Archive

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Nursery school scoops the 'spoof' treasure

THE Spot the Spoof competition run by the Primrose Hospice finished last Saturday - with many Redditch people winning prizes. The competition involved 20 shops in and around the Kingfisher Centre displaying a "spoof" item in their window - something they

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PCs seize drug haul

POLICE seized five different illegal drugs during a raid on a Stourport-on-Severn property. Ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine, cannabis leaves and cannabis resin were recovered after a drugs warrant was executed on Friday. The police had received a number of

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First play

LOVERS of chamber music will relish the debut performance of an orchestra in Barnt Green's St Andrew's Church on Sunday, October 10, at 3pm. A light, accessible, hour-long programme will be followed by a drinks reception to which everyone is welcome.

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Rock band

A ROCK band will be headlining a charity concert at Barnt Green Baptist Church. Under the watchful eye of their vocal coach Caroline Vinson, former head of music at Waseley Hills High School, pupils from the School Road school will perform a mix of solo

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Band sets a world record

A BROMSGROVE samba band has helped set a world record for synchronised samba playing. Twenty-six members of Someone at the Door joined 500 other players on a beach in St Ives, Cornwall, earlier this month to strut their stuff and play their special brand

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Crystal healing

PARTIALLY-sighted people in Worcestershire can now take advantage of a therapy service being offered by the county's Association for the Blind. Crystal healing, reflexology, aromatherapy and massages are all available to people with sight problems and

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Charity at home

A CHARITY is giving its volunteers and staff the chance to gain useful qualifications related to their work with the launch of free training sessions. The Daisychain Benevolent Fund - which has shops in Worcester and Evesham - is offering qualifications

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Fishing prizes up for grabs

YOUNG anglers in Alcester are being invited to cast their lines into the River Arrow on Saturday in a competition to reel them in a host of worthwhile prizes. Organised by the Rotary Club of St Nicholas, the competition is open to all youngsters in Years

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Honours all round

ALCESTER'S annual flower and vegetable show, held at Ragley Hall recently, was a huge success. Among the familiar faces vying for the honours were Geoff Owen and Fred Hunt, whose giant vegetables were described as being "as big and beautiful as ever".

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Dogs stolen

TWO black and white 11-month-old springer spaniels are believed to have been stolen from a house in Church Hill at the weekend. The dogs, one male and one female, were last seen at about 10pm on Friday and were discovered missing at 9am on Saturday. Pc

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Spa edged out in thriller

A LAST gasp goal saw Droitwich Spa Hockey Club Men's First XI edged out 5-4 in their latest pre-season warm-up. New captain Paul Atkinson's side, who begin their West Midlands Division One campaign at Bromsgrove on Saturday week, conceded with the last

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Perfect tonic

VICTORY at Redditch gave Bromsgrove Hockey Club Men's First XI the perfect tonic ahead of the new season. Goals from Mark Robinson, Ben Husbands and Nick Frizzell gave Julian Court's side a 3-0 win at their rivals last Saturday. Meanwhile, Bromsgrove

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15/09/04 - Reserves are beaten at Boldmere

BROMSGROVE Rovers Reserves were beaten 3-1 at Boldmere St Michaels in the Group B of the Challenge Bowl First Round. Rovers, who drew at Nuneaton Borough in the Central Conference last Wednesday, lacked sharpness and stand-in goalkeeper David Rousell

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Greener homes are here now

OK, so you're in the market for a new home. You've always considered yourself to be environmentally-aware. You want to make a contribution towards reducing greenhouse gasses. So, do you pick the nice new three-bed detached house with two en-suites and

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01/09/04 - Pope is not returning

STEVE Pope has dismissed suggestions he is set for a return to Bromsgrove Rovers. The central defender joined Halesowen Town in the summer after spending the final six games of last season in caretaker charge at the Victoria Ground. Pope was seen at Rovers

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Sylla chiller

REDDITCH United boss Rod Brown has an anxious wait over his two loan star strikers Norman Sylla and Scott Rickards. Reds leading scorer Sylla of Tamworth, who's netted eight times in five games including consecutive hat-tricks, and Kidderminster Harriers

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18/08/04 - Disappointed at Oxford draw

JOE Jackson believes his Bromsgrove Rovers side should have taken maximum points from their opening fixture. The Rovers boss watched his side draw 1-1 with Oxford City at the Victoria Ground last Saturday. Speaking to the Advertiser/Messenger he said:

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Voters on the move

MORE than 4,000 rural voters around Inkberrow will have the right to vote in the Redditch constituency at the next General Election after recommendations from the Boundary Commission. Following a March public inquiry, the Boundary Commission decided the

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Far from happy!

MILLERS' boss Lee Adams said he was far from happy with his side despite scalping two good wins this week. On Wednesday, Feckenham entertained strugglers Alveston at the Valley Stadium and won in the final minute of the game courtesy of Brian Powell.

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The Price is right for Warren

A "COMPELLING and deeply moving" comedy by Arthur Miller, The Price, arrives at Malvern's Festival Theatre for a short run on Monday. Starring Warren Mitchell as furniture dealer Solomon, the production was the hit of last year's West End autumn season

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CRASH SPARKS DEATH FEARS

A STRETCH of road that has claimed two lives in five years will claim more unless speed limits are enforced, claim residents. Crown East has seen at least nine serious accidents in recent years, but the new calls come after a woman was cut from her Ford

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Princess Anne to cut the ribbon

THE Princess Royal was due to visit Worcester today to officially open a new preparatory school. Princess Anne was expected at The Grange, in Fernhill Heath, at 11am today, for a tour of the Royal Grammar School's junior department. All 365 pupils - led

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Free jabs rolled out

A GP surgery in Worcester has launched a campaign offering free flu jabs to pensioners in a bid to save lives this winter. Patients aged 65 or over are to be offered the free jabs every Saturday morning at St John's House Surgery, in Bromyard Road, Worcester

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Away record on the line

EVESHAM United put their unbeaten away record on the line at St Blazey on Saturday intent on making FA Cup progress, writes Mervyn Collins. The Robins have won three and drawn one of their four Southern League Division One West outings but Dave Busst

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Clues to theft of Hills scope

A VISITOR to the Malvern Hills has provided police with a time for the theft of the Worcestershire Beacon toposcope, which shows all the key landmarks visible from the hill-top. After reading publicity, and having been told by friends from Malvern that

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Big isn't best... so bottles are cut down to size

HEREFORD cider-maker Bulmers is to scrap its supersize bottles of the drink in an effort to encourage more sensible consumption. The firm has announced that it plans to stop producing three litre bottles from next year. It will do this by axing its policy

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Police issue a mini warning

POLICE have issued guidelines on the legal use of mini motorbikes, following a number of calls from concernced Kidderminster residents. The bikes cannot be ridden legally on public roads or highways without a relevant licence and insurance. "These new

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One man magic

THE Palace Theatre is the venue for a magical evening on Saturday when Geoffrey Durham brings along his new one-man show. The show, described as "a unique combination of laughs, charm and staggering sleight of hand" gives a chance to "see a truly original

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Top brass in tune for Huntingdon concert

THE country's leading brass quintet is set to perform in the Faithful City next month. Fine Arts Brass will be appearing at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall on Sunday, October 3. Playing a family concert at noon as the opening event of Worcester Concert Club's

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Fixtures

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Midland Combination (2.45pm unless stated) Endsleigh Challenge Cup Round One - Shifnal Town v Barnt Green Spartak. Division One - Polesworth NW v Fairfield Villa. Division Two - Mile Oak Rovers v Droitwich Spa. Division Three -

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Dj vu for Green men

LIGHTNING has struck twice for Barnt Green Cricket Club. For the second season running the Cherry Hill Road club's First XI has finished second in the Birmingham and District Premier League and won the Graham Williamson Trophy. Last Saturday Lyndon Jones

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Poor parents 'are turning to charity'

DESPERATE low-income parents are being forced to appeal to charities for help with buying school uniforms, it has been revealed. The news comes after the controversy surrounding Droitwich Spa High School's decision to completely change its uniforms -

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MMR report welcomed

COUNTY health experts have welcomed a report confirming there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism, according to a study of more than 5,000 children. The Medical Research Council-funded study looked at the vaccination records of 1,294 children

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Identity of farm death man given

THE identity of a farm worker who was crushed to death when a tractor rolled on top of him has been revealed by police. David Phillips, of Dunley, near Stourport-upon-Severn, died after an accident on Sunday evening at D Paine and Sons Farm, in Witley

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We're all manic about organic!

THE bright outlook for young organic farmers has been a lonely ray of sunshine in an otherwise glum year on the agricultural front. Helen Jeynes, a former nine-to-five bank worker, exemplifies this rosy attitude, as she tills the land and gets organic

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What's On Guide

Thursday, September 16 One Day More - From Les Miserables to Miss Saigon and Beyond with BBC Concert Orchestra and West End stars, Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Also September 17. Tickets from 0121 780 3333. A Black Country Night Out, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester

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Town golfers in landmark leap

GOLF: REDDITCH scratch team is celebrating promotion into Division One of the West Midland Scratch Golf League. The promotion is the culmination of three remarkable seasons, which have seen Redditch go from Division Four to Division One.

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Gibbons'treble delight

BOWLS: HDA bowling club member Jim Gibbons won three competitions at the club's Finals Day on September 12. Gibbons, who is also the club treasurer, took a mammoth seven and a half hours to claim his three prizes in the four wood singles competition,

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No defeats in nine for Alliance front runners

WESTFIELDS extended their unbeaten run to nine games with a 2-1 win over Studley in the Travel Factory Alliance last night at allpay.park. It was the Hereford side's fourth league win in a row and leads them into Saturday's FA cup tie with Carlton but

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Regatta boost for Worcester

YOUNG stars from all over the UK flocked to Worcester for the Junior Regatta. Worcester Rowing Club were forced to cancel their regular two-day regatta because of entries being down. However, the invitation junior event certainly caught the eye with a

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Race ace Dawkins seals championship title

JUSTIN Dawkins secured the Daly Systems Star of the Midlands Class B Championship title with a race to spare when the Formula Ford 1,600 series visited Mallory Park for the penultimate event of the year. The Stockton on Teme ace secured two third place

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Town need to be at their best

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV captain Dave Clark is under no illusions as to what lies in store for his side this season. Clark watched Dean Ball's side lose 42-31 at Dunstablians from the touchline last Saturday through injury. And he knows the team, who thrashed

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South start at home

SOUTH Bromsgrove High School begin their Daily Mail Schools U18s Cup campaign at home to Aston's King Edward VI. The Charford Road school also play Bewdley High in the U15s competition. North Bromsgrove face Stratford's King Edward VI in the same event

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15/9/04 - City lose out in cup thriller

A FIGHTING performance from Worcester City's academy side was in vain as they lost 4-3 to Newport County in the FA Youth Cup Preliminary Round. Goals from City youngsters Thomas Wale, Andrew Owen and Gary Walker proved not enough, yet Ray Woods' side

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Gallagher happy despite loss

FAIRFIELD Villa manager Neil Gallagher believes his side gave a good account of themselves despite crashing out of the Endsleigh Challenge Cup at the first attempt. A goal in each half saw Gallagher's Midland Combination Division One side lose 2-0 at

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Second half strikes see Spa past Police

TWO second half goals sealed Droitwich Spa's safe passage to the Challenge Vase Second Round. An Andy Keenahan penalty and strike from Richie McGuire were enough to see off West Midlands Police Reserves 2-0 in last Saturday's first round clash at King

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Cup scores

LATEST results in the Advertiser/Messenger Football League. Division Two - Cofton Celtic 7 Turks Head 0. LMS Shield Round One - Bromsgrove Town 1 Ringspanners 2; Waseley United 2 Blackwell 1; Cofton Falcons 5 Bromsgrove General Res 2 (AET); Euphoria 1

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Junior football round-up

Lickey End A U9s 2 Bromsgrove Town U9s 4 Ben Markall scored twice as Town won their opening Central Warwickshire League Division A match. Matthew Lamb and Paddy Longden were also on target for the visitors. Markall also scored a hat-trick in Town's 3-

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15/09/04 - Town need to be at their best

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV captain Dave Clark is under no illusions as to what lies in store for his side this season. Clark watched Dean Ball's side lose 42-31 at Dunstablians from the touchline last Saturday through injury. And he knows the team, who thrashed

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08/09/04 - Colts start in style

BROMSGROVE RFC Colts started the season in style with a 27-5 victory over Broadstreet. Ollie Wells scored the first try and Edginton pounced for the second. He also got the third for a 15-0 half time lead. Crook's try, converted by Harper, put Bromsgrove

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08/09/04 - Back in business

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV marked their return to Midlands One with an emphatic 29-0 victory over Coventry-based Broadstreet. Although not the best performance, a large crowd at Finstall Park last Saturday witnessed sufficient quality to leave them quietly

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Short cut?

IT'S about time Bromsgrove District Council started to acknowledge their grass cutting policy is just not working. How many times have we driven past areas that have recently had grass cut and found that cuttings have been left over the grass, making

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Enticement

RECENTLY I travelled down to the south of England and had occasion to stop off in Henley-on-Thames in south Oxfordshire. Not knowing where to park, I followed the car park signs as you do. This directed me to the Waitrose supermarket just off the High

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Chiming in

WHY do we need a clock tower in Droitwich High Street as proposed by Councillor Pam Davey? Everyone in the town looks upon the parish centre/St Andrew's Church clock as the town clock. What an utter waste of money and I hope the town council rejects her

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Poor service

WHAT a wonderful claim to fame Bromsgrove District Council has now added to its list - television coverage for sacking two men for not reaching their target for excess fines at the Asda car park. This is of course in addition to television coverage for

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Expert care

I WOULD like to echo the praise of Mrs E Jones in the Advertiser/Messenger for Mr Das and his expert medical team. I had the same operation a few weeks ago and hopefully with have a similar one carried out in the other eye in the not too distant future

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Twenty-four up but two down

Alcester 24 Coventry Tech 18 ALCESTER started their league campaign off with an impressive victory at Kings Coughton but lost two key players in the process. Tech took the lead through an early penalty but the home side didn't have to wait long for their

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Short cut?

IT'S about time Bromsgrove District Council started to acknowledge their grass cutting policy is just not working. How many times have we driven past areas that have recently had grass cut and found that cuttings have been left over the grass, making

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No sign

I CAN offer no answer to B Parking, Bromsgrove, regarding the vandalised road sign. Our road sign was uprooted on Christmas Eve 2003 and subsequently disappeared. I wrote to the Council in May and a telephone call was received to say they were making

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Enticement

RECENTLY I travelled down to the south of England and had occasion to stop off in Henley-on-Thames in south Oxfordshire. Not knowing where to park, I followed the car park signs as you do. This directed me to the Waitrose supermarket just off the High

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Chiming in

WHY do we need a clock tower in Droitwich High Street as proposed by Councillor Pam Davey? Everyone in the town looks upon the parish centre/St Andrew's Church clock as the town clock. What an utter waste of money and I hope the town council rejects her

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Doll delight

MAY I thank everyone who took part in the Birthday of the Doll which was in aid of St Richards Hospice. The sum of £81 was raised and Mrs Doris Nicklin, of Droitwich Spa, was the winner guessing the correct date of June 12. Pat Grubb and Brenda Spence

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Poor service

WHAT a wonderful claim to fame Bromsgrove District Council has now added to its list - television coverage for sacking two men for not reaching their target for excess fines at the Asda car park. This is of course in addition to television coverage for

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Expert care

I WOULD like to echo the praise of Mrs E Jones in the Advertiser/Messenger for Mr Das and his expert medical team. I had the same operation a few weeks ago and hopefully with have a similar one carried out in the other eye in the not too distant future

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Route was an eyesore

FOLLOWING a pleasant weekend in Cornwall I returned and was appalled at the state of the A38 between Wychbold and Bromsgrove. It was like travelling on a road to a household refuse dump. Over those three to four miles, the pavements were littered with

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Keeping the water flowing

READER Mark Garton overlooks the huge investment Severn Trent Water has already made and must continue to make - more than £3m every single day - to protect the health and well being of our customers across Worcestershire. For every £1 in profit made,

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Sixth season ahead

THEATRE buffs will love a monthly drama reading group. The Circle, which has been active for six seasons, has a company of about a dozen readers. They read scripts aloud and then visit theatres to see their chosen productions. Group spokeswoman Frances

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15/9/04 - Players flooding back

NON-contract winger Stuart Roberts has been released as Kidderminster Harriers prepare to welcome back their injured legion. Director of football Jan Molby decided not to offer the former Swansea player a permanent deal after six appearances. Roberts

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Last units go

BIRMINGHAM-based City Property Management Services Ltd have let the last two units at Peltland Trading Centre, Padgets Lane in South Moons Moat. Managing Director David Neale said: "We have been really positive in our approach and offered prospective

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Stage set for business day

REDDITCH Business Day will be held on Wednesday, September 29, hosted by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. It has proved to be a great success in the past, informing firms of the multitude of invaluable services available to them.

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A year in focus

A PICTURE perfect business is celebrating its first anniversary with an exhibition at the Palace Theatre. Abby Stonehall set up her own photography business behind Hemming's Estate Agents next to Chicago Rock Caf in Unicorn Hill a year ago and is now

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Watercolour artist talks

CREATING mood, space and a sense of timelessness in watercolour paintings will be demonstrated for budding artists at Bromsgrove Art Club next Tuesday. Artist Ian Cruikshank will give the demonstration at the Red Cross centre, in Barnsley Hall Drive,

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Tango time

IF your family are fed up of you dancing round the living room every time that BBC advert comes on then why not impress them with your hot moves after a couple of tango lessons. Tango Argentino for Absolute Beginners is coming to the Spadesbourne Suite

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Readers who recall very different world

L SPITERI insults the intelligence of readers with his political missives. There's no substitute for experience, when many readers can recall a very different society to the one we currently endure. His need to study social and economic history has been

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Taking a fiver from taxpayers

IN response to those who use park-and-ride, given that Mrs C C Richards lives in Worcester, why doesn't she walk or use a regular bus? Given that John Merrick lives in Fernhill Health, a couple of hundred yards away from the park-and-ride site, why doesn't

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Finstall WI

FINSTALL WI's August meeting was held at the home of Pat and Hal Fernihough. Members enjoyed a quiz and a chat in their lovely garden. For our September meeting we were back in the newly-decorated village hall for an afternoon of slides and a wildlife

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Droitwich Spa WI

AFTER two away meetings, Droitwich WI were back at their usual venue, the Heritage Centre, for the September meeting. The president opened the meeting with a welcome to members and visitors and the record was read. Correspondence and institute business

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Stormin' Norman

Barrow 1 Redditch United 6 GOAL machine Norman Sylla embarrassed Barrow's defence with another high quality hat-trick as the Reds romped home winners on Saturday. But it was at the other end of the field that the heroics started for United. After just

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They're going quackers!

STAFF at a town hospice are going quackers as they launch a new fundraising drive. Primrose Hospice, in St Godwalds Road, provides care and support for people in Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wythall with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. But the hospice

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Tribute for the Beslan victims

A BOOK of condolences, made by Bromsgrove pupils for the victims of the Beslan school tragedy, will be sent to the Russian embassy. Year eight pupils from Catshill Middle School, in Meadow Road, were so moved by the tragedy that they made the book when

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Jumping for joy

AN aerobics instructor was jumping for joy after raising nearly £3,000 for charity in her trampoline classes. Louise Joynes, of Droitwich, raised the money for The Genesis Appeal, which is set up to fight breast cancer, by getting her class members to

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Car park duo lobby council

TWO car park attendants, who were sacked after failing to issue enough tickets, have lobbied councillors in their latest attempt to highlight their unfair treatment. According to Phil Mansell and Bruce Edwards, they were dismissed because they did not

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Poor start overcome

REDDITCH secured their mid-table position in the last game of the Birmingham League Division Three after a comfortable 171-run defeat of Olton. An unbeaten 164 from Redditch's overseas Australian, Simon Allison, started the rout and was helped along the

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School's bacon buttie heaven

LET'S face it, we all like a bacon buttie and a mug of tea to get us going in the morning. Which meant that School House Private Day Nursery in Dodford was the place to be last Thursday and Friday. Nursery staff made bacon butties for parents and friends

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Minor injuries unit to extend opening hours?

HEALTH campaigners have welcomed plans to extend the opening hours at the town hospital's minor injuries unit. Members of the Redditch and Bromsgrove Primary Care Trust were due to meet yesterday (Tuesday) to discuss plans to extend opening hours at the

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Fast-forward for upgrade

BROMSGROVE'S housing trust is to accelerate a £10 million refurbishment programme for the town's 3,200 former council houses. The trust, which took over the district council's housing stock last March, had pledged to complete the work within five years

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MP to take a back seat

Julie Kirkbride has chosen to put her family before a potentially glittering political career and return to the relative obscurity of the back benches. Last November, the town's Tory MP was elevated to the Opposition front bench as shadow Secretary of

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Cash boost to Beslan appeal

A BIG-HEARTED regular at a Droitwich Spa watering hole gave a worthwhile cause a generous boost by handing over £500. The anonymous benefactor gave the cash to the landlord of The Ring O Bells after being touched by the media coverage of the violent school

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A boost for engineering

A £1MILLION investment is set to turn New College in Bromsgrove into a major centre for technology education. The college's new tool room machinery and computer-based cutting equipment represents the biggest investment in engineering training in the West

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Driver gave false details

A DRIVER who gave his cousin's name when stopped by police was lucky to escape custody, Judge Ian Morris told him at Worcester Crown Court. Christopher Moule said he gave false particulars because he thought there was a warrant out for his arrest. Moule

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SKATER HOCKEY: Matt flies Midlands flag for GB

SKATER hockey star Matt Willis is getting ready to take on some of the best in the sport. Matt, aged 17, is the only Midlands player to be named in the 24-man Great Britain junior training squad for this weekend's U18s European Championships in Torbay

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Battle lines drawn up

AN historic motion of no confidence in the chairman - a first in its history - has shaken Bromsgrove District Council. But after a lengthy debate last Wednesday night, the opposition agreed to withdraw the motion and the different sides of the council

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Taking 30 years of work home

PHOTOGRAPHING glamorous British actress Minnie Driver is all in a day's work for a Droitwich Spa snapper, who has compiled an exhibition of his work spanning 30 years. Stu Booth is holding a display of a lifetime of his work in professional photography

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Disease kills woman, 62

AN outbreak of Legionnaire's disease has claimed the life of an elderly woman, with two other patients in a critical condition in a hospital used by Bromsgrove residents. Joy Billingham, a 62-year-old woman from Redditch, died last week after being the

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Bond Classified

WITH its incessant techno beat and pounding base striking out behind some easily identifiable classical pieces, this is "love it or hate it" music. I belong to the "hate it" brigade, breaking out of my ranks to give it one star purely on the strength

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Alison Moyet Voice

THIS immaculately produced project has been designed purely to showcase Alison Moyet's wonderfully rich voice and more than justifies its title. Moyet, who is now 43, has set out to reproduce some of her favourite songs in a classical setting and, to

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Our House (12)

NOVELIST Alex (Ben Stiller) and journalist wife Nancy(Drew Barrymore) think they've found the perfect first home. The one setback with the beautiful property is it has a tenant who cannot be moved on - a cantankerous, scheming old witch who makes the

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ATHLETICS: Richard is going for gold

THIS Friday marks the start of the 12th Paralympic Games in Athens - and one Bromsgrove sprinter has his sights set on gold. Richard White, aged 22, will compete in the 100-metres and 200m at the event, aiming to improve on the bronze medals he won his

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ATHLETICS: Marathon runners ready to take on New York

TWO men are preparing to travel across the Atlantic to raise money for charity. Andrew "Tommo" Thompson and Jon Wingfield are both taking to the streets for the New York Marathon on November 7. Andrew, a 32-year-old electrician from Rubery, will be running

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CYCLING: Season on horizon

CYCLISTS are gearing up for the new cyclo-cross season, with the first West Midlands League event on the horizon. Competition begins in earnest for Bromsgrove Olympique Cycling Club on Sunday week at Elmdon Park, near Birmingham Airport. Part of the preparation

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TENNIS: Annual summer event

CHRIS Meredith beat Simon Hornsey to win the men' singles at Cutnall Green Tennis Club's annual summer tournament last Sunday. Elsewhere, Rachel Truswell won the ladies' singles, while Meredith and Adrian Bates won the men's doubles division A. James

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BASKETBALL: Try out skills

YOUNGSTERS can take advantage of a series of basketball coaching sessions being offered in Bromsgrove. The sport is being taught at the Ryland Centre, in New Road, every Tuesday until November 30, except during October half term. Bromsgrove District Council

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SNOOKER: Parrott makes a visit

FORMER world snooker champion John Parrott is heading for Droitwich Spa. Parrott is one of the after dinner speakers for The Sporting Club at the Chateau Impney this Friday. The 1991 world champion will be joined by 1999 Comedian of the Year Gary Marshall

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25 years ago

September 14, 1979 REDDITCH Development Corporation does not think that people really know just how much the town has to offer. So, together with Midland Red bus company, it is setting up a bus tour of the new town. A corporation spokesman said: "A lot

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50 years ago

September 17, 1954 LACK of co-ordination between higher authorities was criticised at Monday's meeting of Inkberrow Parish Council, held under the chairmanship of Mr R Hunt. The resurfacing of Church Road, Cookhill, was quoted as a case in point. Although

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Hunt for killer's source

HEALTH officials have identified 130 potential sites across Redditch which could be the source of the legionnaire's disease outbreak which has claimed one life. Environmental health officers are working tirelessly to identify the source and will visit

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Leaping to Jamie's aid

AN afternoon of fun was held on Saturday at Oakenshaw Community Centre to raise funds for a Redditch youngster with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Jamie Wootton, six, sometimes has violent outbursts and finds it difficult to enjoy much

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Benefits are clear to see

I AM saddened to see the campaign for a Studley bypass has been lost but I do not feel the people who campaigned for it did not do enough to highlight the real benefits it would have brought to Studley. We do not have to go far to see what these benefits

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Why did MP change view?

JACQUI Smith MP says "successive governments" have given a "clear decision" they will not build an "extensive and expensive bypass" around the western side of Studley (Advertiser, September 1). At a packed meeting at the old Studley Village Hall, just

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The lengths folk go to!

TWO people representing a Redditch charity will be going to great lengths to help raise funds to support a vital service in the town. Volunteer Martyn Ursell and counsellor Jane Deane, of Carers Careline, will be making a splash in Hewell Road swimming

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An idea with a sting in it

I NOTE with interest the Government's latest plan to ban fox hunting. It seems to me that an alternative should be sought. My first thought was for the introduction of pig jousting contests. These could be held weekly and would give employment to those

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Buses should go to the lake

WE have the really beautiful Arrow Valley Park but it has saddened me to learn the elderly and infirm can never enjoy it, unless they have transport. If buses can go to supermarkets, then why not have one or two minibuses diverting there - particularly

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Ta shoppers!

THROUGH your columns, the Management Committee of Wythall Village Hall would like to thank all those who supported the street collection on Saturday, July 17. Thanks to everyone shopping in May Lane, at Drakes Cross Parade and at Beckett's Farm Shop,

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Letter from Westminster

ON Friday, I was asked to present Webheath First School with its Sports Mark Gold Award and its third Eco Flag. Both awards are richly deserved and reflect the hard work that teachers put in to extend activities at the school. Instilling our children

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Bikes may be seized

THE latest craze with mini motorbikes has prompted police to warn anyone who rides them around public parks and footpaths in Redditch is actually breaking the law. Advice on where the 30cc bikes can be used has been issued following a number of calls

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Curtain up on world

A NEW season at the Palace Theatre is set to kick-start with a cocktail of sounds, songs and dances from all over the world, opening the theatre up to Redditch's diverse community. Redditch Council's theatre and arts development manager Jonathan Cochrane

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Pets get checked for free

OWNERS who want to keep their pets in check will get the chance to do so for free at Hopwood Veterinary Centre during national PetCheck Week from September 20-26. To reach even more people and their pets, availability of the free pet health check has

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Alcester U3A

The September meeting started with our chairman informing us of some famous anniversaries for this month. These included the Great Fire of London and the adoption of the Gregorian Calendar. Our attention was drawn to many group activities including the

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It's Great North Eric

A REDDITCH pensioner who only took up sport a few months ago will soon be participating in the Great North Run - a gruelling 13-mile challenge. Eric Glendenning, 75, who lives at Hanover Court, Headless Cross, will be taking part in the half marathon

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Show WILL go on

A GROUP of dedicated representatives from town groups is making plans to ensure Redditch does not lose out on art and drama when the Palace Theatre closes for a massive refurbishment. At a Redditch Arts Forum meeting last week Chris Hill, the council's

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Bromsgrove & District Flower Arranging Society

AT the August meeting Philip Woodman gave a demonstration entitled Reflections. Philip explained his demonstration was based upon different kinds of reflections, including those on containers, reflections of places he had visited and also of himself.

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Inkberrow Show

WELCOMING visitors to the Inkberrow and District Horticultural Society's Annual Show, held at Inkberrow Village Hall on September 4, Chairman Tom Hodgkinson admitted that gardeners, like farmers, had a reputation for always complaining about the weather

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Parents rally to school's cause

PARENTS at St Benedict's High School have rallied in support of governors who are embroiled in a legal battle over the school's admissions criteria. Four foundation governors were sacked in the summer by the Diocesan Schools Commission (DSC) for supporting

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Just look what we've won!

ALCESTER is the best-kept small town in the Midlands - and it has a trophy to prove it! Maggie Payne, chairman of Alcester in Bloom, picked up the coveted title and a gold award at a ceremony in Leamington on Friday and said afterwards: "I am delighted

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Travellers told to go

TRAVELLERS camped on riverside land in Oversley Green will have to move on within the next month. Residents have been urging town, district and county councillors to get rid of the families who parked their vans and caravans next to the River Arrow since

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* Crash sparks death fears * High noon for hunting * Home is 'just like Bilbo's place' * Man faces

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Shutting up shop because of floods

FLOOD defence works are said to be drowning businesses in Bewdley as yet another firm announces its closure. Five shops in the small town have already closed their doors this year - blaming the defence barrier - and now Woodentops, a pine furniture specialist

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Free advice for the farmers

FARMERS in Hereford and Worcester who are being forced to change the way they work are urged to take advantage of a free advice session at the end of the month. Fundamental changes to the way people farm are being introduced next year, and as a result

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No extensions for licensing bobby!

A POPULAR bobby who has been the licensing officer in Redditch for almost seven years is retiring this week. Pc Nigel Payne, who has served with the West Mercia force for 26 years, will be handing over his role to Pc Simon Worley. Pc Payne said: "I've

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September 14, 1979 25 years ago

BOURNHEATH cat breeder Marion Pearson, from Parish Hill, was doing her bit to foster better relationships with countries from behind the Iron Curtain. Two of her prize Persian pussies had been exported to a village near Budapest where their new owner

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100 years ago September 17, 1904

COMPLAINTS from nearby residents about organised ball games, particularly football, being played in Crown Close could lead to the town getting its first official recreation ground. Bromsgrove's town council was to explore the possibility of allowing building

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Victory is fifth without a loss

PAUL Szewczyk stretched Bromsgrove Rovers' unbeaten league run to five games. Szewczyk's second half equaliser at the Victoria Ground last Saturday ensured a 1-1 draw with Ashford Town (Middlesex) and meant Joe Jackson's side have not been beaten in Division

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Big isn't best... so bottles are cut down to size

HEREFORD cider-maker Bulmers is to scrap its supersize bottles of the drink in an effort to encourage more sensible consumption. The firm has announced that it plans to stop producing three litre bottles from next year. It will do this by axing its policy

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Police issue a mini warning

POLICE have issued guidelines on the legal use of mini motorbikes, following a number of calls from concernced Kidderminster residents. The bikes cannot be ridden legally on public roads or highways without a relevant licence and insurance. "These new

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County school on special measures

A SCHOOL in a Worcestershire village has been put on special measures following a scathing Ofsted report. Leigh and Bransford Primary School was criticised in the inspectors' report as providing an unsatisfactory quality of education, with pupils in the

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Ladies on song for 30 years

MEMBERS of Alcester Ladies Choir will be singing their hearts out next month when they celebrate their 30th anniversary. The choir was originally part of the WI and was set up by Dorothy Balmforth, former headteacher of Alcester Infants School. Miss Balmforth

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Nursery's traffic fear

CONGESTION could get worse around Vaynor First School in Headless Cross, say neighbours who are worried at the prospect of a new nursery there. County councillors were due to decide yesterday whether the school in Tennyson Road should be allowed a new

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Pupils rifle through history

MORE than 100 schoolchildren received a taste of military life through the ages at an exhibition that brought the past back to life. Experts in the full military kit of British soldiers from former battles were on hand to demonstrate and describe the

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Facelift for community centre

A POPULAR Worcester community centre has closed, temporarily, for a £500,000 facelift. The Tolladine Community Centre on Rose Avenue will be out of use for six months to allow workmen to replace the roof and add two new wings - a youth and nursery wing

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Historic day at Greyfriars

HISTORY enthusiasts can have a go at churning butter, make traditional medicines and see coins being stamped this weekend. The activity day at Greyfriars, in Worcester's Friar Street, will allow children to join re-enactors to learn about food and diet

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Proud Penny pride of the force

A CHIEF Constable's commendation has been awarded to a Worcester woman for her work within the West Mercia Constabulary call centre. Penny-Jane Curtis, aged 41, has been a trainer/developer with the police force for little over one year, but has already

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Telling us about ME

AN occupational therapist will be on hand at the John Stretton Memorial Hall, in Kidderminster, to answer questions from members of the public about myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME. Sue Gordon Saner, who holds sessions for ME patients at Kidderminster

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Pupils to dine in style with art

PUPILS at a Worcester school can admire their artwork while enjoying their lunch thanks to a permanent mural on display in the dining hall. Year 5 pupils from Cranham Primary School in Tetbury Drive, spent the first week of their summer holidays back

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Bestseller has readers rapt

A BEST-SELLING American author paid a visit to Christopher Whitehead High School students to answer questions from eager fans. Jerry Spinelli chatted to Year 7 and 8 pupils during an hour-long visit to the Bromwich Road school on Monday. "Jerry Spinelli

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Malvern Town FC - Fixtures/Results - 2004/5 Season

The Travel Factory Midland Football Alliance Saturday, September 18: Biddulph Victoria v Malvern Town (3.00). Tuesday, September 21: Malvern Town v Alvechurch (7.45). Saturday, September 25: FA Vase second qualifying round, Heath Hayes v Malvern Town

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Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Ashford Town (Mdx) 1

Saturday, September 11, 2004 PAUL Szewczyk stretched Bromsgrove Rovers' unbeaten league run to five games. Szewczyk's second half equaliser at the Victoria Ground last Saturday ensured a 1-1 draw with Ashford Town (Middlesex) and meant Joe Jackson's side

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Pucker up for a classic

ACCLAIMED West End musical Kiss Me Kate arrives at Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre for a two-week season from Tuesday. The show, which originally opened on Broadway in 1948 and was an instant success, is about the "anarchic but exuberant life of a theatre

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15/09/04 - Bellingham leaves Rovers for Stourbridge

MARK Bellingham has left Bromsgrove Rovers. The striker, who joined the Victoria Ground club last January, has linked up with former Rovers managers Gary Hackett and Jon Ford at Stourbridge. Bellingham has scored three times this season but boss Joe Jackson

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Telltale final for Tinman

CURRENT British Superstocks champion Andy Tinsley will bid to retain his title in the final race at the season at Donington Park this weekend. The Astwood Bank ace is currently 11 points behind the new championship leader but with 50 points at stake in

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Rice won Chris!

HEADLESS Cross mixed martial artist Chris Rice got his first professional win under his belt in controversial fashion on September 4. The 26-year-old fought in the open-air ultimate fighting competition which went ahead inside a marquee in a field in

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Redditch United FC Conference North fixtures & results 2004/05

Saturday, August 14 Runcorn FC (away): Runcorn 0-1 REDS (Simon Hollis) Tuesday, August 17,Worcester City (home): REDS 0-4 Worcester Saturday, August 21, Alfreton Town (home): REDS 1-3 Alfreton Town (Mark Taylor) Tuesday, August 24, Kettering Town (away

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Stormin' Norman

Barrow 1 Redditch United 6 GOAL machine Norman Sylla embarrassed Barrow's defence with another high quality hat-trick as the Reds romped home winners on Saturday. But it was at the other end of the field that the heroics started for United. After just

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Youth had cut to arm

A 17-year-old youth received hospital treatment for a cut to his arm following an incident at a music festival at a Redditch pub on Saturday, September 4. The incident happened at about 9pm at the Golden Cross on Unicorn Hill and police are appealing

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Clean getaway

An astro-turf cleaner worth £2,000 was stolen from Arrow Vale Sports and Leisure Centre in Matchborough between 10.30pm on Friday and 9.30am on Saturday. The red ride-on tractor style machine was taken from a locked steel container at the Greensward Lane

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Bromsgrove RFC First XV fixtures 2004/2005

HOME, away (Midlands One fixtures unless stated) SEPTEMBER Sat 4 BROADSTREET 29-0 Sat 11 Dunstablians 31-42 Sat 25 KETTERING OCTOBER Sat 2 Leicester Lions Sat 9 LUCTONIANS Sat 23 Derby Sat 30 LONGTON NOVEMBER Sat 13 Scunthorpe Sat 20 MANSFIELD DECEMBER

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No home joy for Bees

Studley 1 Causeway 3 STUDLEY stuttered to their fourth defeat running on Saturday after their FA Cup preliminary round defeat last week. Three goals before half an hour by the visitors ensured the Bees stayed winless at home after five games this season

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Foster: He's going in for the kill

A SHOWDOWN between Worcestershire MPs Mike Foster and Peter Luff was expected today as the Hunting Bill comes before the Commons. Anti-hunting Mr Foster - who initiated a ban in a Private Members Bill in 1997 - and fellow Labour MP Tony Banks have tabled

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Missing man mystery grows as dinghy is found upside-down but Martin is nowhere to be seen

CONCERN is growing for the welfare of an Evesham man who has been missing for five days - with an upturned dinghy in the River Avon a mysterious clue to his whereabouts. Martin Hunt was last seen leaving the town's Hampton Working Men's Club at 11.15pm

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Hey, it's just like Bilbo's place...

FANS of the blockbuster Lord of the Rings film could soon be able to buy their very own slice of Hobbit heaven in Worcestershire. John Talbot is co-ordinator of the Home for Life project, which is promoting the construction of burrow-shaped, earth-covered

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Life-saving legacy of tragic city tot

A LIFE-saving hovercraft financed in memory of a Worcester schoolgirl who drowned during a trip to the seaside has helped almost 50 people in three months. The Spirit of Lelaina came into service at the end of May and has been on constant call along the

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Double night at the opera

A DELIGHTFUL double bill of opera is on offer at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre next week when the Chisinau National Opera perform Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagi and Leon Cavallo's Pagliacci. Both sung in the original Italian and accompanied by surtitles

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County school on special measures

A SCHOOL in a Worcestershire village has been put on special measures following a scathing Ofsted report. Leigh and Bransford Primary School was criticised in the inspectors' report as providing an unsatisfactory quality of education, with pupils in the

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Boars' finish is one better

BROMSGROVE CC First XI have gone one better than last season by securing fourth place in Birmingham and District Division One. The Boars, fifth last year, rounded off their 2004 campaign with a winning draw at third place Harborne, incredibly their sixth

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Gamble pays off for Green

A BATTING gamble paid off to give Barnt Green CC First XI the runners-up spot in the Birmingham and District Premier League. Lyndon Jones' side were set 216 to win at Knowle and Dorridge last Saturday and decided to throw caution to the wind and go for

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Brothers on Italian job

KICKBOXING brothers Karl and Chris Bryant jetted off to Carrara in Italy yesterday to represent Great Britain for the WAKO World Championships. The Winyates Green brothers Karl, 14, and Chris, 13, train under Jason Charlesworth at CMA Freestyle in Wolverhampton

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Vikki to be riding high

DRESSAGE: Inkberrow rider Vikki Weaver has been put into the talent spotting finals at Addington Manor in Buckinghamshire after her A-squad inter-regional victory in Bedford. The teenage rider will be competing in the finals on October 16 and 17. The

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Players flooding back

NON-contract winger Stuart Roberts has been released as Kidderminster Harriers prepare to welcome back their injured legion. Director of football Jan Molby decided not to offer the former Swansea player a permanent deal after six appearances. Roberts

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Bellingham move leaves Joe short

BROMSGROVE Rovers manager Joe Jackson is short on attacking options following Mark Bellingham's decision to join Stourbridge. The striker arrived at the Victoria Ground last January and scored three times this season in Southern League Division One West

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City lose out in cup thriller

A FIGHTING performance from Worcester City's academy side was in vain as they lost 4-3 to Newport County in the FA Youth Cup Preliminary Round. Goals from City youngsters Thomas Wale, Andrew Owen and Gary Walker proved not enough, yet Ray Woods' side

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Chambers stars

WORCESTER won their final Birmingham League Division Two game of the season against Blossomfield at Norton after their batsmen hit form, having struggled all season. After winning the toss, Adam Binks invited the visitors to bat on a good looking pitch

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No ifs or Butts as Spa lose

DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV lost their second home game in a row with a 20-7 defeat to Barkers Butts. Spa, who lost their opening game against Stratford, matched Barkers Butts, relegated in each of the last two seasons, for long periods before losing out

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Dunstablians defeat indicates a tough season

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV were given an indication of how tough the season ahead will be after a 42-31 defeat at Dunstablians. Dean Ball's side, who had lost their previous encounters at Dunstablians, were without captain Dave Clark, Jon Taylor (broken

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South start at home

SOUTH Bromsgrove High School begin their Daily Mail Schools U18s Cup campaign at home to Aston's King Edward VI. The Charford Road school also play Bewdley High in the U15s competition. North Bromsgrove face Stratford's King Edward VI in the same event

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Five-star Ross hit Reds Ladies

Redditch United Ladies 1 Ross Town Ladies 5 REDDITCH Ladies were looking to build on their good start to the season but came unstuck against a strong Ross Town Ladies on Sunday. Ross made an early breakthrough but Redditch responded well and were level

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Dunstablians defeat indicates a tough season

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV were given an indication of how tough the season ahead will be after a 42-31 defeat at Dunstablians. Dean Ball's side, who had lost their previous encounters at Dunstablians, were without captain Dave Clark, Jon Taylor (broken

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Six of the worst hit Headless

Headless Cross Ladies 0 Telford United Ladies 6 AFTER last weekends dream start to their new campaign, Headless Cross Ladies were brought down to earth with a bump by a strong Telford line up. Cross went one down when a shot slipped through keeper Tina

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No need to keep on suffering in silence

PATTI Singleton had already gone through more trauma than most women could ever imagine. She had suffered several forms of cancer, and a serious car accident left her with spinal paralysis, but each time she battled through her illness and came out stronger

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Bellingham leaves Rovers for Stourbridge

MARK Bellingham has left Bromsgrove Rovers. The striker, who joined the Victoria Ground club last January, has linked up with former Rovers managers Gary Hackett and Jon Ford at Stourbridge. Bellingham has scored three times this season but boss Joe Jackson

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15/09/04 - No ifs or Butts as Spa lose

DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV lost their second home game in a row with a 20-7 defeat to Barkers Butts. Spa, who lost their opening game against Stratford, matched Barkers Butts, relegated in each of the last two seasons, for long periods before losing out

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Victory is fifth without a loss

PAUL Szewczyk stretched Bromsgrove Rovers' unbeaten league run to five games. Szewczyk's second half equaliser at the Victoria Ground last Saturday ensured a 1-1 draw with Ashford Town (Middlesex) and meant Joe Jackson's side have not been beaten in Division

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First point to date

A GOALLESS draw at Dudley Sports gave Barnt Green Spartak their first away point of the season. Spartak, who defeated Pilkington 3-2 at home last Wednesday, were made to work during last Saturday's Midland Combination Premier clash and also had a goal

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01/09/04 - Focused on new season

THIS Saturday marks the start of the new rugby season for our local sides...141 days since the last one ended. And if the last campaign is anything to go by, 2004/05 should hold plenty of drama. Bromsgrove RFC First XV finished last term in the most nail-biting

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Reserves are beaten at Boldmere

BROMSGROVE Rovers Reserves were beaten 3-1 at Boldmere St Michaels in the Group B of the Challenge Bowl First Round. Rovers, who drew at Nuneaton Borough in the Central Conference last Wednesday, lacked sharpness and stand-in goalkeeper David Rousell

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Injury is key

A YOUNG Droitwich Spa Ladies team were beaten 7-1 at Worcester City Ladies. Spa's team, who left junior football last season, were a match for City in their Kidderminster Women's County League match until Spa goalkeeper Debbie Knight was injured after

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Blues helping juniors

A TOP Premiership club is set to give local youngsters an opportunity in their quest to become professional footballers. Birmingham City Football Club has joined forces with All Stars Football, Worcestershire's First FA Charter Standard-approved coaching

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15/09/04 - South start at home

SOUTH Bromsgrove High School begin their Daily Mail Schools U18s Cup campaign at home to Aston's King Edward VI. The Charford Road school also play Bewdley High in the U15s competition. North Bromsgrove face Stratford's King Edward VI in the same event

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01/09/04 - Focused on new season

THIS Saturday marks the start of the new rugby season for our local sides...141 days since the last one ended. And if the last campaign is anything to go by, 2004/05 should hold plenty of drama. Bromsgrove RFC First XV finished last term in the most nail-biting

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That sinking feeling...

WHENEVER I peer through the Lido railings in Droitwich at the stagnant, weed infested sad and ghostly scene - my heart sinks. My heart sinks even further when I am almost filled with anxiety and dread as we approach the eleventh hour with the decision

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No sign

I CAN offer no answer to B Parking, Bromsgrove, regarding the vandalised road sign. Our road sign was uprooted on Christmas Eve 2003 and subsequently disappeared. I wrote to the Council in May and a telephone call was received to say they were making

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Missed out

IN its first publication newsletter, West Mercia Neighbourhood Watch Association, I was disappointed not to see a mention of Rubery's performance noted under the Bromsgrove 'news from around the district.' What other association has initiated joint patrols

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Doll delight

MAY I thank everyone who took part in the Birthday of the Doll which was in aid of St Richards Hospice. The sum of £81 was raised and Mrs Doris Nicklin, of Droitwich Spa, was the winner guessing the correct date of June 12. Pat Grubb and Brenda Spence

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Lessons need to be learned

I WAS a steward at a recent Saturday Open Church at St John's Church, Bromsgrove. We were pleased to have visits from two small groups of ladies from a historical association in South Wales. They were on a day's outing, visiting Bromsgrove in the morning

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Route was an eyesore

FOLLOWING a pleasant weekend in Cornwall I returned and was appalled at the state of the A38 between Wychbold and Bromsgrove. It was like travelling on a road to a household refuse dump. Over those three to four miles, the pavements were littered with

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Keeping the water flowing

READER Mark Garton overlooks the huge investment Severn Trent Water has already made and must continue to make - more than £3m every single day - to protect the health and well being of our customers across Worcestershire. For every £1 in profit made,

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Kingfishers dive

Stourbridge 10 Redditch 8 THE Kingfisher's season got underway as they travelled to promotion hopefuls Stourbridge on Saturday but with several key players missing the going was tough for Redditch. Reuben Albert will be out for several weeks with ankle

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Skip kicks if off

Kings Norton 18 Upton on Severn 15 TWO tries from King's Norton skipper Mark Waudby made sure his side got off to the best possible start in the North Midlands One. The Hopwood based outfit had to start their league campaign on the second team pitch due

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That sinking feeling...

WHENEVER I peer through the Lido railings in Droitwich at the stagnant, weed infested sad and ghostly scene - my heart sinks. My heart sinks even further when I am almost filled with anxiety and dread as we approach the eleventh hour with the decision

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Missed out

IN its first publication newsletter, West Mercia Neighbourhood Watch Association, I was disappointed not to see a mention of Rubery's performance noted under the Bromsgrove 'news from around the district.' What other association has initiated joint patrols

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Lessons need to be learned

I WAS a steward at a recent Saturday Open Church at St John's Church, Bromsgrove. We were pleased to have visits from two small groups of ladies from a historical association in South Wales. They were on a day's outing, visiting Bromsgrove in the morning

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15/9/04 - Springbok in line for start

THINUS Delport looks set for a stunning return as Worcester eye up Bath. The Springbok full back is ready to take his place in the Warriors' line-up against struggling Bath at Sixways on Saturday. Delport has not started a match since last December when

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Actor Andy's joy at meeting stars

WINNING an Oscar, starring in an international blockbuster or having their name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame would be a dream for most actors. But Andy Wright, of Kenyon Close, Bromsgrove, is quite content to enjoy working as an extra and soaking up

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Plenty to choose from

THEATREGOERS have plenty to attract them to Birmingham's Hippodrome in the coming weeks. Their autumn/winter season features many new productions together with the return of some great favourites. Bill Kenwright's new production of Jesus Christ Superstar

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Garage bought

REDDITCH car-dealership Johnsons has bought a major VW garage in the heart of Birmingham. Johnsons, based in Prospect Hill, already runs 12 other dealerships across the UK selling Volvo, Toyota, Honda and Lexus cars and turning over more than £100 million

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Firm up for top award

A LEADING manufacturer of medical implants has been shortlisted for the prestigious Lord Stafford Awards for Innovation. Surgicraft Ltd, based in Clews Road, Oakenshaw, is a major UK manufacturer of artificial ligaments and other devices, suitable for

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Dunstablians 42 Bromsgrove 31

Saturday, September 11, 2004 BROMSGROVE RFC First XV were given an indication of how tough the season ahead will be after defeat at Dunstablians. Dean Ball's side, who had lost their previous encounters at Dunstablians, were without captain Dave Clark

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Irish investor is top of the tree

AN Irish investor has paid £6 million to buy 44 planned apartments at a prestigious residential development in the heart of Redditch. Philip O'Neill was introduced to the £11 million Dodd Homes Tree Tops development at Greenlands by the newly-formed alliance

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What's on guide

Wednesday, September 15 Sing-a-long: Roll out the barrel, musical trip down memory lane, at the Palace Theatre, Queen Street, Redditch, 2pm. For more information call 01527 65203. Musical: Jesus Christ Superstar, Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham

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They're on a ghouls' night out

YOUR report of ghostly goings on at Worcester Guildhall (Evening News, Tuesday, August 31) causes me to remember a local legend from long ago. On a certain day of the year, possibly midsummer, as the Cathedral clock struck the midnight hour, it was said

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Spadesbourne Ladies Club

THE Spadesbourne Ladies met for their September evening, as usual at the Bromsgrove Golf Centre, to be entertained by Mike Wilkes, who showed slides taken during his safari to Zimbabwe. These included some most beautiful birds which we most certainly

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Parish councillors are failing the electorate

YOUR reports and subsequent correspondence concerning Powick Parish Council's withdrawal of funding for Powick Churchyard maintenance have exposed an unacceptable situation. Many of your readers benefit from cemeteries and churchyards provided, or subsidised

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We should be allowed to film awful reality

THE Countryside Alliance claims in recent letters to the Press that "hunting is fully open and accountable". As a hunt monitor working with Protect our Wild Animals, I can tell readers that hunters and their supporters make it as difficult as possible

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'Surplus' animals that face a death sentence

ANIMAL Aid is dismayed at latest Home Office statistics showing a significant increase in animal experiments. From 2002 to 2003 the number of animals used rose by 59,000. Each year, millions more specially-bred animals are killed, unaccounted for, simply

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Bromsgrove and District Flower Arranging Society

AT our meeting on August 19, we were delighted to welcome Philip Woodman, whose demonstration was entitled Reflections. Philip explained his demonstration was based upon different kinds of reflections, including reflections on containers, reflections

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Defend yourself

MARTIAL arts fans are in for a treat thanks to a new self-defence course. Instructor Dan Gallagher, from Longbridge, is starting the new course at Barnt Green Baptist Church in Bittell Road. The lessons will be a mix of a number of martial arts, including

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Star English pupils make their mark

NICOLA Gale and Thomas Jenkins are celebrating after getting two of the best marks in the country in the GCSE English exam. The North Bromsgrove High School students were among the top five nationally out of the 380,000 pupils who took the test. Nicola

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Good listeners

KIND-hearted townsfolk are being called on to help bereaved fellow residents after the success of a town counselling service. The Bromsgrove Bereavement Counselling Service has been inundated with referrals during the summer and is now hoping to recruit

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Civil behaviour

CIVIL war broke out in Bromsgrove when the Cavaliers and Roundheads took up arms for the second time. But 350 years after the original confrontation the event was in the name of entertainment and education rather than king and country. Members of Europe's

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Keeping it in the family

ARTIST Cheryl Lord, who followed her children to university to study fine art, is celebrating her first exhibition of paintings and photographs. Cheryl, from Barnt Green, has just completed an MA in fine arts at Cardiff University where her 23-year-old

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Playing the name game

FOR the first time in more than a century a Blackwell school will carry the name of the village it serves. Linthurst First School has changed its name to Blackwell First, after realising that many people did not know the village had a school and even

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15/9/04 - Slick City continue to impress

TWO games in the space of three days is always tough but I was pleased with the performances that has seen us take four points against Lancaster and Kettering in Nationwide North. We will look to keep our run going on Saturday when we head to Ashton United

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£10,000 for roof repairs

GENEROUS residents are being urged to help raise £10,000 so essential repairs can start on a medieval town church immediately. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is hoping to raise the final cash needed so that work can start on the roof of St Andrew's

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Scarecrows set to party

VILLAGERS are looking forward to this year's mammoth Belbroughton scarecrow weekend, which promises to be bigger and better than ever before. The two-day event, which has put the close-knit community on the map, is packed full of displays and demonstrations

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Shaun of the Dead (15)

HIGH hopes were hammered down just slightly as Shaun of the Dead failed to deliver the goods. Billed as the funniest British comedy for ages, expectations about this romcomzom (romantic comedy with zombies) were slowly but surely killed off like a lot

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Garden makeover goes under the hammer

THE expertise of an award-winning garden designer is up for grabs at a charity auction later this month. Celebrated landscape gardener Chris Caligari is offering to design a bespoke plan for the highest bidder at a Cutnall Green auction of promises. "

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All change for licensing officers

POLICE in North Worcestershire have welcomed a new licensing officer to their ranks to cover the Bromsgrove district. PC Simon Worley replaces PC Nigel Payne, who has been the licensing officer in Bromsgrove and Redditch for the last six and a half years

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Kids club branches out

LITTLE Spartans can start and end their day with a big serving of fun at a brand new club. Droitwich woman Abigail Smith and her business partner Marie Harrison have branched out with their second First Kids Club, this time at Chawson First School. The

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Leisure chiefs are praised

AN action-packed initiative to steer young people away from anti-social activities by getting them involved in sport has been praised as an 'outstanding success'. The Government's Improvement and Development Agency (I&DeA) praised Bromsgrove District

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From the Kop to the top

THE man who was brought up in working class Liverpool, in the shadow of Anfield football ground, has an unlikely pedigree for headmaster of Bromsgrove School, writes Adrian Kibbler. But Chris Edwards, who has taught on four continents and in some of England's

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Welcome for plans to extend the school day

PLANS for a ten-hour opening day for all primary school age children have been welcomed by a town-based educational care scheme. The initiative, unveiled last Wednesday by education secretary Charles Clarke, would mean that all first schools could eventually

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Brushing up on your skills behind the wheel

ADVANCED motoring examiner Bob Chambers was introduced to me as 'the smoothest driver ever', writes Kate Hughes. Bob gives Streetwise Assessments, on behalf of West Mercia police, for drivers who feel they could use a bit of expert advice. A member of

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Cameras installed in school

A DROITWICH Spa headteacher has taken the extraordinary step of having a complete set of CCTV cameras installed at his school, in an effort to combat crime. The full set of cameras has been installed at Chawson First School during the six-week summer

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You are what you eat

TWO Bromsgrove mums are at the heart of a healthy eating campaign aimed at school lunch boxes across the county, writes Paul Francis. Mos Bradley and Angela Williams have become pioneers in the drive to find alternatives to the fizzy drinks and crisps

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Games galore at playscheme

DROITWICH Spa Leisure Centre helped banish the summer holiday blues with an action-packed playscheme. Children aged between five and 15 have not had a dull moment in the last six weeks with games of basketball, football and hockey. They have even had

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New nurses spark row

CONCERNS have been raised about recruiting health staff from foreign countries following the arrival of seven nurses from India to the Worcestershire Mental Health Trust. The nurses are set to undergo an induction program at University College, Worcester

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Advice at safety day

TOP tips for keeping secure in the Spa will be on offer at the town's first ever Community Safety Day. The Droitwich Spa Area Forum for Older People is inviting young and old alike along to join them at the day-long workshop this Friday. It will take

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Getting into the swing

KEEN golfers turned out to tee off in support of St Richard's Hospice. The St Richard's Hospice Golf Tournament was held at Droitwich Golf Club last Wednesday. Four-strong teams of competitors battled it out for first, second, third, fourth and fifth

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MP's fairer deal for police force

A FIVE-point plan to protect Droitwich Spa's police from a budget crisis has been put forward by mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff. The Tory MP has written to the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, and to the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, to urge

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MHS's final destination for hospice

COACH operator MHS Travel has raised an impressive £1,000 through its coach trips which will be split between St Richard's Hospice and Droitwich Guides. The company, which provides bus services in and around the Spa, offered several day trips last month

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The Zutons Who Killed The Zutons?

While some may not have heard of The Zutons - this Liverpool band are no strangers to the scene. Formed back in 2002, the Scouse quintet threw out a couple of early singles before re-inventing themselves at the tail end of last year. The result is a debut

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The Calcium Kid (15)

FOR a film about the boxing world, The Calcium Kid packs absolutely no punch. Jimmy Connelly (Orlando Bloom) is a milkman who inadvertently puts Britain's contender for the boxing world title out of action and takes his place. It's not that Connelly can

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BADMINTON: Aiming for success

TWO badminton teams are aiming for more success as they begin the new season. Both teams from Colmers Farm Badminton Club, in Rubery, secured separate promotions last term and are hoping to build on that when the new campaign starts next week. The club's

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GOLF: Closing in on Portugal

GOLFER Richard Yip is on the verge of reaching an amateur world final in Portugal. The 35-year-old, of Penshurst Road, Bromsgrove, teams up with Shorpshire-based playing partner Malcolm Tibbett for the UK final of the Audi Quattro Cup at the Forest of

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SAILING: Top sailors compete

SAILING: EIGHTEEN competitors and crews from across England and Scotland descended on Barnt Green Sailing Club for the Enterprise Association's U21s Youth Championships. Five races were scheduled to take place on Upper Bittell Reservoir on Saturday and

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100 years ago

September 17, 1904 THE annual Harvest festival was held at Ipsley Parish Church on Sunday. The interior of the church was very effectively decorated with a variety of corn, fruit, flowers and vegetables by female members of the church. As the weather

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Impact will be a disaster for us all

SO, Brian Danks thinks the revocation orders are a relief for those who live along the proposed route of the A435 bypass (Letters, September 8). Can I ask if he and his band of followers have actually considered what has happened? The so-called Studley

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Tycoon to be a model husband

A SUCCESSFUL self-made Redditch businessman is gearing up to marry stunning supermodel Jodie Kidd. Former Arrow Vale High school pupil Aidan Butler, 27, met Jodie in May during the six-day, 3,000-mile Gumball car rally across France, Morocco and Spain

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Assaults at jail among UK's highest

BROCKHILL prison had the third highest level of serious assaults on prisoners or staff in England and Wales for 2003-2004. A report published on behalf of the Prison Reform Trust (PRT) revealed the Tardebigge jail had a 6.17 per cent serious assault rate

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Stamps are cat's whiskers

FELINES from the Cats Protection League in Hollywood just couldn't wait to get their paws on a range of new wildlife stamps being released by Royal Mail. One of the stamps features a wild cat and it was launched yesterday at the Packhorse Lane charity

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Flying flag with pride

A REDDITCH school has shown its commitment to caring for the environment after earning its third green flag, signifying it as an 'eco-school'. Webheath First School welcomed Redditch MP Jacqui Smith on Friday, who presented the flag, which demonstrates

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Bypass dream lives on

THERE has been more fallout this week over the decision to revoke the Studley Bypass route orders - with suggestions there could be a legal challenge to the Government's decision. Special projects manager for Warwickshire County Council, Nick Bishton,