Archive
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Astwood Bank Flower Club
MARK, from Alcester Flowers, was the demonstrator for our October meeting. He entitled his demonstration "Autumn" and the six arrangements he did were imaginative and beautiful. Wendy Hart thanked him. Dianne Hill entered the competition and was again
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Rovers boss calls for Dyer to stay
BROMSGROVE Rovers manager Jimmy Mullen is hoping midfielder Wayne Dyer will ignore attention from other clubs and stay at the Victoria Ground for the rest of the season. Dyer has become a highly sought after player by a number of Midlands clubs, after
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Dynamic Droitwich put hat in promotion ring
Droitwich 27 Edwardians 21 Midlands Division Four West (South) A FIRST half try blitz made sure Droitwich claimed their biggest scalp of the season so far by defeating pacesetters Edwardians on Saturday. HOLD ON A MINUTE: Droitwich smother a Edwardians
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Spirited Spa bow out
Droitwich Spa 2 Fairfield Villa 3 Worcester Junior Cup DROITWICH discovered that when things are going wrong good fortune is almost impossible to find after a pulsating derby match on Saturday. NOWHERE TO GO: A Fairfield Villa player (yellow) is marked
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Antiques ace backs bid for lottery grant
ANTIQUES Roadshow expert Henry Sandon is backing a bid by Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society for a £50,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund. The society is in the final of the competition for the cash, which is to be featured on ITV's Central news
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Fishing lake set for improvements
IMPROVEMENTS proposed at a fishing lake at Leigh, near Worcester, could get approval this week. A service block including toilets, refreshments, ticket office and weighing room would be provided at Teme Lane, Leigh, on the edge of the car park for Brockamin
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Musical fireworks
BROMSGROVE rock band Trigger is one of the main attractions for Sunday, November 6's bonfire night celebrations at Sanders Park. The band, lead by Daniel Trigger, will take to the stage at 7pm and are one of several up and coming local bands set to bring
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Office block plans set to tidy up town
A PROJECT to build three office blocks in Evesham will help tidy up the gateway to the town, planners hope. Morbaine Ltd applied to Wychavon District Council to build the three two-storey block with 75 parking spaces on land at Abbey Lane - the bus depot
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Puds will raise cash for centre
STAFF at the Vale of Evesham Volunteer Centre have come up with a plum of an idea to raise funds -selling Christmas puddings. They have 60 1lb puddings, produced by the Ultimate Plum Pudding Company in Cumbria, which they are offering for sale at £5.75
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Ghost-hunters brave dungeon
THE dark and dingy cells underneath the city's Guildhall are enough to send a shiver down anyone's spine whatever day it is. In the dead of night on Hallowe'en it takes an especially brave person to venture down to the dismal dungeons. But Worcester Paranormal
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Tories win district by-election
THE Conservative Party has held on to the Wyre Forest District Council seat in the Aggborough and Spennells ward. Voters went to the polls on Thursday in the by-election called following the sudden death of Maureen Aston in August. The Tory candidate,
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Crime falls 20pc
THE number of crimes reported in Redditch has dropped by almost a quarter, new figures have revealed. Redditch police attribute the 20 per cent drop in reported crimes to targeting persistent offenders and hot-spot areas, gathering intelligence and better
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A play for all seasons
This performance of Robert Bolt's A Man For All Seasons proved to be an excellent production, outstandingly led by Martin Shaw (famously known for his portrayal of Judge John Deed), as Sir Thomas More, a man of high moral standards both religious and
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Greg's taste of open glory
GREG Croydon took the honours at Redditch Sailing Club's Enterprise Open meeting. The event took place in difficult conditions on Arrow Valley Lake, the light winds making for some exciting racing with plenty of changes of position. Six visitors joined
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Pride of Scotland
REDDITCH ice-skater Sarah Daniel wowed the judges on her way to securing the Scottish Senior Ladies title. Daniel, who works as an activities officer at NEW College, is now hoping to repeat her success when she takes part in the British Championships
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Wolves off to Essex
ESSEX Leopards stand between Worcester Wolves and an appearance at the National Indoor Arena. Wolves have been drawn at their England Basketball League Division One rivals in the semi-finals of the National Cup on Saturday, November 19. Josh Cooprider's
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Price of bypass doubles
THE cost of the proposed Bordesley bypass scheme has almost doubled to more than £8.4 million. Redditch Council chiefs agreed at a meeting on Monday they would have to find the extra funds if they want the Abbey Stadium development to go ahead. A planning
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Jacqui costs us 1p a day
REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith has defended the amount of money she claims in expenses by saying she costs constituents less than a penny a day. Ms Smith said she felt the £141,302 claimed between April last year and March 2005 was justified, particularly as
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New council leader has the 'X-Factor'
THE new leader of Redditch Council was announced on Monday night. Councillor Phil Mould received unanimous cross-party support as the new leader of both the council, and Labour group, at a full council meeting. Mr Mould, former deputy leader, temporarily
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Missed chances prove costly for side
Hockey: Ladies Tenbury 2 Redditch 0 A COMBINATION of excellent goalkeeping and missed chances saw Redditch go down at Tenbury. The first half was a bizarre affair with Redditch playing some of their best build-up hockey of the season and yet finding themselves
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Three for 'Fellows
LEISURE LEAGUE FOOTBALL: Goodfellows picked up their third win in a row this week in the Sunday League after they ran out 4-1 winners over Sickadem. The latter started well and enjoyed good spells of possession but Goodfellows experience paid off as they
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Ventura take top spot
Squash REDDITCH's Club Ventura climbed to the top of Worcestershire League Division One following a nail-biting victory over fellow high-fliers Stourbridge. The North Moon's Moat side bagged the honours 3-2 and could not have wished for a better start
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Net gain
TENNIS: Wythall A maintained their unbeaten start to their Stratford Winter League campaign with a 4-0 victory over Studley B in Division Two. And it means the Silver Street side have dropped just two points out of a possible 16. Matt Fellows and Dave
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Girls just miss out
SWIMMING: Redditch Swimming Club's girls took on Halesowen, Droitwich and Orion in the club's own gala. In a close fought contest Redditch took first place in 14 of the events with double victories going to Jessica Nice, Lucy Knibbs and Danielle Harwood
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Pete bags Avon win
STUDLEY Road Angling Club held an aggregate match on their stretch of River Avon at Pershore on Saturday. Pete Lewis tucked another win in his creel with 5lbs 2ozs of hemp-fed roach. Second was Pete Taylor with 3lbs 6ozs with Glyn Blewett taking third
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Cup prize
SIMON Howl took the honours with ease when Astwood Bank's Dark Lane Angling Club fished their M&B Cup on the Arrow on Saturday. Fishing on Bleachfield Meadow, he netted a superb 29lb 14oz of chub on maggot. Phil Smith secured second with 8lb of chub
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Carp joy
ORGANISER Sean Sawyer caught 11 carp on maggot and corn to win Needles Angling Club's open match on Skilts Pool on Sunday. He landed a total weight of 40lbs to take him clear of second-placed J Harrison (25lbs 8ozs) and M Fisher (23lbs 8ozs). The Silverfish
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Debut pair sparkle in crucial win
Conference North Hyde Utd 1 Redditch Utd 3 THREE points were just what the doctor ordered after a torrid run for Redditch United - and the players delivered with a convincing victory at fellow strugglers Hyde United. Rod Brown's side controlled proceedings
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Reds suffer another cup exit
Worcs Senior Cup Moor Green 2 Redditch Utd 1 ANOTHER cup and another defeat for Redditch as their Nationwide Conference North rivals claimed a place in the next round of the competition. Goals at the start of each half put the Moors in the driving seat
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Arson attack
A WOODROW resident suffered minor burns after attempting to put a trailer fire out on Saturday night. Police believe the Kontiki single axle trailer was set alight deliberately at about 11.25pm in the Martley Close garden. The householder tried to put
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Town set target for fair trade
THE Redditch Trade Justice Network (RTJN) has set itself the ambitious target of July 2 next year to convert Redditch into a "Fair Trade Town". The organisation has the backing of Redditch Council, which passed a resolution earlier this year in support
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Fixtures
July 2005 (friendlies) Tues 19 Alvechurch (a) 2-1 Martin 2 WEDS 20 TAMWORTH (H) 0-1 SAT 23 Leamington (a) 2-1 Ball, Pinkney TUES 26 MOOR GREEN (H) 2-1 Duncan, Ball SAT 30 WORCESTER CITY (H) 0-0 August TUES 2 REDDITCH UTD (H) 1-1 O'Toole THURS KIDDERMINSTER
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Bees are spoilt for choice of strikers
Football: Midland Football Alliance STUDLEY manager Kevin Rowlands was this week boasting a wealth of attacking riches ahead of last night's planned Worcestershire Senior Cup trip to Evesham United. Far from being daunted by an away day against a side
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29/10/05 - Spa's Warwick woe
Droitwich men 1st XI 2 Warwick men 1st XI 5 DROITWICH woes in the Coaching Solutions West Midlands Premier Division continued as they were put to the sword by table topping Warwick. CROSSED PURPOSES: A Droitwich player (black) is intercepted by Warwick
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Weston double hits Harborne
Harborne women 1st XI Droitwich women 1st XI 3 DROITWICH bagged a victory over Harborne in Saturday's friendly in Birmingham. Captain Sue Williams led the way with the opening goal for Spa, while Hannah Weston grabbed two goals to ensure a confidence-boosting
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Racing honours Best Mate
SIR Peter O'Sullevan, the 'Voice of Racing', has led the flood of tributes to Worcestershire's triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate, describing him as "infectiously charismatic". Callow End owner Jim Lewis' pride and joy collapsed and died on his
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Cup clash will be test of character
WE'VE enjoyed a terrific FA Cup run this year -- and long may it continue on Saturday. It promises to be one heck of a match at Chippenham Town and I only hope our supporters are celebrating at the final whistle. It's a big game for all our players. For
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Emily finishes the season off in style
SHELSLEY Beauchamp's Emily Timmis ended her season on a high at the Aldon Horse Trials and CCI* in Somerset, the last one, two and three-day event of the 2005 British season. The 24-year-old was competing in the open novice two-day event at Aldon and
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25 years ago - October 31, 1980
REDDITCH'S market traders are still in the dark about the future of the controversial new trading licence this week - although they went to the council meeting where it was due to be discussed. For councillors decided legal matters meant the agreement
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Tragic story of the star-crossed lovers
ROMEO and Juliet is brought to life for children in a new musical production. Shakespeare 4 Kidz, which is recognised as the UK's number one Shakespeare company for children, will perform the traditional tragic story of two lovers at the Alexandra Theatre
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Giles gets it in the gut
DROITWICH'S Ashes hero Ashley Giles bowed out of England's three-day match against a Patron's XI on Tuesday in Pakistan. The Warwickshire spinner did not bowl at all in Rawalpindi because of a stomach complaint, which forced him to come off the field.
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Ball vows to fight on at club
BROMSGROVE RFC director of coaching Dean Ball admitted that his side's disastrous start to the season had made him think about quitting. After losing six league games in a row the Boars are rock bottom of the Midlands Division One. Ball contemplated leaving
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Late try burst hands Droitwich victory over county rivals
Chaddesley Corbett U14s 7 Droitwich U14s 19 THREE second half tries made sure that Droitwich saw off their local rivals on Sunday. Corbett started strongly and had Adam Sanders touch down, while Steve Harris converted to put them 7-0 up. Spa though hit
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Scouts' raffle
May I on behalf of the 3rd Bromsgrove Scout group thank all members of the public who supported our recent 75th anniversary raffle. I would also like to thank both Asda and Morrisons for allowing us to promote the draw outside their stores. We raised
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A life saved
We so disagree with the proposals to move sections of healthcare from hospitals in Bromsgrove and Redditch. Having been treated and resuscitated at the Alexandra Hospital in November, 2001, I owe my life to the speed and attention from paramedics and
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Change policy
The campaign to keep full services at the Alexandra Hospital will only succeed if it can be shown that the closures will not make the savings that are claimed and that the harm to patients will be unacceptable. If A & E is transferred to Worcester
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United front in Alex fight
May I first congratulate you for running a campaign to save the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch. It's a wonderful hospital staffed by people who love their job and provide an excellent level of care. I am appalled by proposals to cut a large number of
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Norton edged out late in game
Rugby: Friendly Kings Norton 32 Malvern 40 WITHOUT any league action Kings took the opportunity to rest a few regulars and take a look at a few of their promising youngsters. And they started well, opening up a 19-3 lead at the interval. Scrum-half Charlie
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29/10/05 - Newton's law keeps Rovers' feet on ground
Swindon Supermarine 0 Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Southern League Division One West PROMOTION slipped further into the distance for Bromsgrove Rovers after they were shot down by a stunning strike at Swindon Supermarine on Saturday. Rovers' supporters left Hunts
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New boys score but Spartak lose
Feckenham 3 Barnt Green Spartak 2 NEW look Barnt Green were denied a point from a thrilling match by a late winner in the Midland Combination Premier Division on Saturday. Green were condemned to defeat by a goal 15 minutes from the end of the match.
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Rovers' youth roll on
Malvern Town 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 3 ROVERS' youth team moved up to second in the Midland Floodlit League after a hard fought victory. The young side are below leaders Stourport Swifts because of goal difference. Rovers switched to an unfamiliar four-three-three
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General progress in cup
BROMSGROVE General defeated Mostyn Rangers 3-1 in the Worcester County Premier Cup round one on Sunday. Fairfield Sunday edged Westheath Snooker 7-6 on penalties after both sides had drawn 2-2 by the end of extra-time and Wychbold RBL defeated Bromsgrove
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Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club - Match Stats - 2005/2006
GOALSCORERS 5 - Hadland, Banner. 4 - Dyer, Danks. 3 - Curtis, Barnes-Homer. 2 - Smith, Ramsay. 1 - Collins, Johnson, Mitchell, Maguire, Szewczyk. ADVERTISER/MESSENGER MAN OF THE MATCH 3 - Male 3 - Hadland 3 - Dyer 3 - Johnson 1 - Evans 2 - Banner 1 -
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Duo serve up hot slice of latin dance
DANCE group Tango Siempre strut into the Artrix on Saturday, November 5 (8pm start). The South American group combine stunning choreographed tango with Latin America's most emotive music. Dancers Mina and Giraldo are also holding a tango workshop before
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Robot war in town
THERE'LL be plenty of metal madness when Robot Wars holds it fourth qualifying round of the 2005 UK Championship on Sunday. Fans of the cult show can see such metallic monsters as Storm Two, Kan-Opener and TerrorHurtz battle it out. The event is at Birmingham
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Compost bin day was great success
SIR - May I congratulate Worcestershire County Council on the organisation behind the compost bin day at the Rugby Club? There were a lot of people there and the queues were very long but, with such good organisation, everything flowed smoothly. There
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Mother used to bribe me to go
SIR - I remember well Tudor House in Friar Street in the 50s. My mother used to bribe me with a colouring book and crayons just to get me there. I hated the place as a child. It was one of my bad memories! BARBARA COUGHLAN (nee Hayes) Worcester.
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The Tudor House of dental horrors
SIR - I am able to assure Peter Lunn (Letters, October 20) that Tudor House was in use as a school dental centre long before the 1950s. I remember visiting the place in the mid-1920s when I was five, six and seven-years old. I recollect sitting in the
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Tories taught the ropes about titles
SIR - Does D M Grainger seriously expect us to believe that the Tories and Liberals are always struggling for more money, having to rely on donations from grassroots members? This may be partly true in the case of the Liberals, who, until recently, had
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The bridge will stay up
AN assurance has been given that a pedestrian pathway in Bromsgrove's Market Street will be retained after work to improve the nearby bus station is completed. Shoppers feared the footbridge over the Spadesbourne Brook would be permanently closed after
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Wise guys
A GIANT Guy will take centre stage at Bromsgrove's civic bonfire and fireworks spectacular on Sunday. The Guy, hoisted into the hot seat on top of the huge fire in Sanders Park, off Kidderminster Road has been made by youngsters from Activzone a multi-activity
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Raising cash harvest
KINDHEARTED children at a Bromsgrove school have raised cash for the South Asia earthquake appeal through their harvest festival. Youngsters from Charford First School brought in produce for their annual harvest festival. Year two pupils also performed
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Garden gets makeover
CHILDREN at St John's Playgroup are enjoying the delights of their new garden area, after it was recently revamped by church members. Volunteers remoulded the garden at St John's Church Hall, adjacent to the church on Adam's Hill, and planted bulbs and
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Unique housing scheme
EXCLUSIVE by Sarah Mawhinney AN innovative £5 million housing scheme for older residents could get the go-ahead in Charford. Sixty-five bungalows and flats in Gilbert Road could undergo a massive refurbishment and 27 new flats could be built to create
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Staff are not guilty
STAFF at a Bromsgrove nursery, where a seven-month-old boy died, have been cleared of manslaughter after prosecutors offered no evidence. But Dawn Wilson, owner of Sticky Fingers and wife of UB40 musician Terrance 'Astro' Wilson, faces prosecution under
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Resign call rejected in play area feud
A DEMAND by Labour for a leading district councillor to resign over her failure to answer a question regarding faulty play equipment on two Rubery playing fields has failed. At a special meeting of the full council called by Labour, all six councillors
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Chawson all set to light up the night
BRIGHT sparks in Droitwich Spa are gearing up for the town's annual firework festivities. Spa residents of all ages will have candy floss and fresh doughnuts in hand at Chawson First School when the Wych Road site hosts its display on Friday. Gates will
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It could be Spa
FILM crews came to Droitwich Spa to begin shooting for the Wych Barge project. Cameras were trained on the waterfront area of the town, in Vines Park, for the National Lottery 'People's Millions' show. Viewers across ITV Central had the chance to watch
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Shelling out jobs
A COMPANY which manufactures car body shells and components is set to start production at the former MG Rover factory in Longbridge, creating up to 450 new jobs. The epm technology group will take over the North Works factory site, making it the world's
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Log onto lido
A GROUP wanting to save Droitwich Spa Lido has launched a new website to keep members informed on up to date news on the site. Save a Lido Today (SALT) now has a new site that gives visitors the chance to read newsletters and the latest news about future
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Standards in the firing line
CHARFORD ward Labour councillor Sean Shannon has resigned from Bromsgrove District Council's standards committee. He said that he believed his colleagues on the committee, which looks into councillors' conduct, were supporting a "failed" administration
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MP calls for big turnout
REMEMBER, remember the 5th of November - it's set to be a very important day for Bromsgrove. Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride is urging people to turn out in numbers to support the battle to save local hospital services. Residents, worried they will have
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Staff not guilty
A DROITWICH woman who worked at a nursery where a seven-month-old boy died has been cleared of manslaughter after prosecutors offered no evidence. Nicola Haglington, 29, of Impney Green in the town pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Cameron Lindsay
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Masked raider hits Spa shop
A BALACLAVA-clad raider robbed a newsagent owner at knifepoint and escaped with cash from the till at the weekend. Lakhy News, in Stalls Farm Road, Droitwich, was hit at around 6.15pm on Friday by a single robber. The man, who was wearing a ski mask,
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Roll up your sleeves and help save lives
GENEROUS Droitwich Spa residents are among the best when it comes to donating much-needed blood, according to members of the National Blood Service. A blood donor team came to the town on Thursday to once again ask for support from Spa folk in their search
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Health centre scheme gets green light
DROITWICH Spa's much-needed health centre was finally given the go ahead despite a row over car parking. The scheme, submitted by Alfred McAlpine Capital Projects, will replace the former magistrates court in Ombersley Street East. It was given the thumbs
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Thousands sign petition against cuts at the Alex
THE people of Redditch and surrounding area have said a resounding NO to proposals to downgrade the Alexandra Hospital. More than 14,000 outraged readers have already put their names to the Redditch Advertiser petition calling on health chiefs to rethink
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Fatal crash man jailed
A REDDITCH man has been jailed for seven years for his part in a late-night road race which killed three taxi passengers. Christopher Churchill, 28, was jailed alongside Christopher Antonio at Swansea Crown Court last week. The two were found guilty of
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Bromsgrove Rovers fixtures and results 2005/2006
HOME, away (Southern League Division One West fixtures unless stated) JULY Wed 13 KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS (friendly) 2-4 (Blakemore, Hadland). Sat 16 HEDNESFORD TOWN 0-3 (friendly). Tue 19 MOOR GREEN 0-1 (friendly). Sat 23 BRISTOL ROVERS 3-4 (friendly)
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Crackdown on boozers
FRESH measures to tackle anti-social behaviour could see Church Hill boozers facing fines of up to £500. Town police have applied to Redditch Council to introduce a Designated Public Places Order, granting them powers to confiscate alcohol within an area
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DVD - Kung Fu Hustle (15)
FOLLOWING hot on the heels of martial arts greats Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and House of Flying Daggers, this film lends a comic tone to the usually serious genre, bringing fun along with the fights. Set in 1940s China, the mighty Axe Gang rule over
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DVD - The Amityville Horror (15)
IF you like predictability, gore and the ridiculous, this film is for you. However, steer clear if you're a true horror fan because watching this is more likely to bore you than scare you to death. Based (very loosely, I imagine) on a true story, the
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Theatre - Arsenic and Old Lace - All & Sundry, The Artrix, Bromsgrove
DECENT amateur theatre performances are few and far between but All & Sundry more than did justice to this classic comedy. It's just a shame the enthusiastic and well-rehearsed cast were let down by the inadequacies of their chosen venue. It seems
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Book - The Last Templar - Raymond Khoury
THIS is a fabulous book that just grabs you and charges ahead at a fast pace. It starts off in Acre in 1291, with the city falling to the Sultan's men, and two Templar Knights, Martin Of Carmaux and his mentor, Aimard of Villiers, who are ordered to escape
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Bullets on target as they climb to top of the table
Bromsgrove Blaze Bullets 46 Silver Pacers 35 THE Bullets basketball team shot to the top of the Worcestershire Girls Junior Division after defeat the Pacers at the Ryland Centre on October 28. The team showed character to peg back Pacers side that had
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Police crackdown
A NEW initiative to crack down on the burgeoning problem of anti-social behaviour in Studley was launched by police on Monday. Operation Empower has been set up following an increase in the number of reports from residents concerned about nuisance youths
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Monarch reign over Arrowvale
LICKEY Monarchs were in regal form in the last round of the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League. Monarch's team of Norton, Hardman and Clark were too much for Arrowvale A as they ran out 10-0 winners. Margaret Dignum won all three of her matches
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Prayers for cash target answered
STUDLEY Parish Church has reached its fundraising target of £90,000 two months ahead of schedule. The Rev Richard Deimel, of St Mary's Church, said he has been astonished by the generosity of people, which had allowed them to reach the target of their
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Lend a helping hand
BUDDING volunteers can find out more about lending a helping hand at Make a Difference Day this Saturday. Redditch MP Jacqui Smith is hosting the event to promote the work of the voluntary sector at the town hall in Alcester Street. The event will coincide
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Sacking claim deal
REDDITCH firm Pilkington Automotive Ltd which makes vehicle windscreens and glass for aircraft, made a "last minute" settlement - believed to be several thousand pounds - to a sacked supply manager as he was about to make a compensation claim for unfair
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Guiding light retires
A POPULAR member of the Girl Guiding community in Redditch has retired. Sandra Finch served as district commissioner and then division commissioner while also leading her own Brownie pack. A special party was held at Webheath Village Hall in Heathfield
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Jess's African mission
A PLUCKY Webheath gap year student is packing her bags and taking her skills elsewhere - to help young people in Africa. Former county netball playerJess Timbrell, of Tynsall Avenue, is setting off in January to teach PE to schoolchildren in famine-hit
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Pay our feathered friends a visit
THERE will be a fun event with a feathery theme in Feckenham this month. Countryside Bird Farm, Gardens and Pottery, in Droitwich Road, usually closes to the public at the end of October but will be open on Sunday, November 13. People will be able to
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Town hit by more break-ins
POLICE are urging residents to get in touch if they have any information about a spate of break-ins in Alcester town centre over the past two weeks. Insp Emma Walton said they were keen to hear from anyone who knew anything about a large number of incidents
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25 years ago October 31, 1980
A COMPROMISE solution was hammered out for the building of Bromsgrove Methodists' £250,000 community centre project. The town's policy-making committee was told the working party had come up with an alternative site to the School Drive site acceptable
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100 years ago November 4, 1905
THE ninth annual sale following the Worcestershire show of shire horses, promoted by Messrs Cotton and Chappell, auctioneers of Bromsgrove, took place on the meadow near the Greet Western Hotel, Droitwich. The auction started at 11.30am with working horses
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BUSINESS BRIEF
Farmers strike ABOUT 2,000 British farmers have launched a three-day strike in protest at the low prices paid by retailers for the goods they produce. Milk, meat and vegetables will be among the goods withheld to put pressure on retailers to ensure producers
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Hi-tech new Jobcentre
A NEW Jobcentre Plus opened in Malvern today, giving residents access to the innovative service for the first time. The Portland Road office will have personal advisers and individual touch-screen Jobpoints providing easy access to job vacancies across
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No let-up for high street sales slump
RETAILERS received no let-up from the high street spending slump last month as sales volumes fell for the eighth month running, a key survey showed. Employers' body the Confederation of British Industry said the pain felt by retailers was now spreading
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Assurance amid water firm probe
THE regional water champion representing Severn Trent customers has expressed its concern that the Serious Fraud Office is investigating the company, and has been pressing Ofwat and Severn Trent to ensure that customers do not suffer as a result of the
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Let there be light!
THE future of floodlighting at a Wootton Wawen church has been secured after generous residents stepped forward to take part in a shareholding scheme. We reported last month that St Peter's Church asked residents to take on a share of the floodlighting
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Cuckoo Club
THE Cuckoo Club at the Greig Centre presents its next offering of musical mayhem, a concert by Meet on the Ledge, this month. The folk rock band has performed at major music festivals and Birmingham Symphony Hall and is set to provide an entertainment
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Lessons in democracy
I WOULD like, through your letters page, to raise awareness of the events which took place during Local Democracy Week and to thank all those who took part. I was invited to visit two middle schools, together with other councillors, where Years 7 and
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Accidents happen
WHAT are the powers that be thinking about regarding the Alexandra Hospital? Redditch is a industrial centre and there will always be accidents. These often need urgent attention. If a worker dies after these stupid changes, then those who instigated
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Too many managers
WHEN I heard about the proposed closures of the A&E and maternity departments at the Alexandra Hospital, I was appalled and I think it is a disgrace. I suffer with asthma and eczema. I have always received valuable and excellent care from this hospital
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BEST MATE DEAD
In mourning for our champ of champions WORCESTERSHIRE is in mourning today with the news the county's hero horse - Best Mate - is dead. The triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner's much-heralded racecourse return ended tragically as he suffered a fatal heart
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From the Gulf War to top of the class
A HIGHLY-skilled mental health nurse who treated soldiers for depression and anxiety problems during the Gulf War has now graduated from the University of Worcester. International nurse Anand Matthews was selected by the Worcestershire Partnership NHS
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2/11/05 - Preece looks to his attack
ANDY Preece is spurring on FA Cup kings Adam Webster and Leon Kelly to fire Worcester City into the second round. The striking couple have been a force to reckon with during City's incredible cup charge, scoring four goals and netting in every round to
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Wythall Photographic Society
THE season is well under way with another excellent programme to look forward to. Alan Fackrell won the first slide show competition with "Girl in Cornfield", David Keel was second with "Poppies" and Geraldine Kent third with "Arches, Rievaulx Abbey".
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Weatheroak WI
THE autumn meeting was held at Rowney Green Peace Hall hosted by Hillside WI. A warm welcome was given by Felicity Rixon, president of Hillside WI. One minute's silence was held for Brenda Dainty, president of Drakes Cross WI, and Ann Ayres, past president
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Ladies Probus Club of Alcester
AT the October meeting, member Jean Baugh talked of her work as lay chaplain at Warwick Hospital. She explained how she is a member of lay chaplains trained and licenced to visit patients in the hospital to give communion, if so desired, or purely to
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Kingston with Dormston WI
DELICE welcomed members, bad weather had stopped some from Pershore attending. Miriam read the minutes of the September meeting which were approved and signed. Matters arising: Jenny Simpson reported on the last meeting of the Lenchton group - this was
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Inkberrow WI
IN October we combined our monthly meeting with the final Lenchton group meeting, which it was our privilege to host. President Sue was delighted to welcome over 90 members from the five institutes as well as Chris Marriott, Janet Clemas and our WIA,
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Haselor WI
PRESIDENT Ann Fox welcomed members with a thoughtful and amusing reading. The new programme for 2006 has already been organised and a decision made to award two Denman Bursaries this year so two friends may visit Denman College together. The institute
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Feckenham Forest History Society
SOCIETY members had a practical evening on using old maps to study local history at the October meeting. Led by society member Elizabeth Atkins, members compared maps of different periods to follow development and change within a number of local villages
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Concerts full of musical diversity
BROMSGROVE Operatic Society is holding two concerts in November. The group will perform a varied programme at South Bromsgrove High School on November 19 (7.30pm start) and 20 (3pm start). To mark 60-years since the end of World War Two the society will
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A play for all seasons
This performance of Robert Bolt's A Man For All Seasons proved to be an excellent production, outstandingly led by Martin Shaw (famously known for his portrayal of Judge John Deed), as Sir Thomas More, a man of high moral standards both religious and
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Where to go
Wednesday, November 2 THEATRE: The Barber of Seville, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham. THEATRE: An evening with Charlie Landsborough, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. MUSIC: Mylo, Birmingham Academy, Dale End, Birmingham. Thursday, November 3 MUSIC: Riverman
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What's On Guide
Wednesday, November 2 An Evening with Charlie Landsborough, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Tickets on 0870 607 7544. Disney on Ice: Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey, NIA, Birmingham. Until November 6. Tickets on 0870 909 4144. City of Birmingham
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Get in step with Alston show
A FEAST of music and dance sweeps into Malvern Theatres this week with an exhilarating programme presented by the Richard Alston Dance Company. This new programme includes Volumina, his spectacular new piece set to organ music by contemporary composer
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Cinema - Saw Two (18)
A STOMACH of reinforced steel is a must for anyone even considering going to see this film. Much like its predecessor, sitting through it is more of an endurance test than anything else. It is so gut-wrenchingly vile that on repeated occasions I was in
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DVD - Kung Fu Hustle (15)
FOLLOWING hot on the heels of martial arts greats Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and House of Flying Daggers, this film lends a comic tone to the usually serious genre, bringing fun along with the fights. Set in 1940s China, the mighty Axe Gang rule over
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Musical fireworks
BROMSGROVE rock band Trigger is one of the main attractions for Sunday, November 6's bonfire night celebrations at Sanders Park. The band, lead by Daniel Trigger, will take to the stage at 7pm and are one of several up and coming local bands set to bring
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Who's the fairest lady of them all?
AWARD-winning musical My Fair Lady arrives in Birmingham with a bang, featuring a star-studded cast. Hailed as "probably the greatest musical of all time", the show will run from next Wednesday until December 3 at the Hippodrome. Emmerdale actress Amy
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Tragic story of the star-crossed lovers
ROMEO and Juliet is brought to life for children in a new musical production. Shakespeare 4 Kidz, which is recognised as the UK's number one Shakespeare company for children, will perform the traditional tragic story of two lovers at the Alexandra Theatre
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Mikey takes centre stage
A RUBERY teenager takes the starring role in the next big play to hit the Birmingham Repertory Theatre this month. Mikey Lightfoot, aged 13, takes the central role in thoughtful production Only the Lonely. The gifted young actor, who goes to Waseley Hills
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Duo serve up hot slice of latin dance
DANCE group Tango Siempre strut into the Artrix on Saturday, November 5 (8pm start). The South American group combine stunning choreographed tango with Latin America's most emotive music. Dancers Mina and Giraldo are also holding a tango workshop before
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Robot war in town
THERE'LL be plenty of metal madness when Robot Wars holds it fourth qualifying round of the 2005 UK Championship on Sunday. Fans of the cult show can see such metallic monsters as Storm Two, Kan-Opener and TerrorHurtz battle it out. The event is at Birmingham
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CD - Intensive Care - Robbie Williams
WELCOME to a new era of Robbie Williams. The potty Potteries songster may be on his sixth solo album but it will be the first without usual sidekick Guy Chambers, the man responsible for many of William's biggest hits. Trying to replace the irreplaceable
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DVD - The Amityville Horror (15)
IF you like predictability, gore and the ridiculous, this film is for you. However, steer clear if you're a true horror fan because watching this is more likely to bore you than scare you to death. Based (very loosely, I imagine) on a true story, the
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Theatre - Arsenic and Old Lace - All & Sundry, The Artrix, Bromsgrove
DECENT amateur theatre performances are few and far between but All & Sundry more than did justice to this classic comedy. It's just a shame the enthusiastic and well-rehearsed cast were let down by the inadequacies of their chosen venue. It seems
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Book - The Last Templar - Raymond Khoury
THIS is a fabulous book that just grabs you and charges ahead at a fast pace. It starts off in Acre in 1291, with the city falling to the Sultan's men, and two Templar Knights, Martin Of Carmaux and his mentor, Aimard of Villiers, who are ordered to escape
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Alcester WI
THE speaker for our October meeting was Frank Townsend, who immediately announced he was taking us on a holiday. Although not an adventurous or even exotic holiday, he managed to keep us extremely entertained with his account of his many trips on his
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Majority back design for 21st century lido
A SURVEY has revealed that majority of Droitwich residents have backed proposals for a new 21st century lido. Over the past few weeks, plans for the site have been on display in the town, with questionnaires asking residents for their views. Wychavon
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Concerts full of musical diversity
BROMSGROVE Operatic Society is holding two concerts in November. The group will perform a varied programme at South Bromsgrove High School on November 19 (7.30pm start) and 20 (3pm start). To mark 60-years since the end of World War Two the society will
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Woman escapes in rocket crash
A WOMAN and her pets were lucky to escape serious injury when a giant firework crashed into her back garden. Caroline Harding, aged 35, discovered the remains of the three-foot rocket after it had ripped through the wire on her cat run on Friday night
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Eleven arrested after Stourport drugs raids
ELEVEN people were arrested in early morning drugs raids involving more than 50 police officers in Stourport-on-Severn. Operation Midas uncovered thousands of pounds worth of drugs, mainly heroin and crack cocaine, in yesterday's raids. Stolen property
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Fire house ready to go
A FIRE-damaged house is to be knocked down to allow improvements to an underground flood drain in Worcester. The burned out building, at the Millside, Gregory's Mill Street, Barbourne, has no roof and is on top of a Barbourne Brook culvert. The entire
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Homes nearly ready
A NEW Droitwich housing scheme providing rented homes for local families is almost complete. The £630,000 development at The Waterfront in Kidderminster Road comprises 24 one, two and three-bedroom rented houses, all allocated to people registered for
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29/10/05 - Newton's law keeps Rovers' feet on ground
Swindon Supermarine 0 Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Southern League Division One West PROMOTION slipped further into the distance for Bromsgrove Rovers after they were shot down by a stunning strike at Swindon Supermarine on Saturday. Rovers' supporters left Hunts
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Let your love lights shine with this very special tree
LIGHTS of love will be shining across Worcester when the annual St Richard's Hospice Christmas tree lights are switched on this month. The celebration evening on Friday, November 18, will start with a special Service of Light at Worcester Cathedral at
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Sat-nav stolen
A SATELLITE navigation system worth £400 was stolen from a van in Moons Moat while the driver made a delivery. The Navman 610 was stolen at 1.25pm in Merse Road from a white Ford Transit. Police have urged other drivers to keep car doors locked and ensure
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01/11/05 - Rovers boss calls for Dyer to stay
BROMSGROVE Rovers manager Jimmy Mullen is hoping midfielder Wayne Dyer will ignore attention from other clubs and stay at the Victoria Ground for the rest of the season. Dyer has become a highly sought after player by a number of Midlands clubs, after
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Ensure their names are up in lights
OUR ancestors knew all about the value of light. Ever since cave families huddled around the fires during the long winters of pre-history, Mankind has never lost his need to banish darkness. For example, on Saturday, we celebrate the demise of the person
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Dann stars in rare win
REDDITCH United manager Rod Brown is calling for more of the same from his players as they prepare to take on Stalybridge Celtic at the Valley Stadium on Saturday. Reds eased to a 3-1 win at Hyde United last weekend - only their third victory of the season
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Hill returns to head-up coaching
American Football REDDITCH Arrows have unveiled Ian Hill as their head coach for the new season. He returns to the club following a year out of the game. An Arrows spokesman said the new coach would bring vast experience and knowledge to the Arrows set-up
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Thousands sign petition against cuts at the Alex
THE people of Redditch and surrounding area have said a resounding NO to proposals to downgrade the Alexandra Hospital. More than 14,000 outraged readers have already put their names to the Redditch Advertiser petition calling on health chiefs to rethink
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Wilson's cup 180
DARTS: Maximums from Batchley's Andy Wilson and Arrow Valley's Dave Nicholls helped their sides into the next round of the Jack Cook Cup. The Batchley Club eased through 14-7 against the Lygon while Arrow Valley were 13-8 victors over the Trades. Other
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Farm fish
CARL Bovington beat off 23 other anglers to win the Label Innovations invitation open at Manor Farm Leisure's Boundary Pool. His winning haul was 45lbs of carp.
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Where to go
Wednesday, November 2 THEATRE: The Barber of Seville, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham. THEATRE: An evening with Charlie Landsborough, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. MUSIC: Mylo, Birmingham Academy, Dale End, Birmingham. Thursday, November 3 MUSIC: Riverman
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Adams is taking it seriously
Football: Midland Combination THERE is no danger of Feckenham manager Lee Adams tinkering with his team for tonight's Smedley Crooke Cup clash with lower division Cadbury Athletic Reserves. He is adamant he will be taking every one of the Millers' four
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Preece looks to his attack
ANDY Preece is spurring on FA Cup kings Adam Webster and Leon Kelly to fire Worcester City into the second round. The striking couple have been a force to reckon with during City's incredible cup charge, scoring four goals and netting in every round to
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Favourites grab Pitchcroft glory
IT was a favourites day at Worcester Races yesterday as the first three winners were hotly fancied by the Pitchcroft punters. Andrew Thornton started the bookie-bashing when he steered Novacella to victory in the opening mares only betfredpoker.com Novices
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What's On Guide
Wednesday, November 2 An Evening with Charlie Landsborough, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Tickets on 0870 607 7544. Disney on Ice: Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey, NIA, Birmingham. Until November 6. Tickets on 0870 909 4144. City of Birmingham
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Bishop's six picked for regional set-up
BISHOP of Hereford Bluecoat School provide six members of the North Midlands Under 16 side for their first match of the season against Staffordshire at Castlecroft in Wolverhampton tonight (7pm). They were part of the Herefordshire side that won the Bank
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Rovers looking to make progress
SOCCER: Bromsgrove Rovers turn their attention back to cup action tonight (7.45). Jimmy Mullen's side head to Damson Park to tackle Solihull Borough in the Errea League Cup second round. Rovers have not faced their Southern League Division One West rivals
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50 years ago - November 4, 1955
ANOTHER "must" for the enthusiastic car accessory collector intent on adorning his vehicle with all the latest devices for comfort is a draught excluder, at present being promoted by Bennett Tools Ltd, of Redditch. It's a plastic concave screen, which
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100 years ago - November 4, 1905
ALBERT Styler did not appear to answer a charge of being drunk in charge of a bicycle at Hunt End on October 21. Police Sergeant Iles said defendant, who was drunk, staggered and fell on a heap of stones, with the bicycle on top of him. Witness assisted
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Who's the fairest lady of them all?
AWARD-winning musical My Fair Lady arrives in Birmingham with a bang, featuring a star-studded cast. Hailed as "probably the greatest musical of all time", the show will run from next Wednesday until December 3 at the Hippodrome. Emmerdale actress Amy
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Get in step with Alston show
A FEAST of music and dance sweeps into Malvern Theatres this week with an exhilarating programme presented by the Richard Alston Dance Company. This new programme includes Volumina, his spectacular new piece set to organ music by contemporary composer
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29/10/05 Dynamic Droitwich put hat in promotion ring
Droitwich 27 Edwardians 21 Midlands Division Four West (South) A FIRST half try blitz made sure Droitwich claimed their biggest scalp of the season so far by defeating pacesetters Edwardians on Saturday. HOLD ON A MINUTE: Droitwich smother a Edwardians
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29/10/05 - Kettering defeat sees the Bromsgrove in deep trouble
Kettering 27 Bromsgrove 8 Midlands Division One INJURY ravaged Bromsgrove are staring into the relegation abyss after defeat away at their fellow relegation strugglers on Saturday. Defeat against Kettering was the Boars sixth in a row to condemn them
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'Without the Alex, I would most likely be a widower now'
Save Our Services - help in our hour of need. A few years ago my wife (then 68) collapsed in agony with serious stomach and breathing problems. I immediately phoned 999. My wife was literally screaming in agony - she is normally very stoical about pain
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Great music
Well done to the Artrix centre. On Saturday, October 22 I travelled from Birmingham to watch two fantastic bands, The Ron Jeremy Band and Soul Trader and I would like to congratulate them all for an excellent night of great music. Bromsgrove, you must
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Fuss over flu
At a time when our local farmers and egg-producers must be enduring many nights of lost sleep, worrying about their flocks catching avian flu, common sense suggests that it might be a good idea to restrict the hens to an indoor environment. Unfortunately
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Extra stress
WE are appalled to read that many services at the Alexandra Hospital are being considered for transfer to the Worcester Hospital. The strain and stress of illness is hard enough to cope with without adding to it by having to travel those extra miles.
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Rubery plea
I have read in the paper about the hospital transferring a lot of its services to Worcester Hospital. The people of Bromsgrove and Redditch are complaining about the distance and about there being no transport near enough to take them. Please give a thought
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Tragic tale
I was saddened to read the many letters regarding proposals to move local hospital services to Worcester. Twelve years ago, my dad died in a Birmingham hospital after spending eight hours on a trolley bed and being misdiagnosed by a junior doctor. My
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It's not on!
STOP - you're killing us! I can remember when they closed the Cottage Hospital. When some property developer down in London was down to his last £10 million, he weeded the land the Cottage Hospital was on, to continue his lifestyle. We ain't having it
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Labour tonic
In response to R Fownes letter (October 19), isn't it good that this Labour Government doesn't take the same attitude to the health service that 18 years of Tory government did, or we'd be in real trouble. Under Dr Reid, massive investment was achieved
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Dying on trek to Worcester
Will there be anything left to identify Bromsgrove as anything other than a dormitory town? The town is slowly being strangled to death - too many people, shortage of GPs and dentists, a boring, uniteresting shopping area with too few parking spaces.
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Defeat just not Parr for course
Rugby: Warwickshire One Alcester 8 Rugby St Andrews 18 ALCESTER now realise they have another relegation battle to contend with after slipping to defeat in a game they dominated for 60 minutes. Playing up the slope in the first half, Alcester settled
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01/11/05 - Rovers boss calls for Dyer to stay
BROMSGROVE Rovers manager Jimmy Mullen is hoping midfielder Wayne Dyer will ignore attention from other clubs and stay at the Victoria Ground for the rest of the season. Dyer has become a highly sought after player by a number of Midlands clubs, after
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29/10/05 - Spirited Spa bow out
Droitwich Spa 2 Fairfield Villa 3 Worcester Junior Cup DROITWICH discovered that when things are going wrong good fortune is almost impossible to find after a pulsating derby match on Saturday. NOWHERE TO GO: A Fairfield Villa player (yellow) is marked
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29/10/05 - New boys score but Spartak lose
Feckenham 3 Barnt Green Spartak 2 NEW look Barnt Green were denied a point from a thrilling match by a late winner in the Midland Combination Premier Division on Saturday. Green were condemned to defeat by a goal 15 minutes from the end of the match.
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Teams taste cup action
TEAMS from the Advertiser/Messenger League sampled a taste of knockout action in the WFA Sunday Cup. British Oak edged Wilden Village 3-2, with Southall (2) and O'Neill on target. Victoria Barnt Green went down 4-1 to Holbrook Crown, while Phoenix edged
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Mikey takes centre stage
A RUBERY teenager takes the starring role in the next big play to hit the Birmingham Repertory Theatre this month. Mikey Lightfoot, aged 13, takes the central role in thoughtful production Only the Lonely. The gifted young actor, who goes to Waseley Hills
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2/11/05 - Cup clash will be test of character
WE'VE enjoyed a terrific FA Cup run this year -- and long may it continue on Saturday. It promises to be one heck of a match at Chippenham Town and I only hope our supporters are celebrating at the final whistle. It's a big game for all our players. For
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It's just a case of me larking about
SIR - What have Shirley Bassey and a nightingale got in common? Both sing like a lark. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
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You'll feel wrath of the do-gooders
SIR - Watch your back, Martin Roberts. You say vandals and arsonists should actually be punished. The wrath of the do-gooders will come down on your head. And did you not write earlier this year that "stricter discipline must be brought back to the classroom
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The councils have a choice to make
SIR - It is very clever how New Labour has been able to keep the promise that "income tax will not rise under New Labour in 1997". Until 1997, public spending was under tight control. The councils had to keep their spending down to just above inflation
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Politicians betrayed the hero of Trafalgar
SIR - It was enjoyable to watch the 200th anniversary of the victory of the Battle of Trafalgar being celebrated. This victory prevented our constitution and democratic traditions being over-run by a foreign law-making body, a single currency and the
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Spectacular night for 'guys' and gals
RUBERY Community and Leisure Centre will seal Guy Fawkes' fate as part of their bonfire festivities. Preparing for the display at Rubery - Phil Dent, assisted by his mother, Alice Dent (left) and Sue Babb. The bonfire spectacular at the Centre in Holywell
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Young artists show talent
ARTY children are showing off their talents with an exhibition of their work at Bromsgrove library. The work of children aged 7 to 12 years old from the art club at the Dolphin Centre in School Drive was put on show last Monday , and will remain on display
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Circus tricksters
PUPILS at Finstall First School put their balancing, catching and spinning skills to the test as part of their arts week. The Shooting Stars circus group came into the school in Carnforth Road last Wednesday to teach the children some circus skills. The
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Skull and crossbones are brought to book
THERE were swashbuckling goings on when a top author held a workshop at a town bookstore. Justin Somper appeared at Ottakar's, in High Street, for an interactive event with year-six children from Parkside Middle School, in Stourbridge Road. The author
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Frightfully good fun
THERE were ghostly and ghoulish goings on during a fundraising day in Bromsgrove. Staff at Housman Court, in School Drive, donned Halloween outfits to raise cash to take residents on a day trip. Staff paid to wear the scary costumes and there was also
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Trio of new cabinet faces
RECENLY elected district council leader, Councillor Roger Hollingworth, has announced the names of his new cabinet. The former six-strong, powerful cabinet committee, which oversees all aspects of council business and which has the power to resolve matters
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Safety bid for Nov 5
BROMSGROVE residents are being urged to be safe and make sure bonfire night goes with a bang. Town police are encouraging people to attend organised bonfires as a majority of injuries occur at private parties or in public places. Police hope organised
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Town has say on lido
DETERMINED Droitwich Spa residents turned out in force to give their views on the town's lido development, with nearly 400 people having their say during the consultation period. Copies of the proposals for Wychavon District Council's 21st century lido
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Smoke-free club for the lonely
A RUBERY woman is launching a new group for non-smoking divorced and separated people in Bromsgrove. The National Council for Divorced and Separated is opening a new branch in Catshill. Barbara Haywood, from Rubery's Farm Grove, is pioneering the town
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Brothers in arms jailed for robbery
TWO brothers have been jailed for carrying out a series of armed robberies, including ones in Barnt Green and Cofton Hackett. Birmingham Crown Court heard the pair committed robberies at post offices during February 2005. They threatened staff and held
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MPs challenge police merger
EIGHT Conservative MPs, including those representing Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa, have united to fight Government plans to absorb West Mercia Constabulary into a new regional force. Julie Kirkbride and Peter Luff are among the group against the proposals
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Remember, remember to look after pets
A SPA vet is offering advice to animal lovers about how to look after pets during bonfire night. Employees of the Townsend Veterinary Practice, which is on the North Street Industrial Estate, have been handing out leaflets and putting up posters to help
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Town vets given 'bird flu' advice
DROITWICH veterinary practises have begun to offer advice about 'bird flu' as concern now grows amongst animal carers in the town. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has issued town vets with advice sheets for staff and information
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Spa's spooky stories
DROITWICH Spa's history and the town's spooky goings on have made it into a book that charts the supernatural tales of Worcestershire. 'Ghosts, Murders and Scandals of Worcestershire' firstly gives details of Droitwich's salt history before going in to
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Is there something in the water?
COULD Droitwich hold the secret to a longer life? Could there really be something special about the Spa's brine water supply? Perhaps the lake that lies 200 feet beneath the town holds mystical benefits for us all. Maybe that is the reason that five residents
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Unveiling eastern delight
BOOTYLICIOUS babes are being urged to shake their stuff at a new belly dancing class. Georgia Finocchario is launching a class in the traditional Middle Eastern dance at Winyates Green Community Centre, starting next Saturday, November 12. The 37-year-old
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'Modesty was his hallmark'
A MILITARY funeral marked the life of a former chairman of the Alexandra Hospital Trust and popular community figure this week. Brigadier Brian Thomas died last Monday, aged 74, after battling against cancer for four-and-a-half years. Nor O'Neill Thomas
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Attacker sent back to prison
A CROOK who attacked a man with a broken mop handle two days after being released from jail has been sentenced to a prison term of four and half years. Mark Congrave flew into a fury when a girlfriend alleged an attempted rape by another man while he
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A special brew for success
HOT coffee and good conversation has proved to be the perfect blend at Studley Village Hall. The High Street hall scooped an award for its weekly coffee morning in the Warwickshire Rural Community Council (WRCC) Village Ventures Competition 2005. The
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Palace sign rapped
A MAJOR contribution of nearly £3 million to the Palace Theatre's massive restoration project is being hidden from the public, according to an angry councillor. Liberal Democrat councillor Nigel Hicks said despite funding the vast majority of the £3.7m
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CD - Intensive Care - Robbie Williams
WELCOME to a new era of Robbie Williams. The potty Potteries songster may be on his sixth solo album but it will be the first without usual sidekick Guy Chambers, the man responsible for many of William's biggest hits. Trying to replace the irreplaceable
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Cinema - Saw Two (18)
A STOMACH of reinforced steel is a must for anyone even considering going to see this film. Much like its predecessor, sitting through it is more of an endurance test than anything else. It is so gut-wrenchingly vile that on repeated occasions I was in
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Getting the joint jiving!
JIVE bunnies got their groove on in aid of the Alexandra Hospital on Saturday. Redditch and Alcester-based Want2Dance held a charity busk in the newly revamped Worcester Square in the Kingfisher Centre. Want2Dance leader Monica Milne said: "A busk is
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Probe over 'punch-up'
STUDLEY police are appealing for information following reports of a fight involving 20 people outside the Nags Head pub. Sector Inspector Emma Walton said when police arrived at the Redditch Road pub last Friday night, the crowd had dispersed. "We would
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Holders have experience a perfect start
DEFENDING champions Bromsgrove Indoor Bowls Club got off to a flying start in the Wessex League by defeating Gloucester 95-79. England under-25 international Marc Stones led the way for Bromsgrove in the home stages of the match. Together with Peter Bryan
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They've got it covered!
WYTHALL Theatre Company presents a frenetic farce at Kingsley Theatre next week. Kindly Keep It Covered is set on Roland and Julia's health farm, bought with the insurance money from the death of Julia's first husband, Sidney, who then resurrects himself
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Degree for MP
REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith is donning her cap and gown to pick up an honorary Masters degree at Worcester University. Schools Minister Ms Smith will attend the prestigious award ceremony at the university on Friday. Since becoming an MP, former Arrow Vale
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Group's first meeting
FOLLOWING the success of the Redditch Vegetarians and Vegans (RVV) free food fair, the group will hold its first meeting tonight. It will meet at St George's Community Hall, St Georges Road, from 7.30pm. Items on the agenda include meals out, other socialising
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Cash for causes is on the cards!
REDDITCH shoppers can now buy Christmas cards from more than 25 national and local charities in one place. Cards for Good Causes - which sells charity cards across the country - opened its shop in Redditch Library last Wednesday and is open until Saturday
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Joe's sci-fi mission
A REDDITCH teenager is enlisting the help of Trekkies, Star Wars fans and those with intergalactic interests to help him in a literary mission. Joe Davis, 18, from Church Hill, has almost completed his first novel, as yet untitled, and wants fellow sci-fi
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Youth worker cash
FUNDING for youth workers cannot stretch to meet the needs of "affluent" areas of Redditch, claims a Worcestershire county councillor. Oakenshaw county councillor Barry Gandy said resources in "under-funded" Worcestershire were slim, forcing county council
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Teen tipped for the top
A BROCKHILL teenager is facing a bright future after attracting the eye of a top modelling agency. Victoria James, 18, beat off competition from hundreds of would-be catwalk queens to secure a place in the Miss Selfridge 2005 final. Although she did not
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New group to have im-PACT
TACKLING the issues residents believe to be most important will be the aim of a new meeting being held in Redditch on Monday. People living in Smallwood and Southcrest are invited to the first ever Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meeting to be
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Stamp fair marks anniversary
REDDITCH Philatelic Society will mark its 35th anniversary by holding a major stamp fair. The event will be held at Trinity High School next Saturday - the same venue where the society held its popular 30th anniversary fair. More than 20 stamp and postcard
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Teenager injured
A 15-YEAR-OLD boy was left with a suspected fractured hand and abdominal injuries after he was involved in a motorbike collision near Alcester last Wednesday. The collision happened when a Honda 996cc red motorbike, being ridden by a 38-year-old man from
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Robbery charge
AN 18-year-old Birmingham man has been charged with robbery following two incidents in Redditch. The first happened on October 11 at about 8.15am in Kempsford Close, Oakenshaw South when a 15-year-old lad had his MP3 player stolen from him. The second
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Antiques ace backs bid for lottery grant
ANTIQUES Roadshow expert Henry Sandon is backing a bid by Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society for a £50,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund. The society is in the final of the competition for the cash, which is to be featured on ITV's Central news
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How I helped a fugitive escape
THE owner of Longbarn Village unwittingly helped an escaped prisoner in his bid for freedom. Jayne Roberts gave convict Carl Townsend a lift after he flagged her down claiming he was suffering from a heart attack. Townsend is still at large after escaping
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50 years ago November 5, 1955
TRIBUTES to stalwarts who in the closing years of the last century founded the Bromsgrove And District Farmers Club and those who had strengthened it featured in speeches at the annual dinner of the club at the Raven Hotel, Droitwich. The value of the
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Street art
HIGH Street art haven Venue Xpresso welcomed Peter Kotka for a public demonstration as part of a series of events with artists. The well-known local artist spent Friday in the caf working on a piece and also sold a print of one of his paintings to raise
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Visit forges links with China
ALCESTER Grammar School has forged a link with an eastern counterpart after headteacher Iain Blaikie visited China. Mr Blaikie joined representatives from seven other Warwickshire schools on the trip. The group spent a week in Shenzhen, in south-east
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Pair field plan to local teams
A PAIR of Coughton landlords are renewing their appeal for local cricket teams to rent their field as a cricket pitch. Nigel Staley, who owns the Throckmorton Arms with his brother Adrian, told the Chronicle they had generated some interest but were still
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Plot, treason and Coughton Court
AS the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot approaches, Coughton Court will be marking its own part in the history of the chain of events that brought about the tradition of Bonfire Night... IN November 1605, a small group of conspirators, including
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Smoke-free plan
STRATFORD District Council is calling for laws to make all public places and workplaces smoke-free within two years. The council has responded to government consultation on the Health Improvement and Protection Bill, after scooping National Clean Air
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Cooks still flock to buy our geese
BRITAIN'S own Mother Goose has urged people to celebrate Christmas as normal this year with a traditional turkey or geese dinner and to ignore the hype surrounding bird flu. Judy Goodman, championed by Delia Smith, Nigella Lawson, and The Two Fat Ladies
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Cash crisis a grotesque result
THE campaign to keep full services at the Alexandra Hospital will only succeed if it can be shown the closures will not make the savings that are claimed and that the harm to patients will be unacceptable. If A&E is transferred to Worcester, all that
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Are you happy with your home?
ALCESTER residents are being asked for their views on housing as part of a joint project carried out by Stratford and Warwick district councils. The councils are carrying out a survey face-to-face and via a postal questionnaire to find out how happy people
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A&E is a vital service for this town
I AM 66 years old and suffer from heart problems but I was so afraid of losing the A&E department at the Alexandra Hospital that I felt I just had to do something. I went door to door collecting signatures for the Advertiser's petition. I had a great
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Fashion show
CHILDREN from Haselor School strutted their stuff last month to help raise cash for improvements. The youngsters took part in a fashion show to help the Friends of Haselor School raise money for an outside reading and storytelling area, and soft seating
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Funds lottery totally unfair
WHEN Jacqui Smith takes her "No Cuts" placard regarding the Alexandra Hospital to Downing Street, I hope she is also going to hold, in her other hand, her "Fair funding for Worcestershire Schools" placard too. After all, the schools - like the hospitals
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Apply pressure
ASKING the people of Redditch to vote against hospital cuts is like asking turkeys to vote for Christmas. No-one in Redditch is going to vote in favour of downgrading our hospital. The only way to bring our message home is to bring pressure to bear. Send
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Get off your bum and help
WHEN many of us are trying hard to save our hospital services, you will always get the poison pen merchant who cannot resist turning the affair into a personal attack. You may have noticed from some of my past letters that my response to these people
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Government is to blame
I FIND myself in unusual agreement with Robin King in his call for political unity (at the local level at any rate) in our fight to prevent services being moved from the Alexandra Hospital to Worcester (Letters, October 19). The response from our newspapers
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Shock as prep school shuts after 91 years
A highly acclaimed Worcester preparatory school is to close at the end of this term after a 91-year history. Shocked staff and parents of Sunnyside School received letters from owners Jeff and Jim Jenner, a former Worcester Rugby Club player, on Monday
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Real ale fans plan to go back in time and save old pub
REAL ale enthusiasts determined not to allow a historic Worcester pub to be converted into offices are appealing for information on its history to add weight to their campaign. The Plough, on the junction of Deansway and Fish Street, is a 400-year-old
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Wythall WI
THE October meeting was also the 71st birthday night. The hall was decorated to resemble a ship and the committee were the captain and crew. The business of the evening was quickly dealt with. Everyone had enjoyed the group walk around Arrow Valley lake
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Solihull & District Orchid Society
AT our October meeting, Ted Croot gave an excellent talk and slide show on the Brachypetalum Paphiopedilums. These slipper orchids have very large flowers for the size of the plant. Next month, Peter White will be doing a potting demonstration and giving
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Shirley Chrysanthemum Society
IN his most inimitable way, both professional and humorous, Jack Gilbert, NGS judge, awarded the "Maurice Ayers" trophy to Derek Isherwood for his display of Lemon Rose Huckaby. The next meeting at Shirley Community Centre, Stratford Road, on November
