWING the giant success of their Jack and the Beanstalk panto last Christmas Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre has already announced that Joe Pasquale will be returning there this coming festive season in the spectacular Peter Pan, playing the role
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Hoping they can tap into success
ENTHUSIASTIC youngsters from a Stoke Prior dance class are taking part in the West Midlands Dance Festival. Twenty-five talented children who attend the Stage Door Dance Academy at Stoke Prior Village Hall will be at the competition in Coventry. The event
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Alfie (15)
GOLDEN boy Jude Law takes on the impossible challenge of assuming a role made famous by the legendary Michael Caine, in this remake of classic sixties Brit flick Alfie. And although London town is swapped for modern day New York and the mod suits for
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Saw (18)
IF you fancy spending your Saturday night peeping out nervously from behind a cushion, then Saw could be the movie for you. In terms of gruesome fun, this is one of the smartest, darkest horror films to come out of Hollywood in a long time. And like David
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Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (PG)
NEVER has so much pouting been done by so many in such a short space of time. And it's not just the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie who are responsible for this crime - the film's hero Jude Law also does more than his fair share. When giant
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Goals flow as Evesham push for top four finish
Evesham 7, Bloxwich 2 EVESHAM maintained their recent good form with a comfortable victory against weak opponents to maintain their push for a top four place in the West Midlands Premier League. Despite having made one or two positional changes, the hosts
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Gritty Rovers make point
Clevedon 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Southern League Division One West GRITTY Rovers took a deserved point at The Hand Stadium as they matched in-form Clevedon on Saturday. For the second game in a row, battling Bromsgrove came from behind against their promotion
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Droitwich taste Derby defeat
Droitwich 10 Hereford 55 Midlands Division One West (South) DROITWICH'S hopes of a moral boosting victory over high-flying Hereford were short lived as Spa crashed to a heavy defeat at the Glynn Mitchell Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Director of rugby
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There's still time to enter your baby for competition
TIME is running out for proud parents to enter their beautiful babies and toddlers in the Worcester News Baby of the Year 2005 competition! These are the photographs of the first few babies snapped by our professional photographers at the new Worcester
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No more noisy tots next door, please...
PARENTS of tots who attend a day nursery want it to expand and introduce an after-school club - but neighbours have objected to more "shrieking" children. Plans to increase numbers at the Little Treasures Nursery in Broomhall, near Worcester, could be
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Family feast of flute
A FAMILY concert of Peter and the Wolf will be held in Barnt Green. The event will take place at St Andrew's Church, Sandhills Road, on Sunday, March 13 at 3pm. The performance by The Queen's Park Sinfonia will last for just less than an hour and will
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Thoughts about returning home
As we enter the last month of the tour, and start to tick off weeks rather than months off the "chuff chart", it's difficult for my TA colleagues and me not to have at least one eye on returning home, the day job, and re-gaining our former lives. At least
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It's the perfect excuse to wear a wig to work!
BAKED bean baths, head shaving and leg-waxing - it can only mean one thing - Red Nose Day is back. Friday, March 11 is the tenth RND bash - the perfect excuse to take the flippers to school, and wear a purple wig to work meetings. Every other year, in
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Malvern Town FC - Fixtures/Results - 2004/5 Season
The Travel Factory Midland Football Alliance Saturday, March 5: Malvern Town v Barwell (3.00). Saturday, March 12: Racing Club Warwick v Malvern Town (3.00). Saturday, March 19: Ludlow Town v Malvern Town (3.00). Saturday, March 26: Malvern Town v Biddulph
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Gritty Rovers make point
Saturday, February 26, 2005 Clevedon Town 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Southern League Division One West GRITTY Rovers took a deserved point at The Hand Stadium as they matched in-form Clevedon on Saturday. For the second game in a row, battling Bromsgrove came
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Cyclist shot in ear
A CYCLIST was shot in the ear with a pellet gun while cycling along the A435 at Portway. As a silver Peugeot 306 or 307 passed, the woman heard a crack and realised her ear was bleeding. She was taken to hospital, where a pellet was removed from her ear
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Ordeal at cashpoint
A WOMAN was robbed of her cash card by two men as she used an ATM at HSBC in Alcester Road, Studley, at about 8pm on Sunday. She was pushed by the men and screamed before they ran off with her card. The offenders are white and one is about 6ft and wore
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Bag taken
A WYTHALL pensioner noticed her handbag had gone missing after a man selling dusters called at her home. Police are warning householders - particularly the elderly- to be vigilant following the distraction burglary, which happened at about 12.30pm on
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Witness appeal
REDDITCH police are investigating an alleged indecent of exposure in Watery Lane at about 2.20pm on Saturday, February 19. A woman was walking along the lane with her two children and dog when a man allegedly called out to her and indecently exposed himself
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Bags snatched from parked car
A MOTORIST had two bags snatched from the front seat of her car after pulling over to look at a map. The woman stopped her gold Toyota Yaris on the Bromsgrove Road by Pitcheroak Woods at about 6.15pm last Tuesday. Five boys, aged about 14, walked past
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Sneak theft
AN opportunist thief sneaked in to an unlocked house and stole a purse and jewellery. Police are warning householders to be vigilant after the burglary on Saturday. Officers believe the offender gained entry to the house, in Ibstock Close, Winyates, through
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PCs taken in raid on health centre
TWO Dell computers worth a total of £1,000 were stolen from the Smallwood Health Centre in Church Green West. The theft took place sometime between 4.45pm on Thursday and 7.50am the following day. Redditch police are appealing for anyone with information
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Auction for Acorns
TELEVISION personality Philip Serrell, from The Antiques Roadshow and Bargain Hunt, will act as auctioneer at a fund-raising event in aid of Acorns Children's Hospice Appeal. The auction has been organised by Worcester Nomads Cricket Club and some of
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BROWN AXES UNITED TRIO
THE Valley's revolving doors have been swinging out of control this week as four fresh faces joined the ranks at the cost of three others. And the quadruple new signings of Kidderminster Harriers centre back Chris McHale, Shrewsbury Town's Ross Stevens
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Getting in the swing
REDDITCH Special Olympians warmed up for the National Summer Games with the West Midlands Gymnastic Competition at Abbey Stadium on Saturday. Three teams were at Abbey Stadium as Worcestershire and Wolverhampton Special Olympic teams joined Redditch.
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Premier trophy on offer
FOOTBALL fans will get the chance to see the Barclays Premiership Trophy next Monday, March 7. The prestigious trophy - destined for the country's best football club's cabinet come the end of the season - will be on display at Barclays Redditch branch
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Half marks!
ALCESTER Grammar School runners picked up half of the awards on offer at the County Schools Cross Country Championships at Princethorpe College recently. The Birmingham Road School pupils took home four of the eight trophies including senior girls, senior
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Skipper sits out Super
SKIPPER Gavin O'Toole will be missing when Evesham United bid to extend their unbeaten home record in the Southern League to nine matches. The influential midfielder serves a one-match ban for totting up five cautions but manager Dave Busst has the luxury
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Where to go
Wednesday, March 2 Film: My House in Umbria, Norbury Theatre, Friar Street, Droitwich, 8pm. Thursday, March 3 Comedy: Little Civic Comedy Night, North Street, Wolverhampton. Film: 2046, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. Film: Ladies in Lavender, Light
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Borough maul Reds
Redditch United 1 Nuneaton Borough 5 REDDITCH made it ten goals conceded in two games with a dismal defensive performance at the Valley Stadium. High-flying Nuneaton went ahead on 15 minutes when Gary Fitzpatrick found Gavin Cowan unmarked at the far
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Big Kev's a buzzin'
THE emergence of big Kevin Francis has already lifted morale at the Beehive. The 6ft 7ins giant, who signed for the Bees two weeks ago, would have started for Studley against Oldbury on Saturday but a waterlogged pitch scuppered any chance of a game.
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Dark themes of classic tale
THE dark and powerful themes in William Golding's celebrated novel Lord of the Flies are explored in Pilot Theatre's award-winning touring production, which arrives at Birmingham's Old Rep Theatre for a short run from Tuesday. Timed to coincide with the
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A LICENCE TO SPEED
A FOREIGNER caught speeding on camera in an accident blackspot in Worcester was let off scot-free by West Mercia Constabulary - as he does not hold a UK driving licence. In a letter sent by West Mercia Central Ticket Office and leaked to the Worcester
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Rising number of ASBOs dished out
THE number of anti-social behaviour orders being handed out to yobs in West Mercia continued to rise in the last year, the Home Office has revealed. Courts issued 32 ASBOs to rein in nuisance neighbours, problem youths and hooligans in 2004 - compared
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Biker removed his helmet, then died
A MOTORCYCLIST who is believed to have removed his helmet because of toothache died from massive head injuries following a crash. Paul Eggerton, who lived with his parents in Rye Street, Birtsmorton, near Malvern, had gone out to buy the family's Lottery
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Couple trapped in wreck of car
FIREFIGHTERS spent three-and-a-half hours freeing two people from the mangled wreck of a car after it careered off the road near Droitwich last night. Both the driver and passenger were seriously injured in what one firefighter described as "the worst
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Spiritualist set to star in Hollywood
A SPIRITUALIST who was branded a "witch" by Worcestershire residents has won a regular slot on a Sky TV programme - and is also promised a Hollywood career. Julie Angel-Guest, of Old Wych Road, Malvern, was accused of witchcraft when she organised a charity
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Rush-hour chaos to go on for years
MOTORISTS will have to endure jam-packed rush-hour city streets until at least 2011 because there is no extra funding for a new bridge or bypass. That was the main message from Worcestershire County Council to the public at a meeting to discuss the authority's
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Billy banned
FORMER Evesham United goalkeeper received a 12-month ban after testing positive for cocaine. The 31-year-old was charged with misconduct for a breach of the FA's doping control regulations and a disciplinary commission handed the Rushden and Diamonds
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Delight follows despair
IT'S been a bitter sweet seven days for leading Evesham Sunday League football side Ambassador. After being thrown out of the Tewkesbury Sports Knockout Cup, the league's leading knockout competition, the Amby hit back in style to book a place in the
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Littleton need spot on Major!
Littleton 1, Cadbury Athletic 1 SATURDAY'S game was a credit to both sides who fought out a fair result after a contest that ebbed and flowed throughout as both sides fought for the upper hand. The visitors opened strongly and forced Littleton back and
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Three on the trot
EVESHAM College's Soccer Academy made it three wins out of three when they defeated their County League counterparts from Pershore 6-1. Their first real attack after 15 minutes saw Shaun Stanley open the scoring and three more goals before the break left
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Be a Villian for a week!
JUNIOR FOOTBALL: Little Villans can get down to an Easter week of football courtesy of Aston Villa. The Premiership club is holding a soccer school for children aged five to 14 from Tuesday, March 29 to Friday, April 1 at Kingsley Leisure Centre, Woodrow
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Bulls boss delivers praise for underdogs as United go through
HEREFORD United's director of football Graham Turner admitted his side were ruffled by underdogs Eastwood Town in last night's 4-2 FA Trophy fifth round replay win at Edgar Street. The Bulls clinched their place in the last eight of the competition, where
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Trophy final closer as Bulls sink Town
HEREFORD United overcame a disastrous opening 15 minutes to march into the last eight of the FA Trophy for the first time in four years. The Bulls were lucky to find themselves trailing by just Peter Knox's 14th-minute goal as Craig Mawson, who in the
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Nomads look to the future
WORCESTER Nomads Cricket Club is on the up and building for the future, according to its chairman. John Prickett outlined the events of the past 12 months at the club's annual general meeting. After four years of waiting, Nomads have finally received
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Spa put an end to their county drought
DROITWICH Spa will end a 40-year drought when they step out for a cup final next week. The Midland Combination Division Two side are preparing to take on holders Bewdley Town in the Mann Broadbent Insurance Worcestershire FA Saturday Junior Cup final
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MP impressed by Abbey visit
By Julian Seva THE shadow minister for transport and the environment, Tim Yeo MP, gave his full backing to the Abbey Stadium project when he visited Redditch. The Tory front-bencher was in town last week to look at the proposed plans and the site itself
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Play's boost
WORCESTERSHIRE County Council's Arts Team has awarded a cash grant to a Hollywood organisation to help it get even more creative. Woodrush Youthworcs' Youth Committee has been given £450 to support the production of a play written, performed and produced
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Teenage keeper turns top scorer for champs Warwick
MAPPLEBOROUGH Green teenager Tom Lewis went from saving goals to scoring them and has inspired his team to become the Coventry under 15 League Champions. Lewis, who played in goal at Redditch United's youth team last season switched positions to play
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Pension pledge for folk
SHADOW pensions minister Nigel Waterson MP dropped into Redditch last week to chat with pensioners about the Tory's new pre-election pledges. Mr Waterson met a dozen or so pensioners when he visited the town last Wednesday. He said the party promised
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Weather hits Bees teams
STUDLEY Women and Studley Women Reserves both had their games called off due to the waterlogged pitches. The first team were due to play away at Marconi and the reserves were to play Rugby Town. The first team now have three unplayed league games against
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2/3/05 - Brown in hospital op drama
JAMES Brown has been rushed into hospital with appendicitis. Worcester Warriors' fly-half had an operation yesterday to remove his appendix and could now be out of action for up to six weeks. The Sixways club will learn more today about the timescale
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BROWN AXES UNITED TRIO
THE Valley's revolving doors have been swinging out of control this week as four fresh faces joined the ranks at the cost of three others. And the quadruple new signings of Kidderminster Harriers centre back Chris McHale, Shrewsbury Town's Ross Stevens
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Hill's in chair
THE series of meetings at New Road for members of the Worcester-shire Cricket Society continues next Tuesday night. The speaker is former Derbyshire batsman Alan Hill, who acted as secretary after the end of a playing career that spanned 14 years from
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Droitwich taste derby defeat
Droitwich 10 Hereford 55 Midlands Division Three West DROITWICH'S hopes of a moral boosting victory over high-flying Hereford were short lived as Spa crashed to a heavy defeat at the Glynn Mitchell Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Director of rugby Julian
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Bowl along and use this facility
THE recent report on Rubery Bowling Green and the position of the Rubery, Sheldon and John Connolly Club (RSJC) either missed or ignored some information. In the past six years this club has spent some £15,000 on maintaining the green and as a reward
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Bit of a flap over waste
RECENTLY I took delivery of a flatpack coffee table and, having erected it, had the box and packaging to dispose of. Because of the size of the box I stood it against our newly acquired wheelie bin. To my amazement the bin was emptied and the box placed
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60 years ago March 3, 1945
BROMSGROVE Cottage Hospital made a loss of £247 last year, the first for many years. This was due mainly to a rise in the nurses' wage bill of £619, repairs of £161 and £163 for foodstuffs. But despite the shortfall patient fees were still to be kept
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Gritty Rovers make point
Clevedon Town 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Southern League Division One West GRITTY Rovers took a deserved point at The Hand Stadium as they matched in-form Clevedon on Saturday. For the second game in a row, battling Bromsgrove came from behind against their
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Impressive Spa stun leaders
Droitwich Spa 3 University of Birmingham 0 DROITWICH emphatically ended their three game losing run on Saturday by defeating the Midland Combination Division Two leaders. Spa sent out a message to the rest of the division that they are back to their best
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Joining in
ATTENDING a family party I collected more than 100 signatures of people wanting to save Droitwich lido. Most people from Droitwich want to save our lido. Please councillors listen to your people. Bridgette Coton Broadheath Close Droitwich Spa
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Destruction of our town
ATTENDING a Wychavon council committee meeting last month regarding our lido I have to say the atmosphere was electric, there were over 300 people supporting SALT. There were some excellent comments and huge cheers in support of thecampaigners. Roy Seabourne
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Sad occasion for the Spa
I AM a shocked and saddened Droitwich Spa resident. For the past six years I have been a commissioned officer in the British Army, living away from the place I call home. I am 24 years old and have been born and bred in the Spa. I return home most weekends
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Sad occasion
I AM a shocked and saddened Droitwich Spa resident. For the past six years I have been a commissioned officer in the British Army, living away from the place I call home. I am 24 years old and have been born and bred in the Spa. I return home most weekends
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Youngsters battle hard in defeat
Evesham U-13 7, Shipston 31pts THE visitors showed their intentions from the start as they pushed Evesham back into their 22 almost immediately. The hosts defended well and didn't yield to a sustained attack, while good defensive play by the forwards
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It's a fresh twist for an old tale
THE classic children's fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood is given a crazy new makeover on Saturday at the Malvern Theatres. Aimed at children aged three to eight years, the Pandora Box Theatre Company's unique blend of music, comedy, puppetry and audience
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Joe to return
FOLLOWING the giant success of their Jack and the Beanstalk panto last Christmas Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre has already announced that Joe Pasquale will be returning there this coming festive season in the spectacular Peter Pan, playing the role
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26/03/05 - Boars not safe yet
Kettering 40 Bromsgrove 15 RELEGATION worries have started to grow out at Finstall Park after the Boars were trounced by Kettering on Saturday. Defeat, Bromsgrove's third in a row, means there are still fears they can still go down from the Midlands Division
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Borough maul Reds
Redditch United 1 Nuneaton Borough 5 REDDITCH made it ten goals conceded in two games with a dismal defensive performance at the Valley Stadium. High-flying Nuneaton went ahead on 15 minutes when Gary Fitzpatrick found Gavin Cowan unmarked at the far
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Woods a winner
Evesham WMC MARTIN Woods finished a comfortable winner on Ash Pool at Manor Farm in the club's latest outing. The winner caught small carp and skimmers on the pole and pellet for a winning weight of 21.0.0. John Drew (4.0.0) was second with his small
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Fly past
ORGANISERS of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford have unveiled a number of star aircraft as the countdown to the world's largest military airshow begins. Enthusiasts have welcomed the news that rarely-seen Russian aircraft such as the
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Tapping
THERE'S definitely going to be a spring in everyone's step at the Birmingham Hippodrome as Tap Dogs bring their phenomenal tap dancing talent to Birmingham Hippodrome. This Australian based troupe, tap their way to Birmingham for a week-long season from
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Why are they taxed?
WHY is the "minimum wage" used as a "maximum wage" by large corporate employers such as supermarkets and breweries who bank profits of millions every year? Why are so many workers on "minimum wage" taxed on their meagre earnings, which leaves them well
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Her lack of objectivity
JOY Turner clearly shows her lack of objectivity when analysing the Prospective Parliamentary candidates for Worcester - she mentions everyone's shortcomings except for Mike Foster's. All this because the two candidates have openly stated that they will
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Bentley Pauncefoot WI
February's WI meeting was opened by our president, Lynne Reading, who greeted members and extended a very warm welcome to two guests. She went on to introduce our speaker, Richard Betts accompanied by his wife Leslie, who together make up 'Ellanor Photography
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Since when did America become enemy of UK?
L SPITERI rightly says we should compare Britain's contribution to the EU with the subsidies we receive in return. OK. Over the last 10 years, according to the Office of National Statistics, we have got back £7bn - a shortfall of £4bn, or £11m per day
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Seeds of success for crowning glory
A LOCAL garden centre has been named the top plant seller in Britain. Webbs of Wychbold beat hundreds of other garden centres to the top spot after a rigorous inspection by judges from the Garden Centre Association (GCA), which represents the best garden
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Thanks John - new hope for Africa
A CATSHILL resident was so moved after visiting a Gambia school he is determined to raise the funds to build a new classroom for them. John Philpott, from Lingfield Walk, went to Gambia on holiday last month with his wife Gail. When there the 59-year-old
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Bringing life back to the lake
MAJOR improvement work has been carried out at a Tardebigge lake to preserve its special site of scientific interest status. Hewell Grange Lake had a history of drying out and had deteriorated into a mud hole. The Environment Agency, Severn Trent Water
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Good sports
PUPILS at a town school are celebrating after they received another prestigious sports award. South Bromsgrove High School, in Charford Road, has been given a Sportsmark extension award, which will extend the honour until 2007. The award recognises excellence
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All the work has paid off
A NEW secondary school library in The Gambia, funded by Bromsgrove residents, has been named after a town man. Armitage Senior High School, in Janjang-Bureh in the tiny West African state, forged strong links with Bromsgrove schools back in 1987 with
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Rover jobs to be axed?
UNCERTAINTY continues to hang over the future of Bromsgrove jobs at the Rover and MG car factory in Longbridge. Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown was in China last week and involved in talks concerning investment in Longbridge from the Shanghai
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Crime alleys to be closed?
TWO historic Bromsgrove footpaths face closure and diversion in a bid to combat crime near three town schools. Pigs Alley, which runs at the side of South Bromsgrove High School connecting Charford Road with Conway Road - which is near Bromsgrove School
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Seeds of success for crowning glory
A LOCAL garden centre has been named the top plant seller in Britain. Webbs of Wychbold beat hundreds of other garden centres to the top spot after a rigorous inspection by judges from The Garden Centre Association (GCA), which represents the best garden
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Father slams leisure centre
THE father of a terminally ill boy has slammed Bromsgrove's Dolphin Centre, which he claims fails to meet new disability legislation. Thirteen-year-old Tom Barber is severely disabled with muscular dystrophy. The youngster wanted to come to Bromsgrove
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Governors quit board
FOUR governors have resigned from the board of a troubled special school in Bromsgrove because of a lack of support and unfair criticism from County Hall, the Advertiser/Messenger can exclusively reveal. One, Tory county councillor and vice chairman of
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All's fair for town trade
DROITWICH Spa is well on its way to becoming a Fair Trade town - and to keep the campaign rolling, organisers will mark the start of a national fortnight celebrating ethical produce. A stall will be set up in Droitwich Library, in Victoria Square, this
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MP's anger at closure
THE Spa-based Customs and Excise Office will close, along with the Army Medals Office, a Government minister has announced. But Dawn Primarolo, Treasury Minister, said: "It is neither the intention nor expectation that any member of staff will be made
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Alfie (15)
GOLDEN boy Jude Law takes on the impossible challenge of assuming a role made famous by the legendary Michael Caine, in this remake of classic sixties Brit flick Alfie. And although London town is swapped for modern day New York and the mod suits for
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The Sixth Lamentation By William Brodrick
This is a wonderful first book by this writer. A former German SS Officer, Schwermann, claims sanctuary at a monastery to escape the police who are about to charge him with war crimes. Meanwhile, Lucy's Grandmother Agnes Aubret is dying and decides it's
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Thame tamed by Matt's finishes
Thame Utd 0, Evesham Utd 4 THERE was a real swagger about the way the Robins went about Saturday's Division One West business and the scoreline amply reflects their superiority, writes Mervyn Collins. The fact that Thame were harshly reduced to ten men
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Countdown to Festival
ALL roads now lead to Cheltenham for the first ever four-day Festival of racing when Best Mate will hopefully be back to bid for an historic fourth consecutive victory in the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup. Whether you are looking forward to your first
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Four-try salvo maintains Pershore's title quest
Shipston 6, Pershore 26pts EVEN with a couple of late changes to the starting line-up, Pershore continued their fine recent form. With Shipston just above the relegation area, they should have had the greater desire to win but everything they threw at
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POLICE STEP UP PATROLS
POLICE are stepping up patrols in and around Redditch Town Centre to tackle an increase in robberies since the new year. The move comes after the latest in a string of incidents saw a 26-year-old man threatened with a knife. DI Tony Love, of Redditch
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Batters hit the heights
FOUR players reached their retirement score as Dumbleton rattled up a mammoth 134-5 against Overbury in the latest round of action in the Worcester Board Indoor League. Boorman and Churchman smashed 57 off the first five overs before Piesse made a welcome
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Pool standings
Evesham and District League Division One P W L F A Pts Pigeon Boys 17 14 3 106 47 132 Hospital Club 17 14 3 104 47 132 Cider Mill B 17 13 4 98 55 124 Avon Social 17 10 7 82 71 102 New Inn 17 8 9 62 91 78 Round of Gras 17 5 12 68 85 78 Lions 17 6 11 65
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Darts results and standings
Evesham Ladies League Results from February 21 - Division One: Golden Cross 6, Beckford SC 4; Hospital B 6, Norton Grange 4; Littleton Bowls 4, New Inn 6; Long Lartin B 6, Sun Nomads 4. Division Two: Horse & Hounds 5, Cider Mill 5; Offenham Gold 0
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Four-try salvo maintains Pershore's title quest
Shipston 6, Pershore 26pts EVEN with a couple of late changes to the starting line-up, Pershore continued their fine recent form. With Shipston just above the relegation area, they should have had the greater desire to win but everything they threw at
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Shock at speed through village
AMAZING figures from a week-long traffic survey in Cookhill reveal speeding motorists would have racked up a massive £2 million in fines had they been prosecuted. The survey, conducted by Worcestershire County Council's Highways Partnership Unit, showed
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Family in blaze drama
A HEADLESS Cross family had to climb to safety through a window after they were trapped on the first floor of their burning pub. Redditch firefighters used a nine-metre ladder to reach the woman and a 12-year-old girl after smoke filled the downstairs
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Shotgun death suicide verdict
A WEBHEATH man shot himself in the head at his home after leaving a note for his sister. Self-employed builder Raymond Philip Melley, 57, was found dead at his Birchfield Road home by police at about 5.30pm on Tuesday, February 22. An inquest into the
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Woman guilty of eBay scam
A REDDITCH woman has been ordered to pay nearly £1,000 compensation and given a Community Punishment Order after selling fake designer handbags using the eBay online auction site. Sabrina Butt, of Prospect Road, Lakeside, pleaded guilty to four charges
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Injunctions for antisocial pair
THE "prolific" antisocial behaviour of two Church Hill men has resulted in injunctions being served by Redditch Council and a warning that more will follow if others persist in causing trouble. The council sought the antisocial behaviour injunctions against
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NEXT up and running
SHOPPERS poured into the Kingfisher Centre at the weekend when its latest store swung open its doors. Fashion giant Next has opened a large store at the back of the centre, which includes men's and women's fashions as well as homeware. The store opened
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Tucker's trial!
A FIGHTING fit Redditch doctor is running the London marathon next month. Dr William Tucker, a dermatologist at the Alexandra Hospital, will run his third London marathon on Sunday, April 17. The 52-year-old is aiming to raise pots of cash for the Motor
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Popular deputy took his own life
A FORMER Redditch teacher who feared he was a "professional failure" jumped 40 feet to his death from the top storey of CrownGate Shopping Centre car park in Worcester, an inquest heard. Worcestershire coroner Victor Round returned a verdict of suicide
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'I was determined to survive to see my children grow up'
CANCER Research UK has paid tribute to Redditch cancer survivor Gail Perrins by dedicating a bench in her favourite beauty spot at Ragley Hall. In a twist on usual plaque dedications, this reads: "Gail Perrins loved sitting here - and still does thanks
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Alcester WI
MEMBERS who braved the wet and windy weather to attend the February meeting were rewarded with a lively and cheery talk by Mr Clews of the RSPB. He was an interesting and humorous speaker who outlined the history and work of the RSPB with the use of some
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Cookhill WI
AT the January meeting, members were transported to St Petersburg and inland to Moscow along the canals and waterways with Mrs Sally Herd, guest speaker, as guide. At the time of the visit in 2002, a great many of the buildings in St Petersburg were festooned
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Late winners
BASKETBALL: Bromsgrove Blaze A 60 Wolverley 55 FIVE unanswered points in extra-time saw Blaze win this tight Worcestershire Junior Division game. Bromsgrove and Wolverly had tied 55-55, but in extra-time Sam Goulding and Andy Barker scored to hand Blaze
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Cookhill Keyboard Club
Cookhill Keyboard Club is proud to announce its patron, Penny Weedon, one of the country's leading organists, will be giving her annual patron's concert on Friday, March 18, at Cookhill Village Hall, 7.30 for 8 pm. Tickets are already selling fast at
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Feckenham Forest History Society
At the February meeting of the society, a large gathering of members and visitors enjoyed an illustrated history of Redditch given by well known local historian Ralph Richardson. An overnight stop for the Romans on their way up Watling Street and one
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Ladies Probus Club of Alcester
AT the January meeting there was a bring-and-buy sale before lunch, followed by a quiz enjoyed by all present. At the February meeting, Joan Woodfield told members she had heard from Joan Ramwell, who is settling down in her new home in Derbyshire. Members
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Redditch Bonsai
THE society meets at Webheath Village Hall, Heathfield Road, Webheath, every third Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm. The club comprises a relatively small number of bonsai enthusiasts and meetings comprise a variety of talks, demonstrations and workshops
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Web of fun for pupils
WOODROW First School abandoned normal lessons on Friday to focus entirely on art and design activities for the day. Every child in the school, from the nursery class up to Year 4, got the chance to take part in a range of activities which included painting
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Solihull & District Orchid Society
THE February meeting began on a sad note with the announcement of the sudden death of Irish Carney. A member for many years, she became treasurer in 1998, a job at which she excelled. Irish was a good friend who always had a smile to welcome everyone.
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The Redditch Society
Professional photographer Derek Force gave the recent talk entitled 100 Best Views. Members were shown various landscape scenes, both inland or coastal, all of which are to be found in the British Isles. It was not an ordinary slides show, as the audience
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Warwickshire Local History Society
At its recent meeting, members of the Warwickshire Local History Society were treated to stimulating lecture by Glenn Foard, project officer of the Battlefields Trust. He is managing the Edgehill Battlefield Project and spoke about new discoveries concerning
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Group hoping for cash boost
A CHARITY which supports Redditch parents following the death of an adult child has applied to The Big Lottery for a further three years' funding. Worcestershire PEAL (Parents Experiencing Adult Loss) recognises the loss after a child's death and offers
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College's operatic frolics
A FUN and easy introduction to opera is on offer at Kingsley College Theatre this week. Hatstand Opera take over the Woodrow venue on Friday with their show Golden Moments from Opera - part of Worcestershire's rural touring scheme Shindig, which aims
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Common Sense
AN energetic mum is donning her trainers and running the Flora London Marathon for a cause close to her heart. Jo Hiles will pound the streets on Sunday, April 17 in aid of national deafblind charity Sense. It is the second time the 51-year-old mum has
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50 years ago
March 4, 1955 RECENT criticisms of the three-storey flats built on the Batchley Estate, Redditch, for Redditch Urban Council, were described as "a storm in a lady's sewing thimble" by Councillor Albert Poole, chairman of the council's estate's committee
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100 years ago
March 4, 1905 EDWIN Mills, fish hook maker, Oakly Road, was charged with attempting to commit suicide at Redditch, on February 11th. Thomas Cund, 53, Oakly Road, said defendant was his son-in-law and lived with him. On the night in question defendant
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26/03/05 - Droitwich taste derby defeat
Droitwich 10 Hereford 55 Midlands Division Three West DROITWICH'S hopes of a moral boosting victory over high-flying Hereford were short lived as Spa crashed to a heavy defeat at the Glynn Mitchell Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Director of rugby Julian
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Plotting Court's season
COUGHTON Court will open its door for the new season this weekend and it promises to be an explosive year for the stately home. The National Trust property - still home to ancestral owners the Throckmorton family - will be at the heart of celebrations
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May date for biathlon
EVESHAM Swimming Club is proud to announce that, with the continued and generous support of Wychavon Leisure, the 20th annual biathlon will take place on Sunday May 8. The event is made up of a swim at the Leisure Centre followed by a run at Evesham High
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Pundits offer racing help
THE Cheltenham and Three Counties annual Festival Preview evening takes place next Wednesday in the Gold Cup room at Chelten-ham Racecourse. Doors open at 6.30 pm and the preview will start at 8. The panel for the evening will be chaired by BBC Radio
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New date for meeting
THIS year's Cotswold Hunt Point-to-Point fixture has been moved from its traditional date in April to the Sunday before the National Hunt Festival at nearby Prestbury Park. Organisers are hoping that the fixture on Sunday, March 13 at picturesque Andoversford
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Pool standings
Evesham and District League Division One P W L F A Pts Pigeon Boys 17 14 3 106 47 132 Hospital Club 17 14 3 104 47 132 Cider Mill B 17 13 4 98 55 124 Avon Social 17 10 7 82 71 102 New Inn 17 8 9 62 91 78 Round of Gras 17 5 12 68 85 78 Lions 17 6 11 65
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Blaze may be linked to break-in
A BLAZE that swept through an Alcester warehouse causing thousands of pounds' worth of damage to the roof and machinery may have been started deliberately. Fire-fighters from five different stations tackled the fire at Smith Bros and Webb, in Tything
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Darts results and standings
Evesham Ladies League Results from February 21 - Division One: Golden Cross 6, Beckford SC 4; Hospital B 6, Norton Grange 4; Littleton Bowls 4, New Inn 6; Long Lartin B 6, Sun Nomads 4. Division Two: Horse & Hounds 5, Cider Mill 5; Offenham Gold 0
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Appeal for council cash
THE boss of Alcester's Greig Centre has made a heartfelt plea to residents to back calls for extra funding from the town council. Centre manager Stacy Robinson says the proposed extension to the Kinwarton Road venue, set to cost about £1.2 million, is
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Shop attacked by bored youths
AN Alcester chip shop owner has said bored teenagers are turning the town's shopkeepers into victims. Owner of Alcester Square Fish Bar, Chris Tsolakides, said his shop had been vandalised twice in a matter of months, with the latest attack resulting
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Collision
A BIDFORD man was airlifted to Redditch's Alexandra Hospital after a head-on collision between two vehicles on an icy road in Temple Grafton. Fire-fighters had to cut the 40-year-old man out of his black VW Passat after the car and a green Land Rover
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Open day to help over 50s back to work
WORCESTER employers are to offer valuable roles to people aged 50 or above at an open day hosted by Jobcentre Plus later this month. The event, on Thursday, March 17, at the Guildhall in the High Street, will enable mature local jobseekers to find out
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Vaccine help
YOUNGSTERS across South Warwickshire are being warned to guard themselves against an outbreak of mumps that is sweeping the county. Vaccination sessions are being organised at the Community Health Offices, Alcester Road, Stratford, on Saturday between
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Parental leave plan pushes up pressure
WORCESTER businesses will be hit hard by the Government's latest high profile announcements on maternity leave, claim bosses. Plans to extend paid leave for new parents to nine months will affect most local firms, the majority of which are small or medium
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Speak easy
ALCESTER High School pupils scooped first prize in Alcester Rotary Club's eighteenth Youth Speaks contest. Their subject "The Pop Industry is More About Profit Than Talent" - placed them winners of the contest, in which a record seven teams took part.
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Choir to star at charity night
THE Redditch branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution is holding a 24th birthday concert this weekend with the Bel Canto Choir the stars of the show. The event, at Walkwood Middle School, Headless Cross, will feature songs from the shows and
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Shelter 'as bad as before'
A NEW bus shelter in Wythall which councillors criticised for attracting antisocial behaviour has been replaced - with one "equally as bad". And Wythall parish councillors say the new Hollywood Lane shelter has already been vandalised and covered in graffiti
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'Pet' show
ONE of Britains most successful recording artists will be performing in Worcestershire next week. Petula Clark, who has had many smash hits over the years such as Down Town, will be appearing at The Malvern Theatre on Wednesday, March 9, at 8pm. Tickets
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Dark themes of classic tale
THE dark and powerful themes in William Golding's celebrated novel Lord of the Flies are explored in Pilot Theatre's award-winning touring production, which arrives at Birmingham's Old Rep Theatre for a short run from Tuesday. Timed to coincide with the
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RSC's jewel in the crown
SIR Donald Sinden performs in The Hollow Crown at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from tomorrow. First devised in 1961 by John Barton for the RSC, The Hollow Crown has proved to be one of their most successful and enduring productions staged, with more
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Chicago returns
THE national tour of the smash hit musical, Chicago, will play Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre again later this month. It will be at the Alex from March 21 to April 2, and again it will have an all star international cast including Cavin Cornwall as Billy
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Fly past
ORGANISERS of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford have unveiled a number of star aircraft as the countdown to the world's largest military airshow begins. Enthusiasts have welcomed the news that rarely-seen Russian aircraft such as the
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Tapping
THERE'S definitely going to be a spring in everyone's step at the Birmingham Hippodrome as Tap Dogs bring their phenomenal tap dancing talent to Birmingham Hippodrome. This Australian based troupe, tap their way to Birmingham for a week-long season from
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Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Malvern Theatres
FIRST performed in 1968 when it started life as a 20-minute school play, the first offering by the Rice/Lloyd Webber partnership, the phenomenon that is Joseph must have been seen by just about everybody. Except me! I was sort of expecting a worthy tale
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Some Cities Doves
DOVES are flying high and bringing with it a Manchester scene once thought dead and long buried. Some Cities is the third release from the Manchester trio and is again destined for heady chart heights purely because it's unique. Lost Souls in 2000 was
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The Sixth Lamentation By William Brodrick
This is a wonderful first book by this writer. A former German SS Officer, Schwermann, claims sanctuary at a monastery to escape the police who are about to charge him with war crimes. Meanwhile, Lucy's Grandmother Agnes Aubret is dying and decides it's
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Much Ado About Nothing - Everyman
A FULL-scale Shakespeare with dazzling Elizabethan costume may seem like overkill for the confines of the Other Space studio but director Sue Colverd and her team have produced a winner. The verbal sparring of the acidic lovers Beatrice and Benedick is
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Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Festival Theatre, Malvern
JOE and his decorated garment have been with us for the best part of 40 years yet the show manages to stay fresh and alive to new generations. This scintillating production is a long way from the charmingly simple original but it has energy and glamour
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Home defeat is a disaster
Pershore 0, Newtown 3 AFTER an extremely turbulent second half of Saturday's Coaching Solutions League clash, the wheels finally came off Pershore's hopes of promotion. An young and enthusiastic Newtown side outran Pershore for much of the game and were
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Sue sparkles in seven-up win
Bretforton II 7, Wootton Bassett II 2 A GOOD victory on Saturday boosted Bretforton's promotion push while also improving their goal difference. The hosts worked well together to produce a steady flow of goals throughout the match. The first came after
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Golfer is a wanted man
GIFTED Droitwich teenager Ben Hodgetts has been offered places at two of the most prestigious golf academies in the country. Hodgetts, 16, is being chased by Hartpury Golf Academy and Bristol's Filton College - the starting point for Ryder Cup player
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Keeper Nikki in top form
Stourport II 2, Badsey 1 BADSEY resumed their league programme last Saturday with a trip to Stourport for a late afternoon game. The visitors knew they were in for a tough game and this was reinforced when the home team went on the attack from the start
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Grant to improve estate's shopping
A COUNCILLOR who has been working to rejuvenate Droit wich's Westlands estate is celebrating after securing £15,000 to enhance the community's shopping area. Coun Roy Seabourne successfully convinced Wychavon District Council that the money would have
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Golden opportunity
ONE of the country's leading opera highlight groups will be stopping off in Worcestershire. The Hatstand Opera will perform Golden Moments from Opera when they visit Droitwich and Redditch this week. The show is a modern, fun and easy introduction to
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'Pet' show
ONE of Britains most successful recording artists will be performing in Worcestershire next week. Petula Clark, who has had many smash hits over the years such as Down Town, will be appearing at The Malvern Theatre on Wednesday, March 9, at 8pm. Tickets
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We're keeping the superbugs at bay!
WORCESTER MP Michael Foster says he is immensely impressed by the precautions being taken by Worcestershire Royal Hospital to prevent "superbug" infections. Mr Foster spent an afternoon on the wards yesterday as part of NHS Think Clean Day. He met three
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Workers 'exposed' by BBC
FIFTEEN employees of a Worcestershire-based company have been "withdrawn from front line services" after undercover journalists exposed disturbing evidence of violence, abuse and assaults against detainees. A Real Story programme to be shown on BBC1 tonight
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Mayor applauds mosque's efforts
MUSLIMS from across Worcester raised almost £4,000 in half an hour following a request for donations from Mayor of Worcester Allah Ditta. Organisers representing Tallow Hill Mosque and the Committee of the Muslim Welfare Association have handed over a
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Lido group vows to battle on to save pool
CAMPAIGNERS who fought a bitter battle to save Droitwich Lido have vowed to fight on until the bulldozers move in. Following the decision of Wychavon District Council to demolish the Lido and incorporate the site into the surrounding park SALT - Save
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A day at the races
YOUNGSTERS had a taste of horse racing when they were treated to a recreation of a race night. Phil Hudspith of the Warndon Railway Club set up a model of the race night to raise money for the Ican Early Years Language Centre in Tetbury Drive, Warndon
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College raid
POLICE are appealing for information after a projector was stolen from Redditch NEW College during business hours. The Sanyo LCD projector, model SU20, was snatched from the Peakman Street campus on Thursday between 4.30-5.30pm. A police spokeswoman said
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Appeal after car thief's Free ride
A BRAZEN thief jumped into a car and drove off while a driver dropped off some refuse for recycling. The theft, at Sainsbury's, off the Alvechurch Highway, in Redditch, happened at about 4.20pm last Thursday. A woman had left her silver Land Rover Freelander
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01/03/05 - Mullen opens door for striker
MANAGER Jimmy Mullen has tried to bring striker Arthur Appleton back to Bromsgrove Rovers. The Rovers manager has already tried to contact Appleton, who left arch derby rivals Redditch United last week. While Mullen has yet to speak with Appleton he believes
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Still wowing them
Review - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, until Saturday MASTER showman Richard Swerrun has virtually made the role of Joseph his own. The Worcestershire-born star has the style and the swagger to carry the
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End this farcical loophole
TWO cars are driving side-by-side down a road. Both are speeding - and both are caught by a speed camera. One driver must now pay a fine and will have his licence endorsed. The other faces a pretty stern letter - and not much else. Why? Because the second
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Cross on for treble
HEADLESS Cross Ladies demolished Kidderminster 5-1 to reach the final of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire County Cup for the third year running thanks to a Teresa Boddington triple. The ladies have had their name etched onto the same cup for the past
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A clean sweep at hospital
"THINK clean" was the crucial message on Monday at the Alexandra Hospital as visitors and patients were asked to help in the fight against infection. The event was part of the national NHS Think Clean Day and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust director
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Tonks' week in Italy
BROMSGROVE & Redditch AC's racewalker Sharon Tonks recently spent a week training with in Italy with their National squad at a small town south of Turin. National Coaches Sandro and Giorgio Damillano put Sharon and Dudley & Stourbridge athlete
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Council tax increase for residents
STUDLEY and Alcester residents will pay an average of another £37 in council tax from April. Warwickshire County Council, whose budget takes most from the bill, raised its demand on taxpayers by 2.96 per cent - from £922 up to £949 for a Band D property
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Eggstra courses
TENNIS: A week-long Easter tennis camp for children is being run by Penntenn Coaching. From Monday, April 4 to Thursday, April 7 there will be camps for children aged five and upwards at Studley and Alcester. Friday, April 8, will be a combined day at
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Lye pain for Frain
ALVECHURCH'S backlog of league games continued to pile up with another postponement this time against Coalville at Lye Meadow. The Churchmen now find themselves dragging six games behind a few of the clubs in the Midland Alliance and also in two cup competitions
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Adam Ant lookalike is no Goody Two Shoes...
POLICE are on the look out for a man resembling the 1980s pop star Adam Ant and an accomplice who they want to speak to about a burglary spree at restaurants. Items were taken from the Spice Balti and Lanatong restaurants in the High Street, the China
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Croome Park set to reopen to public
WHEN National Trust properties close for the winter, the work continues behind closed doors as visitors will find out this week. Visitors to Croome Park, near Pershore will be able to see just how much has been achieved when the park reopens on Friday
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Family angst at tax bill rise
FAMILIES in Worcester have reacted with dismay at the news they face a council tax increase of 3.8 per cent, or £44 for the average household. The final rise in bills was confirmed last night after the city council approved a 2.5 per cent increase in
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Bomb expert killed in a hail of bullets
A BOMB disposal expert from Kidderminster who was working in Iraq was killed in a hail of bullets, an inquest has heard. Father-of-three Ian Rimell, left, and his bodyguard were ambushed on the main road to Mosul in northern Iraq by unknown gunmen. Following
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RSC's jewel in the crown
SIR Donald Sinden performs in The Hollow Crown at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from tomorrow. First devised in 1961 by John Barton for the RSC, The Hollow Crown has proved to be one of their most successful and enduring productions staged, with more
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Woman found hanged from stairs
A PERSHORE woman hanged herself the day after the death of her elderly mother, an inquest heard. Carol Anne Bourne, aged 58, of Three Springs Road, had been drinking before she took her own life. Her partner David Smith found her hanging from the stairs
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What's On Guide
Thursday, March 3 The Hollow Crown, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford. Until March 19. Tickets from 0870 609 1110. Ullenhall Players: It Runs in the Family, Palace Theatre. Until March 5. Tickets from 65203. The Streets, NIA. Tickets from 0870 909
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Skipper sits out Super
SKIPPER Gavin O'Toole will be missing when Evesham United bid to extend their unbeaten home record in the Southern League to nine matches. The influential midfielder serves a one-match ban for totting up five cautions but manager Dave Busst has the luxury
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Cider sunk as Town book place in semis
MORETON Town Sunday reached the last four of the Birdseye Sports Evesham and District Sunday League's Bluck Cup competition as goals from Knight (2), Stevens and Kirk defeated Cider Mill. Favourites Upton Snodsbury moved into the last eight of the Evesham
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Top two take points in title chase
THE top for sides in Journal Division One of the Strat-ford Alliance locked horns last weekend when the top two Ilmington and Halfords both recorded victories. Leaders Ilmington overcame Stratford Spartak 3-1 with goals from Stuart Eades, Pete Hawkins
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Robins recruiting girls
EVESHAM United's thriving girls football section is looking to recruit new players for next season. The Common Roaders are hoping to add an Under-16 squad to their current female set-up that includes a senior team together with Under-13, Under-12 and
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Junior round-up . . . Junior round-up . . . Junior round-up
Charlton Rvs A 3, Badsey Rgrs U-15 5 RANGERS reached a seventh successive League Cup semi-final after Sunday's hard-fought victory. The visitors fell behind after just two minutes and it took them until the 25th to make it all-square when Mark Magee set
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Theo's Streetes ahead!
TEENAGE football star Theo Streete has been picked to play for Walsall FC. Streete, 17, who's from Redditch but studying at Solihull College, got past thousands of other hopefuls to be picked for the team He was spotted by Walsall during a match for Moor
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Brown in hospital op drama
JAMES Brown has been rushed into hospital with appendicitis. Worcester Warriors' fly-half had an operation yesterday to remove his appendix and could now be out of action for up to six weeks. The Sixways club will learn more today about the timescale
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Harriers' injury-hit defender is bidding to return
DEFENDER Reuben Hazell could soon make his long-awaited debut for Kidderminster Harriers after recovering from a serious knee injury. The 25-year-old signed for Harriers last summer from Torquay United but has yet to make an appearance for the Aggborough
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Westfields facing defender absence in crucial period
WESTFIELDS defender Dave Howes looks set to miss the rest of their Travel Factory Alliance season with a knee injury. Howes has been a key figure for the Hereford side who travel to lowly Causeway United in the league tonight (7.45pm). Westfields were
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Ambassador say yes with cup final spot
THE Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League will be represented in the finals of the Worcestershire FA Junior and Minor Cups. Ambassador reached the Junior Cup last stage with a 2-1 victory over Rednal Social. Bretforton Old Boys made the Minor Cup final
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Trio to get reception
THREE of the eight Worcestershire county councillors representing Redditch will stand down before the next election in May. The retirement of Labour councillors Colin Bearwood and John Witherspoon and Conservative Tom Wareing was announced at the full
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Appeal for extra funds
REDDITCH needs far more funding for youth workers says a town and county councillor. But Batchley councillor Betty Passingham was delighted to hear the county had boosted youth spending by £600,000 recently. She had been lobbying hard for a budget increase
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Nine's credit
Racing Warwick 1 Redditch VC 0 INJURIES and sickness saw Redditch VC only field nine players against Racing Warwick and the losses caught up with them. After a few missed VC chances Jenny Worthington looked at the referee for a penalty after she was brought
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PM's funding claim rapped
CONSERVATIVE parliamentary candidate Karen Lumley has questioned the Prime Minister's claim that funding for Worcestershire schoolchildren has improved - a claim made during his visit to Redditch. Mrs Lumley criticised Tony Blair's comments on his Kingsley
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Schools on board
EVESHAM Cricket Club has signed formal Club-School Agree-ments with Prince Henry's and Evesham High Schools. The agreements are aimed at further development of links between the schools and the club, with the development of coaching in and after-school
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Batters hit the heights
FOUR players reached their retirement score as Dumbleton rattled up a mammoth 134-5 against Overbury in the latest round of action in the Worcester Board Indoor League. Boorman and Churchman smashed 57 off the first five overs before Piesse made a welcome
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Boars not safe yet
Kettering 40 Bromsgrove 15 Midlands Division One RELEGATION worries have started to grow out at Finstall Park after the Boars were trounced by Kettering on Saturday. Defeat, Bromsgrove's third in a row, means there are still fears they can still go down
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Martin gets off the mark
Droitwich U11s 56 Old Saltleians U11s 0 MARTIN Bayliss scored his first competitive try for Droitwich. Mara (2), Skinner, Price, Boon, Grove and Squired also touched down. Boon converted all eight tries. Droitwich U11s 45 Old Saltleians U11s 0 Skinner
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2/3/05 - Harriers' injury-hit defender is bidding to return
DEFENDER Reuben Hazell could soon make his long-awaited debut for Kidderminster Harriers after recovering from a serious knee injury. The 25-year-old signed for Harriers last summer from Torquay United but has yet to make an appearance for the Aggborough
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There's little too choose
HAVING received a copy of the society magazine, Limited Edition I was intrigued by the feature on Bromsgrove's MP, Julie Kirkbride in which she said, "Michael (Howard) is a viable alternative to Tony Blair because he's the complete opposite." To me Blair
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Action to stop speeders
I READ with interest the comments written by John Harris of Forest Close, regarding the speed of the traffic on the Alcester Road. I too have been trying unsuccessfully to get the council to - 1 Change the signage and road markings that are positioned
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June tribute
THE story regarding County Councillor June Longmuir losing her county education role made sad reading. In recognition of the devotion to public service, I would like to pay an old fashioned tribute to the hard work she has undertaken in discharging those
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No choice
I COULD hardly believe my eyes when I read that Bromsgrove District Council will start charging disabled badge holders to park! I am able-bodied and I can choose to park where there are no charges and then walk into town, or to pay and be close to the
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Tax increase sparks anger
HOW angry I am to see we are getting yet another Council Tax increase. Bromsgrove District Council has introduced the best advert for burglars I have ever seen with its kerbside bin collection. Not only is it obvious that no-one's home but the council
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25 years ago February 29, 1980
THE date for work to start on the pedestrianisation of Bromsgrove High Street had been set for March 9. Through traffic would be banned from the town centre between New Road and Stratford Road, except for deliveries. As yet there were no plans to plant
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Alcester set for Tech showdown
Alcester 5 Coventry Welsh 12 ALCESTER face a nervous last few weeks of the season after yet another tight game at Kings Coughton ended in defeat. With just two games to play Alcester are three points above the drop zone and will need to avoid defeat in
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50 years ago March 5, 1955
LOCAL industrialist Sir High Chance gave a talk and film show at the Roebuck Hotel on the history and traditions of Bromsgrove's ancient Court Leet. His audience comprised police, magistrates and members of the court. Apart from the annual dinner, it
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Mullen opens door for striker
MANAGER Jimmy Mullen has tried to bring striker Arthur Appleton back to Bromsgrove Rovers. The Rovers manager has already tried to contact Appleton, who left arch derby rivals Redditch United last week. While Mullen has yet to speak with Appleton he believes
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Late show puts young guns through to final
Barnt Green Spartak 1Bromsgrove Rovers Reserves 2 PAUL FOOTES grabbed a late winner to book Rovers' second string in the final of the Worcestershire Senior Urn on February 23. With the game going towards extra time at Lye Meadow the substitute striker
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Kings stroll
Kings Norton 2nd 76 Dixonians 2nds 0 THE Kings men rested all but four of their first team squad as they were again without a weekend league fixture. The Ash Lane side overwhelmed Dixonians 2nds - who normally play their rugby two leagues higher against
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Spartak lead slips away as Highgate grab draw
Highgate United 2 Barnt Green Spartak 2 TWO late goals denied Barnt Green all the points in the Midland Combination Premier Division on Saturday. Spartak had been in control of the game, leading 2-0, when they allowed Highgate to get back into the match
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Fishers backlog
CONCERNED Redditch rugby team coach Steve Moore saw his side miss out on another game on Saturday as Woodrush cried off due to a waterlogged pitch. The Kingfishers have now only had 15 minutes of friendly play under their belts in the last three weeks
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Let's sever our ties
FOLLOWING Wychavon District Council's decision regarding the lido, and other disastrous decisions concerning the Market Hall/Waitrose and the location of the marina, I agree with Peter Pinfield that we should sever our ties with Wychavon. Can I please
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Refund us
IF goods you buy are not as advertised, then you are entitled to a refund. Over 30 years newcomers to our Spa settled here because they liked its character. They saw fine facilities and heard pledges of more. Now the good things are gone and promises
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Disdain for Droitwich
I WOULD like to express my disbelief with the Wychavon councillors' obvious disdain for the people of Droitwich's strong feelings about their lido. It is an outrage I hope will be reflected in the forthcoming local elections! But then again when have
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Lost for ever
WE are disgusted that Wychavon District Council is closing down Droitwich Lido. There is very little for the under fifteens to do in Droitwich. It is the only inland brine pool in the whole country and is a very important part of our heritage. There is
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Blossom not bags!
SPRING in Worcestershire can be a treat for the senses. Blossom trails are coming into flower and offer motorists and their passengers the chance of an enjoyable leisure drive in the surrounding countryside. However, on recent journeys around Droitwich
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Exploitation of children
NEW Labour seems to be running shy in Wychavon. Tony Blair visited the sailing centre in Upton Warren, for an orchestrated visit to which children from an Evesham School were called in at half-term. He should not exploit children in this way for his photo
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Not receptive
IT'S all very well intending to abandon analogue services in 2010, but I would suggest the problems with digital are sorted out first. I get the feeling we are being bulldozed into purchasing technology which has not,as yet, been perfected. Chris Romer
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Rob and Bob point way
THE course at The Vale Golf and Country Club has been in superb condition especially the greens. Last weekend saw the staging of the Winter League final that marks the beginning of the golfing season. This year's competition was won by Rob Millward and
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Bs sting confident visitors
Berkswell & Balsall 20pts, Evesham 5 EVESHAM hit the road last Saturday with high hopes of building on the previous week's success. However, they found their hosts in tenacious mood as they crashed to a disappointing defeat. The Avonsiders elected
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Tim's try a treat
Ledbury II, 0 Evesham II 7pts THIS was anything but a classic contest but, at this stage of the season, it's the results that count. After the disappointment of two consecutive losses on the road in the Merit Table to second-placed Hereford and an unusually
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Tarplee takes try plaudits
EVESHAM welcomed Camp Hill to Avon Street last Sunday for an Under-9s fixture. The coaches decided to play two games and an evenly matched opener saw both sets of players produce some fluid rugby. Player of the match Ashley Charlton carried the ball well
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Mixed fortunes on road
A COLD sunny day greeted Bredon Under-12s squad on their visit to face Cheltenham Tigers in Bishops Cleeve. A closely contested opener saw the two club's B teams unable to break through in what was a far from boring scoreless contest. A mixture of A and
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Chicago returns
THE national tour of the smash hit musical, Chicago, will play Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre again later this month. It will be at the Alex from March 21 to April 2, and again it will have an all star international cast including Cavin Cornwall as Billy
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Centre's service awards
THE Kingfisher Shopping Centre proudly announced the first set of winners in its Customer Service Awards for 2005. The accolades, handed out quarterly, went to Waterstones, O2 and The Perfume Shop - all for their particular attention to improving and
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Hoping they can tap into success
ENTHUSIASTIC youngsters from a Stoke Prior dance class are taking part in the West Midlands Dance Festival. Twenty-five talented children who attend the Stage Door Dance Academy at Stoke Prior Village Hall will be at the competition in Coventry. The event
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2/3/05 - City bid to profit from mad March
NOW that we've entered March, there are just two months left to the season and we've got a lot of games coming up in a small period of time. There's always quite a lot of fixtures for everybody late on and the next few games are important for us. We need
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Friends of the Princess of Wales Community Hospital
The Friends held their AGM prior to Christmas with the same officers being returned for a further term - chair: Barbara Armstrong; treasurer: Tina Reilly and secretary: Dave Dyer. It was reported that in 2003 we had been inundated with requests from the
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Bromsgrove WI
After the traditional singing of Jerusalem, our February meeting opened with Joyce Karle, vice-president, taking us through the afternoon in the absence of Brenda Jenkins, who was unable to attend. Apologies were received; birthday wishes for some members
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I wonder at the cost of all this
I READ Sundeep Kumar's recent article regarding the council's refuse recyclable scheme with interest and a sense of hopelessness. The article claimed that last year, Severn Waste handled in excess of 69,000 tonnes of recyclable material at their Pershore
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Hadzor & Oddingley WI
Jenny Marsh, our president, welcomed members to the February meeting. Our secretary, Anne Ballard, read the minutes and gave reminders about several events including the annual council meeting and group meeting. Jenny Lee has good support for the Tyntesfield
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Barnt Green Garden Society
The society started its 2005 programme with a most interesting talk and slide-show from author and photographer Gordon Forrest who talked about Worcestershire wildlife. Gordon is a very enthusiastic member of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and his
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Home help
A NEW day support service for homeless young people has been launched in Bromsgrove. The Basement Project is based under the Baptist Church in New Road. Trained volunteers and a paid worker from the Bromsgrove Youth Homelessness Project will be on hand
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Village promise not kept
UNHAPPY residents who bought into the dream of a 'modern rural village' now face the possibility of further development on their doorstep. Amended plans put to Bromsgrove District Council planning committee by landowners Gallagher, means residents on
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Bullying claims dismissed by head
THE concerned parent of a Bromsgrove pupil has hit out at his former school's bullying policy claiming a knife was brought into the school and held to another pupil's throat. The worried mum contacted the Advertiser/Messenger claiming the approach to
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Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Malvern Theatres
FIRST performed in 1968 when it started life as a 20-minute school play, the first offering by the Rice/Lloyd Webber partnership, the phenomenon that is Joseph must have been seen by just about everybody. Except me! I was sort of expecting a worthy tale
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Historic door to return
A DOOR in a wall, which vicars of old used as a shortcut from the vicarage to Bromsgrove's St John's Church, will be repaired and put back in place as soon as possible. Church officials were dismayed when the old, heavy door, with stout iron furniture
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Does a child have to die?
by Christopher Flavell A CONCERNED mum is calling for traffic to be slowed down outside a Lickey school after her daughter was nearly knocked down. Stella Standham, from Alcester Road, is very worried because her six-year-old daughter Cara had to be pulled
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In hospital for three days
A BROMSGROVE diabetic ended up in hospital for three days after calling 999 when he lost confidence in the GP out-of-hours service. Now Brian Phillips, who has called the out-of-hours service 43 times since October because of a stomach illness, has had
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Fundraising in our sleep
SLEEPY-HEADS at Whitford Hall and Dodderhill School went bananas in pyjamas in aid of St Richard's Hospice. Girls at the Spa school held a pyjama party as part of a fundraising drive. The Worcester-based hospice is encouraging townsfolk to stay in their
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Deep thinkers
THOUGHTFUL Girl Guides at St Joseph's Primary School celebrated National Thinking Day with a series of activities, including dressing up in their Guide uniform. Thinking Day marks the joint birthdays of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell, who founded the Scout
