Archive

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Move to scrap play area is under fire

A PLAN to scrap a play area in Bromsgrove and use the money for refurbishing Sanders Park's pavilion has been condemned by a district councillor. Labour group leader Cllr Peter McDonald (Uffdown and Waseley) said the idea was a tactic to divert resources

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Police forces pool clues over killer

WORCESTERSHIRE detectives are sharing information with West Midlands police in the hunt for a potential serial killer. The possible link came to light after the murder of two Birmingham women a fortnight ago. Twenty-one-year-old Jodie Hyde, of Alum Rock

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Ecstasy and lists found in raids

A WORCESTER man said he could never be a drug dealer because his father "would kick me to the other side of the world", a jury heard. Alistair Green told police in an interview after being arrested that his father would strongly disapprove of any involvement

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£1m emergency package to stave off winter crisis

NEARLY £1m is on its way to Worcestershire to stave off a winter crisis, the Government said today. Ministers have allocated a £920,000 aid package following intensive lobbying by Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Health Authority. More

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Floods may be just the tip of the iceberg

FLOODING may just be the tip of the iceberg of weather problems for Worcestershire folk. Health experts are predicting a rise in heat wave deaths and food poisoning outbreaks as a result of dramatic changes in the weather. They are set to have a big impact

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Exclusive I was ashamed but we are on right track, says Musgrove

HOSPITAL services in Worcestershire were "disgraceful" as recently as seven months ago, health boss Harold Musgrove has admitted. The chairman of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust has also told of his "shame" after visiting Ronkswood's accident and

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Town faces car park crisis

TOWNSFOLK have been warned Kidderminster could "die on its feet" if solutions are not found to the parking crisis. The prediction from Kidderminster Town Centre Partnership chairman Peter Picken follows the shock announcement that the town is facing the

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Apartments plan at Bishop's home

HARTLEBURY Castle could be converted into apartments as Church of England authorities plan cost-cutting measures. Bishops of Worcester have been based at Hartlebury since the Middle Ages. In addition to guest rooms, the current bishop, the Rt Rev Dr Peter

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Breast-stroke seals survival

BROMSGROVE Swimming Club were assured of their place in Division Two of the National Speedo League when they came fourth in a very tough gala at Derby. Despite being up against top-notch opposition, Bromsgrove reigned supreme at breast-stroke winning

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Millers take honours Fairfield (1) 1 Feckenham (1) 2 Midland Combination Challenge Cup

FAIRFIELD were beaten by local Premier Division rivals in a close fought round one tie which went into extra time. The game kicked off on a heavy pitch and the visitors took an early grip on the game, going in front when Andy Hawthorne broke clear of

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Derby goal action Garringtons Sunday (3) 5 Bromsgrove General (2) 3 Keith Turner Memorial Cup roun

GENERAL took the lead in the 15th minute when a mistake in Garringtons' defence saw Neil Annis chip goalkeeper Adie Summers. In the 20th minute Garringtons equalised after some good approach work. Craig Riley played the ball to Gary Eades who scored a

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McDONALD'S SET TO OPEN UP IN TOWN?

FAST food giant McDonald's has revealed it is considering opening a restaurant in Droitwich Spa, the Advertiser can exclusively reveal. The company has confirmed an interest in the historic Spa town and a number of possible sites have been drawn to the

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Don't ignore guidelines

ON September 26, there was an application for a garage in Mill Lane, Feckenham. The council recommended this be refused because they were concerned about the ancient monument site and also the height of the single storey garage. There was only one letter

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Churches committed to each other

REDDITCH town centre is starting to change again now. There have always been small changes but over the next couple of years, we really will notice a difference. There have been greater changes before, like when the New Town Development Corporation altered

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Bogey side dash Shield hopes

Coventry Marconi 16 Alcester 3 Alcester exited the Warwickshire Shield in Coventry despite turning in one of their best performances of the season. The loss of four injured players to a side already nursing a crippling injury list proved too much for

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Bye bye bus station!

Cartoon character Bob the Builder joined Kingfisher Centre director Brian Walker on Monday to wave off the last bus from Redditch bus station before it closed for redevelopment. The station once had the dubious honour of featuring on what was voted the

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Do or die for Redditch

REDDITCH vice captain Gareth Davies has taken charge of team affairs this week for the biggest game of the club's season. The centre, who has been skipper Andy Douglas' understudy for two years gets his first taste of the captaincy ahead of Saturday's

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Comeback Christie wants England call

RUGBY star Christie Honor is on the comeback trail after injury struck in February. The former Alcester Ladies second row tore ankle ligaments at the start of the year and was out of the game until July. The blow was cruelly timed as the Stratford 21

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Ladies are back after gap year

ALCESTER Ladies rugby team are back in action after a season in the wilderness. A spate of injuries and withdrawals decimated the side, who play at the home of Alcester RFC, leaving the squad in tatters and forcing the ladies to pull out of the West Midlands

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Ex-soldier is jailed for revenge attack on dad

A bullying father sustained five broken bones in a revenge attack by one of his sons, a court heard. Ian Doyle snapped after suffering 14 years of being beaten and punched. The former soldier - who won a United Nations medal in Cyprus - lay in wait for

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22/11/00 - Mackenzie signs up

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have confirmed the signing of Cambridge United midfielder Neil Mackenzie for the rest of the season. Mackenzie has appealed against Cambridge's decision to terminate his contract for "persistent misconduct." Unless his drops the

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Cost of dying to rise

THE cost of dying is set to rise next year when Redditch Council introduces a package of measures to increase its fees and charges by an average of five per cent. Two of the increases include a £10 rise from £190 to £200 for internment and a £20 rise

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Pupil back as school's guest

A FORMER pupil and local Businesswoman of the Year 2000 was the star attraction at Arrow Vale Community Sports College's prize-giving evening on Thursday. Karyn Maddison, proprietor of Little Sneakers Nursery and Sneakers Kid Klubs, is the first ex-student

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Club ponders cash for CCTV cameras

DEVELOPERS of a proposed £1 million nightclub in Redditch have agreed to discuss pumping an extra £30,000 into the town's CCTV system. The news comes after the plans to transform the former Gala Bingo Club in Church Road were given the green light by

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Dennis joins ace racer

A REDDITCH man had the high speed ride of his life after taking a spin in the world's fastest rally car. Dennis Poon was one of 20 winners picked from across the country who took part in a national competition. Each was able to experience being driven

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OAPs' protest at warden cuts

RESIDENTS at a Studley sheltered housing scheme held a demonstration in Stratford against controversial Housing Association plans to scrap wardens as part of a cost cutting exercise to save several thousand pounds. Elderly people at Osprey House took

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Taking steps to raise cash for hospital ward

TOWN youngsters will be able to dance the night away to raise money for children in the Alexandra Hospital, courtesy of Redditch Student Council. Members of the council will be holding Winterfest 2000 disco at Hewell Road Social Club on Thursday, November

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Top Tory visits the Alex

THE Shadow Health Secretary, Liam Fox, visited the Alexandra Hospital and ambulance depot on Friday with the Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Redditch, Karen Lumley. Dr Fox visited the depot and was met by Steve McGuiness, director

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Staff boost at hospital

THE Alexandra Hospital has welcomed eight new nurses who have just arrived from the Philippines to help ease staff shortages. The new arrivals have undertaken a four-year BSc in nursing and have a minimum of three years experience in the Philippines.

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County bed total is short by 336

THE issue of November 9 gave a large amount of space to Mr Lock to re-state the case for the Worcestershire Health Authority's "Investing in Excellence". However, attention has not been drawn to the report of the National Beds Inquiry which, according

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Charge of blackmail

An allegation of blackmail against a former delivery driver at a Chinese takeaway has been sent for crown court trial. John Dixon, 25, of Victoria Place, Foley Park, Kidderminster, is charged with demanding money with menaces from the owners of the Fortune

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Blaming others

I REFER to last week's story in which Mr Musgrove accused certain people of undermining the health service by making "alarmist statements". I, my council colleagues and hospital campaigners, talk freely about the service and the problems associated with

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22/11/00 - Mackenzie signs up

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have confirmed the signing of Cambridge United midfielder Neil Mackenzie for the rest of the season. Mackenzie has appealed against Cambridge's decision to terminate his contract for "persistent misconduct." Unless his drops the

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Row led to party assault

A PARTY at a Kidderminster house ended with a man being punched in the face several times, Worcester Crown Court was told. Richard Jones accused Sean Gittus of chatting up his girlfriend before attacking him, said Mr Jonathan Richards, prosecuting. Jones

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Tories are listening

WHEN the Conservative Party lost the General Election in 1997, they were accused by many people of being out of touch, an ailment that seems to be inherent of all governments, as this has certainly never been truer than under the regime of Tony Blair.

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15-month jail term for terrorising girl

A MAN terrified his girlfriend with a carving knife when she refused to have sex, a court heard. At one stage, Chris-topher Humpidge cut his own wrists and threatened to kill himself. Eventually the 19-year-old woman managed to escape from their isolated

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Home is raided

Jewellery and clothing worth £2,030 were lost in a burglary at a home in Brambling Rise, Kidderminster last Thursday.

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WINGS APPEAL

MAY I offer a very sincere "thank you" to all who attended the Battle of Britain parade and memorial service on Sunday, September 24 where, once again, a few remembered The Few. Secondly, I offer my grateful thanks to all who helped in any way to make

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Critical of MP's criticism

DAVID Lock's column on BSE and the Phillips report (November 2) was a sad attempt to exploit tragedy for political reasons. Mr Lock wildly asserted that four ministers in the last Government came in for tough criticism when he knows that Lord Phillips

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Betraying communities

HOW widely known are Government estimates of the extra deaths which would be caused by the building of waste incinerators? Recent Department of the Environment figures indicate that in an area like Wyre Forest this would mean an extra five deaths a year

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Just up Merry Hill's street

WHY should we be surprised to learn that car parking in Kidderminster town centre is to be decimated? Since when have we ever had - I believe the term is "forward planning". It seems to me that politicians from all parties spend most of the time trying

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Fighting for improvements

I AM sorry that KE Lewis takes exception to my letter in the Shuttle (November 16). I make no apology for understanding that "Investing in Excellence" will deliver a safe, dependable NHS, however, the point that I was trying to get over in the letter

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Threats to kill charge

A DROITWICH man charged with witness intimidation and making threats to kill has been remanded in custody. Stephen Ellson, aged 32, of Charland Court, appeared at Worcester Magistrates' Court on Friday. He is accused of committing the offences between

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At the seat of success - again

THE town's toilets have been flushed with success at the National Loo of the Year contest. Wychavon District Council showed contenders it's no flash in the pan when it comes to hygiene and cleanliness. Among the 11 public conveniences recognised by judges

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House makes the grade

REPAIR not replace was a Droitwich Spa couple's motto when they renovated their home which is now a recognised historic site. Tim and Amanda McCarthy, of St Peter's Walk, moved into their two-bedroom terrace 12 years ago when it was in a state of disrepair

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Drinking arrests

A DRIVER in Droit-wich Spa was among seven across Worcestershire arrested for alleged drinking and driving offences over the weekend. Four more people were arrested in connection with drunk and disorderly offences. Worcester division police spokesman

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Disappointed council must make changes

GOVERNMENT plans to restructure Wychavon District Council have met with an angry response. The authority's system must be changed to meet standards set by the Local Government Act which aims to streamline bureaucratic councils. Wychavon's leader panel

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Charity launched

A TOWN mum has been appointed to co-ordinate a scheme which is being launched in Droitwich to help families with young children. Lyn Mason, of Windsor Road, is a Home-Start organiser working to extend the charity's services to the Spa. It is a voluntary

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Tour card in doubt for Robinson

EVESHAM golf ace Jeremy Robinson is on the verge of losing his European Tour card. The 34-year-old needs to finish in the top 35 at the Tour's qualifying school in San Roque, Spain, later today. But a dropped shot at the start of his sixth and final round

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Youths aim to clean up image

A SCHOOLBOY from the Spa wants to clean up the image of town teenagers and improve facilities for young people. Louis Hemming claims Droitwich youths have been stereotyped because of publicity about graffiti, vandalism and skateboarding. The 14-year-old

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'Clean-up' bid goes green

THE campaign to clean-up the district involves more than cleansing graffiti ridden walls and litter-strewn town centres. Fly-tippers are also making their mark in quiet country lanes dumping everything from tree loppings to furniture. Wyre Forest District

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Mackenzie signs up

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have confirmed the signing of Cambridge United midfielder Neil Mackenzie for the rest of the season. Mackenzie has appealed against Cambridge's decision to terminate his contract for "persistent misconduct." Unless his drops the

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Domestic violence

THE grim picture of domestic violence was revealed at a conference to help residents trapped in abusive relationships. Wychavon District Council's community safety partnership hosted the forum, which attracted a huge turnout. Delegates heard that between

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Double win to put us in hunt

IT'S going to be a big weekend for us in our quest to climb up the Dr Martens League Premier Division, with a home game against Weymouth on Saturday followed by a trip to Clevedon Town next Tuesday. Weymouth have had a good win at Tamworth last week after

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Car crash after a cocktail of drugs

A MOTORIST who had taken a cocktail of drugs and medication reversed into a parked car before driving off. Traces of cocaine and sleeping tablets were found in Lee Forrest's bloodstream. The 25-year-old, of Friar Street, Droitwich, admitted driving under

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Cash too late for ex-POW's Far East return

A FORMER Japanese prisoner of war has blasted the Government's £10,000 compensation payment to him as a "waste of time". And 84-year-old Philip Wears said the money, which he is handing over to the younger members of his family, had arrived too late to

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Goal ace Owen could set new transfer record at Lane

What price should Worcester City be looking for if they bow to the inevit-able and sell star striker Mark Owen? City's leading scorer has continued to at-tract attention from bigger clubs through his feats this season -- he now has 16 goals, including

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Evesham wiithout hot-shot Bowen

EVESHAM United must once again do without top scorer Sam Bowen for tonight's crucial Dr Martens League Western Division game at high-flying rivals Tiverton Town (7.45). Bowen has failed to shake off a shoulder injury suffered in the FA Umbro Trophy win

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Football strip is an instant sell-out

SOME might call it a 'bare-faced' cheek but a group of women have come up with an eye-catching way to grab a share of the sporting limelight. The 15-strong squad from newly-formed Cleobury Ladies Football Club have bared all for a 2001 calendar in a bid

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Basement club is cleaning up at last

AFTER eight straight defeats, Sketchleys finally clinched their first win of the season in Division Three of the E&E Engineering/Banks's Brewery Worcester Friendly Skittle League. But they were given a helping hand by visitors Punchdrunks who could

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Twin cash offer buoys Bewdley

TWINNING links with a German town have promised comfort to the worst victims of the latest flooding in Bewdley. A meeting of a newly formed flood committee last night was due to consider an offer from the burgomaster of Vellmar to give financial help.

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Tapping into your memory

CHILDREN planning to re-write a town's history want to tap into the memories of parents and grandparents. Wribbenhall Middle School book club is inviting members of the older generation in Bewdley to help gather information in chat sessions with budding

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First chance for skill certificates

PEOPLE with learning difficulties have a new chance to gain qualifications for hard-won skills. A new facility which opened on Tuesday at the Habberley Road Social Education Centre in Kidderminster will offer NVQ and other certificates to the 130 people

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Tree marks new town retail era

KIDDERMINSTER'S hopes for a bright new future have been marked with the ceremonial opening of its first retail park. Described as the first step towards revitalising the town centre, Crossley Park was officially launched on Monday as 50 representatives

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Bill hike wipes out winter rise

A PENSIONER is fuming his extra £50 winter fuel allowance will not cover the rise in his gas bill - £67.50! Ray Moule, 65, of Ribbesford Drive, Stourport, was aghast to find his bill will increase by 33 per cent next year after receiving details of new

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Serious swim for Joker the Dalmatian

JOKER the Dalmatian has been raising money for charity by what comes naturally - doing the doggie paddle. The dog was set to be sponsored for every metre he completed of a fund-raising swim in aid of a Kidderminster school last night. Money from his swim

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Fire crews tackle factory blaze

FIREFIGHTERS spent more than an hour tackling a blaze which broke out at a Ledbury jam-making business. At first it was feared that there were chemicals in the same room as the blaze at Ledbury Preserves, but these proved unfounded. Two crews from Ledbury

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Play recreates magical myth

A PANTOMIME featuring the story of King Arthur is on the bill at Rowney Green Peace Hall this week, performed by the village theatre company the Rowney Green Players. The 15-strong cast began rehearsing for the show in September, which follows last year's

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Panto audience will be seeing double

DOUBLE dealing college students are preparing to reveal the secret of eternal youth. By popular demand, BTEC students at Kidderminster College Theatre are bringing back the timeless, magical show based on the story of Peter Pan. To cope with demand for

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Survey shapes housing plans

THOUSANDS of households across Wyre Forest have been asked to take part in a housing survey to establish the future of housing under the local plan. Nearly 5,000 residents were sent forms last week asking if their property is adequate for current and

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Road chiefs falling into the rat trap

I READ with interest your article concerning closure plans for rat runs and I am now wondering how long it will be before Bromsgrove grinds to a halt completely. The Bromsgrove bypass should have been built as a dual carriageway, but of course, as we

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Exclusive I was ashamed but we are on right track, says Musgrove

HOSPITAL services in Worcestershire were "disgraceful" as recently as seven months ago, health boss Harold Musgrove has admitted. The chairman of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust has also told of his "shame" after visiting Ronkswood's accident and

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Munslow takes first

MOORLANDS Farm Fishing: Thursday Meadow and Bank Pools: First C Munslow 44-0-0, second K Giles 41-7-0, third A Higgs 27-12-0. Silver Fish Match: Winner T Webb, 14-4-0. Friday Meadow Pool: First D James 41-2-0, second B Jones 37-1-0, third P Filmore 28

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Rosy future for David

THE work of a plant manager from a Wychbold nursery has been recognised as a blooming success. Dave Smith, of Webbs of Wychbold, in Worcester Road, has been shortlisted in the 2000 Nurseryman and Garden Centre Awards in recognition of his expertise as

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Help for flood victims

KIND-HEARTED businessmen have stumped up cash for residents hit by the recent floods. The Worcestershire branch of Lions International has £6,900 to help people who have lost belongings in the horrendous storms which have devastated parts of Worcestershire

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Staggering response to scheme

MORE than 100 people have already joined a pioneering League of Friends group at a Stourport doctor's practice. Officials at York House Medical Centre are "staggered" at the response from patients and the public after the surgery became the first in the

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Other side of coin

HACKLES rose at Malvern Town Council after I penned a somewhat critical piece about the authority. I was duly invited to hear the council's point of view. The council - though classed as a parish council - is in a special category because it serves a

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Enzo waiting on Fogarty decision

OAKENSHAW ace Enzo Mucci is expecting a long wait before finding out whether superbike legend Karl Fogarty will be his teammate next season. The four times world champion had his second testing session with Mucci's JS Motorsport team on Friday but has

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Rockets on a mission

REDDITCH Rockets are gunning for a top eight finish in their first ever national finals at the weekend. But the Abbey-Stadium based outfit are waiting to hear whether the Jesters venue in Hartlepool will be ready for the climax of the British season after

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22/11/00 - Cooke slams strike threat

GEOFF Cooke has blasted the England rugby union squad for "holding their country to ransom" after their threatened strike was averted earlier today. Worcester Rugby Club's chief executive believes the squad have lost public support after their threats

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Hollywood awards

PUPILS from a Hollywood primary school will be representing the West Midlands at national gymnastics finals next year. The Boys A and Mixed A teams from Coppice Primary School won their sections at the West Midlands floor and vault championships in Stoke

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Redditch back to full strength

A REDDITCH side shorn of six regulars almost shocked West Midlands One leaders Stone at the weekend, shipping a late goal to draw 1-1. In a week which saw the Bromsgrove Road club only able to field two sides for the first time in their history the makeshift

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Traffic fears may scupper waste bid

TRAFFIC problems will scupper plans for a giant waste burner in Kidderminster, according to a Worcestershire county councillor. John Gretton of Kidderminster-Hoobrook ward, said he had studied the newly issued planning application for an incinerator on

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Businessman loses his fight

A MAN who established two successful businesses in Wyre Forest has passed away after losing his battle against cancer. Seventy-one-year-old Roy Seager died at his Dunley Road home in Stourport after leaving hospital where he had been receiving treatment

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Monarchs rule in 9-1 romp

NEWTON Works were too good for SPSP winning 10-0 in the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League. And Alan Colley made a rare appearance for Lickey Monarchs, to help team-mates Steve Mullard and Eric Hardman to a 9-1 victory against Barnt Green Tennis

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Firm wins EU brush tax row

A BUSINESSMAN is celebrating a successful ending to his brush with the law after an EU tax on hair products which cost him thousands was lifted in Brussels. However, John Gretton is demanding compensation following the "victory for common sense" in a

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Olympic great in town

Tommy Godwin, 1948 Olympic cycling medallist, was guest of honour at the Redditch Road and Path Cycling Club annual dinner and prize evening. The Graham Dickinson Trophy (Darts - Lady) was won by S Goodall with the men's equivalent, the Ray Clarke Memorial

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£1.5M ARTS CENTRE DESIGN IS UNVEILED

THIS is the design for the long-awaited £1.5m multi-purpose arts centre for Bromsgrove, intended to be a flexible venue and training centre for stars of the future. The proposed venue, in School Drive, was unveiled on Monday by Bromsgrove District Council

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Council deficit is running at £300,000

BROMSGROVE'S Tory-controlled District Council is facing a serious financial crisis and it is set to get worse, the Advertiser/Messenger can exclusively reveal this week. Presently, while still only half way through the financial year, the council's deficit

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My joy for pharmacy

MAY I be among the first to congratulate Dines Green Pharmacy for winning two more prestigious national awards. This pharmacy is clearly providing an excellent service to its community and I hope other pharmacies in Worcester and elsewhere will strive

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Those who left UK had right idea

WHEN watching the Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph attended by Tony Blair and Robin Cook, I wondered what was passing through their minds. Was it the slaughter of our infantry in the First World War, the deaths and suffering of civilians and armed

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Tories must climb down over Blackpole plan

6 NOW that the initial shock of the Worcester Conservative group's bid to develop Green Belt land in Blackpole is beginning to wear off, it is time to reflect on the implications inherent in such a decision. I accept the need to address the issue of employment

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Of local interest only

The League of Gentlemen A Local Book for Local People (Fourth Estate, £12.99) The cover may appear innocent. My scrapbook" by Tubbs beautiful things I half Collected from the moors about local Things about local people who are local. This tome was retrieved

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22/11/00 - Double win to put us in hunt

IT'S going to be a big weekend for us in our quest to climb up the Dr Martens League Premier Division, with a home game against Weymouth on Saturday followed by a trip to Clevedon Town next Tuesday. Weymouth have had a good win at Tamworth last week after

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Tipton triumph

THE Tipton 10k road race on Sunday proved to be a successful outing for a group of Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletic Club stars, who all came away with either season or personal best times. Sharon Hetherington showed a real improvement on recent form to

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League need your help

THE Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger Football League marks its centenary shortly and they are looking for your help. The chairman of the league Colin Waldron is putting together a centenary book to celebrate. Colin would be pleased to hear from anyone

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Rugby Club's' quiz returns

BROMSGROVE Rugby Football Club's ever popular music quiz returns to Finstall Park this Friday. The action starts at 8pm with a maximum of six members per team, Music from mainly the 60's, 70's and 80's is featured. Compiled and hosted by David Harvey

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Double title glory for black belt Ben

JU JITSU youngster Benjamin Dowling has enjoyed his best year yet in the martial art. The 11-year-old's glory run started in September when he won the under 45 kg title at the National Championships in Carlisle. Then the Hunnington star ach-ieved his

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Throw-away Rovers slump to late strike Bromsgrove Rovers (2) 2 Atherstone United (0) 3 Dr Martens

THREE sendings off, a dictionary of bookings and a goal from St Kitts International Michael Crawford highlighted a grandstand finish as Atherstone scored three goals in the last ten minutes to beat Rovers on Saturday. Red cards went to Atherstone's Andy

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Choir returns for festive concerts

A YOUTH choir from Kidderminster is aiming to build on its success abroad when it stages concerts back home in the run-up to Christmas. The Wyre Forest Young Voices have earned international recognition in Germany after a performance in Kidderminster's

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Dust off your flares

FLARES and afro wigs will be all the rage again when an ABBA tribute band come to Wolverley tomorrow at 8pm. Mamma Mia will be on stage at the Kingsford Country Park for a gig organised by the Kidderminster-based Upfront Entertainments. Organiser Brian

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Works on stage for first time

KIDDERMINSTER Choral Society's first concert of the 2000-2001 season takes place at the town hall on Saturday. The choir will be joined by the Elgar Sinfonia and soloists Eleanor Ferrari, Lynton Atkinson and Adrian Clarke for performances of two 20th

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Classic play of family members

PRODUCERS have promised a sting in the tail to the latest performance from theatre group WASPS. The Wolverley Amateur Stage Players present JB Priestley's An Inspector Calls as their Christmas play next month. Spokeswoman Jackie Bevan said: "It is a classic

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Spa stutter to away victory Stourbridge Third XV 19 Droitwich First XV 20

DROITWICH had a much changed side for this friendly against the third team of National League Division Three outfit Stourbridge, and saw it as an opportunity to introduce some new players. The game, however, was disappointing as Droitwich never got out

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All the latest junior rugby results in the town's No.1 paper

DROITWICH U7s 30 Malvern U7s 20. Good handling by Chris Rouse and Jono Moran put Ryan Boon away to score. Matt Wilkinson darted in to score and was involved in the next try when Josh Skinner and Wilko tore open the Malvern defence for Boon to get his

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College A-level table shocker

COLLEGE staff are fighting their corner after an A-level examination ranking which placed them third worst in the country this year. Kidderminster College, reeling at news it came 1,978th out of Britain's 1,980 secondary schools and colleges on pupils

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Report gives high marks

VILLAGERS are looking forward with playgroup leaders and teachers to a brighter future for children as they start school life. Hartlebury Pre-school Playgroup has received high marks for good progress since a previous Ofsted inspection. And Hartlebury

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Lawless wants Woodsman

KINGS Heath manager Sean Lawless has made a seven day approach for Sutton Town midfielder James Woods. But the Midland Comb Premier side are refusing to release his registration. And a move for Keith Rostill looks to have stalled. Midfielder Colin Campbell

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Redditch in control

Marconi Ladies 1 Redditch Utd Women 3 REDDITCH took control from the start and were disappointed to miss several chances in the first 20 minutes. Their luck turned when, from a free kick, Clark fired into the corner. The second half saw Marconi rally

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Charity day thanks

I HAVE at last a final total for the charity day at St Stephen's Church on September 2. I am happy to say we reached our total of the previous year, £2,555, which enabled us to send St. Mary's Hospice and The Acorns £1,100 each and cheques of £200 and

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Cross lose nine goal thriller

Billesley United 5 Headless Cross Ladies 4 HEADLESS Cross Ladies went out of the quarter-final of the Birmingham County Cup to Premier Division Billesley after a pulsating tie. The first half ended level at 2-2 after a Melanie Potter corner found Sharron

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Millers on a cup mission

FECKENHAM manager Clive Campion says cup competitions will keep the Millers' season alive in the wake of a 2-1 Challenge Cup win over Division One side Fairfield Villa. I've told the lads cup competitions could keep our season going until the end of March

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Bees stay in touch with the leaders

THIRD-placed Studley kept their title hopes bubbling with a nervy 4-3 win over Struggling Bolehall Swifts at the weekend. With Steve Hands pulling the strings the hosts romped into a 3-0 lead after goals from Kenny Fergie, Kevin Rowlands and Andy Grubb

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Forest felled

Henley Forest 1 Halfords 2 New manager Glenn Adams started with a win as Halfords took the points at high-flying Henley Forest. The hosts suffered only their second defeat in six as Halfords continued to improve. The visitors dominated from the start,

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Lions roar into life

ALCESTER Lions FC recorded their first victory back in the Stratford Alliance at the fifth time of asking. The Conway Fields-based side have had a difficult return to competitive action after a year in the wilderness. After losing their opening four Cutler

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Reborn Rovers on title tilt

ALCESTER Rovers are bidding for promotion after the decision to merge the club's two sides last season. The first team finished bottom of the Redditch and South Warwickshire Combination Premier Division after struggling to raise a team. The under-strength

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Washout

HEAVY rains put paid to the football programme last night (Tuesday) with three fixtures rained off. Redditch's home league match against bottom club Paget was called off with floodlight failure to blame although the pitch was waterlogged by the official

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CHAIRMAN QUITS CLUB AS PROBLEMS MOUNT

BROMSGROVE Rovers chief executive Pat Bannister admits there could be a mass walkout of club directors just days after the chairman quit the Victoria Ground. David McQueen resigned from his post last week after confidential board information was leaked

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£5,000 for seven deadly sins project

THE district council was last night considering whether to give £5,000 to an art project at Frankley Service Station. Called The Service Station of the Seven Deadly Sins and Seven Virtues, the project could ultimately lead to the construction of an entirely

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Three-storey car park near ASDA

A THREE-STOREY car park will be built at a Bromsgrove supermarket after planners gave the scheme the thumbs up. It will be built on the present Churchfields car park alongside ASDA, based in Market Street, and will provide nearly 80 extra spaces for shoppers

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Arrow Valley Art & Craft Guild

THE meeting on October 30 was enjoyable and informative. After the group had exchanged news and views, floral artist Pat Richards demonstrated how to make a corsage from fresh flowers. Members were able to make their own versions while David Shaw read

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Nursery plan thrown out over traffic fears

TRAFFIC fears mean plans to create a nursery in Rubery have been scrapped. The scheme included creating the facility in Gunner Lane, but was shot down by district councillors who didn't want to see anymore cars in the already busy road. Gunner Lane is

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Complex to create jobs

AROUND 200 jobs will be created at a sport and leisure complex which is to be built on land at a college in Bromsgrove. The David Lloyd Leisure Complex along with a Brewer's Fayre pub and Travel Inn will be built in School Drive, near NEW College's Bromsgrove

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Hopwood WI

MEMBERS met for the AGM and voted for a new committee. VCO Iris Montgomery gave the results of the election and members look forward to having a new face and treasurer on the committee. Sylvia Cartwright was once again re-elected president. On December

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Inkberrow WI

THE Lenches group meeting was held on October 27, hosted by Inkberrow. After various reports, historian Ralph Richardson gave a talk on the ''Life and Diaries of Francis Kilvert''. This was followed by a ploughman's supper and quiz. On November 1, the

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Ipsley WI

MEMBERS' evening, when members take over the meeting, giving the committee a night off, took place this month. Vice-president Alison Warren welcomed 39 members and Judith Scott read correspondence received. Then Sheila Darby took over the chair and Lorna

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New move in lorry row

CONCERTED action to force county councils to divert lorries away from north Cotswold towns and villages could be on the cards. Town councillors in Chipping Norton have now agreed to join forces with Bourton-on-the-Hill Parish Council and, possibly, Moreton

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All change at Stratford theatres

THE work to change the face of the Stratford theatres began in earnest this week when the Royal Shakespeare Company announced the first advisors to be appointed to carry out the feasibility study. The company needs the study to complete the first part

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Tree put up for lights appeal

IT'S ready, steady, go for the town's festive celebrations after a giant Christmas tree was put up on Sunday to raise money for the Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre. The 35ft Norwegian Spruce, a gift from hospice patrons Lord and Lady Cobham, is

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Running of jail to be reviewed

A PRISON watchdog has called for higher staffing levels at Blakenhurst jail, in Tardebigge, as the Home Office considers bids for running the facility for the next decade. Blakenhurst is currently privately-run by UK Detention Services, but Patricia Bradbury

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Ladies Probus Club of Alcester

BEFORE lunch on November 8, members stood in silence in memory of Peggy Smith and Rosa Guild, who passed away recently. Speaker for the afternoon was Jackie Pamment, who talked about ''Understanding Shiatsu Therapy''. Jackie, who lives in Alcester, worked

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Redditch Music Society

NOW in their 21st year, the Fine Arts Brass Ensemble showed they had lost none of their enthusiasm for providing an evening of accomplished musicianship and stylish entertainment at the society's latest concert. Until the late 20th century, no music was

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The Redditch Society

ON November 10, the principal museums officer for Broadfield House Glass Museum, Kingswinford, gave a fascinating lecture on ''The Golden Age of Stourbridge Glass''. It covered the period 1800-1914 and was illustrated with slides which showed clearly

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MP hits back at Labour leader

THE National Front's visit to Bromsgrove last Easter could have been prompted by a speech by MP Julie Kirkbride in the House of Commons in February, the leader of the Labour group on the district council claims. Cllr Peter McDonald (Uffdown and Waseley

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Lockerbie case 'milestone'

THE father of a Bromsgrove woman killed in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing has said the case has reached "a major milestone" and looked forward to the debunking of conspiracy theories surrounding the disaster. Following the completion of the prosecution case

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Dog owners warned on fouling

A BIG publicity and information campaign gets under way next month to warn dog owners of the consequences of falling foul of new laws. Legislation introduced in September by Bromsgrove District Council has beefed up and simplified previous dog fouling

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Operatic society on charity TV show

MEMBERS of Bromsgrove Operatic Society were in fine voice when they represented the Midlands in a national Abba-thon which went out live from the BBC's Pebble Mill studio on Friday night. Society chairman Ian Cox said they were invited to take part by

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New bid for work at former tip site

A NEW planning application has been submitted in a bid to carry out work at the controversial former Marlbrook tip site. At Friday night's Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council meeting residents called on members to update them on developments at the site

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Mum in school fight says Karis losing out

THE mum of a Bromsgrove youngster who has cerebral palsy wants to know why she hasn't been arrested for keeping her daughter away from sc-hool. Karen Lane took her ten-year-old daughter, Karis, who also has Turner's Syndrome, out of the education system

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Families fight council plans

OUTRAGED residents are pulling together to campaign against plans to form a parish council in Lickey End. Leading protesters Michael Hooper, of Alcester Road, and Charles Bateman, of Old Birmingham Road, have drawn up a petition which nearly 450 people

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Pupils prepare for hi-tech life

CHILDREN at the school will be getting a special Christmas present -- a new computer suite is being built over the holidays. Part of the school building, which is presently used for art and design, will be converted and loaded up with the latest iMac

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Health advice line a big hit

CONCERNED Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa residents have been making use of a new nurse-led advice line which is proving to be a big hit. NHS Direct Midland Shires -- the Government's new 24-hour clinical advice line -- opened its lines to the public at

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Hospice appeal is burning brightly

GENEROUS Bromsgrove residents are helping to make our appeal to light up the town this Christmas in aid of the Primrose Hospice bigger and better than ever. Donations totalling £2,500 have already rolled in for our Lights of Love campaign which will make

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November 24, 1900

A CURIOUS accident happened in Droitwich Spa on Monday night when a herd of cattle belonging to Mr Wall was being driven along High Street. 100 years ago November 24, 1900 Droitwich Spa on Monday night when a herd of cattle belonging to Mr Wall was being

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100 years ago

November 24, 1900. FOR driving a horse and trap without a light in the Droitwich Road, Feckenham, on November 13th, John Broom, farmer, Inkberrow, was fined 2s 6d and 7s 6d costs. Pc Wargent proved the case. l Alvechurch - The friends of the Rev EAS Gell

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Countess faces wall of silence

THE Countess of Mar may be suffering from Parliamentary concussion, I fear. The peer, who lives at Great Witley, recently told the Upper Chamber about her despair at the culture of secrecy in Whitehall. I have hit my head against a brick wall on many,

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MP Luff scooped up in a forklift

AN award-winning Droitwich logistics centre has marked its 21st anniversary with a £1.2m birthday boost to expand the company. Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff unveiled the Potter Group's improvement scheme, including the expansion of its flammable store

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EYE OPS MOVED FROM ALEX

ELDERLY patients needing cataract surgery have fallen victim to another staffing crisis at the Alexandra Hospital as it has been decided to move their operations to Kidderminster. The move was revealed this week in a leaked letter from a consultant ophthalmologist

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'Suspend them'

CALLS have been made for two Worcester city councillors to be suspended amid a probe into alleged electoral "irregularities". The Labour group on the council wants Allah Ditta and Francis Lankester barred from acting as councillors until West Mercia police

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Driver found dead in car

A DROITWICH Spa man whose car careered off the road was found dead at the wheel. John Wilcock, of Worcester Road, was slumped in his red Volkswagen Golf, in Back Lane, Ladywood, at 5.30pm on Wednesday November 15. A police spokeswoman said he died of

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Fury after house 'left with a leak'

A FAMILY has hit out at Worcester City Council after workmen sent round to fix a neighbour's roof caused a leak into their home. Darren and Gillian Dodd are now demanding compensation from the council because the leak ruined bedding and clothing after

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'Lives at risk' in crowded cityclubs

PEOPLE using Worcester's nightspots risk death because of overcrowding, a city councillor has claimed. Mike Layland told members of the city council's licensing sub-committee that he feared for youngsters using the venues because of the problem. "The

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Apartments plan at Bishop's home

HARTLEBURY Castle could be converted into apartments as Church of England authorities plan cost-cutting measures. Bishops of Worcester have been based at Hartlebury since the Middle Ages. In addition to guest rooms, the current bishop, the Rt Rev Dr Peter

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It's third time lucky

IT was a case of third time lucky for Worcester's showpiece Christmas tree. City council bosses were unhappy with the quality of two trees earlier earmarked for the Cathedral roundabout in College Street and sent them back. Yesterday, the 45ft-high third

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Chemists rota

REDDITCH town centre rota chemist is Carrington and Turner, Church Green West, open every day except Saturday and Sunday until 7pm. Foxlydiate Chemist, Batchley Road, Batchley, is open on Sunday from 10-11am. Knights Chemist, Evesham Road, Crabbs Cross

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Football yobs in police escort

KIDDERMINSTER Police have defended their action to let football thugs into the town after fighting broke out on Saturday. Pub licensees were shocked to find about 30 hooligans on the rampage after Kidderminster Harriers' clash against Burton Albion despite

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Floods may be just the tip of the iceberg

FLOODING may just be the tip of the iceberg of weather problems for Worcestershire folk. Health experts are predicting a rise in heat wave deaths and food poisoning outbreaks as a result of dramatic changes in the weather. They are set to have a big impact

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Christmas cash is on the cards

FUND-raisers are hoping for an artistic licence to print money at a Christmas fair for a church's restoration. Artist Jack Collings has designed a series of Christmas cards for the event to be held at St Mary's Church, Stone, on Saturday. Parishioners

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Top Tory is told of health concerns

SHADOW Secretary of State, Dr Liam Fox, paid a flying visit to Tories in the Wyre Forest at the weekend. The MP heard local concerns on NHS provision and spoke at Wyre Forest Conservative Association's annual dinner. The visit was the result of a face-to-face

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SNOOKER SCORES

DROITWICH and District Snooker League Preliminary Round of the Howard Harrison Cup: MILL B 3 BPC B 2. MILL YB 2 MILL A 3. CWMC B 2 DRBL A 3. BUC D 3 DSC A 2. BUC D performed well in their win over the DSC A from Division One, and BPC B surprised the league

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Read all about the local junior football talent here

CALLOWBROOK Swifts U8s 0 AC Northfield U8s 0. Matthew Wood was MoM and Leon Curtis hit the crossbar. Callowbrook Swifts U9s 2 Catshill Juniors U92 2. Table-toppers Catshill twice went in front through Matt Reeves and Tom Crawford, only for Tom Savage

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Riders miss out on points

BROMSGROVE Olympique missed points in the Midland Cyclo-Cross League last weekend. Top-placed youth riders Alex Billington, Will Goulbourne, Ross Dingley and leading lady Francine Billing-ton took the day off to ride a national youth event at Manchester

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Ace Deacon uses his 'Ed

DROITWICH guaranteed their position at the top of DTZ Midland Second League with a 3-2 victory over Pershore Men's Seconds at Evesham High School. The first five minutes of the game saw Droitwich apply good, solid pressure to Pershore's defence which

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RedditchCombo Results

REDDITCH and South Warwickshire Comb-ination League results: Hunt Crane Cup round two Austin Ex Apprentices Reserves 3 (Mark Mattis, Richard Dean two) Millfield Rovers 2 (Geoff Ward, Gary Smith). Premier Division: Black Horse 1 (Brett Fleetwood) Hymatic

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Nesbitt wraps it up Droitwich Spa (2) 3 Brintons Athletic (1) 1 Kidderminster Harriers Hospital Cu

SPA overcame a battling Brintons to reach the next round of the Cup. Brintons applied all the pressure in the opening exchanges and took the lead on 12 minutes with an unmarked header. Droitwich then started to play some football with Simon Peters going

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RBL end empty-handed White Hart (3) 6 Wychbold RBL Reserves (2) 5

RBL Reserves can count themselves unlucky to come away from this high scoring game with no points. White Hart took the lead only for Scott Weatherby to equalise. In a ding-dong game, White Hart again took the lead and further increased this to 3-1. The

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Girls go top after victory Bromsgrove Ladies' Firsts 2 Harborne Ladies' Thirds 1

BROMSGROVE moved to the top of the league after victory over recently promoted Harborne, who proved to be a competitive team. This was not to be underestimated in a first half which tantalisingly eluded Bromsgrove real scoring opportunities. Gail Meades

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BRIDGE

BROMSGROVE Bridge Club results for November 7 when teams took part in the Club's Swiss Teams of Four event. The top three teams were as follows: First Audrey Lyle, Enid Fowles, Mike Powers, Brian Harvey, second Mike Theelke, James Taylor, Roger Barraclough

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Looking for players

RUBERY Juniors U11s are on the lookout for at least four players to add to a team currently second in the league. If you are interested please contact Kevin on 0121 453 1700. Juniors will also be holding trials this Saturday for boys and girls aged six

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Man charged with Poppy Day murder

A MAN has been charged with the murder of a young woman whose body was found near Droitwich Spa. Rosemary Corcoran, aged 25, of Castle Vale, Birmingham, was discovered by a man walking his dog in an isolated Rashwood lane on Remembrance Sunday. Philip

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No need to change service venue

WHAT a pity the Webheath branch of the British Legion chose to link its announcement of the Remembrance Day service to a disagreement of 16 years duration - "feud" is surely too strong a word. A straightforward notice of the service at the village hall

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Frankly, on sickness and on health

AT last, the people of Worcestershire are being treated like adults. Acute Hospitals Trust chairman Harold Musgrove's frank confession that hospital services in the county were "disgraceful" as recently as seven months ago confirms what many, many dissident

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Sorry over press release

REDDITCH Police have retracted part of a press release over the recent incidents between white and Asian youths. An assault on a youth in the town centre was referred to as an "unprovoked attack". Until the inquiry had been completed, it was quite inappropriate

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Total repair is still an option

TWO important points were not covered in your report on the proposed demolition of Headless Cross Methodist Church (Advertiser, November 15). Firstly, the voting was 46-45 with four abstentions, hardly a resounding victory. Secondly, the cost of demolition

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Sad at loss of good friend

REDDITCH Talking Newspaper recently held its AGM and it was the wish of the meeting that we should convey our feelings of loss on Tom Wilson's death. Over many years, Mr Wilson has supported us financially and with great interest in the work of the Talking

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In memoriam

THE League of Friends of the Alexandra Hospital gratefully acknowledge donations made in memory of the following: Enid Muriel Bowater, Elizabeth Bowler, Mabel Brown, Leonard Elkington, Iris George, David George and Leonard Hartle. William Henry Mills,

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Neglect has led to chaos

A RECENT survey into the transport network in the UK shows that Birmingham and the West Midlands are suffering the worst congestion in the country and goes on to identify the cause as neglect of the road system. Anyone who drives regularly through the

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Little relief from bypass

Through your columns, please allow me to respond to the points raised in Councillor CJ Waring's letter (Advertiser, November 15) l ''No traffic management problem can be looked at in isolation''. A western bypass on the A435 will favour Studley to the

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Waging war against the paint yobbos

ABOUT four years ago, an early edition of the Phillpott File lamented what appeared to be an alarming rise in the levels of vandalism and graffiti throughout Worcester. In a mixture of anger and sorrow, words and pictures combined to show how grubby this

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What's On

THURSDAY: Stourport: Black Star - Blueliner. Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2 - Greenslade. Civic - The League of Gentlemen. Birmingham: Ronnie Scott's - The Christians & tomorrow. Brierley Hill: Robin R'n'B - The Stereotonics. Worcester: Huntingdon Hall

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Dogfight for lowly Alcester

ALCESTER rugby club have familiar injury problems ahead of Saturday's relegation battle against visiting Rugby St Andrews (ko 2.30pm). Four players went off injured as Alcester crashed out of the Warwickshire Shield to bogey side Coventry Marconi 16-3

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Ladies bow out of cup

Alcester Ladies 5 Olney Ladies 20 ALCESTER Ladies bowed out of the West Midlands and London Regional Cup at the hands of an Olney side who put the hosts under pressure from the whistle. Although unable to clear Alcester defended for 20 minutes until Olney

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Salon aims to find 'true' you

WOMEN can leave an expanding Spa salon feeling totally pampered thanks to its latest recruit. True or False Nail, Hair and Beauty Salon, in High Street, has tailored its services to meet the needs of the modern woman. In the past six months, the nail

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All-conquering Exiles on top again

Redditch Exiles 53 Stourport 3rds 5 WITH Cannock crying off, under-strength Stourport were the opponents. Exiles ran rings around their opponents The first try came from Neil Cardy, fed by Steve Price. Mark Cardy got his try linking with the passing moves

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Action stations!

THE end of an era and the start of Redditch town centre's renaissance were marked on Monday as the last bus left the old bus station before it is torn down. But there were few tears for the 1970's ''carbuncle'' as the number 58 to Matchborough left at

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Survival aim for Alcester

ALCESTER Rugby Clubs's dreams of winning promotion have been left in tatters after a rash of injuries robbed the side of seven first team regulars. The town side have endured a torrid start in the newly-formed Warwickshire One league. Skipper Andy Flynn

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Gang in assault on youth

A TEENAGER suffered facial cuts and bruises in a daylight assault by a gang of youths. The 16 year old was walking on a footpath near the TA Centre in Church Hill South at about 8.45am last Wednesday when he was set upon by what was believed to be four

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Cash joy for Pudsey

REDDITCH folk proved they could pull out all the stops when it came to helping others when Children In Need hit the streets on Friday. Visitors to Specsavers Opticians in the Kingfisher Centre would be excused for not believing their eyes as they were

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Schools fared well in exams

THE headteacher of Arrow Vale Community Sports College has spoken of the school's positive strategies to cut the unauthorised absence rate following the latest league tables. Arrow Vale had the highest unauthorised absence rate in the county at 3.3 per

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Appeal over litter hazard

PEOPLE should be educated, according to councillors after they were told that dirty nappies had been dumped along with other dangerous rubbish in a Redditch road. Residents of Ombersley Close, Woodrow South, petitioned the council in October calling for

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Road name tribute to Charlie

THE name of a Hunt End man who was well known to a generation of townsfolk is to live on in the address of a new road. Residents of a development being built off Banners Lane will find themselves living in Kerry Croft, named after Charlie Kerry, who spent

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NEW doors opened

YEAR 11 students from Redditch who are not sure what choices exist for next year will have the chance to find out. On Wednesday, November 29, NEW College will throw open its doors for the Choices at 16 event, where potential students will have the chance

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Roger makes new law stick

A REDDITCH man has succeeded in influencing Parliament in changing a ludicrous law on school lollipop crossings. Worcestershire County Council road safety officer Roger Woodward, who lives in Winyates, noticed the wording of the original law only allowed

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Arsonists hit recycling bins

REPEATED arson attacks inflicted on one of Redditch's recycling facilities has forced it to be withdrawn from use. BCR, one of the major recycling organisations in the Midlands, has removed the clothing facility from Church Hill district centre after

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Town to have pillars for the community?

REDDITCH streets could soon be host to a new form of local advertising. The council is considering the installation of free-standing public information pillars. The posts are the equivalent of cylindrical billboards in the street and would only be used

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Village call for dish plan to be blocked

COOKHILL villagers want their parish council to block an application for more satellite dishes on the Astwood water tower. Worried residents say they have not been told if the existing dishes on The Ridgeway are safe. There are also concerns about plans

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Sundial seals scheme

A SUNDIAL will be unveiled on the site of a £4 million housing project for the elderly in Redditch tomorrow. Terry Spring Court in South Street, Smallwood, will be open at the beginning of next year and Redditch Council has already filled all the flats

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Pair held in drugs swoop

TWO men were arrested and heroin seized in Woodrow after complaints from residents about alleged drug dealing. The pair were arrested last Tuesday. After a successful intelligence gathering period, Redditch police confiscated heroin with a street value

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Open for business

MINISTER for Lifelong Learning Malcolm Wicks MP endorsed the importance of skills development when he opened a new private training centre in Redditch on Friday. Business Network's town centre building will provide state-of-the-art computer training and

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Vandal-hit home open

ABOUT £10,000 has been spent on redecorating a Redditch house used for homeless people after it was completely trashed by vandals. The house in Oakley Road is one of five homes owned by town charity Step Out Drop In and was ruined in the attack on September

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New policing aids figures

SECTOR policing is proving to be a big success in the town after Redditch police announced their highest crime detection rate since the localised policing scheme started in April last year. In a usual month in the North East sector where an average of

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Centre starts £10m project

A NEW era of education has dawned at Redditch's college after a sixth form centre was officially opened on Friday. The facility was opened by Minister for Lifelong Learning Malcolm Wicks and Minister for School Standards Jacqui Smith, Redditch's MP. The

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Tree of Light comes to life

THE Primrose Hospice Tree of Light is set to be turned on by Redditch Mayor Mark Shurmer at a glittering ceremony on Sunday. The tree, which will be in the Kingfisher Centre, is part of the Primrose Hospice's annual fund raising campaign whereby those

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The core problem

DAVID Lock's Letter from Westminster last week still does not address his constituents' main concern, which is about the hospital plans themselves. Perhaps "some consensus" is emerging among the local medical community but we know it cannot be unanimous

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Poacher cleared of farm burglary

A POACHER who claimed he went into a burgled farmhouse out of "curiosity" has been cleared of raiding the property. Police matched blood found at the scene with the DNA profile of 33-year-old Gavin Shuck. He kept silent during a police interview but told

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FLOODS

HAVING lived in Bewdley during the first six years of my life, I still remember with terror the terrible flooding to which that part of the River Severn was susceptible. I have looked at the recent pictures you have posted on your web site and wish to

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EUROPE

THIS month we remembered those who died for our freedom. It was reported in the national press on October 23 that criticism of the European Union is akin to blasphemy and could be restricted without violating freedom of speech, according to an opinion

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Judge gives arsonist a last chance

A KIDDERMINSTER teenage arsonist has been given a last chance by a judge to avoid a custodial sentence. The girl - a victim of sexual abuse by a man - set fire to her mother's home in the town last year after a row. The blaze caused £10,000 damage and

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We must support the changes - for all our health's sake

WHEN I chose to work in Stourport 26 years ago and was fortunate to be offered a GP post here, I had been attracted by the opportunity to work in the GP maternity unit that was Lucy Baldwin. It was naturally of major concern to me that this unit was closed

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Shropshire leading the way?

ALTERNATIVES to "Investing in Excellence" and its current mutation do exist. It is simply that they have never been considered in relation to Worcestershire. In 1998, when the Kidderminster consultants' views were relatively unclouded by management pressure

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Finding the will...

WHY should it be a problem for Mr Lock, Mr Milburn or anyone else, that there are no proposals to show how A&E and in-patient surgery can be restored at Kidderminster Hospital? The answer is so simple. Bring back, or replace, the consultants, doctors

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Huge event hits high note

STARLETS from Droitwich Spa joined thousands of pupils at a harmonious charity concert. Forty well-tuned students from Chawson First School, in Wyche Road, attended the Young World 2000 Concert. The event at Birmingham's National Indoor Arena was in aid

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Get switched on to festive events

FESTIVE frolics begin in Droitwich Spa this weekend. On Saturday, residents will gather to watch the Christmas lights being switched on in High Street, St Andrew's Street and Friar Street. Droitwich Spa's Festival of Music and Light will mark the occasion

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Tree-mendous charity appeal

DROITWICH Spa will look electric this Christmas thanks to a sparkling charity venture in memory of loved ones. Residents are being invited to celebrate the life of a friend or relative by sponsoring the Tree of Light, in Victoria Square. The Rotary Club

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Making the exam grade yet again

BRIGHT Droit-wich Spa pupils have scooped coveted places in the county's exam league tables. For the fourth year running, all students at Whitford Hall and Dodderhill School, in Crutch Lane, gained five or more A to C GCSE grades. The average points score

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Cooke slams strike threat

GEOFF Cooke has blasted the England rugby union squad for "holding their country to ransom" after their threatened strike was averted earlier today. Worcester Rugby Club's chief executive believes the squad have lost public support after their threats

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Ex-Mafia man gives talk

A FORMER member of the Mafia is coming to Droitwich to explain how Christianity put him on the straight and narrow. American Jim Epley will be telling residents what changes he made in his life at Emmanuel Church, in Blake Avenue, this Sunday. Mr Epley

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Worcester owners wait on media rights decision

THE identity of the group that will take control of racing's media rights for the next decade will now be made "on or just before" a week on Thursday. An extraordinary general meeting of the 59 members of the Racecourse Association yesterday failed to

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Town lionhearts full of bite in superb display Bromsgrove First XV 13 Malvern First XV 13 Midlands T

AFTER unconvincing performances against Aston Old Edwardians and Lichfield on the two preceding weekends, few had given Bromsgrove any hope of success in Saturday's encounter against Malvern, the league leaders with seven straight wins to their credit

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Carving out a catwalk career

A MODEL career is beckoning for a Stourport student who is hoping to swap cats for catwalks. Jason Healey, 21, of Windermere Way, studied animal physiology at Leicester University after completing A levels at Stourport High School. But he was snapped

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Town relief road threat

PLANS to build the much-awaited Stourport Relief Road are in serious jeopardy after a major town group revealed it is set to oppose its construction. The revelation from Stourport Town Centre Forum will shock many traders who feel the bypass is a necessity

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Town aims for light fantastic

A BRIGHTER Christmas than ever is in prospect in Bewdley which is seeing festive lighting throughout the centre for the first time. Christmas lights to be switched on in the town on Saturday, December 2 will extend the full length of Load Street to light

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Pounds pledged for Pudsey's pals

PEOPLE in Wyre Forest made their pledges for Pudsey to raise thousands of pounds towards this year's Children in Need Appeal. More than £12 million was collected nationally from the annual fund-raiser and district folk ensured they played their part.

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Lapping up floodwater to boost hospice appeal

Demand for bottled floodwater has been pouring into a pub raising money for charity. Proprietor of the Black Boy Hotel in Bewdley, Robin Copeman, has so far raised £100 from sales of the River Severn water he has bottled and sold in aid of Kemp Hospice

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Top chef pulls the crowds for personal penning

PATRICIA Harrison had to send out for extra copies of Rick Stein's Seafood Lovers' Guide when the author called in to her shop to sign his latest best-selling book. The celebrity chef and fish dish guru was at The New Cook's Emporium and Ceci Paolo delicatessen

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In memory of road victims

A BIG turnout remembered those who had died in road accidents at a service on Sunday. Campaigners for safer driving joined the emergency services, hospital staff, and relatives of accident victims at a RoadPeace service at St Ambrose Church, Kidderminster

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Cleared man shouts at judge

AN angry Upton-upon-Severn man shouted at a judge from the dock after he was cleared of raping a woman minutes before a trial was due to begin. Kevin Eccleston exclaimed: "My life's been turned upside down by this." Judge John Cavell said he did not wish

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Show is clued up!

IT'S a case of Nora Batty meets Sherlock Holmes at Redditch Amateur Theatrical Society's (RATS) production of comedy murder mystery Busybody next week. The play, written by Jack Popplewell, sees humble office cleaner Lily Piper discover the dead body

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New president at the helm

THE new president of the Old Carolians Association has marked the beginning of his reign at one of the most prestigious events in the group's calendar. Tony Kidd, 53, began his 12-month spell at a dinner to celebrate the 400th anniversary of King Charles's

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Spotlight is on violence

A THEATRE production aimed at youngsters will be the centrepiece of the district's part in National Domestic Violence Week. Today's performance of Crazy World by the Wolverhampton Zip Theatre Company is aimed at raising awareness specifically in young

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Therapist set to aid orphans

CHILDREN abandoned during the troubles in Eastern Europe are to benefit from skills learned at Kidderminster College by a caring therapist. Rebecca Parker, specialist in remedial massage for muscular problems and sports injuries, travels to Romania on

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Bidford bid for honours

BIDFORD CC skipper Neil Betteridge says the village side can win the league next season but not under his stewardship. Opening bat Neil is stepping down as captain after two years in charge of the Cotswold Hills League side. But he says the Crown Meadow

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Rangers enjoy taste of seven-up BROMSGROVE ADVERTISER/ MESSENGER DISTRICT LEAGUE

MOSTYN Rangers hit seven past Mappleborough Green without reply to keep pace with Rubery Social at the top of Division One. Goalscorers were Andy Burgess two, Phil Senior, Andy Hall, Frank Freeman, Andy Pratt and Gavin Knight. Access Security Athletic

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Workers eager to step into boss's shoes

MOST British workers are eager to step into their boss's shoes and prove they can do a better job, according to research conducted for Fish4.co.uk, the UK's most popular careers website. It reveals that a staggering 59 per cent of British workers feel

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There must be a better way of doing a job

There must be a better way of doing job OH dear. New Labour's spawnings, Advantage West Midlands and the Regional Chamber, just don't get on. A Regional Chamber report says: The new governance structure has in some measure served only to add to the confusion

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Gunning for Mike Foster again

THE Countryside Alliance's attitude towards Worcester MP Mike Foster appears confused to say the least. The Alliance, as Evening News readers will recall, had a pop at the MP in the newspaper's letters pages this month for allegedly concentrating on hunting

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Pablo in the dark for rally

STUDLEY rally star Pablo Raybould is setting off for the Network Q Rally of Great Britain on Wednesday even though he does not know whether he will be allowed to take part. The organisers originally planned to invite the top five drivers on the reserve

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Bradshaw booster

GUARD Jimmy Bradshaw could earn himself a first team call up for Redditch Regents on Thursday after winning the national two ball shooting competition. Bradshaw, son of Regents coach Dave Bradshaw, could earn a call up with the Arrowvale Sports Centre

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Getting points out of a Stone

Redditch 1 Stone 1 VETERANS Terry Dean, Guy Oscroft and Tim Oscroft were drafted into a make-do-and-mend Redditch HC side which almost shocked West Midlands One leaders Stone. A side missing Alex Robinson, Matthew Davies, Phil Thomas and, for half the

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Kicking kids

A pair of Redditch kickboxers have been crowned world champions. Katie Bryant and Troy Ktori of Redditch-based CMA Freestyle lifted world title belts after an international tournament in Sicily. Arrowvale pupil Bryant, aged 15, won the girls' under 165cm

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Theatre

Civic Centre, Stourport - Cash on Delivery Thursday until November 25. Alexandra, Birmingham - The Blues Brothers until Saturday. Abba Gold Sunday. Carousel Tuesday until December 2. Swan, Worcester - The Holly and the Ivy until Saturday. Crescent, Birmingham

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Ladies burn Towcester

Towcester 0 Redditch Ladies 1 INJURY-hit Redditch, forced to play a goalkeeper as an outfield player, produced their performance of the season to beat Towcester. The visitors decided to play a containing game, pack the midfield, and attack on the break

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B&R have fun in Tipton run

BROMSGROVE and Redditch ran off with two of the titles at the Tipton 10k road race. Sharon Hetherington broke the tape in the women's race with a season's best time of 37.42 and Roger Beacham took the over 60s title with a season's best 41.47. Vince Rollason

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Mud masters

ALCESTER off-roader Mark Andrews is set to miss the start of the Mini Anglian Winter League because of a clashing event. The 42-year-old driver is heading to Lincoln for the prestigious Malachi night and day event. Andrews and Cockbevington co-driver

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22/11/00 - Goal ace Owen could set new transfer record at Lane

What price should Worcester City be looking for if they bow to the inevit-able and sell star striker Mark Owen? City's leading scorer has continued to at-tract attention from bigger clubs through his feats this season -- he now has 16 goals, including

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Parisien confection for the ears

An Evening In Paris Richard Hayman and his orchestra THERE are many of us who will have spent more than one evening in Paris, soaking up the French capital's unique atmosphere or else soaking up a couple of glasses of vin and a Pernod. The city of romance

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We're watching you

6IT is annoying that the Conservatives do not have the courage of their convictions to oppose development on greenfield sites at Blackpole while derelict industrial sites remain disused. I'll watch carefully to see if their policies do everything possible

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Walking with ghosts on the Ypres Salient

JOHN Phillpott's visit to the Ypres Salient brings back memories of when, occasionally, my father would recall details of those four years. He served in the West Riding Regiment. We heard about Passchendaele where under shellfire men died by falling from

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Full circle for Ambridge folk

The Archers Back to the Land 1987-2000 by Joanna Toye (BBC £14.99). I DON'T altogether approve of fictionalising Britain's favourite village. Haven't those poor folk of Ambridge enough to endure, what with radio microphones being thrust into their faces

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Balanced and objective overview

The Story Of American Freedom by Eric Foner (Papermac, £12) FREEDOM is America's most cherished principal, one that has defined the nation ever since the founding fathers rid themselves of the mother country nearly 225 years ago. But from George Washington's