Archive
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Summer concerts
DROITWICH Spa Town Council has announced there will again be a series of band concerts in Lido Park during the summer. The first performance is the Forest Brass Band on Sunday, May 22, with other performances each Sunday until August 28, when Halesowen
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Wind band
A BROMSGROVE band will kick off this year's events in Sanders Park. Blackwell Wind Band, now based in Catshill, will open the summer Jubilee Bandstand event on Sunday, May 8. Performances start at 2.30pm and finish at 4.30pm on Sundays. Chairman of Blackwell
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All the world's a stage...
THE "lives, loves and slightly worrying dance moves" of a weekly adult tap dancing class form the subject matter for hilarious comedy Stepping Out, at Malvern's Festival Theatre from Monday. The show stars Patsy Palmer, formerly Bianca in Eastenders,
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An excursion heads for fun
ALVECHURCH Dramatic Society's latest production is Michael Frayn's Alarms and Excursions. It will be performed at Alvechurch Village Hall tomorrow, Thursday and Friday at 8pm. It's a series of short plays which examine the difficulties that modern technology
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Big laughs
A COMEDY will keep audiences laughing in Droitwich. Key for Two will be performed at the Norbury Theatre, from Wednesday, May 11, and Saturday, May 14, at 7.45pm. Tickets for the show cost £7 and £6 for concessions and are available by calling 01905 770154
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Give taster day a go
PEOPLE keen to try their hand at something new will have the chance at an activity taster day. The Primrose Hospice will be holding the event at a marquee in its St Godwald's Road grounds on Saturday, May 21 between 10am and 4pm. Several artists will
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DVD - Napoleon Dynamite (PG)
(Four stars) QUIRKY and original, this is the perfect antidote to all those cheesy American high school movies polluting our multiplexes. It's shot on a low budget and doesn't have any silicone-enhanced A-List stars, which is probably why it only got
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DVD - National Treasure (PG)
(Three stars) IF you get the feeling you've seen this film before, you have - it's a mish-mash of the Indiana Jones movies, with a dash of Tomb Raider and Pirates of the Caribbean thrown in for good measure. This is standard glossy Disney fare dished
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Rovers roll on to final
Clevedon Town 2 Bromsgrove Rovers 3 Southern Division One West play-off semi-final TOP scorer Paul Szewczyk ensured Bromsgrove Rovers' promotion dream is alive and kicking after pouncing in extra-time to settle a pulsating affair at the Hand Stadium on
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Jones gets off the mark
DROIT\WICH rider Chris Jones ended his miserable run of luck in the British GP Championship by grabbing a podium place at Oulton Park on Bank Holiday Monday. The gifted 14-year-old went into the fourth round failing to finish the previous three. However
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Is this your cockatiel?
THE owners of a cockatiel handed into a Worcester vets have been urged to come forwards. The grey and yellow animal was found on Sunday near Whittington Road and is currently being looked after by Brentknoll Veterinary Centre. Anyone with information
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Summer concerts
DROITWICH Spa Town Council has announced there will again be a series of band concerts in Lido Park during the summer. The first performance is the Forest Brass Band on Sunday, May 22, with other performances each Sunday until August 28, when Halesowen
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Different worlds: Between Kabul and the Hindu Kush
City patrol Most of the 450 soldiers of the 1st Batallion of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment have spent their tour of Afghanistan patrolling the streets of Kabul. The soldiers of the Regiment's own Kabul Patrol Company are the only
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While woman mourned, thief stole her handbag
A THIEF stole a handbag from a mourner by using a brick to break into her car while it was parked in the grounds of a church. The incident happened between 6pm and 6.30pm on Thursday, April 28, while the woman who had gone to visit her grandson's grave
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Katie crowned May Queen
CHILDREN enjoyed celebrating May Day in traditional style at a Worcester school. Pupils from Sunnyside School and Nursery danced around a Maypole forming a perfect set of plaits before parents untied the ribbons. Nine-year-old Katie Fryer was crowned
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02/05/04 - Rovers roll on to final
Clevedon Town 2 Bromsgrove Rovers 3 Southern Division One West play-off semi-final TOP scorer Paul Szewczyk ensured Bromsgrove Rovers' promotion dream is alive and kicking after pouncing in extra-time to settle a pulsating affair at the Hand Stadium on
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30/04/05 - 'Keeper denies Rovers
Egham Town 0 Bromsrove Rovers 0 Southern League Division One West ROVERS were denied victory on the final day of the regular season as goalkeeper Lee Cobbey kept them at bay for basement boys Egham Town on Saturday. Cobbey produced an immaculate display
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26/03/05 - Markman feels the pain
Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Sutton Coldfield Town 0 Southern League Division One West SHOT-shy Rovers were unable to break down their stubborn Midlands rival in an entertaining game. However, it was marred by Sutton striker Damien Markman being taken to hospital
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04/05/05 - Cheer the team onto victory!
BROMSGROVE Rovers manager Jimmy Mullen has urged the club's supporters to come out in force and cheer their side to promotion on Saturday. Rovers face a difficult task when they go to Worcestershire neighbours Evesham United in the Southern League Division
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Assault case is dropped
The case against a husband charged with an attack on his wife has been dropped. Matthew Cox, aged 21, of Northleach Close, Church Hill, denied assaulting his wife Tania and causing her actual bodily harm. Prosecutor Adam Western told Worcester Crown Court
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Farmer failed to seek proper care
A MAPPLEBOROUGH Green farmer has been prosecuted by Warwickshire County Council trading standards for causing unnecessary suffering to a cow which was unable to support its own body weight. Peter Amor, of Henley Road, was given a conditional discharge
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4/5/05 - Preece poised to clear decks
SEVERAL Worcester City players are to be released today to free up funds for boss Andy Preece. The St George's Lane club finished seventh in Nationwide North, but player-manager Preece believes the current squad needs strengthening to challenge for promotion
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The Great Escape
STUDLEY will be playing Travel Factory Midland Alliance football next season after a dramatic last day saw them avoid the drop by just three points. The Bees bagged a share of the points from their trip to high-flying Quorn on Saturday but that proved
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Millers aim for cup joy
MANAGER Lee Adams is hoping his Feckenham side can continue their impressive end of season form by lifting the Endsleigh Challenge Cup on Saturday. But the Millers boss admits his side will at least be refreshed going into the game despite having three
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A second defeat for Arrows
Sussex Thunder 20 Redditch Arrows 11 The Bank Holiday blues came early for Redditch Arrows American football team in their second game of the season at Sussex Thunder. They arrived confident of bouncing back from their opening defeat at Oxford but those
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Back from the brink
MANAGER Lee Adams is hoping his Feckenham side can continue their impressive end of season form by lifting the Endsleigh Challenge Cup on Saturday. But the Millers boss admits his side will at least be refreshed going into the game despite having three
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Alcester Gardening Club
THE April meeting attracted many new members and guests to hear Norma and Tony Wheeler talk about geraniums and pelargoniums. They have a nursery near Rugby where they raise a huge collection of fuchsias and pelargoniums from cuttings. Norma explained
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Matchborough West Community Group
THE group met at Christchurch Hall, Matchborough Centre, on April 12. Before business, a minute's silence was observed for Len Horton, a well-known and respected member of the community. Alistair Webster, from West Mercia Constabulary, gave a talk about
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VANDAL ATTACKS WRECK SCHOOLS
YOUTHS have been blamed for causing thousands of pounds of damage at two schools and a community centre. The Fairfield Centre and Fairfield Community Primary School, in Worcester's Fairfield Close, had 28 windows smashed between them, and Rose Hill School
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Illegal campers face £500 in costs
TRAVELLERS who set up camp outside Wychavon council premises in Pershore have been hit with court costs for an order taken out to get them to move. The group, previously on land near Pershore Abbey, moved off the district council car park at the Civic
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Dancer killed herself after bullying at school
A 14-year-old girl took an overdose of anti-depressants after being bullied at school, an inquest has heard. Amy Tipton wrote a note saying goodbye to her family and friends before taking a lethal dose of dothiepin. At an inquest into her death yesterday
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Worcester Woman backs Blair despite Iraq furore
WORCESTER Woman has backed Tony Blair to see off criticism over the Iraq war and win the race for Number 10. Fran Richman - identified nationally as the typical swing voter Labour had to woo to win office in 1997 - remains steadfast in her support for
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'We're going to be really happy here'
A delighted couple have moved out from under their parents' feet and into their first home after being offered one of 10 luxury two-bedroom apartments built to be within the budget of ordinary people. Natalie Hazell, aged 20 and 31-year-old Nicholas Burford
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Chance to dine out with actors
Malvern Theatres managers are hoping a celebrity fund-raising lunch will draw in the crowds. The Grange Road venue has organised the event at the Colwall Park Hotel in Walwyn Road, Colwall, on Friday, June 3, and Peter Bowles and Sian Phillips will be
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It takes two!
TRADITIONAL English folk music is on offer locally this month from the award-winning duo John Spiers and Jon Boden with their show In Concert Melodeon, Fiddle and two fine voices. Jon Boden, who plays fiddle and is the lead singer, and John Spiers on
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Preece poised to clear decks
SEVERAL Worcester City players are to be released today to free up funds for boss Andy Preece. The St George's Lane club finished seventh in Nationwide North, but player-manager Preece believes the current squad needs strengthening to challenge for promotion
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Sanderson takes on Barbarians
CAPTAIN Pat Sanderson will celebrate Worcester Warriors' Premiership survival by skippering England in a big match later this month. Sanderson is to lead his country against the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday, May 28, in a 29-man squad mostly made
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25 years ago May 1, 1980
REDDITCH and Bromsgrove Olympic Gymnastic Club which had the shadow of closure hanging over it had been given a new lease of life. It had been given financial backing to take over the former Church of England School in Crown Close. But the first task
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50 years ago May 7, 1955
PREPARATIONS were going ahead for the forthcoming General Election on May 28. The Prime Minister, Sir Anthony Eden, would give a speech in Bromsgrove's Crown Close next week. So far two candidates had been adopted in Bromsgrove, James Dance the Tory and
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100 years ago May 6, 1905
A MEMORIAL to the 12 Bromsgrove soldiers who died in the South Africa war from autumn 1899 to summer 1902 was unveiled in the parish church this week. A large number of onlookers lined the streets and took up positions in the cemetery to see the arrival
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Cut charges
THE plight of the unwanted animals at the Plough Road animal rescue centre near Droitwich - described on your front page recently - is heart-rending. However, the eternal crises suffered by Danemere are unsurprising in the light of their policies, and
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Wasted
THANK you for the report last week which highlighted the problems in the communal changing room at the Dolphin Centre. The tragedy is that a great deal of time and ratepayers' money has obviously been wasted on these very inadequate, cramped facilities
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Take me to your leader
I AM writing in response to Ken Footman's letter on the process in which the Leader of the Opposition on Bromsgrove District Council was elected. His observations are accurate. One has to look however, at what prompted the Tories to suddenly decide they
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Beginning to see red
WHILST many forward looking towns are taking away their traffic lights, and finding traffic going through the town moves constantly in an orderly fashion with less congestion, Droitwich on the other hand decided to put more traffic lights in the town
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Votes issue
HERE we go again, they are pleading for our votes. The media is full of the faces and promises of our national party leaders. They urge 'tell me what you want and I shall promise it (even if when I had the opportunity I didn't do it nor even support the
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Election ploy
I READ with interest that MG Rover workers are to enjoy a holiday from payment of Council Tax within the Bromsgrove district. Will the council be offering this facility to all people who are made redundant, this seems to be a first. After all Rover was
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Should be fair to all
I HAVE never written to a newspaper before, but after hearing that Bromsgrove District Council is to give MG Rover workers a Council Tax break, I would like to express my concerns. Who will have to pay the extra for the missed payments, are they not able
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No Vase joy as visitors take tie
Redditch 7 Birmingham & Solihull 33 Redditch ended their season on Saturday losing out to Birmingham Solihull in the semi-final of the North Midlands Vase. Birmingham came to Redditch as hot favourites after romping to the title in the league above
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02/05.05 - Slick Spartak sign off for summer
Barnt Green Spartak 2 Barnt Green Spartak Continental Star 1 Midland Combination Premier Division SPARTAK completed a successful season on a high with two spectacular goals on Bank Holiday Monday. Strikes from Chris Hanson and captain Zahoor Suliman made
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02/05/05 - Blunt Fairfield go down
Fairfield Villa 0 Newhall United 2 Midland Combination Premier Division VILLA tumbled into the Midland Combination Division Two as they lost their vital bottom of the table clash on Bank Holiday Monday. Defeat ensures that Fairfield are four points behind
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30/04/05 - Harris sees red mist
Droitwich Spa 1 Himley 1 Midland Combination Division Two TEN-MAN Droitwich held their nerve to get a deserved point on Saturday. Spa had been handicapped by Damon Harriss' first half sending off. However, striker Andy Keenahan scored the equaliser in
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What a wonderful venue for arts
HAVING now been able to attend a performance at the newly opened Artrix I would like to congratulate all concerned in providing such a wonderful venue for the people of Bromsgrove. Bromsgrove Arts Association was formed in 1986 primarily to work for an
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Cut charges
THE plight of the unwanted animals at the Plough Road animal rescue centre near Droitwich - described on your front page recently - is heart-rending. However, the eternal crises suffered by Danemere are unsurprising in the light of their policies, and
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Take me to your leader
I AM writing in response to Ken Footman's letter on the process in which the Leader of the Opposition on Bromsgrove District Council was elected. His observations are accurate. One has to look however, at what prompted the Tories to suddenly decide they
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Votes issue
HERE we go again, they are pleading for our votes. The media is full of the faces and promises of our national party leaders. They urge 'tell me what you want and I shall promise it (even if when I had the opportunity I didn't do it nor even support the
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Missed out on vote
I FEEL that your most recent coverage on the future of Droitwich Spa's lido, SALT's campaign and the details of the Parish Poll printed in the Public Notices section of your paper on April 20 failed signally to clarify it was literally only Droitwich
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Off the cuff with Paul
MANY of the original cast of the hit television show Whose Line is it Anyway? take to Birmingham Hippodrome stage for the very first time in just one gig on Saturday May 14. The Improvisers assembles the finest bunch of comedy improvisers on these shores
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Wartime play is on tour
Following its West End success, the 75th Anniversary Production of RC Sherriff's Journey's End visits Birmingham Hippodrome for five performances only this month. The play is set in 1918, in the British trenches at St Quentin. A company of officers prepare
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First year of glass
TARDEBIGGE stained glass artist Pat Whelan has celebrated her first year of trading at Tardebigge Court Glass Studio with the installation of a major piece of work. A local couple commissioned Pat to create a unique room divider (pictured above) measuring
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4/5/05 - Players deserve to rest after fine run
IT'S time for the players to put their feet up and look forward with confidence to next season. The lads deserve a good rest after working really hard in recent months and everybody is back for pre-season training on July 1. I'm hoping they will then
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Mandy's success
A SVELTE Webheath woman, who shed four stone in six months, has launched her own slimming club. Mandy Chambers, of Heathfield Road, is so delighted with her new trim figure she decided to launch a Slimming World class to help inspire other residents.
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Catshill WI
The president, Mary Davis, opened the April meeting and warmly welcomed all members and three visitors. The meeting had a distinctly floral theme as members arrived with plants and gardening items for the evening's plant sale. Doreen Croxton and Joyce
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Hanbury WI
ON April 14, Marion greeted us for our social evening. Matters arising, we discussed the preparations to celebrate the 60th anniversary of VE Day, to be held at Hanbury Hall on the weekend of April 23. We will have a stall depicting wartime food rations
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Messages..
IN your Election 2005 section of Tuesday, April 19, Peter Luff claimed that people do not like negative campaigning, then in the next sentence he talked about the people's lack of trust in the government. He said he was concerned about Worcestershire's
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Wychbold Women's F'ship
IN March, several of us attended the Maundy Thursday service at St Mary de Wyche Church - a service commemorating the tumultuous events of the day before the original Good Friday when Christ was crucified. The final moments of the service were silent
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Witton WI
President Jenny Kerridge welcomed members. We were invited to put names forward to attend a course at Denman College as we are in the happy position of offering two bursaries £175 and £150. We have two outings in the near future to Spetchley Gardens and
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Sidemoor WI
Maureen Smith, the president, welcomed members to the April meeting of Sidemoor WI held at Holly Lodge. She reported on the resolution meeting held at the Christopher Whitehead School, in Worcester, on April 4 and attended by three of our members. The
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Plenty of detail and gloss but where is substance?
ANOTHER glossy leaflet arrives from the Conservative Party yet again full of promises but with very little detail on the practicalities of what they propose. Two examples spring to mind. "We will provide 633 more police on the beat" - given that this
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Droitwich Inner Wheel
The April meeting of Droitwich Inner Wheel club was held at the Raven Hotel. The president, Patricia Phillips, opened the meeting and supper was served. Mary Cross then introduced the speaker, Jan Harrington MBE, from the swan rescue centre in Wychbold
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Keep on running
PUT your best foot forward and take part in a charity fun run. The annual fundraiser, which is being held in aid of Leukaemia Research, will be on Sunday, May 15. Bromsgrove and District branch chairman Nicole Harris said: "We already have 200 people
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Captain is keen on side's mix
REDDITCH start their Birmingham Premier League campaign this weekend with a trip to Worcestershire neighbours Evesham in Division Three. And skipper Dan Protherough is pinning his hopes on the youngsters who promised so much last season. "We have a good
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Legacy to boost kids' learning
A FORMER pupil, who died in 1999, left a £50,000 legacy to his old school. Brian King never forgot the happy days he spent at Lickey End First School, and remembered it in his will. Now his cash has been used to help enrich present day youngsters' technical
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The beat goes on
A BLACKWELL musician scooped a top prize at a Bromsgrove Festival competition. Thomas Phelps, from Birkdale Avenue, is studying music technology at Worcester Technology College. The 17-year-old was awarded the honour of best individual performance at
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Town's carnival parade could grind to a halt
ORGANISERS of Bromsgrove's Silver Jubilee Carnival weekend are overjoyed at learning they have been given a welcome cash boost to ensure it goes off with a bang, but one of the event's main highlights faces the axe through lack of public support. Organisers
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DVD - Napoleon Dynamite (PG)
(Four stars) QUIRKY and original, this is the perfect antidote to all those cheesy American high school movies polluting our multiplexes. It's shot on a low budget and doesn't have any silicone-enhanced A-List stars, which is probably why it only got
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Loutish thug behind bars
A householder who intervened in a row between a man and his screaming girlfriend was threatened with a fence post, Worcester Crown Court heard. Witnesses described Dale Hobbis as "deranged" as he held the piece of wood over Tracy Connelly's head and ordered
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Jessica is safe and well
A MISSING Spa schoolgirl has been found safe and well. Sixteen-year-old Jessica Waterhouse had been missing since Saturday, April 30, but phoned home on Tuesday, May 3, to say she would meet her mother in Worcester. The Blessed Edward Oldcorne High School
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Local voters will double up when they hit the polls
VOTERS are preparing to hit the local polling stations tomorrow to have their say in both the Parliamentary elections for Bromsgrove and Mid-Worcestershire constituencies and also the county council elections. Those attending one of the 57 polling stations
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Voters back calls to save historic lido
'NOW our campaign can really start' - those were the words from the Save A Lido Today (SALT) group after the parish poll last Thursday backed their calls to save the saltwater attraction. In response to the question 'do you want to see your sea-bathing
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Mum is angered by schools rule
A MUM has hit out at Bromsgrove's education system after her daughter was refused a place at a nearby school. Ellie Pheysey, of Farmers Road, Stoke Heath, wanted her nine-year-old, Chase, to attend Aston Fields Middle School in September. But because
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Tots are top of the class
A PRE-school group has been celebrating getting a big thumbs up from Ofsted inspectors. Staff at Hadzor and Oddingley pre-school playgroup, based at Oddingley village hall, were pleased to learn the education inspectors had given them a glowing report
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Fixtures
Saturday, May 7 Birmingham League Division Two Attock v STUDLEY 1pm Birmingham League Division Three Evesham v REDDITCH 1pm Crusader Worcs League One ALVECHURCH & HOPWOOD v Romsley & Hunnington Luctonians v ASTWOOD BANK Both 1.30pm Crusader Worcs
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Exposure
A MOTORIST indecently exposed himself to a teenage girl in Droitwich last week. The motorist was in his car on Coppice Way at approximately 3.45pm on Thursday, April 28. A police spokesman said: "The incident - including the description of the vehicle
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Sorrow over "dirty tricks"
A COUNTY councillor has expressed her sorrow at what she says is a dirty tricks campaign to remove her from office. Pam Davey, who is standing for re-election in the Droitwich South ward, has hit out at claims in a leaflet posted through Spa letterboxes
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CD - Caesars, Paper Tigers
(Four stars) The fourth and latest album by Sweden's Caesars begins with a quiet guitar jangle that quickly works itself up into its full, bombastic glory. The band has already made a name for itself, nabbing a Swedish Grammy for Album of the Year in
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Baby seat nightmare of parking
I HAVE to agree whole- heartedly with AM Wright's comments (Letters, April 13). I am the mother of a 16- week-old baby. There are four times more disabled spaces in car park 4 than parent and child spaces. You cannot tell me there are four times more
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Now it's up to you
WITH campaigning over, polling day tomorrow will see one of the most tightly fought General Election contests in Redditch in years. Labour's Jacqui Smith is defending a majority of just 2,484 against Conservative Karen Lumley and the outcome is far from
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A farewell to palms
SHOPPERS will temporarily wave goodbye to Redditch's famous palm trees on Monday when they are chopped down to make way for the Worcester Square redevelopment. The nine trees, which have been the focal point of the Kingfisher Shopping Centre for 25 years
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Our thanks for replacing trees
DURING the 1960s and 1970s, it was reassuring to see Redditch Development Corporation looking after the environment by caring for the trees of Redditch and adding to them by planting over a million trees. It has been a joy to live in Redditch and watch
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Chance to have a say on facelift plans
CONSERVATIONISTS can have their say on how two Redditch areas of natural beauty can be improved at meetings this month. Redditch Council's landscaping and countryside department is holding two meetings to discuss the regeneration at Oakenshaw Spinney
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Take action on wardens
MY neighbours and I were delighted when we read Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors had given 100 per cent support to the decriminalisation of parking in Redditch (Advertiser, April 13). We thought that at last we were going to see an end to
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Saint's day a great event
I WOULD like to thank all the people who organised the St George's Day events in Alvechurch. It was a day of activity - children's games, St George slaying the dragon and rescuing the damsel from the church tower by abseiling down, the real ale marquee
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Hoping for another Triumph
A REDDITCH motorcycle dealership is hoping to horsepower its way to success in the Isle of Mann TT in June after buying one of last year's British Championship winning superbikes. Action Motorsports, of New Meadow Road, Lakeside, has just taken delivery
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Fun run call to regulars
PUBGOERS are being urged to swap their pints for shorts and running shoes in time for a Redditch fun run this month. Organiser Dave Wilkins needs more pub teams to sign up for the charity run at Arrow Valley Lake on Saturday, May 21. All money raised
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In memoriam
THE League of Friends of the Alexandra Hospital gratefully acknowledge donations to their funds in memory of the following: Nicholas Andrews, Frances Mary Bray, Marjorie Elizabeth Colbourne, Sidney Ronald Curtis, Winifred Irene Doran, Louis Jack Gilbert
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Cheers greet burner news
CAMPAIGNERS' cheers greeted the news that plans for a controversial chimney in Hopwood had been withdrawn. Members of action group HARM (Hopwood Against Rendering Movement) turned out in force at a Worcestershire County Council planning committee meeting
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Captain calls for success
CAPTAIN Paul Athey believes his Avoncroft CC side could take advantage of the most open division in years to win promotion. Athey, whose side go to Oldwinsfod on Saturday, thinks there are so many similar teams in the Worcester League Division Three that
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Howorth could be key
HIMBLETON CC are banking on big hitting batsmen Andy Howorth helping them win promotion from the Worcester League Division Four. Howorth, who moved from Birlingham in the winter, boasts a fearsome record, averaging 71 runs a match in 2004. Captain Dean
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Relay teams put Bromsgrove in pole position
BROMSGROVE Swimming Club made a strong start to the Mercian League by scoring an emphatic victory over their rivals at the Dolphin Centre on Saturday. The club completed the first round with 216 points, 30 ahead of second placed Wombourne. Success was
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Greig thrown £150k lifeline
ALCESTER town councillors have thrown a vital lifeline to the Greig Centre by agreeing to give a grant of £150,000 towards redevelopment. At a special meeting of the council on Wednesday, 12 councillors voted in favour of the grant, which will be funded
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Massive IT boost for town
ALCESTER is to get a brand new IT studio thanks to a joint venture between Stratford College and Warwickshire County Council. The £250,000 project, which will be partly funded by Advantage Alcester, will see 20 computers set up in the town's library in
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Boogie down to raise cash
A WOODLAND walk near Alcester raised £375 for a cancer charity. The event was organised by Matthew Skinner as part of his fund-raising for Cancer Research UK. About 100 people of all ages set off from his home in Oversley Green and made the circular trip
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Proving the best things come in small packages
BIDFORD'S first Homes and Gardens show will be held on Saturday - though it will only be a small-scale event. As part of the village's annual church fair, there will be a display of miniature shoebox homes and tray gardens on display, created by local
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Pre-election plea for full action plan on industry
BUSINESS leaders in Worcestershire and Herefordshire today called on the next Government to devise a strategy for manufacturing after thousands of job losses in the sector. The Chamber of Commerce in the two counties said it was time to address the decline
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Bravery to open the show
Following the addition of Daniel Bedingfield to Duran Duran's May 28 Stadium Show bill at Birmingham's St Andrew's Football Ground, the band has announced New York electro-rockers The Bravery will open the show. The Bravery, whose debut album entered
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Season is to end on high note
Season is to end on high note
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What's On
Thursday, May 5 NEW College Performing Arts Students: Jungle Book, Artix Theatre, Bromsgrove, 2.30pm and 7pm. Tickets from 559364. Neville's Island by Tim Firth, Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Until May 7. Tickets from 0121 236 4455. A Midsummer Night's
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It takes two!
TRADITIONAL English folk music is on offer locally this month from the award-winning duo John Spiers and Jon Boden with their show In Concert Melodeon, Fiddle and two fine voices. Jon Boden, who plays fiddle and is the lead singer, and John Spiers on
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Off the cuff with Paul
MANY of the original cast of the hit television show Whose Line is it Anyway? take to Birmingham Hippodrome stage for the very first time in just one gig on Saturday May 14. The Improvisers assembles the finest bunch of comedy improvisers on these shores
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Shakespeare in 97 minutes
ZOUNDS - here they come again! The Reduced Shakespeare Company once again plays a season at Birmingham Hippodrome with The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) - all 37 of Shakespeare's plays in just 97 minutes. The show runs at Birmingham
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Wartime play is on tour
Following its West End success, the 75th Anniversary Production of RC Sherriff's Journey's End visits Birmingham Hippodrome for five performances only this month. The play is set in 1918, in the British trenches at St Quentin. A company of officers prepare
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Where to go
Wednesday, May 4 Music: Ayako Uehara, Bromsgrove Festival, Guesten Hall, Avoncroft Museum, 7.45pm. Film: Hotel Rwanda, mac, Canon Hill Park, Birmingham, 6pm. Thursday, May 5 Music: Yasmin Levy, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 8pm. Film: Maria Full
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DVD - Vera Drake (12)
(Three stars) IMELDA Staunton is outstanding in the role of Vera Drake - loving mother, selfless wife, loyal friend and back-street abortionist. Vera believes it's her duty to help pregnant young woman who have no means or desire to go through with the
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CD - Caesars, Paper Tigers
(Four stars) The fourth and latest album by Sweden's Caesars begins with a quiet guitar jangle that quickly works itself up into its full, bombastic glory. The band has already made a name for itself, nabbing a Swedish Grammy for Album of the Year in
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Theatre - Twelfth Night, Royal Shakespeare Theatre
THE best moment of this extremely entertaining play was undoubtedly when the previously deadpan Malvolio, played by Richard Cordery, appears in a bright yellow diving style one-piece suit with an inane grin on his face. The audience loved it, as they
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Cheer the team onto victory!
BROMSGROVE Rovers manager Jimmy Mullen has urged the club's supporters to come out in force and cheer their side to promotion on Saturday. Rovers face a difficult task when they go to Worcestershire neighbours Evesham United in the Southern League Division
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Bedford gets amongst the runs
West Bromwich Dartmouth 106-8 Barnt Green 108-3 Barnt Green win by eight wickets DEFENDING champions Barnt Green cruised into the semi-finals of the Graham Williamson Trophy with a comfortable victory over their Black Country rivals on Saturday. Captain
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Teams urged to join up for charity quiz night
CHARITABLE folk are being urged to put on their thinking caps and join in a special quiz evening in Worcester in aid of the city's St Richard's Hospice. The event takes place at 8.30pm on Tuesday, May 17, at The Timberdine Harvester in Bath Road and Classic
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Wind band
A BROMSGROVE band will kick off this year's events in Sanders Park. Blackwell Wind Band, now based in Catshill, will open the summer Jubilee Bandstand event on Sunday, May 8. Performances start at 2.30pm and finish at 4.30pm on Sundays. Chairman of Blackwell
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Take a walk on the wild side at park
A BAT Walk at Croome Park is just one of the activities on offer during Worcestershire's Wildlife Week. There will be a 45-minute introductory chat on Croome's nocturnal residents, before an evening wander in the park with bat detectors to pick up the
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Bravery to open the show
Following the addition of Daniel Bedingfield to Duran Duran's May 28 Stadium Show bill at Birmingham's St Andrew's Football Ground, the band has announced New York electro-rockers The Bravery will open the show. The Bravery, whose debut album entered
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Bridging funds for suppliers
The MG Rover task force has established a £20m cash lifeline to suppliers and dealers hit by the collapse of the Longbridge car plant. Advantage West Midlands has set up the Advantage Transition Bridge Fund, which will make loans of up to £500,000 available
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Don't fill your pond with parrot's feather
WATER fern, floating pennywort, parrot's feather and curly water-weed may look like decorative additions to garden ponds, but they can cause havoc in the wider environment. Once released into the wild, they grow rapidly, taking over from native plant
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Cheers for the last 70 years, my dear!
TODAY, a devoted couple celebrate a marriage which has been as strong and lasting as their anniversary metal - platinum. Since being married 70 years ago at Worcester Register Office, Charles and Edith Teague have only been separated by war. The happy
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Path not fit for bikes
A NEW cycle path, which has had a bumpy ride in terms of publicity, is now in the news once again - because it is giving riders themselves an unsteady journey. The surface of the two-mile path, linking Nunnery Wood High School and Worcester Sixth Form
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Malvern Town FC - Fixtures/Results - 2004/5 Season
The Travel Factory Midland Football Alliance Wednesday, May 11: Worcester Infirmary Cup final: Malvern Town v Pershore Town or Bromyard Town (at Ledbury Town FC, kick-off 7.45pm). Malvern Town Reserves West Midlands League Division One Thursday, May 5
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28/03/05 - Ice cool Frost uses his head
Bedworth United 0 Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Southern League Division One West DEFENDER Steve Frost bagged a late winner and saved goalkeeper Matt Lowe's blushes, after he was sent off during a bad tempered clash at Bedworth on Bank Holiday Monday. Frost enhanced
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Shop attack leads to jail
Court correspondent A Redditch shopkeeper suffered a broken arm after a drunken roofer kicked him during a violent incident at the premises. Matthew Williams broke a window at the Fisherman's Catch in Unicorn Hill but a friend of his was grabbed and brought
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4/5/05 - City honour former News reporter Tony
NEW disabled facilities were un-veiled at St George's Lane prior to the annual end-of-season fixture between Worcester City supporters. The roofed viewing enclosure for wheelchair-bound fans -- situated near to the players' tunnel -- was dedicated in
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Second win for 'Berrow
The second week of the Prudden Road Surfacing Tennis League brought mixed fortunes for the local sides in the Premier Division. Inkberrow A chalked up their second win but it was at the expense of last year's runners-up Studley A who could only manage
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Alcester top their pool
The first round of pool matches for the Prudden Road Surfacing Junior Tennis Cup competition saw Alcester and Inkberrow top their respective groups. In Pool A Alcester's Jack Bate & Tom Wadelin won all three of their matches beating Bidford 6-2, Snitterfield
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Luck's pleasing opener
Redditch's Mike Luck got off to a flying start in the opening rounds of the SCSA Championship at Rockingham, with two eighth place finishes. With limited testing available due to showers, the grid for the first round of this year's championship was formed
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Top six for Crees
BROCKHILL racer Paul Crees maintained his good form in the Mighty Minis Championship with two more top six finishes. The Bank Holiday weekend saw him battling for honours at Brand's Hatch in a 25-minute race. But work on the suspension and ride heights
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Redditch Older People's Forum
FOR almost two years, the forum has been trying to represent the older person's views on health, transport, housing, crime and landscaping in and around Redditch and Worcestershire. Working with the seven other forums in the county, the Redditch Forum
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All the world's a stage...
THE "lives, loves and slightly worrying dance moves" of a weekly adult tap dancing class form the subject matter for hilarious comedy Stepping Out, at Malvern's Festival Theatre from Monday. The show stars Patsy Palmer, formerly Bianca in Eastenders,
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Fixtures
Wednesday, May 4 Midland Football Combination Premier Division FECKENHAM v Pilkington XXX 7.45pm ko Saturday, May 7 Midland Football Combination Endsleigh Challenge Cup Final (at Leamington FC) Coventry Sphinx v FECKENHAM 3pm ko
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See them strip to send Zak to the US
SEXY dancers will be going topless at a charity lapdance tonight to raise money for a three-year-old autistic boy. The unusual fund-raiser will help to send Droitwich toddler Zak Price to America to be treated for his condition, which sees him refusing
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Schoolgirl who disappeared on library trip found safe and well
A DROITWICH teenager who had been missing since the weekend has now been found safe and well. Sixteen-year-old Jessica Ann Waterhouse left her home in Camp Furlong at 11am on Saturday to go to Worcester library and her sister Jennifer last saw her at
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These families have got wheel resolve for charity
TWO Worcestershire mothers and their seven-year-old children are showing they are all heart by taking part in a charity bike ride. Sacha Elsey and her daughter Alexandra, from Droitwich, took part in the Hearts First Worcester bike ride last year. Alex
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Swarm of escaped bees seen
A SWARM of escaped honeybees that buzzed off from Pershore at the end of last month may have been spotted miles away in Herefordshire. A farmer from near Hereford spotted a swarm about the size of a dustbin in a tree on his land earlier this week. However
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Chance to party just like they did in 1945
THE style of 1940s Britain will be revived in Droitwich this weekend during two days of fun and nostalgia to celebrate the 60th anniversary of VE Day. Forties fashion, tea dances, Glenn Miller music, the songs of Vera Lynn and military vehicles will help
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Season is to end on high note
Season is to end on high note
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What's On
Thursday, May 5 NEW College Performing Arts Students: Jungle Book, Artix Theatre, Bromsgrove, 2.30pm and 7pm. Tickets from 559364. Neville's Island by Tim Firth, Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Until May 7. Tickets from 0121 236 4455. A Midsummer Night's
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Moody link to Sri Lankan job
TOM Moody has been tipped to take on an international coaching role -- this time with Sri Lanka. Worcestershire's highly regarded director of cricket was contacted unofficially by Sri Lanka Cricket last week to fill the job vacated by fellow Australian
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Watkiss wants Barnett to stay
STUART Watkiss is keen on keeping assistant Gary Barnett at relegated Kidderminster Harriers next season. Former Fulham midfielder Barnett, previously the number two to Jan Molby at Aggborough and Hull City, has impressed Watkiss since he took over at
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Four see red as Claines clinch cup victory
AN action-packed Worcester League Bernard Finnegan Cup final saw eight-man Claines lift the trophy after an extra-time penalty shoot-out against Bringsty Sports. In a stormy match which saw four players sent off, one from Bringsty and three from Claines
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An unfruitful trip to Market!
MALVERN Rugby Club's David Robins was gracious in defeat after Malvern were mauled by Market Bosworth 40-7 in the play-off to join Midlands One. The town travelled back to Leicestershire after a stunning final win at Hinckley had clinched them second
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Pershore unable to cap great campaign
PERSHORE Rugby Club could not cap off a magnificent season with success in the Midlands Three play-off at Newport as they fell 25-12. By finishing second in Midlands Three West (South), just one point behind Barker Butts, they had already ousted the likes
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City honour former News reporter Tony
NEW disabled facilities were un-veiled at St George's Lane prior to the annual end-of-season fixture between Worcester City supporters. The roofed viewing enclosure for wheelchair-bound fans -- situated near to the players' tunnel -- was dedicated in
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4/5/05 - Sanderson takes on Barbarians
CAPTAIN Pat Sanderson will celebrate Worcester Warriors' Premiership survival by skippering England in a big match later this month. Sanderson is to lead his country against the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday, May 28, in a 29-man squad mostly made
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Brown left in a fury
Redditch Utd 2 Stalybridge C 3 IT was a disappointing end to the season for Redditch United as they crashed to defeat at the hands of lowly Stalybridge Celtic. And furious manager Rod Brown said the display summed up just why he was bringing in new faces
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4/5/05 - Watkiss wants Barnett to stay
STUART Watkiss is keen on keeping assistant Gary Barnett at relegated Kidderminster Harriers next season. Former Fulham midfielder Barnett, previously the number two to Jan Molby at Aggborough and Hull City, has impressed Watkiss since he took over at
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What a wonderful venue for arts
HAVING now been able to attend a performance at the newly opened Artrix I would like to congratulate all concerned in providing such a wonderful venue for the people of Bromsgrove. Bromsgrove Arts Association was formed in 1986 primarily to work for an
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Well done
A BIG thank you to your readers for their magnificent generosity following the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster. It has helped to create a £300m fund that is making a real difference to over three million people affected by the disaster. The Disasters Emergency
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30/04/05 - Rovers knocked off the top
Bromsgrove Rovers Reserves 1 Hinckley United Reserves 0 ROVERS did their best to keep alive their slim title hopes in the Midland Combination Reserves Division with this hard fought victory on Saturday. Winger Gary Phillips made sure all of the points
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Changing is a worry
LAST week's story about the mixed changing rooms at the swimming baths in Bromsgrove's Dolphin Centre does appear to be a tragedy waiting to happen. Now milling around in the changing areas are men and women, and boys and girls. Are they swimmers? Some
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Missed out on vote
I FEEL that your most recent coverage on the future of Droitwich Spa's lido, SALT's campaign and the details of the Parish Poll printed in the Public Notices section of your paper on April 20 failed signally to clarify it was literally only Droitwich
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No help here
WE have seen in the media that Bromsgrove District Council is giving money and such like to the MG Rover workers who have unfortunately been made redundant, and I do feel sorry for them and their families. But we live in Bromsgrove and my husband has
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02/05/04 - Rovers roll on to final
Clevedon Town 2 Bromsgrove Rovers 3 Southern Division One West play-off semi-final TOP scorer Paul Szewczyk ensured Bromsgrove Rovers' promotion dream is alive and kicking after pouncing in extra-time to settle a pulsating affair at the Hand Stadium on
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30/04/05 - 'Keeper denies Rovers
Egham Town 0 Bromsrove Rovers 0 Southern League Division One West ROVERS were denied victory on the final day of the regular season as goalkeeper Lee Cobbey kept them at bay for basement boys Egham Town on Saturday. Cobbey produced an immaculate display
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30/04/05 - Sewell on target
Barnt Green Spartak 4 Bloxwich Town 1 Midland Combination Premier Division TOP SCORER Warren Sewell sparked a well deserved victory over high-flying Bloxwich before limping off on Saturday. Sewell opened the scoring to make it 21-goals for the season
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30/04/05 - Fairfield are poles apart from rivals
Fairfield Villa 1 Polesworth North Warwick 2 Midland Combination Division One VILLA'S hopes sunk further into the relegation mire on Saturday as high-flying Polesworth edged them. Villa, needing all three points to give them a realistic chance of escaping
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Linnet's dinner with Kings
Former Moseley & Worcester forward Mark Linnet was the principal speaker at Kings Norton's end of season dinner, held at the Westmead Hotel. And there a boost to the Hopwood-based side with the news that flying winger Nick Baxter would be returning
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Well done
A BIG thank you to your readers for their magnificent generosity following the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster. It has helped to create a £300m fund that is making a real difference to over three million people affected by the disaster. The Disasters Emergency
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Wasted
THANK you for the report last week which highlighted the problems in the communal changing room at the Dolphin Centre. The tragedy is that a great deal of time and ratepayers' money has obviously been wasted on these very inadequate, cramped facilities
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Changing is a worry
LAST week's story about the mixed changing rooms at the swimming baths in Bromsgrove's Dolphin Centre does appear to be a tragedy waiting to happen. Now milling around in the changing areas are men and women, and boys and girls. Are they swimmers? Some
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Beginning to see red
WHILST many forward looking towns are taking away their traffic lights, and finding traffic going through the town moves constantly in an orderly fashion with less congestion, Droitwich on the other hand decided to put more traffic lights in the town
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No help here
WE have seen in the media that Bromsgrove District Council is giving money and such like to the MG Rover workers who have unfortunately been made redundant, and I do feel sorry for them and their families. But we live in Bromsgrove and my husband has
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Election ploy
I READ with interest that MG Rover workers are to enjoy a holiday from payment of Council Tax within the Bromsgrove district. Will the council be offering this facility to all people who are made redundant, this seems to be a first. After all Rover was
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Should be fair to all
I HAVE never written to a newspaper before, but after hearing that Bromsgrove District Council is to give MG Rover workers a Council Tax break, I would like to express my concerns. Who will have to pay the extra for the missed payments, are they not able
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An excursion heads for fun
ALVECHURCH Dramatic Society's latest production is Michael Frayn's Alarms and Excursions. It will be performed at Alvechurch Village Hall tomorrow, Thursday and Friday at 8pm. It's a series of short plays which examine the difficulties that modern technology
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Big laughs
A COMEDY will keep audiences laughing in Droitwich. Key for Two will be performed at the Norbury Theatre, from Wednesday, May 11, and Saturday, May 14, at 7.45pm. Tickets for the show cost £7 and £6 for concessions and are available by calling 01905 770154
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Shakespeare in 97 minutes
ZOUNDS - here they come again! The Reduced Shakespeare Company once again plays a season at Birmingham Hippodrome with The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) - all 37 of Shakespeare's plays in just 97 minutes. The show runs at Birmingham
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Firms land awards
AWARDS have been handed out to two leading companies. Kings Coughton firm GreenMech Ltd, which makes wood chippers and green waste shredders, has won a prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise for the first time. The firm, based at The Mill Industrial
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Changes down at the Farm
A Redditch pub has re-opened its doors to the public following a complete refurbishment. Owners Pathfinder Pubs responded to customer feedback at Meadow Farm, in Dagnell End Lane, and invested more than £300,000 to make improvements to the pub. A new
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Energy group's expansion plan
SHEPHERD Developments has successfully completed the sale of the whole of its 17,500 sq ft office scheme, Ravens Court, in Ravensbank Business Park, Moons Moat. The office building and one acre site has been bought by Broadfern, a privately-owned energy
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Broadband boost
BIDFORD-based IT network provider Freedom Technology recently won a contract to provide IT support, systems and broadband to Plato Catering Hire, based in Broom. Managing director Kerry Winter said: "It's a great opportunity for two local companies to
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Fleet benefits
REDDITCH Peugeot dealer Startin has joined a network providing a special fleet service to small and medium-sized businesses in the region. "We will be looking after those companies that deserve expert advice and specialist financial services but haven't
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4/5/05 - Moody link to Sri Lankan job
TOM Moody has been tipped to take on an international coaching role -- this time with Sri Lanka. Worcestershire's highly regarded director of cricket was contacted unofficially by Sri Lanka Cricket last week to fill the job vacated by fellow Australian
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Give taster day a go
PEOPLE keen to try their hand at something new will have the chance at an activity taster day. The Primrose Hospice will be holding the event at a marquee in its St Godwald's Road grounds on Saturday, May 21 between 10am and 4pm. Several artists will
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Great place
JIM Evans says we are no longer a great power. At least we still have some of the greatest novelists, poets, dramatists and journalists in the world. These people largely lift us above our humdrum, materialistic lives. I also maintain that the Bible does
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Where to go
Wednesday, May 4 Music: Ayako Uehara, Bromsgrove Festival, Guesten Hall, Avoncroft Museum, 7.45pm. Film: Hotel Rwanda, mac, Canon Hill Park, Birmingham, 6pm. Thursday, May 5 Music: Yasmin Levy, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 8pm. Film: Maria Full
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It's appalling
HOW appalling that Mrs Ann Hodgsons letter to Tony Blair was found in a recycling bin. However, I would just like to say that she was very lucky to get a reply from 10 Downing Street. Both my wife and myself have written to Tony Blair in the past on topics
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Committed to pull-out
DO you know how much of your hard-earned wages goes to the undemocratic government of the EU? We know that 83 per cent of our laws are now governed by the EU. That leaves just 17 per cent for our own Parliament. We know that £30m - yes £30m - per day
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Why park folk must press case
SOON, 646 newly elected or re-elected MPs will be deciding policy for the next five years. I am writing to urge the 250,000-plus residents of park homes to use this opportunity to carry on the fight to reform a mini-world in which extortion, misrepresentation
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Stand aside Charlie and Alan
GREEN fingered Belbroughton tots are putting the finishing touches to a garden outside their new nursery. Picture by NICK TOOGOOD. First Steps is based in a new nursery building at Belbroughton First School, in Bradford Lane. The Local Education Authority
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Lives are being made a misery
URGENT action is being taken to stop bikers illegally using a Catshill field and making residents' lives a misery. A fence, which has been cut, is being used by adults and children on motorbikes, quads and scramblers to get onto the Bromsgrove District
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Walking bus
IT was best foot forward when youngsters took to the streets of Belbroughton in the village's first walking bus. Pupils at Belbroughton First School now have the chance to walk to the Bradford Lane site instead of being dropped off in their parents' cars
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Detective leads by shining example
A TOWN detective has received a top award. Detective Constable Glyn Jones received the Chief Constable's Commendation for demonstrating diligence, patience and painstaking attention to detail, with determination to follow through a difficult and lengthy
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Serious sexual assault in town
A YOUNG woman was seriously sexually assaulted in Bromsgrove as she made her way home after a night out. The 19-year-old was assaulted between 2.55 and 3.20am at the junction of New Road and East Road last Friday. The offender is described as a white
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A yellow jersey display
A DETERMINED young cyclist completed a 14 mile ride to raise money for charity. Six-year-old Alexander Kyle, from St Peter's First School, Rock Hill, Bromsgrove, took part in the annual ride for the Pershore division of St John Ambulance. Hundreds of
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Elections in days gone by
MANY claim this general election campaign has been a boring low-key affair and has failed to spark much enthusiasm. This is despite widespread media coverage with hundreds of column inches written in newspapers and hours of debate on TV. But perhaps that's
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Security vans to be shadowed
SECURITY vans in Bromsgrove will now be shadowed by police following a shooting at a town post office. West Mercia Constabulary has launched the operation to disrupt criminal activity, deter further robberies and provide reassurance to residents. The
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The future of Spa shopping
EXCITING plans for the future of Spa shopping - which will see top High Street chains coming to Droitwich - have been unveiled in the town centre. The proposal for phase two of the Salters Shopping Centre development are now on view in the shop window
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Crime rates drop sharply
CRIME across the North Worcestershire policing division has dropped by more than 11 per cent. Recorded crime for 2004/05 was down by 11.3 per cent across the Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest area from 28,761 cases to 25,509. In the division, domestic
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VIllage Cup test begins
HAVING trod the hallowed turf at Lord's eight months ago, the cricketers of Exhall and Wixford start their bid for a return trip this weekend. Defeat in the 2004 npower Village Cup Final couldn't spoil a memorable weekend for the Cotswold Hills League
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Woman is stoned by youths
A TERRIFIED woman was left shaken after being stoned by youths outside her home in Rubery. The horrible incident in Maple Road happened less than three months after a section 30 order, preventing youths gathering in the area, was lifted. The 64-year-old
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Studley on the road
STUDLEY face an away trip in their opening Birmingham League Division Two game, Attock providing the opposition. Pick of the games in the Crusader Worcs League is the Division One clash between Alvechurch & Hopwood and Romsley & Hunnington while
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Worker accepts pay out
A DROITWICH woman who recently lost a compensation claim for unfair dismissal against a local export firm has accepted an offer of £854 following another Birmingham, Employment Tribunal hearing. Renate Spickenreuther, of Brantwood Close, was employed
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Edwards denies he spoke to victim
A man accused of murder told a jury yesterday (Tuesday) he had never seen or spoken to the victim. Andrew Edwards described how on the night disabled Andrew Lammas was attacked near his home in Austin Road, Bromsgrove, he was recovering from a drinking
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Fears grow for missing Jessica
A SPA schoolgirl has been missing for three days and police are asking for anyone who may have seen her to come forward. Sixteen-year-old Jessica Waterhouse may be in the company of a youth known to her parents only as 'Tom'. Tom spoke to Jessica's mother
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A blueprint for housing
IDEAS came thick and fast when two special workshops were held to help Bromsgrove housing chiefs shape up for the future. Seventy five representatives from a wide range of groups attended the two sessions, held at the Council House, to air their views
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Richard hits a century!
A SPA man has celebrated his 100th birthday among friends at a residential home. Richard Clay, of Rashwood Residential Home, hit the century mark last Friday and had a visit from town mayor Anne Taft as part of his celebrations. Richard was born in a
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Help prevent fires with free checks
ESCAPE plans, smoke alarms and candle safety were just some of the topics that came up when town firefighters visited a Spa woman's home last week. Megan Davies, of Shepherds Green, was visited last Tuesday for a free fire home safety check and swotted
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Vision to improve the town
COMMUNITY-spirited folk were invited to imagine a vision to improve Droitwich Spa at an event organised by the Local Strategic Partnership. Representatives, parishes and public agencies identified some of the needs and priorities for the town and surrounding
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DVD - Vera Drake (12)
(Three stars) IMELDA Staunton is outstanding in the role of Vera Drake - loving mother, selfless wife, loyal friend and back-street abortionist. Vera believes it's her duty to help pregnant young woman who have no means or desire to go through with the
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Top award for young Spa farmer
A YOUNG Spa farmer has picked up a top award for her part in a debate. Cutnall Green Young Farmers' Club (YFC) member Karen Audis was presented with the Sidney Fawcett Trophy at the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs' (NFYFC) annual general meeting
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DVD - National Treasure (PG)
(Three stars) IF you get the feeling you've seen this film before, you have - it's a mish-mash of the Indiana Jones movies, with a dash of Tomb Raider and Pirates of the Caribbean thrown in for good measure. This is standard glossy Disney fare dished
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Theatre - Twelfth Night, Royal Shakespeare Theatre
THE best moment of this extremely entertaining play was undoubtedly when the previously deadpan Malvolio, played by Richard Cordery, appears in a bright yellow diving style one-piece suit with an inane grin on his face. The audience loved it, as they
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Five contest Stratford seat
l FIVE candidates are standing in tomorrow's General Election in the hope of becoming MP for the Stratford constituency, which includes Alcester and Studley. Contesting John Maples' seat, which he has held for the Conservatives since 1997, are Rachel
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CANDIDATES REGISTER CONCERN
ON the eve of the most tightly fought General Election in Redditch in years, both Conservative and UKIP candidates have expressed serious concern about the town's voter registration system. Conservative Karen Lumley said she was worried about the number
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Distraught at dog theft
A FAMILY'S pet bull terrier has been brazenly snatched, leaving its owners devastated and fearing it may have been stolen to order because of its rarity. Gemma, a red Staffordshire bull terrier, was seen being led away on Thursday afternoon when she escaped
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Para cash will buy a new home
MORE than £2,000 has been raised thanks to the efforts of a group of friends for a Sri Lankan woman caught up in the Asian tsunami disaster. The cash is enough to build a brick house for 27-year-old Shiromi Gamage, who in 1990 was fostered in Batchley
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Woman threatened by dog tormentor
A WOMAN who intervened when she saw a bull terrier puppy being thrown by its owner feared she would be attacked after the man threatened her. The woman, who does not want to be named, was walking her 10-year-old mongrel bitch in Riverside near Forge Mill
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Firms weathering Rover storm
IT is just weeks since the collapse of MG Rover and Redditch component suppliers appear to be bearing up well, with no reports of major job losses so far. Redditch Manufacturers Association chairman Graham Tarbuck said there had been no news of redundancies
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Confusion is in the air
WIDESPREAD confusion has been caused by the name of Redditch AIR festival's star-studded pop event but festival chiefs say they are unable to drop the title. Redditch Council's choice of "Pop in the Park", to be staged on Sunday, June 5, has met criticism
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Memorial gets thumbs up
A CONTROVERSIAL memorial to remember the Holocaust and victims of genocide has been welcomed with open arms by many Redditch people. The Advertiser took to the streets to see what members of the public thought of the white concrete structure, which depicts
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Petition on lorry chaos
I WOULD like, through your paper, to register a complaint with regard to the traffic situation along Evesham Road, Headless Cross, around the St Luke's Church area. For a while now we have had to put up with an increase in commercial vehicles being parked
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Carnival set for concert boost
SOME of the biggest attractions in Astwood Bank Carnival's 18-year history have been the hugely popular concerts and this year promises to be no exception. In the run-up to the big weekend there will be a Big Band Concert and Dance Night featuring Spaghetti
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Bad experience for Rover staff
HOW are the shattered lives of Longbridge workers and families to be rebuilt following the sad demise of Rover? Perhaps Atlantic Beacon could be persuaded to move their proposed leisure, sports and entertainment complex, known as The Experience, from
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Historical village walk
INKBERROW residents can take part in a guided walk being organised by Worcestershire County Council's historic and environmental service on May 15. The walk will start at 2pm at the remains of a medieval moated site on the edge of the village, now preserved
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Legal action not the way
PLEASE people, get real, look at the bigger picture. The last four words of Denette France's letter (Advertiser, April 6) say it all - "Start suing the council." People today don't need much encouragement to do just that. Does she realise how many people
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Plea to harness help for charity
REDDITCH charity Youth Afloat is to hold two open days to attract people to its facilities and to recruit more volunteers to keep the organisation buoyant. Youth Afloat is part of the Johnny Johnson Adventure Trust and was set up in 1972 to teach watersports
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In search of old company
I WONDER if any readers could give me any information on a firm that was based at Shurnock, near Redditch? The firm was called E&G Norbury of Shurnock. Are they still in existence? Are there any former employees who could give me any information at
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Reunion cash for hospice
I AM writing to let some of your readers know, who were former pupils of Redditch County High in years 1967, 1968 and 1969 and who attended the reunion at the Quality Hotel in June two years ago, that a cheque for £567 has been sent to Acorn's Childrens
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Trend shows a lack of respect
IT is so odd when attending the crematorium for a funeral service to see everyone waiting outside or in the foyer for the hearse to arrive. Surely it is the privilege of close family and friends to accompany their loved ones into the chapel where other
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Woods chief honoured
THE dedicated voluntary work of a Redditch man has been recognised upon his retirement as chairman of a nature reserve in Rowney Green. For the last 15 years, Howard Potter, 78, has been chairman of the Peck Wood Centre committee, which cares for the
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DVD set to be unleashed
BROMSGROVE self defence school the British Free Fighting Association is on the verge of reaching national recognition after it agreed a distribution deal for its Survive the Streets DVD. Blackhorse Entertainment distributors have agreed to supply the
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Bromsgrove Rovers fixtures and results 2004/2005
HOME, away (Southern League One West fixtures unless stated) JULY Tue 20 Stratford Town (Friendly) 1-1 (Frost) Sat 24 AFC TELFORD (Friendly) 2-1 (Szewczyk 2) Tue 27 HEDNESFORD TOWN (Friendly) 1-2 (Frost) Thu 29 KOREA UNIVERSITIES XI (Friendly) 1-4 (Lennon
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Spa cruise to victory
Stourbridge 56 all out Droitwich 57-1 Droitwich win by nine wickets DROITWICH turned on the style in their opening fixture of the Worcestershire County League Division One to inflict a crushing defeat on Stourbridge. Australian batsman Josh Staines was
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Ruthless Boars shatter Beacon
BROMSGROVE CC warmed up for the Birmingham and District League Division One with an emphatic win over Beacon on Saturday. The Boars will go into their opening fixture away at Harborne on Saturday in buoyant mood after seeing off their Division Three opponents
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Cutnall have high ambitions
NEWLY promoted Cutnall Green CC have lofty ambitions in the Worcester League Division Four this summer. Captain Matthew Harris wants Cutnall, who start the season on Saturday away at Tenbury, to repeat last season's success and aim for the top spot. In
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Homes plan submitted
PLANS for up to 265 retirement homes on a former industrial site in Great Alne have been lodged with Stratford District Council. The application would turn the former Rockwell Maudslay site into a retirement village with a warden and community facilities
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Blue is the colour...
THE bluebells are in bloom at Coughton Court - a sure sign spring has arrived. And now is a great time to visit the historic court, scene of many a colourful event, and wander through the woods to enjoy the flowers at their best.
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Tributes to a 'caring' head
PHILLIP Rutter, former headteacher at Kinwarton House School, died last week in Alcester Hospital. He was 83. Mr Rutter, who lived in Icknield Row, led the private school from 1951 until it closed in the late 1980s. He was a motor racing enthusiast and
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Wedding and functions role for Welland Hotel
AN attractive hotel at the foot of the Malvern Hills has been taken over by new owners. Holdfast Cottage Hotel, in Marlbank Road, Welland was sold to Guy and Annie Dixon at the end of last month. The eight-bedroom hotel had been run by Martin Bishop for
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Promote your firm at Severn boat festival
WORCESTER companies are being invited to promote their products and services at the 2005 Severn Boat Festival in the city. Worcester Racecourse, and the adjoining River Severn, will host a spectacular three-day festival from Friday, 29 to Sunday, July
