Archive
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Shane will wow Brum
FANS of modern Irish song writing are in for a treat on July 1 when lengendary Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan and his band, The Popes, perform at the Birmingham Academy (6pm start). MacGowan, who is famous for his weather beaten looks and his powerful
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Where to go
Thursday June 23 Film: Chorus (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 7.45pm start), Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. Music: Primrose Choir presents 'Summer Time in Concert', Redditch Town Hall, Alcester Street, Redditch. Music: Gran Torino, Hop Pole Inn, Birmingham
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Dirty Den comes to Malvern
LESLIE Grantham heads a star line-up in Jeffrey Archer's courtroom drama Beyond Reasonable Doubt at Malvern's Festival Theatre from Tuesday. Grantham stars as distinguished QC Sir David Metcalf, conducting the most important defence of his career - his
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Heap big hit for theatre braves
A FAST-MOVING spectacle of dance and rhyme set against the myths and legends of native American Indians is to be performed by Palace Youth Theatre at Kingsley Theatre next week. Haiawatha will involve 100 members of the youth theatre in partnership with
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Last night at Elgar proms
FLAG waving is encouraged at The Elgar Prom at Stratford's Civic Hall on Friday when The Orchestra of the Swan performs their finale concert of the season. The concert opens with the Enigma Variations and is followed by Elgar's cello concerto featuring
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Orchestrated family fun
THE Redditch Orchestra's Summer Concert, on Saturday at Kingsley College, is described as "an ideal introduction to a full symphony orchestra for younger children." Conductor John Graham will direct the orchestra through a varied programme including Saint
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Craft show
THE Weatheroak Group of Women's Institutes is holding a craft demonstration day at Alvechurch Village Hall tomorrow from 2.30-4.30pm and 6.30-8.30pm. Crafts in show to the public include beading, decoupage, digital photography, patchwork and several others
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Weston's super fare
The Sunset Pensioners' Club still has places available on its coach trip to Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday. The coach will set off from outside the police station in Grove Street at 10am. Places cost £8 and are available by calling Madge Tillsley on 67427
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Concert high note
A SERIES of concerts at Tardebigge Church celebrating English song begins on Sunday at 3pm with Tales of the Unexpected. Mezzo soprano Diana Moore, with Christopher Gould on piano, present a varied programme of music and songs by Stanford, Elgar, Tom
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Theatre celebrates with cider
WORCESTER'S Swan Theatre celebrates the 40th anniversary of its opening by staging popular drama Cider with Rosie until June 25. The venue's amateur theatre company has a 17 strong cast performing in the play set between the World Wars. The play is directed
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Saint Etienne Tales from Turnpike House
Three star Sarah Cracknell has such a gorgeous voice you cannot help but fall for Saint Etienne. Her dulcet tones lull you into a hypnotic state, helping you leave those daily troubles behind. But now the south London trio seem to have left their Indie
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25 years ago June 20, 1980
'IT'S over to you now.' That was the message the temporary committee that had been set up to kick-start Bromsgrove's twinning link with Gronau issued to townsfolk. The formalities had been completed now, it was up to residents to make the link work. The
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50 years ago June 25, 1955
GODFEY Baseley, the editor of the popular radio farming serial The Archers tantalised his audience when he opened Dodford church fete. Without giving too much away, he told visitors to be sure to tune in to the programme on September 21 as the date was
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100 years ago June 25, 1905
MODEL pupils at St Chad's National Schools, in Rubery, were presented with medals, prizes and certificates by councillor Shirley Baldwin. Later, he further rewarded those who had received medals for 100 per cent attendance record with a trip in his motor
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Wilkinson back for crunch matches
RICHARD Wilkinson is set to give Barnt Green CC a huge boost by returning for this weekend's big games. The gifted all rounder is set to be back from Loughborough University and is eligible to play in Saturday's Birmingham and District League Premier
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Children make a big racket
THERE was fast and furious tennis action at Bromsgrove's Meadows First School on June 15. ANYONE FOR TENNIS?: Chloe Exley, Callum Stanley and Tom Haden all took part in the mini-tennis tournament at Meadows First School. Boys and girls from the mini-red
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MJS set the pace at regionals
MARTIN Osman led the way for Bromsgrove based riding team MJS Racing with a series of scorching performances at the Regional Track Championships at Halesowen on Saturday. Osman clinched two individual titles to finish as the tournament's second best rider
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Final countdown to folk festival
THE count down has begun to this year's popular Hobgoblin Folk Festival. The event is to take place in the area for the second year running on Sunday July 17. Birmingham's Custard Factory, in Gibb Square, will be the venue for the festival that will feature
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Shane will wow Brum
FANS of modern Irish song writing are in for a treat on July 1 when lengendary Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan and his band, The Popes, perform at the Birmingham Academy (6pm start). MacGowan, who is famous for his weather beaten looks and his powerful
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Delays after m-way crash
LONG tailbacks for-med on the M5 this morning after a car hit the central reservation. Ambulance crews attended the scene but say nobody was injured in the crash which happened on the southbound carriageway, just before junction six, at 7.30am. The third
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Juggling experts guide girls to fun
MAKING sure they had a go at everything proved a juggling act for Guides when they had a day of entertainment to celebrate their 25th anniversary. The Laugherne District Girl Guides spent Saturday learning circus skills, before being treated to a fire-eating
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Flat fire was 'cry for help' court told
A middle-aged Redditch man told police that he set fire to carpet at his flat as a "cry for help", Worcester Crown Court heard. Raymond Parker had burns to his arms and was a danger to others because his flat in Bromsgrove Road was on the top floor, said
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Mini bike taken in shed raid
THIEVES stole two mini motorbikes from the garden shed of a house in Shawhurst Lane, Hollywood. The NC Sports bikes and assorted spare parts were taken last Wednesday between 8am and 6pm. Both motorbikes are imported from China and worth about £350 each
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Man banned for bogus 999 calls
A 63-YEAR-old Studley man has been banned from making bogus and abusive phone calls to the emergency services. Terence Banner (pictured), of Allen Close, was issued with a Criminal Antisocial Behaviour Order (CRASBO) after being found guilty of falsely
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Roofing firm hit by blaze
HOLLYWOOD residents had to be evacuated from their homes after fire ripped through a nearby building company. A number of gas cylinders stored at Wythall Roofing Centre, The Fordrough, exploded in Wednesday's blaze at about 1am. Fire fighters from eight
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Magnum confident of cross-border raids
BUILDBASE-KNOTTS MAGNUM Motorsports are bidding to erase the disappointments suffered on a blank weekend at Croft when they head north of the border at the weekend. The Redditch-based outfit saw new British Supersport rider Matt Llewellyn denied by clutch
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Ollie's on his marks
CYCLING: The first 25-mile time trial in the Redditch evening series was held on June 14 on the Cookhill/Worcester course. Ollie Braithwaite won, but was disappointed to record a time of 1hr 1sec. Braithwaite was competing on the back of an impressive
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Are you ready for robo-bin?
ANYONE who remembers the legendary gameshow 3-2-1 will know that hi-tech dustbins are nothing new - where would Ted Rogers have been without his faithful sidekick Dusty Bin? Now Worcester City council is bringing the concept into the 21st Century with
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Cup start
ANGLING: Astwood Bank's Dark Lane Angling Club fished their first aggregate Derek Hopkins Cup on the Arrow on Saturday. Frank Ward won comfortably with 21lb 9oz off Oversley Meadow including some fine barbel. New member P. Stokes came second with 9lb
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Studley falter ahead of Cup
STUDLEY A warmed up for Saturday's Prudden Road Surfacing Tennis Charity Cup with a 3-1 league defeat to second-placed Inkberrow A. Studley, runners-up in last season's South Warwickshire Prudden Summer League, will take on Stratford and District Winter
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Busst escapes suspension but Duncan's on sidelines
EVESHAM United manager Dave Busst has escaped a suspension despite receiving a red card in last month's play-off semi-final against Ashford Town, writes Mervyn Collins. Busst was despatched to the stand near the end of normal time after encroaching on
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Player-coach has Bees boss buzzing
STUDLEY manager Kevin Rowlands says he is delighted to have tied up the deal to bring in Andy Smith from Solihull as player-coach for next season. The former Redditch United, Evesham United, RC Warwick and Stratford Town right-back, once offered professional
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Taking debt fight to G8
REDDITCH campaigners are packing their white bands and banners and heading to Edinburgh to call on the G8 leaders to 'Make Poverty History'. They will join tens of thousands of people from across the globe taking part in the rally on Saturday, July 2,
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ROUGH JUSTICE!
A SCHEME to cut the number of road accidents at Redditch's Rough Hill Drive traffic island - the county's second worst accident blackspot- is to be implemented this summer. And Worcestershire County Council has vowed it will not make the same mistakes
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New look at home
PLANS to convert a Winyates bungalow into a home for people with learning difficulties have been re-submitted, despite residents' objections. An application to house four people in the five-bedroom Hentland Close property was earlier refused after a number
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Boost for new home-buyers
There was new hope for first-time homebuyers this week with a new Redditch development offering 50 per cent shared property ownership. Evesham and Pershore Housing Association Limited (EPHA) aims to kick-start the Government's 'HomeBuy' scheme in the
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We head off as soon as you dial 999
paramedics are sent to a 999 call as soon as the reason for the call is discovered, says Hereford and Worcester Ambulance NHS Trust . The move comes after the BBC Radio 4's Today programme reported yesterday that ambulance trusts throughout the country
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'Secrecy' rap over council meetings
AN "inward-looking and secretive" council has resulted from a decision to revamp council meetings, claims a Redditch councillor. Liberal Democrat Councillor Nigel Hicks said the new "brisk" style of Redditch's full council meetings limited the opposition's
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Dirty Den comes to Malvern
LESLIE Grantham heads a star line-up in Jeffrey Archer's courtroom drama Beyond Reasonable Doubt at Malvern's Festival Theatre from Tuesday. Grantham stars as distinguished QC Sir David Metcalf, conducting the most important defence of his career - his
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Abbey boys top the table
YEAR Six pupils at Abbey Park Middle School in Pershore swept almost all before them on the football field to take top spot in the annual tournament. The victors won five of their six matches and were only denied a clean sweep when they were held to a
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Charity Fives
LOCAL clubs are invited to enter a side at a five-a-side competition at Pegasus Jun-iors organised in conjunction with Herefordshire Council that is aiming to raise money for Kick for CLIC - Cancer and Leukaemia in Children. The tournament takes place
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Old and new at concert
POPULAR Alcester Male Voice Choir will be in concert at St Mary's Church, Studley, on Saturday with a programme of old and new favourites. Under the directorship of Judith Land, the choir will be joined by guest soloists Charlotte Colley and Mamawa Turay
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Comic Bobby spreads the word
ONE half of a hugely popular 80s comic double act is to pay a flying visit to wow the crowds at Studley Village Hall and discuss how Christianity changed his life. Bobby Ball, from comedy duo Cannon and Ball, will be entertaining on Saturday, July 2,
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Concert high note
A SERIES of concerts at Tardebigge Church celebrating English song begins on Sunday at 3pm with Tales of the Unexpected. Mezzo soprano Diana Moore, with Christopher Gould on piano, present a varied programme of music and songs by Stanford, Elgar, Tom
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Gloucester tie sells out
THE Twenty20 Cup clash between Worcestershire and Gloucestershire on Saturday, July 2 has sold out. It is the second sell-out fixture at New Road following this evening's game against Warwickshire. The odds are that it may not be the last, as tickets
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Herefordshire held
HEREFORDSHIRE could only take 10 points from a draw at Shropshire, despite a feast of well over 1,000 runs. The visitors blasted 403 and 344 all out after batting first in the three-day Minor Counties clash but Shropshire responded with 384-6 declared
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Top Indian team snap up student
AN Indian footballer at Worcester Sixth Form College has realised his dream by signing professionally in his homeland. Ishan Rawlley Singh, 18, joins Indian Premier Division club Mahindra United in Mumbai next month after impressing on trial at Christmas
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18/06/05 - Skipper saves the day
West Bromwich Dartmouth 202-7 Barnt Green 181-8 Barnt Green get a losing draw CAPTAIN Richard Illingworth hit a half-century to make sure his side avoided outright defeat at the hands of the Birmingham and District League Premier Division's leaders on
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18/06/05 - Bromsgrove crumble to county rivals
Bromsgrove 160 all out Kidderminster Victoria 161-6 Bromsgrove lose by four wickets BROMSGROVE are starting to feel the heat in the Birmingham and District League Division One after losing to Kidderminster Victoria at St Godwalds on one of the hottest
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18/06/05 - Duo deny Croft win
Avoncroft 255-9 Enville 205-7 Avoncroft obtain a winning draw AVONCROFT maintained their good form in the Worcestershire League Division Three by obtaining a winning draw over Enville on Saturday. However, they can count themselves unlucky not to take
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19/06.05 - Holders slip-up and Green draw
DEFENDING champions Droitwich were no match for Kidderminster in the Fearnley Sunday League. Kidderminster had set Droitwich a challenging target of 217 for victory. However Spa were restricted to 113-9 in reply. Captain Paul Bryan's 65 top scored with
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Suckling stars as thriller ends in tie
IAN Suckling was again among the runs for Evesham in Sunday's thrilling Clubs League clash against Barnt Green. The left-handed opening batsman top scored with 64 and helped Francois Nel give the hosts a fine start in pursuit of 226 for victory. Will
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Champions crushed as ex top dogs bite hard!
A TALE of four of the past five champions of the Cotswold Hills League during the past ten years sees the 2000 title winners riding high at the summit. Exhall and Wixford easily accounted for Earlswood with another half-century for Simon Hollands in a
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Wire the winners
A HANDFUL of solid displays failed to bring Badsey a victory when they visited Chainwire in Division Five of the Worcestershire County League last Saturday. Dave Powell's figures of 4-46 with the ball helped restrict the hosts to 215-7 after 45 overs
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Results and fixtures
Cotswold Hills League Results Premier Division: Exhall & Wixford 110-0, Earlswood 109; Shipston 126-2, Overbury 125; Tanworth 169, Stratford Bards 175-3; Moreton-in-Marsh 173-6, Broadway 172-9; Twyning 205-4, Alcester & Ragley 204-6. Division
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Lord's hopes are dashed
DUMBLETON suffered their first Gloucester-shire group defeat in six seasons when they lost by five wickets at Redmarley in Sunday's npower Village Cup. The final saw the visitors rattle up 198-6 from their 40 overs and it looked enough when Redmarley
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Still waiting after four years
EACH week I read the letters page in the Advertiser/Messenger and frequently my attention is drawn to how local residents complain in respect to inactivity from our public bodies. Well ... I think the residents of Santridge Lane, Bromsgrove, must by now
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Charges don't make sense
I am writing to complain about the recently enforced parking charges for the Dolphin Centre car park. I have been playing badminton at the centre for many years, one court on Tuesday evening and two courts on Friday evening. Therefore there are four people
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Get it right first time!
I respond to the letter from your reader Brian Bone and the ongoing debate concerning Bromsgrove's roads and traffic management. I despair of the County Council Highways Partnership, who seem unable to do anything right the first time. Remember the fiasco
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Success down to a tea!
Through your letters column, I would like to thank all those who attended the recent 'Tea at 3' at Primrose Hospice, as part of Hospice Awareness Month. The afternoon raised £468 thanks to the generosity of local folk, who bought raffle tickets and cakes
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It's a credit to the town
I went to see The Pied Piper at the new Artrix theatre. It was an excellent play. I am surprised that people complain about the theatre. We are lucky to have this theatre and I like it. J Clift, Third Road, Wildmoor
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Charges don't make sense
I AM writing to complain about the recently enforced parking charges for the Dolphin Centre car park. I have been playing badminton at the centre for many years, one court on Tuesday evening and two courts on Friday evening. Therefore there are four people
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Success down to a tea!
THROUGH your letters column, I would like to thank all those who attended the recent 'Tea at 3' at Primrose Hospice, as part of Hospice Awareness Month. The afternoon raised £468 thanks to the generosity of local folk, who bought raffle tickets and cakes
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Stamps for the blind
I AM organising a collection of postage stamps to raise money for the Worcestershire Association for the Blind. They have been a tremendous help to me over the years and this is my way to give something back. If any of your readers can contribute to the
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We're still waiting
EACH week I read the letters page in the Advertiser/Messenger and frequently my attention is drawn to how local residents complain in respect to inactivity from our public bodies. Well ... I think the residents of Santridge Lane, Bromsgrove, must by now
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Enough is enough
I READ with dismay the letter by Mark R Heel in last week' s paper - Old will clash with new. What a dreadful thought if planning permission were to be given to 55 luxury flats and an office complex on the old Saab garages site. How could that possibly
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County boost as Kabir returns
WORCESTERSHIRE'S hopes of making a winning start to their Twenty20 Cup campaign tonight have been boosted by the return of pace bowler Kabir Ali from England duty. The England management want Kabir to play some cricket and he will rejoin the international
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Wake up to magical Brigadoon
IN the year Scottish musical Brigadoon makes its cinematic return, a Droitwich Spa theatre is set to bring it to the stage. Alan Lerner and Frederick Loewe's Brigadoon, first seen on screen in 1954, will be brought to life at the Norbury Theatre, Friar
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Exhall extend unbeaten run
EXHALL & Wixford stretched their unbeaten run, with a fantastic team performance, as they picked up 23 points on the way to a 10-wicket Premier Division victory at home to Earlswood. Exhall visit Overbury on Saturday knowing victory will put them
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Wilson's best bag a Festival winner
THIS summer's opening Shakespeare Qualifier was fished at Hampton Ferry and Evesham Town Waters on Saturday. An extremely hot dry day with a clear river didn't make for the best of conditions but 70 anglers fought long and hard in the quest to earn a
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Cookhill march on
Cookhill were given a real scare by Welford but kept their nerve in a tight finish to remain unbeaten and top of Division Six. Cookhill were bowled for 142 with Nick Charles celebrating his 24th birthday by top scoring with 38. The Cookhill bowlers kept
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Enduring hold-ups
THERE must be many of us dreading the trip to and from work during the Transco gas main works. It's hard enough to get home under normal circumstances without having to endure horrendous hold-ups. As a lot of us will be trying to avoid the city centre
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Please help the children
I AM writing in the hope that you can highlight to your readers the plight of our small charity, Feed The Children. We are actively shipping out essential food, clothing and other goods to Africa where they are most needed. Our warehouses are full of
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Blackwell and Burcot WI
Our monthly meeting was held on June 8 when Pearl Prior, our president, welcomed members, as well as five visitors including a young lady from the USA. There were three birthday girls to be congratulated. Apologies were given out by Pearl, in the absence
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We are the champions
CALLING all Queen fans - would you like the chance to own a genuine signed Queen gold disc and help a good cause at the same time? The National Society for Epilepsy is raffling a unique framed Queen gold disc of their Greatest Hits album, complete with
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Feckenham victory
Feckenham climbed to third after a 55-run win over slow-starting Amblecote & Wollaston. Bob Adshead, halted on 91 last week, passed the century mark with 115 as the villagers reached a handy-looking 290-5. In reply the Black Country hosts could muster
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Barnt Green Garden Society
The speaker at our June meeting was Hilary Twigg, a lecturer at Pershore Horticultural College, and her subject was "seasonal interest in the garden". Hilary's talks are always good value and this was no exception. She had brought along lots of cuttings
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Dogs make day for police couple
IT WAS animal crackers when two Blackwell police officers were sentenced to a long and happy life together. Police Sergeant Stuart Crebbin and wife Tracey were given an unusual start to married life when their two horses and three rescue dogs were star
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Bromsgrove Art Club
ON June 21, Bromsgrove Art Club met for a demonstration by Derbyshire artist Carol Hill. She used wet in wet watercolour technique to create an impressionist landscape. Carol is a qualified teacher in adult education and also organises workshops and demonstrations
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Building for the future
TWO talented girls have won a place in the regional finals of a construction contest. Eight-year-olds Sophie Bridgewater and Kirsty Lewis, from Millfields First School, were part of the key stage two group which took part in the competition organised
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Science is a challenge
A SCIENCE challenge got a good reaction from pupils at a Rednal school. Enthusiastic youngsters gathered in the hall at Colmers School and Sports College, Bristol Road South, for a number of fun experiments as a reward for the hard work the students have
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Young runner puts best foot forward
A YOUNG Sidemoor runner proved age was no barrier when she took part in a fundraising race. Ten-year-old Abbie Snow, from Willow Road, entered the Race for Life to raise cash for the Cancer Research UK charity. Abbie ran the 5km course and managed to
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Fun Day is here to stay
CATSHILL folk turned out in their thousands on Saturday to enjoy fun in the sun and raise cash for community projects. Organisers said around 3,000 visitors turned up at the Meadow in the village to enjoy a Fun Day, the first event of its kind to be held
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Dash for the cash
youngsters put on their running shoes to raise more than £1,000 for the Hikkaduwa Village Fund. Children from Blackwell First School were sponsored to take part in a mini-marathon around the school's field to collect cash for the good cause. The school
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A brush with success
TALENTED students showed off their work at a top exhibition. The first art exhibition to be held at the Artrix, in School Drive, was hosted by art students from NEW College. The three-day public show marked the beginning of the new art department at Bromsgrove
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The unsung work of carers
A TOP talk to mark the start of National Carers Week was held at a Stoke Heath museum. Worcestershire County Council carers' unit held the event at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings. Author Luke Clements was guest of honour and he talked to carers
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All aboard for pirate fun
MUSIC loving children are being given the chance to dress up during a week of celebration and fundraising. Youngsters from the Rhythm Time dance group are getting kitted out to raise money for Birmingham Children's Hospice and to celebrate the group's
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On your bikes
FIT townsfolk are needed to get on their bikes and raise cash for charity. The annual North Worcestershire Bikeathon in aid of Leukaemia Research is taking place on September 11. Last year the event attracted 500 cyclists who raised £30,000. The event
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Drug traces in the rubbish
When the police searched drug dealer Dean Horton's dustbins they found discarded packages with traces of cocaine on them and drinking straws with cocaine and his DNA. Despite the evidence, Horton, who had more than £23,000 in cash in the boot of his Ferrari
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Historic fair is a day to remember
AS the month slipped by the anticipation of what was the town's most exciting day of the year could be felt. All eyes were riveted on the fairgrounds, either Mr Jeffries' field off Market Street or sometimes Crown Close, to spot the advance party arrive
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Town MP wades into Rover row
MG ROVER could still be successfully making cars if the original bid for the Longbridge carmaker had been accepted instead of the rival take over led by the discredited Phoenix Four. That's the message from Bromsgrove's MP Julie Kirkbride, who is a member
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Clinic set to make new start
CATSHILL Clinic is due to re-open this week after being closed for six months for refurbishment. A total of £350,000 has been spent on upgrading the clinic, situated in The Dock, to comply with health and safety legislation and disability discrimination
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Vandals in car wrecking spree
MINDLESS vandals went on a car-wrecking rampage in two Spa streets on Sunday. And now witnesses are being asked to come forward with any nuggets of information that might help police track down those responsible. Droitwich Spa police are concerned that
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Safety first for multi-storey
A TOWN centre car park is the first in the district to scoop a top police safety award. Churchfields car park, behind ASDA, has been honoured with the new Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Safer Parking Scheme award. The new Bromsgrove District
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Life is golden for Spa sweethearts
CHILDHOOD sweethearts from Droitwich celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with loved ones. Joy and Wyn Burton, of Pilgrim Road, met when they were at St Peter's School, Holloway, aged 14 and 13 respectively, before getting married seven years later
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Hot time for sizzling show
SOARING temperatures helped make it another memorable weekend for the annual Three Counties Show which once again produced a number of local success stories. However, the scorching sun meant a number of cattle entries had to be sent home early on Sunday
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Man glassed
BAD blood between two young men ended in violence when they met in a Worcester bar, a court was told. Gareth Williams pushed a glass in Anthony Tame's face in reaction after he had been struck in the groin area, said David Iles, prosecuting. Williams,
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Licences - time is running out
BROMSGROVE'S bars, restaurants, takeaways and off licences could be banned from selling alcohol and hot food if they fail to apply for a licence on time. Under new laws Bromsgrove District Council is taking over responsibility for drinks licences from
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Click on to have your say
RESIDENTS will now be able to tell Bromsgrove District Council what they think about a variety of issues through a series of "snap shot surveys" on the authority's website. The results of the 'Quick Polls' will be used to tailor services to better meet
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Surgeons visit Spa knee clinic
SURGEONS from around the world came to Droitwich Spa to watch pioneering knee surgery. The international group recently visited Droitwich Knee Clinic, in St Andrews Road, to watch a surgeon perform a live operation. Mohi El-Shazly, from the St Andrews
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Nappy days help parents get real
PARENTS and parents-to-be throughout the Bromsgrove area are being invited to get together to discuss the advantages of using real nappies on their newborn babies. To coincide with Real Nappy Week, Bromsgrove District Council will be launching a series
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Woman has bag snatched
POLICE are hunting a thief who snatched a bag from an elderly woman in Rubery on Monday. The incident happened at around 10.20am, when the 78-year-old woman was walking along the High Street near the car park at Rubery Social Club. A man approached her
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Meadow is hailed a success
A GREEN area in Droitwich has been hailed as a success for improving the site and bringing the community together. The Countryside Agency believes Spring Meadow, created on Primsland Way estate, off Worcester Road, meets all its objectives and has transformed
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Funds for guide hut
FORMER town mayor Anne Taft presented a whopping cheque for more than £4,000 to Girlguiding Droitwich after her mayoral year of fundraising. It will go towards the total cost of rebuilding the guide hut in Acre Lane - the cost of which is as yet unknown
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Crime levels fall
CRIME levels are falling in Droitwich. That was the message from the Spa's top policeman when he gave his annual report to the town council. "It's good news for Droitwich. Generally, it is a low crime town," said Inspector Steve Brooker, who overseas
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Halls in wait for response
VILLAGE halls will have to wait for a letter from the minister, James Purnell, after he failed to respond to any of the concerns expressed by town MP Peter Luff during a debate on the impact of the Licensing Act on local communities. Following a well-attended
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Busst escapes suspension but Duncan's on sidelines
EVESHAM United manager Dave Busst has escaped a suspension despite receiving a red card in last month's play-off semi-final against Ashford Town, writes Mervyn Collins. Busst was despatched to the stand near the end of normal time after encroaching on
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Lord it over the Manor!
THERE was plenty to enthuse about as Evesham cemented their early season position at the top of Birmingham League Division Three, writes Mervyn Collins. Saturday's clash at a hot and humid Avon Street said lots about the talent at the disposal of coach
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Daryl dazzles in a defeat
DELIGHT was tinged with disappointment for Daryl Mitchell as his magnificent third day effort with the bat had helped Worcestershire into a seemingly invincible position at Grace Road last Friday. The 21-year-old from Badsey, playing only his second Frizzell
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Henley hosts charity final
THE fifth Prudden Road Surfacing Tennis Charity Cup will take place on Saturday at Henley-in-Arden TC. With both the league's champions unavailable, the final will be between Studley A, last year's PRS Summer League runners-up, and the recent Stratford
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Captain to the rescue
THE match of the week in the Premier Division of the Prudden Road Surfacing League was between Clave-rdon and Stratford C. Nigel Bacon and James Courier began well after a hard-fought three-set rubber against Stratford's Gary Scruby and Mark Parsons.
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Simple for Aussie Simon as Pershore suffer heavy loss
A TOPSY-TURVY season again hit a low point as Pershore slumped to a 95-run reverse at Redditch last Saturday. Australian Simon Allison left the visitors regretting their decision to field first as he and Dan Protherough added a century opening stand.
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Duo win twice
LAST Sunday saw a smaller than usual turnout of dinghies at the Arden club at Def-ford. The first race was the fourth in the Pursuit Series and was won by Niall Campbell and Jane Smee in an Ent-erprise who finished 13 seconds ahead of the Solo of Ralph
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A quacking good show!
A FAMILY of ducklings has been given a clean bill of health after Redditch firefighters rescued them from the depths of a drain on Sunday morning. The 12 ducklings and their mother were seen crossing the Bromsgrove Highway near the Foxlydiate sliproad
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New crche gives families a boost
REDDITCH children had the chance to get gooey yesterday at the family launch of a new £90,000 crche funded by the Redditch SureStart project. Children living at Smallwood Almshouses got to grips with jelly, spaghetti, water and playdough as part of a
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Pond protest
ANIMAL rights activists will be voicing their anger in a town centre protest tomorrow at plans to encourage fishing at Oakenshaw Spinney. Members of Redditch Animal Rights (RAR) will gather at noon with placards outside St Stephen's Church to "shame"
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JackInABox Turin Brakes
Three star IT'S uncertain whether describing the music of Turin Brakes as ''pleasant'' would pass for a compliment in their book but their latest effort is merely that - but no more. If you were an advertising executive looking for some wish-wash to accompany
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Ace proposal
STUDLEY Sports and Social Club is hoping to create three new tennis courts at its base in Eldorado Close off High Street. An application has been submitted in the name of Studley Parish Council, which owns the land, to Stratford Council. The plans would
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MP hailed for schools fight
REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith has been praised for her "support and dedication" to fairer education funding for the county. At a meeting with representatives of campaign group F40 Funding For Schools on Thursday the recently appointed Minister for Schools
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Blazing trail on safety
REDDITCH firefighters last week visited schools in the town as part of an initiative to boost fire-safety awareness among youngsters. On Monday and Tuesday, firefighters from the Birmingham Road station visited Webheath and Feckenham first schools as
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25 Years Ago
June 20, 1980 PLANS to relieve the misery of visitors to Alvechurch every year - who want to "pay a visit" but can't - have been hit by inconvenient delays. For there aren't any public toilets. And plans to build a plush toilet block in the village centre
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100 Years Ago
June 24, 1905 THOMAS Tolley, Alcester Street, pleaded not guilty to being drunk in Swan Street, Alvechurch, on June 13th. Pc Bennett said about 9pm he saw defendant, who was very drunk, being lead along the road by another man. When this man left him,
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Neal keeps up the pressure
MATT Neal extended his domination of the British Touring Car Championship with three podium finishes in the latest round of the competition at Oulton Park on Sunday. The Droitwich driver extended his lead over Team Halfords teammate Dan Eaves to tighten
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Prince's campaign takes off
PAUL Prince believed he could fly when he won the first round of Concorde Cycling Club's sprint series. Prince started the 40-kilometre event in Wishaw strongly and by the second lap had tried to take the lead, but could not stay ahead of the chasing
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End of line for yobs?
UNDERAGE drinkers and vandals at Alvechurch and Wythall train stations could be caught in the act with a new CCTV system. Wythall beat manager Pc Mark Townsend has welcomed the recent installation of the security systems after an increase in antisocial
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Pets on parade at wake
Dogs, cats and fluffy bunnies will be on parade in Feckenham tomorrow as the village's annual wake features its first children's pet show. The event starts on the village square at 2pm.
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Well served!
WALKWOOD Middle School pupils have been making a racket after netting a grant for tennis equipment. The school's Funzone project has received tennis equipment worth more than £250 as part of the Nestle Kids' Clubs Tennis Scheme.
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Tasty surprise
TOTS at Mappleborough Green Primary School have taken the healthy option and scooped a top award. The Henley Road school was presented a bronze award for promoting and practising healthy eating on Monday.
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Schools the tops for arts
THE excellent arts education offered in five Redditch schools has been recognised after they were awarded a prestigious Artsmark award by the Arts Council England. Kingsley College and Webheath First School both won a gold Artsmark award, while Ipsley
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Pupils aim to keep the Green Flag flying
ECO-friendly children at Sytchampton Endowed First School have been rewarded for their green fingers and environmental awareness. The school has been re-awarded its Green Flag after attaining it for the first time two years ago. The prestigious award
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Festival a huge success
ORGANISERS of the Alcester and Arden Folk Festival say a rescue bid by local business people paid off. The festival faced cancellation three weeks ago because of lack of sponsorship but an offer of funds from a mystery man, backed by the support of other
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Courts open for free play
WONDERFUL weather and the start of Wimbledon means it's the perfect time to pick up a racquet and take advantage of free tennis in Gloucestershire next month. The Lawn Tennis Association's (LTA) annual Play Tennis campaign, established as the UK's largest
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Art project to spruce up tueries
ALCESTER businesses are being asked to fund an art project which will brighten up three of the town's tueries. The tueries, or alleyways, are main routes into the town centre from the car parks and have been described as dark and dismal. But after the
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Captain to the rescue
THE match of the week in the Premier Division of the Prudden Road Surfacing League was between Clave-rdon and Stratford C. Nigel Bacon and James Courier began well after a hard-fought three-set rubber against Stratford's Gary Scruby and Mark Parsons.
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Head-to-head tussles for Prescott Hill aces
THE fastest racing cars in two head-to-head battles where every point counts! That will be the format when the Top Ten Challenge Series takes centre stage at Prescott this weekend at the Bugatti Owners' Club's midsummer high-speed hill climb. The Top
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Going like the clampers!
MANY motorists found themselves faced with a hefty fine at the weekend as a new clamping company drove into town. The clamps were placed on vehicles parked at the top of Unicorn Hill by Midland Parking Contracts. It was thought the clampers were called
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Ladies in search of county successes
AFTER losing in the semi-finals of the county pairs competition when partnered by Yvonne Hopkins, Broadway's Viv Hall will be hoping for better fortunes when she plays in the semi-finals of the Two-Wood event. Hopkins, meanwhile, did go one better when
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Newton fastest local
EVESHAM Wheelers' annual Open Ten-mile Time Trial at Salford Priors last Thursday evening attracted an entry of 74 riders. On a windy but warm evening, the fastest time of the night went to Richard Bradley of Leo RC in 20.54. The fastest local rider was
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Tea event success
Through your letters page, I would like to thank all those who attended the recent Tea at 3 at Primrose Hospice, as part of Hospice Awareness Month. The afternoon raised £468 thanks to the generosity of local folk, who bought raffle tickets and cakes,
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No small achievement
A GROUP of enterprising Alcester Grammar students won a coveted award in the strategic final of this year's Young Enterprise competition. The team of five won the Best Presentation Award for their company Knickerboxer Glory, beating 50 teams, and were
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Riders in nationals
THREE teams from Cropthorne and Evesham Vale Riding Club have qualified for the National Championships at Lincoln in September. At the Area 18 qualifier, the senior team of Tracy Paxton, Abi Davies, Felicity Organ and Anna Millington won the show jumping
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Homes plan on agenda
DEVELOPERS who want to build more than 20 homes on the site of Marleigh House, Bidford, will present their plans at a meeting on Monday. Laing Homes is hoping to avoid the kind of controversy surrounding the Westbury development on the old school site
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Warning after tools grabbed
TRADESMEN have been warned not to leave equipment in vehicles overnight after tools worth almost £3,000 were stolen in a Worcestershire town. A Makita 110v drill and a Bosch drill were taken from a white Fiat Ducato in Lindsey Avenue, Evesham. Thieves
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Wedding
GOULD - SLATER MARRIED at St Peter's Church, Ipsley, were Dylan Gould, eldest son of Paul and Ruth Gould, of Matchborough West, and Rachel Slater, daughter of Norman and Madeleine Slater, of Winyates East. Given away by her father, the bride was attended
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Around the world in two hours
THE holiday season has come early for parents, pupils and staff at Dunnington School who will be embarking on a world tour on Saturday. The school is hosting its summer fayre between 2pm and 4pm which has the theme Travel the World. The event will be
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Exchequer owed £1bn in overdue tax returns
THE Exchequer is owed more than £1 billion in overdue income tax returns, the Whitehall spending watchdog disclosed today. The National Audit Office said that young men, self-employed builders and people living in parts of London were among the most likely
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Mums and tots to go green at new shop
NEW parents in Malvern and surrounding areas have been urged to go green with the launch of a new children's shop. Eco Tots, in Belle Vue Terrace, was started by a group of mothers who became frustrated at the lack of environmentally-friendly baby products
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Scouting for new headquarters
SUPPORTERS of Alcester's bid to build a new headquarters for scouts and guides turned out in force on Friday to see the first physical stage in the building project. Chairman Jeremy Howell had the honour of cutting the turf on the Moorfield Road site
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Matt climbs fund target
ALCESTER businessman Mathew Skinner has returned exhausted but exhilarated after a charity challenge which netted £4,750 for Cancer Research UK. Mathew, who completed a six-day trek to Machu Pichu in Peru, said the altitude and extremes of temperature
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Alcester Conservative Wives
THE May meeting was held at the home of Mrs Jackie C. Park. Speaker Wolf Wahle gave a talk on his school days and life in Berlin before the Second World War. Eileen Lewis won the raffle.
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Ipsley WI
At the June meeting, president Judith Scott congratulated all who had taken part in the County Food, Flower and Craft Day in Bewdley. The Ipsley co-operative entry of two craft items and two food items won second prize in that category, while Rita Massey
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Redditch Speakers Club
AS the season drew to a close, members relaxed and enjoyed the annual dinner. This year, the club was pleased to have as the main speaker national speech champion John Kemp, from Yardley Speakers Club. He gave a delightful and moving speech - getting
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Wythall History Society
A Brief History of Droitwich was the title of the May lecture given by Lyn Blewitt, who is chairman of Droitwich History and Archaeology Society. Droitwich has long been famous for its salt industry, which goes back more than 2,000 years to the Iron Age
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Final countdown to folk festival
THE count down has begun to this year's popular Hobgoblin Folk Festival. The event is to take place in the area for the second year running on Sunday July 17. Birmingham's Custard Factory, in Gibb Square, will be the venue for the festival that will feature
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Music event to be savoured
EXCITEMENT is building for the forthcoming Droitwich Spa Music Festival now that the programme for events has been finalised. The festival will be held throughout the area between Sunday July 3 and Friday July 15 and is set to be even bigger than last
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Rosie's tilting at windmills
A HUNT End student will tread the boards alongside Olivier-award winning actor Matthew Kelly in the musical Don Quixote Rides Again at Birmingham Repertory Theatre from Friday. Fifteen-year-old Rosie Kemp (pictured) plays the part of Tom the cabin boy
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Head for history
FAMILIES will be able to enjoy a fascinating free day at Forge Mill Museum as part of National Archaeology Day on Sunday, July 17. Anyone who fancies digging up their own bit of the past can take part in an archaeology task which will involve excavating
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Old and new at concert
POPULAR Alcester Male Voice Choir will be in concert at St Mary's Church, Studley, on Saturday with a programme of old and new favourites. Under the directorship of Judith Land, the choir will be joined by guest soloists Charlotte Colley and Mamawa Turay
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Diary of events
Thursday, June 23 Weatheroak Group WI craft demonstration day at Alvechurch Village Hall, The Square, 2.30-4.30pm and 6.30-8.30pm. All welcome. Cost £2. Saturday, June 25 Careers advice sessions for parents of children in Year 11 will be held at the Redditch
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Comic Bobby spreads the word
ONE half of a hugely popular 80s comic double act is to pay a flying visit to wow the crowds at Studley Village Hall and discuss how Christianity changed his life. Bobby Ball, from comedy duo Cannon and Ball, will be entertaining on Saturday, July 2,
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Wake up to magical Brigadoon
IN the year Scottish musical Brigadoon makes its cinematic return, a Droitwich Spa theatre is set to bring it to the stage. Alan Lerner and Frederick Loewe's Brigadoon, first seen on screen in 1954, will be brought to life at the Norbury Theatre, Friar
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Could you be Friday?
A LICKEY drama group is holding open auditions for their annual pantomime. Lickey Players, a group that has been running for over four decades, will hold auditions on Wednesday July 6 at Lickey Parish Hall, off Rose Hill, at 7.30pm. Successful people
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JackInABox Turin Brakes
Three star IT'S uncertain whether describing the music of Turin Brakes as ''pleasant'' would pass for a compliment in their book but their latest effort is merely that - but no more. If you were an advertising executive looking for some wish-wash to accompany
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Minimum-Maximum Kraftwerk
One star I have always had something of an issue with Kraftwerk. I put it down to the kid at school who did all that robotic dancing thing to The Model - a far better way of pulling the girls than my ham-fisted chat-up lines! I never really liked that
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A Very Long Engagement (15)
Four star AFTER the international success of Amelie, director Jean-Pierre Jeunet and his star, Audrey Tautou, reunite in this First World War-based drama. Tautou plays heroine Mathilde, a beautiful but nave young woman who longs for the return of her
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Rovers face rivals
BROMSGROVE Rovers start and end a testing pre-season schedule with two difficult derby matches this summer. Jimmy Mullen's side is set to test their mettle against ferocious derby foes Kidderminster Harriers, Paul Merson's Walsall and Redditch United
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Top acts named to swing in for blues festival
THIS year's free Blues Festival in Upton-upon-Severn is set to be the biggest yet, bringing nearly 50 bands to the town's pubs next month. Newcomers will join old favourites for the fourth annual blues festival during the weekend of Friday, July 15, to
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Decision due on university status
THE outcome of University College Worcester's bid to secure full university status is imminent. Inspectors from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) visited the St John's, Worcester, college in November, last year, and a decision had
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Music event to be savoured
EXCITEMENT is building for the forthcoming Droitwich Spa Music Festival now that the programme for events has been finalised. The festival will be held throughout the area between Sunday July 3 and Friday July 15 and is set to be even bigger than last
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Gay and Gavin's wedding bails
CRICKET fans in Worcester will see a perfect match next week - as two newly-weds celebrate their marriage on a boundary beach at New Road. Gay Hodge and Gavin Wood are holding their reception at Worcestershire's ground next week during a game against
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Serving up a giant taste of real Spain
CHICKEN, giant prawns, mussels and squid will be among the ingredients in a giant-sized paella to be served up at a village pub on Sunday. The 5ft pan will hold enough of the tasty dish to serve up to 200 people at the Paella Party at the Walter de Cantelupe
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Sport gear endorsed by legend
CRICKET legend Tom Graveney was in Worcestershire to endorse a unique high-tech sports unit - a world away from the New Road nets where he honed his technique. Former England and county star Graveney, now chairman of the Marylebone Cricket Club, officially
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Spate of car crime sparks new warning
A SPATE of car crimes in Redditch has seen Winyates as its latest target, with 16 cars broken into in a single night. Shawbury Close, Tillington Close and Mainstone Close were among the areas targeted by car thieves overnight between Thursday and Friday
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Rail ticket dodgers face fines
SIX fare dodgers have clocked up more than £1,000 in fines after being "named and shamed" by Central Trains. Redditch people facing fines are David Billington (37), of Fownhope Close, Luke Bush, of Beaufort Street, Thomas Cooper (18) of Dolben Lane, Melanie
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Van raid
THIEVES damaged a van in Crabbs Cross and stole thousands of pounds of tools. The theft happened while the white-panel van was parked off Banners Lane between 5pm on Tuesday, June 14 and 7.30am the next day. About £3,000 worth of tools were stolen, including
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Terrier avoids death order
A LEADING Worcestershire dog breeder has been ordered to pay nearly £1,000 after his English bull terrier escaped from his home and savaged a passer-by. But Babe, an eight-year-old bitch, escaped a death sentence at Worcester Crown Court provided it is
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Studley anglers' opener
STUDLEY Road Social Club Angling Section held their first match on their stretch on the River Avon at Pershore on Sunday. Eighteen anglers took part and some saw the bream feeding. Neville Collis took advantage and took eight to the scales for 26lb 11oz
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Abbeydale cup upset
DARTS: Second Division Abbeydale pulled off a shock in the Astwood Bank Darts League's Rover's Cup quarter-finals. The Dale stunned first division Book B 5-4 to earn a place in the last four. But there were no shocks as league leaders Red Lion romped
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Jae is latest piece in Busst's jigsaw
SQUAD building continues to prove a profitable exercise for Evesham United manager Dave Busst who has brought experienced Moor Green forward Jae Martin to Common Road, writes Mervyn Collins. Martin joins defender Adam Cooper as new recruits ahead of a
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Church chase Junior
ALVECHURCH manager Peter Frain is continuing a hectic summer of wheeler-dealing by targeting RC Warwick's former Studley striker Junior Hewitt. Frain said he was 'quite close' to landing the striker from the Travel Factory Alliance mid-table side as he
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Church chase Junior
Feckenham boss Lee Adams could be set to lose teenage ace Mark Hands after Southern League Premier Division side Halesowen Town invited the 18-year-old prospect to pre-season training. "We are happy for him that Halesowen have offered him this chance
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Where to go
Thursday June 23 Film: Chorus (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 7.45pm start), Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. Music: Primrose Choir presents 'Summer Time in Concert', Redditch Town Hall, Alcester Street, Redditch. Music: Gran Torino, Hop Pole Inn, Birmingham
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Crackdown on car dumpers
NUISANCE vehicles dumped in town car parks could be removed soon as Redditch Council looks at implementing new legislation. However, there was criticism this week from one resident who said Redditch Council had done little to move four dumped cars in
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'Let the people vote on future of market'
REDDITCH people should have the chance to vote on the future of their market, says a Redditch councillor calling for a referendum. Liberal Democrat Councillor Nigel Hicks said Redditch Market in Royal Square had suffered a decline in trade and was being
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Rosie's tilting at windmills
A HUNT End student will tread the boards alongside Olivier-award winning actor Matthew Kelly in the musical Don Quixote Rides Again at Birmingham Repertory Theatre from Friday. Fifteen-year-old Rosie Kemp (pictured) plays the part of Tom the cabin boy
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THEY'RE THE DALEK BINS
WHEELIE bins with microchips that can check how much rubbish you throw away or recycle may be rolled out across Worcester. The city council is spending £1.3m on 70,000 ordinary wheelie bins, but is thinking about earmarking more cash for electronic versions
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Delight at ideas to unclog our roads
AMBITIOUS plans to decongest bunged-up roads by encouraging commuters onto public transport have been demonstrated to a city improvement group. The plans include eight more park-and-ride sites, a car pool scheme, and urging businesses to offer varied
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Cough up for learning
WORCESTER sixth-formers are losing out because the funding system discriminates against colleges, city MP Michael Foster told Ministers yesterday. Further education colleges receive about 10 per cent less funding per pupil than school sixth-forms due
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Tight access
PLANS to demolish a Hunt End cottage and build four homes have prompted a number of objections. Residents on Enfield Road say access is too narrow to the site where Thomas White Associates' plan the three-bedroom houses. The plans are with Redditch Council's
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Homes plan
SURPLUS allotment land at Lakeside could house affordable housing if outline planning permission is approved. Plans to build homes managed by registered social landlords at the back of Farm Road have been submitted by Redditch Council.
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Heap big hit for theatre braves
A FAST-MOVING spectacle of dance and rhyme set against the myths and legends of native American Indians is to be performed by Palace Youth Theatre at Kingsley Theatre next week. Haiawatha will involve 100 members of the youth theatre in partnership with
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Last night at Elgar proms
FLAG waving is encouraged at The Elgar Prom at Stratford's Civic Hall on Friday when The Orchestra of the Swan performs their finale concert of the season. The concert opens with the Enigma Variations and is followed by Elgar's cello concerto featuring
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Join Maze
BLUE Maze FC, who are planning to put out a side in the Evesham and District Sun-day League next season, are on the lookout for new players. Anyone interested in joining is asked to ring 07981 000087 or 07984 518827 for more information.
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Jae is latest piece in Busst's jigsaw
SQUAD building continues to prove a profitable exercise for Evesham United manager Dave Busst who has brought experienced Moor Green forward Jae Martin to Common Road, writes Mervyn Collins. Martin joins defender Adam Cooper as new recruits ahead of a
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Head for history
FAMILIES will be able to enjoy a fascinating free day at Forge Mill Museum as part of National Archaeology Day on Sunday, July 17. Anyone who fancies digging up their own bit of the past can take part in an archaeology task which will involve excavating
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Orchestrated family fun
THE Redditch Orchestra's Summer Concert, on Saturday at Kingsley College, is described as "an ideal introduction to a full symphony orchestra for younger children." Conductor John Graham will direct the orchestra through a varied programme including Saint
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Diary of events
Thursday, June 23 Weatheroak Group WI craft demonstration day at Alvechurch Village Hall, The Square, 2.30-4.30pm and 6.30-8.30pm. All welcome. Cost £2. Saturday, June 25 Careers advice sessions for parents of children in Year 11 will be held at the Redditch
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Craft show
THE Weatheroak Group of Women's Institutes is holding a craft demonstration day at Alvechurch Village Hall tomorrow from 2.30-4.30pm and 6.30-8.30pm. Crafts in show to the public include beading, decoupage, digital photography, patchwork and several others
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Weston's super fare
The Sunset Pensioners' Club still has places available on its coach trip to Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday. The coach will set off from outside the police station in Grove Street at 10am. Places cost £8 and are available by calling Madge Tillsley on 67427
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County boost as Kabir returns
WORCESTERSHIRE'S hopes of making a winning start to their Twenty20 Cup campaign tonight have been boosted by the return of pace bowler Kabir Ali from England duty. The England management want Kabir to play some cricket and he will rejoin the international
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Law wraps up three top five places
UPTON-upon-Severn based Leslie Law was in dominant mood at the Parklands Audi Syde Park one-day event near Cheltenham. The reigning Olympic three-day event champion had three rides in the top open intermediate section and took all into the top five. Law's
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21/06/05 - Wilkinson back for crunch matches
RICHARD Wilkinson is set to give Barnt Green CC a huge boost by returning for this weekend's big games. The gifted all rounder is set to be back from Loughborough University and is eligible to play in Saturday's Birmingham and District League Premier
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18/06/05 - Spa end their poor run of results
Luctonians 194-9 Droitwich Spa 196-9 Droitwich win by one wicket DROITWICH stalled their slide down the Worcester League Division One with a nail biting victory over the bottom side on Saturday. A last ditch partnership by Spa rookie Phil Thomas and veteran
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18/06/05 - Chaddesley remember winning formula
Astwood Bank 199 all out Chaddesley Corbett 203-6 Chaddesley Corbett win by four wickets CHADDESLEY maintained their escape bid from the bottom half of the Worcester League Division One with their second win of the season on Saturday. Victory ensured
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18/06/05 - Glut of centuries inspires wins
Belbroughton 263-8 Malvern 211 all out Belbroughton win by 52 runs BELBROUGHTON surged up to third in the Worcester League Division Two with a comfortable win over Malvern on Saturday. Geoff Day hit 101, while Michael Pardoe smashed 40, as the Tons set
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19/06/05 - Vig-orous friendly defeat
AVONCROFT lost by five wickets to Old Vigornians in a friendly on Sunday. Openers Matt Hare (20) and Andy Nicol (21) got their side off to a quick start with the bat, before a fourth wicket stand of 65 by Mark Whitehead (41 not out) and Jon Bird (36)
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Simple for Aussie Simon as Pershore suffer heavy loss
A TOPSY-TURVY season again hit a low point as Pershore slumped to a 95-run reverse at Redditch last Saturday. Australian Simon Allison left the visitors regretting their decision to field first as he and Dan Protherough added a century opening stand.
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No regard for residents
IN reply to the letters from the residents of the Flats regarding the proposed plans for the rebuild of Parkside and Meadows First Schools. We live in Churchfields, and along with many local residents, we attended the display at Meadows First School.
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Stamps for the blind
I am organising a collection of postage stamps to raise money for the Worcestershire Association for the Blind. They have been a tremendous help to me over the years and this is my way to give something back. If any of your readers can contribute to the
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It's cheap and nasty
IT was with great surprise and astonishment that we read Councillor June Griffiths' report in the Advertiser/Messenger. We attend the baths every Monday evening to the over 40's swimming session, along with a group of about 20 friends. We have been doing
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Thanks to all who gave
May I, on behalf of the Arthritis Research Campaign, thank all those who supported our street collection for the charity. The total sum collected was £488.50, which will be sent to our headquarters in due course. Many thanks to all who donated and to
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Drugs are there to see
IN reply to Phil Baker's letter about there being no drugs in Catshill, we would like to say this. If Catshill is drug free, as he seems to think (and what planet is he on?) then it would be the only place in Britain that is - remarkable! If Mr Baker
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It's time to have my say
MAY I respond to three letters last week which totally misrepresented me in their comments. First Mark Heal stated that I appeared in the press as architect of Wychavon's canal development plan. No - I am a director of the Canals Trust and have a watching
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No regard for residents
IN reply to the letters from the residents of the Flats regarding the proposed plans for the rebuild of Parkside and Meadows First Schools. We live in Churchfields, and along with many local residents, we attended the display at Meadows First School.
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Get it right first time!
I RESPOND to the letter from your reader Brian Bone and the ongoing debate concerning Bromsgrove's roads and traffic management. I despair of the County Council Highways Partnership, who seem unable to do anything right the first time. Remember the fiasco
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It's a credit to the town
I WENT to see The Pied Piper at the new Artrix theatre. It was an excellent play. I am surprised that people complain about the theatre. We are lucky to have this theatre and I like it. J Clift, Third Road, Wildmoor
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Prisoners in their homes
LAST week I read about flats and offices being proposed for the old Saab garage site, under Councillor Pam Davey's canal developers' plan. Garage workers used Vines, Hill End and Waterside for parking, often blocking residential streets and disabled homes
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Open space is being lost
HOW sad that the nice green opposite Vines Lane is being lost, under Tarmac as parking for new office blocks and flats by Chapel Bridge. I'm surprised Waterside residents did not object to losing this pleasant approach to their estate. It's bad enough
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22/6/05 - Gloucester tie sells out
THE Twenty20 Cup clash between Worcestershire and Gloucestershire on Saturday, July 2 has sold out. It is the second sell-out fixture at New Road following this evening's game against Warwickshire. The odds are that it may not be the last, as tickets
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Could you be Friday?
A LICKEY drama group is holding open auditions for their annual pantomime. Lickey Players, a group that has been running for over four decades, will hold auditions on Wednesday July 6 at Lickey Parish Hall, off Rose Hill, at 7.30pm. Successful people
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Theatre celebrates with cider
WORCESTER'S Swan Theatre celebrates the 40th anniversary of its opening by staging popular drama Cider with Rosie until June 25. The venue's amateur theatre company has a 17 strong cast performing in the play set between the World Wars. The play is directed
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Simon says - chase that one
AUSSIE ace Simon Allison passed the 500 mark in style at the weekend as Redditch climbed to second in the Third Division. Allison - a centurion last week - repeated the trick for his third ton of the season as he fired his way to a match-turning 107 at
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Alcester sinking after latest blow
ALCESTER & Ragley's relegation battle against Twyning ended in a six-wicket defeat which will further undermine the club's chances of retaining Cotswold Hills League Premier Division status. The Ragley Park side are now propping up the table a daunting
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Bidford blow
Bidford suffered a damaging five-wicket defeat to Wellesbourne which worsened their relegation fears. They claimed just five points after posting 170-9 and saw fellow strugglers Ebrington pull away with a win over Warwick CC to leave them five points
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Alne hit
Great Alne suffered a nailbiting one-wicket defeat to Bearley Bears saw them slump nearer the drop zone. After being bowled for 154 the villagers learned relegation candidates Hockley Heath had recorded a surprise six-wicket victory over Leamington III
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MND sufferer joins walkers for charity collection
MORE than 30 people from a Redditch company donned their walking gear on Saturday to raise vitally needed funds for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association. The group of chums and colleagues from Telco decided to raise the cash as friend Glen Blake
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Pole position for Bennett as tactics clinch cup win
Evesham Jubilee Society BRIAN Bennett was the winner of last Sunday's Simon de Montfort Cup competition at The Fishery. The winner netted some quality fish using pole tactics to top the weights with 29.8.0 and just edge Tim Hunt into the runners-up spot
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Studley lose momentum
STUDLEY skipper Mark Edwards remained bullish about his side's promotion chances despite Saturday's losing draw against Shifnal. A seven-point return saw the early leaders drop to sixth but Edwards said he was happy enough with the weekend's work after
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Church Bank on a battle
RIVALS Astwood Bank and Alvechurch & Hopwood are both off-colour ahead of Saturday's derby meeting. Alvechurch sit seventh in Division One whilst the Bank are wallowing third-from-bottom, and both warmed up for Saturday's encounter (1.30pm start)
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I'll put him straight
ONCE more, I will try to put N Taylor on the right track. Mr Taylor knows perfectly well that I am referring to the density of population of the UK, while he persists in referring only to an integral part. If the possibly calamitous changes now, undoubtedly
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Hewell gift
Mid-table Hewell gifted struggling Barnards Green their first win of the season despite posting a respectable 282-9 at the weekend. Barnards Green reached the mark for the loss of just five as the Hewell attack was blunted in a five-wicket reverse. The
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Spadesbourne Ladies' Club
With three key members of the committee AWOH (away on holiday, not AWOL!) things threatened to be a little frenetic at the June meeting. However, stalwart committee members stepped into the breach and the meeting proceeded quite smoothly, with the addition
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Fifty years on road to nowhere
LAST week saw the launch of Worcester City Council's Sustainable Travel Town Project. As a first step, in conjunction with National Bike Week, the project will be offering £5,000 in cash prizes to the city's schools, colleges and companies who take active
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Village rivals can aid each other
RIVALS Wythall and Five Ways Old Edwardians could be left looking to each other for favours at the weekend as they battle it out at opposite ends of the Division Three table. Wythall will be looking to pull away from the foot of the table at home to a
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Cash crisis for new arts centre
THE future of Bromsgrove's showcase £2.8m arts centre is in jeopardy because of cashflow problems, the Advertiser/Messenger can exclusively reveal. The Artrix was only opened in April, but tonight (Wednesday) the district council's cabinet meets behind
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House bands review one more way to grab cash
THE plan to revalue council tax bands will once again remove our hard-earned wages and place yet more funds into the council to employ yet more staff with silly job titles, good salaries and index-linked pensions. You only have to look at the lists of
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Finstall WI
Finstall WI's June meeting was held in Finstall Village Hall, where Jill Findon, president, welcomed 24 members and three visitors. Minutes were read by the secretary, Ann Parr, and a short report of the rally in Bewdley, when two of our members, Ann
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Gardening tips
GREEN-FINGERED fundraisers were offered gardening tips from a RHS Chelsea Flower Show winner. Garden designer Hannah Genders, from Alvechurch, has scooped top honours at the flower show twice. She was on hand to offer advice when The Primrose Dining Club
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Golden years
A HAPPY couple celebrated fifty years of marriage with family and friends in Bromsgrove. Norman and June Bridgwater, from Birmingham Road, toasted their Golden Wedding on Saturday. The pair met in Birmingham when June was 15 and Norman was 18 and had
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Off to see the Blairs
YOUNGSTERS from a town school are off to London to see the Blairs! Pupils and staff at Rigby Hall School have been invited to take tea with Cherie Blair in the plush surroundings of 10 Downing Street. This visit has been set up by Bromsgrove MP Julie
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Action over phone mast
FEARS that a proposed mast near their homes could be hazardous to health has prompted a call for an urgent meeting between residents, a mobile phone company, and Bromsgrove planners. Phone giant T-Mobile is seeking permission from the district council
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Author's visit was write on
BUDDING writers from a Spa school were paid a visit by a children's author during a readathon event. Barrie Wade joined youngsters at Cutnall Green First School, in School Road, last Wednesday to talk with them and share his writing expertise. Children
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Schools scheme sparks concerns
CAUTIOUS councillors want a number of issues to be looked at before work can begin on £60million worth of new schools in the area. Members of Bromsgrove District Council planning committee raised concerns about some of the plans and found the blueprint
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'Time wasting' group attacked
A GROUP determined to save Droitwich Spa Lido has been attacked by the leader of Wychavon District Council, who described it as a "time wasting" organisation that "lacks expertise." The comments came at an executive cabinet meeting, following news that
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Moved over drugs fears
A TERRIFIED dad, who feared for the safety of his young daughter after she discovered used and bloody syringes in a hostel bathroom, has been re-homed thanks to the Advertiser/Messenger. Seven-year-old Keyleigh was staying with her dad Ben Jackson in
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Animal advice
ANIMAL lovers are being invited to an animal rescue centre to get advice and information about their family pet. Danemere Animal Rescue Centre will hold an open weekend this Saturday and Sunday that will also include fun days for youngsters. Pet owners
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They're on the ball
FOOTBALL crazy kids from a Droitwich Spa youth team will take part in an all-day match to raise funds for charity and their team. Droitwich Spa Boys and Girls Football Club will attempt a footballathon this Saturday at Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre, in
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Track trio reflect on Oulton tester
ON THE face of it it was a disappointing day at Oulton Park for a trio of racing drivers with Vale connections but all three will take some satisfaction from Sunday's track exploits. The major player at the Cheshire track was Evesham-born Dan Eaves who
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Fire crew lured into ambush
FIREFIGHTERS were pelted with stones by a gang of youths after a hoax call-out to a Redditch school yesterday morning. Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Alec Mackie has slammed the attack at St Thomas More First School in Woodrow
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Abbey boys top the table
YEAR Six pupils at Abbey Park Middle School in Pershore swept almost all before them on the football field to take top spot in the annual tournament. The victors won five of their six matches and were only denied a clean sweep when they were held to a
