Archive

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Wright stuff in win over neighbours

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria found the "wright" formula to clinch a four-wicket win at Bromsgrove in the Birmingham and District Cricket League Division One on Saturday. After the hosts had been dismissed for 160, Kidderminster skipper Jonathan Wright cracked

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Running all the way from the bank

A CHARITY which supports deaf people in the UK has received a cheque for more than £2,000 which was raised by a Worcestershire bank worker. Stuart Forrest swapped his computer for running shoes to take part in April's London Marathon. He raised £2,500

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Drivers ignore reduced speed limit past village

PEOPLE say the reduced speed limit on the main road through the village of Holt Fleet, near Worcester, has done nothing to slow traffic down. Paul and Kelly Lyons, whose home is beside the A4133, say the introduction of a 40mph speed limit in March last

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Bowled over by club cash

Bowled over by club cash ORGANISERS of St Richard's Hospice Cricket Day were bowled over by the event which raised more than £15,000 for the New Hospice Appeal. Guests enjoyed lunch before soaking up the sunshine watching Worcestershire play Essex at

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Fears for 'special needs' aid unfounded

THE new head of education for Worcestershire has dismissed city MP Mike Foster's fears that city schools are missing out on special needs funding. Councillor Liz Eyre, who took over as cabinet member for children's services last month, was asked for a

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Theatre

Hippodrome, Birmingham - The Magic Flute, Friday. Rigoletto, Saturday. The Rat Pack, Monday until July 2. Repertory, Birmingham - Don Quixote Rides Again, Friday until July 9. Alexandra, Birmingham - The King and I, until July 2. n Botanical Gardens,

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Mum's anger at school decision

AN angry Kidderminster mother has hit out at a schools' appeals panel claiming it disregarded her family's circumstances in refusing to allow her daughter to go to the middle school of her choice. Nine-year-old Gemma White has been told she must go to

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Youngsters in eco challenge

SCHOOLCHILDREN from across Kidderminster were set the challenge of helping to save a fictional community from an environmental disaster. Around 250 children, aged between nine and 11, from Lickhill Middle School, Windmill Middle School, St John's Middle

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Banks attacked on soaring debt

BANKS and building societies have come under fire from the chairman of Wyre Forest CAB for lending money to vulnerable people who struggle to make the repayments. John Gordon pointed the finger at the financial institutions in the district CAB's annual

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Ebrington

GARDENING CLUB: On June 14 members made an evening visit to Bourton House Garden. After an introduction to the history of the house and garden by owner Monique Paice, the head gardener Paul Nicholls showed members around the three-acre garden. Having

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Harvington

SUMMER CONCERT: Harvington Singers' summer concert, on Friday, June 10, was once again well supported and the pleasant summer's evening made it possible for the patrons to stroll outside the church during the interval and enjoy the customary strawberries

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Moreton

INTEREST AND LEISURE CLUB: Members have expressed their condolences to the families of two valued members of the club who died recently, June Coxhill and Blanche Swift. The latest outing was to the Forest of Dean steam and diesel railways. The steam train

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Classic opera comes to Roses

ROSSINI'S famous opera, The Barber of Seville, is 'a rollicking evening's entertainment' and boasts one of the best-known arias of all time - Largo al Factotum (Figaro here, Figaro there). And locals are getting the chance to experience the full opera

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Theatre aimed at children is full of Eastern promise

A SPECIAL family day in the grounds of a hall near Shipston is raising money for a local charity this Sunday. Playbox Theatre Company, the Warwick-based children's theatre group, is staging its successful version of Hans Christian Andersen's famous tale

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Third family with black belt double

STEWART Wilson has become the latest member of Kidderminster's Samurai Judo Club to earn his black belt after good performances at a series of gradings. Wilson, 17, travelled to Bedford for his final grading and won all of his contests to gain the coveted

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Blacker thrills with track best

WYRE Forest Cycle Racing Club's Phil Blacker was the star when he produced his best track racing performance ever in the Halesowen Track League at the Manor Abbey Stadium. In his first race, the eight-lap (two-mile) scratch race, Dave LeGris, the former

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Mother stabbed by used syringe

A YOUNG mother endured several sleepless nights and lost a week's pay during an agonising wait for an HIV blood test result after inadvertently stabbing herself with a used hypodermic syringe. Sabrina Southall was relieved to be given the all-clear but

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Annual invite for fun event

CLEOBURY Mortimer Volleyball Club are hosting a fun tournament on Saturday, July 9, and are inviting teams to take part. The annual event will be held on the sports fields adjacent to the sports and fitness centre, with games starting at 1pm. Funds raised

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Four set for Austrian adventure

MEMBERS of Bewdley Pines Golf Club are off in search of success in Austria this weekend. And, if their past exploits are anything to go by, they could well be returning in triumph. The four-man team, comprising captain John Brown, Roy Stevens, Jim Stevens

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Bewdley lead top divisions

AS the competition reaches the halfway stage, Bewdley A still lead Division One of the Kidderminster & District Midweek Bowling League. They hold a 122-shot difference over second placed St Johns A and have a game in hand over them. St Johns A's win

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Crews pick up 10 pots in day

IT was celebrations all round for Bewdley Rowing Club with members scooping a total of 10 wins at Bridgnorth Regatta followed by another prestigious win at Loughborough. The Bridgnorth event brought success for the women's novice coxed fours of Eleni

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Banksiders AC

Hurcott Pool: 1 Steve Raynor, 2 Ray Jordan, 3 Mick Swalwell, 4 Rob Mountford. Points to date: Raynor 83, Dennis Moles 79, Swalwell 78, Jordan 72, Geoff Wilkes 72, Trevor Hyrons 41. Larford Lakes is the venue for the next contest, which is on Saturday,

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Sister's rage at subway attack

A WOMAN whose brother has a fractured skull after being attacked in a Kidderminster subway is furious that there is no CCTV in the troubled underpass. Angry Diane Jbilou is demanding cameras be installed in the Comberton Hill subway and has made an impassioned

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Thieves target cash for charity

HARD-earned sponsorship money raised for Cancer Research UK was stolen by thieves who broke into a locked office at Kidderminster Hospital. But generous hospital workers were so dismayed that fund-raiser Brenda Berry from the catering department finished

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Bronx AC

River Stour, Mitton: Derek Aston 5-13, Gary Priest 5-11, Dave Cooke 5-6.

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Remand

A KIDDERMINSTER man is awaiting trial after pleading not guilty at Worcester Crown Court to 14 charges of making indecent photographs of children. Andrew Woodward, 40, of Upton Road, Broadwaters, was remanded on bail for a trial date to be fixed.

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Police warning to close windows

TWO mobile phones worth £450 were stolen from a Kidderminster house when the owner went to bed and left a ground floor window open. The burglary, which happened in Woodfield Street in the early hours of Saturday, has prompted a warning by West Mercia

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Gilt Edge AC

Poole Hall: Frank Guest 10-7, Pete White 9-0, John Eggington 7-0, Alan Lyon 6-0. This weekend's contest, for the Wild Life Trophy, will be held at Astwood Fisheries. Telephone the club secretary on 01562 824651 for details.

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Last chance for burglar

A burglar who broke into two Kidderminster homes in one day and attacked a householder has escaped jail at Worcester Crown Court. Recorder Asif said he was impressed by the steps taken by Andrew Burkett to address his drug problem. He hoped that imminent

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Woodward Grosvenors AC

Woodside bottom pool: H Tombs 31-2, J Middleton 27-13.5, S Campbell 25-10.5, K Higginson 12-10, R Campbell 11-9.5. The next contest is on Sunday on the River Teme, Eastham. Anglers should meet at Green Street car park, Kidderminster, at 6.30am.

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Bully jailed for attack on lover

A DOMESTIC bully who scared his girlfriend so much that she felt killing herself was her only hope of escape has been jailed for three and a half years at Worcester Crown Court. Kieron Lavelle broke Tammy Hart's knee with a curtain pole, which snapped

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Tomkinsons AC

Keepers Pool: T Wills 24-10, G Owen 20-11, R Bastable 15-2, J Brooks 15-1, J Fox 15-1. A contest will be held on Lyttelton waters 44-79 on Sunday, draw 8am behind Stourport Leisure Centre.

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Poole Hall Fisheries

There has been good fishing on all pools this week, with weights varying from 29lb to 73lb, and a good showing of tench and carp. The most popular baits have been maggots, casters, meat and sweetcorn. Wednesday Open, Heron Pool: Brian Bird 42-6 (24),

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Fun as Fleece rises from flames

THOUSANDS turned out to celebrate the re-opening of the historic Fleece Inn at Bretforton. The timber-framed National Trust pub was gutted by a fire that broke out on the roof of the building in February last year. As the flames took hold villagers and

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Octoplus Boldings

Midweek Open: Mel Kitson (Rod & Gun) 52lb 3oz (Sycamore peg 33, corn and pellets, carp 7lb), Mick Jameson (Middy ML) 43-6 (Sycamore 8, pellets 5m, carp 6lb, tench 3lb), Rod Arnold (Cannock) 35-4 (Sycamore 13). Saturday, 26 fished: Andy Kyte (Rod &

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Not listening amid schools controversy

JUST a line to enquire if Stephen Clee has inadvertently joined the wrong party? The Wyre Forest Conservatives' website claims that Conservatives value public opinion and are listening, whilst Mr Clee, if his comments to Oliver Evans (May 26 issue of

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Team effort ensues success in carnival

THROUGH your columns I would like to thank all those that made this year's Kidderminster Carnival a wonderful success. The parade was not as big as previous years but to those who made the effort and over came the problems of insurance to keep the tradition

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Spirited in defeat

KIDDERMINSTER Chess Club A had to field a severely weakened team when they met West Bromwich in Division One of the Wolverhampton League, but were only defeated by a single point. The two players promoted from the B side - Clive Billinge and Derek Digger

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Tim's trek for India teaching

AN Evesham man is appealing for help in raising sponsorship money for his upcoming trek across the Himalayas. Thirty-nine-year-old Tim Dolan is taking on the adventure to support educational projects in Northern India. This would principally involve the

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Six wins in a row bring U-9s Classic victory

WYRE Forest Brintons u-9s football starlets are going from strength the strength. Their most recent triumph was in Bournemouth Classic seven-a-side mini tournament where the VIP guest was Southampton manager Harry Redknapp. The team won all their six

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Pretty good report for Vale pre-school

STAFF and pupils at Charlton with Cropthorne Pre-school have been celebrating after receiving a glowing Ofsted report. The pre-school in Charlton has 28 children from two to four years old and employs five staff. The report detailed the high quality nursery

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Education chief puts things into perspective

DIRECTOR of Education for Worcestershire for the past seven years Julien Kramer is to retire at the end of October. He was appointed in 1998 to set up the new Local Education Authority when the organisation became Worcestershire County Council and he

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Royals in last-over triumph

WORCESTERSHIRE Royals held their nerve in a last-over drama in front of a sell-out 5,000 crowd and squeezed home by one run against Warwickshire Bears in their opening Twenty20 Cup fixture at New Road. Graeme Hick made 67 from 43 balls to take the Royals

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Six-wicket Lee has them all Shuck up

TEENAGER Lee Shuck took 6-25, including a three-wicket maiden, to become our bowler of the week for the second time in his young career. His haul came in Ombersley Sunday Seconds' eight-wicket victory at Feckenham in the Fearnley Factory Shop Worcestershire

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Spa book cup final place

DROITWICH Spa reac-hed the Worcestershire League Knockout final after a comfortable home seven-wicket victory over rivals Ombersley. Spa will play holders Netherton in the 12 eight-ball over contest at Kidderminster's Chester Road on Monday, July 4. Ombersley

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Rajayoga lands victory in the sunshine

PUNTERS basked in the sun yesterday as seven races were staged at Pitchcroft Racecourse. Odds-on favourite Rajayoga started the ball rolling with a victory for jockey L Aspell before Christian Williams followed up with victory on Good Man Again in the

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Astley Horticultural Society

THE Crown Phoenix Big Band and singers will entertain at the Centenary Summer Ball, to be held at Astley village hall on Saturday. All proceeds from the event will go to Kemp Hospice. The band will play a selection of music made famous by artistes such

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Franche Ladies

THE next meeting will be on Wednesday, July 13 at 8pm at Franche village hall, when John Guest will give a talk, with slides, on China. New members will be welcome. For further information telephone 015662 66512.

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Minster Ladies

A MEETING will be held on Wednesday, July 6 at 2pm in St George's Annexe, Radford Avenue, Kidderminster. The speaker will be A Spells, on "The Berlin Way". There will be a "bring and buy" sale. Members and visitors will be welcome. For further information

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Kidderminster Horticultural Society

SATURDAY is Gardens Open Day in Kidderminster. Telephone Sue Cooke on 01562 631001 for details, or e-mail suesgarden@blueyonder.co.uk Visit the website at www.horticultural.org.uk for information on the society.

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Jazz legends set to take annual festival by storm

JAZZ legends Kenny Ball and Acker Bilk are just two of the top performers lined up for the annual Upton-upon-Severn jazz festival taking place this weekend. This year will be the 20th International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival to be staged in the picturesque

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The Animals 2005-style at hall

HOUSE of the Rising Sun by The Animals is one of the most well-known and popular pop songs of all time. Tomorrow night, people heading Worcester way can enjoy seeing The Animals of 2005 perform it themselves on the Huntingdon Hall stage, along with other

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The worldwide cream of the Devon herd

THE famous Grove Herd of pedigree South Devon cattle of Douglas Scott at Wells Folly, Moreton, came under international spotlight when members attended the sixth world congress of the South Devon Herd Book Society made a farm visit. Founded in Hertfordshire

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Puxton is a great place to be a plant

OUT on Puxton Marsh Nature Reserve in Kidderminster, the summer flora has begun blooming in style. The spring flowers of cuckoo flower and buttercups are starting to be overtaken by the far more vigorous summer blooms. Looking down across the nature reserve

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We've supported Operation Covert

1st Wilden Guides 5th and 6th Stourport Brownies 10th Hereford Cubs 12th Kidderminster (Blakedown) Scout Group Ash Friendship Fund Ballroom Glitz Beards Ironmonger Bulls Head, Cookley Bridgnorth Vintage Machinery Club Cadspec Chaddesley Corbett Freemasons

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Batman Begins UCI Cinema Merry Hill Cert 12a

HOLEY Moley, not another Batman movie. Probably not the most enjoyable for children but definitely the best so far for us grown-ups. Its mostly thanks to a superb plot and some great acting. The latest Hollywood star to don the famous cloak and mask is

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Park ready for Safari Proms

WEST Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Bewdley,is again gearing up for its annual Safari Proms on Saturday, July 9. This outdoor evening event will combine sing-a-long proms, a classical music extravanganza and spectacular fireworks finale. Wyre Forest

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The show must go on

ONE of Wyre Forest's oldest drama groups is set to lose its headquarters but a long-serving member has vowed the show must go on - and is calling for help to secure the society's future. Stourport Three Arts Guild has been rehearsing at a former classroom

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Smiths always on hand to fly airmen home

PASSING Smiths Industries at Bishops Cleeve, which has provided employment for the Vale and North Cotswolds for more than 60 years, memories came flooding back for Michael J Barnard. He has been talking to reporter Gerry Barnett about them and an unusual

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'The mindless Vale vandals'

WANTON vandalism seems to be on the increase in Pershore according to the town mayor who is urging residents to help him stamp it out. A picnic bench next to the river Avon was completely destroyed by fire and a lifebelt thrown in the river. A hanging

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We want your story

THE Prostate Cancer Charity is launching its first national survey to find out the experiences of the 30,000 UK men who are diagnosed with the disease every year. As Chief Executive of the Prostate Cancer Charity, I appeal to you and your readers to take

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Covering herself in glory again

NEW Labour loyalist Patricia Hewitt seems about to cover herself in glory again as Health Secretary. She is considering selling to the private sector the NHS Blood and Transport responsible for the voluntary blood donation service so praised by Laurence

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Why should discussion be bitter pill to swallow?

ARE you stockpiling jars of your favourite vitamins yet? If not, then it might be advisable. Because it is now less than two months before an EU Directive that is set to ban nearly 300 vitamin and mineral forms is due to come into effect. According to

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Woman found in river 'didn't like her house'

A RETIRED nurse found dead in a river was depressed because she always hated where she lived. Patricia Curry 'constantly wanted to move house' and told her husband more than 50 times she was so unhappy she would walk into the river, an inquest in Stourport

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Conductor set for busy summer season

A HECTIC summer season is under way for Muller Cleobury Mortimer Band which is under the baton of a new conductor. Roger Andrews applied for the prestigious position of musical director after seeing a feature in the Shuttle/Times & News and now has

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Historic hall set to stage feast of music

A FESTIVAL featuring classical and jazz music and a slapstick play is being held at a historic landmark near Kidderminster this month. Harvington Hall Festival 2005 runs from Friday, July 1 until Sunday, July 17 and kicks off with a classical concert

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Bands battle for title

UP-and-coming bands from schools and colleges across Worcestershire will battle it out for the chance to record a demo in a professional recording studio tomorrow. Torium and Amoeba, whose members attend Bewdley High School and Hourglass, made up of students

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23/6/05 - Royals in last-over triumph

WORCESTERSHIRE Royals held their nerve in a last-over drama in front of a sell-out 5,000 crowd and squeezed home by one run against Warwickshire Bears in their opening Twenty20 Cup fixture at New Road. Graeme Hick made 67 from 43 balls to take the Royals

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Open day

A pets corner, merry-go-round, and bouncy castle are among the attractions at an open day being held by a Wyre Forest organisation that offers support for families. Sure Start Wyre Forest will be hosting the event at Birchen Coppice Middle School on Wednesday

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Ladies night to raise funds

A NIGHT of indulgence is being offered to raise money to help save Hartlebury Pre School Playgroup. The campaign has been launched to find £100,000 for a temporary classroom to house youngsters, aged between two and four, who are set to lose their current

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Stop the speed in our village!

BIDFORD residents are being urged to have their say on plans to cut the speed limits in the village. Warwickshire County Council is holding an exhibition at Crawford Memorial Hall on Wednesday, June 29 starting at 2.30pm until 8pm. Residents from the

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Michael's an unlikely Croatian TV star

A KEEN Astley Cross gardener has been surprised by news that he is appearing on Croatian TV screens. President of Stourport Horticultural Society, Michael Ecob, first appeared on the BBC programme, Curious Gardeners, in 2001. The show, which featured

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World War Two veteran's joy at Palace appointment

BURMA veteran, Phil Chesterton, has received a special despatch from the Queen - to attend one of her exclusive summer garden parties. The 81-year-old member of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association fought with the regiment

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Tributes to crash pair

THE death of a couple who were due to celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary next week has devastated staff and residents at the Cookley apartment complex where they lived. Seventy-six-year-old Beryl Nock died in Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley on

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Railway brews up feast of ales

THE widespread appeal of beer was highlighted by Midlands brewers at an event organised by the British Beer and Pub Association Midland Counties, held at the Severn Valley Railway's King and Castle pub in Kidderminster and Railwayman's Arms in Bridgnorth

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The show must go on

ONE of Wyre Forest's oldest drama groups is set to lose its headquarters but a long-serving member has vowed the show must go on - and is calling for help to secure the society's future. Stourport Three Arts Guild has been rehearsing at a former classroom

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Photographs capturing sculptures from nature

THE early works of an artist who has made a name for himself making outdoor sculptures using natural materials such as twigs and icicles is coming to Wyre Forest in an extensive tour of the UK. Andy Goldsworthy: Early Works from the Arts Council Collection

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Debbie's flight of fancy comes true

A ROMANTIC pub owner completed a whirlwind couple of weeks for his wife by whisking her off her feet on a helicopter trip of a lifetime. In the past seven weeks, Tim Churchman took over his first pub - The Country Girl, in Stoke Prior, near Hanbury -

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Store attacked for 'monopoly'

GREEN campaigners are calling for an investigation into what they describe as Tesco's "monopoly" of the market, it emerged today. Friends of the Earth want a moratorium on the supermarket chain taking over any more shops, including convenience stores.

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They're just the job for finding work

RECRUITMENT consultant Backup Staff Limited has had its best ever year ever finding jobs for more than 14,000 residents in Worcester. Turnover at Backup, which is based in Castle Street in the city centre, increased 25 per cent during the 2004/05 financial

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Steve's all set to step into shoes of a chef

THE heat is on for a Worcester man who has won the chance to experience life in his dream job as a professional chef. Steve Fuller, a strategic planner with the Learning and Skills Council, was one of 10 lucky winners of the national Dream Job Swap Competition

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Martin to go on beat

A NEW police community support officer has been introduced by Warwickshire Police to walk the streets of Bidford to prevent crime in the area. Martin Sandford, a Police community support officer was made a permanent member of Warwickshire Police earlier

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Choir raising roof and cash

THE Choir of King's College, Cambridge, is making another of its regular visits to Stratford in July. The choir's almost annual visits to Stratford have become a tradition and this time, it is raising money for the town's music festival. For their latest

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Where does the idea come from?

I AM writing in absolute support for our doctors who are against the closures of vital wards at Evesham Community Hospital. Just where do these executive idiots come from, cloud cuckoo land. How dare they once again try to ride rough shod over Evesham

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The best stroke unit around...

WHERE to start re Evesham Community Hospital and why it should not close. This most essential place which has the best stroke unit for miles around also the best physiotherapy unit for miles around must not be allowed to close. It is essential when people

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What's On

TONIGHT: Birmingham: Marriott Hotel - Lupa. Hippodrome - Concert version of Iolanta. Symphony Hall - CBSO Igorfest The Fairy's Kiss. Wolverhampton: Civic Hall - James Brown. Robin R'n'B2 - The Spirit of Rush. Coventry: Warwick University - Flavor Flav

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Exhibitions

MAC, Birmingham - Birmingham Print Makers, until July 3. The Ballad of Hoa, until Sunday. A Boy in a Woman's Body, until Sunday. Lighthouse, Wolverhampton - Facing East, until July 6. Art Gallery and Museum, Worcester - Treasures of Croome Revealed, until

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Heads headline

COVER band The Steaming Heads will headline at this Saturday's Midsummer Fayre on Hereford's Castle Green. The band members are all local and describe their sound as a mix of country, bluegrass, cajun, folk and rock played with soul. The free 'proms in

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Bishampton

CONCERT IN CHURCH: From the opening notes of Choral Dances by Benjamin Britten, the large audience in Bishampton Church on Saturday, June 11, realised they were in for a special evening's entertainment. In a Church wonderfully decorated for the Flower

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Bourton Vale

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: There are three important dates in the calendar: On June 29 there is an evening visit to Mrs Lucy Abel-Smith's garden, The Old Rectory, Quenington, including the sculpture exhibition, meet at 5.45pm at the war memorial, transport

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Mickleton

MICKLETON SOCIETY: Society members enjoyed their summer outing last week to Alscot Park, near Preston-on-Stour. Alscot Park was originally owned by the monastery of Deerhurst, becoming privately owned during the reign of Henry VIII. It was bought by James

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Martha continues a run of show success

A COW called Martha from a small herd of South Devon cattle at Kinsham, Bredon, who has set the show rings alight at this year's summer shows, continued her remarkable success at the Three Counties Show. Bred by Margaret and Keith Plain at their Foxhole

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Evesham

GARDENING CLUB: The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 28 at 7.30pm at Wallace House, Oat Street. The talk will be given by Dr David Authey and is entitled Spindlewood, a Cotswold Garden. Refreshments will be served after the meeting. The entrance

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Harvington

SUMMER CONCERT: Harvington Singers' summer concert, on Friday, June 10, was once again well supported and the pleasant summer's evening made it possible for the patrons to stroll outside the church during the interval and enjoy the customary strawberries

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Mickleton

GARDENING CLUB: The chairman welcomed everyone to the June meeting. Two outings to visit Coton Manor Gardens, Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens, Hodnet Hall Gardens and Wollerton Old Hall Gardens had been enjoyed by club members and thanks were given to Anne

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Moreton

INTEREST AND LEISURE CLUB: Members have expressed their condolences to the families of two valued members of the club who died recently, June Coxhill and Blanche Swift. The latest outing was to the Forest of Dean steam and diesel railways. The steam train

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Tragedy at castle

MACBETH in the grounds of Eastnor Castle will provide a summertime treat for Shakespeare lovers next month. The Lord Chamberlain's Men, an all-male cast named after Shakespeare's own troupe, will perform the tragedy with period costume, music, dance and

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Sultry and sexy ballet likely to set the pulses racing

SULTRY and sexy Dangerous Liaisons is a ballet 'guaranteed to have pulses racing and corsets heaving', Everyman Theatre promoters promise. Northern Ballet is heading to Cheltenham with its first small-scale tour of the David Nixon adaptation of the classic

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Theatre aimed at children is full of Eastern promise

A SPECIAL family day in the grounds of a hall near Shipston is raising money for a local charity this Sunday. Playbox Theatre Company, the Warwick-based children's theatre group, is staging its successful version of Hans Christian Andersen's famous tale

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All the world can be a stage

THE Bare Bones Theatre Company, a Ross-based amateur touring company founded a year ago, has established an enviable reputation for the quality of its productions. But growing audiences in flat-floored village halls make it difficult for everyone to enjoy

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From the bar of the Vic to the bar of the court!

THERE will be another side to Dirty Den on show in a thriller coming to Malvern next week - or will there?. Leslie Grantham is starring in Beyond Reasonable Doubt, a Jeffrey Archer courtroom thriller. Grantham plays Sir David Metcalfe, QC and chairman

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Fulfil your dreams of painting

ANYONE who dreams of a brush in their hand and time to paint some of the beautiful countryside around us can treat themselves to a local painting course. Samantha Dadd is an artist based at Conderton, near Tewkesbury, and as well as exhibiting her own

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Jazz legends set to take annual festival by storm

JAZZ legends Kenny Ball and Acker Bilk are just two of the top performers lined up for the annual Upton-upon-Severn jazz festival taking place this weekend. This year will be the 20th International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival to be staged in the picturesque

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Alcester

LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY: A Brief History of Schools in Warwickshire was the subject of the speaker David Howe. Mr Howe entertained the society with descriptions of the early development of schools and quotes from old schools logs and punishment books. The

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Food and fun at Hay

HAY Food Festival takes place for the fourth time this weekend. The Hay Memorial Car Park in the centre of town will be transformed into a dazzling display of colour, bursting with distinctive local flavour, where gastronomes will be delighted with over

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Fashion passion

LEARNING mentor at Blackmarston School Joy Bishop took the bull by the horns in a recent attempt to raise the profile of both the school and special needs education. Organising a fashion show at Hereford Courtyard involved members of staff, pupils, parents

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Summer Serenade, Kidderminster Town Hall

HAVING read so much in the Shuttle/Times and News about tenor Russell Painter, baritone Jonathan Darby and pianist David Morgan, it was wonderful to finally hear them. And what a superb idea it was to have three of Kidderminster's finest musicians on

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Batman Begins UCI Cinema Merry Hill Cert 12a

HOLEY Moley, not another Batman movie. Probably not the most enjoyable for children but definitely the best so far for us grown-ups. Its mostly thanks to a superb plot and some great acting. The latest Hollywood star to don the famous cloak and mask is

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The Rat Pack Live Malvern Theatres until Saturday

THE cast got a much-deserved standing ovation at the end of this superb show where the audience was skilfully transported back to 1950s Las Vegas. Henry Prego as Frank Sinatra, Nigel Casey as Dean Martin and Allie Laurie as Sammy Davis Jr brought the

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The show must go on

ONE of Wyre Forest's oldest drama groups is set to lose its headquarters but a long-serving member has vowed the show must go on - and is calling for help to secure the society's future. Stourport Three Arts Guild has been rehearsing at a former classroom

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Double the fun

A DOUBLE bill of stand-up is lined up for a laugh-filled start to July in Chipping Norton. Chris Addison is providing one half of the night's entertainment. Acclaimed as one of the most versatile comics on the circuit, he co-created The Department for

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Conductor set for busy summer season

A HECTIC summer season is under way for Muller Cleobury Mortimer Band which is under the baton of a new conductor. Roger Andrews applied for the prestigious position of musical director after seeing a feature in the Shuttle/Times & News and now has

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Imagination runs riot

FLIGHTS of Fancy by local bookbinder Adam Watson is on show at Hereford Courtyard until July 30. Occasionally getting bored with the rectangle, Adam's imagination has taken flight with a series of books which seem almost to be alive. While staying within

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Choir raising roof and cash

THE Choir of King's College, Cambridge, is making another of its regular visits to Stratford in July. The choir's almost annual visits to Stratford have become a tradition and this time, it is raising money for the town's music festival. For their latest

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Vital to recovery of all patients

I AM appalled to read reports that South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust is threatening to close Willow Stroke Unit and Bredon Rehabilitation Ward at Evesham Community Hospital. Both these wards are vital to the health and recovery of all patients,

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Where does the idea come from?

I AM writing in absolute support for our doctors who are against the closures of vital wards at Evesham Community Hospital. Just where do these executive idiots come from, cloud cuckoo land. How dare they once again try to ride rough shod over Evesham

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The best stroke unit around...

WHERE to start re Evesham Community Hospital and why it should not close. This most essential place which has the best stroke unit for miles around also the best physiotherapy unit for miles around must not be allowed to close. It is essential when people

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Victoria win to take top Sunday spot

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria have jumped to the top of the Worcestershire Sunday Club League and are now three points ahead of Barnt Green. This week's victory was over Droitwich, when Kyle McAllister took 5-40 and Phil Shaw 3-11, and Divan van Wyk top scored

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First win gives Cookley lift-off

COOKLEY achieved their first "double" of the season in the County League Division Two with both teams recording narrow victories. It was the first time the A team had won this season - at the ninth attempt - and their 24-point haul moved them off the

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Umpires meet

A cricket umpires meeting will be held at Kidderminster Harriers Social Club on Tuesday, starting at 7.30pm. All umpires are urged to attend.

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Siwicki's 88 puts Stourport in semis

ANDREW Siwicki hit 88 for Stourport to lead them to victory over Roxel in the quarter-final of the Wilden Industrial Estates League Wednesday Junior Cup. Wednesday results: Cup and Plate: Enville 90-5, Waterfront 77-7; Quatt 209-2, Brintons 62-5; Lye

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Twin role for Leatherdale

FORMER Kidderminster cricketer David Leatherdale took a stroll down memory lane this week and recalled with fondness his spell at Chester Road in the late 1980s. "I enjoyed it," said the 37 year-old, who now leads a "double life" with Worcestershire where

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Work begins on huge new GPs' surgery

WORK has begun on a new £8.1m doctor's surgery in Worcester. The Newtown Road health centre - which will accommodate Haresfield House Surgery in Bath Road and St Martin's Gate Surgery in Spring Gardens and serve 38,000 patients - is believed to be the

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Laying out a blueprint for nicer place to live

A cleaner, greener environment, with first-class services and prosperity for all - that is the vision for the future of the Malvern Hills district. The plan for the next five to 10 years sets out priorities for reducing waste, building more affordable

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It's a matter of murder

PUPILS at a city school turned super-sleuths for a day when they investigated a mock murder using forensic analysis. Children from Year 8 of Bishop Perowne High School, off Merrimans Hill Road, were faced with the scenario of trying to find out who was

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Anger at craze for car-badge collecting

FURIOUS drivers are paying the price of a craze for stealing car badges. Dealerships have reported an increase in people ordering replacement badges following a spate of thefts. Lexus, on the main road through Hallow, near Worcester, has had five orders

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Safety ideas get a cool reception

SUGGESTIONS for making the town centre safer for pedestrians received a cool reception in Upton-upon-Severn last night. The proposals would bring the economic development of Upton to a complete halt and the repercussions of putting traffic lights in the

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Sun, sand and sixes at match

THERE was plenty of glamour at New Road as the Twenty20 cricket season burst into life. A number of beauties - including Miss Worcestershire - enjoyed all the action from a boundary-side 'beach', ensuring a touch of the exotic accompanied the on-pitch

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Gipsy families make legal bid to stay put

THE latest bid by nine gipsy families to put their site near Wyre Piddle bypass on a legal footing looks set for failure today. Wychavon District Council's development control committee is due to rule on a planning application for 18 touring caravans,

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Pulling power worries boss

AT least eight possible new signings have slipped through the net because of Kidderminster Harriers' unresolved power struggle. "It's a bit like we're in a 'freeze frame' and there's nothing for the fans to get excited about," said Harriers' frustrated

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New away strip

l KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' new away strip was revealed at Aggborough this week when Simon Russell made a switch from midfielder to model. The new shirt polled almost 70 per cent of the vote from fans who took part in an official text poll. The kit, comprising

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What's On

TONIGHT: Birmingham: Marriott Hotel - Lupa. Hippodrome - Concert version of Iolanta. Symphony Hall - CBSO Igorfest The Fairy's Kiss. Wolverhampton: Civic Hall - James Brown. Robin R'n'B2 - The Spirit of Rush. Coventry: Warwick University - Flavor Flav

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Speed limit brought in for death-crash road

A NEW speed limit comes into force next month by the scene in Little Hereford of an accident in which a motorcyclist was killed. The 60mph limit on part of the A456 will drop to 50mph after years of lobbying by Brimfield and Little Hereford Parish Council

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Exhibitions

MAC, Birmingham - Birmingham Print Makers, until July 3. The Ballad of Hoa, until Sunday. A Boy in a Woman's Body, until Sunday. Lighthouse, Wolverhampton - Facing East, until July 6. Art Gallery and Museum, Worcester - Treasures of Croome Revealed, until

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Big bands, bombs and 40s spirit

THE clock will turn back 65 years at Severn Valley Railway this weekend and next in nostalgic events aiming to answer the frequently asked question: What was it like during the war? This is because the tourist attraction is holding the first of this year's

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Floral salute to famous artists

VISITORS to a flower festival in Wolverley will be treated to colourful displays representing the work of well-known artists. Wolverley Floral Art Club is decorating St John the Baptist Church on an Artists of the World theme. Club chairman, Jackie Harris

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Man 'obsessed by wife's affair'

A CHEATED Kidderminster husband kidnapped his wife's young lover and made him kneel and plead for mercy in a pub car park, Worcester Crown Court heard. Harold Maiden became obsessed by his wife's brief affair with a workmate and lay in wait for him as

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Thousands enjoy blazing day of fun

THOUSANDS of people flocked to Kiddermin-ster's Brinton Park on one of the hottest days of the year to enjoy a packed field of carnival fun on Saturday. The glorious weather - breaking the 30 degree centigrade barrier in the afternoon - brought out crowds

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Bishampton

CONCERT IN CHURCH: From the opening notes of Choral Dances by Benjamin Britten, the large audience in Bishampton Church on Saturday, June 11, realised they were in for a special evening's entertainment. In a Church wonderfully decorated for the Flower

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Bourton Vale

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: There are three important dates in the calendar: On June 29 there is an evening visit to Mrs Lucy Abel-Smith's garden, The Old Rectory, Quenington, including the sculpture exhibition, meet at 5.45pm at the war memorial, transport

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Broadway

GARDEN CLUB: Twenty-four members enjoyed a visit to Mulu Nurseries at Wickhamford in May. They were showed round the covered glass section by the manager, Steve. Bamboo plants, exotic plants, palm trees and tropical fruit are cultivated and supplied to

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Mickleton

MICKLETON SOCIETY: Society members enjoyed their summer outing last week to Alscot Park, near Preston-on-Stour. Alscot Park was originally owned by the monastery of Deerhurst, becoming privately owned during the reign of Henry VIII. It was bought by James

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Martha continues a run of show success

A COW called Martha from a small herd of South Devon cattle at Kinsham, Bredon, who has set the show rings alight at this year's summer shows, continued her remarkable success at the Three Counties Show. Bred by Margaret and Keith Plain at their Foxhole

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Evesham

GARDENING CLUB: The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 28 at 7.30pm at Wallace House, Oat Street. The talk will be given by Dr David Authey and is entitled Spindlewood, a Cotswold Garden. Refreshments will be served after the meeting. The entrance

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Mickleton

GARDENING CLUB: The chairman welcomed everyone to the June meeting. Two outings to visit Coton Manor Gardens, Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens, Hodnet Hall Gardens and Wollerton Old Hall Gardens had been enjoyed by club members and thanks were given to Anne

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North & Middle Littleton

PARISH COUNCIL: Fish and Anchor Bank: After lengthy closure this has now been re-opened. It was agreed to contact Worcestershire County Council with regard to a weight restriction being imposed on this stretch of road. Play Area: A Deed of Dedication

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Asylum seeker rights

THIS week, June 20 to 26, is Refugee Week. We the undersigned, members of Pershore Group of Amnesty International, want to use this opportunity to make some points to Journal readers about refugees and asylum seekers. What is a refugee? Someone who has

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Buckle up for a safe ride

YOU can't legislate for stupidity - or so the saying goes. Well, actually you can, as the number of people caught flouting seatbelt laws shows. When the Conservative government made the wearing of seatbelts compulsory - for front seat passengers, anyway

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Tragedy at castle

MACBETH in the grounds of Eastnor Castle will provide a summertime treat for Shakespeare lovers next month. The Lord Chamberlain's Men, an all-male cast named after Shakespeare's own troupe, will perform the tragedy with period costume, music, dance and

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Sultry and sexy ballet likely to set the pulses racing

SULTRY and sexy Dangerous Liaisons is a ballet 'guaranteed to have pulses racing and corsets heaving', Everyman Theatre promoters promise. Northern Ballet is heading to Cheltenham with its first small-scale tour of the David Nixon adaptation of the classic

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Chance to join summer school

WYRE Forest Gymnastic School are again holding their annual summer school activities at Baxter College, Kidderminster, this year for boys and girls from five to 17 years. Courses are running on July 25-29, August 1-5 and August 8-12. They will be held

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Trader fined on underage sale

A STOURPORT trader and licensee has been fined £600 and ordered to pay £2,000 costs after admitting selling alcohol to a 14-year-old girl. Sarwan Singh Randhawa admitted the offence at Kidderminster magistrates court. In a test purchase organised by Worcestershire

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Bubb battles seaside heat

DESPITE the many problems encountered at the Blackpool Marathon, The Amazing Feet Running Club's Phil Bubb completed the course in three hours 54 minutes 14 seconds to record 244th place out of 808 finishers. The start of the race was held up for 45 minutes

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TORMENT OF TESC0 TILL GIRL

Accused of having hand in cash drawer, but Rachel was only emptying out gum wrappers A CASHIER accused by Tesco of stealing £42 from a till has spoken of her delight at proving the supermarket wrong and clearing her name. Rachel Price was yesterday found

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Golden Maggot AC

Willow Marsh: Alan O'Brian 62-8, Mark Johnson 51-0, Tim Jones 43-0, John Harbord 31-5, Danny Marson 29-4, Steve Cleavely 28-2.

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Half road deaths are drivers failing to wear seatbelts

HUNDREDS of ignorant drivers are risking life and limb by taking the wheel while using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt, shock new figures show. South Worcestershire police have clamped down on a huge rise in the numbers and told car users to

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Old Bear AC

Juniors, Hurcott: W Mills 2-8, C McPherson 1-10-8, T North 1-2. Seniors, Keepers: S Boulter 47-1, M Rowe 43-3, C Price 29-0. The next seniors contest is on Sunday on the Staffordshire/Worcestershire canal 26-27. Anglers should meet at the venue for the

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Three babies died at the hospital - including mine

THREE babies have died at Worcestershire Royal Hospital within two weeks. The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has now launched a probe into the deaths after a complaint from a Kidderminster woman. When Kelly Hart, aged 22, arrived in labour at

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Floods chaos as pipe bursts

HUNDREDS of homes were left without water this morning and a family is now homeless after they woke to find their flat flooded by a burst water main. Nurses Jenny Harris and Andrew Eggleton say they have lost most of their possessions, including toys

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Keepers AC

Latest match: 1 Dave Carter (Keepers), 2 Rob Mountford (Banksiders), 3 Derick Yarnold (Keepers). Section winners: A Graham Higginson (Woodward Grosvenors), B Mick Swalwell (Banks), C Brioan Hemming (Woodward Grosvenors), D Richard Jones (Keepers), E Kevin

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Franche Village Club

River Severn, Danery: John Williams 4-3 (golden peg), Al Griffiths 4-0, Chris Greaves and Tony Plowright 1-0. A contest will be held at Keepers Pool on Sunday.

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Regent AC

This week's contest will be on Woodstone Manor, draw 8am at the venue. For directions and to book a peg telephone 01299 822320 by tomorrow (Friday).

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From the archives

100 Years Ago June 24 1905 The recent rains have considerably improved the strawberry crop, which on many lands was being ruined by the drought. The yield promises to be much larger than at first anticipated, as on some strawberry plants of the Paxton

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Black Boy AC

Strawberry Pool: G Yeomans 4-2, B Hudson 3-5, T Hughes 1-12. The next match will be on July 4 on Wren's Nest Pool, draw at 8am. Those taking part are asked to meet at Strawberry Pool at 7.30am.

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Furnace Mill Fishery

The open was held on Mucky Meadow Pool, when Chris Senter, of the Green Man, took the honours. He fished meat and paste off peg 34 to land his winning catch of top quality carp. Sunday Open: Senter (Green Man) 134-6 (34), Andy Newton (Shimano Tipton VDE

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Willow Marsh Fishery

Contest weights topped 100lb at the weekend on the Dragonfly Pool, with individual mirror carp at 15lb plus. Popular baits were sweetcorn and meat. Friday Afternoon Open, Dragonfly: Alistair Gavin 62-12, Martin Ridgeway 48-13-8dr, John Nott 39-6. Saturday

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Shatterford Lakes

Five trout to 1lb 8oz were taken on a hopper on the Wyre Dell Lake, where another angler took four trout to 3lb 8oz, including an 11lb brown trout, caught on a home-made gnat. On the coarse Erics Lake, two carp to 21lb 6oz were caught with floating trout

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A waste of tax payers' money?

I HAVE just witnessed the fifth day of the two council "gardeners" working on the carpet bed at the foot of Comberton Hill in Kidderminster. Adding two days for research, design and supervision gives an estimated total of 12 working days. The design celebrating

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Scruffy gateways sending out negative messages

I BELIEVE that a town's gateway says a lot about the town. If the town sign is dirty and the grass verges are not cut it usually means that the town or village is untidy. While the district council and highways department are probably doing their best

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Click-on website to save hospital

THE launch this week of the website by Evesham Technology marked a big step forward in the Journal-backed Save Our Hospital campaign. The Evesham Community Hospital Action Group under the leadership of the mayor, Councillor Frances Smith, who is also

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Closing the Evesham wards will endanger lives

EVESHAM MP Peter Luff challenged Junior Health Minister Liam Byrne in a Westminster debate yesterday to justify the sacrificing of Evesham Community Hospital to meet the bills of two private sector contractors. "Evesham must be saved," Mr Luff said in

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Gipsy families make legal bid to stay put

THE latest bid by nine gipsy families to put their site near Wyre Piddle bypass on a legal footing looks set for failure today. Wychavon District Council's development control committee is due to rule on a planning application for 18 touring caravans,

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Moorlands Farm

Wednesday Match Fishing Classic, 21 fished, Meadow Pool: Foster (Moorlands) 110lb 12oz (peg 45), Brian Cawley (Kamasan) 81-0 (20), Mal Watson (Daiwa Gordon League) 77-2 (41). Thursday Cost-Cutter, 24, Meadow: Watson (Daiwa Gordon League) 107-12 (16 (£200

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Hope for Helen's campaign

Helen Donovan, the Evesham parent who spearheaded the campaign for fairer funding for Worcestershire Schools, now has MP Jacqui Smith on board. She had a face to face talk in London last Thursday with Mrs Smith, the Redditch MP - and new Minister of State

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Warning on tradesman tools

VALE tradesmen have been reminded not to leave tools in their vehicles overnight following a spate of thefts in Evesham. Police have received reports that tools worth about £3,000 have been stolen in several incidents over the past week. Two drills -

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Quads bike noise fears

WYCHAVON District Council is set to rule on controversial plans to create a quad biking centre in Evesham. The application to change the use of horticultural land off Broadway Road has been submitted by Vito Muratore, who has also handed the council a

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Dig into your pockets to help the elderly needy

VALE people are being urged to dig deep into their pockets to help needy older people. Volunteers from Age Concern are helping to combat isolation and loneliness amongst the elderly by taking part in a collection which aims to raise £300,000 in just two

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Angry treasurer cuts off npower

ANOTHER church treasurer has been landed with a massive bill from npower for an estimated electricity supply. The bill for £2,493 was sent to John Worby, treasurer of Birlingham Church, where the bill normally is under £100. He contacted the Journal after

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Lions lap up double honour

KIDDERMINSTER Lions Football Club roared their way to a double honour when the Worcestershire FA held their annual Charter Standard Club awards ceremony. Not only were they named as the WFA Charter Standard Club of the Year, their chief coach John Powell

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Sculpture park takes shape in garden

THE mayor of Evesham, Councillor Frances Smith was on familiar territory when she opened the Sculpture Park and Jubilee Garden at Evesham High School. The mayor was among the first to attend the school when it opened in 1954, she became head girl and

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Forward move

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians Rugby Club are looking forward to the new season when club coach Andy Stooksbury will be assisted by a new forwards coach, the former Bath and Stourbridge forward Mabon Jones, who takes up his duties next Thursday. They will be

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Watkiss struggling

THE alarm bells are ringing ever louder at Aggborough after manager Stuart Watkiss revealed his transfer market agony. Watkiss has missed out on eight Kidderminster Harriers targets already due to the on-going ownership wrangle that threatens to plunge

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From the bar of the Vic to the bar of the court!

THERE will be another side to Dirty Den on show in a thriller coming to Malvern next week - or will there?. Leslie Grantham is starring in Beyond Reasonable Doubt, a Jeffrey Archer courtroom thriller. Grantham plays Sir David Metcalfe, QC and chairman

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Blakedown WI

THE recent fashion show raised £145. A tea party was organised for last Tuesday, in aid of Acorns Hospice. At the June meeting, June Gordon mentioned an outing to Wightwick Manor, on Wednesday, and members were reminded to order 2006 calendars and diaries

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Pulling power worries boss

AT least eight possible new signings have slipped through the net because of Kidderminster Harriers' unresolved power struggle. "It's a bit like we're in a 'freeze frame' and there's nothing for the fans to get excited about," said Harriers' frustrated

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Cleobury Mortimer Bridge Club

ON June 7 at the Lion Inn, Cleobury Mortimer, a Mitchell movement was played. The north-south winners were Frank and Pat Hall with 605 per cent, with Terry Lucey and Doreen Round second with 51 per cent. Steve Clifton and Nigel Wilkins were east-west

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Amateur Radio Society

THE next meeting will be a "Summer Activity Night" on Tuesday, July 5, at 8pm, when members of West Midlands Microlight Club will stage a "fly-in" and land their microlight aircraft on the sports field adjoining the Chainwire Club, Zortech Avenue, Kidderminster

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Kidderminster District Probus Club

AT the June 15 meeting, Alan and Andrea Stanley spoke about Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA). Apart from being coxswain of the local rescue craft, Mr Stanley is also executive chairman, while his wife is secretary. The swift-flowing tidal estuary

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Fulfil your dreams of painting

ANYONE who dreams of a brush in their hand and time to paint some of the beautiful countryside around us can treat themselves to a local painting course. Samantha Dadd is an artist based at Conderton, near Tewkesbury, and as well as exhibiting her own

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Classical Music Society

ON June 10 members paid tribute to the late Len Hughes, a stalwart of the society for many years, who died last year, recalling memories of Len, and playing recordings of appropriate music. Terry Wilkinson chose a transcription for two pianos of the Scherzo

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Kidderminster Cycling Club

ON Sunday, there will be two rides, both starting from The Green, Blakebrook, Kidderminster. The A ride, starting at 7.30am, will meet up at Ludlow for breakfast, followed by a ride over the Stiperstones. At 9.30am the B ride will head for the village

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Wribbenhall WI

THE group won a shield for achievements at the Home Economics Rally, and examples of the exhibits were on show at the June meeting. The next "crafty chat" afternoon will include a demonstration of decorating members' family scrap books. More walks are

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St Michael and All Angels Parish Church

CELEBRATING 25 years since being rebuilt in 1980, the church is hosting an open weekend and flower festival. There will be displays of church history, live music and organ recitals, a children's bouncy castle, displays by local groups and refreshments

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Breathe Easy Malvern and Worcester

A DONATION of £250 was received from a member whose mother died recently, and this will go towards Pulmonary Rehab in her memory. At the May 16 meeting at St Mary's Church Hall, Paul McGuire talked about his days as a Redcoat, speaking about the 50s and

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Wyre Forest Family Rambling Group

ON Sunday, a three-mile walk has been arranged at Cleobury Mortimer. Anyone interested in taking part should meet in the shoppers' car park behind the Talbot Hotel, Cleobury Mortimer, at 2pm. The walk is not suitable for pushchairs. Walkers should wear

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Cats Protection

THE Stourbridge and District branch is holding a "Cat Walk" on Sunday, June 26, to raise money for its vital rescue and re-homing services in the DY1 to DY13 areas. For more details, call phoning 01384 422208.

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Bike tribute to Dean

A procession of motorbikes will escort a funeral cortege through Bewdley this morning to pay tribute to a "fun-loving" 38-year-old. Dean's Peplow's funeral is being held at Bewdley Baptist Church at 11am and is expected to attract around 400 mourners.

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Alcester

LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY: A Brief History of Schools in Warwickshire was the subject of the speaker David Howe. Mr Howe entertained the society with descriptions of the early development of schools and quotes from old schools logs and punishment books. The

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June 23, 2005

THIS WEEK I welcomed Fred and Shirley Holland to the House of Commons for an award ceremony for local heroes from among older volunteers. Fred has worked tirelessly for 35 years for the diabetics of Wyre Forest as the leading light of the local branch

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Gardeners digging deep for open day

GREENFINGERED members of Kidderminster Horticultural Society are hoping to raise a whopping £3,000 for Operation Covert this weekend when they open their gardens to the public. Visitors to the floral extravaganza on Sunday will include 18 gardeners from

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Baby death probe

THREE babies have died at Worcestershire Royal Hospital within two weeks - at least one of which came from Wyre Forest. When Kidderminster mum-to-be Kelly Hart arrived in labour at the maternity unit int he early hours of the morning her unborn son was

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Summer Serenade, Kidderminster Town Hall

HAVING read so much in the Shuttle/Times and News about tenor Russell Painter, baritone Jonathan Darby and pianist David Morgan, it was wonderful to finally hear them. And what a superb idea it was to have three of Kidderminster's finest musicians on

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Smart ways to stay out of the debt trap

Are you in debt and struggling to see a way out? Emma Cullwick speaks to a man willing to help and a single mum with some top tips for saving money IT was simple at the time. Just fill out a form and hey presto, there's a whacking great big loan. So simple

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The Rat Pack Live Malvern Theatres until Saturday

THE cast got a much-deserved standing ovation at the end of this superb show where the audience was skilfully transported back to 1950s Las Vegas. Henry Prego as Frank Sinatra, Nigel Casey as Dean Martin and Allie Laurie as Sammy Davis Jr brought the

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Win tickets to antiques event

SUNDAY, July 10 is a great day to go shopping because the Malvern Antiques and Collectors Fair is taking place at the Three Counties Showground. Located on the picturesque Malvern Hills there's no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon this summer. The

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Counting the cost of caravan crimes

NOW the weather is hotting up thousands of caravan owners throughout the Vale and the Cotswold will be making for their favourite holiday spots either in this country or abroad. Many others will also be thinking of purchasing a caravan for the first time

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Real danger is Israel

ARE Bush and Blair considering regime change in France and Holland? Why not do something about regime change in the country with the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons of mass destruction in the whole of the Middle East and Asia? It has more nuclear

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Town's best kept secret?

AN appeal has gone out from the Pershore and District Community Minibus Committee for more help. The project was set up some 30 years ago, said chairman Dave Lavender. But there are still people who had never heard of it and he asked: "Is it Pershore's

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Chris is to pound the streets to raise pounds

Award-winning garden designer and TV presenter Chris Beardshaw from Pershore has signed up to run the British 10K for The Salvation Army. As one of the official charities for this year's British 10K race in July, the Salvation Army is encouraging people

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Appeal over bungalow

A BREDON householder is appealing against Wychavon District Council's refusal of planning permission for a bungalow and detached garage. The council refused the planned development to the rear of Lindenville on Main Street saying it would be out of character

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Double the fun

A DOUBLE bill of stand-up is lined up for a laugh-filled start to July in Chipping Norton. Chris Addison is providing one half of the night's entertainment. Acclaimed as one of the most versatile comics on the circuit, he co-created The Department for

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Jamie helps boost sales of the queen of vegetables

ASPARAGUS has tickled the taste buds to such an extent this season that sales of the queen of vegetables have risen faster than any other vegetable. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has promoted gras for Sainsbury's where sales are up by a staggering 290 per

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Woman 'critical' after fall on bus

AN appeal for witnesses is being made after an elderly woman suffered head injuries on a bus. The woman, in her 70s, fell from her seat when the bus stopped suddenly and is now in a critical condition at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, where she was taken

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Children to learn accident dangers

MORE than 1,000 children will learn how to deal with hazardous situations during an event being held near Bewdley. Wyre Forest and District Young Citizen Challenge 2005 is being staged by West Mercia Constabulary at Trimpley Reservoir from Monday until

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'Sith as a parrot' over our auction

OBVIOUSLY "the force" was not with us as we tried to auction a piece of Star Wars memorabilia. The 20ft x 10ft poster - promoting the latest blockbuster, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - was donated to the Shuttle/Times and News to help our

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Putting best feet forward for cash

A FAR Forest couple have arranged a programme of events to enable them to take part in a charity trek in Vietnam. Terry and Glen Gibbons, of High Oak, are hoping to raise £5,000 to take part in the challenge - in aid of Beating Bowel Cancer - in November

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- Tomrment of Tesco till girl - Half road deaths are drivers failing to wear seatbelts - Three babie

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Counties excelling in top competition

FOUR companies from Hereford-shire and Worcestershire are in the finals of the Waitrose Small Producers Awards. Tipsy Fruit Gins of Tenbury Wells and Clive's Fruit Farm of Upton-Upon-Severn, Worcester-shire, are drawing closer to finding out if they are

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Pensions are under threat

FINAL salary pensions in the private sector may become a thing of the past in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, it has been revealed. A survey by the Chamber of Commerce, Hereford-shire and Worcestershire, has revealed that one in five firms in the two

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Serious threat to health provision

May I, through your letter column urge the residents of Evesham and the surrounding villages to express great concern regarding the suggested closure of 2 wards thus downgrading the services provided at Evesham Community Hospital. These decisions are

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Vital to recovery of all patients

I AM appalled to read reports that South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust is threatening to close Willow Stroke Unit and Bredon Rehabilitation Ward at Evesham Community Hospital. Both these wards are vital to the health and recovery of all patients,

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Essential these wards are open

I READ with horror the article regarding the proposed closure of the hospital wards in Evesham. For a town that is growing at an enormous rate it is essential that these wards are left open. Many many people are without transport of their own and would

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Cash appeal to ensure the care

IN regard to the financial problems affecting the much needed services and care at our Evesham Hospital. When the original finance crisis was revealed a few years ago, when the present Primary Care Trust took over, I wrote to the Journal a letter, which

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Theatre

Hippodrome, Birmingham - The Magic Flute, Friday. Rigoletto, Saturday. The Rat Pack, Monday until July 2. Repertory, Birmingham - Don Quixote Rides Again, Friday until July 9. Alexandra, Birmingham - The King and I, until July 2. n Botanical Gardens,

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Thirteen play their part

A YEAR-and-a-half composing and recording new work has led to Herefordshire musician Pedro Brown releasing his third CD - Out of the Storm. The album - which is available at Outback Records, Hereford, from Saturday - marks a new venture for Pedro, with

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Broadway

GARDEN CLUB: Twenty-four members enjoyed a visit to Mulu Nurseries at Wickhamford in May. They were showed round the covered glass section by the manager, Steve. Bamboo plants, exotic plants, palm trees and tropical fruit are cultivated and supplied to

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Ebrington

GARDENING CLUB: On June 14 members made an evening visit to Bourton House Garden. After an introduction to the history of the house and garden by owner Monique Paice, the head gardener Paul Nicholls showed members around the three-acre garden. Having

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North & Middle Littleton

PARISH COUNCIL: Fish and Anchor Bank: After lengthy closure this has now been re-opened. It was agreed to contact Worcestershire County Council with regard to a weight restriction being imposed on this stretch of road. Play Area: A Deed of Dedication

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Asylum seeker rights

THIS week, June 20 to 26, is Refugee Week. We the undersigned, members of Pershore Group of Amnesty International, want to use this opportunity to make some points to Journal readers about refugees and asylum seekers. What is a refugee? Someone who has

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Classic opera comes to Roses

ROSSINI'S famous opera, The Barber of Seville, is 'a rollicking evening's entertainment' and boasts one of the best-known arias of all time - Largo al Factotum (Figaro here, Figaro there). And locals are getting the chance to experience the full opera

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Darkness and doubt

THE charming tale of Mary Norton's The Borrowers is delivered with dark overtones by director Janine Sharpe in this week's Courtyard production. Original music by Ian P Russell is well handled by the small cast, who belt out songs at regular intervals

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The Animals 2005-style at hall

HOUSE of the Rising Sun by The Animals is one of the most well-known and popular pop songs of all time. Tomorrow night, people heading Worcester way can enjoy seeing The Animals of 2005 perform it themselves on the Huntingdon Hall stage, along with other

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The worldwide cream of the Devon herd

THE famous Grove Herd of pedigree South Devon cattle of Douglas Scott at Wells Folly, Moreton, came under international spotlight when members attended the sixth world congress of the South Devon Herd Book Society made a farm visit. Founded in Hertfordshire

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Puxton is a great place to be a plant

OUT on Puxton Marsh Nature Reserve in Kidderminster, the summer flora has begun blooming in style. The spring flowers of cuckoo flower and buttercups are starting to be overtaken by the far more vigorous summer blooms. Looking down across the nature reserve

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Command performance

STUDENTS from the performing arts department at HCAD are presenting a four-day festival to tie in with the college's end of year summer show. The festival, which began yesterday (Wednesday) is taking place in a marquee in Churchill Gardens and consists

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Park ready for Safari Proms

WEST Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Bewdley,is again gearing up for its annual Safari Proms on Saturday, July 9. This outdoor evening event will combine sing-a-long proms, a classical music extravanganza and spectacular fireworks finale. Wyre Forest

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Win tickets to antiques event

SUNDAY, July 10 is a great day to go shopping because the Malvern Antiques and Collectors Fair is taking place at the Three Counties Showground. Located on the picturesque Malvern Hills there's no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon this summer. The

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Historic hall set to stage feast of music

A FESTIVAL featuring classical and jazz music and a slapstick play is being held at a historic landmark near Kidderminster this month. Harvington Hall Festival 2005 runs from Friday, July 1 until Sunday, July 17 and kicks off with a classical concert

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Bands battle for title

UP-and-coming bands from schools and colleges across Worcestershire will battle it out for the chance to record a demo in a professional recording studio tomorrow. Torium and Amoeba, whose members attend Bewdley High School and Hourglass, made up of students

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Picture this

LEOMINSTER photographer and website designer Christopher Preece compiled an online photography gallery to tie in with architecture week (June 17-26) completely off his own bat. The motivation for developing the site, which reveals 100 buildings of modern

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Mounting a new display

RICHLY evocative woodcuts conjuring up creatures and muses from another age are one of the latest new exhibits from the Hay Makers gallery. Jane Mowat studied art history at the Courtauld Institute and is now a member of the Somerset Printmakers. Also

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The show must go on

ONE of Wyre Forest's oldest drama groups is set to lose its headquarters but a long-serving member has vowed the show must go on - and is calling for help to secure the society's future. Stourport Three Arts Guild has been rehearsing at a former classroom

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Photographs capturing sculptures from nature

THE early works of an artist who has made a name for himself making outdoor sculptures using natural materials such as twigs and icicles is coming to Wyre Forest in an extensive tour of the UK. Andy Goldsworthy: Early Works from the Arts Council Collection

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Serious threat to health provision

May I, through your letter column urge the residents of Evesham and the surrounding villages to express great concern regarding the suggested closure of 2 wards thus downgrading the services provided at Evesham Community Hospital. These decisions are

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Essential these wards are open

I READ with horror the article regarding the proposed closure of the hospital wards in Evesham. For a town that is growing at an enormous rate it is essential that these wards are left open. Many many people are without transport of their own and would

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Cash appeal to ensure the care

IN regard to the financial problems affecting the much needed services and care at our Evesham Hospital. When the original finance crisis was revealed a few years ago, when the present Primary Care Trust took over, I wrote to the Journal a letter, which