Archive

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Hylton Road re-opened after traffic chaos

The Environment Agency caused traffic chaos in Worcester today when it took down the flood barriers in Hylton Road.p> The road was closed from 10am to 2pm causing tailbacks on Henwick Road and Hallow Road. For more see tomorrow's Worcester News.

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Instructing duo are hot at competition

BROMYARD School of Tae Kwon-Do instructors were successful at the National All Styles Championship. Seven of the school's 13 tutors travelled to Crawley to be part of the fastest-growing tournament circuit to hit the UK. It attracted competitors from

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Eckington CC player appeal

AN Eckington man has called on villagers to show support for their cricket team at a meeting tomorrow night as the battle to save the club gets under way. Eckington president John Griffin, along with the rescue committee and players, are holding an emergency

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Bulls plan Friday cup trip to Rovers

HEREFORD United will visit fellow League Two side Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup third round. Rovers, who meet the Bulls in the league on Boxing Day, won 1-0 at League One Bournemouth in Tuesday night's replay, thanks to Richard Walker's 63rd-minute goal

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Kidderminster: Police offer bag alarms to worried shoppers

SHOPPERS are being given an extra warning their purse is being stolen thanks to a special bag alarm. The purse alarm is being handed to people as they shop in Kidderminster and Bromsgrove in the run-up to Christmas, following a spate of thefts from the

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Prize for safety-conscious school

SAFETY conscious youngsters have been rewarded for being danger dodgers. Pupils from Thornton House School, in Wyld's Lane, Worcester, won £50 for their school in a competition about how to stay safe. Earlier in the year they visited a Danger Dodgers

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Sod cutting marks start of new homes

CEREMONIAL sod cutting has marked the start of more affordable homes in Worcester. Five new houses for rent will soon be built in St Peter's Drive, Worcester. The £600,000 housing development made progress when the first ground was broken by leader

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Clear up as travellers leave Worcester

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Tougher test likely on our French trip

IT was really nice to be back playing for Worcester on Saturday after not being involved in club rugby for such a long time. I wasn't feeling too well for a couple of days leading up to the game but it was great to be back on the pitch. Now I am very

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Festive spirit is combined with mystery and murder

Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society (WODS) are to present tonight A Very Merry Christmas Murder, a play written by one of their own members, Chris Holloway. Somehow the festive spirit is combined with a murder mystery play in which the audience is

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Keep a check on the street lights

RESIDENTS are being urged to remain vigilant and report any faulty street lamps in Worcestershire this winter. While the county council has inspectors carrying out regular checks throughout Worcestershire, around 10 faulty lampposts are reported every

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Coco and Eve are after a loving home together

A LOVING home is needed to ensure two four-legged-friends stay together. Staff at Dogs Trust Evesham want to find a special home for Coco and Eve, who have had a long journey together, starting life in Ireland and moving to a shelter in Northern Ireland

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What do you get...

SIR - Regarding the cross between a zebra and a donkey (It's An Odd World, November 25) - is it a zebrey or a donkra? GEORGE COWLEY, Warndon, Worcester

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When’s last bus?

SIR - George Cowley's recent comments about us all catching the bus to work (Letters, December 1) are noted. However, unless they can be provided at irregular times to cover my shift pattern they are totally impractical. Andy Scott, Worcester

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EVESHAM : Lewis is a shotgun master

EVER since he put a shotgun back into working order when he was aged just 13, Lewis Potter has worked with guns. That first success was over four decades ago and many and various are the shotguns and rifles that have crossed his workbench since then.

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Lights on but no one home

A NEW village hall in Worcestershire is to be lit up for the festive season but residents will not be able to use it until the new year. Following reports in the Worcester News highlighting the plight of Throckmorton, where a new £175,000 hall has been

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You can make a child’s Christmas

GIVE a gift and put a smile on a child's face this Christmas. The Salvation Army's Christmas Present Appeal is well under way, but more people are wanted to contribute toys, games and other gifts to be distributed to needy children and families in Worcester

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Anger as full Royal sends pensioner to Birmingham

AN ELDERLY patient with pneumonia was moved to a hospital in Birmingham against her family's wishes because the Worcestershire Royal was full. Gwynneth Jenkins, aged 86, was one of five patients transferred to Selly Oak hospital on Sunday night because

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Chance to nominate your hero for award

HEROES who take a stand could be thanked with national awards. People living in Worcester are being urged to pay tribute to the determination, energy and bravery of those local people who have tackled disrespect and taken a stand against anti-social

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Delight at the success of city’s Santa Fun Run

ORGANISERS of Worcester's Santa Fun Run at the weekend have expressed their delight at the number of charitable folk who braved the cold weather to take part. We reported in Monday's paper how more than 500 people entered the event which took place at

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Does Government make crime pay?

SIR - The police and other agencies are always on about how crime does not pay and if you can't do the time then don't do the crime. Well, it seems that crime for some prisoners - including one from the Worcester - area have done very well out of it

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Perdiswell prizes are handed around

PERDISWELL Park Golf Club held their annual prize-giving event at Perdiswell Leisure Centre. Mardy Smith, deputy principal of the Royal Institution of the Blind, presented the awards. Smith received a cheque from Perdiswell captain John Fogwill for

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Upton Snodsbury stunned by third division Eckington

UPTON Snodsbury were unceremoniously dumped out of the Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League Knock-out Cup. The four-times winners lost to Division Three side Eckington who took a first-half lead through Payne and produced an outstanding display to hold

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Improving Saracens bag third straight league win

SARACENS put a disappointing first-half of the season firmly behind them with a 39-36 win over Henley in the West Midlands Regional Netball League. In a nip-and-tuck first quarter, Henley were 5-2 ahead only to be pegged back by a resolute Saracens who

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I suffered greater disappointment

SIR - In reply to Richard Woods (Letters, December 2), I am as disappointed - well, actually more so than him - that he did not seem to understand that we the residents of Evendine Close have never objected to the proposed new sports field facilities

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Mobile Mania

Mobile Mania Without doubt, the mobile phone can be assured of a place in the history books. I used to think that they were only for business people and teenagers and others with a serious ‘need to talk’ condition, and vowed never to have one. I mean

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The Best place to eat in Worcester

King Charles House Tel: 01905 22449 New Street, Worcester Displayed above the entrance of this fine establishment are the words: “ From this house King Charles 11 escaped his enemies after the Battle of Worcester on September 3rd 1651” History:

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MALVERN: Happy 65th for town couple

AFTER a wartime wedding, a Malvern couple will soon be celebrating 65 happy years of marriage. Donald and Margaret Tomlin, of Handbury Road, moved to the town in 1942, when Mr Tomlin's employer, the Air Defence Research and Development Establishment

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MEGRETTON

MEGRETTON Marilyn Marilyn's Family would like to sincerely thank all Relatives, Friends, present and former Colleagues for their kindness and support during Marilyn's illness. Also, for the flowers, donations to Cancer Research and messages of sympathy

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BLANDFORD

BLANDFORD Lily Passed away peacefully on December 8th 2006 aged 78 years. Now together with her late husband Bill. Beloved mum of Roger and Paul and their wives Lynne and Jeannette. Dearly missed nan to Lisa and Russell, also dear sister of Jessie. The

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TAYLOR

TAYLOR Gwendolyn Dilys nee Wilson Of Stanford Bridge, Near Worcester. Passed peacefully away at home on December 7th, 2006. Dearly loved wife of Roy, much loved mother of Gillian and Sara and grandmother of Martin and Rachael. Funeral at Worcester Crematorium

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SIMPKINS

SIMPKINS Brenda Passed away peacefully at Astley Hall Nursing Home on December 7th 2006, after a long illness, bravely borne, aged 63 years. Beloved wife of the late John, devoted mom to Caroline, Kate and Brian, much loved grandmother to Paul, Donna,

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SALISBURY

SALISBURY Dorothy June Dot Of Crowle, suddenly at home on December 9th, 2006, aged 69 years. Beloved daughter of Ellen, dear sister of Rex and the late Ann and a much loved aunty. Funeral service at Crowle Parish Church on Friday, December 15th at 12.30

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BROWN

BROWN William George Bill Of Stanford Bridge, Worcester, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving Family on December 7th 2006, aged 77 years. Beloved husband of Josie, devoted father of Andrew and Simon and a much loved grandad to Jake and Faith. He

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TRETHEWEY

TRETHEWEY Mavis Passed away peacefully in hospital on December 4th, 2006, aged 75 years. R I P Beloved wife of Ivor. Dearly loved mother of Kathy and the late Paul. Cherished grandma to Zoe and Melissa. Funeral Service at Worcester Crematorium on Tuesday

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BADDILEY

BADDILEY Jean Passed away in hospital with her Family at her side on December 8th, 2006. Loving wife of Chris and dearly loved mother of Alex and Anthea. The Funeral Service will take place at Worcester Crematorium on Wednesday, December 20th at 2.30

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JEYNES

JEYNES Eric Formerly of Ombersley. Passed away peacefully on December 7th, 2006 aged 78 years. Beloved husband of Fran. Dearly loved father of Jackie, Michael and Philip. Also a much loved father in law, grandad and great grandad. Funeral Service at Worcester

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HANKINS

HANKINS Miriam A loving daughter left us one year today. Will always be remembered. Mom and Dad.xxx Published in paper 13/12/2006

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WOOD

WOOD Jackson We really miss our little 'fighter man'. Wish we could cuddle you. All our love Nanna and Grandy.xx Published in paper 13/12/2006

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BRANDRETH

BRANDRETH John Died December13th 1991.Dad, you are always in our thoughts. Sadly missed. Jean, Bryan, Emma and George. Published in paper 13/12/2006

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MURPHY

MURPHY John It's one year today since you left us. The home is not the same. We will always love you. From your loving wife Beatrice and Family. Published in paper 13/12/2006

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COCKSHOTT GOLDBY

COCKSHOTT GOLDBY Mr and Mrs Nicholas Goldby of Worcester, are delighted to announce the Engagement of their only daughter Angela Louise, to James Robert, son of Mr Michael Cockshott, London and Mrs Gill Crowther, Yorks. Many congratulations from all your

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Emergency numbers

Ambulance, Police, Fire: Dial 999 Redditch Borough Council 01527 64252 Bromsgrove District Council 01527 873232 Stratford District Council 01789 267575 Wychavon District Council 01386 565000 Worcestershire County Council Social Services: 01905 358116

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Animal care

Animal clubs & societies Broadway Ferret Rescue: (07769 720973) Birmingham Cats Adoption Centre: Packhorse Lane, Hollywood (01564 822020). Dogs: Matchborough Dog Club: Mrs P. Simkiss, 36 Garway Close, Matchborough East, Redditch (01527 524424). Droitwich

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Local government

County Councils Worcestershire County Council: County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester (01905 763763). Warwickshire County Council: Shire Hall, Warwick (01926 410410). Warwickshire Record Office: County Archivist, Priory Park, Cape Road, Warwick (01926

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Clubs & Societies

Art Redditch Art Circle: Miss Chris Skirrow (01527 524962. Wythall Art Group: Audrey Goulden-Page (01564 822432). Arts flAIR (formerly CAFE: Tim Merridew (07715 112828). Redditch Arts Council: Antonia Pulsford (01527 892268). Redditch Society for the

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Charities & charity shops

Age Concern: 103 Easemore Road, Redditch (01527 584653) Alexandra Hospital League of Friends: Mrs Pat Hadley (01527 512009). British Heart Foundation: Charity shop: Market Place, Redditch (01527 591560) Cancer Research Campaign: Market Place, Redditch

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Places of worship

Alcester Baptist Church: Rev A Aird (01789 766843). Astwood Bank Methodist Church, Crabbs Cross Methodist Church and Headless Cross Methodist Church: 7 Sandygate Close, Webheath, Redditch (01527 541885). Baptist Church: Alvechurch (0121 4477369). Christ

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Education

College NEW College: Peakman Street, Redditch (01527 570020). Open University West Midland Region: 66 High Street, Harbourne, Birmingham (0121 428 1550). Nursery schools Bordesley Nursery School: 326 Birmingham Road, Bordesley, Redditch (01527 61476).

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Sport

American football Redditch Arrows: Bob Burns (01527 517516). Angling Astwood Bank Angling Club: Brian Foster (01527 541975). Shakespeare Redditch Federation of Anglers: Rod Spooner (01527 544466). Archery Redditch Company of Archers: Mr A Griffin (01527

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Public & professional services

Benefits Agency Redditch: St Stephen's House, Prospect Hill, Redditch (01527 590000). Worcester Benefits Agency: Vine House, Farrier Street, Worcester (01905 720300). Bus services First: Heron Lodge, London Road, Worcester (01905 359393). Pete's Travel

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Support Services

Adoption Adoption Support: (0121 666 6014). Advocacy Bromsgrove & Redditch Advocacy Group: Greenlands Business Centre, Studley Road, Redditch B98 7HD (01527 520809). Age Concern Age Concern: Pat Hill, chief officer, 103 Easemore Road, Redditch (584653

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Young people

Air cadets Redditch Air Cadets: Matt Onions (01527 454608). Boys Brigade 1st Redditch: Herbert Harris, Captain, 11 Mason Road, Headless Cross, Redditch (01527 544673). Guides Alcester District Guides, Brownies & Rainbows: Wendy Maher (01789 762115

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RECREATION AND LEISURE

Beer and Wine Droitwich Spa and District Wine Circle: Stephanie Edwards (01905 723931). Carnivals Bromsgrove Carnival Committee: Jeff Evans (chairman), 22 Moorsom Way, Aston Fields, Bromsgrove (01527 576251). Droitwich Spa Carnival Committee: Gordon Hughes

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HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION

Farmhouses The Durrance: Berry Lane, Upton Warren (01562 777533). Lower Bentley Farm: Lower Bentley Lane, Lower Bentley, Bromsgrove (01527 821286). The Old Farm House: Hadley Heath, nr Droitwich (01905 620837). Phepson Farm: Himbleton, nr Droitwich (01905

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HEALTH

AIDS Intouch Hereford & Worcester Ltd HIV/AIDS Support Organisation: 14 Pierpoint Street, Worcester (01905 612002). SAFE Project: (0121 440 0034). The Foundation: Sue Jordan, PO Box 225, Worcester WR5 3QZ (01905 611602). Alcoholism Aquarius: (0121

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DANCE, DRAMA AND MUSIC

Bands Rubery Youth Marching Band: Jane Cotterill 43 Hazel Road, Rednal (07879 462370). The VIPs: Andy Findon (01527 871197). Choirs Barnt Green Choral Society: Brian Jones, 104 New Road, Aston Fields, Bromsgrove (01527 873164). Bromsgrove Choral Society

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CHURCHES

Churches All Saints (CE): Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove (01527 576515). Beacon Church Centre (United Reform): Whetty Lane, Rubery (01562 710213). Bromsgrove Baptist Church: New Road, Bromsgrove (01527 877190). Bromsgrove Christian Church: Broad Street (01527

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CHILDREN'S GROUPS

After School Clubs Cadbury Time After School and Holiday Club: Longbridge Methodist Church, Bristol Road South, Rednal (0121 453 4365). Happy Days Playscheme: The Barn, New Chawson Lane, Droitwich Spa. Lickey Hills Primary School: Mrs Leslie, 8 Lickey

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CHARITIES

Charitable organisations Age Concern: 51 Windsor Road, Bromsgrove (01527 570490), and Severn House, 32 Ombersley Street, Droitwich Spa (01905 772126). Amphlett Hall: Crown Close, Bromsgrove (01527 874665). Dodford Children's Farm: Warbage Lane, Dodford

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Local Authorities

DISTRICT COUNCILS North Cotswold: Trinity Road, Cirencester. 01285 623000. Branch office: High Street, Moreton-in- Marsh. 01608 650881. Tewkesbury: Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury. 01684 295010. West Oxon: Woodgreen, Witney, Oxon. 01993 702941. Wychavon:

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NEILL

O'NEILL Peter James Suddenly at home in Scotland on December 10th, formerly of Worcester, slipped away peacefully. Beloved husband of Margaret, much loved father to Susan and Jayne and grandfather to Wayne, Jennifer, Lauren and Ryan and great grandfather

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GADSBY

GADSBY Kyle Of Droitwich, tragically as the result of a road accident on December 10th 2006, aged 18 years. Beloved son of Patricia and Andrew, dear grandson of Dorothy and Terry Lewis and much loved brother of Lauren, Charlotte and Jake. Funeral service

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BUND

BUND Muriel Passed away peacefully at The Chace Rest Home on December 8th, aged 87 years. Widow of the late Frederick George, loving mother of Hilary and grandmother of Helen and Michael. Sadly missed by her Family. The Funeral Service will take place

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TABB

TABB Florence May Pam, Diana and Keith would like to thank Relations and Friends for cards, flowers and attending Florrie's Funeral.Reverend Moss for a lovely service. A special thanks to the Staff on Hazel 2 Ward, also the Staff at Beechwood, to Sylvia

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BADHAM NEE GANDERTON

BADHAM NEE GANDERTON Kelly and James Are pleased to announce the safe arrival of Ben William, on December 8th, 2006. Brother for Sophie. Many thanks to Specialist and Staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. Published in paper 13/12/2006

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BRADLEY

BRADLEY Desmond Passed away December 13th, 2004. Sadly missed. Always in our thoughts. Love son Tony, Julie and Family. Published in paper 13/12/2006

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HANKINS

HANKINS Miriam Min May 9th, 1971 - December 13th, 2005 Always in our thoughts. Sadly missed by Elaine, Les, Dan, Katie and Becky. xx 'In the spring the seed becomes a rose'. Published in paper 13/12/2006

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BRADLEY

BRADLEY Des In loving memory of my dear husband who passed away two years ago today. Deeply loved and missed. Pam and pet lurcher Indy xxx ------- Remembering a dear, kind and loving dad. So deeply loved and greatly missed. Forever in our thoughts. God

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WALKER

WALKER Mervyn Five years today, tragically taken away. There's never a day that you are not in our thoughts. Love Joyce and Family. xxxxxx Published in paper 13/12/2006

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Health

Alcoholism Alcoholics Anonymous: PO Box 119, Birmingham B1 1AA (0121 2120111). Hereford & Worcester Advisory Service on Alcohol: 25 The Tything, Worcester (01905 27417). Substance Misuse Service: 5 Merrimans Hill Road, Worcester (01905 681460). Arthritis

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Women's Groups

Ladies' Luncheon Club Alcester Conservative Luncheon Club: Mrs Helen Winder, Secretary (01789 400679). Mothers' Union Beoley, Church Hill & Abbey Park Mothers' Union: Denise Bayliffe, St Leonard's Church, Beoley (01527 66029). National Women's Register

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EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Ambulance, Fire, Police: Dial 999. Bromsgrove District Council: 01527 873232. Wychavon District Council: 01386 565400. Bromsgrove Social Services: County Council Building 01527 575855. Emergency/Out of Hours 01905 748033. Electricity: Bromsgrove, Droitwich

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YOUNG PEOPLE

Beavers 277th Birmingham (Rubery): Beacon Church Centre, Whetty Lane, Angela Lindop (01905 820901). Boys' Brigade Boys' Brigade (Bromsgrove): Methodist Centre, Stratford Road, Bromsgrove. Mike Kidd (01527 873499). Second Bromsgrove Boys' Brigade: Phil

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WOMEN'S GROUPS

Soroptimists Soroptimist International (Bromsgrove & Redditch): Mrs Judy Gill, President, Perry Pear Barn, Bryan's Green, Cutnall Green (01299 851331). Women's Aid Worcestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre: Gail Grinnell, P.O. Box 240, Worcester

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SPORT

Angling Broad Acres Fishery, Hanbury: Dave Broadbent (01527 821880). Catfish Conservation Group: Ron Griffiths (Northern Region), 22 Cooper Close, The Heathlands, Bromsgrove (01527 835534). County Youth Sailing Centre Angling Section: The Secretary, County

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PUBLIC SERVICES

British Rail Birmingham and Worcestershire: (0345 484950) (times and fares for all national services; 24-hour service). Bus and Coach Services Community Transport Services Ltd: 9 Warwick Avenue, Bromsgrove (01527 875454). National Express: enquiries,

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LOCAL AUTHORITIES

County Councils Worcestershire County Council: Finstall Centre, Stoke Road, Aston Fields, Bromsgrove (01527 570566). County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester WR5 2NP (01905 763763). District/Town Councils Bromsgrove District - Council Offices: The Council

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EDUCATION

Adults Schools Rubery Adult School: Mrs E Main, Secretary, 25 Segbourne Road, Rubery (0121 453 4843). Colleges North East Worcestershire (NEW) College: Bromsgrove Campus, Blackwood Road, Bromsgrove (01527 570020). Learning Difficulties Bromsgrove Challengers

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ASSOCIATIONS, CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Business Bromsgrove Junior Chamber: Kathryn Gee (01527 576500). Bromsgrove Probus Club: Mr Bob Black (0121 445 3699). Chamber of Commerce and Business Link Herefordshire and Worcestershire: Chamber Court, Castle Street, Worcester WR1 3EN (01905 723200

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ARTS AND CRAFTS

Art/Craft All Saints Art Club: Tony Turpin, 89 Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove (01527 876659). Rubery Craft Club: Wednesday, 10am - noon. Beacon Church Centre, Whetty Lane, Rubery. Droitwich Spa Art Society: Meet first Tue - Sep-July at Rotary House, Corbett

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ANIMAL CARE

Animal Clubs/Societies Bromsgrove & District Canine Society: Mrs D Morgan, Oak Tree House, 504 Birmingham Road, Marlbrook, Bromsgrove (0121 445 3595). Bromsgrove & District Canine Society (Ringcraft Section): Di Morgan (0121 445 3595). Bromsgrove

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Sport

Sports councils Sport England (West Midlands): 1, Hagley Road, Five Ways, Birmingham B16 8TT. Wychavon Sport: Sec, Sue Collins, 13, Beech Avenue, Drakes Broughton, Pershore, Worcs WR10 2BJ (1905 841269). Air sport Bidford Gliding Centre: Bickmarsh Airfield

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Leisure - Theatres

Brewery Arts: Brewery Court, Cirencester, 01285 655522. Cheltenham Town Hall: Cheltenham Borough Council, Imperial Square, 01242 521621. Chipping Norton Theatre: 2 Spring Street, Chipping Norton, 01608 642350. Everyman Theatre: Regent Street, Cheltenham

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John’s built a fitting and lasting reminder of the plucky little ship which Hitler simply couldn’t sink

SHE was battered by the might of the German navy, shot up by Hitler's airforce and finally crippled by a mine. Yet she was the ship they just couldn't sink. In fact, the story of the destroyer HMS Worcester reads like a classic seafaring saga that dates

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Cool-headed Daniel comes to the rescue of his mother

YOUNG Daniel Heavens has proved he can keep a cool head in an emergency. The eight-year-old Pitmaston Primary School pupil went to his mum's rescue when she was suddenly taken ill on Monday, December 4. Forty-three-year-old Helen Heavens, of Sedge Close

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Leader warns over bid to merge the councils

THE leader of the city council has warned against the pitfalls of having a unitary authority in Worcestershire. Coun Simon Geraghty says he can understand where county leader George Lord is coming from in pressing for a single tier council, but is worried

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Fund-raising Christmas fair hailed a success

A FUND-RAISING Christmas fair in Powick has been hailed a huge success by organisers after raising just over £300 for charity. The event took place at Powick parish hall, off Malvern Road, in the village near Worcester and about 300 people turned up

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Familes of tragic four pay tribute

The tragic death of four teenagers in a car crash has prompted an outpouring of grief across Worcestershire. Families, friends, former schoolfriends and people who never knew the youngsters have all joined in paying their respects to the teens who died

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my coaching life....

What a day yesterday was...even though it was my day off it was hectic...christmas shopping (yes Im the smug one who has finished!!) a trip to Asda and my daughter's first nativity play. In the evening I went out with friends for a meal and a humiliating

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Buy festive gifts and aid wildlife

THE Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is offering residents across Wor-cestershire and Hereford-shire a way of giving this Christmas, with its innovative virtual gifts' scheme. The charity says that as well as stocking up on Christmas cards,

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Campaign over health cuts in city on Friday

HEALTH campaigners will take to the streets of Worcester this week to protest at proposed cuts. Members of PUSH (People United Saving Health Care) will meet at the Elgar Statue, High Street, at 5.30pm on Friday to make it clear to health chiefs that

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Bring Back The Christmas Number One!

One thing that I think has been really lacking in recent years has been the absence of a decent Christmas number 1 in the charts. Years ago in the 1970’s and 1980’s the Christmas number 1 was of paramount importance with many festive tracks from artists

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Reunion for soldiers from 1950s crisis

SIR - I was stationed in the canal zone of Egypt during the troubles in the 1950s and since my retirement I have organised a return trip every September. Our group will again visit Cairo, Fayid, Ismailia, Moascar, Tel-el-Kebir, staying at a hotel overlooking

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Barriers stay as experts warn of further flooding

WORCESTER residents may have to brace themselves for the possibility of more flooding on Friday, despite the current drop in the level of the Severn. The river has dropped in the past two days, but flood defence barriers will stay up in preparation for

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Brazilian bride has to leave country

A COUPLE'S wedding plans lie in ruins after the Home Office refused to let the Brazilian fiance stay in Britain. Jim McLean, aged 56, still plans to marry Maria Cecilia Alvares, 48, at Worcester Register Office next April, but devastating news from the

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Grant will help us give the best advice

A COUNSELLING service in Worcester is celebrating after securing a £2,250 grant from the parent company of the Worcester News. The Bridge Counselling Service, which has been based in The Angel Centre in Angel Place, Worcester, since August, has received

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Acorns the winner in Monopoly game

WORCESTERSHIRE'S Property Service has selected four lucky commercial agents to battle it out on the board of the new Monopoly Worcester edition and find out who is the region's top tycoon. WPS asked commercial property agents to take part in the charity

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How to cope if you over-indulged at the office Christmas party

ON the 12th day of Christmas my true love came to me and said, "I feel terrible! Why did I have that last cocktail?" If you feel trapped on the festive treadmill - all those parties, all that shopping and all those rich meals to wade through - Christmas

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Who says the city’s people are among most unattractive?

MEN and women living in Worcester are some of the least attractive in Britain, a survey has found. The Faithful City's females are the eighth most unattractive in the UK, while Worcester's male population failed to fare much better finishing joint ninth

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Beauty is all around us in Faithful City

BEAUTY, they say, is in the eye of the beholder - but not, it would seem, in the eyes of Grazia magazine, which claims Worcester is home to some of the least attractive people in Britain. According to a survey in the current edition of the glossy beauty

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My pen is mightier than my voice

SIR - How heartily I agree with John Philpott in his article "Rudeness extends to the elderly" (Seven Days, December 2). As a compulsive writer, I am well aware of the impossibility of pleasing everyone even though I may try. Those who have other

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Lights are not so humbug after all

SIR - I recently commented on the deterioration of Pershore's Christmas lights (Letters, December 2). Since then, as expected, I have been given "chapter and verse" on why. Last Christmas, one of the wall hooks failed in Bridge Street and part of the

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You can’t control GM trials once they start

SIR - To add to Tony Blair's legacy of bringing more terrorism to this country and against all the guidance and unsponsored scientific evidence, we now have the Government permitting introduction of GM potato crop trials into the fields in the UK. Government

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Festive food for the needy

PEOPLE in need will receive gifts of food this Christmas ... thanks to the kind-hearted residents of Worcester. Every year the Rotary Clubs of Worcester deliver Christmas parcels to the underprivileged people in the area. The project is supported by

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GRIMLEY: Villagers’ victory to save field from plan

JUBILANT Grimley villagers were celebrating yesterday after winning their fight to stop a field being turned into a quarry. Councillors approved a planning application by Tarmac Ltd to extend Ball Mill Quarry, Grimley, into an area called Church Farm

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Convent will be staying girls-only

THE headteacher of a Worcester girls' school has supported the city's Royal Grammar School's planned merger with the neighbouring Alice Ottley School. We reported on Friday the announcement of the merger between the two schools in Upper Tything, Barbourne

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It makes sense for the two schools to pool resources

LAST week the Worcester News exclusively revealed that the Royal Grammar School Worcester was to merge with its neighbour the Alice Ottley School. News that the school would teach 1,500 boys and girls has been met with widespread interest throughout

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Fitness Fanatic

I think I am one of the few people this time of year who is still exercising and working out, going by the numbers at the Body Combat class I was in last night. This time of year it seems that everyone’s routines go to the wall, gym classes are missed

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Triplets are sweet 16 and ready for birthday celebration

A GLAMOROUS Worcester trio are getting ready to celebrate in style this evening as they celebrate becoming sweet 16. Triplets Alex, Katie and Kelly Page - known affectionately to their friends as the Page Three Girls -will mark their big day by heading

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Carolling children’s mobiles are stolen

SCHOOL children were left devastated after their mobile phones were stolen while they were trying to spread a bit of Christmas cheer. Pupils from Nunnery Wood High School visited the elderly at Chelmsford Court sheltered housing on Thursday, December

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It was one of the worst accidents I’ve ever attended

AN ambulance driver who was called to the scene of the horror smash on Sunday has spoken of his sadness for the families of the teenagers. Dug Holloway, divisional manager for the Worcester Area Ambulance service, was one of the first people to witness

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The Tragic Four

Teenagers killed in A449 crash have been named

THE four teenagers whose tragic death in a car crash has prompted an outpouring of grief across Worcestershire. Families, friends, former schoolfriends and people who never knew the youngsters have all joined in paying their respects to the teens who

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Quinnell set for early comeback

WORCESTER'S hopes of staging a Premiership recovery have been given a shot in the arm after it emerged flanker Gavin Quinnell could be back in action by the first week of January. The powerful back-row forward suffered medial ligament damage in the EDF

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Woe for Rovers as Robins claim county spoils

TWO goals in the space of three first half minutes from James Fox reignited Evesham's play-off push while condemning the former divisional leaders to a second successive Southern League defeat. The Robins totally dominated the opening 45 minutes but

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England beat Australia

Yes - it's true. England did beat Australia last night at the WACA in front of over 17,000 fans - many of whom were waving the Cross of St George. Maybe it wasn't the Test Match but the thousands of England fans encamped in Perth will take anything at