Archive

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2/8/06 - Sanderson picked

WORCESTER Warriors skipper Pat Sanderson has been named in England's 55-strong Elite Player Squad. The flanker will link up with the national squad for training camps at Loughborough University in September and October with further dates to be approved

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Harriers 1 Coventry 5

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 MICHAEL Blackwood gave Kidderminster Harriers a promising start only for Cov-entry City to eventually run away with the friendly at Aggborough last night. City's slick pass-and-move style through the middle cut Harriers open

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2/8/06 - Danks may be back by end of the month

MARK Danks could be back training with Worcester City by the end of the month. Striker Danks, who scored nine goals last season, broke a fifth metatarsal training by himself last month and has been sidelined since. The news came as a blow to City

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2/8/06 - Kenna will give Yates the pefect role model

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers paraded their latest signing last night -- Premiership-winning defender Jeff Kenna. Kenna, part of Blackburn Rovers' title side in the 1994/95 campaign, signed a one-year deal at Aggborough yesterday. Harriers manager Mark Yates

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2/8/06 - Wooton not part of plans for campaign

WE have looked at a few players in pre-season and they have had a few opportunities. Adam Wooton has had the biggest opportunity with the first team but we have made a decision with Adam not to offer him anything at this time. We are quite well covered

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Spicy salsa

HUNTINGDON Hall is set to be packed with the Latin American spirit on Saturday, August 12, when dance band Palenke perform. The band are set to perform its mix of dynamic dance moves and varied South American styles in the Worcester venue. Founded by

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Kenna will give Yates the pefect role model

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers paraded their latest signing last night -- Premiership-winning defender Jeff Kenna. Kenna, part of Blackburn Rovers' title side in the 1994/95 campaign, signed a one-year deal at Aggborough yesterday. Harriers manager Mark Yates

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Sanderson picked

WORCESTER Warriors skipper Pat Sanderson has been named in England's 55-strong Elite Player Squad. The flanker will link up with the national squad for training camps at Loughborough University in September and October with further dates to be approved

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Gulliver returns to Bulls

THE on running Phil Gulliver transfer saga between Heref- ord United and Rushden and Diamonds has taken another twist with the Northamptonshire club claiming the centre-half has rejoined the Bulls. Gulliver signed for Hereford on a free transfer but returned

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Quick-fire Brakewell challenges World XI

GARETH Brakewell took the Lashings World XI on at their own game as Colwall were beaten by 92 runs. Brakewell, with just one first team game to his name this season, fired 26 in six balls, including three sixes, on his way to 38 as Colwall reached 210

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Home victory for Worcester crew

WORCESTER Dragon Boat Racing Club were joined by 20 visiting crews in the eighth round of the British Dragon Boat Racing Association National League. The competition began with 200m sprints between the crews who were seeded to produce close finishes.

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Curtain-raiser set for Malvern Town

ALL the coming season's fixtures for Mercian Festival Junior Football League are now available for viewing on the league's website www.yel lowjersey.co.uk Cup Rounds: October 7/8, November 11/12. December 9/10 & January 13/14. Cup Finals at Malvern

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Alcester Bridge Club

IN July, members gathered for the AGM, followed by a buffet supper and a short session of bridge. A new committee was elected, with Jean Underwood as chairman. The club has had another successful year and members voted to make a donation from funds to

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Bordesley History Society

MADRESFIELD Court near Malvern was the setting for Evelyn Waugh's book, Brideshead Revisited. He called it ''an enchanted palace'' and said it was an aesthetic education to live within the walls. On July 15, the society visited the Court and gasps of

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Pedestrian in hospital

A PEDESTRIAN was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital after being in collision with a white Daewoo Nexia on the A451 Stourport to Kidderminster Road, at the junction of Minster Road, on Tuesday morning. Ambulance crews attended at about 8.20am and the

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St Mary's Wives Group

THE Rev Ron McClaren, the Baptist minister at Wythall, led the June service. The theme of the service was ''Friendship''. The Rev McClaren gave an address reminding that basic social skills are learned at home. After the service, a delicious supper provided

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Offers to help abandoned cows in county

ANIMAL lovers in Worcestershire have offered to help a herd of cows abandoned after their owners were jailed. Ninety of the cows at Emmadale Farm in Alvechurch have already been culled and the remaining 30 are now being cared for by the RSPCA. Sue Penney

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The Primrose Choir

THE choir has been celebrating the summer in fine style. The annual Summertime Concert on June 15 was a great success. Roger Powell as Master of Ceremonies was as entertaining as ever and the two young guest soloists, Maddy Glasbey and Dale Pearce, were

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MP welcomes mini-moto crackdown

WORCESTER MP Mike Foster has welcomed a new crackdown on yobs who cause misery to communities by illegally riding miniature motorbikes. The Home Office has issued a guide to owners of the mini-motos setting out how to use them within the law. Reckless

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White Heart Inn Garden Club

AT the June meeting, there was an interesting talk by Dave Bates on the growing and showing of prize vegetables. Surely only men could find it worthwhile to spend weeks growing a five inch long parsnip of which only two inches are edible, and they are

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Blair and Bush

TONY Blair and George W Bush will be making an appearance in the city this weekend alongside members of Worcester Stop the War Coalition. The group will have a stall in the High Street throughout the day on Saturday and co-ordinators Neil Laurenson and

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Yoga sessions

GENTLE yoga for all ages starts next week.. Gill Richards is running three two-hour yoga sessions to help residents limber up and raise money for St Richard's Hospice. The classes, starting on Tuesday, August 8, will be held in Powick Parish Hall and

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It's tomato juice, some vodka and...

What product with strong local connections is an essential ingredient of a Bloody Mary and what famous person was buried at West Malvern? Those are two of the questions that might be asked in the Worcestershire Quiz evening later this month. Teams of

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2/8/06 - Sanderson picked

WORCESTER Warriors skipper Pat Sanderson has been named in England's 55-strong Elite Player Squad. The flanker will link up with the national squad for training camps at Loughborough University in September and October with further dates to be approved

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Froggatt's top three target

THIRD place is not out of resurgent Barnt Green CC's reach believes captain Simon Froggatt. Froggatt is confident that his side can continue their climb up the table and finish in a top three place. Victory over Knowle and Dorridge has propelled Green

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Improving Droitwich rise up the table

Droitwich 258-5 Eastnor 221-8 Droitwich grab a winning draw DROITWICH Spa CC's title challenge stepped up a gear when they took the lion's shares of points to leap frog Eastnor and move into third place in the Worcestershire League Division One on Saturday

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United late show puts boot in

Bromsgrove Rovers (0) 0 Redditch United (0) 2 TWO late goals shot down battling Bromsgrove Rovers as derby rivals Redditch United won a fiercely contested local pre-season derby friendly on Saturday at the Victoria Ground. Rovers matched their rivals

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Rider in Home Nations call-up

A MAPPLEBOROUGH Green dressage rider has been selected for the Great Britain team for this week's Frys international. 21-year-old Vikki Weaver is enjoying success in her first year as a senior (over 21) rider and has been competing at the Premier League

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100 years ago - August 4, 1906

A DRAPER from headless Cross was charged with not sounding his bell or whistle when cycling in Bromsgrove Road, Webheath, in July. He pleaded not guilty. Police constable White said at 7.55pm he was walking down the middle of the road when he heard something

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The magic is back

BACK by popular demand, dance sensation Magic of the Dance returns to Malvern Theatres on Monday. The popular show has received rave reviews around the world. Narrated by acclaimed actor Christopher Lee, the dance spectacular offers comedy, tragedy and

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Bard feast

SHAKESPEARE fans can enjoy a free film festival from the Royal Shakespeare Company. As part of its year-long Complete Works Festival, the RSC is hosting a free season of Shakespeare films, to be shown on a huge outdoor screen on the banks of the River

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Star aid for animal farm

A MASSIVE donation of £1,000 has been contributed by a top star to a farm animal sanctuary near Bromsgrove, which had its fundraising stock destroyed by fire. Co-founder of the Farm Animal Sanctuary, Maureen Lawless, wrote to the Stoney Lane site's patron

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A chance to dance

TALENTED dancers have the chance to impress the best in a round of open auditions at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham on Sunday and Monday. Celebrity judges Vanessa Leagh Hicks and Arlene Phillips, from TV's Strictly Dance Fever, will be on hand, along

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New challenge sought

NOT content with completing a gruelling 14-hour Iron Man event, courageous Dean Sargeant is looking for Advertiser/Messenger readers to set him a new challenge. The 38-year-old engineering manager with Dynathermon on Aston Fields industrial estate, Bromsgrove

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Percy led a colourful life

TRIBUTES have been paid to a well known man who will be remembered for his colourful life. Percy Williams died at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital on July 18 at the age of 86. He was a former member of the Worcestershire Regiment and a traffic warden

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Such specs appeal

Amber Swanson proved she has real specs appeal after being chosen to take part in a national modelling competition. Amber, who lives in Wychbold, was chosen from more than 3,000 entries to take part in the regional semi-finals of Specsavers' Spectacle

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Anglers are to blame

RECKLESS anglers are responsible for killing and maiming swans throughout the county according the woman who runs Wychbold Swan Rescue Centre. Jan Harrigan said she is exasperated by the amount of injured birds her workforce is having to deal with, especially

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Football legend's medals stolen

MEMENTOES and memorabilia have been stolen from the Barnt Green home of the late former Football Association and West Bromwich Albion chairman Sir Bert Millichip. The treasured items were among a haul of silverware and jewellery which was taken from the

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Farm milk protests

FARMERS demanding better prices for their dairy produce from major retailers staged a protest outside a Bromsgrove supermarket. Members of the Farmers for Action group gathered outside the ASDA store in Market Street last Thursday to campaign for better

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Call for support

SAVE the Alex campaigners are banking on residents' support at a major rally being held later this year in looks like being a last ditch attempt to salvage the Redditch hospital. Group leader Neal Stote says he would like to see at least 2,000 residents

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Call for support

SAVE the Alex campaigners are banking on residents' support at a major rally being held later this year in looks like being a last ditch attempt to salvage the Redditch hospital. Group leader Neal Stote says he would like to see at least 2,000 residents

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Fraud charge

A CHARFORD woman has appeared at court after a crackdown by the district council's fraud team. Bromsgrove District Council, working with the Department for Work and Pensions, took action against Kelly Halfpenny, formerly Cook, of Lyttleton Avenue, who

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Reprieved!

EXCLUSIVE by Christopher Flavell DROITWICH Spa's Fire Station is now set to stay in the town after a u-turn from service officials. The decision has eased fears that the station, which is off the Saltway, would be moved closer to the motorway under improvement

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Percy led a colourful life

TRIBUTES have been paid to a well known Spa man who will be remembered for his colourful life. Percy Williams died at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital on July 18 at the age of 86. Percy was a former member of the Worcestershire Regiment and a traffic

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He 'rose' to the top

A TOP Spa musician has scooped an award for his performance during the Droitwich Music Festival. Paul Rose, 29, from Claines, was given the best busker award 2006 for his showing at one of the town's 'Busk Stops'. The competition was run and organised

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29/07/06 - Improving Droitwich rise up the table

Droitwich 258-5 Eastnor 221-8 Droitwich grab a winning draw DROITWICH Spa CC's title challenge stepped up a gear when they took the lion's shares of points to leap frog Eastnor and move into third place in the Worcestershire League Division One on Saturday

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Top three target

THIRD place is not out of resurgent Barnt Green CC's reach believes captain Simon Froggatt. Froggatt is confident that his side can continue their climb up the table and finish in a top three place. Victory over Knowle and Dorridge has propelled Green

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29/07/06 - Jones excels in all areas to kill off Knowle

Knowle and Dorridge 206 all out Barnt Green 210-7 Barnt Green won by three wickets A FINE display with the bat and ball from Lyndon Jones made sure that Barnt Green continued their resurgent form in the Birmingham and District League Premier Division

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29/07/06 - Husbands destroys Aston Unity

Bromsgrove 174 all out Aston Unity 89 all out Bromsgrove won by 85 runs A DEVASTATING display of bowling by Nick Husbands made sure that Bromsgrove inflicted a heavy defeat on strugglers Aston Unity in the Birmingham and District League Division One on

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29/07/06 - Corbett lose

CHADDESLEY Corbett slipped even further into the relegation mire in the Worcestershire League Division One after losing by eight wickets to Pershore on Saturday. Corbett were bowled out for 101 and their opponents eased to victory by reaching 101-2. In

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30/07/06 - Droitwich slump to loss

Kidderminster Victoria 285-6 Droitwich Spa 155 all out Droitwich lost by 130 runs TWO fine individual performances with the bat condemned Droitwich to a heavy defeat at the hands of Kidderminster in the Worcestershire Sunday Club League. Droitwich had

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Limited overs success

DROITWICH booked their place in the third round of the WISE Communities UK Twenty/20 Cup by defeating Earlswood by ten wickets. Spa captain Steve Walsh decided to bowl first and saw Michael Rogers remove Earlswood's openers for nine runs. Despite a battling

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Evans joy as Bank revival continues

ASTWOOD Bank skipper Dan Evans has pronounced himself happy with his side's league position after climbing into the top six following Saturday's welcome win at home to struggling Barnards Green. Bank notched a six-wicket victory to climb further away

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2/8/06 - Kenna will give Yates the pefect role model

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers paraded their latest signing last night -- Premiership-winning defender Jeff Kenna. Kenna, part of Blackburn Rovers' title side in the 1994/95 campaign, signed a one-year deal at Aggborough yesterday. Harriers manager Mark Yates

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Alcester lose ground with draw

ALCESTER and Ragley lost ground in their Division One title chase but remain five points below the second promotion place after a winning draw against Claverdon. After losing a couple of early wickets, Mark Fawthrop (136) and Shaun Quirke (80) steadied

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Luck keeps pace in Stocks series

WINYATES Green speed king Mike Luck is riding high in a Rockingham-based series for American Stock Cars after an impressive opening half to the season. The experienced Redditch driver is second in the Stock Car Speed Association series in only his third

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Skippers in medal haul

SKIPPING: Studley Blue and White Rope Skippers won a silver medal and seven bronzes at the World Championships in Toronto. Beci Dale, Rachael Dale, Billie Green, Gemma Wong and Emma Robinson came second in the Senior Female overall speed events. They

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Ten-goal Studley in sizzling friendly form

STUDLEY Ladies kicked off their pre-season programme with ten goals in two victories - including seven at higher league opposition! West Midlands Premier hosts Telford United were put to the sword 7-3 on Sunday, a victory which came on the heels of a

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Neal still tops pile

REIGNING touring cars champion Matt Neal suffered a frustrating weekend at Donington when he was outshone by teammate Gordon Sheddon but did enough to stay top of the drivers' standings. The Redditch-based driver is still 22 points clear of nearest rival

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United offer terms

REDDITCH United have offered terms to two players who have impressed manager Gary Whild as their pre-season preparations continued. Towering defender Exodus Geohaghan has verbally accepted a non-contract offer to join the Valley Stadium side from Bromsgrove

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Plea to noisy wannabe disc jockeys

THIS is the time of year when loud music causes a nuisance to others. At the time of writing I am sitting in my study in Stoke Heath listening to loud music from Wheelwright Close. This is not unusual, on a recent Sunday we had to abandon the pleasure

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Keep border

WHY should Stanley Dodd, a resident of Catshill, feel that he has the authority to express the view that the residents of Rubery would be better off living in a Birmingham suburb? His suggestion that a referendum should be held to decide the future status

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Desecration

I WOULD like to express, through Your View, my absolute disgust at an incident my husband and I witnessed recently in Bromsgrove Cemetery. I was putting fresh flowers on my parents' grave when I noticed a group of pre-school children and their carers,

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Bowled out

HAVING recently retired I was delighted to join with other WI ladies and utilise the excellent bowling green and equipment in Sanders Park, Bromsgrove. I have paid £30 for the season and felt it was excellent value, understanding that I could play and

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Drink policy

I WAS interested to read that police and trading standards found that local shops are conducting a strict policy of no alcohol being sold to under-age young people. This has always been my experience , from observations, at the shops that I frequent.

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Litter picker

I RECALL that one of the issues taken up in the Advertiser/Messenger has been the litter in and around our town. My husband and I recently returned from a journey across Russia, to Vladivostok, on the Trans-Siberian Express. We started our journey from

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Enjoyable

MAY I on behalf of the ladies and gentlemen from Amphlett Hall sincerely thank the Rotary Club of Bromsgrove for our free trip to Weston-super-Mare on July 12 and for the remuneration we received towards our lunch. We had a very enjoyable day. Thank you

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No signature

CAN some (if not all) of Birmingham's Labour MPs explain why they are no longer counter-signing UK passport applications for their constituents? One in particular refused to do so for the wife and son of a constituent - who is a Labour Party member! From

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Race for life

THE recent Race for Life in Bromsgrove was a wonderful event, with lots of local support and lots of money raised for the fight against cancer. What a pity though that the major route into Bromsgrove was severly hindered by roadworks, delaying many contestants

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Out in cold

THE proposed changes to Bromsgrove District Council's constitution will further increase the delegated decision making powers, to both the executive cabinet and certain officers of the council. It is claimed they are necessary in order to introduce a

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Town scoop top award for leading the way

BROMSGROVE Town FC's hard work in the community was recognised by Worcestershire FA at a special awards ceremony. Secretary Geoff Brunt accepted the FA Charter Standard Club of the Year award on behalf on the club from Regional Coach Development Manager

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Political lobbying

SAVE the Alex leader Neal Stote will call on Redditch councillors to join the fight against hospital cuts. The Greenlands dad said he was writing to the council's leaders, including Labour's Phil Mould and Tory Carole Gandy, prior to Monday's full council

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Trial halted

A JUDGE has stopped the trial of a building labourer accused of robbing a woman at knifepoint at a Redditch cash machine. Tamsin Mogg had £220 stolen from her outside Tesco in Coldfield Drive, Oakenshaw, on September 13. A man grabbed her, held a knife

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Harriers 1 Coventry 5

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 MICHAEL Blackwood gave Kidderminster Harriers a promising start only for Cov-entry City to eventually run away with the friendly at Aggborough last night. City's slick pass-and-move style through the middle cut Harriers open on

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It's stereotyping

SIR - Worcestershire Racial Equality Council chairman Peter Oteng said (July 25) "WREC needs to challenge any negative stereotyping". Yet WREC chairman Malik Fayaz turned six Asian youths away from the meeting because he "didn't want kids" there. Isn't

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Should Guards wear bearskins?

SIR - I am sure the Grenadier Guards looked spectacular as they marched through Worcester in their immaculate uniforms complete with bearskins. I do wonder whether the Duke of Edinburgh, who is President of the World Wildlife Fund, finds it acceptable

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Let's see a few ideas to beat litter

THE Worcester News has been banging the drum over the Faithful City's litter problem in recent times. That's as it should be - this summer's council campaign has been little more than tough talk and good intentions. Yesterday, we were treated to a textbook

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Boot sale boo boo

A REDDITCH woman is trying to trace some sentimental items which were mistakenly put into a car boot sale. Carol Hartwell is appealing to car-booters to return goods they may have bought from a sale at Weights Lane. The items were mistakenly sold by her

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Car parking charge may boost centre

PLANS to charge shoppers to park at the Merry Hill shopping centre could encourage residents to use the Kingfisher precinct instead, it's manager has said. Ian McLelland told the Advertiser he had been aware Merry Hill may start charging for parking,

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Concern over town fawn sighting

A CONCERNED Church Hill resident is warning people to be on the lookout for a fawn he spotted on Sunday. Chris Haynes, of Fulbrook Close, said he saw the young deer on Moons Moat Drive at about 8am when he and his family were leaving for a day trip. "

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Man held on motorboat theft

A 23-YEAR-old Redditch man was arrested in the early hours of Sunday in connection with the theft of a motorboat and trailer. The 14ft boat, worth £8,000, was stolen along with a £500 trailer from Stratford Marina on Thursday. It was recovered at a Redditch

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One man show

A GROUND-breaking one man show which examines one of William Shakespeare's most infamous characters by mixing tragedy and comedy comes to the Artrix in Bromsgrove this Saturday. In The Merchant of Venice miser Shylock is a money grabbing, tight fisted

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Village scoops title in contest

THE picturesque village of Inkberrow has scooped the title of Worcestershire Village of the Year 2006. It received the top accolade in the Calor Village of the Year competition after being assessed in a number of categories including business, young people

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Wychbold WI

Despite the recent vandalism visited upon our village hall, we were still able to hold our meeting there, with lovely flowers from Kate Westcott decorating the officers' table and a positive determination to continue to support the village hall committee

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Brum's answer to Bard!

WELL known Midlands comedian, actor and writer Malcolm Stent is about to star in his own play which is set to become Birmingham's answer to Romeo and Juliet. 'A League Apart', which will be on at the Alexandra Theatre from September 5 to 9, is a football

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Wychbold Flower Club

THE club met at Webbs Garden Centre for a conducted tour of the Riverside Gardens, which proved to be a delightful, mini-outing to this enchanting series of themed planting, all explained by our knowledgeable guide. The evening's entertainment was rounded

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A second bite for Whitesnake

ROCKERS Whitesnake will be hoping it'll be second time lucky for their show at Birmingham's National Indoor Arena on Wednesday, August 9. The show had been originally set for May 28 but had to be cancelled because of illness to one of the band members

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Antiques Roadshow is on the way

POPULAR BBC programme the Antiques Roadshow is coming to Birmingham's Symphony Hall on Thursday, September 7. Some of Britain's leading antiques and fine arts specialists will be on hand to offer free advice and valuations to visitors, who are invited

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Spadesbourne Ladies Club

ABOUT 55 hot but happy ladies met on a lovely summer's evening at Bromsgrove Golf Centre for the July gathering of the Spadesbourne Ladies Club of Bromsgrove. It was the last meeting before the summer holidays. The final numbers were counted for the evening

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Catshill WI

MARY Davies welcomed members to the July meeting. Mary told members that an osteoporosis screening would take place on September 19 at Hallow village hall. The cost would be £40. This was available to any members who wanted to attend this facility. WI

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Litter pick nets a surprise haul

A DINING table and chairs were among litter collected by councillors and residents in Church Hill. A litter pick was held around the perimeter of Ravens Bank, Church Hill Middle School and surrounding closes. It was the latest in a series of litter picks

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Hadzor & Oddingley WI

WE were privileged to hold our garden meeting at Gill Wilson's home. We very much admired Gill's lovely garden and all the hard work she had put into it. Then followed a delightful afternoon with sunshine, good food and enjoyable company. It was lovely

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Wychbold Horticultural Society

THE society is sad to report the death of Mrs Jean Hemming, a long-time member of the society's committee and a constant supporter of and worker for the society's activities. Her calm and reassuring presence at and contribution to our events will be greatly

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Family of six saddle up

A SPORTING family of six from Hollywood saddled up for a charity challenge and raised nearly £2,000 for a cause close to their heart. Susan Brice, husband Chris and their four children all completed an 11-mile bike ride around the Warwickshire countryside

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CD - Alright Still - Lily Allen

THE debut album from chart-topper Lily Allen is a pleasant surprise but steel your ears for some pretty explicit lyrics. All right, Still opens with the top hit Smile and continues in pretty much the same vein. Allen is a sassy, streetwise girl with plenty

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DVD - A Cock and Bull Story (15)

THIS is a clever film, flipping back and forth between an 18th century tale of battles and difficult childbirth and a hapless bunch of 21st century film makers struggling to create a masterpiece on a shoestring budget. Comedy stars Steve Coogan and Rob

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DVD - She's The Man (12)

TAKE the classic story of a girl wanting to prove her mettle to her ex-boyfriend, add in some young sexy actors and actresses, a fair few romantic storylines and some comedy moments, and there you have it - a highly entertaining film. Add in the girl

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2/8/06 - Danks may be back by end of the month

MARK Danks could be back training with Worcester City by the end of the month. Striker Danks, who scored nine goals last season, broke a fifth metatarsal training by himself last month and has been sidelined since. The news came as a blow to City boss

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Church times

OPEN mornings at Alvechurch Baptist Church are continuing but with different times. Anyone who wants to drop into the Red Lion Street church for quiet relaxation is welcome on Mondays from 10.30am-noon, Wednesdays 5-7pm and Fridays 10am-noon. Everyone

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Fiddler brings the roof down at Palace

TRADITION is the key word in the story of Fiddler on the Roof. This year, Alcester Amateur Operatic Society broke with tradition and appeared at the Palace Theatre, putting on the first of what is hoped to be many more successful shows. An engaging visual

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Mask makers

YOUNGSTERS at Feckenham First School were given the chance to show their creative skills during an art workshop. A visiting artist helped children make masks.

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Diary of Events

Wednesday, August 2 Wythall Gardening Club hosts a visit to Cranesbill Nursery in Stock Green, near Redditch. Visitors should arrive by 7pm and everyone is welcome. There is a £2 charge for visitors. Saturday, August 5 A litter pick will take place in

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Bewdley

BEWDLEY ROUND TABLE - The annual clay pigeon shoot was a success with Peter Simpson being the overall winner. Peter becomes the owner of the Chris Jones Trophy. In the third week of July 20, Round Tablers and 10 boats made their way down the River Severn

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Brockencote

WI - The speaker at the July 19 meeting was Joy Gammon. After living in the Middle East and teaching in a private school, she explained about the customs of the Emirate States, particularly Dubai and Qatar. Members were shown the clothes they wore every

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50 Years Ago August 4, 1956

A PARTY of 39 Evergreen scouts, led by Alan Hodgetts, left Bromsgrove station on the first part of their journey to Helsingoer in Denmark for their summer camp. It was the pack's fifth visit to the country. Trips to a shipyard and Copenhagen were planned

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100 Years Ago August 4, 1906

THE practice of roadmen, employed by Bromsgrove Rural District Council, touting for cash from the public to pay for their annual outing was criticised by councillors at a meeting. They remarked such begging was against the authority's policy and that

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Councillor in court

WINYATES councillor David Enderby has appeared in court accused of assault. The recently elected British National Party member on Redditch Council was before the town's magistrates on Friday, July 21 to answer three counts of assault relating to an arrest

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Rally cry over service cuts

SAVE the Alex campaigners are banking on residents' support at a major rally being held in a last ditch attempt to salvage the town's hospital. Campaign leader Neal Stote says he would like to see at least 2,000 people join the demonstration at the Alexandra

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New BMX track plan

PLANS for a new BMX racetrack next to Redditch's skatepark were unveiled at an open evening. Visitors to Matchborough skatepark last week could view proposed plans for a new racetrack, spearheaded by Redditch Premiers BMX club. The club plans to work

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Death prison rapped

BROCKHILL Prison has been criticised by an inquest jury for the care it gave to a vulnerable young mum found hanged in her cell. Returning a verdict of accidental death, the jury said Anne Marie Bates, 19, was given inappropriate and inadequate care during

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Email glitch hits council

A FIRM in Hartlebury was just one of those sent thousands of unsolicitated emails by Redditch Council. When staff at the firm on Hartlebury Trading Estate switched on their computers on Thursday morning, they found they had been sent almost 6,000 duplicate

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Boost for town arts

VISUAL arts in Redditch will receive a cash boost thanks to the sale of a NEW College property in the town centre. The college is giving a £100,000 grant to arts groups following the sale of the Old Library Restaurant in Church Green. The property was

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Prizes at charity disco

A BICYCLE from Halfords, a meal for two and an opportunity to learn to fly are just some of the raffle prizes up for grabs at a charity disco this weekend. The Hopeful Honeys - including Julie Senior, Julie Ingram, Rachel Walmsley and Sharon Clarke -

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Dilemma on school bus

AN Astwood Bank mum has hit out after her 12-year-old daughter was told she will not qualify for a seat on a direct school bus because of where they live. Kelly Lines was told her daughter Sophie, who is due to start at Kingsley College next month, did

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Bromsgrove Rovers fixtures and results 2006/2007

HOME, away (Southern League Midlands Division fixtures unless stated) JULY Sat 15 HEDNESFORD TOWN 3-2 (Snape, Burgess, Francis) Thu 20 MOOR GREEN (friendly) 1-0 (Lamey) Sun 23 KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS 0-4 Sat 29 REDDITCH UNITED 0-2 AUGUST Tue 01 Alvechurch

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HUGHES

HUGHES Alec Passed away one year ago today. Sadly missed and loved by all his Family. Published in paper 02/08/2006

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HOLLOWAY

HOLLOWAY Richard Fell asleep at home on July 30th, 2006, aged 59 years. Much loved husband of the late Caroline, dad to Tony, Steven and Tina, also grandad to Jamie and Emily. The Funeral Service will take place at Worcester Crematorium on Tuesday, August

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MCDONALD RSPCA

MCDONALD Timothy Terence Passed away suddenly but peacefully at home on July 28th, 2006, aged 54 years. A beloved husband of Barbara and a proud and loving father to Phillipa and Hayley. Funeral Service will take place at St Josephs Roman Catholic

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COMPTON

COMPTON Joan Ann Formerly of Queensmead, Upton upon Severn, passed peacefully away on July 28th, 2006, aged 72 years. The much loved wife of the late Pat, dearly loved mum of Carol and Diane, also a much loved nan of Rachel, Matthew, David and Chrissy

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What's on

There's plenty in the way of Shakespeare as we head towards autumn, with performers coming from as far afield as Brazil and the USA as well as all over the UK, while Patrick Stewart appears in two separate plays. Another double-header comes courtesy of

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Where to go

Wednesday, August 2 MUSIC: Time Enough, Hop Pole In, Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove. EXHIBITION: Openingshot, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. THEATRE: Guys and Dolls, The Swan Theatre, Worcester. CINEMA: The Wild, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. CINEMA

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The magic is back

BACK by popular demand, dance sensation Magic of the Dance returns to Malvern Theatres on Monday. The popular show has received rave reviews around the world. Narrated by acclaimed actor Christopher Lee, the dance spectacular offers comedy, tragedy and

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Duo is a rare breed indeed

MUSICAL duo Rare Breed are coming to Redditch with a performance at the Oast House pub in Church Hill on Saturday, August 12. Tony May and Keith Jones offer a blend of contemporary music styles and modern songs fused with jazz, new country, blues, folk

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Bard feast

SHAKESPEARE fans can enjoy a free film festival from the Royal Shakespeare Company. As part of its year-long Complete Works Festival, the RSC is hosting a free season of Shakespeare films, to be shown on a huge outdoor screen on the banks of the River

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What's On Guide

Wednesday, August 2 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Until September 2. Tickets on 0870 730 1234 or www.birminghamhippodrome.com Guys and Dolls, Swan Theatre, Worcester. Until August 5. Tickets on 01905 611427 or www.huntingdonarts.com

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Antiques Roadshow is on the way

POPULAR BBC programme the Antiques Roadshow is coming to Birmingham's Symphony Hall on Thursday, September 7. Some of Britain's leading antiques and fine arts specialists will be on hand to offer free advice and valuations to visitors, who are invited

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DVD - A Cock and Bull Story (15)

THIS is a clever film, flipping back and forth between an 18th century tale of battles and difficult childbirth and a hapless bunch of 21st century film makers struggling to create a masterpiece on a shoestring budget. Comedy stars Steve Coogan and Rob

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DVD - The Proposition (18)

THIS is a gritty, hard-hitting story which pulls absolutely no punches. Set in the Australian outback, this is the tale of a dreadful decision a brother is forced to make. Local law enforcer Captain Stanley (Ray Winstone) is determinted to come down hard

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Book - On Beauty - Zadie Smith

HAVING not read any of Zadie Smith's previous offerings, I decided it was time to check out this acclaimed author. People seem to either love or hate her but I have to say, I'm still somewhat undecided. On Beauty tells the tale of two families with completely

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Hartlebury Castle

Hartlebury Castle The history of Hartlebury Castle begins around 850 AD, when the land on which it now stands was given to the Bishop of Worcester by Burghred, King of the West Mercians, possibly with the intention of creating a defence against the Vikings

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Rare Inspiration

Stone House Cottage Garden and Nursery, on the outskirts of Kidderminster, offers visitors not only a beautiful walled garden to wander around, but also the opportunity to buy some of the plants for themselves. Owners James and Louisa Arbuthnott grow

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Tile Style

caption: The deep purple shades of these Andes Dawn slate tiles from Original Style would make a fantastic centrepiece in any room. £36.95 per square metre. Tiles have been cherished for centuries as a colourful and durable decorative surface, and rightly

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Plenty of options

Whether you want to update your existing kitchen or splash out on a brand new design, Kitchen Options in Stourbridge lives up to its name by providing customers with plenty of choice. Owners Alan and Carol Kelly have over 30 years of experience in the

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Having a ball

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Babies in expert hands at Hallfield First

Hallfield School in Edgbaston has launched Hallfield First, a new venture offering quality childcare and early years development for babies aged from three months. A former headmaster's residence, in its own grounds next to the school, has been transformed

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Shades of autumn

Thinking about autumn clothes when it's still the summer always seems rather a shame - but after looking at some of the forthcoming styles from Betty Barclay, you might find yourself wishing that autumn would hurry up and arrive... Many of the elements

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Ladies' night

Kidderminster and Hagley Round Table's Charity Ball in aid of the Tom Cartwright Memorial Fund for leukaemia research was held at the Gainsborough House Hotel on July 1. £880 was raised on the night for the charity in memory of Tom Cartwright, the son

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Fresh from the farm

Necessity is the mother of invention, it is said, and nowhere is that phrase more appropriate than at Churchfields Farm in Salwarpe. Driven to diversification by the current state of British farming, the Davies family decided to use milk and cream from

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Hitting the spot

Looking out over the manicured greens of the golf course, there can be few better places to enjoy a meal than Redditch's Abbey Hotel. But while golfers curse the rough or grumble about a dropped shot, all that can be heard from inside the hotel's Bramblings

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29/07/06 - United late show puts boot in

Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Redditch United 2 TWO late goals shot down battling Bromsgrove Rovers as derby rivals Redditch United won a fiercely contested local pre-season derby friendly on Saturday at the Victoria Ground. Rovers matched their rivals from the

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23/07/06 - Rovers not at Sunday best

Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Kidderminster Harriers 4 BROMSGROVE'S encouraging pre-season programme suffered a hitch with a 4-0 home defeat to rivals Kidderminster Harriers. Although the scoreline slightly flattered the visitors, Rovers could not quite contend

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15/07/06 - Lamey goal seals victory

Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Moor Green 0 NATHAN Lamey grabbed the winner as Rovers deservedly overcame a strong Moor Green side at the Victoria Ground on Thursday night. Lamey pounced in the 60th minute to break the deadlock in a game that had been evenly matched

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Sky Blues roar back in Harriers goal feast

MICHAEL Blackwood gave Kidderminster Harriers a promising start only for Cov-entry City to eventually run away with the friendly at Aggborough last night. City's slick pass-and-move style through the middle cut Harriers open on numerous occasions and

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Danks may be back by end of the month

MARK Danks could be back training with Worcester City by the end of the month. Striker Danks, who scored nine goals last season, broke a fifth metatarsal training by himself last month and has been sidelined since. The news came as a blow to City boss

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26/07/06 - Getting the message across

WHEN players enter the home changing rooms at Bromsgrove Rovers they will be reminded of what is demanded from the club by a new motto. The words - 'Pride, Honour, Passion' - are painted on the wall and are one of the first things the players see when

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Alceser U3A

THE latest entertaining and informative monthly meeting was held on July 6. As well as learning that the King of Tonga is 88 this month, the chairman revealed that 140 years ago, the SS Great Britain completed the laying of the first trans-Atlantic cable

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£198,000 DRIFTS DOWN THE RIVER

MORE than 100 creditors will be left out of pocket by a total of almost £200,000 as a result of the firm behind the disastrous Severn Boat Festival losing thousands of pounds at the event, it has been revealed. A year on from the washout event held on

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Inner Wheel Club of Alcester

At the AGM, retiring president Sheila Girvan handed over the chain of office to Pam Bailey. The first meeting of the new Inner Wheel year, held at The Moat House Inn, Kings Coughton, saw Pam welcome members and speaker Sharon Hedges. After the meal, the

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Disabled treated worse here than most other areas

WORCESTER'S modern police station has been criticised by a campaigner carrying out a national survey into provision for the disabled. Malvern-born David Hughes, known as Wheelchair Charlie, is travelling the country assessing attitudes to disabled people

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Solihull & District Orchid Society

FOR the June meeting, Bernard McDonald gave a talk and slide show on the variations of Bulbophyllum Lobbii. There is no meeting in August. The next meeting will be on September 2, which will be the AGM and members' plant sale. The society meets at Arden

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The Friends of Auxerre

ON Saturday, July 1 the Friends held their garden party and barbecue at Cookhill Baptist Chapel. The weather was superb and everyone enjoyed themselves. The Maypole (or was it a Julypole?) was up, its ribbons fluttering in the occasional light breeze

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There'll be delays on the roads, drivers told

Drivers in Worcester can expect delays due to roadworks throughout the city over the coming weeks. Temporary traffic lights will be operating on Bromwich Road, St John's, between the junctions with Weir Lane and Cormorant Rise, until Tuesday, August 15

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Fun for young

YOUNGSTERS in Dines Green, Worcester, will need a lot of energy this summer. The Green Centre in Gresham Road will keep them busy will a host of holiday activies. For the older children there is street football, graffiti projects, DJ and arts workshop

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Arson charge

A 27-year-old has appeared at Worcester Crown Court charged with setting fire to Shakeeys 24-hour restaurant in the city. Shaun Whitmore, of Friar Street, Droitwich, is accused of arson and endangering life following the blaze in the early hours of Saturday

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River danger

PEOPLE have been warned about the dangers of swimming in the River Severn at Bewdley. A spokesperson for Bewdley Police said: "Fast flowing currents in the water can be dangerous."

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Choir visit by soldier who went to Canada

A MAN who left Worcester to join the Army 60 years ago is returning this month with the choir of St Paul's Cathedral in London, Ontario, Canada, when it visits Worcester Cathedral. Ian Turnbull, who was born in Worcester and went to Samuel Southall Secondary

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Bromsgrove captain backs bowlers as team aims for top

CAPTAIN Nick Davies reckons that Bromsgrove CC are in good enough form to challenge for a top two place in the Birmingham and District League Division One - despite his side being in the bottom three. Victory over Aston Unity on Saturday means the Boars

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Seven in as Spartak step up re-building

THE squad re-building continues to move at pace at Barnt Green Spartak as the club announced seven new signings during the build up to the Midland Combination Premier Division. Manager GJ Singh has been busy bringing in new faces in order to reshape the

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We must stay in division

STUDLEY vice captain Mark Lewis has told his experienced team mates not to waste the fruits of ten years' hard graft on the field by tumbling out of Division Two because they are not rising to the occasion. With skipper Richard Gregory absent at the weekend

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Arrows final push

REDDITCH Arrows resume their push for the divisional championship and homefield advntage in the play-offs at Manchester Titans on Saturday. Boasting a perfect 7-0 record, the Arrows cannot afford to slip in match in which victory will set up a potential

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Alcester Town FC is back in business

ALCESTER Athletic have taken the next step in their bid to restore senior football to the town following the demise of Alcester Town 13 years ago. The junior football club, founded when Town folded in 1993 following a visit from youngsters from Alcester's

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Where to go

Wednesday, August 2 MUSIC: Time Enough, Hop Pole In, Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove. EXHIBITION: Openingshot, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. THEATRE: Guys and Dolls, The Swan Theatre, Worcester. CINEMA: The Wild, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. CINEMA

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50 years ago - August 3, 1956

LIGHTNING caused damage to property in a number of instances during the storm which struck the Midlands on Friday night. There were two storms over Redditch during the evening, with torrential rain falling most of the time. Gutters filled up and for a

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25 years ago - July 31, 1981

GOD bless Prince Charles and Lady Diana. Nearly 150 employees at GL Saunders motor component packaging plant in Arrowdale Road, Redditch, put in hours of unpaid overtime to decorate themselves and their factory to celebrate the royal wedding on Wednesday

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Pound of flesh

BROMSGROVE'S Artrix welcomes Gareth Armstrong for his award-winning play Shylock on Saturday. The well-known artist, dubbed "innovative, delightful, exceptional!" by the Independent, tells the story of the famous Jew, confronting stereotypes through the

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Duo is a rare breed indeed

MUSICAL duo Rare Breed are coming to Redditch with a performance at the Oast House pub in Church Hill on Saturday, August 12. Tony May and Keith Jones offer a blend of contemporary music styles and modern songs fused with jazz, new country, blues, folk

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What's On Guide

Wednesday, August 2 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Until September 2. Tickets on 0870 730 1234 or www.birminghamhippodrome.com Guys and Dolls, Swan Theatre, Worcester. Until August 5. Tickets on 01905 611427 or www.huntingdonarts.com

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Taking it to the streets

THE razzamatazz of street theatre is about to come to Bromsgrove again offering a feast of free entertainment for all the family. Every Wednesday throughout August will be jam-packed with fun and frolics for all. Bromsgrove's town centre Recreation Ground

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Duo hope to spin to success

A MUSICAL duo are aiming to unearth the "next big thing" in Bromsgrove with the opening of their own recording studio. Adam McEwan and Melvin Banner, who play together in local band Hybrid, fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening MSB Studios last month.

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Shake-up anger

CHANGES to Bromsgrove District Council's constitution, which will in future enable some important decisions to be taken by just a handful of councillors, have been branded as undemocratic by the leader of one opposition group. Some of the changes involving

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Teenagers round up 30 dumped trolleys

TEENAGERS have helped clean up a Worcester estate by tracking down abandoned shopping trolleys. In Easter last year, two groups of 13-17-year-olds were challenged to see how many of the £250 trolleys from Sainsbury's they could retrieve from the streets

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Let there be light

AROUND £30,000 is set to be pumped into improving leisure facilities at a Sidemoor park. Council chiefs plans to build floodlights at the ball court in the King George playing fields. This means that youngsters will be able to use the football and basketball

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My unforgettable encounter with an assassin bug

SINCE I was a child, hollows in tree trunks have always fascinated me. Seeing the film Flash Gordon might have had something to do with this. Peering into one makes you feel like you are entering into a mysterious and fantastical world, and with Flash

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Surprise for town MP as private talk hits national press

MP for Droitwich, Peter Luff, has spoken of his surprise after excerpts taken from a speech he made to party activists was turned into a story knocking the Conservatives by a pro-Labour Party national newspaper. The Mid-Worcestershire MP's comments at

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Roadshow help for farmers

LOCAL farmers will be able to call in at the NFU Food and Farming Roadshow when it visits the county as part of its eighth annual tour of the country. Roadshow presenter Johnny Ball started the ball rolling in Stratford-upon-Avon last month and since

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Arrest for Spa knife woman

A WOMAN shoplifter was arrested after wielding a knife when challenged by a supermarket manager in the street. The incident happened near the Spa's railway station at approximately 5.40pm on Wednesday, July 19. A few minutes earlier, the woman had left

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Garage raid reward offer

A LOCAL garage is offering a reward for any information that can lead to an arrest and conviction of thieves who targeted the site a few months ago. Money and shop goods were stolen and the store damaged when the Total Worcester Road service station in

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Celebrating seventy years of married life

A HAPPY Spa couple have just marked 70 years of marriage at their Westlands home. Kath and Sid Jones, of Drovers Place, Westlands, celebrated their Platinum anniversary towards the end of last month, on Tuesday, July 25. The couple met in the needle factory

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Dramatic time ahead for theatrical group

A FIRE in Ombersley has resulted in thousands of pounds of damage and the loss of important equipment belonging to the village's amateur dramatic group. The fire also engulfed nearby trees and damaged a house. Arthur Turner, who is warden of the hall,

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Bromsgrove captain backs bowlers as team aims for top

CAPTAIN Nick Davies reckons that Bromsgrove CC are in good enough form to challenge for a top two place in the Birmingham and District League Division One - despite his side being in the bottom three. Victory over Aston Unity on Saturday means the Boars

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Club's net gain

BARNT Green unveiled its new junior training nets at a special ceremony at the club's Cherry Hill Road ground. Club officials hope the nets, which were paid for the a government grant, will help the club's junior players flourish. Barnt Green was one

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29/07/06 - Ombersley out gunned by Solihull

Ombersley 261-8 Solihull Blossomfield 262-5 Ombersley lost by five wickets BIG hitting Ombersley were out gunned by Solihull Blossomfield in the Birmingham and District League Division Three, Ombersley had been in good form with the bat, with Duncan Catterall

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Exhall keep pressure on rivals

EXHALL stayed in touch with leaders Bretforton after posting a win at Stratford Bards on Saturday. Exhall skipper Simon Hollands won the toss and elected to put Bards into bat on what looked to be a good batting wicket. New ball bowler Steve Keen returned

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Redd away misery again

AFTER bewailing his side's dreadful away record it was a case of same-again on Saturday as Redditch skipper Nev Mason saw his team slip to a costly losing draw against hosts Whitchurch on Saturday to lose further ground in the relegation zone. But the

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Wythall worries deepen

FIVE Ways Old Edwardians deepened neighbours Wythall's relegation worries with a 68-run derby victory at the weekend. Old Eds posted a respectable 199-10 and their visitors could make only 131-10. But Wythall - currently mired in the second relegation

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Inkberrow remain in the hunt

STUDLEY'S hopes of claiming runners-up spot in the Prudden Road Surfacing League Premier Division were dashed in the final week of scheduled fixtures after a 3-1 defeat to Shipston. But with oustanding fixtures still to be played Inkberrow are still very

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Inaccurate

JUST a brief response to the letter from Labour councillor, Geoff Hulett, which was compeletely inaccurate. I did not preside over the purchase of the German refuse vehicles that are now causing problems with all too frequent breakdowns. The decision

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Returned

I WOULD like to express my sincere thanks to the kind and honest person who handed in to the office at Asda on busy Friday lunchtime (July 14) a bag of shopping which I had left behind. The bag contained fruit and treats for a picnic with a gathering

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Noise issue

IT would seem the Highways Agency is ignoring its own research on M5 motorway noise. As the district councillor representing the villages of Hadzor, Oddingley and Tibberton, I have received many complaints about the noise from the M5 and was hopeful that

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Convenience

I WOULD like to draw attention to all residents of Upper Catshill who keep a cat, especially to those with no gardens and to those who have found it necessary to pave their front gardens, that I have got what is probably the largest cat toilet in the

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Chief's answers 'unsatisfactory'

COUNTY health chiefs came under fire once again at a public meeting in Studley. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive John Rostill faced tough questioning from the more than 100 residents who packed into Studley Village Hall last Tuesday

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Seven in as Spartak step up re-building

THE squad re-building continues to move at pace at Barnt Green Spartak as the club announced seven new signings during the build up to the Midland Combination Premier Division. Manager GJ Singh has been busy bringing in new faces in order to reshape the

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29/07/06 - United late show puts boot in

Bromsgrove Rovers (0) 0 Redditch United (0) 2 TWO late goals shot down battling Bromsgrove Rovers as derby rivals Redditch United won a fiercely contested local pre-season derby friendly on Saturday at the Victoria Ground. Rovers matched their rivals

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Fairfield defeat Minehead

FAIRFIELD Villa got their pre-season friendly programme off to a strong start by defeating Minehead 2-1 on Saturday. Goals for new signings Gary Harvey and Kofi Kyereh made sure that new look Villa got off to a winning start. Manager Paul Oakes was pleased

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Nothing's done, even if residents complain

SIR - I read with great interest the article concerning the people of Warndon in which they were complaining about double yellow lines. They should take a look at Martley Road where the lines were done away with when the road was resurfaced six months

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Drink policy

I WAS interested to read that police and trading standards found that local shops are conducting a strict policy of no alcohol being sold to under-age young people. This has always been my experience , from observations, at the shops that I frequent.

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Too many Scots in government

SIR - L Spiteri says I am criticising the British government for the number of Scotsmen there are in our government. Dead right I am, Mr Spiteri. The Scots are a nation in their own right with their own money, their own flag, their own laws, their own

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Why you cannot trust politicians

SIR - Further to Mike Foster's patronising letter (July 18) in reply to my previous correspondence I would remind him that while it may be true that the county council came up with the figure of £10m if his party - the Government of the day - had provided

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Return to Italy after 60 years

SIR - While serving with the Army in Italy during the Second World War I often thought that I would like to see the country in peacetime. Alas, the years went by and I thought that I had left it too late. Then in 2004, Age Concern arranged a holiday in

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School traffic is causing the jams

SIR - What congestion? People of Worcester with a modicum of intelligence have known for years that any congestion problems in our city are usually associated with school traffic. Rather than tackle the root cause of the problem and organise adequate

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Payout for officer

A REDDITCH policeman has been awarded £11,000 compensation from his force after being hurt on the job. Pc Craig Cashmore received the High Court settlement after West Mercia Police Authority was found guilty of failing to provide him with adequate personal

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2/8/06 - Wooton not part of plans for campaign

WE have looked at a few players in pre-season and they have had a few opportunities. Adam Wooton has had the biggest opportunity with the first team but we have made a decision with Adam not to offer him anything at this time. We are quite well covered

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Sights set high

A CHARITY race night is being held this weekend by four women planning to scale new heights. The adventurous group from Alcester, Bidford and Redditch are going to be walking up Ben Nevis to support cystic fibrosis sufferers and need to raise £325 each

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Shop appeal

REDDITCH people are being asked to show their generous sides once more by helping a town charity shop. Last month, a number of people answered a plea in the Advertiser for more volunteers at the Cancer Research UK shop in Market Place. The shop now needs

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Park keeps flying the flag

ARROW Valley Country Park has again achieved a Green Flag Award after judges found it a welcoming, safe and well-maintained place. The Battens Drive park was also praised for its strong links with the community. Redditch Council's visitors attractions

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Family fun

LIVE music, a mini steam railway, face painting and American football are just some of the fun activities families will find at a Headless Cross park next Saturday. Redditch Council's annual Morton Stanley Fun Day promises to be "bigger and better than

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Summer days set to sizzle!

YOUNGSTERS can enjoy sports, arts, crafts and dance at summer sessions across the town. Redditch Council's sports development unit is running Summer Sizzles, offering children aged five to 13 a range of activities. One session has already been held at

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Bricks stolen from site

BRICKS and building materials worth thousands of pounds were stolen from an Oakenshaw construction site. Thieves have been taking the goods from the housing association development on the corner of Rough Hill Drive and Grangers Lane for several months

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Blackwell & Burcot WI

The president, Pearl Prior, welcomed the members including a new member to the July meeting. After thanking Beattie Denning for the lovely flowers, Pearl was happy to announce to the members that our institute had two tables in Sanders Park - laden with

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Time for tennis

BUDDING Andrew Murrays and Tim Henmans can look forward to tennis sessions at St Augustine's High School this summer. Coaching sessions are being held by fully-qualified Lawn Tennis Association experts at the Hunt End school on Saturday mornings. There

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Youths on bail

TWO youths were arrested after a robbery at Martins Newsagents in Matchborough. The pair were arrested near the Matchborough Centre store, which was broken into at 8.30pm on Saturday, July 22, following help from members of the public and CCTV footage

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Children's ticket prices slashed

REDDITCH, Alcester and Bidford youngsters can get around for less this summer thanks to an offer from bus company First. The normal £3 day ticket for children aged 15 and under has been reduced to £1. It is valid throughout Hereford and Worcestershire

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Top runners raise cash from race

A MUM and daughter from Webheath gave fellow athletes a run for their money in a recent Race for Life event. Julie Venn and her 12 year old daughter Kirsty, from Blackstitch Lane, were two of the fun run's top performers. Mrs Venn, a member of the team

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Chaddesley Corbertt Gardeners Club

DIGITAL photography was the subject of Chaddesley Corbett Gardeners' Club's July meeting. Jim Almond gave an excellent presentation on how useful a digital camera can be to gardeners. Jim is an alpine enthusiast and is also the joint holder, with Kew

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Bentley Pauncefoot WI

AT July's meeting the president, Lynne Reading, welcomed guest speaker, Miss Meriel Hayes. whose talk had the title 'Dear Polly' - letters to a Victorian lady's maid". Miss Hayes described how she had found a box of 160 letters, written by her grandfather

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Plenty for teens to do

EXCITING holiday activities are kicking off for Redditch teenagers. Fun for 13-19 year olds, including trips to Waterworld and Drayton Manor Park, paintballing, cooking and sports activities, will run until August 31. There will also be art workshops,

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Shoppers warned about email scam

CYBER shoppers are urged to be on their guard when they trade on the internet, after one resident fell victim to a scam. Police have issued the warning after the Church Hill man tried to sell a mobile phone on www.amazon.co.uk He received an email claiming

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Library hosts summer fun for children

A LAVISH puppet show and a Japanese comic book workshop are some of the diverse activities on offer for youngsters at Redditch Library this summer. The fun starts on Friday with a visit from the Hartlebury Mobile Museum where children of all ages will

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Fitness week ends term

REDDITCH YMCA joined forces with Church Hill Middle School for an end of term fitness week. Pupils were issued with a pedometer and asked questions about their diet and healthy eating habits. Youngsters from the Woodpiece Lane school hopped, jumped and

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DVD - The Proposition (18)

THIS is a gritty, hard-hitting story which pulls absolutely no punches. Set in the Australian outback, this is the tale of a dreadful decision a brother is forced to make. Local law enforcer Captain Stanley (Ray Winstone) is determinted to come down hard

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Book - On Beauty - Zadie Smith

HAVING not read any of Zadie Smith's previous offerings, I decided it was time to check out this acclaimed author. People seem to either love or hate her but I have to say, I'm still somewhat undecided. On Beauty tells the tale of two families with completely

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Cleobury Mortimer

BRIDGE CLUB - Following two weeks of playing a Mitchell movement it was decided to have a change and play a Howell movement over seven tables at the latest duplicate competition. First place was taken by Doreen Round and Terry Lucey with 62 per cent,

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Kidderminster

CYCLING CLUB - There are two rides this Sunday. The A ride starts at 9am and is an informal ride, the destination to be decided on the day. The C ride starts at 9.30am and is a half day ride to Bobbington Vine Yard. Both rides leave from The Green, Blakebrook

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Wyre Forest

FRIENDS OF ACORNS CHILDREN'S HOSPICE - Members have had a busy and fruitful month with Susan Newell holding a party and raising £355. Sylvia Price held a strawberry tea and raised £400 with the quiz still on going. The teddy bears brought in £232.05.

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25 Years Ago July 31, 1981

ROYAL wedding fever gripped Bromsgrove and district. Many decorated their homes and streets with red, white and blue bunting and many communities staged parties and fancy dress competitions. Later in the day the groom, Prince Charles, lit the first in

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Mum's fury at danger fence

A NINE-year-old boy was gruesomely impaled on the spikes of a metal fence as he tried to retrieve his football from a garage roof. Studley Junior School pupil Shane Davis slipped and speared his arm on a security fence surrounding the Beth Johnson Housing

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Outrage as cows starve

A FORMER chief inspector for Zimbabwe's equivalent of the RSPCA has criticised the "inhumane" treatment of cattle at an Alvechurch farm. Meryl Harrison said she was appalled at the situation at Emmadale Farm in Rowney Green Lane, where 30 cows have been

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Town square is dedicated

REDDITCH'S town hall square will be officially dedicated to late council stalwart Walter Stranz at a ceremony on Monday. A new square nameplate will be unveiled by Mr Stranz's wife of 43 years, Betty, at a ceremony before the full council meeting at 6.45pm

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Meetings success led to four arrests

THE arrest of four people in Redditch town centre for offences related to supplying drugs is the latest success story since the launch of pioneering community policing meetings six months ago. Officers swooped last week following information received

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Mum has a close shave for appeal

CRAIG Evans' mum Christina Dyson kept a promise to her late son by having her head shaved for his namesake appeal. The brave mum is now sporting a close crop after having her pretty locks reduced to a fuzz at the Craig Evans family fun day held at Arrow

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Rowdy youths return

THE problem of nuisance youths gathering on a Matchborough school playing field could become a recurring issue, a councillor has warned. Juliet Brunner said although police had stepped up surveillance after residents complained of youths drinking and

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Caribbean fun marks special day

THE Descendants of Windrush (DoW) are making final preparations for the largest multicultural family event to be held in Redditch. A Caribbean fun day will be held on Saturday from noon-7pm to commemorate the anniversary of Jamaica gaining independence

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Busy Barbara bids farewell

REDDITCH'S busiest pensioner is bidding Auf Wiedersehen to the town to set up a new life in Germany. Barbara Ziglis says she has been enjoying "the long farewell" as all the friends she has made over the last 21 years wish her the best for her future

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HARBER

HARBER Margaret Alice Passed peacefully away on Friday, July 28th, 2006. Beloved wife of the late Gerald, much loved mother of Linda, nan to Adrian and mother in law to Tony. Sister to Eleanor and Gordon and the late Archie and Cyril. The Funeral Service

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BOURNE

BOURNE Brian Passed away on July 30th, 2006, aged 70 years. A beloved husband, father and grandfather. Funeral service at Worcester Crematorium on Monday, August 7th at 2 p.m. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, for Acorns Children's Hospice

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WRIGHT

WRIGHT Eileen nee Lake Aged 90 years. Peacefully on July 27th, 2006 at Albion Lodge Rest Home. Sadly missed by her Family and Friends. The Funeral Service will take place at Worcester Crematorium on Friday, August 4th at 10.30 a.m. Flowers or donations

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BOULTON

BOULTON Violet I would like to express my sincere thanks for the care and attention shown to me by Doctors and Nursing Staff during my recent stay in the Assessment Ward, Worcestershire Royal Hospital. Published in paper 02/08/2006

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WOOD

WOOD Chris Taken from us seven years today. In loving memory of a dear and loving dad. Love and miss you so much. Daughter Lin, Grandchildren, Tony and loving wife, Wench. xxxx Goodnight. God Bless. xx Published in paper 02/08/2006

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RYLAND

RYLAND Violet Mother and best friend. Eight years have passed. Precious memories stay loved and remembered. Son Bill and Family. Published in paper 02/08/2006

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Sun-blessed Garda

Italy's fabled lake With a variety of diverse resorts to choose from, the shores of Lake Garda are the perfect place to enjoy the legendary Italian hospitality. For Victorian travellers in search of warmer climes, the shores of beautiful Lake Garda were

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Spicy salsa

HUNTINGDON Hall is set to be packed with the Latin American spirit on Saturday, August 12, when dance band Palenke perform. The band are set to perform its mix of dynamic dance moves and varied South American styles in the Worcester venue. Founded by

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Pound of flesh

BROMSGROVE'S Artrix welcomes Gareth Armstrong for his award-winning play Shylock on Saturday. The well-known artist, dubbed "innovative, delightful, exceptional!" by the Independent, tells the story of the famous Jew, confronting stereotypes through the

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A chance to dance

TALENTED dancers have the chance to impress the best in a round of open auditions at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham on Sunday and Monday. Celebrity judges Vanessa Leagh Hicks and Arlene Phillips, from TV's Strictly Dance Fever, will be on hand, along

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My unforgettable encounter with an assassin bug

SINCE I was a child, hollows in tree trunks have always fascinated me. Seeing the film Flash Gordon might have had something to do with this. Peering into one makes you feel like you are entering into a mysterious and fantastical world, and with Flash

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One man show

A GROUND-breaking one man show which examines one of William Shakespeare's most infamous characters by mixing tragedy and comedy comes to the Artrix in Bromsgrove this Saturday. In The Merchant of Venice miser Shylock is a money grabbing, tight fisted

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Brum's answer to Bard!

WELL known Midlands comedian, actor and writer Malcolm Stent is about to star in his own play which is set to become Birmingham's answer to Romeo and Juliet. 'A League Apart', which will be on at the Alexandra Theatre from September 5 to 9, is a football

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A second bite for Whitesnake

ROCKERS Whitesnake will be hoping it'll be second time lucky for their show at Birmingham's National Indoor Arena on Wednesday, August 9. The show had been originally set for May 28 but had to be cancelled because of illness to one of the band members

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CD - Alright Still - Lily Allen

THE debut album from chart-topper Lily Allen is a pleasant surprise but steel your ears for some pretty explicit lyrics. All right, Still opens with the top hit Smile and continues in pretty much the same vein. Allen is a sassy, streetwise girl with plenty

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DVD - She's The Man (12)

TAKE the classic story of a girl wanting to prove her mettle to her ex-boyfriend, add in some young sexy actors and actresses, a fair few romantic storylines and some comedy moments, and there you have it - a highly entertaining film. Add in the girl

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Fiddler brings the roof down at Palace

TRADITION is the key word in the story of Fiddler on the Roof. This year, Alcester Amateur Operatic Society broke with tradition and appeared at the Palace Theatre, putting on the first of what is hoped to be many more successful shows. An engaging visual