Archive

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Where on Earth are you?

WORCESTER News readers catch up on the latest happenings from all over the place - now its your chance to tell us where you are. Where on Earth is the latest feature to our website, allowing you to stick a virtual pin into a virtual map of the world,

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Scout update sees numbers rocket

SCOUT membership has risen at the fastest rate for 22 years with young people attracted by new activities like snowboarding, new figures have revealed. The Scout Association said 15,000 joined up in the last 12 months - a 3.7 per cent increase in youth

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Celebrations begin after Solihull win

ON a day when it was vital to win to secure promotion, the entire Malvern team put their bodies on the line against a hard, uncompromising Solihull side to win 18-15 and take the Midlands Two West title. Starting hesitantly and playing into a strong,

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Teachers’ strike shuts school

ELGAR Technology College will be completely closed when teachers walk out on Thursday in a row over pay. The Worcester high school, which has more than 850 pupils on roll, is one of the latest to be added to a growing list of schools in the county to

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County doctor backs Tory leader on surgeries

A WORCESTERSHIRE doctor says he is pleased by Tory leader David Cameron's pledge to "save" family doctors from new super surgeries. Tory leader David Cameron launched a campaign yesterday to support traditional GPs against plans for new so-called "polyclinics

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Memories of theatre stalwart

A PLAQUE dedicated to a "pillar of amateur theatre" has been unveiled. The memorial to Liz Brownridge, who died unexpectedly aged 59 after suffering a heart attack while on holiday in Portugal in August last year, was unveiled at Worcester's Swan Theatre

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City manager plans summer clear-out

MANAGER Richard Dryden is preparing for a summer clear-out at Worcester City. With the current campaign coming to an end, Dryden has one eye on next season and his plans for the team. The City boss looks set to off-load several players in order to balance

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Much-changed Spa side end with a victory

DROITWICH rounded off their Midlands Division Three West (South) season with an efficient 11-3 victory at Leamington. The Spa side rested several players ahead of Saturday's promotion play-off decider against Stoke on Trent. The winner-takes-all game

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Fields head down the Lane

WESTFIELDS visit Friar Lane and Epworth tomorrow night in the Midland Alliance (7.45). The Hereford club lost 2-1 at Barwell in their last match with Paul Allam heading home their goal. Fields fell behind on 20 minutes when Kevin Charley rifled home

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Latest travel news

Check out the latest travel news before you head home. Click here for latest travel news

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Worcester Women crowned

WORCESTER Women Under 18s won the RFUW Under 18 National Cup for the sixth time in seven years, beating a combined team from Welwyn, Basildon and Hertford 17-15 in a nail-biting final at Lichfield RFC. Worcester opened the scoring early on with a try

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Heenans wrap up title with victory over Saints

HEENANS are the Worcester and District Football League Sunday Division Two champions. They clinched the title with a 5-0 win over St John's. Darren Tafft netted twice with their other goals coming from Lee Tomkins, Adie Wooller and Richard Tomkins.

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Pimlow scores in heavy defeat

WORCESTER full-back Cameron Pimlow was part of the North Midlands Under 20s team that was over-powered 57-10 by Yorkshire in the semi-final of the National Under 20 Championship. Pimlow did, however, manage to get his name on the scoresheet with a try

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Weather station on school roof

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Farm Visit to view biofuel

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Did you see car reverse into phone box?

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a woman was injured when a car reversed into the phone box she was standing in. The incident happened at 11.25am on Friday, February 1, at a telephone box in a car park on the High Street in Evesham. The woman

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Weather Station on school roof

The Science Club have recently visited a local farm to see the use of a biofuel. It has been used to manufacture electricity. The new Weather Station has now been secured to the school building and is continually transmitting weather data to a computer

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Mid-week fixtures

TUESDAY WORCESTER LEAGUE Phipps cup final (at Worcester City FC, kick off 7.30pm): University of Worcester v Martley Spurs (N Canning, P Harding, M Francois). Worcestershire FA Sunday Minor Cup final (at Malvern Town FC, kick-off 7.30pm): AFC Heenans

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Results extra

MERCIAN FESTIVAL JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE U8s: Newtown Sports Colts 0 Warndon Villages Scorpions 1; Westbury Celtic Youth 1 Newtown Sports Juniors 1. U9s Division One: Ombersley Tigers 10 Malvern Town Wanderers Colts 0. Division Two: Leigh & Bransford

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Woman arrested after distraction burglary

A WOMAN has been arrested and charged in connection with a distraction burglary in Malvern. The woman was arrested on Thursday and later charged with the burglary at an address in St Bernard's Drive. She was remanded in custody and is due to appear

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Worcester News weather watch

KEEP up with the latest weather forecast with us. Click here for the latest weather forecast.

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Kenna leaves Harriers

JEFF Kenna has left Kidderminster Harriers to become the new manager at Galway United. The former Blackburn Rovers and Republic of Ireland full-back has decided to call time on his playing career with the Aggborough and move into coaching. He takes

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Landmark building will transform city factory

ONE of Worcester's most innovative companies is to transform its drab-looking factory into "a landmark building" with a dramatic new glass frontage. Yamazaki Mazak, the Japanese engineering firm with its European headquarters at the Warndon Business

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GALBRAITH

GALBRAITH Jamie Paul Happy 2nd Birthday today. Lots of love Mummy, Harvey, Daddy, Auntie Sarah, Reece, Shanice, Sophie xxx Published in paper 21/04/2008

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LOCK

LOCK William Bill Dad thinking of you on your 65th Birthday, Not only today, But everyday. Wish I could have you here, But in my heart you'll always be near. Loving daughter Dawn. xxx Published in paper 21/04/2008

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LOCK

LOCK William Bill Happy 65th Birthday grandad, thinking of you always. Gentle Jesus up above give our grandad all our love. Love Lindsey, Jason, Kyle and Candice. xxx Published in paper 21/04/2008

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WESTON

WESTON Gerald William Gerry Passed away peacefully in Pershore Hospital on April 14th 2008, aged 81 years. Funeral service to take place at Worcester Crematorium on Thursday, April 24th at 2.30 p.m. Family flowers only, but donations if desired for the

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BAKER

BAKER Darren Fondness memories of you, beloved son and brother who tragically left us,twenty three years ago. Sadly missed. Mum, Dave and Families xxx Published in paper 21/04/2008

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Thank you for all your kindness

SIR - We often complain about how badly some firms treat their customers, but I would like to name one who bent over backwards to help me. I had a gift of a small otter pendant on a chain. Unfortunately, my fingers aren't as nimble as they used to

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UNWIN LCBQ

UNWIN Patricia Rose nee Winnington Aged 91 years, of Longdon Hall, Longdon, Tewkesbuty. Passed away unexpectedly at home on April 17th, 2008. The dearly loved wife of Robin deceased, much loved mother of Carol, Guy and Jim and a devoted grandmother. A

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HURDMAN

HURDMAN Eric Tich Of Pershore formerly of Drakes Broughton. Died peacefully on April 17th 2008, aged 81 years. Devoted husband, dad and grandad. A service of celebration will be held at Worcester Crematorium on Friday, April 25th at 2.30 p.m. No flowers

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COX

COX Jamie Happy 13th Birthday. Love from Mum, Joshua, Jessica, Nan and Grandad. Published in paper 21/04/2008

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LOCK

LOCK William Bill Thinking of you on your Birthday. If memories keep us together, Then we are not far apart, From early morn until night, You are always in my heart. So every night I whisper low, Good night God bless I love you so. Your loving wife Beryl

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LOCK

LOCK William Bill Grandad thinking of you on your 65th Birthday. No cards to send, No presents to give, But in our hearts you will always live. Love Lee, Terri and Billy. xxx Published in paper 21/04/2008

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GRAHAM

GRAHAM Wendynee Woodyatt Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, Still loved and missed, so very dear. Remembered every day with fondest love. Ann and Christine. Published in paper 21/04/2008

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"A star is born" - Charlie Green

IF you haven't heard of Charlie Green yet, you soon will. The 10-year-old Droitwich lad has become an instant hit on ITV's Britain's Got Talent, with notorious judge Simon Cowell heading a celebrity panel of three. The Westacre Middle School pupil

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Thanks for help

SIR - I tripped up in CrownGate. I was lifted up by two very nice gentlemen with a junior all helping me to get myself together with a lady joining us. Bags were gathered up and they all waited with me until I got my act together. Thank you. JOAN L SMITH

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Stop manipulating Home Secretary

SIR - Jacqui Smith says: "We now face a threat level that is severe. It's not getting any less, it's actually growing". Is there a further debate on detention without charge coming up? Must be. Jacqui Smith is taking us all for beer-swilling, chip-eating

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Wedding follows baby joy of our leap year couple

THE birth of their baby boy has added to the joy of a Worcester couple who became engaged after a proposal through the pages of your Worcester News. Michelle Frost helped keep up the old tradition of women proposing to men during leap year by placing

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Council – keep up the good work

SIR - Regarding Peter Burgess's letter on the future of Warndon Parish Council (April 15), I believe he is right to congratulate them on the work they have done and the improvements that have been brought to the parish, but wrong for them to pack up and

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No wonder they are so unpopular

SIR - It appears that the county council is one of the least popular in the country, and they seem puzzled to understand why. Here's a few reasons: for a start we don't know who they are, they never listen to the electorate and you never know who represents

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Reg Moule Answers your Questions

I have inherited a large Peace Lily which I would like to divide into smaller plants. Is this possible and when would be the best time to do it? J Kent, Upton REG SAYS: Yes, certainly you could divide a Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum). The ideal time would

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Too many pubs

SIR - I think the Alma and the Salmon's Leap should be turned over to the King's School. Because in future years the kids will want a much better education to get by in the world. There's far too many pubs in Worcester anyway. Education before booze.

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Good Enough to Eat - Beetroot

It has become a trendy vegetable in recent years, served up in restaurants in goat's cheese salads and also in chilled soups and sauces. It can be sown now, but soak the seed overnight in warm water to help germination. Beetroot should be grown in an

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Gullible George

SIR - George Cowley is not so gullible (April 12). As a little lad I was once struck full in the face by a hard cricket ball. Since then I have deliberately avoided all contact with cricket. Your April Fool joke was to me no more than a long overdue safety

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Headlines 21 April 2008

Today's local and national news headlines from the Worcester News are read by Aled Roberts and Dena Vening of Elgar Technology College, Worcester.

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Best of the Bunch - Tulip

There are now so many varieties of tulip that you could fill up a column with them every week of the year, from the majestic upright types to the frothy, frilly and flamboyant. Tulips also come in every colour except blue, so there's something for everyone

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Good will triumph over evil in end

SIR - I am glad that Assistant Chief Constable Peter Wright says (March 3) that my recent letter to you strengthened the morale of our police officers and staff. I shall continue to strongly support our courageous police and CSOs. I am certain that good

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I’ve not had any problem in pubs

SIR - I have just read George Cowley's mutterings about why people don't go into pubs. Well, I have been going into pubs for longer than I can remember and am pleased to say I have never had a broken glass thrust in my face as he most charmingly put it

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Political rhetoric, but not action

SIR - So one of the best ideas yet for sustainable transport in Worcester won't even reach the drawing board. Getting to the centre from the west is one of the city's biggest transportation challenges and could be alleviated by an unmanned station on

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Walled kitchen garden restored to former glory

The Walled Garden, 6 Rose Terrace, off Fort Royal Hill, Worcester, WR5 1BU. Admission £2, children free. A walled kitchen garden dating back to 1832 will open to the public this weekend as part of the National Garden Scheme. The walled garden, an

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Help with heat costs is blessing

SIR - With reference to the letter from Mark Starr of Leigh Sinton in which he, once again, imparts his superior knowledge on the economy. This time, affecting those people he refers to as the working classes and pensioners who, according to him, were

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Car charge again hits the taxpayers

SIR - In 2005 I bought a three year-old Toyota Corolla for use by me during retirement. The car is at present rated band E and commands a charge of £170 annual tax 2008-09. I have just checked the new car tax bands brought in by Labour in the last

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April 19 - 26

This week in 1988: Facelifts for down-at-heel and derelict shop fronts are a key feature of a major revival plan for Worcester's Lowesmoor area. It has been produced by Ian McConaghy architects and sets the scene for the drafting of more detailed

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Widening road for just one bus is such waste of money

SIR - I write regarding the proposed plan for a bus lane on Newtown Road. I cannot, for the life of me, see any reason for this. Traffic flows well at all times. Perhaps less in the morning when people are going to work and mothers drive their children

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April 19 - 26

100 Years Ago: Benjamin Howard Wakefield, chauffeur of 12 Lavender Road, Worcester, was summonsed at the city police court for driving a motor car in Astwood Road in a manner dangerous to the public. Witnesses claimed he was driving at 20 miles an

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Worcester and Birmingham Canal

It took 24 years to build the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, the purpose of which was to provide a more direct route between Birmingham and the river Severn than was offered by the three existing canals - the Dudley, the Stourbridge and the Staffordshire

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Farmers' Market - April 19

The producers of Worcestershire farmers' markets are in for a busy weekend. After their usual market in Malvern on Saturday, they'll be rushing off to get ready for a special new market being held at the Fold in Bransford, near Worcester. The farmers

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School run is not causing tailbacks

SIR - Mr Habbitts mentions (April 11), how the school run is causing all the tailbacks. This is not strictly true. It is more a reflection of-out-of-term child care rather than the school run. My wife and I take turns having annual leave when the kids

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Flood-hit home ground ready for play again

WELL, after 10 months, county cricket is finally set to return to New Road - that's what everybody is hoping any way. Forget the all-sparkling, all-shining new Indian Premier League, where some of the sport's biggest star are earning upwards of $1million

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Accolades flood in for hop farm

IT'S not only raining, it's positively pouring good news on a Worcestershire hop farm that was battered by last summer's floods. Having recovered from the double whammy of being flooded in both June and July last year, the hops at Newnham Farm, near

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We are supporting vulnerable young

SIR - In response to Coun Buckley's letter in your paper, April 10, I am saddened he uses children to make political points in this the run-up period to local elections in a third of the city. Can I reinforce that some home-to-school transport changes

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Impressed by the new-look Tything

SIR - I recently had occasion to walk down that well-known thoroughfare known as Upper and Lower Tything. I was very impressed by the recent change of businesses. Now we are seeing a rejuvenation of this lovely area, which has been sadly neglected for

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Newton believes IPL will encourage kids

WITH the Indian Premier League kicking off last Friday, Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton is hoping that it will help encourage parents to push their children towards cricket. In the world of celebrity where all you need to do to be a star for

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Aiming high at Badminton

THEY'VE done the rest, now they going to tackle the best. Worcestershire eventer Rosie Thomas and her 14-year-old chestnut gelding Barry's Best may have completed Burghley, Luhmuhlen and the British Open Championships at Gatcombe Park, but on May 1, they

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Penalty for murder should be death

SIR - It is not often I agree with Mike Foster but his weekly column Thursday, April 10, is one I do agree with. So much that I would suggest it is reprinted, which is praise indeed from me, if he means what he wrote! Immigration should be debated

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We're killing our children

ONE in four children in Worcestershire starting school are either overweight or obese, and by the time they are aged 11 the proportion has risen to almost one in three. The scale of the problem is revealed in the latest figures from the National Child

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Not so much cash for men as women

Sir - I sympathise with the gentleman who went private to get a biopsy test for prostate cancer. I am in the same position but refuse to give in to what I suspect is a callous and cynical attempt to make doctors even more money than they already receive

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Shop shut by yobs reflects badly on city and its police

TRY as I may, I'm finding it impossible to erase the appalling story of Worcester's Timberdine Stores from my mind. As reported in your Worcester News, the owners are now looking at new ways of earning a living after thugs and yobs virtually closed down

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Keep part of the Kays site for trains or trams

SIR - I see there's a proposal to build homes on the former Kays site. Let's hope the councillors will look to the future and keep part of it for a rail or tram stop and don't let the opportunity slip away. The way traffic is trying to get over the bridge

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Cob House Fisheries, Winchenford, Worcester

Venue: Cob House Fisheries, Worcester Cob House Fisheries, set in the heart of the Worcestershire Countryside opens its doors to anglers of all ages. Cob House Fisheries was established over 20 years ago as a Fish Farm and still operates

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Her record is far from blameless

SIR - I can well understand the discomfort felt by my ward colleague Margaret Layland at being seen to be in bed with the Conservatives, but her indignation (April 12) should not be allowed to obscure the truth. In the last year alone Mrs Layland has

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Rugby fans get pretty in pink

WORCESTER Warriors' Sixways ground was awash with colour on Saturday as fans and club officials became pretty in pink' in aid of Breast Cancer Care. The Guinness Premiership's nationwide Tackled Pink weekend was marked at Sixways with a variety of pink-themed

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Bath coach praise for the Warriors

BATH head coach Steve Meehan has tipped Wor-cester Warriors to climb the Guinness Premier-ship table next season after seeing his side pushed all the way in a pulsating clash at Six-ways. The men from The Rec claimed a 23-20 victory, but the Warriors

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Photograph firm starts search for face of 08

A WORCESTER photographic studio is offering amateur and professional models the chance of national fame. Photographers United, of St John's, is sponsoring a competition in which male or female models aged over 14 can enter the Face of 08. The contest

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Cook school hosts Sir Alan’s hopefuls

IF a hard taskmaster such as Sir Alan Sugar refers to your business as world class then you know you must be doing something right. Judy Gardner had that pleasure after her Eckington Manor Cookery School was featured on the television show The Apprentice

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Think you’re stressed? Try Zimbabwe for size

STRESS counselling in Zimbabwe right now is a bit like selling ice cream on Blackpool sea front on a hot summer Sunday afternoon - there are plenty of customers. "It is impossible for anyone living in the UK to appreciate the situation out there," said

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Justify your jobs and support Kays rail site

SIR - Instead of Worcester council's negative responses to allocating part of the Kays site for a train halt station citing lack of funds and the excuse it could jeopardise the entire project, I believe they could justify their jobs by supporting the

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COMMENT: Parents need to act over child obesity

OUR front page revelations today detailing the level of child obesity in Worcestershire schools should act as a wake-up call to every parent in the county. Figures from the National Child Measurement Programme, which aims to weigh and measure every pupil

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Woman locked starving cats in house - court

A WOMAN left her cats locked inside her house for days without feeding them, a court heard. Claire Misters, aged 30, was living at Ransom Avenue, off Bath Road, Worcester, when RSPCA inspectors found two cats suffering from malnutrition at her home.

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Pink balls just not cricket!

TODAY is not the day of the Teddy Bears' picnic, no it is when pink balls get their first trial in England. An MCC XI face Scotland at Lord's in a 50-over match where the new style ball will be used. The idea is for the new pink ball to replace the

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Charlie wows Cowell and co on hit TV show.

TALENTED 10-year-old Charlie Green stole the show with an amazing display on TV's Britain's Got Talent. Droitwich's most precocious singer guaranteed himself a place in the nation's hearts after a sparkling performance of the Frank Sinatra swing classic

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Latest travel news

Check out the latest travel news before you head out to work. Click here for latest travel news

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Folk beat the Sunday blues to raise charity cash

WORCESTER folk shrugged off the grey Sunday gloom yesterday to get outdoors and raise money for good causes. More than 250 intrepid cyclists took to the county's winding lanes and cyclepaths for St Richard's Hospice's annual bikeathon. Those taking

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Culinary courses are a hit with Sugar

IF a hard taskmaster such as Sir Alan Sugar refers to your business as 'world class' then you know you must be doing something right. Judy Gardner had that pleasure last week after her Eckington Manor Cookery School was featured on the television show

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Pencil pushers scale walls for charity

A WORCESTER accountancy firm has worked hard to raise thousands of pounds for the Noah's Ark Trust. McKnights and McKnight Wyvern, based in Britannia Court on Moor Street, picked the trust as its chosen charity and, for the past 18 months, has been busy