Archive
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we want your chairs
Tanya Feasey and Wade Muggleton of Worcester Woods Country Park launch an appeal for unwanted wooden chairs and tables to furnish the revamped Countryside Centre, near County Hall. Senior countryside officer Dan Barnett said: "This somewhat novel approach
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Broadband access for all by the summer
EVERY home and business in Worcestershire will have access to high-speed broadband internet by the summer. A partnership between Advantage West Midlands and Avanti, a provider of satellite broadband services, will see satellite and wireless base stations
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'Site could be a danger to the town'
A FORMER worker at a Droitwich factory has called for residents to be told about what he claims are "potential dangers" close to the town centre. A past employee of Baxenden Chem-icals in Union Lane thinks the site should be named, along with others,
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Shock as doctor cover comes from Redditch!
AN Eckington woman has urged Vale people to write to their MP demanding a full out-of-hours GP service after waiting seven hours for treatment at the weekend. Molly Smith feared the worst when her husband's condition deteriorated from what seemed a chest
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Rocket man
THE ashes of a fun-loving Abberley man will be shot into the night sky in a fitting tribute to a fireworks enthusiast who lived life to the full. Matthew Male, 31, died after his car collided with a tree while travelling towards Holt Heath on the A443
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Jobs saved in store rescue
A SHOE company has stepped in with an 11th hour rescue package to save De Bradelei Mill and 50 of the 80 jobs at the Kidderminster store. The move follows hot on the heels of the collapse of the discount designer clothing and homeware business after receivers
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League ban on bumper scores
YOUTH football results in Wyre Forest where one team scores more than seven goals are no longer being released because it is feared they could upset youngsters. The committee of the Stourport and District Youth League made the decision after members objected
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Game siblings make TV debut
TWO excited Kidderminster schoolchildren will be sitting down with friends to watch their television debut tomorrow. Bradley and Sophie Manville, of will be starring on CiTV programme, Finders Keepers. The popular show first aired between 1991 and 1998
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Free travel on all journeys
WYRE Forest residents entitled to concessionary travel will be able to travel free - at all times - on journeys starting and ending in the district. In a scheme costing an estimated £418,000 a year, approved by Wyre Forest district councillors, people
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Movie buffs on right line
FANS of the Narnia stories can now follow in the footsteps of their favourite characters - by jumping aboard the locomotive featured in the recent Disney blockbuster at Kidderminster station. Staff at the Severn Valley Railway - SVR - are preparing for
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12/1/06 - Worcester work hard for their win
WORCESTER Ladies opened their 2006 account with a 17-12 victory at home to Vale of Lune. The Premier League newcomers had already put up stiff resistance against Wasps and Clifton and provided Worcester with a stern test. Both sides played a very different
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Your chance to choose the 12 icons of Worcestershire
When you think of Worcestershire do you conjure up visions of the picture postcard village of Broadway, a bottle of Lea and Perrins Worcestershire sauce or the world-renowned quality of Brinton's carpets. There are hundreds of things to choose from and
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High-tech production of best known tragic story
ONE of Shakespeare's most popular plays is to be restaged against the backdrop of a post apocalyptic society in a new production on touring at The Theatre, Chipping Norton. Undoubtedly one of Shakespeare's best loved plays, Romeo and Juliet tells the
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Willy Russell's smash-hit musical returns to Malvern
FOLLOWING a sell-out visit in September 2002, the international smash hit musical Blood Brothers is returning to Malvern Theatres from January 23 and tickets are selling fast. Hailed as one of the best musicals of all time, Blood Brothers has triumphed
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Burglary ruins Spanish holiday
A STOURPORT family whose villa was broken into while they holidayed in Spain have criticised Spanish police they believed were not interested in helping them. Eddie and Penny King and their 12-year-old son, Tom, of Cutty Sark Drive, flew out to Spain
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Free shuttle bus to help elderly
WORCESTERSHIRE County Council stepped in to provide a free shuttle bus to ensure some elderly residents in Stourport were not left stranded because of roadworks. The service, which started running on Monday, will ferry passengers to the town centre and
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Rowing
LAURA Ray clinched the Junior Women's title at the Indoor Rowing Championships in Cardiff to keep Stourport Boat Club's success story rolling. Ray achieved a personal best of 2,000m in eight minutes 2.5 seconds in the J18 lightweight division to beat
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Volleyball
KIDDERMINSTER volleyball sensation Sam Bragg won praise from the national coach after starring in the England Junior Under-19s tour of Italy. Bragg, who is a playmaker or setter, was an integral part of the squad that took on a host of Italian sides in
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Running
MEMBERS of the Amazing Feet Running Club took part in the third race of the winter cross country league, at the Old Walsall airport, Aldridge. In the Midland Women's League, Sarah Armstrong came 37th in 23 minutes 24 seconds, one place ahead of Rachel
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Yates issues a stern warning
KIDDERMINSTER boss Mark Yates has settled into the Harriers hotseat by issuing a stern warning to managers trying to poach his best players. Much of the new manager's first week in the job has been spent trying to fend off suitors for Mark Jackson, Iyseden
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From the archives
100 Years Ago January 13 1906 Weather of an unusual kind was experienced in the district last weekend,, During the early hours of Saturday morning rain poured down in torrents and a gale of considerable severity sprung up. It increased in fury until about
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"Substantial" cash available
THE new man in the Aggborough hot-seat has been promised money to strengthen the squad in his bid to steer the club away from the wrong end of the Conference table, writes Paul Whittaker. Mark Yates, who was installed as manager last Friday, has been
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Cycling
JOE Rowe was denied the silver medal at the National cyclo cross championships, at Sutton Park, Birmingham, on Sunday, when he got caught up in a crash inside the final 300m of the 50 years plus veterans' race. The Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club ace battled
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Should hunt be on busy road?
WHILE walking my dog along a public footpath, I was horrified to see several horse riders galloping along the A449 grass verge. This was an accident waiting to happen, as HGV and other vehicles were hurtling past. There were several men with long whips
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Park Inn AC
The first contest of the year is on Valley Pool, on Sunday. Anglers should meet at the venue at 8am.
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Bollards soon
MAY I assure town councillor Paul Gittins (Letters, January 5) that last October some residents in Catchem's End, Kidderminster Road, brought their concerns to me about missing bollards and that drivers were parking illegally on the footpath. I promptly
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Bewdley Reserves
BEWDLEY Town Reserves were hit by a doble blow when an serious injury to Jason Thompson forced the abandonment of a West Midlands League division two cup tie they were winning. Rich Downey's men led 1-0 against Wednesbury and were completely dominating
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Tomkinsons AC
A contest will be held on Sunday on the Lyttelton waters 54-79 (Little Gladder). The draw will be at 8am at the venue. Members should note that parking behind Stourport Leisure Centre is no longer free.
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Chaddesley Corbett
CHADDESLEY Corbett bowed out of the West Midlands League Division Two Cup in round one with a 2-1 defeat to Wyrley. Played in a snowstorm at Bilbrook, Chaddesley started off sluggishly and their hosts took the lead after 10 minutes. Liam Binned netted
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Football tables
KIDDERMINSTER & DISTRICT SATURDAY PREMIER P W D F A P Wyre Forest 12 11 1 46 16 34 Gemini 15 9 1 42 33 28 Black Res 14 9 0 27 18 27 Two Gates 12 8 0 28 13 24 Areley Kings 12 7 1 31 20 22 Cookley Soc 15 7 1 36 34 22 Brintons 11 5 4 26 19 19 Cradley
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Thorns
Winter League, River Salwarpe: M Smith 13-0, D Smith 3-8, T Hamilton 3-6.
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Store loss is blow
I WANTED to write a few lines to express my regret at the closure of De Bradelei Mill store in Kidderminster. It held a wide variety of fashionable, up-to-the-minute clothes, with a price to suit your pocket. I was constantly surprised at the price of
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Men's football
TOBIAS O'Brien's hat-trick helped Kidderm-inster and District Football League Sunday Division Two side Phoenix to an 8-0 League Junior Cup round two victory over Blackheath Malt Shovel. In the same competition, Hoobrook Crown also progressed, winning
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Thieves escape with haul in daylight burglary
THIEVES who broke into a house in Broadway in broad daylight escaped with goods worth hundreds of pounds. Police believe only the return of the householder prevented their plasma TV joining the haul. It was recovered from underneath the kitchen window
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Search for Horatio details
LAST July I submitted an article in support of the Wyre Forest at War feature in the Shuttle/Times & News. It involved a trawler minesweeper named Horatio which was adopted by the Borough of Bewdley and District in March 1942. I had written that Horatio
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Old Bear AC
There will be a meeting for new and existing members at 10.45am on Sunday at the Old Bear lounge for presentation and collection of venue sheets, and licenses.
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January 12, 2006
MPs have returned to London and face a full programme of Bills and committee work. One of my main concerns, because of the numbers of people who come to see me about it, is the Child Support Agency. I learnt in Work and Pensions Questions on Monday that
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Gipsy site bid is to go to public inquiry
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a gipsy caravan site featuring 36 buildings are set to go to a local public inquiry after an appeal against Wychavon District Council's decision to reject them. Planning officers refused permission for a change of use application
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Dad hit out at dancing jibe
A MAN assaulted three people and smashed a window because someone said that he could not dance. Worcester Magistrates Court heard how Kevin Gisbourne, a man of previous good character, committed four offences in one night because of the jibe. During Monday's
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Chief Constable backs new force
WARWICKSHIRE'S Chief Constable, John Burbeck, is backing the setting up of bigger regional police forces. Mr Burbeck said the move, which is due to be debated in parliament, would enhance and improve local policing. He said he felt the need to speak out
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Five-a-side
THERE are still spaces available for new teams to join the Leisure Leagues five-a-side soccer league that runs from 5.30-8.30pm every Sunday at Wyre Forest Glades leisure Centre in Kidderminster. Until January 22, league bosses are offering free registration
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Boys' football
KIDDERMINSTER Athletic under-8s are looking for new players for their Stourport and District Youth League North Division team. Interested seven-year-olds should contact 01562 748804.
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Cleobury Mortimer
CLEOBURY'S Mortimer's meteoric rise to rugby prominence continues when they face Sunderland in the last eight of the Powergen Junior Vase on Saturday (2pm). The club originally emerged from a game between two rival pubs in the town in the wake of the
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Horsman extends Warriors contract
WARRIORS director of rugby John Brain has hailed Chris Horsman "one of the leading players in Europe in his position" after the Welsh international agr-eed a new four-year deal with the club. Brain is delighted to secure the signature of the 27-year-old
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Match day sparks injury frustrations
PAT SANDERSON COLUMN I ABSOLUTELY hate not being able to play rugby! It really does my head in sitting on the sidelines, especially for really close games like the one last weekend. It's not the first injury I've had and you would think I would be used
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Preece: We're facing relegation dogfight
ANDY Preece accepts that Worcester City are embroiled in a Nationwide North relegation dogfight. With almost half of their league fixtures remaining, Worcester sit three points off the drop-zone having won just four league games all season. City's depressing
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Adams is derby hero in city win
CHRIS Adams swooped for the winner as Worcester Men's Firsts defeated rivals Gloucester 3-2 in a friendly. But the visitors capitalised on early sluggishness from Worcester with the opening goal after Matt Brace gave the ball away. Alex Kotlarsewski missed
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Teri bags league leveller for town
TERI Baron bagged an equaliser as Stourport Women's Thirds drew 1-1 at Cresconians in Worcestershire League Division Two. They were 1-0 down going into the half-time break after conceding a goal on nine minutes. Stourport settled into their stride with
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Indoor programme begins
STOURPORT Men's Firsts open their English Indoor League Division One (North) programme at Hull this weekend. They play Sheffield Hallam and Harleston Magpies on Saturday, then Doncaster and Wolverhampton on Sunday.
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WE WENT BACK TO WAR FOR ST RICHARD'S
STAFF from the property services department of Worcestershire County Council have raised £1,100 for St Richard's Hospice by building a Second World War bunker in their office. In previous years, staff have built a traditional grotto with people donating
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Mixed bag of dance, comedy and music at Roses
TEWKESBURY's Roses Theatre has unveiled a host of goodies in their programme for the first quarter of the new year with attractions ranging from Fairport Convention to the Ted Lewis thriller Get Carter which established Michael Caine as a big screen star
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Shoppers' cash is in the bag
Superstore packing boosts district Scouting BAG-packing for customers at Kidderminster supermarkets in the run-up to Christmas produced a tremendous result for Scouting and Operation Covert. An army of helpers manned the tills at Sainsbury's, Morrisons
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Cookley WI
EILEEN Fuller and Irene Bonner took part in a fund-raising "Bridge Day" at Blakedown. Mrs Bonner will be organising skittles matches this month. Four members will be able to attend a "New Speakers Day" at Bromyard on February 23. Photographs for the 2007
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Kidderminster Field Club
THE 78th annual meeting will take place on Thursday, January 19 in St Mary's chantry, Kidderminster, commencing at 2pm. Prior to the meeting there will be a sherry reception from 1.30pm. Afternoon tea will be served after the meeting.
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Kidderminster Arthritis Club
A MEETING will be held on Monday at Holy Innocents Church hall, Kidderminster, from 2pm until 4pm. For more details, call 01299 826109.
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The National Trust
THE Wyre Forest and District Centre met at Blakedown parish room on December 6 to hear Dr Barrie Trinder's talk on "Midland Market Towns". Dr Trinder outlined the characteristics of market towns, of which Ludlow is a good example - there are many outstanding
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Top guitarist Juan's taste of flamenco
JUAN Martin is a celebrated virtuoso of the flamenco guitar who has been voted into the top three guitarists in the world by US magazine Guitar Player. A native of Andalucia, where he still has a home in Malaga, he spends much time touring as well as
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Rock and folk
THE Bully Wee Band throughout the 70s and early 80s were one of the foremost exponents of acoustic folk/rock music on the scene. In January 2004, over 20 years after their farewell performance, Ian Cutler, Fergus Feely and Colin Reece hit the road again
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Ramblers Association
THE Wyre Forest group has organised a seven-mile walk on Sunday, walkers to meet at New Road car park, Kidderminster at 10am. The walk is at Stourbridge, taking in the canals, waterfront and fens pool - SO899848, and Bond Warehouse, and ramblers are advised
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Worcestershire ME Support Group
THERE is a new venue for monthly meetings on the second Friday of each month. Meetings will now be held at the Worcester city centre community centre, Midland Road. There are also monthly informal gatherings at Bromsgrove, Malvern, Pershore and Kidderminster
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Welcome return
A BEWDLEY signpost that went missing in November has turned up 15 metres from where it disappeared. The nameplate, one of two original signs in the town, bears Bewdley's coat of arms and used to be at the top of Blackstone Bank. Bewdley town councillor
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Cbeebies Live! National Indoor Arena, Birmingham
AFTER two days of festive films and frequent dips into a jumbo-sized Dairy Box, I was desperate to get out of the house - even if it did involve being surrounded by hundreds of excited pre-schoolers. Hosts Justin Fletcher and Sarah-Jane Honeywell (from
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Your right to choose
ELIGIBLE patients in Wyre Forest can now choose which hospital they want to carry out their treatment. Since the beginning of this month, patients have had the right to be offered a choice of at least four hospitals or clinics when they need to see specialists
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Staff praised after treatment target hit
STAFF at Kidderminster Hospital have been praised for helping provide faster access to treatment for patients. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which also includes Worcestershire Royal and Redditch's Alexandra hospitals, met demanding year-end
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Have a say on future of NHS
A MEETING being held in Kidderminster next month will give people the opportunity to have their say over the future of the NHS in the West Midlands. Comments on proposals to reduce the number of strategic health authorities - SHAs - ambulance trusts and
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Store raided for sixth time
AN angry Broadway businessman hit out this week after the sixth raid on his shop in two years. Thieves targeted the Treasure Trove shop in Broadway last Thursday by using a stolen hatchback car with a fence attached to the back. They tried to break into
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Rage at parking fees rule
A TENBURY tourism chief has hit out at Malvern Hills district councillors for rejecting a plan to lower car parking fees to match those in Ludlow. Chris Dell, chairman of Tenbury's Tourism Group, was reacting to Malvern Hills District Council decision
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It is not Britons who must adapt
SIR - After reading about certain people not wanting to offend other cultures by putting up Christmas lights, singing carols or changing the names of nursery rhymes, I would just say that immigrants, not Britons, must adapt. I am tired of this nation
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No reason for a rise in shooting
SIR - Jon Burgess (Letters, December 29) goes into detail about the possible wounding of foxes by shooting since the ban on hunting. His argument is based on the false premise that more foxes will be shot and wounded, the increase in suffering being worse
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Motorists ignoring police warning as number of drink-drivers go up
MORE drivers involved in accidents over the Christmas period tested positive for drink or drugs than in the previous year, according to figures issued by West Mercia police. A total of 591 breath tests were administered following accidents and 33 either
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The wheelies will soon start to smell
SIR - Regarding Jennifer Lloyd's letter of praise for the council's introduction of wheelie bins, I wonder if her praise will be the same in the summer months when she finds her bin smelling and full of maggots and flies? The council has reduced the service
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Work starts on courts
WORK has started on a £900,000 scheme to build one of the two counties' largest tennis centres, in Pershore. Pershore Tennis Centre and Pershore Group of Colleges are building three indoor courts and adding an outdoor court as well as extensive facilities
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Transport system absolute disgrace
SIR - This present government's policy on free public transport for all pensioners over 60 is an absolute disgrace. If you live within the West Midlands conurbation, you travel on buses and trains without having to pay anywhere. I appreciate what MP Michael
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Gipsy site bid is to go to public inquiry
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a gipsy caravan site featuring 36 buildings are set to go to a local public inquiry after an appeal against Wychavon District Council's decision to reject them. Planning officers refused permission for a change of use application
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Pupils' tapestry for The Queen
PUPILS at Fladbury CE (Aided) First School spent much of last term designing and making a tapestry depicting sights and events in the area during the month of October, which will be seen by The Queen and across the world. "The project is part of a major
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Take lorries out of village
FURIOUS residents in Willersey, near Broadway, plan to take their 21-year-old fight to stop heavy lorries using a bridge in their village to the council chamber. Maurice Andrews, chairman and organiser of the Willersey Village Forum has written to Gloucestershire
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Irish band's eyes smiling at prospect of Proms
STUDENTS from Wolverley High School will be sharing the spotlight later this month when they perform traditional Irish tunes at a prestigious Birmingham venue. Wolverley High School Shamrock Band will be entertaining school children from across the West
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Enjoy a slice of Lemon
A POPULAR soul band will be entertaining the crowds at a Stourport venue later this month. Kidderminster-based group, Blind Lemon, will be performing at the Riverside Club, based at Stourport Boat Club, Dunley Road, on Saturday, January 28. The band,
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Piano man lines up gigs
THE sounds of stomping boogie-woogie plus blues and jazz will fill a venue near Stourport later this month. The Daniel Smith Blues Band will be performing at Areley Kings Village Hall on Saturday, January 21 at 8pm. Daniel Smith was recently nominated
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Gran's big day
A GREAT grandmother was reunited with three old friends to celebrate her 108th birthday. Beatrice Richards, thought to be the oldest person in Worcestershire, enjoyed her special day with a visit by the trio, who she knew from Cradley Baptist Chapel in
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Family firm is bought out
A LONG-established family run Kiddermin-ster company has been the subject of a management buyout. The previous owner of LGM, Tom Little, will remain in the business for the foreseeable future, ensuring a smooth transition. Richard Markall and Sue Scott
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Opening doors
PEOPLE with disabilities, and other members of the public, will have the chance to look around a new day centre in Kidderminster. The Worcestershire County Council facility, in Orchard Street, will open its doors for viewing next Thursday between 10.30am
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Irish band's eyes smiling at prospect of Proms
STUDENTS from Wolverley High School will be sharing the spotlight later this month when they perform traditional Irish tunes at a prestigious Birmingham venue. Wolverley High School Shamrock Band will be entertaining school children from across the West
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Adding to skills while working
DO you want to develop your skills while you're at work, or get back into work? A training plan could be agreed with you covering specific job training, working towards a vocational qualification or work experience. You can also get a university qualification
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Labours of love go on display
MEMBERS of Kidderminster Camera Club are displaying their talents in the town's library as part of its centenary celebrations. The exhibition opened on Monday and runs until Saturday, January 28 at Kidderminster Library Gallery. Around 50 photographs
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Quick on the draw
A WELL-KNOWN illustrator of children's books will be giving a talk at Kidderminster Library on Thursday, January 26. An evening with Petr Horacek, who has worked on books including Strawberries are Red and What is Black and White? will take place from
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Help towards career success
SKILLS for Work is about getting the skills and qualifications you need to succeed in the career you want. You can do a course to help you get a better job, have a career change or get back into work. Basic skills - literacy, language and numeracy skills
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Shopping precinct in line for long overdue facelift
A RUNDOWN Kidderminster shopping centre could undergo a multi-million pound facelift. Consultations are due to be carried out with shopkeepers and local residents to find out what they would like to see at the Offmore shopping precinct as part of the
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Death due to blood clot
A PENSIONER suffered a blood clot and died on Christmas Eve after breaking her ankle tripping up a step on the island of Gozo. Worcestershire County Coroner's Court heard how 76-year-old Phyllis Stones had the accident on November 11 while on holiday
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Directory will spread folk message
CULTURAL groups in Wyre Forest are being given the chance to be included in a Worcestershire Folklife Directory. Voluntary group, Folklife West, has received an Awards for All grant to help produce the free guide. The group is offering free listings covering
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Band's bonus
TALENTED members of Highley Colliery Band enjoyed a roaring success over the festive period. The band collected £583 after playing in Stourport and Kidderminster over Christmas. Funds will contribute towards the running costs of the band.
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Shape up and enjoy outdoor life
A PROGRAMME of health walks and activities will take place at Wyre Forest Visitor Centre throughout January. On Sundays and Tuesdays, visitors to the centre, at Callow Hill, will be able to take part in free strolls with a trained leader. The walks are
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12/1/06 - Preece: We're facing relegation dogfight
ANDY Preece accepts that Worcester City are embroiled in a Nationwide North relegation dogfight. With almost half of their league fixtures remaining, Worcester sit three points off the drop-zone having won just four league games all season. City's depressing
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Pupils have a blow-out with brass instruments
YOUNGSTERS were bold as brass when they took part in the launch of a pilot musical project with a special concert. The pupils, of St Barnabas CE Middle School, Drakes Broughton, near Pershore, are taking part in a local education authority test scheme
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BUSINESS BRIEF
Trade gap wider BRITAIN'S trade deficit hit another record in November as the country imported more oil than it exported for the fifth consecutive month, figures showed. The Office for National Statistics said the trade gap in goods widened from £5.1bn
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Trip reward for 20 years work
SARAH Bastida from Bewdley enjoyed a two-day trip to London to mark her 20 years' service with catering and support services provider Sodexho. Sarah and 50 others from across Britain were taken for afternoon tea at Anton Edelmann's restaurant Allium,
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Treat for fans of Bee Gees
SINCE 1999 Bee Gees Fever have been wowing audiences across the UK and Europe with their stunning live tribute to the music of the Brothers Gibb. From the soulful ballads Too Much Heaven and How Deep is Your Love through to the high energy disco classics
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Two new buses on favourite route to the city
COMMUTERS clamouring to get on a popular bus service to Worcester city centre should have an easier ride from now on after two extra buses were laid on. They were added to the W1 route of the Worcester Express service during peak times. This means a bus
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Tonight, Richie has a place to sleep and it's all thanks to you
STAFF hurriedly cover the floor of the hall with camping mats as an impatient crowd of the city's homeless gathers outside, eager to be in the warmth of the night shelter. The doors open at 9.30pm and a steady queue filters in, helping themselves to donated
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Obstacle course while waiting
IT is good to have our Post Office back at the old premises but access is severely hindered by the narrow entrance being half filled by a Coke drink dispenser and a self-operated photo booth. It is difficult enough to get past when unaccompanied but a
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Overwhelming set of choices
I FIND Blairs' New Labour policy of choices for everything public, overwhelming. So much so that they won't get my vote again. Why? Because I am having nightmares about it. I was discussing my latest nightmare at the breakfast table, this morning. I found
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Supporters were out in numbers
AS a committee member of the Croome and West Warwickshire Supporters Club, may on behalf of the club committee say a big thank you to all the people and visitors who came into Pershore on Boxing Day to see the hunt and the Golden Eagle Boss which was
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Here's to future
Last week, the main TV news items were the mining tragedy in West Virginia and the corruption issues surrounding Abramoff's "Lobbygate". Coincidentally, earlier the same day the BBC screened the thirty-year-old film Silkwood, which dealt with profit versus
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It's in the bag...
AFTER reading a letter from Leslie Ford concerning the amount of litter on our roads, I would like to suggest he and other drivers do what we have been doing for years. I hang a carrier bag from the glove compartment and all litter is placed in it, as
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Vale Mayor's diary
Monday, January 2: Enjoyed a really lovely time at the home of the Mayor of Droitwich (Cllr. Richard Morris) at a cheese & wine party to celebrate the New Year. Most of the other local dignitaries also attended and a happy time was had by all. Tuesday
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What's On
TONIGHT: Birmingham: Marriott Hotel - Lupa. Symphony Hall - CBSO with Leila Josefowicz. CBSO Centre - The Most Fam'd Italian Masters (lunchtime). MAC - Clark Tracey Quintet. Coventry: Warwick Arts Centre - University of Warwick Big Band Charity Concert
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Thanks from parents
We would like to thank the three people who stopped to help our daughter at the scene of the car crash at Pershore on December 8, 2005. Unfortunately we do not know the names of the people but we hope they will either read this or a friend may read it
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Bands battle it out in contest
BATTLE of the bands kicked off this week with 36 bands thrashing it out in Stratford to win the competition. The 19-week musical competition held at Cox's Yard in Stratford offered 36 bands from far and wide to play to audiences with the winning band
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Willy Russell's smash-hit musical returns to Malvern
FOLLOWING a sell-out visit in September 2002, the international smash hit musical Blood Brothers is returning to Malvern Theatres from January 23 and tickets are selling fast. Hailed as one of the best musicals of all time, Blood Brothers has triumphed
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Ticket rush for Goose
Startime Variety, the Halesowen based musical pantomime group, is preparing for a rush of ticket sales for its next production. Mother Goose is being staged at the Cornbow Hall in Halesowen from Saturday January 28 to Saturday February 4 2006 and is being
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Tickets on sale to see true Legend
TICKETS have gone on sale to catch legendary Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall later in the year. The superstar singer will be taking to the stage with his band Strange Sensation on Monday December 12. Plant joined up with
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James Blunt to play Wolves Civic
Number one artist James Blunt will continue his runaway success story with a much anticipated UK tour next February. The critically acclaimed singer/songwriter recently achieved number ones in both the single and album charts with 'You're Beautiful' and
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The Gari is the place to gig
BANDS and budding solo artists are being encouraged to show off their talents by the new managers at a Stourbridge venue. Mark and Emma Weaver at The Garibaldi, Cross Street, are looking to build on the pubs reputation for hosting live music events by
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Top guitarist Juan's taste of flamenco
JUAN Martin is a celebrated virtuoso of the flamenco guitar who has been voted into the top three guitarists in the world by US magazine Guitar Player. A native of Andalucia, where he still has a home in Malaga, he spends much time touring as well as
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Progress made on many fronts in successful year
LAST year was another eventful one for the nature reserves of Wyre Forest District Council. Unlike 2004 though, the Ranger Service did not receive any big awards for their efforts to further preserve and enhance the wildlife of the district, although
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Gamebirds register to combat flu
PEOPLE who keep more than 50 gamebirds in captivity for even part of the year have only a few weeks left to register with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The measure has been introduced as part of contingency planning to tackle
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Hundreds will help with huge garden bird project
HUNDREDS of people in South Worcestershire, North Gloucestershire and South Warwickshire are set to take part in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch over the weekend of January 28 and 29 in what promises to be the world's biggest garden bird survey. The aim
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Peter Pan, Birmingham Hippodrome. Until January 29
THE phrase 'all that glisters is not gold' could easily apply to the Hippo's lavish seasonal offering. There's no shortage of talent, sparkling costumes and jaw-dropping special effects, but I'm afraid it doesn't make up for the lack of good old-fashioned
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Cbeebies Live! National Indoor Arena, Birmingham
AFTER two days of festive films and frequent dips into a jumbo-sized Dairy Box, I was desperate to get out of the house - even if it did involve being surrounded by hundreds of excited pre-schoolers. Hosts Justin Fletcher and Sarah-Jane Honeywell (from
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KEEPING MUM Review by Donna Pryce UGC Cinema Rubery
The latest British black comedy Keeping Mum, hit the big screen this week and was somewhat disappointing. Despite casting a string of big names, such as Patrick Swayze, Rowan Atkinson, Maggie Smith and Kristin Scott Thomas the plot was simply a let down
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Cinema classics on war theme
A MINI film festival in Netherton will be showing three cinema classics to tie in with a touring borough exhibition. Dudley Performing Arts and Netherton Library are teaming up for the Thursday afternoon showings at Netherton Arts Centre. The movies being
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Bands to line up in new year
A HOST of bands are lined up to play live at a Kidderminster pub in the new year. Jacksons, in Marlpool Lane, will welcome Identity Crisis tomorrow. Test Pilots will take to the stage on Thursday, January 20, followed by L-oght on Friday, January 21 and
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Irish band's eyes smiling at prospect of Proms
STUDENTS from Wolverley High School will be sharing the spotlight later this month when they perform traditional Irish tunes at a prestigious Birmingham venue. Wolverley High School Shamrock Band will be entertaining school children from across the West
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What's on
Thursday November 10 Don O' Lee - Pie Factory, Tipton Jam Night - The Moorings Tavern, Stourbridge Acoustic Open Mic - The Olde Queen's Head, Halesowen RnB Night - The Kingfisher Hotel, Kingswinford Country and Western Night - the Broadway, Norton Open
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Directory will spread folk message
CULTURAL groups in Wyre Forest are being given the chance to be included in a Worcestershire Folklife Directory. Voluntary group, Folklife West, has received an Awards for All grant to help produce the free guide. The group is offering free listings covering
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Shape up and enjoy outdoor life
A PROGRAMME of health walks and activities will take place at Wyre Forest Visitor Centre throughout January. On Sundays and Tuesdays, visitors to the centre, at Callow Hill, will be able to take part in free strolls with a trained leader. The walks are
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Film rentals chart
1 The Island 2 Dukes of Hazzard 3 Wedding Crashers 4 40-Year-Old Virgin 5 Green Street 6 Crash 7 Land of the Dead 8 Mr and Mrs Smith 9 The Marksman 10 Animal 11 Devil's Rejects 12 Skeleton Key 13 War of the Worlds 14 Fantastic Four 15 The Cave 16 Madagascar
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Laugh a minute in 2006
THE new season has started at a monthly comedy club in Kidderminster, which will be welcoming a host of entertainers in 2006. On Monday Roland Gent will be appearing at the Hilarity House, which is based at the Old Waggon and Horses, Stourbridge Road.
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Treat for fans of Bee Gees
SINCE 1999 Bee Gees Fever have been wowing audiences across the UK and Europe with their stunning live tribute to the music of the Brothers Gibb. From the soulful ballads Too Much Heaven and How Deep is Your Love through to the high energy disco classics
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It's in the bag...
AFTER reading a letter from Leslie Ford concerning the amount of litter on our roads, I would like to suggest he and other drivers do what we have been doing for years. I hang a carrier bag from the glove compartment and all litter is placed in it, as
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Fantastic people
I WOULD like to add to Barbara Evan's letter in December 29 edition: God Bless NHS. Having had a total hip replacement at Alstone Ward in Cheltenham, I can only put down my speedy recovery to the skill of the surgeon and the happy, professional way of
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Vale Mayor's diary
Monday, January 2: Enjoyed a really lovely time at the home of the Mayor of Droitwich (Cllr. Richard Morris) at a cheese & wine party to celebrate the New Year. Most of the other local dignitaries also attended and a happy time was had by all. Tuesday
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GRIFFIN
GRIFFIN Cyril Twelve months ago today you passed away. We think of you everyday not just today. From Ivor, Brenda, Margaret, Bernard. ---------- When you left this life twelve months today, so many Friends cried a tear, But I cried the most. From daughter
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SANDBROOK
SANDBROOK Noel Passed away one year today. Gone but not forgotten. God Bless you. Love Jackie, Gary, Kevin and grandson Luke. xx
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HOWARD
HOWARD Andrew Mark Treasured memories of my much loved son, promoted to Glory, January 12th , 2000. Remembered every day, all my love always Mum. xx
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COLLINS
COLLINS Cyril Died January 12th 1989. You are always in our hearts. Molly and Dorian.
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PULLEN
PULLEN Stanley Bert In loving memory. From wife Freda and Boys.
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Were you in the air cadets? Then share your story
THE call is out for former members of Worcester Air Training Corps to get in touch as the organisation celebrates its 65th anniversary nationally. Worcester Air Training Corps has been running since the organisation's inception in 1941 and will be taking
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The runner, the party girl and the composer
DOUBLE Olympic champion Kelly Holmes and socialite Tamara Beckwith will learn to ice skate to the music of a Malvern composer after he landed a job writing the music for a new TV programme. Paul Farrer was signed up for ITV1 show Dancing On Ice - described
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Happy Christmas! Well, it was for town's High Street traders
HIGH Street traders in Droitwich have reported a prosperous Christmas, believing the rise in customers could be a sign of things to come. Some store workers and shop owners from the High Street, which is home to many of Droitwich's independent shops,
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NEW FLEET GETS CHILDREN TO SCHOOL IN STYLE
CHILDREN with special needs in Worcester are travelling to school in style - in a fleet of 15 Mercedes-Benz minibuses. The new cars, called 'Sprinters', are being used to ensure the children get to school safely, as well as helping to take the elderly
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WE WENT BACK TO WAR FOR ST RICHARD'S
STAFF from the property services department of Worcestershire County Council have raised £1,100 for St Richard's Hospice by building a Second World War bunker in their office. In previous years, staff have built a traditional grotto with people donating
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Don't give up giving blood in 2006
YOUR vows to give up smoking and go to the gym may not survive until February - but one new year's resolution well worth sticking to is to give blood more often in 2006. That's the message for Worcestershire people from the National Blood Service, which
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Couple are hooked on crafts
A couple who fell in love with crafts after visiting a skills show in the city now want to start their own series of amateur craft shows. Alan and Zoe Coldicott, from Red Hill, Worcester, are appealing for local people who do crafts as a hobby to contact
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What's On
TONIGHT: Birmingham: Marriott Hotel - Lupa. Symphony Hall - CBSO with Leila Josefowicz. CBSO Centre - The Most Fam'd Italian Masters (lunchtime). MAC - Clark Tracey Quintet. Coventry: Warwick Arts Centre - University of Warwick Big Band Charity Concert
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Civic Centre left off historic list
HISTORICAL and important buildings in Stourport are set to receive extra recognition to safeguard the town's heritage for future generations. Around 200 structures have made it on to Wyre Forest District Council's proposed List of Buildings of Local Interest
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Rapist convicted of attack 14 years ago
A KNIFE-wielding rapist who attacked a teenager in a Kidderminster women's refuge nearly 15 years ago was tracked down by police using new DNA techniques, a court heard. Adrian Fleurs, who is serving life in a Scottish prison for another rape, admitted
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Dog charity in new cash plea
KIND-HEARTED people are being urged to dig deep into their pockets and volunteer their time to help safeguard the future of unwanted dogs in Wyre Forest. Organisers of Kidderminster-based charity, Forest Dog Rescue, are currently struggling to meet the
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'Beautiful' son inspires parents
THE parents of a Cleobury Mortimer boy who died last summer have raised £5,000 in memory of the son they describe as their "inspiration". Stephen Salt Barlow, who had dystonic cerebral palsy, died, aged 15, at Birmingham Children's Hospital in July after
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12/1/06 - Horsman extends Warriors contract
WARRIORS director of rugby John Brain has hailed Chris Horsman "one of the leading players in Europe in his position" after the Welsh international agr-eed a new four-year deal with the club. Brain is delighted to secure the signature of the 27-year-old
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Can farmers grow fuel of the future?
WITH all the changes taking place in agriculture, new ideas for generating income are high on the agenda and one of the leaders is growing crops for fuel. As always, The Pershore Conference is up with the front-runners on the way ahead and the subject
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Thanks from parents
We would like to thank the three people who stopped to help our daughter at the scene of the car crash at Pershore on December 8, 2005. Unfortunately we do not know the names of the people but we hope they will either read this or a friend may read it
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Car park is the remedy we all want
IT came into being thanks to tireless campaigning by numerous individuals, most notably the former MP for Worcester, Peter Walker. Our older readers may recall how this newspaper also contributed with its hard-hitting For Pity's Sake campaign back in
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12/1/06 - Collins in doubt for Wolves key tests
INFLUENTIAL point-guard Matt Collins is a major doubt for Worcester Wolves' big weekend of action. Wolves could face Sunday's National Trophy semi-final second leg against London United at the University of Worcester (2.30) without Collins who has a suspected
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Theatre directing course
A NEW course on theatre directing will be launched at Number 8, Pershore's community arts centre, next Saturday. It is part of a programme of creative courses which will be held in the spring season and should prove ideal for budding theatre directors
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Bands battle it out in contest
BATTLE of the bands kicked off this week with 36 bands thrashing it out in Stratford to win the competition. The 19-week musical competition held at Cox's Yard in Stratford offered 36 bands from far and wide to play to audiences with the winning band
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Lottery help for happy snappers
PHOTOGRAPHERS at a Wyre Forest club are looking forward to going digital after receiving a cash boost from the lottery. photographer and Stourport Camera Club chairman, Derek Wilbraham. Stourport Camera Club has received a grant of £4,998 that will help
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Award joy for centre
STAFF at Stourport Sports Centre are celebrating after receiving a top national award recognising the help they have given to a disabled man who uses their facilities on a regular basis. The centre was judged to be the best in the health and well-being
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Trowels at ready for prestigious award
AN AWARD is on offer for building projects that have contributed to the quality of the environment in Stourport. The town's Civic Society is offering the biennial prize, sponsored by Thomas Vale Construction, to schemes of all sizes. A commemorative plaque
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Good causes benefit from carnival success
AROUND £3,300 raised at this year's Stourport Carnival will be presented to 15 good causes. On Saturday, Stourport Carnival Society will host a donation presentation evening at Stourport Workmen's Club in Lickhill Road. The groups set to benefit are Stourport
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Call for place on popular course
PEOPLE learning to cope with long-term health conditions are urged to join a six-week course beginning in Stourport this month. Wyre Forest Primary Care Trust - PCT - will deliver the Expert Patients Programme, starting at 10am on Tuesday, January 24.
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Chess
KIDDERMINSTER Chess Club beat Hagley in Division Two of the Worcestershire League, but not as convincingly as in previous encounters against these opponents, eventually scraping through by 3-2. Full results (Kidderminster names first): Mark Riley 0.5,
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Cafe adopts smoking ban
THE manager of a popular meeting place has stubbed out smoking for good at his caf in Stourport. Russell Millward, 42, who runs Rendez-Vous in Bridge Street, decided to take the initiative to ban smoking from January 1 following Government moves last
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Motor racing
WYRE FOREST racing driver Nathan Freke hopes to make a major announcement about his plans for 2006 at the NEC Autosport Show this weekend. Freke has been attracting interest from some of the top Formula Ford teams after starring in the Walter Hayes Trophy
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Hard work is the key, says new boss Yates
MARK Yates has lifted the lid on the intense training regime his Harriers squad must follow if he is to instill togetherness and team spirit in the Aggborough dressing room. The new boss knows all about hard work after a whirlwind introduction to life
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Darts
IRENE Pugh produced a classy performance to help Wribbenhall Social crush Rising Sun A for their first victory of the Banks's Bewdley darts league season. Dave Hughes and Ian Price were also instrumental as Social won 4-3 - their first victory in 15 attempts
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New manager makes Mark at Woking
WHATEVER Harriers lacked in craft they more than made up for in graft as Mark Yates got off to winning ways at Woking. The new manager's first game in charge after a whirlwind 48 hours in the job didn't boast the prettiest of performances. But it did
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Snooker
FRANCHE A's lead at the top of the Kidderminster and District Wednesday Snooker League extended to six points, when they beat Wribbenhall A 4-1 last week. The only other match played last week saw St John's E beat St John's D 4-1. Doug Sanders, of Franche
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PACT to cut crime
GREENHILL residents in Kidderminster are being urged to team up with police to tackle crime and improve quality of life in the district. People who work in the town centre are also being invited to play a part in the Partners and Communities Together
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Speeding driver is fined
A PLANT operator caught doing 66mph in a 40mph zone was also found not wearing a seat belt when stopped by police, magistrates heard. Richard Calder, of Eddy Road, Kidderminster, appeared before Worcester Magistrates Court, where he admitted exceeding
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Thieves target stables in raids
STABLES near Stourport were targeted in separate raids in which equine equipment was stolen. An attempted third break-in was foiled. Between 7.30pm on Tuesday and Wednesday last week, two saddles, worth £250 each, were taken from stable outbuildings at
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Moorland Farm
Bank Holiday Monday Open, 25 fished, Bank, Moors and Meadow: John Cooper (Kamasan Kids) 53lb-10oz (Bank), Mal Watson (Daiwa Gordon League) 42-15 (bank), Mark Tooze (SBS) 28-1 (Bank). Wednesday Open, 16, Bank and Middle: Matt Djukic (Alans Tackle) 44-11
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Stourport Swifts
STOURPORT Swifts are back in the relegation doldrums after slumping to a dismal 4-0 defeat at promotion-chasing Ashford Town in the Southern League Western Division One. Three goals in the final stages made sure of victory for the Middlesex side but Swifts
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Poole Hall
Wednesday Open, Heron Pool: Ivan Laight 25-12 (18), Alan Esdny 10-0 (17), Dave Wigzell 6-4 (15). Saturday Open, Heron: Alan Morris 6-4 (6), Steve Bull 5-12 (8), Laight 2-12 (18). Sunday Open, Heron: Keith Perrin 51-4.5 (14), Esdny 16-5 (18), Pete Philp
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Bewdley Town
BEWDLEY Town were left wondering what might have been after a goalkeeping blunder from Steve Thomas forced them to settle for a 2-2 draw with Lye Town in West Midlands League Premier Division. It was all square at the break with Chris Hough's tap in from
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Lions on tour reap £5,000
KIDDERMINSTER and District Lions Club are pleased to report that the tours with Father Christmas raised £5,000, and wish to thank the people of Wyre Forest for their generosity over the Christmas period. Thanks must go to Foley Hire for the use of the
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Health trust merger under microscope
PRIORITY needs to be given to supporting local services in any re-organisation of health services in the county, said Evesham county councillor John Smith. He was speaking ahead of today's debate at County Hall in Worcester when Worcestershire county
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Motorists ignoring police warning as number of drink-drivers go up
MORE drivers involved in accidents over the Christmas period tested positive for drink or drugs than in the previous year, according to figures issued by West Mercia police. A total of 591 breath tests were administered following accidents and 33 either
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Bronx AC
Winter League, River Stour: M Smith 7-4, M Fletcher 7-0-4dr, D Aston 6-8-8.
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Women's football
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers Ladies Reserves started 2006 in great style when they beat Worcester City Reserves 6-3 in the Worcestershire County League. Kirsty Roberts led the way with four goals while Kirsty Hughes and Tracy Evans were also on the mark. On
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Delight as inspectors give school top marks
AN Evesham primary school - branded as having serious weaknesses two years ago - has turned itself around, according to a new Ofsted report. St Mary's Catholic Primary School in High Street has been classified Grade 2 (good) in every category inspected
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Warning to check house water bills
AN Evesham resident is warning people to check their utilities bills after battling with water supplier Severn Trent for four months for a refund. Pamela Abbotts and her brother Dave, of Pershore Road, Hampton, were surprised to be sent a water bill for
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Mystery over death of Vale OAP
THE death of a widow, whose body was found on the banks of the River Avon remains a mystery. Margaret Williams was discovered tangled in reeds in the water, near Pershore in October. Worcestershire coroner Victor Round revealed that the 68-year-old had
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Girls football
FERNDALE under-14s girls youth clinched an impressive 3-1 win over league-leaders Phoenix Hereford to progress in the Cup. Nicole Mathews bagged a brace with Charlotte Ireland also notching. But there was no joy for the under-14s Flyers who lost 6-1 in
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We need to save, show society told
MEMBERS of Moreton Show Society are being warned next week that finding ways of cutting costs is a principal and urgent task. Last year's September show in fine weather attracted a record crowd of 22,000 but a report by secretary Tim Gardner to the annual
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Six-a-side
PARAMOUNT recorded their first Kidderminster Six-a-side League victory on Monday, beating Chelsea Rejects 4-3. Masters stay top of the league with a 5-0 win over Ad's Lads. There are only two weeks of the season remaining. Other results: Running Horse
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Fears over water shortages allayed
WATER supplies in the Vale and Cotswolds are at expected levels for the time of year and there are no fears of shortages, Severn Trent have announced. The utility company made its announcement after recent reports that a number of reservoirs in the south
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Cleobury Cup Kings
CLEOBURY Mortimer Rugby Club will stage the biggest match in their brief history when they host Sunderland in round six of the Powergen Junior Vase this weekend. Saturday's tie at Love Lane will be a clash between the old and the new. While Cleobury have
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Kidderminster Carolians
KIDDERMINSTER Carolians kicked off 2006 with a battling 38-17 defeat at home to Midlands Three West North leaders Lichfield after a series of late cry-offs. Jon Easton, Eddie Ross and Andy Webber were unavailable, and Nathan Small pulled out with suspected
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Stourport
STOURPORT are still setting the pace in North Midlands Two South after a spirited 8-3 victory at Dudley Wasps took their winning run to 10 league games. An Andy Bourne try and Lee Philp's penalty were enough to clinch the points for the Walshes Meadow
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Chaddesley Corbett
CHADDESLEY Corbett are still breathing down Stourport's necks - just two points behind - after a 15-8 win over Birmingham Civil Service. Andy Campbell and Marcus Wilson scored the tries with Nick White kicking a penalty and a conversion. The seconds suffered
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Worcester work hard for their win
WORCESTER Ladies opened their 2006 account with a 17-12 victory at home to Vale of Lune. The Premier League newcomers had already put up stiff resistance against Wasps and Clifton and provided Worcester with a stern test. Both sides played a very different
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Collins in doubt for Wolves key tests
INFLUENTIAL point-guard Matt Collins is a major doubt for Worcester Wolves' big weekend of action. Wolves could face Sunday's National Trophy semi-final second leg against London United at the University of Worcester (2.30) without Collins who has a suspected
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Hoping result will be fan-tastic
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers and Operation Covert will both be aiming to hit the target at Aggborough on Saturday. Harriers will be bidding for cup glory against high-flying Grays Athletic in the second round of the FA Trophy and Operation Covert is hoping
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Festive donations instead of cards
WORKERS at a plant and tool hire firm replaced Christmas greetings with donations to Operation Covert during the festive season. The 17-strong staff at Hire It! in Worcester Road, Kidderminster, made contributions to the appeal instead of sending each
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Table tours reap rewards
ROUND Tablers have given Operation Covert a cash boost, with the help of generous Bewdley residents. Bewdley Round Table members toured the district with their traditional Santa sleigh over the Christmas period and collected £2,077 in donations from well-wishers
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Cleobury Mortimer Bridge Club
AT the first meeting after the Christmas break, a Mitchell movement was played over seven tables. North-south's new partnership of Nigel Wilkins and Ella Batten won with 62 per cent, four per cent ahead of Liz Leslie and Sadie Sainsbury. Gerald and Joy
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Classical Music Society
THE 2006 programmes begin tomorrow, when May Crowther and Graham Woolfenden will present a programme of recorded music under the heading "Birds of a Different Feather". Recently returned from the Antipodes, Mrs Crowther's choice of music is "The ultimate
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Kidderminster Cycling Club
THERE will be two rides on Sunday, both starting at The Green, Blakebrook, Kidderminster. The A ride, starting at 9am, visits the Clent Hills, while the B ride will begin at 9.30am, and head for Patshull Park, Pattingham. All cyclists will be welcome,
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Kidderminster Railway Circle
THE next meeting at The Railway Bell, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster will be on Wednesday when Dave Galton will talk on "Chasing more steam at home and abroad". Other meetings include: February 15, Malcolm Ranieri - Steam in the '80s; March 15, Robert
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Phoenix Club
THE New Year programmes start with a talk by Christine Paterson on "Burns Night in Moscow" on Tuesday. Visitors will be welcome to the meeting at Trinity Church Centre, Kidderminster, which starts at 2pm. For further information contact the secretary
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Tickets on sale to see true Legend
TICKETS have gone on sale to catch legendary Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall later in the year. The superstar singer will be taking to the stage with his band Strange Sensation on Monday December 12. Plant joined up with
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James Blunt to play Wolves Civic
Number one artist James Blunt will continue his runaway success story with a much anticipated UK tour next February. The critically acclaimed singer/songwriter recently achieved number ones in both the single and album charts with 'You're Beautiful' and
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Lickhill WI
URSULA Brian talked about Oriental art and displayed a range of her work at the December meeting. Yvonne O'Shaunessey asked members to donate unwanted bric-a-brac and Christmas presents for the sales table, also wool is needed for the knitted garments
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The Gari is the place to gig
BANDS and budding solo artists are being encouraged to show off their talents by the new managers at a Stourbridge venue. Mark and Emma Weaver at The Garibaldi, Cross Street, are looking to build on the pubs reputation for hosting live music events by
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A celebration of rock 'n' roll
THE Rockin' On Heaven's Door boys are back to take you to rock 'n' roll heaven. They're going to be raising the Everyman's roof, with some good old rock 'n' roll, from Wednesday, January 18 to Sunday 22. Celebrating the music of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison
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Friends of Acorns Children's Hospice
THE total raised by the Wyre Forest group over the last year was £27,291. The sponsored walk in Wyre Forest generated more than £1,000. Lynne Beckett and Dorothy Worrall sold cards, pictures and craft items to achieve £7,000. The people of Stourport donated
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Breathe Easy Malvern and Worcester
AT the sixth annual meeting, officers re-elected were: chairman Peter Davidson, treasurer Michael Bowker, publicity officer Mo Davidson, and Denise Morris was elected onto the committee. The secretary's position is vacant. There were no meetings in December
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Progress made on many fronts in successful year
LAST year was another eventful one for the nature reserves of Wyre Forest District Council. Unlike 2004 though, the Ranger Service did not receive any big awards for their efforts to further preserve and enhance the wildlife of the district, although
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Gamebirds register to combat flu
PEOPLE who keep more than 50 gamebirds in captivity for even part of the year have only a few weeks left to register with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The measure has been introduced as part of contingency planning to tackle
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Hundreds will help with huge garden bird project
HUNDREDS of people in South Worcestershire, North Gloucestershire and South Warwickshire are set to take part in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch over the weekend of January 28 and 29 in what promises to be the world's biggest garden bird survey. The aim
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Farmers take up conservation offer
FARMS across Worcestershire have become more wildlife friendly with 16,076 hectatres covered by the 182 Environmental Stewardship agreements finalised so far. Geoff Sansome, regional manager for the West Midlands Rural Development Service, said: "In Worcestershire
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'Bought in Bewdley' bags walk off shelves
SPECIAL bags have been made available in Bewdley to encourage more people to use the town's shops. Opportunity Bewdley and Bewdley Chamber of Trade have commissioned the bags, which have "Bought in Bewdley" printed on them and they can be bought from
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Peter Pan, Birmingham Hippodrome. Until January 29
THE phrase 'all that glisters is not gold' could easily apply to the Hippo's lavish seasonal offering. There's no shortage of talent, sparkling costumes and jaw-dropping special effects, but I'm afraid it doesn't make up for the lack of good old-fashioned
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Couple's agony at ambulance delay
A STOURPORT man and his wife have called for answers after enduring an agonising 30-minute wait for an ambulance when he suffered a life-threatening heart attack in Kidderminster town centre. George Murcott is now recuperating at his home after spending
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Brian's op hopes hit
A STOURPORT pensioner has been rushed to hospital with severe chest pains - on the day a date was finally set for his potentially life-saving heart by-pass operation. Brian Garbett, 67, of Lombard Street was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Tuesday
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12/1/06 - Match day sparks injury frustrations
I ABSOLUTELY hate not being able to play rugby! It really does my head in sitting on the sidelines, especially for really close games like the one last weekend. It's not the first injury I've had and you would think I would be used to it by now but you
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Ted recalls his boyhood days at ram sales
MEMORIES of boyhood days around the livestock markets were recalled by Ted Milward when he came across an old picture of Evesham Ram Sale. Mr Milward, aged 84, of St Andrews Road, Pershore, said: "I should think it was circa 1930, judging by the appearance
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Patients now have more choice
NHS patients in South Worcestershire can now choose where and when they wish to receive hospital treatment. From the beginning of this month, people throughout the area have had the right to be offered the choice of at least four hospitals or clinics
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Bear FM goes off air ready for re-launch
RADIO listeners have been mourning the demise of the Bear this week following a shake-up of local commercial radio in the Vale and Cotswolds. Bear FM, which has broadcast to Warwickshire, Worcestershire and parts of the north Cotswolds for a number of
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Congratulations to seats campaigner
SIR - Congratulations to Seamus Kelly regarding the seats in the park. Some years ago, I wrote to the parks department explaining that there were more grandparents taking their grandchildren to the swings in the park, and the only place to sit was on
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Health trust merger under microscope
PRIORITY needs to be given to supporting local services in any re-organisation of health services in the county, said Evesham county councillor John Smith. He was speaking ahead of today's debate at County Hall in Worcester when Worcestershire county
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Moral high ground on back of the homeless
SIR - I see Paul Denham (Worcester News, December 31) is seeking to capture the moral high ground on the back of those who are unfortunately homeless at present. Of course, as he knows, there are strong and substantial reasons why the Nexus application
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Fears over water shortages allayed
WATER supplies in the Vale and Cotswolds are at expected levels for the time of year and there are no fears of shortages, Severn Trent have announced. The utility company made its announcement after recent reports that a number of reservoirs in the south
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Shock as doctor cover comes from Redditch!
AN Eckington woman has urged Vale people to write to their MP demanding a full out-of-hours GP service after waiting seven hours for treatment at the weekend. Molly Smith feared the worst when her husband's condition deteriorated from what seemed a chest
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Bands to line up in new year
A HOST of bands are lined up to play live at a Kidderminster pub in the new year. Jacksons, in Marlpool Lane, will welcome Identity Crisis tomorrow. Test Pilots will take to the stage on Thursday, January 20, followed by L-oght on Friday, January 21 and
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Station car parking fees rise blasted
A RAIL users' watchdog has hit out at a hike in car parking charges at Kidder-minster railway station of up to 36 per cent at a time when it claims services are deteriorating. The Stourbridge Line Users' Group fears the increases are discouraging commuters
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The winner is...
AN Oscar-style ceremony will recognise the outstanding efforts of Wyre Forest people who have made positive contributions to someone else's life or the community. The event, organised by Oldington and Foley Park Neighbourhood Pathfinder Scheme, will be
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Residents face new campaign
RESIDENTS who successfully campaigned against the erection of phone mast last year are angry that the same company is making a second attempt. Mobile phone giant, 02, has begun pre-planning application consultation for a 12.5 metre mast next to Binders
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Future plan on display
A COMMUNITY roadshow in Kidderminster's Swan Shopping Centre has been highlighting services such as adoption, passenger transport and road safety. Worcestershire County Council is running the week-long event, which continues until Sunday, between 9am
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Face-to-face adult learners
THERE'S a wide range of opportunities for face-to-face learning, from classes in your local library, to family learning sessions in community sports centres. Many adult learning courses take place in further education colleges and learning centres. This
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Feast for movie fans
FILM fans will be flocking to Kidderminster Library to see a range of films. Wyre Forest Film Club's new season will begin on Tuesday, January 31with Finding Neverland. It is a fictionalised version of the creation of J M Barrie's Peter Pan and stars
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Phone praise
PHONE calls to council staff are being answered promptly, an internal audit has revealed. Ninety-four per cent of calls channelled through to Wyre Forest District Council's call centre were answered in 15 seconds, with an average waiting time of five
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Oh yes, it's time for panto fund-raiser
A POPULAR fairytale will be brought to life when members of a charity group tread the boards in their 40th annual pantomime in Stourport later this month. The Monday Night Group will perform Cinderella at the Civic Centre Theatre from Friday, January
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Radio series follows week in the life of your favourite newspaper
RADIO listeners will hear how the Shuttle/Times and News is put together in a week-long series being broadcast on BBC Hereford and Worcester. From next Monday, and continuing over the following four days, people tuned into the station at around 10.30am
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On right track
ANYONE interested in the history of steam railways is invited to monthly evening meetings of Kidderminster Railway Circle. The group meets on Wednesdays at the Railway Bell, Comberton Hill. On January 18, Dave Galton will present "Chasing More Steam at
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Hoping result will be fan-tastic
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers and Operation Covert will both be aiming to hit the target at Aggborough on Saturday. Harriers will be bidding for cup glory against high-flying Grays Athletic in the second round of the FA Trophy and Operation Covert is hoping
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Film rentals chart
1 The Island 2 Dukes of Hazzard 3 Wedding Crashers 4 40-Year-Old Virgin 5 Green Street 6 Crash 7 Land of the Dead 8 Mr and Mrs Smith 9 The Marksman 10 Animal 11 Devil's Rejects 12 Skeleton Key 13 War of the Worlds 14 Fantastic Four 15 The Cave 16 Madagascar
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Daring mum raises cancer cash with sponsored leap
DAREDEVIL mum, Lois Cullum, thanked the charity that helped her win her fight against cancer by leaping out of a plane in a sponsored parachute jump. The 25-year-old from Kidderminster was joined by her sister, Anita, 36, and together they raised £1,000
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Laugh a minute in 2006
THE new season has started at a monthly comedy club in Kidderminster, which will be welcoming a host of entertainers in 2006. On Monday Roland Gent will be appearing at the Hilarity House, which is based at the Old Waggon and Horses, Stourbridge Road.
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Profits warning from Body Shop
SHARES in Body Shop have tumbled nearly 20 per cent after the retailer warned that lower-than-expected Christmas sales in Britain and the US will hit profits. Same-store sales in Britain were up one per cent during the trading period, down from a five
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City consultant sells up
ROGER Cole, one of the longest established structural engineering consultants in Worcester, has sold his practice to Bridgnorth firm Mark Dady Associates. Mr Cole, who has worked from Worcester for the last 18 years, latterly under the name of Dossor
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12/1/06 - Weekend county football fixtures
SATURDAY WORCESTER & DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division: Hallow WMC v Pershore Manor Rovers (P.Harding); Lamb & Flag v Hanley Swan (P.Roberts); Martley Spurs v Welland Athletic (K.Ruff); Powick v Tolladine Sports (M.Stephens). Division One: Inkberrow
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MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK SET FOR HOSPITAL
A MULTI-storey car park creating an extra 500 spaces could be built at Worcestershire Royal Hospital to put an end to the parking chaos that has blighted it since it opened. John Rostill, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said
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How grandad could have spotted meningitis earlier
A GRANDAD who helped save his granddaughter's life by recognising she had signs of meningitis has welcomed new guidelines explaining how to spot the deadly disease even earlier. Little Georgia Tippin, from May Avenue in Tolladine, Worcester, was rushed
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Law makes no hunt exceptions
A joint-master of the Warwickshire hunt is quoted in the Journal as saying that their hounds have killed foxes by 'mistake' ('Hunts maintain festive tradition', December 23rd) but the Hunting Act makes no exemption for accidents. The authorities may use
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Generous gifts
EVESHAM Vale Lions Club sincerely thank everyone who donated to our collections at Morrisons Superstore and Evesham Garden Centre before Christmas in aid of the Lions Pakistan Earthquake Appeal. A fantastic £1,200 has been forwarded into the Lions Appeal
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Fantastic people
I WOULD like to add to Barbara Evan's letter in December 29 edition: God Bless NHS. Having had a total hip replacement at Alstone Ward in Cheltenham, I can only put down my speedy recovery to the skill of the surgeon and the happy, professional way of
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Can farmers grow fuel of the future?
WITH all the changes taking place in agriculture, new ideas for generating income are high on the agenda and one of the leaders is growing crops for fuel. As always, The Pershore Conference is up with the front-runners on the way ahead and the subject
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Theatre directing course
A NEW course on theatre directing will be launched at Number 8, Pershore's community arts centre, next Saturday. It is part of a programme of creative courses which will be held in the spring season and should prove ideal for budding theatre directors
