Archive

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Jazz sounds

SIPPING cocktails and listening to mellow jazz tunes sounds like the perfect way to spend an autumnal Sunday evening. And that is just what is in store for townsfolk at the Epic bar and brasserie, in Hanbury Road, this Sunday. Midnight Blue will perform

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Castle set to fortify with talk and music

AUTHOR, radio presenter and charity worker Fiona Castle is set to drop in on Malvern this month to give a talk. Mrs Castle, who was married to television celebrity and trumpeter Roy Castle for 30 years until his death of cancer in September 1994, will

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Concert in memory of saxophonist

A CHARITY concert in honour of a tenor saxophone player who died will take place this Sunday. Bill Tibbetts played the tenor sax with the Allen Francis Big Band, who were regular performers at The Lickey End Social Club, in Alcester Road, Bromsgrove.

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Radio bid for county youth

WORCESTERSHIRE could soon have a radio station especially for youth. Youthcomm, which already broadcasts 24 hours a day on the internet, has applied to Ofcom, the government's Office of Communication, for a licence to operate a community radio station

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Thieves steal goods from van

ELECTRONIC equipment valued at more than £400 has been stolen from a red Mercedes Sprinter van, which was parked in Lower Howsell Road, Malvern. The stolen items included a Blackstock Road Angel map system, valued at £300, and a Midland Excel CB radio

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Workers ride for charity cash

WORKERS from Robert Wiseman Dairies in Droitwich have completed their stint of a relay challenge to raise thousands of pounds for charity. The Variety Club of Great Britain's first ever "Cycle While You Work" appeal arrived in Droitwich yesterday when

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Torches will lead festive fayre

A FESTIVE fayre is being planned for Alcester. The event will be on December 6 and will be a winter version of the annual street market. A torch-lit procession will make its way up High Street, led by children and dignitaries, as traders and organisations

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Appeal on sex attack

POLICE are asking the public for their help after a 15-year-old girl was indecently assaulted in Church Hill between 8-8.15pm on Wednesday, September 8. The girl was walking along an alleyway off Northleach Close when a man approached her from behind.

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Spa beaten at home

A HOME defeat marked the end of pre-season warm-ups for Droitwich Spa Hockey Club Men's First XI. Paul Atkinson's side, narrowly beaten 5-4 by Kings Heath in their previous friendly, lost 4-1 to Hereford at Salwarpe Valley last Saturday. Nick Adams scored

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22/09/04 - Benton heading abroad

DEFENDER Dave Benton (pictured) is set to make a shock departure from Bromsgrove Rovers. The 33-year-old regular, who joined the club in June 2003, is preparing to move to the US due to work commitments. Benton, who can also play in midfield, is due to

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Keep it in the family

MOTHER and daughter Sarah and Kirsty Gormley gave Bromsgrove Hockey Club Ladies Seconds a 2-1 victory at Camp Hill in their second friendly fixture. Clare Berrisford's side, beaten 3-0 by Redditch in their first warm-up, have just learned of their promotion

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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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Ace pipped

ASTWOOD Bank's superbike ace Andy Tinsley said he's got nothing left to prove in the Superstocks championship after losing his crown in the last race of the season. The Tinman crashed out in the last race at Donington Park on Sunday but bravely got back

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On the fence

REDDITCH youth fencers had a very successful open day at their base in the town's Youth House on September 11. Youngsters between 8-18 years old turned up on the day and enjoyed the full use of equipment for the foil, epee and sabre classes. The club

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Chris crowned king

INKBERROW speedster Chris Lamare has been crowned British karting champion after a nail biting last race of the season. Lamare, 21, of Churchway Piece, was on tenterhooks for about three hours after his last race of the Formula ICA season in Larkhall,

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Hall nets win

THE Alcester St Nicholas Rotary Club held it's second annual angling tournament for town youngsters on Saturday. The winner was Ashton Hall with a total of 4lbs and 2ozs which included a 1lb 8oz haul of perch. Youngsters, who were each accompanied by

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Stats job is dream come true for footie fan

A FOOTBALL fanatic's dream has come true after she was picked for an elite team of sport statisticians. University College Worcester student Jenny Burchill is compiling facts and figures from Liverpool and Manchester United's matches during the UEFA Champions

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Recycling scheme scoops bronze award

A GROUP of environmentally-friendly students at a Worcester college has set up a recycling scheme to help cut back on waste at the college and has picked up an award in the process. Seven Year 11 students at Elgar Technology College, Bilford Road, have

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Plan to slash the primary class size

PRIMARY class sizes for Worcestershire children under eight years old will be slashed by more than a fifth under a Liberal Democrat government, the party has promised. Worcestershire class sizes are already smaller than the national average, having fallen

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Business as usual

A CATTLE market in Worcester is set to run as normal today - following a blaze at the site. Organisers of the market - held every Wednesday and Saturday on the A440 off Nunnery Way in the city - said it was unaffected as the blaze on Monday was on a paddock

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helps protesters in mast win

PEOPLE power has proved victorious after mast protesters won their battle with mobile phone giant Vodafone - thanks to the help of the Evening News. The company has backed down from plans to install a mast on farmland in Cornmeadow Lane, Claines, near

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Jazz week opener

SAXOPHONIST Stan Sulzmann appears with the Marc Copland Quartet at the CBSO Centre on Saturday evening. The first in the Birmingham Jazz autumn season and part of The Series a joint concert series run with Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, the concert

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Smoker's blaze death accident

A HEAVY smoker accidentally started a house fire that led to his death, an inquest has heard. Yesterday, a report into the death of 83-year-old Bob Usher, of Kingston Avenue, off Bilford Road, Perdiswell, on Tuesday, July 6, said he had been sleeping

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Hospice walker takes city pit-stop

A MAN who is walking from Land's End to John O'Groats and back to raise cash and awareness for children's hospices walked through Worcester this week on the 17th day of his mammoth journey. Steve Taylor from Essex, is aiming to complete the 2,200 mile

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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. Lyndon Jones' men, beaten

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Salvation Army has helped me

A WOMAN who overcame loneliness and gained confidence with the help of a charity is urging people to dig deep as it launches its annual appeal to raise £3m this week. Kathleen Morris, of Sedge Close, Dines Green, Worcester, went to The Salvation Army

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Barton's boys pay for blunders

WORCESTER City crashed to their second consecutive Nationwide North defeat last night as defensive mistakes gifted Worksop a comfortable 2-0 win at St George's Lane. Disastrous first-half errors in the City back-line handed Worksop forwards Dene Cropper

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Warriors handed Hayes booster

WORCESTER Warriors have been handed a huge lift after it became clear that Tommy Hayes will be out for weeks rather than months. The fly-half, who was injured during Worcester's Premiership defeat to Bath on Saturday, has not suffered an anterior cruciate

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White on the medal trail

RICHARD White has a chance of more Paralympic medal glory tonight in Athens. The Bromsgrove 22-year-old, who won two bronzes four years ago in Sydney, races in the T35 100 metre final but will be up against fellow Brit and past gold medallist Lloyd Upsdell

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Appleby future hope

RICHIE Appleby hopes Kidderminster Harriers are not forced into too many more changes over the coming weeks. The midfielder, who has started three games in a row, believes injury problems across the squad have played a major part in their disappointing

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Super Cherrett making drag racing impression

WORCESTER drag racer Dave Cherrett has been making his mark in the sport this year. At the All Star Nationals held recently at Shakespeare County Raceway, Stratford, he won his class which is super street car. Cherrett, of Penbury Street, Worcester, said

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Upton in cup blow

THE first and second round matches in the Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday Football League's Tewkesbury Sports Knockout Cup failed to throw up any shock results. Recent three time winners Upton Snodsbury, however, fell at the first hurdle to fellow division

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U15s record first win

BROMSGROVE RFC U15s recorded their first ever victory over Old Silhillians, winning 26-17 against the North Midlands champions. Bromsgrove began their season how they ended the last campaign with a victory over a side they had never previously overcome

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More juniors welcome

YOUNGSTERS are invited to join the junior set up at Droitwich Spa Rugby Club. The club's minis and juniors section boasts more than 200 children but more are welcome. Training is on Sundays from 10.30am to 12pm, while U13s to U17s train on Wednesdays

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'I can only do so much'

LOCAL government is "dead", according to a Bromsgrove councillor who claimed local authorities had no teeth to help Hopwood residents fight proposals for an 80ft incinerator chimney. Councillor Brian Fuller told a Hopwood Against Rendering Movement (HARM

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More may get warden help

VULNERABLE Redditch people in private accommodation may soon have their own community warden, if future talks are successful. Redditch Council's community support services manager, Pam Dixon, said plans were being made to stage talks with social services

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Duo set for Rovers return

TWO familiar faces are to join Bromsgrove Rovers ahead of two matches in four days. Former Rovers' captain Quentin Townsend and Steve Ulfig will both sign for the Victoria Ground club this week. And they will go straight into the squad in time for this

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22/09/04 - Tough trip to Hereford

DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV return to action in Midlands Three West (South) this Saturday after their 27-22 Powergen Intermediate Cup loss at Bridgnorth. Julian Bailey's side face a tough trip to Hereford, relegated from Midlands Two (West) last season

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Villa suffer heaviest loss yet

FAIRFIELD Villa suffered their heaviest defeat of the season as they went down 5-0 at Polesworth North Warwickshire. Four second half goals, including a Gareth Rooke hat-trick, did the damage for Neil Gallagher's side in last Saturday's Midland Combination

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Where to go fishing

WATERS booked for contests by the Birmingham Anglers Association. Saturday, September 25 Avon - Manor Farm, Barton 1, Cleeve Prior 5, 6, 7, 8, Swifts 1, Wood Norton, Charlton, Cropthorne, Fladbury above & below bridge, Pershore R/B, Pensham 1, 2,

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Crewe to be kind!

CREWE Alexandra academy star Paul Edwards could make a debut in a United shirt on Saturday. The Derby-born 21-year-old striker looks set to be on his way to the Valley for a month after successful talks between Crewe boss Dario Gradi and United manager

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22/09/04 - Trio back for league action return

THREE players are back from injury as Bromsgrove RFC First XV return to action this Saturday. Dean Ball's side host Kettering in Midlands One at Finstall Park, with captain Dave Clark, Steve Phillips and Carl Bradley all available for selection after

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22/09/04 - U15s record first win

BROMSGROVE RFC U15s recorded their first ever victory over Old Silhillians, winning 26-17 against the North Midlands champions. Bromsgrove began their season how they ended the last campaign with a victory over a side they had never previously overcome

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Grass-cutting is a sorry tale

DEAR EDITOR - I think it's about time that Bromsgrove District Council started to acknowledge that 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

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Where is our civic pride?

DEAR EDITOR - How I agree with Stephen Jones and Saddened (letters Sept 15.) I have just walked up Broad Street and across the playing fields , what a disgusting sight. I saw no evidence of drug taking but the amount of litter makes one ashamed to say

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Thanks a lot for the damage

DEAR EDITOR - Through your paper I would like to thank the driver of the white vehicle who last Wednesday decided to re-decorate my four-week-old bumper at the car park next to the Dolphin Centre. Thanks to that person, I now need a complete new bumper

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Shamed at what tourists see

DEAR EDITOR - For some time now I have wanted to put pen to paper and seeing an advert in one of our local papers finally pushed me to do so. The large advert was for the Bromsgrove tourist office - what a joke! This also prompted me to get out my camera

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Sorry guv, it's not my job

DEAR EDITOR - Having read the letter concerning the dumped road sign on Friarscroft and the local council's lack of response, I thought I would add my recent experience of their quick action - NOT. Approximately eight weeks ago, after the very strong

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It shows little has changed

DEAR EDITOR - I married a Bromsgrove-born lady in 1962, our children were born and bred there and we left in 2000. We frequently visit the town. In the Bromsgrove Messenger of mid-1971, I questioned the appointments of three traffic wardens to the market

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Mess in your own garden!

DEAR EDITOR - We are writing this letter in the hope that who ever owns the culprit reads it and takes action against it. It is with regard to the fact that someone continually lets their dog use our front garden as a doggy toilet. We have a little girl

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Bikeathon was a great success

DEAR EDITOR - The organisers of the 2004 North Worcestershire Bikeathon would like to thank everyone who contributed to the great success of the event, which was held on September 12. We were so lucky that the predicted bad weather held off and 400 cyclists

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Sergeant rallies troops

Alcester 27 Warwickians 13 A HAT-TRICK of tries from Martin Sergeant ensured an injury ravaged Alcester progressed into the next round of the Junior Vase. The King's Coughton men were forced to change a third of last week's side through injury and unavailability

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Village set for festival

LANTERN-making workshops, a procession, live music and fireworks are just some of the events at this year's Alvechurch Alight Festival. The village event sparks into life at 7.30pm on Friday with a festival service in St Laurence's Parish Church and finishes

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Off colour Exiles

Redditch Exiles - airing their new pink strip - could not contain a determined Wednesbury 2nds side after going down 36-12. Redditch were 12 points down until Mark Cardy led the fight back when his delicate running style bewildered the Wednesbury defence

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Grass-cutting is a sorry tale

DEAR EDITOR - I think it's about time that Bromsgrove District Council started to acknowledge that 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

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Where is our civic pride?

DEAR EDITOR - How I agree with Stephen Jones and Saddened (letters Sept 15.) I have just walked up Broad Street and across the playing fields , what a disgusting sight. I saw no evidence of drug taking but the amount of litter makes one ashamed to say

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Sorry guv, it's not my job

DEAR EDITOR - Having read the letter concerning the dumped road sign on Friarscroft and the local council's lack of response, I thought I would add my recent experience of their quick action - NOT. Approximately eight weeks ago, after the very strong

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It shows little has changed

DEAR EDITOR - I married a Bromsgrove-born lady in 1962, our children were born and bred there and we left in 2000. We frequently visit the town. In the Bromsgrove Messenger of mid-1971, I questioned the appointments of three traffic wardens to the market

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Mess in your own garden!

DEAR EDITOR - We are writing this letter in the hope that who ever owns the culprit reads it and takes action against it. It is with regard to the fact that someone continually lets their dog use our front garden as a doggy toilet. We have a little girl

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Sick and tired of bins service

DEAR EDITOR - I wish to complain most strongly about the new and thoroughly inadequate rubbish collection which has been implemented in Bromsgrove. There are many small points of irritation caused by being issued pointless instructions in a bullying and

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Art event showcases homegrown talent

AMAZING works of art will be on display at a Bromsgrove venue later this month -- and it will all come from homegrown talent. The work of talented A-level students from Bromsgrove School, South Bromsgrove High and North Bromsgrove High will contribute

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Tragedy of Rover

IT appears strange that Ford, Vauxhall and Rover now make their cars abroad, whereas Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Peugeot, BMW make cars in this country. Surely this proves to the Europhiles that there is a good workforce in this country? The worst thing is

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What's on guide

Wednesday, September 22 Dance: Mavin Khoo Dance presents Chandra/Luna, The Theatre, mac, Cannon hill Park, Edgbaston. For tickets call 0121 440 3838. Drama: The Price, Festival Theatre, Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern. For tickets call 01684 892277

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Coppertops of pops

I AM writing to express our charity's thanks to the owners and customers of Coppertops for their continued support. On Saturday last, they held a raffle at their Tina Turner Tribute evening and presented us with a cheque for £125. Not only was this gratefully

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Stoke Prior WI

THERE was a good attendance at the September meeting when Mr David Besley gave an illustrated talk on English Gardens. A fine collection of slides kept members interested and all enjoyed the presentation. Catherine Davidson won the From the Garden competition

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He kept quiet about the Tories

IN a recent letter, Councillor Tom Wareing confessed to "tell the truth and shame the Devil." However, in another letter, the councillor made condescending remarks about my knowledge of Britain's social history. But he kept quiet about the appalling record

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Having a chat, a cuppa... and a say

IN reply to Mrs Marina Duffell (You Say, Saturday, September 4), while completely agreeing with the headline "The elderly must have a say" we elderly are very much having our say through many organisations such as the huge number of Older People's forum

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Soroptimist International

CLUB members returned after the summer break for a very busy business meeting. We discussed the updated constitution, which members of SI and those of Great Britain and Ireland must adhere to. It was a long paper, but covered all aspects of the aims,

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Rick's two good

Redditch United 3 Hinckley United 0 NORMAN Sylla departed the Valley Stadium to a standing ovation by Reds fans and board as his month long spell came to an abrupt end in the 75th minute on Saturday. Stormin' Norman's nine goals in seven games has done

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MP Julie is tickled pink

TOWN MP Julie Kirkbride was tickled pink to release balloons for charity at ASDA on Friday morning. The Market Street store had organised a morning of pink-themed fun events to raise cash for Breast Cancer research, including a balloon race. Each balloon

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Vandals set two blazes

MINDLESS vandals set light to donated clothes which had been left outside a Catshill charity shop. Bags of donated items left in the doorway of the Golden Cross Christian Centre were torched causing damage to the doorway and part of the shop. Fire crews

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22/9/04 - Penalty box problems prove costly

IT has been a very disappointing week for us to say the least after losing our first Nationwide North game at Ashton United and then last night's defeat to Worksop Town -- it's a double whammy for us. Only a week ago against Kettering we produced some

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Lots of interest

BROMSGROVE'S Credit Union took to the streets to drum up support and awareness. The Credit Union offers people who are short of money or have a low income an alternative money borrowing option. Volunteers used a stall in the High Street to hand out leaflets

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Red Lion laps up award

A BROMSGROVE town centre pub is toasting its success after being voted one of the best in two counties. The Red Lion, in High Street, took the bronze award in the Area Pub of the Year Competition run by the West Midlands Branch of CAMRA (the Campaign

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Bank put in the picture!

CREATIVE youngsters helped brighten up a town bank when almost 50 pictures were displayed in a summer art competition. Lloyds TSB, in Bromsgrove's High Street, held the contest for school children during the holidays. The theme of the competition was

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Huntsmen pledge to continue to fight ban

FURIOUS huntsmen from Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove have vowed to continue to fight the controversial ban of hunting with dogs. Almost 100 pro-hunting protestors from the two towns joined some 10,000 others outside Westminster as MPs discussed outlawing

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New bid for traffic safety

EXASPERATED drivers may not have long to wait for work to start on improving one of Bromsgrove's most notorious traffic blackspots. Following months of talks, surveys and listening to residents' views from the nearby Oakalls estate, a meeting is set to

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TENNIS: Success for county tennis star Rachael

A TALENTED tennis star has added to her trophy collection by becoming a county champion for the fourth successive year. Rachael Mack, aged 12, won the U12s singles and doubles for the second year running at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Junior

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A fouling task force

A CRACKDOWN on litter and dog fouling is being launched by a task force set up to look into how to make the streets cleaner. The cross-party task group was set up at a meeting of Bromsgrove District Council's health and leisure scrutiny committee. The

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Annual show was a big hit

FRESH flowers, juicy fruits and vibrant vegetables impressed visitors to an autumn gardening show. Droitwich Spa Horticultural Society held their annual autumn show at David's Nursery, in Martin Hussingtree on September 11. Displays including flowers,

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Areas to undergo a revamp

THREE town centre areas have been officially earmarked for a major revamp to move Bromsgrove into the 21st century. Following Bromsgrove District Council's largest ever consultation exercise for the town centre, the cabinet gave the go ahead last Wednesday

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Reduced bill to hit homes

A NEW, reduced council tax bill will be landing on the mat of Spa homes this week. The revised bill is the result of the government's capping of Hereford and Worcester Combined Authority's budget. By law, Wychavon District Council, which is responsible

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Fifty First Dates (12)

WHEN your 12-year-old daughter offers to go to bed before the end of a film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, it really is the kiss of death to any positive review. In its favour, Fifty First Dates is moderately fun and quite quirky, but uncomfortable

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Angels in America (15)

WATCHING an hour and a half of Tom Hanks dying of AIDS in Philadelphia was harrowing enough but watching six hours of two people wasting away from the dreadful disease is about as hard-going as things can get. There's no doubt Angels in America is a fantastic

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GOLF: Helen is aiming to be the best

GOLFER Helen Griffin is aiming to become the best in her sport by winning an international title. Helen, of Droitwich Spa, tees off at the famous Wentworth Golf Club in the grand final of the Health Perception Ladies' Championship of Great Britain and

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ATHLETICS: Help in Santa record

RUNNERS are needed to help break a world record. Worcester City Football Club and Leukaemia CARE are aiming to beat the record for the most Father Christmas' in a fun run - and raise money for both organisations at the same time. The record currently

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CRIBBAGE: Lickey End top table

LICKEY End continue to lead the Bromsgrove League after a 17-10 victory at basement side Rednal. In other matches, Bewell Head beat Rubery RBL 16-11, while Millfields B won 18-9 against DDS&S. Rednal's defeat leaves them six points adrift at the bottom

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25 years ago

September 21, 1979 EIGHT hundred Redditch pensioners are currently on the waiting list for free decoration of a room under a council scheme. Redditch Council said a record number of OAPs requested the service, which is carried out by the maintenance department

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50 years ago

September 24, 1954 FURTHER complaints from the residents of adjoining Headless Cross playing fields about the damage to property and the danger to the users of Birchfield Road were placed before Tuesday's meeting of Redditch Urban Council's parks and

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Decision has left me in despair

I FELT a whole range of emotions when I read in your paper that the Studley bypass was to be cancelled - but the overriding emotion was despair. I have watched and supported the campaign for the bypass for almost 30 years. I have written letters, signed

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Curtain up on a classic

THERE will be ghostly goings-on at The Palace Theatre next week when Redditch Amateur Theatre Society performs Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit. The family comedy centres around author Charles Condomine who, when researching material for his new book, invites

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Let's go for the simpler

IN reply to Clive Rickhards' letter "Why did MP change view?" (Advertiser, September15). Jacqui Smith has always supported the need for a bypass for Studley - she still does. When it appeared an extensive scheme might be funded by the Government, she

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Another ASBO given out

ANOTHER Redditch teenager has been given an Antisocial Behaviour Order. Dean Hammersley, 15, was told by magistrates he had been banned from entering the areas of Batchley, Webheath or the Kingfisher Centre. The teenager, who formerly lived in care in

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Government made up of control freaks

THE capping of Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority's precept and the consequent rebilling exercise, shows this Government up as a set of control freaks who have no real concern for ordinary people. The cost to the Fire Authority for the rebilling exercise

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Troop swaps tests for treats

CRABBS Cross Rainbow Troop (St Peter's Church group) has been raising cash to buy treats for elderly people of the community. The youngsters were set challenges each week and when they were completed successfully, money was put into a jar. When all the

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Do rain on our parade!

I NOTE with interest the redevelopment and refurbishment of the George Walk area of the Kingfisher Centre includes the provision of a roof. I hope the people concerned in its construction will maintain the centre's long-held tradition and ensure that,

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Treated like royalty at hospitals

I DO not normally read any newspapers at all but I am nevertheless aware of the bad press that has been directed towards the Alexandra Hospital over the last 18 months to two years. It has occurred to me for some time now to wonder just how much, if any

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Festival raised £1,000

THE Crossfest music festival, held on September 4 at the Golden Cross pub, was a resounding success, raising £1,000 on the day for the charity Step Out Drop In. Money was raised by donations over the bar, raffle prizes, T-shirt sales and door takings.

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Building up to a treat

YOUNG people at Pitcheroak Special School, Batchley, can now enjoy their very own bespoke picnic table thanks to the efforts of the town's Where Next Association. The table was presented to the school last week by Mike Dawson, unit manager at Where Next

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Alcester & District Local History Society

ANTARCTIC Adventurers was the subject of a lively talk presented by Michael Parker, Kevin Cockayne and John Reid - all dressed in early 20th century polar exploration clothing. The heroic race to the pole by Scot, Shackleton and Amundsen was brought to

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Pupils enjoy expert breaks

DURING the holidays, eight students from Kingsley College attended summer schools around the country organised by the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Students. They studied at universities such as Durham, York and Exeter in a range of subjects

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Cookhill Keyboard Club

The next meeting at Studley Village Hall on Wednesday, October 6, starting at 7.30 pm, will include a concert by Intermediate Group of learners under their tutor, Christine Smith. If their last concert is anything to go by, this one will be a treat. The

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Cymdeithas Gymraeg (Welsh Society)

THE AGM was held on September 10 at St Luke's Church Hall. Chairman Pat Radford welcomed everyone. There was a respectful silence for member David Bentley, who died in March. There had been no suitable meeting since then to pay tribute to his life. Minutes

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Feckenham Forest History Society

AT the first meeting of the new season on September 9, members were treated to a fascinating glimpse of Victorian life. While clearing out her mother's house, Meriel Hughes found a bundle of letters which no one knew anything about. They turned out to

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Kingfisher WI

PRESIDENT May Lloyd welcomed everyone back after the summer break, during which there had been a visit to a member's garden. Unfortunately the weather was rainy in the morning, which put some people off, but those who took the risk were rewarded with

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Kington with Dormston WI

PRESIDENT Jenny Cox welcomed members and two visitors - Chris Underwood and Iris Cottrill. Jenny requested a minute's silence for all the families in Beslan, Russia, who had been through such a terrible ordeal. Members had visited Milldean Gardens and

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Men's Probus Club of Alcester

PRESIDENT Horace Jobson opened the 207th meeting on August 25. There were 32 members present, with 14 apologies. Jim Hutchinson and George Stoneley were welcomed as visitors. Past secretary Bert Randell was congratulated on his birthday. Welfare officer

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Merry Wives of Alcester

ON September 14, members enjoyed a talk and slideshow by Caroline Newey on The Galapagos Islands. Her enthusiasm for the wildlife such as the iguanas, sea lions, unusual birdlife and the giant tortoise was enjoyable to see. She also talked about the fascinating

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Wythall Gardening Club

THE speaker in September was John Williams, who gave a very interesting and informative talk and slideshow entitled Interesting Garden Plants. Mr Williams is a retired lecturer and honorary president of the Warwickshire branch of the National Council

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Success for county tennis star Rachael

A TALENTED tennis star has added to her trophy collection by becoming a county champion for the fourth successive year. Rachael Mack, aged 12, won the U12s singles and doubles for the second year running at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Junior

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Firefighters raise cash for colleague

TIME nightclub will be asking revellers to put their hands in their pockets on Sunday night to help a firefighter who lost his lower leg as a result of a motorbike accident. Redditch fire crews will be there with buckets to raise as much as they can for

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Warming up for the Proms

INSTRUMENTS and voices are being finely tuned in preparation for the annual Primrose Proms concert which takes place on Saturday, October 23 at 7.30pm. The popular event will once again take place in the Spadesbourne Suite, Bromsgrove. The concert, which

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* Jealous knifeman found ex-partner with naked lover * Taxi firm blasted for leaflet scare * Village

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Groups share booty

CHARITABLE organisations and good causes are celebrating a share of £13,500 collected during a year of fund-raising as part of the Astwood Bank Carnival 2004. New events featured this year, including the Inkberrow Design Centre Fashion Show and the Indigo

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25 years ago September 21, 1979

SEVENTEEN-hundred workers at Bromsgrove's GKN Garringtons factory were sent home as the forge closed down indefinitely. The shock move came after the town's biggest employers failed to curb damaging industrial action over a national union pay claim. Workers

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50 years ago September 25, 1954

A WEEK of Battle of Britain activities were concluded with the customary parade and service to commend 'the devotion and heroism of those members of the Royal Air Force who gave their lives for our sakes', according to the speaker Rev C Hand. A procession

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Did you see assault?

POLICE in Malvern are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted and taken to hospital. The victim was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital after the incident in Moat Way at 9.25pm on Sunday, and was later released. His injuries were described

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Top folk act next for club

LOVERS of folk music will relish an upcoming performance at Bromsgrove Folk Club. Singer and songwriter Kirsty McGee and acoustic instrumentalist Mat Martin will play at the Rugby Club, in Finstall Road, next Thursday (September 30). Folk club spokesman

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International quartet for 32nd season

CLASSICAL music lovers will enjoy a visit by the internationally acclaimed Parisii String Quartet at the Droitwich Spa Concert Club on Saturday, October 9. The quartet will make a welcome return to kick-off the 32nd season of club, which holds its concerts

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Celebrity catwalk show for charity

CELEBRITIES from stage, television and film will be taking to the catwalk in a bid to raise thousands of pounds to help youngsters with special needs. Members of The Lady Taverners - a fund-raising arm of the national sports-based charity The Lord's Taverners

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Website is more accessible

ADVICE and guidance for young people will be more accessible thanks to the launch of a new website. Connexions, Herefordshire & Worcestershire, the local personal development service for young people aged 13 to 19 years, has set up www.connexions-hw.org.uk

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Appeal over chalet decision

AN appeal has been lodged after planners refused to let a Wick couple build a chalet next to their house. Plans had been submitted to build the chalet-style house with a double garage on land next to St Mary's Vicarage in Main Street, Wick, near Pershore

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Treat for fans of brass bands

BRASS band enthusiasts are in for a treat this weekend as one of the biggest brass events in the country is staged in Evesham. The Wychavon Festival of Brass takes place on Sunday, September 26 at Evesham High School and more than 40 bands from across

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

The Travel Factory Midland Football Alliance Saturday, September 25: FA Vase second qualifying round, Heath Hayes v Malvern Town (3.00). Malvern Town Reserves West Midlands League Division One Saturday, September 25: WFA Junior Cup, Malvern Town Reserves

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Appeal for bag thief

A PENSIONER had her handbag snatched as she walked along Tillington Close in Winyates last Tuesday. The thief tugged at the 67-year-old woman's right arm before running off with her bag, containing a purse, cigarettes and bank cards. A police spokesman

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Woman found burglar

A WOMAN in her 80s came face to face with a burglar in her Mount Pleasant home after she had been working outside in her garden. The woman disturbed the burglar in the kitchen between 2.30-3pm last Thursday, September 16. The man, described as black with

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Robbery at lake invented

POLICE are again sending out a stark warning that anyone who falsely claims to have been the victim of a crime faces imprisonment or a fine of up to £2,500. The warning comes after a man falsely claimed he was assaulted and robbed in Arrow Valley Park

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Girl pushed in face

A 16-year-old girl fell backwards after being pushed in the face by a man as he tried to grab her bag. The girl was walking along Chapel Street in Headless Cross at about 12.15am on Friday, September 3, when a man approached her from behind and tried

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Battle for local pride takes centre stage to start season

AN explosive start to the new hockey season is on the cards this Saturday as Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove go head to head. The clubs' First XI's do battle at Bromsgrove's new adopted Arrow Vale home, in Redditch, as they open their West Midlands Division

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Loss acts as wake-up call

BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Men's First XI were given a pre-season wake-up call as they completed their warm-ups with an 8-2 defeat at Cannock Fourths. Julian Court's side, who host rivals Droitwich Spa in West Midlands Division One this Saturday, took an

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22/09/04 - Duo set for Rovers return

TWO familiar faces are to join Bromsgrove Rovers ahead of two matches in four days. Former Rovers' captain Quentin Townsend and Steve Ulfig will both sign for the Victoria Ground club this week. And they will go straight into the squad in time for this

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Taxi firm leaflet deserves binning

IT isn't often that city council officials publicly berate an organisation or individual. But today's the exception, and we have to say that we're neither surprised nor critical. It's been triggered by a flyer published by city-based Associated Taxis,

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Score is just top

DRESSAGE: BEOLEY rider Maria Eilberg took victory at the Mercedes-Benz National Dressage Championships on Sunday. Eilberg, 20, beat other riders from around the country to take the title of Woof Wear Advanced Medium Champion on Topscore. Maria and Topscore

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Crewe to be kind!

CREWE Alexandra academy star Paul Edwards could make a debut in a United shirt on Saturday. The Derby-born 21-year-old striker looks set to be on his way to the Valley for a month after successful talks between Crewe boss Dario Gradi and United manager

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Saturday surgeries axed

GP surgeries in Redditch will be closing on Saturday mornings from this week. Out-of-hours patients will now either receive advice over the telephone, can visit the "out-of-hours" centre at the Alexandra Hospital, or receive a home visit. The move is

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Hopkins nets shield

FISHING: Astwood Bank's Dark Lane Angling Club fished their Bass Shield match along the River Arrow on Saturday. Derek Hopkins easily won with a fine 13lb 7oz haul of chub off Oversley Meadow. Runner-up S Dovydaitis netted 8lb 8oz with Tony Lockett third

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Squad in top flight

REDDITCH Swimming Club's Diddy Squad has bounced back into Division One of the Nuneaton and District Junior League. The youngsters, who were relegated last year, were crowned champions after winning the final gala and amassing 205 points. The Diddy squad

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Rick's two good

NORMAN Sylla departed the Valley Stadium to a standing ovation by Reds fans and board as his month long spell came to an abrupt end in the 75th minute on Saturday. Stormin' Norman's nine goals in seven games has done the job for United who stayed unbeaten

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Witness plea after bus fire

CARS are being stolen, dumped and set on fire almost every night in Redditch. In the early hours of last Wednesday, a minibus belonging to St Augustine's High School was completely gutted after a blaze spread from a stolen car which had been dumped and

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Bus depot hit by thefts

CASH and three mobile phones were stolen from the town centre bus depot in Church Road between 12.30am and 5.15am on Thursday. A police spokesman said enquiries were continuing and CCTV tapes were being studied. Anyone who has any information or noticed

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Rowly rocket

Cradley Town 1 Studley 2 A DRESSING room rocket by Bees boss Kevin Rowlands might have had something to do with Studley's second half performance as they came from behind to see off Cradley Town. The Bees manager was disappointed with his side's first

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Ramsay is just streets ahead

Alvechurch 4 Bridgnorth Town 1 NEW boy Jason Ramsay netted twice as Alvechurch notched up their first home win of the season. Ramsay, one of three new signings from Nationwide North side Moor Green, struck before and after the break along with Brett Fitzpatrick

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Next stop West End!

A SUMPTUOUS production of Lehar's famous classic operetta The Merry Widow arrives at Malvern's Festival Theatre on Monday before moving on to the West End. The Carl Rosa Company production features a new translation by Jeremy Sams and a cast of 24 singers

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Family found his body

THE family of a former murder squad detective found his body after hearing a loud bang, an inquest has heard. At yesterday's opening of the inquest, Worcestershire County Coroner Victor Round said 53-year-old Michael Slough, of Lower Wolverton, near White

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It's 'downright lies'

A taxi firm has resorted to "scaremongering and downright lies" to drum up business, furious Worcester City Council staff claim. Associated Taxis, based in Wyld's Lane, has been dishing out flyers under a "beware bogus taxi-drivers" headline, claiming

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Pool helps heal Steven's injuries

A COURAGEOUS teenager has made a speedy recovery from a road accident which left him with horrific injuries - with the help of a special pool in Malvern. Thirteen-year-old Steven Carey, of Wykewane, Malvern, broke his right femur and wounded his left

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Convent friends reunited

MORE than 100 former pupils of St Mary's Convent School in Worcester turned out to celebrate the establishment's 70th anniversary. These included four women who had been in the first year of the Battenhall Avenue-based school when it was launched in 1934

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Going down a storm

SHAKESPEARE'S final play The Tempest arrives at Worcester's Swan Theatre for a short run this week. Part of a new touring production by Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, the play is set towards the end of the 16th century on an "enchanted island of contrasts

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Get those fingers clicking!

SIXTIES' chart-toppers The Manfreds perform for the first time at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall on Tuesday as part of a mini tour. Originally Manfred Mann, the group enjoyed success with hits such as Pretty Flamingo, Do Wah Diddy, Diddy and Mighty Quinn

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Fixtures

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 FOOTBALL Southern League Division One West - Rothwell Town v Bromsgrove Rovers (3pm). FA Vase Second Qualifying Round - Nettleham v Barnt Green Spartak (3pm). Midland Combination Division Three (2.45pm unless stated) - Droitwich

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Help crack crime and reap rewards

SUPERSLEUTHS could earn themselves a reward if they stumble across clues that could help crack crime in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. Crimestoppers Week is being used to highlight the charity's work and encourage more members of the public to speak

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Pistol-packing posse

BILLY the Kids they most certainly are not - but one group of elderly Worcester residents is hoping to hit the mark during a Wild West charity event. The Avery-Overall Christian Home is planning a sponsored wheelchair push through the city on Saturday

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Phone masts plan for tower

DROITWICH looks set for another array of mobile phone masts on its water tower despite pleas by councillors and residents to rid the town of the "unsightly" structures. An application to put three more antennas and two satellite dishes on the tower in

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Coroner warns on needles

A CORONER has warned of the dangers of drug users sharing needles following the death of a Worcester man. Richard Harcourt, of Chelmsford Drive, Ronkswood, who had a history of intravenous drug abuse, died because he had used an infected needle, said

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What's On Guide

Thursday, September 23 Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds: The Tempest by William Shakespeare, Swan Theatre, Worcester. Until September 25. Tickets from 01905 611427. Chisinau National Opera: Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni and Pagliacci by Leoncavallio,

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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 and decided to throw caution to the wind and go for broke in their

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Car crash claimed lives of elderly couple

A coroner has recorded a verdict of accidental death on an elderly Malvern woman who died as a result of the same car crash that claimed the life of her husband. Yesterday, Worcestershire coroner Victor Round said 76-year-old Sheelah Gasson of Monnow

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Help with a splash

REDDITCH people are being offered the chance to make a splash and help raise vital funds for the Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre. The charity will be holding its annual swimathon at Bromsgrove School on Saturday, October 30, from 1-5pm. All ages

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Support group being launched

AFTER moving its day hospice into a new extension, the Primrose Hospice is launching a support group for people who have had their lives changed by a diagnosis of cancer. Primrose has traditionally provided care for people during all stages of a cancer

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22/9/04 - Bulls in sweet revenge

HEREFORD produced an efficient display to dispose of last season's play-off rivals Aldershot 2-0 at Edgar Street last night and moved up to third in the Nationwide Conference. An early goal by Danny Williams and a late one by Lee Mills sealed the points

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Watson family success

THE 'New Zealand branch' of Kidderminster's Samurai Judo Club has recorded their first success with Emily Watson winning gold at the North Island Open Championships and her younger brother Daniel adding a bronze. The Watson family, stalwarts of Samurai

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Trio back for league action return

THREE players are back from injury as Bromsgrove RFC First XV return to action this Saturday. Dean Ball's side host Kettering in Midlands One at Finstall Park, with captain Dave Clark, Steve Phillips and Carl Bradley all available for selection after

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McIntyre treble is not enough to stop defeat

PLAYER-coach Travis McIntyre scored a hat-trick of tries as an experimental Droitwich Spa RFC First XV crashed out of the Powergen Intermediate Cup with a 27-22 first round loss at Bridgnorth. Spa gave starts to youngsters Dean Evans, Ben Thomas, Craig

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Dancing delights

MORE than a hundred children are set to appear on stage at the Palace Theatre this week when Sue Latham School of Dance presents A Fantasy in Dance. The shows take place tonight, Thursday and Friday at 7.30pm when children aged three and upwards give

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22/09/04 - More juniors welcome

YOUNGSTERS are invited to join the junior set up at Droitwich Spa Rugby Club. The club's minis and juniors section boasts more than 200 children but more are welcome. Training is on Sundays from 10.30am to 12pm, while U13s to U17s train on Wednesdays

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Benton heading abroad

DEFENDER Dave Benton is set to make a shock departure from Bromsgrove Rovers. The 33-year-old regular, who joined the club in June 2003, is preparing to move to the US due to work commitments. Benton, who can also play in midfield, is due to jet out for

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Goode 'gutted' at last gasp defeat

A LAST minute strike handed Droitwich Spa Reserves an agonising 1-0 defeat at home to Coton Green. Last Saturday's match was heading for a draw until the visitors stole the points with seconds left. Manager Richard Goode said: "I was gutted because we

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Dispute is over as Carter leaves

RECKEY Carter's dispute with Barnt Green Spartak has been resolved after the striker finally split his ties with the club. Carter originally left the Midland Combination Premier outfit a fortnight ago but made a surprise return last week after negotiations

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Spartak's journey into the unknown

BARNT Green Spartak step out in history this Saturday as they begin their first ever FA Vase campaign. GJ Singh's side travel to Lincolnshire to face Nettleham in the second qualifying round, after receiving a bye through the first stage. But it is a

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A point to debate as team draw

A DEBATABLE refereeing decision did not help Bromsgrove Rovers Reserves' cause in their 1-1 home draw with Barwell. Rovers were leading 1-0 in their Midland Combination Reserve Division match at the Victoria Ground last Saturday when the referee called

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Smith out of luck as Ladies lose

SARAH Smith was unlucky not to salvage a point for Droitwich Spa Ladies in their 2-1 home defeat against Worcester Athletic. Smith hit the crossbar with a second half shot, one of several chances that went begging for Spa. Athletic took the lead on 32

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Late strike denies Spa

A GOAL five minutes from time denied Droitwich Spa their first away win of the season. Kevin Blaber's side were leading 2-1 at Mile Oak Rovers in last Saturday's Midland Combination Division Two match when they conceded an equaliser. Droitwich led when

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Rubery let leads slip to exit from cup

RUBERY FC were dumped out of the Terry Cup with a 6-3 first round defeat at Thorn, despite leading three times last Sunday. Adam Holland put Rubery ahead early on but Thorn levelled just after the break. Marc Holland restored the lead but the visitors

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Nailors thrashed

THE gap between top and bottom of the Advertiser/Messenger League was highlighted last Sunday as Division One leaders Church thrashed Division Three basement boys Nailors Arms 14-0 in the Bridgwater Cup. Elsewhere, Division Two leaders Star and Garter

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Junior football round-up

Alvechurch Lions U7s 0 Rubery Juniors U7s 27 Rhys Forbes scored eight goals as Rubery Juniors U7s won 27-0 at Alvechurch Lions. Seven from Jordan Williams, six from Ritchie Kingham, a Louis Hobbis hat-trick, two from Morgan O'Sullivan and an Elliot Bennett

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Bussing cost is unfair

DEAR EDITOR - I sympathise with the Ward family having to fork out £300 on their daughter's bus travel now that she is in further education as featured in your paper, as I suffer a similar problem myself. Although my son is only 14, and still in compulsory

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They should have more guts

DEAR EDITOR - I wish to thank the men who call around the streets for our unwanted items. After taking a portable television and a 21in television and a music centre, the man said he would call back for a wall unit. I did not know that he had only taken

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Sick and tired of bins service

DEAR EDITOR - I wish to complain most strongly about the new and thoroughly inadequate rubbish collection which has been implemented in Bromsgrove. There are many small points of irritation caused by being issued pointless instructions in a bullying and

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Cup over for Kingfishers

Cleobury 22 Redditch 3 THERE will be no cup run for the Kingfishers as they fell at the fell at the first hurdle in the Junior Vase. Team coach Steve Moore said his side "couldn't play any worse" as a much-weakened Redditch team found themselves 14-0

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Eagles is flying high

Kings Norton 72 Barton under Needwood 14 KINGS Norton had an easy ride through to the next round of the Junior Vase on Saturday against a gallant Barton side. The Hopwood based outfit were leading 50 points to 7 at the break but despite the score head

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Bussing cost is unfair

DEAR EDITOR - I sympathise with the Ward family having to fork out £300 on their daughter's bus travel now that she is in further education as featured in your paper, as I suffer a similar problem myself. Although my son is only 14, and still in compulsory

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Thanks a lot for the damage

DEAR EDITOR - Through your paper I would like to thank the driver of the white vehicle who last Wednesday decided to re-decorate my four-week-old bumper at the car park next to the Dolphin Centre. Thanks to that person, I now need a complete new bumper

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Shamed at what tourists see

DEAR EDITOR - For some time now I have wanted to put pen to paper and seeing an advert in one of our local papers finally pushed me to do so. The large advert was for the Bromsgrove tourist office - what a joke! This also prompted me to get out my camera

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They should have more guts

DEAR EDITOR - I wish to thank the men who call around the streets for our unwanted items. After taking a portable television and a 21in television and a music centre, the man said he would call back for a wall unit. I did not know that he had only taken

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Bikeathon was a great success

DEAR EDITOR - The organisers of the 2004 North Worcestershire Bikeathon would like to thank everyone who contributed to the great success of the event, which was held on September 12. We were so lucky that the predicted bad weather held off and 400 cyclists

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22/9/04 - Warriors handed Hayes booster

WORCESTER Warriors have been handed a huge lift after it became clear that Tommy Hayes will be out for weeks rather than months. The fly-half, who was injured during Worcester's Premiership defeat to Bath on Saturday, has not suffered an anterior cruciate

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22/9/04 - Appleby future hope

RICHIE Appleby hopes Kidderminster Harriers are not forced into too many more changes over the coming weeks. The midfielder, who has started three games in a row, believes injury problems across the squad have played a major part in their disappointing

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Word play to launch gallery

AN ARTIST from Bromsgrove has launched her own gallery to present her contemporary paintings and has used a clever play-on-words to attract potential customers. Thirty-two-year-old Kate Reese, of Stoke Road, Aston Fields, had always painted but two-and-a-half

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Art's farm venue

AN extravaganza of contemporary art set in the lovely barns and gardens of a Worcestershire farm takes place from this weekend. Artspace, at Church Farm Barns, Shrawley, near Worcester, opened last Sunday and can be viewed until Sunday, October 3 from

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Barnt Green Garden Society

THE Society commenced its winter programme with a very good talk by Michael Ecob on the subject of The Secret Gardens of Worcestershire. The excellent slides showed many beautiful gardens in Bewdley, which were taken while Michael was a Britain in Bloom

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Police action unacceptable

I HAVE no sympathy or support for the hunting lobby - indeed the opposite. However, the scenes outside the House of Commons where police were seen to be beating, with batons, people who were registering a protest was unacceptable. Having seen several

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Sidemoor WI

The President, Catherine Kealy, welcomed the members to the meeting. It was agreed that the boat trip in Tewkesbury had been a great success and everyone had enjoyed it. Ann Darlow was congratulated for organising the day out. Members were reminded of

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Civil Service Retirement

ELEVEN members from the Bromsgrove group went on an outing, using the Bromsgrove mini-bus for the elderly. We set off to Bewdley and Far Forest. Our driver suggested we made a coffee stop at Barnett Hill Garden Centre, where we were able to make some

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Clean up your act, dog owners

MAY I appeal to the dog owners in our road - please do not let your dogs mess on the green. It is not nice when you have it all splashed up your car and your grandchildren walk across the green and carry the mess in on their shoes. You cannot have windows

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Lickey WI

Lickey WI met at the parish hall on September 7. During the business meeting, Sheila Aitken was congratulated on her success in the recent county golf tournament. Names were taken for a coach outing to Cardiff in November. A video library will operate

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Blair destroying our traditions, heritage

I PERSONALLY don't like foxhunting but, after seven years, Tony Blair has finally come home like the old crusader he is and moved forward to ban it. Normally, I would be happy to see the end of it, but hang on... there's an election on the horizon. Yes

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Vulnerable pensioners are left without alarms

A GROUP of vulnerable pensioners have been left without their emergency alarms for more than six weeks. In the storm that battered Bromsgrove on August 12, lightning caused the alarm system at Housman Park to short - leaving residents of the 57 flats

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Pedal power for Simon

A TEAM of kind-hearted firefighters will pedal from coast to coast to raise funds for a former colleague. Four members of Bromsgrove's blue watch are set to ride from Whitehaven, in Cumbria, to Tynemouth, Tyne-on-Wear, to raise funds for firefighter Simon

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Poet helps pupils get it just write

BUDDING writers at a town school got a helping hand when a poet and children's author visited them. Year ten pupils at Waseley Hills High School, Rubery, welcomed poet Andrew Fusek. The students had studied Andrew's work last year and they were given

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Thieves run riot in shop

A CAMPING shop was trashed when thieves broke in and vandalised it while searching for cash and goods. Two men broke into Basecamp, in Broad Street, Sidemoor, Bromsgrove, and started to fill up camping bags with jumpers, trainers and other items from

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The Butterfly Effect (15)

THIS is without question one of the most compelling and creatively brilliant films to be produced in years. Evan Treborn (Ashton Kutcher) has the ability to go back in time and change the events of the past by reading the contents of the journals he has

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In the eye of the storm

A FORMER Bromsgrove woman has told how she narrowly cheated death when Hurricane Ivan battered the holiday island of Grenada leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake. Sue Fretwell, a former Tory district councillor for the Beacon ward who

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Drivers to come forward

DRIVERS of Vauxhall Novas are being asked to come forward to eliminate themselves from a murder enquiry in a fresh appeal from Bromsgrove police. Forty-four-year-old Andrew Lammas, of Austin Road, Charford, was attacked and found outside his house shortly

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Films will be shown in the Spa

HOLLYWOOD blockbusters will be screened in Droitwich Spa for the first time in more than 40 years. Films including Oscar winner Lost in Translation will be screened at The Norbury Theatre, in Friar Street, every Wednesday and Friday from October 6. It

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Bobbies get help on beat

NEW officers will be seen on the streets of Bromsgrove as part of the force's high visibility policing strategy. Fourteen more Community Support Officers (CSOs) have been welcomed by West Mercia Constabulary, five of which will be posted in North Worcestershire

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MP speaks out in parents' row

BROMSGROVE MP Julie Kirkbride is calling for an end to the presumption that children should stay with their mothers following divorce and separation. The Tory MP is backing battling fathers in the fight for equal access to children when relationships

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Talks to save well feature

ENGLISH Heritage is meeting with Waitrose chiefs this week to discuss how best to preserve the important historical well feature found on the site of the new supermarket last year. Waitrose spokeswoman Gill Smith said the supermarket, off the High Street

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Award for top donor

PARTING with a precious pint is something Droitwich Spa man David Cook knows only too well. The Broadmeadow resident recently received a special award from the National Blood Service (NBS) after reaching 75 donations, enough to help up to 225 people.

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Charity shop needs helpers

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help terminally ill children in Bromsgrove. The town's Acorns Shop desperately needs more people if it is to keep raising as much money as possible for the charity, which helps children suffering from cancer and other conditions

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Huntsmen pledge to continue to fight ban

FURIOUS huntsmen from Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove have vowed to continue to fight the controversial ban of hunting with dogs. Almost 100 pro-hunting protestors from the two towns joined some 10,000 others outside Westminster as MPs discussed outlawing

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St Peter's sing-a-long

ST Peter's Church opened its doors to pint sized Spartans for a new sing-a-long session. Harmonious youngsters dragged along mums and dads to the first Tiny Tots on Thursday service at the Worcester Road church last week. The session ran from 2.15-2.45pm

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Ringing the ward changes

CONFUSION surrounds the effect the Boundary Commission's new proposals will have on the parish wards of Droitwich Spa Town Council. The proposals sparked much concern amongst town, district and county councillors, when they were published last Tuesday

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Clubbing together!

GOOD sports got into the swing of things and helped a worthwhile cause score a hole in one. Droitwich Lions Club held their annual charity golf tournament raising near on £700 for St Richards Hospice. It was held at Gaudet Luce Golf Club in Hadzor on

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Worcester City 0 Worksop Town 2

Tuesday, September 22, 2004 WORCESTER City crashed to their second consecutive Nationwide North defeat last night as defensive mistakes gifted Worksop a comfortable 2-0 win at St George's Lane. Disastrous first-half errors in the City back-line handed

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Ian Brown Solarized

The former Stone Roses front man has created an album not a million miles from his work with that band or other solo work. Most of Brown's songs have always been trippy ambient pieces and he's isn't changing the tune this far into his career. But his

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Natasha Bedingfield Unwritten

I have to begrudgingly admit that I was more than sceptical when I first learned of a female Bedingfield hitting the charts, assuming Natasha was cashing in on big brother David's success. How wrong could I be? In her debut album, Unwritten, Bedingfield

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The Thrills Let's Bottle Bohemia

FLACCID rockers The Thrills return to the ring with an album that lacks a punch. Let's Bottle Bohemia is an album that you could easily call 'nice', 'so-so', 'okay' - there's nothing in it that you could say is audibly exciting. The Irish quintet have

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GOLF: Coulter lands top UK title while Barratt wins club Bowl

A GOLFER from Bromsgrove has fought off competition from across the UK to win a major title. Kerry Coulter, of Bromsgrove Golf Club, won the scratch to 20 handicap division at the National Association of Public Golf Courses finals at St Andrews, in Scotland

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SWIMMING: Juniors are promoted

JUNIOR swimmers have won promotion after finishing second in their latest gala. Bromsgrove Swimming Club's Diddy team were runners-up by a point to Redditch in their Division Two final on Saturday, September 11, and will be in Division One next year.

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GOLF: Pairs set for Scotland

TWO pairs from a Droitwich Spa golf club have earned the right to compete at an international event in Scotland. Maurice Pulley and Lawrence Pallante and husband and wife duo Richard and Jeanette Williams won the men's double and mixed doubles respectively

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BADMINTON: Club seeks members

NEW members are being sought for a Bromsgrove badminton club. Chapter One Badminton Club meets every Saturday between 10.30am and 12.30pm at Bromsgrove School's sports hall, in Worcester Road. The set up suits players looking for club standard badminton

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GOLF: Ladies contest Bowl

WOMEN golfers from across the Midlands have taken part in an 80-year-old tournament. Droitwich Golf and Country Club, in Ford Lane, hosted the final of the Charles Heeley Challenge Bowl on Tuesday, September, 14. Around 94 golfers from 52 clubs in Worcestershire

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GOLF: John heads to Woburn

JOHN Bickerton, the Droitwich Spa golf professional, is due to tee off in The Heritage at Woburn tomorrow in his latest European PGA Tour outing.

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100 years ago

September 24, 1904 MRS Rowley, of Birchfield Road, Headless Cross, whose husband, it appears, deserted her, attended before The Bench, the complaint that Mr Hulland, the relieving officer, had declined to assist her in getting out-relief for herself and

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'Adventurous spirit' hailed by widow

THE wife of a fun-loving family man who was killed in a freak paragliding accident has spoken of his passion for life. Mark Wackrow 49, of Abberley Close, Church Hill, died on September 9 when he crashed into the side of a mountain while on holiday in

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Hostel plan for centre

A DERELICT, boarded-up building which has been the constant target for vandals and drug users is set to be transformed into a hostel for homeless people. It will cost more than £1 million to revamp the former nursing home in Winyates Centre into a place

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Fatal source still not found

HEALTH officials have received five positive test results in their search to locate the source of the legionnaire's disease outbreak in Redditch which has claimed two lives. But the legionella bacteria found in the samples is not linked to the current

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Royal treat for charity

MEMBERS of the Home Farm Trust in Batchley were in for a treat when the Princess Royal called in. During her visit to the Lock Close charity, the princess met key partners involved in the service, clients and patients. The Home Farm Trust (HFT) organises

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Fury as pipe bursts again

RESIDENTS from a Greenlands road have slammed Severn Trent for allowing a pipe to burst for the second time in two years, completely flooding the downstairs of their homes. Jason Phillimore, a resident of Wishall Close, said he and his neighbours lived

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Tack theft hits rider

A TOP young showjumper has been left devastated after tack worth more than £1,700 was stolen at the weekend. Bridles, bits and boots were among the tack stolen from a lorry parked at stables just off Callow Hill Lane in Callow Hill between 6.30pm on Friday

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Drivers' anger at disabled spaces

THE installation of more disabled spaces in the Kingfisher Centre car parks has prompted scores of complaints. By next month, the centre will be required by law to offer a minimum six per cent disabled spaces which should be near to lifts or have level

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Leave the trees alone

I AM writing as a member of Tree Action Group (TAG) and feel people, including planning departments, should be aware of the scientific facts and discoveries behind our friends the trees. To carry the great amounts of water needed to their leaves, a tree

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Honoured for 75th donation

A BLOOD donor from Redditch has been honoured for reaching the impressive milestone of 75 donations. Anthony Bugg, 53, of Vicarage Crescent, received his Edinburgh Crystal award from the National Blood Service (NBS) at a ceremony in The Founds Hotel,

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Plague pits were not placed so near villages

I WAS most interested in the letter by Mr Jephcott regarding Alvechurch plague pits (Advertiser, September 15). If he is correct, then the insertion of the letter ''r'' in the current name of the development would seem to be appropriate. However, I am

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Police blitz on drink and drugs

STUDLEY and Alcester were the targets of a big police operation on Friday, cracking down on drink and drug-related disorder. Twenty officers and two police dogs trained to detect drugs were involved in Operation Feather 2, which also took place in Stratford

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Site plans on display

DETAILS of plans to redevelop an empty plot of land in the centre of Studley have emerged this week. The preliminary plans involve the development of 22 apartments at the heart of the village on the site at the corner of Alcester Road and High Street

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Amelie helps launch appeal

A REDDITCH teenager was joined by other youngsters and their families on Saturday when she invaded Worcester Rugby Club's Sixways Stadium during a game - but it was all done for a good cause and with the permission of the players. Amelia Vaughan, 14,

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A runaway success

THE pressure was on for a Redditch worker on Sunday when he tackled a half-marathon to raise money for the Primrose Hospice. Mark Spurrier, a section manager at Tesco, Coldfield Drive, Oakenshaw, ran the 13 miles of the Oswestry Half Marathon at Lake

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Arrow Valley Countryside Group

A solitary llama, an aggrieved bull and about 30 beagles enlivened the walk around Bradley Green and Feckenham on August 22. Sometimes it is possible to walk in the countryside and see very little in the way of wildlife or even farm animals - but not

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Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

AFTER the summer break to concentrate on helping to run the railway at Toddington, the Redditch and Alcester group starts its new season of monthly meetings for transport enthusiasts this month. The meeting will be on Tuesday, September 28, at 8pm at

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Ipsley WI

CLASSICAL Homeopath Barbara Camelford kindly stepped in at short notice to speak to members at the September meeting. Mrs Camelford clarified the principles of homeopathy and how it can help promote good health and help the body heal itself. She stressed

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Redditch Cage Bird Society

THIS year's Open Show is on Saturday, October 2, at Rocklands Social Club, Birchfield Road, Redditch. Doors open at 2pm, £1 entrance fee. Refreshments available. Call Andy Bird on 450858 for more details.

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Ladies' Probus Club of Alcester

AT the September meeting, mention was made of the enjoyable day out to Frogmore House. After lunch, Gill Huddlestone introduced speakers Sylvia Hyde and Sarah Derby on Macmillan Cancer Relief. Sylvia was born in Alcester and formed the local branch of

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Soroptimist International

Redditch and Bromsgrove branch members returned after the summer break for a busy business meeting. The updated constitution was discussed. It was a long paper but covered all aspects of the aims, objects and functions of members and officers of all clubs

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Wythall Photographic Society

THE new season starts today with the presentation of last year's awards. Peter Siviter will give a print lecture on September 22 entitled Permajetting Round the World and Peter Upton will show Steps to Digital on September 29. Meetings are held in the

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Wythall WI

PRESIDENT Jill Warner reported the stalls at Wythall Carnival had been very successful, despite the weather, with the cakes selling out early and crafts and books doing a good trade. The money raised from the stalls is going towards the scrapbooks to

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Outlook sunny for Derek's dream

ONE man who knows more than most about the hugely changeable state of British weather is Derek Payne, of Cookhill, who has been measuring and recording the highs and lows for 32 years and been a Met Office observer for 28 years. Mr Payne, husband of Cookhill

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High hopes for school extension

A £200,000 project to extend Oak Hill First School could be up and running early next year. Last week Lodge Park and Lakeside residents were invited to the Wirehill Drive school to find out more about the proposed extension to the nursery wing. The project

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Bridgnorth 27 Droitwich Spa 22

Saturday, September 18, 2004 PLAYER-coach Travis McIntyre scored a hat-trick of tries as an experimental Droitwich Spa RFC First XV crashed out of the Powergen Intermediate Cup with a 27-22 first round loss at Bridgnorth. Spa gave starts to youngsters