Archive

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A stroke of genius for funds

AN ART exhibition raised £857 towards the Alcester scouts and guides headquarters project. Local artists donated more than 90 paintings, a third of which were sold during the two day event at Alcester Town Hall along with greetings cards and refreshments

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Fuel grants

ALMOST 240 residents in Worcester have benefited from grants worth nearly £270,000 in the past year thanks to a scheme helping homeowners and tenants to save energy. The Warm Front initiative helps householders to cut fuel bills by making improvements

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Couple are back

A BIG Spa welcome awaits country music duo Rivendel Country at The Royal British Legion Club in Droitwich on Saturday, June 19. The Salwarpe Road club will be getting down to the beat of Denise and Graham Walker's popular mix of traditional and modern

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Catch on to fishing

FISHERMEN in Worcestershire will be able to catch details of where to fish in the county with the Environment Agency's new regional angling guide. The recently-released guide not only gives details of where to fish in Worcestershire and other areas in

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Night time stories

A SPOT of mid-summer magic is being promised at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire. It will come alive with music and theatre on Saturday with an evening performance combining beautiful music and fascinating storytelling in the fabulous setting of

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Tuneful tribute to Dilys

A MEMORIAL service was held at Holy Trinity Church, Arrow, last Wednesday for Dilys Ross, founder secretary of Alcester Singers. Mrs Ross died in May from leukaemia. She was 53. Music always featured strongly in Mrs Ross's life. She grew up in Alcester

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Call to the carers

CARERS were being invited to attend a book-signing event in Worcester today to mark National Carers' Week. Hugh Marriott, who is a carer himself, has written The Selfish Pig's Guide To Caring, and he will be at the Worcestershire Carers' Unit, in Pierpoint

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Inquest due to open into factory deaths

POLICE have named two men who died in a Hereford factory earlier this week. Stuart Jordan, aged 50, from Bishopstone, and 29-year-old Richard Clarkson, from Madley, both in Herefordshire, were carrying out maintenance at Bodycote HIP Ltd. The pair were

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Charges are dropped

Charges of attempted rape, threats to kill and common assault have been dropped against a Worcestershire man. Ian Dickinson, aged 33, of Spetchley, Worcester, faced the accusations after an incident on March 27. But yesterday, a CPS spokesman confirmed

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Come and see our beautiful gardens

VISITORS will be led up some historic garden paths in the picturesque village of Elmley Castle on Saturday and Sunday. The Bredon Hill village, thought to be one of the most beautiful in England, is opening some of its gardens to the public. Eighteen

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A special day for constables

ALCESTER has four new Special Constables. They were sworn in at a ceremony at police headquarters in May, along with nine other new recruits for the county, and are now on a 26-week training programme which will include working on the beat. Jason Brown

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Night of French polish

THERE was a Gallic air in Alcester when visitors from Vallet spent a weekend in the town recently. They were guests of members of the Alcester Vallet Twinning Association (AVTA) who put on a lively programme. The French party spent a day touring the Cotswolds

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Lesley stars

Review - The Gingerbread Lady at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, until June 19. IT'S a welcome return to the county by that excellent comedy actress Lesley Joseph. Neil Simon's hilarious script is handled superbly by Ms Joseph and her fellow actors, but

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Brothers score five

BROMSGROVE Hockey Club recorded their first Summer League win after coming from a goal down three times. Julian Court's side, beaten 7-3 by Old Sils in their previous match, had Robinson brothers Mark and Clive to thank for five of their goals in a 6-

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Memorial day for Jimmy

A MEMORIAL day has been organised as a tribute to Manchester United star Jimmy Davis. The day will see Redditch United take on Swindon FC at the Valley Stadium on Saturday, July 17 in a 3pm kick off. Jimmy Davis, who died in a car crash on the M40 in

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Crees 'tyred' out at Oulton Park

BROCKHILL mini racer Paul Crees had a disappointing weekend at Oulton Park despite starting the first race in sixth position on the grid. The 27 year old racer made an early trip to the Cheshire circuit on Friday to get in some practice which paid off

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Alex in bid for new clinic

PLANS to build a new orthopaedic clinic at the Alexandra Hospital have been submitted to Redditch Council. The proposal is part of an overall improvement scheme for the hospital, which includes a new MRI facility. The new orthopaedic clinic will provide

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Hunt for missing pup

A JAPANESE Akita puppy is the focus of a police inquiry after it went missing from Icknield Street Drive in Studley on May 30 The puppy was found by staff at Washford Mill Pub and soon after, a female asked staff for the puppy, saying she was the owner

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Honour for town cop

A REDDITCH police officer who has spearheaded a number of community initiatives within the town has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. Pc Phil Bryers, who has been a police officer for 29 years, has received his commendation for

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Clothesstolen in night

WOMEN'S clothing was stolen from a van in Headless Cross. The van was parked off Evesham Road at 9pm on Saturday and was found by its owner at 4.50am the next day with the sliding door open. Thieves had stolen swimwear and sarongs worth £12,000 from inside

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Police get powers to foil yobs

WYTHALL police have been granted new powers to help them control antisocial behaviour. From Monday, certain areas including Shawfields, Drakes Cross and Mayhurst Close will be subject to a Section 30 Order under the Antisocial Behaviour Act, allowing

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Bromsgrove RFC First XV fixtures 2003/04

HOME, away (Midlands Two (West) fixtures unless stated) SEPTEMBER Sat 06 HEREFORD 47-9 Sat 13 Kenilworth 15-16 Sat 20 STONEYGATE (Powergen Intermediate Cup First Round) 31-9 Sat 27 NUNEATON OLD EDWARDIANS 27-19 OCTOBER Sat 04 Aston Old Edwardians 20-8

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Passionate opera treble

WELSH National Opera's summer season opens at Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre on Tuesday with "an intriguing mix of three passionate, but very different, tragic ladies of opera". The season showcases an exciting new production of Verdi's La traviata,

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Class act by four of the county's best

INSPIRING teachers from across Worcestershire have been honoured at an annual ceremony celebrating the best in the West Midlands. Last night's Teaching Awards was the county's most successful ever, with three teachers topping their categories and a fourth

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Is it last chance saloon at Lion?

DRINKERS fear it is a case of "last chance saloon" for their village pub, which is set to close for the third time in three years. Residents of Clifton upon Teme fear their local, The Lion, right, will shut when landlord Richard Giles' lease runs out.

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It's tea break time as caf helps charity

SHOPPERS can stop for a well-earned rest and cup of tea at a Worcester caf and help raise cash for a city hospice that cares for people with life-threatening illnesses. Hodson, in the city centre's High Street, is joining in Britain's biggest tea party

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Special units hit by 'capping'

TWO special decontamination units supplied to Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade can be used in the event of a terrorist chemical attack, but not after chemical accidents. This is because the Combined Fire Authority, which is under threat of having its

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Elderly win back their bus passes - at a price

BUS passes offering unlimited travel in Droitwich will be available again from next month. That was the good news announced yesterday for the elderly and disabled people of the town, who benefit from the scheme. The passes, which entitle people to travel

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Cricket fixtures

SATURDAY, JUNE 19 Birmingham & District Premier League Premier Division 1st XI - Water Orton v Barnt Green (1pm) Premier Division 2nd XI - Barnt Green v Leamington Spa (1.30pm) Division One 1st XI - Bromsgrove v Shrewsbury (1pm) Division Two 2nd XI

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Elgar link set to be lost after home sale

THE former home of Sir Edward Elgar's daughter - who established the Elgar Birthplace Museum - is set to be demolished. The three-bedroom detached mock Tudor-style bungalow in Lower Broadheath, named Woodend, was bought by Carice Elgar in the 1930s, shortly

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Man denies sex assault

A BUILDER accused of sex assaults on a schoolgirl was charged with an attack on a woman two years ago, a jury heard. But Verdun Williams had been cleared of indecently assaulting the woman and found not guilty of another charge of harassment, revealed

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Drink-drive woman banned

A WOMAN who was caught three-and-a-half times over the drink drive limit has been banned from driving and ordered to carry out 125 hours of community service. Sian Seager was stopped by police in Hawkins Close, Dines Green, Worcester, just after midnight

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What's On Guide

Thursday, June 17 Redditch Amateur Theatre Society: The Murder of Maria Marten, Forge Mill Needle Museum. Until June 19. Tickets from 62509. The Primrose Choir Summertime Concert, Redditch Town Hall. Tickets from 67383. King Lear, Royal Shakespeare Theatre

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Boars move up league despite defeat

BROMSGROVE Cricket Club First XI fell to only their second defeat of the season with a four-wicket loss at Kidderminster Victoria. In an entertaining and high scoring game last Saturday, the Boars posted 249-5 off 55 overs but Kidderminster reached the

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Batsmen find form as Spa secure draw

DROITWICH Spa CC First XI rediscovered their batting form to come away from Stourbridge with a valuable winning draw. Steve Walsh's side, who collect 16 points for their efforts to jump two places to seventh in Worcestershire County League Division One

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Himbleton on course

HIMBLETON CC First XI's early push for promotion continued with a five-wicket victory at Birlingham. Dean Oliver's side, back up to third in Worcestershire County League Division Four, bounced back from their previous defeat against Amblecote and Woolaston

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Croft out of luck with bowl attack

PAUL Athey is the latest Avoncroft CC First XI bowler to be ruled out of action as the team's luck goes from bad to worse. The skipper tore a calf muscle in last Saturday's losing draw at home to Oldswinford and it means Croft will be without all four

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Fletcher ton

NEIL Fletcher smashed his second century in as many weeks to keep Cutnall Green CC First XI top of Worcestershire County League Division Five. Fletcher, who hit 106 against Barnards Green, reached 141 not out in his side's winning draw at Belbroughton

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Giles helps England to victory

DROITWICH Spa cricket ace Ashley Giles (pictured) turned in a match-winning performance as England sealed a 3-0 series victory against New Zealand. Giles, who has endured criticism of late, made 45 not out in the first innings at Trent Bridge before compiling

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Awards for youngsters

VALE Wanderers Under-13s staged their annual presentation evening when after a successful season, all the players received a memento of the campaign. Chairman Dave Sweeney thanked the parents for their support before manager Dean Soer dished out the individual

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Group started

A SUPPORT group will be launched tomorrow in Church Hill South for people suffering from lung problems. Redditch and Bromsgrove's Breathe Easy group, in partnership with specialist respiratory nurses, set up the organisation to provide a support network

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Men, get healthy!

FREE sessions of pool, badminton, five-a-side football and quizzes are just some of the activities lined up for young men this evening. As part of National Men's Health Week, Youthworcs has teamed up with Active Sport and the town's YMCA for a day devoted

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Rare stage role for icon Joan

SCREEN icon Joan Collins stars in romantic comedy Full Circle, at Malvern's Festival Theatre from Monday. Written by Alan Melville, the play follows the story of Denise Darvel, a best-selling novelist, who unexpectedly confesses to her children that the

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Oy ref, you are in the top ten!

REDDITCH referee Romiel Ebe has been voted one of the top ten referees in the country. Ebe, who refs Leisure League games at Trinity High School, was voted by the small-sided football council and the United Kingdom Indoor Football Federation out of 400

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Graham in Byrd Cup success

RICHARD Graham flew away with the Byrd Cup in Worcester St John's Cycling Club's annual handicap 20-mile time trial. Although not the fastest finisher, the handicapping system, along with Graham's actual time of 56-24, made him the winner with 44-24.

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Clubs can start campaign plans

IT may only be two months since Bromgrove RFC First XV's dramatic title victory at Derby but already the new fixtures have been released. Dean Ball's side now know who they will have to beat if they want success on their return to Midlands One. Six teams

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Crawford in Canada

DROITWICH Spa rugby star Nicky Crawford was part of the England Women's team that won 39-11 against hosts Canada in the Churchill Cup last Saturday.

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16/6/04 - Moody praises his dogs of war

DIRECTOR of cricket Tom Moody has heaped praise on his Worcestershire players for the character they showed in yesterday's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy quarter-final victory over Essex at New Road. The County, last season's beaten finalists, won

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16/06/04 - Crawford in Canada

DROITWICH Spa rugby star Nicky Crawford was part of the England Women's team that won 39-11 against hosts Canada in the Churchill Cup last Saturday.

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16/06/04 - Clubs can start campaign plans

IT may only be two months since Bromgrove RFC First XV's dramatic title victory at Derby but already the new fixtures have been released. Dean Ball's side now know who they will have to beat if they want success on their return to Midlands One. Six teams

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Double win

TWO teams from Rubery Juniors FC won finals at their annual tournament. The club's U9s A and U10s sides defeated Callowbrook B 1-0 and Arden Forest A 3-0 respectively in finals last Saturday. Leafield U13s beat Rubery 7-0 in their final on Sunday, while

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Junior league meeting

THE Mercian Festival Junior Football League holds its annual general meeting this Sunday. The meeting takes place at the Bell Inn, in St Johns, Worcester, at 8pm. There are still some vacancies in both mini soccer and youth football for next season. Boys

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Victory in Village Cup

EXHALL and Wixford cruised through to the last 32 of the npower Village Cup with a seven-wicket win at Offchurch last Sunday. Wicket keeper Graham Wickes clipped a legside six to clinch victory in the Leicestershire and Warwick-shire group final, a third

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Elmley's tons of runs!

ELMLEY Castle's Dave Wheatley scored a brace of centuries last week during what proved a prolific time for a trio of the club's batsmen. Wheatley was one of two players to pass three figures on a tour of Bournemouth before hitting 103 in his side's Cotswold

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Remain on Lord's trail

TOM Green was Dumbleton's hero as they edged into the last 32 of this year's npower Village Cup. Chasing Redmarley's 224-7, the Gloucestershire/Wiltshire One hosts looked dead and buried until Green arrived at the crease. The opening bowler hit an unbeaten

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June 19, 1954 50 years ago

BROMSGROVE Motors in Worcester Road was advertising the new Hillman Minx car for £470 plus £196 purchase tax. TO mark Bromsgrove School's quartercentenary of its foundation, which fell in Coronation year, the school presented the town with a sundial.

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June 18, 1904 100 years ago

CHEEKY Birmingham carpenter, William Yeates, appeared before Droitwich police court charged with trying to exchange a jug he had just stolen from the Swan pub, Upton Warren, for a pint of beer at the same hostelry. He had failed to note the jug had the

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Missed out on the count

I FEEL very let down by Wychavon District Council for I did not receive a voting paper. I opted for the postal vote as I thought it would be more convenient, but now I am wondering how many other voters didn't get the chance to voice their opinion on

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And whose money is it?

I READ with some interest Councillor Davey's recent comments on the newly proposed Droitwich Spa Health Centre and how we should all be thankful to those leading Tory figureheads at Wychavon - Councillors Meikle and Pearce - and how Wychavon will be putting

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Good service

I WAS very sorry to read of the impending closure of the Downing & Downing store in Bromsgrove. Some years ago I decided to buy a new televison. My first port of call was at Rumbelows (Remember them?) where my request for guidance as to the differences

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Health moves will help all

THE excellent news from central Government that Droitwich Spa is to get its health centre by 2006 is a real example of increased health service that will benefit all of our community. David Barlow, chairman of the Primary Care Trust, and Dr Anthony Kelly

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This is a local responsibility

CONTRARY to the impression given in a report on Bromsgrove District Council's problems, they have not occurred in the last two years (indeed, the indications are that significant progress has been made over this period) nor are they the personal responsibility

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Village life

I ALWAYS understood a village and its residents evolved around the school (where originally I believe - plans were made), the church and its village hall, which was a meeting place for recreational and social activities. These and the proverbial pub are

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Normal service not resumed

RECENTLY I attended a Bromsgrove District Council Spotlight meeting and, during open discussion, I mentioned the refuse situation had improved lately in our ward and collections had become regular. I should have known better! We were due to have a collection

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Win a Polo! Find out how you could win a brand new Volkswagon Polo E1.2, only in your Worcester Eve

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Health moves will help all

THE excellent news from central Government that Droitwich Spa is to get its health centre by 2006 is a real example of increased health service that will benefit all of our community. David Barlow, chairman of the Primary Care Trust, and Dr Anthony Kelly

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This is a local responsibility

CONTRARY to the impression given in a report on Bromsgrove District Council's problems, they have not occurred in the last two years (indeed, the indications are that significant progress has been made over this period) nor are they the personal responsibility

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Planners let Spa down

SINCE Wychavon was formed, the incompetence of planners and councillors alike has been dreadful from a Droitwich Spa point of view. Let us hope that Ms Jane Reeves, their senior planning officer, will take on board what is necessary to correct and change

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Fly-posting solution?

LOTS of Bromsgrove people are fed up with the fly-posted advertisements which endlessly litter the town. There seems to be no end to the number of computer courses, furniture sales, training programmes and so on. In addition to despoiling the town, these

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Dodd's delight

PERSHORE Golf Society's latest fixture found them travelling to the Welsh borders to play at Kington. Superb panoramic views from every tee complemented a course in perfect condition and excellent fast greens. The morning's nine-hole warm-up was a team

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Restore pride

THE Vale Golf and Country Club regained dented pride when drawing 4-4 with Evesham in the second leg of this season's annual fixture. However, Evesham were comfortable 10.5-4.5 winners overall despite a shock defeat for former Vale member Rob Smith in

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Ridley roars to fourth title

EVESHAM staged its annual Club Championship on Sunday when the fantastic condition so the course matched the weather. Played over 36 holes, the competition was wide open with only the final three-ball still to complete their morning round. With the three

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Magic of the Sands recreated

THE razzle dazzle of a night at the legendary Sands nightclub hits the Birmingham Hippodrome next month. Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin were the hippest, coolest cats around. The epitome of style, they were inseparable friends as well as

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Martial artist is in demand

A TOP martial arts instructor will be kicking off a new course of Tae Kwon-Do at a Worcestershire village hall. Leo Withers, who last month won a gold award at the British Tae Kwon-Do Championships, already teaches classes at Crowle Parish Hall, on Church

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Attack on countryside

IN the Evening News of Monday, May 31, Douglas Batchelor from the League Against Cruel Sports launched an unfounded attack on the countryside. He made an outrageous statement claiming that the hunting community was responsible for treating their neighbours

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Bromsgrove and District Flower Arranging Society

AT our meeting on May 20 we were delighted to welcome Alwyn Page, whose demonstration was entitled Riverdance. Alwyn's demonstration was based upon different rivers of the world, as well as the well-known musical, and was accompanied by music. Alwyn made

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There's no smoke without ire

I SUGGEST in future that N Taylor reads and digests the contents of a letter before he puts pen to paper (You Say, Thursday, June 3) May I also remind N Taylor that my letter only dealt with the single issue on the effect of passive smoking. I did not

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It's still a wonderful NHS, as I can testify

I ALWAYS read with dismay any letters that sometimes criticise Worcestershire Royal Hospital. Some people obviously have an unfortunate experience there. However, speak as you find. Cars and human bodies always break down at weekends, and especially on

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Meet the oracle

WASELEY Hills High School will be the only one in Worcestershire accredited to offer training as part of the Oracle Internet Academy. The training will be available from September after IT teacher Paul Cooke was selected to go to Los Angeles to learn

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16/6/04 - Worcester's new East Stand taking shape

WORCESTER Rugby Club's countdown to the Premiership has begun and a drawing has been completed of the new East Stand which will be erected in time for the start of the season. "Work is well advanced for the new East Stand at Sixways," said chairman Cecil

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We want a safer road

TOWN MP Julie Kirkbride is backing a scheme to turn a 'death-trap' road into a one-way street, writes Kate Hughes. Residents of Dayhouse Bank, in Romsley, say they have had enough of fast and dangerous driving causing accidents at all hours. The residents

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Police target town centre

A NEW dedicated police team is being set up to patrol Bromsgrove town centre, writes Kate Hughes. A sergeant, a beat manager and four officers, all operating from Bromsgrove police station, will patrol the town centre streets in a bid to reduce crime.

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12/6/04 - 'Chef' Smiley backs Delboy

WERNER Swanepoel is backing his 'sleeping partner' to wake up the Worcester crowd next season. The former Sixways skipper, who is embarking on a new restaurant business in Johannesburg back in South Africa, is delighted that Worcester have swooped for

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It's just the ticket

BUS passengers will be kept splash-free thanks to a district councillor who has fought to get them a shelter. Councillor Peter Whittaker (Con-Tardebigge) was contacted by two residents of Tardebigge who requested a shelter for their bus stop on the old

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Grieving mum's boost for church

NORMA Phillips has just completed a year without alcohol or chocolate - proving that good can come from tragedy. The 67-year-old former landlady from Marlbrook was devastated when her son Michael, who was just 35, died suddenly in his sleep a year ago

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Mum fears for kids' safety

A DESPERATE single mum fears her sons will go into a life of crime, violence and alcoholism if facilities in Catshill are not improved. Sharon Hudson, of Bourne Avenue, says she is frightened to let her two boys Jason, aged 11, and Liam, seven, out of

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Parking plague hits town street

A GROUP of disgruntled residents say they have had enough with people using their road as a car park since Bromsgrove District Council put up the town's parking charges. Glenys Murdoch, of Kenyon Close, claims since the district council put up the cost

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The Old Masters Birmingham Repertory Theatre (Runs until Saturday June 19)

THERE is much to admire about this new play, written by Simon Gray and directed by Harold Pinter, their ninth such collaboration. Set in Italy in 1937 it centres on an actual meeting between famous art historian Bernard Berenson (or BB) played by Edward

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Relax - your in good hans

A RELAXED weekend made a success of the twinning association's visit by their friends from Gronau. German visitors from Bromsgrove's twin town came for a four-day trip. They arrived last Thursday at the Council House, where they were met council chairman

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Litter will be the pick of the day

KEEN, green Spa residents are urged to don their gardening gloves and take part in a community litter pick this weekend. Spa folk in the Primsland area are being asked to lend a hand this Saturday, before the long-awaited development of the Spring Meadow

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Diving in at the deep end

THE Bromsgrove man who achieved worldwide acclaim with his revolutionary, remote controlled submarine disguised as the sea's most fearsome predator is planning to build a multi-million pound high-tech venture in his home town. Last year Roboshark, a realistic

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Bank on a winning crusade

AN unbeaten Astwood Bank notched up another victory to put them on top of the Crusader Worcester League division two. Skipper Alex Robinson missed his first game in more than six years at the weekend but his team did him proud as they rode to a six-wicket

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Weather boosts Euro turnout

summer sunshine helped lure voters out of the house last Thursday for the European elections. There was a turnout of 36 per cent, up from 24 per cent in 1999, in the West Midlands region, which includes Bromsgrove and Droitwich. Political commentators

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Victorious once more

Exhall and Wixford were crowned area champions of the National Village Knockout for the third time in four years on Sunday after a crushing seven wicket defeat of Offchurch. Skipper Simon Hollands won the toss and decided to put Offchurch into bat. And

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Ravenstone's Race for Life

ENERGETIC and kind-hearted staff at a Droitwich nursing home put their best feet forward for charity at the weekend. Administrator, Pearl Winchester, was one of 17 staff from Ravenstone Nursing Home, in St Andrew's Road, to take part in the Race for Life

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Anger over fish bar plan

A PROPOSAL to turn Wychbold Post Office into a fish bar and a fast food take away is causing a stink even before the first dish has been served. More than 40 local residents took their protest to Dodderhill Parish Council on Monday and won support for

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Cookhill so close

Cookhill narrowly missed out on a chance to go top of division six after losing to Ashorne by just one wicket. Batting first Cookhill struggled to 107 for 8 because of some tight bowling and fine fielding. Cookhill set up a close finish by removing nine

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You have three whole minutes starting now!

IF you are happy being single, I wouldn't bother to read the rest of this article. If not, read on because this might just be for you. How many times have you heard colleagues or friends complain that they are too busy to meet that special person. Their

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Companies blamed for fly-tipping

RESIDENTS wishing to get rid of their rubbish are being urged to check out collection companies following an influx of calls about fly-tipping. Wychavon District Council has received complaints about unwanted items being dumped district-wide, including

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Mark scoops top teaching award

A DEDICATED Spa teacher has been recognised and rewarded for his hard work and commitment in The Teaching Awards 2004. Droitwich Spa High School teacher, Mark Drew, was crowned regional winner of the Teacher Training Agency Award for Outstanding New Teacher

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Sharing the caring

DEDICATED staff have been on hand to offer support and advice in celebration of National Carers Week. Worcestershire County Council's Carers Unit was at Droitwich Library, in Victoria Square, on Monday, offering residents free information and help. Carer's

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Jet Get Born

AUSSIE rockers Jet have produced a mixed bag of the highest order with Get Born. Their first single from the album Are You Gonna Be My Girl hardly set the world alight so it's not surprising the rest of their work is of similar so-so-ness. However, there

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The Gingerbread Lady Festival Theatre, Malvern (Runs until Saturday June 19)

FOR two and a half hours on Monday night I didn't think of defensive errors, missed penalties or the word bungle - I was in 1970s New York, lost in Neil Simon's witty study of a recovering alcoholic. Both scenarios had their share of tears and trauma

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NETBALL: South African tour

A TALENTED netball player from Bromsgrove has been handed the opportunity to tour South Africa in a bid to further her career. Stacey Francis, a pupil at North Bromsgrove High School, is one of 14 girls nation wide who have been selected as part of a

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31/5/04 - Home tie can give us edge - Moody

TOM Moody hopes Worcestershire will take full advantage of being drawn at home in the quarter-final of the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy when they will meet Essex at New Road on Tuesday, June 15. The County, last season's beaten finalists, went into

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POINT-TO-POINT: Trainer takes the title

THERESA McCurrich has won the TBA Point-to-Point Owners and Riders Association club members maiden mares series. The Droitwich Spa trainer took the title with Sovereign Gale at the Melton Hunt meeting at Garthorpe last month. The horse, ridden by Mickey

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Springbok stars aid home revival

A SECOND successive maximum points haul has lifted Evesham off the foot of the Birmingham League Divi-sion Three table and well poised for further propulsion up the ladder. Saturday's Telford-based visitors were no match for a fired-up Avon Street outfit

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GOLF: Richard reaches final

A BROMSGROVE golfer has qualified for the final of a prestigious amateur tournament. Richard Yip, aged 35, reached the regional final of the Audi Quattro Cup by winning a 30-strong competition at Hawkstone Park, near Whitchurch, last Thursday. Yip now

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County help celebrations

TO MARK this year's 150th anniversary of Evesham Cricket Club, a Worcest-ershire CCC XI will be visiting Avon Street next Wednesday. The match will start at 11.30am and it's hoped that a strong side from New Road will be taking to the field. Admission

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Michelle targets a world crown

AFTER being crowned British triathlon champion at Wolverhampton, Michelle Kimberley now has her sights set on the World Biathle Championships. Success in Bavaria in September would cap a memorable year that has seen the Vale athlete in superb form. A

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Powles packs a punch

SOUTH African David Pow-les notched his maiden century as Pershore maintained their Worcestershire County League championship cha-rge. Powles hit an unbeaten 106 as the league leaders coasted to a seven-wicket win last Saturday after Netherton had rattled

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ATHLETICS: Record entry for races

A RECORD number of runners took part in one of Crowle's biggest fund raising events ever. More than 300 people entered the village's 10km road race last month while 162 field runners ran one mile around the village playing field. Richard Malin from Bromsgrove

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GOLF: Busy month for ladies

LADIES at Ombersley Golf Club have had another busy month of matches. Lynn Mamos set the standard by winning the May medal from Alison Fraser courtesy of a better back nine. The club had mixed fortunes in the Droitwich League, beating Bransford GC at

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County help celebrations

TO MARK this year's 150th anniversary of Evesham Cricket Club, a Worcest-ershire CCC XI will be visiting Avon Street next Wednesday. The match will start at 11.30am and it's hoped that a strong side from New Road will be taking to the field. Admission

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I was so scared but I knew the only option was to jump

A 24-YEAR-OLD nurse escaped with just minor injuries after leaping from her bedroom window as fire ripped through her home. Sheena Sebastian, who came from India to live in Exhall Close, Church Hill, just six weeks ago, was on her own in the five-bedroom

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Michelle targets a world crown

AFTER being crowned British triathlon champion at Wolverhampton, Michelle Kimberley now has her sights set on the World Biathle Championships. Success in Bavaria in September would cap a memorable year that has seen the Vale athlete in superb form. A

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Powles packs a punch

SOUTH African David Pow-les notched his maiden century as Pershore maintained their Worcestershire County League championship cha-rge. Powles hit an unbeaten 106 as the league leaders coasted to a seven-wicket win last Saturday after Netherton had rattled

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First reverse for Bards as Moreton make merry

SEVEN points separate the top four clubs in the Premier Division of the Cotswold Hills League after Stratford Bards lost their unbeaten record. Victory for Exhall and Wixford at Shipston means the reigning champions are relegated into second place, five

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Action now the talking's over

I WRITE to thank all who voted for Conservative candidates in last Thursday's elections - and those candidates and supporters who worked so hard throughout the campaign. The Conservative vote was actually larger than the Labour one. But boundary changes

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League meeting

THE annual general meeting of the Mercian Festival Junior League will take place at the Bell Inn, St Johns Worcester on Sunday starting at 8pm. The AGM will be followed by a league meeting and it's important that all clubs are represented. Clubs that

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Offer for students

IT'S Student Concession Day at Worcester Racecourse next Wednesday when, on production of a voucher available in advance of the day from the Pitchcroft office, students will get into the Tattersalls enclosure for just £5. The feature race of the day is

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Police given Koran

THE 'best' English translation of the Koran has been donated to Redditch police in attempt to give officers a better understanding of the Muslim religion. The book will be kept at the Grove Street station and will be accessible for both officers and prisoners

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Kidderminster Harriers FC - Fixtures and results - 2003/04

Pre-season friendlies Sat July 12 Evesham (a) 3-1 Lewis, J Williams, Paschalis Sun July 13 Stratford (a) 1-0 Ward Sat July 19 Boldmere (a) 6-1 (og), J Williams 2, Lightbourne, Wilding, Danks Mon July 21 Leicester (h) 1-1 Shilton Sat July 26 West Brom

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No bus cash is available

TO promise so-called free bus passes is frankly irresponsible, little better than a corrupt buying of votes, as the propagators with experience of the financing of council services well know. To commit £1 million in the subsidising of bus companies out

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Doing democracy proud

THROUGH your paper, I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart all the 512 people who took their valuable time out on a very hot, sunny day to vote for me in the local election in the whole of the Abbey Ward - from Church Hill North, Hither Green

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Sorry you didn't like our itinerary

IN response to J Johnson's letter (Advertiser, June 9), as members of the Friends of Auxerre who organised the recent twinning visit, we were pleased he had taken an interest in our activities but were sorry he thought we might have created a "bad impression

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Let's be happy to show patriotism

REGARDING your front page story about the council banning flags from its vehicles (June 9). How petty can they get? The Irish, Welsh and Scottish all celebrate their own Saint's day, but St George? No! Now we have a chance to celebrate England and St

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Acting flame keeps alight

A FINE Shakespearean acting tradition is being kept alive right here in Redditch. For eight-year-old actor Callum Muscroft, of Headless Cross, is the latest member of his family to perform the Bard. And it's not just his mother's and brother's footsteps

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Droitwich Spa RFC First XV fixtures 2004/05

HOME, away (Midlands Three West (South) fixtures unless stated) SEPTEMBER Sat 4 STRATFORD Sat 11 BARKERS BUTTS Sat 25 Hereford OCTOBER Sat 2 OLD LEAMINGTONIANS Sat 9 Pershore Sat 23 SILHILLIANS Sat 30 Bedworth NOVEMBER Sat 13 EARLSDON Sat 20 Ledbury DECEMBER

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Alcester Conservative Wives

THE May meeting was held at the home of Mrs Mary Madge. Brian More, a former District Governor and founder member of the Rotary Club of Birmingham Breakfast, was the speaker for the evening. He spoke of the work he and his fellow Rotarians are involved

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Privileged head says farewell

A HEADTEACHER who is leaving a Wythall high school said the pupils' pride and loyalty is what she will miss most. Head of Woodrush Community High School, Melanie Warnes, will be taking up a headship in Bristol when she leaves the Shawhurst Lane school

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Do you know my mother?

FIFTY-four years after being left at Redditch bus station by his mother, a former Warwickshire cricketer has put bitterness behind him and decided to track down the family he never knew. Gary Sealey, 58, who now lives in Lincolnshire, has decided to let

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Bromsgrove & District Flower Arranging Society

AT the May meeting, Alwyn Page gave a demonstration entitled Riverdance. It was based upon different rivers of the world as well as the well-known stage show and was accompanied by music. Alwyn made five beautiful arrangements, which were raffled at the

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Crabbs Cross & Hunt End WI

SUE Lawson welcomed members and visitors to the June meeting, an open meeting. Notices were given of the forthcoming Redditch Arts Festival and skittles evening and orders were taken for 2005 calendars and diaries. Afternoon tea parties have raised £77.50

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Merry Wives of Alcester

AT the June 8 meeting, members enjoyed another outstanding and inspiring flower arranging demonstration by Mark Garvie. His demonstration was interspersed with useful tips and humorous comments. Mark drew inspiration for his first arrangement from his

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Tribute to war veteran

A REDDITCH man who served in the Second World War died as fellow veterans all over the country were commemorating D-Day. Albert Art, known to family and friends as Bert, died aged 79 on Sunday, June 6. A familiar face around the town, the former Royal

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Studley Daytime WI

THE June 2 meeting opened on a pleasant note, welcoming several visitors who may become members. There followed an interesting and informative talk by paramedic Dave Byre and his assistant, Wayne Blackwell, from St John Ambulance. Members heard of the

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Wythall History Society

CORA Weaver, who has written a number of books about people and places in and around Malvern, gave her thoughts on why Malvern has a special place in English history. The hills themselves, once covered by the sea, were formed hundreds of millions of years

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Wythall WI

FOR a change, the speaker for the evening, Nicholas Clarke, opened the meeting with his talk and film show on Rail around India. He kept everyone fascinated by his account of a very unusual ''package'' holiday organised by a company called Butterfields

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Rocking all over the town

FORMER Status Quo drummer Jeff Rich got Oak Hill First School rocking yesterday when he dropped in to spend time with the children. The drummer was at the Wirehill Drive School to teach youngsters in Years 2, 3 and 4 a little about the history of drumming

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Violence is at top of agenda

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to stamp out domestic violence and stop it being culturally regarded as the norm in Redditch's Asian community. The town's Pakistan Community Forum has started to receive several reports of domestic violence within the community

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Sheds are destroyed

TWO garden sheds were destroyed after a fire broke out in Eathorpe Close, Matchborough, at 9pm last Wednesday. Several houses nearby also suffered external smoke damage. A police spokesman said: "Fortunately, no-one was hurt but it could easily have been

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Pub stops parents parking

THE disgruntled landlords of a Redditch pub cordoned off their car park last week because they are so fed up with parents using it when they drop off their children at school. "To make a point", the Red Lion car park in Astwood Bank was roped off at the

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Yes, our band wins!

REDDITCH rock band My Girl Sleeps were the winners in the live final of Carlton TV's Music Uncovered on Friday night. They polled more than 56 percent of the vote to beat the other three finalists. Dave Humphries, the band's songwriter, said: "This is

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Lid lifted on needle tin display

PEOPLE can take a fascinating trip down memory lane at Redditch's Forge Mill Needle Museum with an exhibition of old gramophone needle tins, many associated with the town. The collection, which went on display this week, is owned by Ruth Lambert, who

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Mickleton book date at finals

TWO wins without conceding saw Mickleton Primary School reach the finals of this year's Schools Shinty competition. The opening skirmishes of the popular annual event were staged at Chipping Campden School last week when three schools battled for superiority

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Torch parade at Festival

CHIPPING Campden School is playing host to a Top Link Festival for their partner Primary Schools this summer. It's Olympic year and next week's theme is the Olympics when the festival takes place next Wednesday, June 23 when junior sports leaders from

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Parsons fights back on dry land

SUNDAY brought a mixed day for local triathletes completing in the Shropshire Triathlon, part of the BTA National Ranking Series, in Ellesmere. Again it was Michelle Parsons of Worcester Tri Club who took the plaudits finishing third overall and first

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Ideal for Open Day

WARM sun, coupled with a whisper of a breeze, greeted the visitors to the Defford club for Sunday's Open Day. A good crowd of visitors of all ages enjoyed what for many was their first taste of sailing. There's a training course for beginners and improvers

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Ben's wrong turn!

DESPITE the threatened rain and traffic lights on the intended 25-mile course, eight riders from Evesham Wheelers tur-ned out to ride twice around the ten-mile Wormington circuit. The more sporting nature of the course suited some more than others and

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Everything ready for a Jubbley day

STUDLEY will once again become the focus for a whole weekend of entertainment, arts and fun with the third incarnation of the Studley Jubbley celebrations. The event was first conceived two years ago as part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations

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Market was streets ahead!

HATS off to Alcester High Bailiff Keith Tomlinson and his team for a very successful street market on Sunday. The weather brought out the crowds to witness and take part in the many activities on offer. The theme for the day was Mad Hatters and many entered

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Home help for village

A HOUSING association is hoping to help young Studley people get a foothold on the housing ladder in the village after it acquired 24 homes. Warwickshire Rural Housing Association, which manages 300 homes county-wide, has taken management of 24 extra

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Teaming up for software

AN EVESHAM computer manufacturer has teamed up with one of Europe's leading internet and directories companies. Evesham Technology has entered into an exclusive PC pre-load partnership and distribution agreement with Wanadoo, a subsidiary of France Telecom

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It's Victorious Carpets Ltd!

A KIDDERMINSTER carpet manufacturer has won the title of Best Service of the Year and Best Product for the second year running. Victoria Carpets Limited was awarded the accolades by the 140-member buying group, Greendale Carpets, for its efficient service

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MP: City could benefit

SHOP Direct has announced up to 1,000 jobs could go over the next three years as part of a restructuring programme - but Worcester seems set to escape job losses. The company bought the catalogue division of GUS Home Shopping last year, including the

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Market booster

ALCESTER'S bid for a Farmers' Market has been welcomed by Warwickshire producers. But they warn the plans could be scuppered because of the lack of parking in the town. Mike Wilkes, chairman of the county steering group, said: "We've had our eye on Alcester

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Keep on rolling

IT'S more than 70 years old but still comes in handy. Headless Cross-based Prudden Road Surfacing still uses one of the first petrol driven road rollers for the odd driveway. The machine is a 1933 Wallis and Stevens three-tonne dead-weight roller powered

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Charity match will honour Pauline

A CHARITY fishing match is being held in memory of a fishing tackle shop-owner's wife who lost her battle against cancer. Mick Harper, who owns Studley Fishing Tackle, lost his wife Pauline three years ago. He set up his own shop in Studley High Street

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Ducks race off for the bright lights

BIDFORD went quackers on Sunday to try to raise funds for the village Christmas lights. The annual duck race took place on the River Avon, as punters watched from the banks on Big Meadow. The event was organised by members of the Bidford lights committee

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MP urges reform

ALCESTER MP John Maples has introduced a Bill calling for a fully appointed House of Lords. The aim of the Bill is to break the deadlock surrounding the issue of House of Lords reform since February 2003 when the House of Commons and House of Lords failed

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First of song celebrations

EXPECTATIONS are high for the first in a series of summertime concerts celebrating English song at Tardebigge Church. 'Earth and Air and Rain' will be performed by baritone singer Stephen Varcoe (above) and accompanied by Iain Burnside on the piano at

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Fun run raises charity cash

RUNNERS in this year's Inkberrow fun run raised £600 for the MS Trust and the Millennium Green Trust, as well as supporting their own chosen charities. The re-instated and re-routed run, held on Sunday, June 6, attracted 172 runners, joggers, walkers

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Band back

A TOE-tapping night on the tiles awaits members of the Rubery and Rednal Royal British Legion Club next month. Popular sixties band Mischief will be revisiting the New Road club on Friday, July 2. Guests of members are welcome and the fun kicks off at

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UCW pollen expert at top London show

A POLLEN specialist at a Worcester research unit will be giving a talk at what is believed to be the UK's first every allergy show. Professor Jean Emberlin, director of the National Pollen Research Unit, based at University College Worcester, will hold

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It's a G&S treat

LOVERS of classic light-hearted entertainment will be given a treat later this month when two Gilbert and Sullivan productions are performed. The first, a delightful abridged operetta Utopia (Somewhat) Limited, is being put on at the Conquest Theatre,

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Wrestling rumble at centre

COLOURFUL costumes and plenty of fun will be up for grabs when an American Wrestling Rumble is held at The Green Centre, off Gresham Road, Dines Green, Worcester. Sixteen men will be taking to the ring for the event on Friday, June 25. Sam Daniels, known

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Vandals target boats

SCHOOLCHILDREN threw bricks and other missiles at boats in a Kempsey boatyard on two occasions last month. Beat manager PC Alan Naulls said it was possible they also used a catapult to fire marbles at the Court Meadow Boatyard of Seaborne Yacht Company

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Tories are biggest party

THE Conservatives have become the largest party on Wyre Forest District Council following the local elections held on Thursday. Health Concern, which had previously been the majority party, saw its number of seats halved, from 15 to eight. Their major

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Master class glass

A COLLECTION of glass sculptures has been shedding light on the gardens at Ragley Hall for the past two weeks. Ever Changing Light features the work of sculptors, mainly from the north-east, whose challenging masterpieces would enhance any outdoor space

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All change!

IT WAS all change at Alcester Ladies Probus Club when Marian Buchanan handed over the presidential chain to Joan Woodfield. The club, formed in 1990 as a lunch club for retired ladies, held its annual meeting at Kings Court Hotel, where members meet on

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Tattooed knifeman robs boy

A MAN with a distinctive Chinese symbol tattoo on the top of his left arm subjected a 15-year-old boy to a terrifying robbery in Arrow Valley Park. The teenager was cycling under the Warwick Highway towards Woodrow at about 5.30pm last Tuesday when he

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Stefan joins racing's elite

HE had never raced a touring car before but Headless Cross wonderkid Stefan Hodgetts raced against Europe's elite in Ireland at the weekend. And despite not finishing any of the three rounds his team have employed him for the rest of the BTCC season.

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Pensioner, 80, duped by conman

AN 80-year-old woman had money stolen after a man posing as a water company official duped his way into her Southcrest home. The man claimed he needed to check the colour of the water following an explosion and after being allowed in, he asked the woman

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Brenda boys on a mission

ALCESTER'S fencing Brenda family had a good showing at the Birmingham International Fencing Tournament against some sharp opposition. Sabre fencer, Thomas Brenda, 17, (pictured above) made light work of most of the other international competitors and

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A final to remember

STUDLEY Tennis Club hosted the third Prudden Road Surfacing Charity Cup Final on Saturday and the finalists did not disappoint. In a scintillating display of tennis, last years' Summer South Warwickshire Prudden League champions Stratford took on Littletons

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Bromsgrove RFC First XV fixtures 2004/05

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

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Alex in search of folk to care

VOLUNTEERS with a good bedside manner are being sought to support a scheme which offers help and advice to patients at the Alexandra Hospital. The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) was created at the Alexandra at the end of last year following

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Speared in Groin by Spike

A WARNING has gone out to DIY-ers after a Worcester man was impaled on a wooden stake in a terrifying accident yesterday. Brian Tame, aged 52, had a lucky escape when the stake missed his bowel after the freak fall at his Bilford Road home. A neighbour

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Music in the garden for volunteers

A COLOURFUL garden party was held to say thank you to kind-hearted Age Concern volunteers. The event which is an annual occasion, was held by Age Concern Herefordshire and Worcestershire. More than 120 volunteers were invited to the party, at Greyfriars

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Drink-driver traumatised by colleague's death

A WORKMATE of a man killed in a horror lorry crash has admitted drink-driving just days after the death of his friend of eight years. Anthony Jennings was caught outside the Dillons One-Stop shop in Evesham High Street on Saturday, June 5, with an alcohol

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Patients forced to wait for drugs

CANCER sufferers in Worcestershire are the victims of a "postcode lottery" in receiving drugs to fight the disease, a shocking Government report has claimed. The report ranked the Three Counties, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, as the

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Police scour files for county links with murderer Montes

POLICE havetrawled through their files to determine whether a sex fiend who murdered a 13-year-old schoolgirl in a French hostel committed any crimes in Worcestershire. Francisco Arce Montes was jailed for 30 years on Monday for killing Cornish teenager

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Morris Minor event

THE hills will be alive with the sound of classic cars motoring to an annual rally at the weekend. The Malvern Hills branch of the Morris Minor Owners' Club will be holding the rally at the National Trust's Brockhampton Estate, near Bromyard, on Sunday

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Green's pot of Gold-ing

JAMES Golding wrote himself into Barnt Green Cricket Club history with an amazing nine-wicket haul. Golding, aged 26, took a stunning 9-55 in the First XI's three-wicket victory against Walsall at Cherry Hill Road last Saturday. It is a new record for

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More surfers log on

MORE web-surfers than ever are calling up Worcester City Council's fast-expanding website. Visitors accessing the www.cityofworcester.gov.uk rose from around 500 a day last year to 842 a day this year between February and April. Over the three months,

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What a difference at school slammed by the inspectors

SCHOOL inspectors have heaped praise on a "vibrant" Worcestershire school, which has improved dramatically since it came out of special measures two years ago. Standards in all areas of the curriculum are rising at The Sladen Church of England Middle

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League meeting

THE annual general meeting of the Mercian Festival Junior League will take place at the Bell Inn, St Johns Worcester on Sunday starting at 8pm. The AGM will be followed by a league meeting and it's important that all clubs are represented. Clubs that

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Arrows march all over Saints

Oxford Saints 14 Redditch Arrows 20 REDDITCH Arrows secured their first win in six attempts against Oxford Saints in their latest gridiron game. After their short trip down the M40 the Arrows finally laid their hoodoo to rest with a last minute touchdown

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Rangers take title

Hunt End Rangers U8s captured the Central Warwickshire Youth Football League title after winning 15 out of 18 games. Leading goal scorers Adam Laight, Tom Harbor and Ryan Kite clocked up 78 goals for the team while keeper Brandon Spridgeon kept eleven

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Moody praises his dogs of war

DIRECTOR of cricket Tom Moody has heaped praise on his Worcestershire players for the character they showed in yesterday's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy quarter-final victory over Essex at New Road. The County, last season's beaten finalists, won

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Killeen off to Athens

MALVERN mountain biker Liam Killeen is to compete for Team GB in the Athens Olympic Games which get under way in August. The 22-year-old was winner on the Olympic course at the trial event last October and top under 23 rider in the 2003 World Cup. He

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Golden treble for Worcester

WORCESTER Rowing Club bagged a hat-trick of golds at the National Veterans Championships in Nottingham. The men's Senior squad, coached by Andy Gallop and Martin Lloyd, won gold in the veteran B eights category (average age 35 years old), beating crews

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Worcester's new East Stand taking shape

WORCESTER Rugby Club's countdown to the Premiership has begun and a drawing has been completed of the new East Stand which will be erected in time for the start of the season. "Work is well advanced for the new East Stand at Sixways," said chairman Cecil

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Smith and Leatherdale the heroes

A CRUCIAL partnership between Ben Smith and David Leatherdale helped give Worcestershire the edge in their 21-runs victory over Es-sex in yesterday's Cheltenham & Glou-cester Trophy quarter-final at New Road. After winning the toss, the County slipped

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Lear for RSC

THE RSC continues its Tragedies season with King Lear, performed at Stratford's Royal Shakespeare Theatre from Friday. Directed by Bill Alexander, the play sees Corin Redgrave as Lear in a role described as "monumental". It follows the story of a king

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Brian skipped his way back to health

BRIAN Harvey knew he was carrying a few pounds of weight too many and was possibly not leading the healthiest of lifestyles. However, he still enjoyed swimming and the occasional weekend away, walking the UK's hills and through the countryside. He certainly

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15/6/04 - Smith leads Worcs fight

Worcestershire were looking down the barrel in today's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy quarter-final at New Road. After 43 overs, the County were facing an uphill struggle at 163-6 as Essex continued to dominate. Worcestershire, who won the toss and

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16/06/04 - Clubs can start campaign plans

IT may only be two months since Bromgrove RFC First XV's dramatic title victory at Derby but already the new fixtures have been released. Dean Ball's side now know who they will have to beat if they want success on their return to Midlands One. Six teams

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Former England star to be coach

ANDY Sinton is staying with Bromsgrove Rovers as a coach. The former England international spent the final six games of last season with the club. And he has agreed to stay on to help with coaching although work commitments mean he won't be signing as

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Mike is a top referee

A REFEREE from Droitwich Spa has been named one the best in the country for small-sided leagues. Mike Moffait, of Coppice Way, was voted one of the top ten officials for six-a-side soccer by the small-sided football council and the United Kingdom Indoor

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County cracker is on the cards

ONE of the highest profile sporting events for many years arrives in Stratford tomorrow when Warwic-kshire play host to Lancashire in a Frizzell County Championship cricket clash, writes Mervyn Collins. A weekend of top quality action is guaranteed as

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Badsey at top of form

ANOTHER impressive all-round display saw Badsey consolidate their position at the head of Division Six in the Worcestershire County League. It proved a bit of an up and down afternoon at Hewell despite the emphatic margin of victory after the visitors

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Angling round-up

BILL Drew (Bewdley) yet again showed his carp pool skills at Tuesday's Northfield Veterans contest at Woodland View's Deans pool. Staked at peg one he pole fished meat over corn feed to take an 83-6-0 catch. Ken Giles (Alvechurch) was second with 57-4

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First reverse for Bards as Moreton make merry

SEVEN points separate the top four clubs in the Premier Division of the Cotswold Hills League after Stratford Bards lost their unbeaten record. Victory for Exhall and Wixford at Shipston means the reigning champions are relegated into second place, five

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Preparing for fun in the sun at playtime

MOST of us can't wait for the sunny weather to kick in, with adults and children alike swapping their computers and TV sets for the garden or park. However, as school jumpers are left at home and sleeves rolled up, so alarm bells begin ringing for teachers

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June 15, 1979 25 years ago

BROMSGROVE Rovers manager, Roy Martin, had acted swiftly to shore up his depleted side after seven first team members, including John Dyer, left. He had signed four players and was hard on the trail of a further six. Among the new men was goalie Mickey

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Alex staff show how to care for their patients

I FULLY realise and appreciate the fact I am not one of the unfortunate people waiting nine months for urgent treatment, but I have got cancer and have had two major operations since December 2003 In that time I feel I would like to shout it from the

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Planners let Spa down

SINCE Wychavon was formed, the incompetence of planners and councillors alike has been dreadful from a Droitwich Spa point of view. Let us hope that Ms Jane Reeves, their senior planning officer, will take on board what is necessary to correct and change

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Fly-posting solution?

LOTS of Bromsgrove people are fed up with the fly-posted advertisements which endlessly litter the town. There seems to be no end to the number of computer courses, furniture sales, training programmes and so on. In addition to despoiling the town, these

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A mountainous effort

REDDITCH air cadets went the extra mile recently, and indeed the extra mountain, to raise cash for a good cause. A team of three cadets and two staff from 216 (Redditch) Sqn ATC set themselves the arduous challenge of walking 50km over the 15 highest

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Alex staff show how to care for their patients

I FULLY realise and appreciate the fact I am not one of the unfortunate people waiting nine months for urgent treatment, but I have got cancer and have had two major operations since December 2003. In that time I feel I would like to shout it from the

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Missed out on the count

I FEEL very let down by Wychavon District Council for I did not receive a voting paper. I opted for the postal vote as I thought it would be more convenient, but now I am wondering how many other voters didn't get the chance to voice their opinion on

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And whose money is it?

I READ with some interest Councillor Davey's recent comments on the newly proposed Droitwich Spa Health Centre and how we should all be thankful to those leading Tory figureheads at Wychavon - Councillors Meikle and Pearce - and how Wychavon will be putting

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Good service

I WAS very sorry to read of the impending closure of the Downing & Downing store in Bromsgrove. Some years ago I decided to buy a new televison. My first port of call was at Rumbelows (Remember them?) where my request for guidance as to the differences

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Village life

I ALWAYS understood a village and its residents evolved around the school (where originally I believe - plans were made), the church and its village hall, which was a meeting place for recreational and social activities. These and the proverbial pub are

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Normal service not resumed

RECENTLY I attended a Bromsgrove District Council Spotlight meeting and, during open discussion, I mentioned the refuse situation had improved lately in our ward and collections had become regular. I should have known better! We were due to have a collection

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Get a licence!

THE long-awaited new coarse fishing season on rivers and streams started yesterday and an Environment Agency rod licence is a legal requirement. Anyone fishing without one risks a fine of up to £2,000 with the all the revenue from sales ploughed back

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What's on guide

Wednesday, June 16 Ballet: La Fille mal Gardee, Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Until Saturday. Show: The Woman in Black, Alexandra Theatre, Station Road, Birmingham. Until Saturday. Show: Abbamania, Grand Theatre, Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton

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Prize slot on offer

QUALIFICATION for the prestigious Shakespeare Wych-avon Festival on Sunday, August 29 is the prize for the winner of next month's Evesham and District Angling Association's Junior and Intermediate Championships. Sponsored by Shakespeare and Midland Angler

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Getting fitter

SUN-worshippers can bask in the extra hours of daylight on the summer solstice while getting some gentle exercise at the same time. The popular Walks for Health group, run by Bromsgrove District Council, is offering an evening walk to mark to longest

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Victory for Vic after Rob lands new Manor record

VIC Woods was the winner of the Evening Spring League after last Monday's final round fished on the Boundary Pool at Manor Farm Leisure. However, it was Nick Paddock of Bidford who won this week's contest after a close-fought tussle with Mike Bruton and

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Crowds expected to flock to show

MORE than 100,000 visitors are expected for the Three Counties Countryside Show on June 18, 19 and 20. The event, at the Malvern showground, is going from strength to strength, with the number of livestock entries up by about 500 this year. The increase

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Sucks appeal

TALKING of leeches (You Say, John Hinton, Monday, June 7) I well remember Humphrey Bogart in The African Queen getting out of a river with his body covered in leeches. I was 14 at the time (1951). GEORGE COWLEY, Warndon, Worcester.

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Falcons

VISITORS to Hanbury Hall this Father's Day (Sunday) will be getting an extra treat when the stunning mansion near Droitwich Spa hosts its first ever falconry displays. Trevor Hill, of Tenbury Wells, will be displaying his impressive selection of birds

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Unborn babies in peril

FULL marks to Matthew A Clarke's letter (You Say, Saturday, June 5), regarding people's ignorance of the abortion pill. It is apparent to some people that free love and sex is for recreational purposes, and not for procreation, as it's meant to be. The

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Spadesbourne Ladies Club

CHEERFUL chairman, Betty Long, opened the meeting and welcomed members and visitors, saying she hoped everyone would enjoy the evening. She followed this with a brief reference to her recent holiday in India and its almost inevitable repercussions from

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Rosehill Flower Arrangement Society

THE May meeting of the Rosehill Flower Arrangement Society saw a pleasant but different approach from our normal meetings. This time we had a speaker, Betty Houghton, who gave us the most fascinating facts about monasteries, the flowers and herbs that

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Thousands of deaths are the reality of war

GEORGE Cowley was right to point to the civilian deaths in Iraq as "the worst part of the invasion" (You Say, Tuesday, June 8). Behind the geopolitical issues of power politics and international legality, thousands of very real tragedies were enacted

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Salwarpe WI

HAVING welcomed all members and guests to the meeting, Margaret Ward thanked those who had sponsored her son, Adam, in the London Marathon. He raised £250 for Acorns Hospice. Members were reminded of forthcoming events, which have all been organised as

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Wychbold WI

The resolution meeting was held on May 10 when the three resolutions to be voted on at the AGM in Sheffield this summer were explained and debated. These were (a) The growing of GM crops in the UK, presented by Wendy Hyatt. There was a majority vote by

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Does your dog have the waggiest tail? - Countdown to the carnival

DON'T be surprised if you see a procession of fun seekers heading towards Sanders Park on Sunday clutching cherished family heirlooms and with their pet dogs in tow. There's no need to worry, it's just people off to take part in two new events which are

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Grip lost on Penn

DROPPED catches proved the difference as Redditch slumped to an eight wicket defeat at home to Penn on Saturday. Redditch were put into bat and made a poor start, losing four early wickets, but Hugh Humphries, 39, with Guy Muspratt, 81 not out, steadied

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Time to get arty

TOTS at Tardebigge First School got their paint shirts out for a day of educational artwork. Artist-in-residence Eilish Berrow dropped in for the joint initiative between the reception class at the Church Lane school and the Sunshine Playgroup of Bentley

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Tributes to campaigner

TRIBUTES have been flooding in for a devoted Save A Lido Today (SALT) campaigner and much-loved member of the community, who has died. About 100 residents paid their last respects to David Parkinson at Droitwich Baptist Church, in Ombersley Street East

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Keep on running

SARAH Bond is preparing to give her body an MOT with a difference by taking part in the Great North Run. The 31-year-old, from Friarscoft in Bromsgrove, will be raising money for the fight against cancer when she takes part in the 13 mile run from Newcastle

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Birds on show

VISITORS to Hanbury Hall will be in for a treat this month when its first ever falconry displays are staged. Trevor Hill, of Tenbury Wells, will display his selection of birds of prey on the orangery lawn twice at the event, at 1.30pm and 3pm this Saturday

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Sixth anniversary

CHARFORD Multi-Agency Resource Centre celebrated its sixth anniversary with a fun day and a range of community activities. The centre, in Humphrey Avenue, is used by hundreds of people every week. It operates as a youth club, community, family and healthy

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SNOOKER: Five-star team

FIVE snooker players have hit tip top form to win a title for the first time in 25 years. Martin Quinney, Allan Pickerill, Mark Sutton, Stuart Watson and Alan Kirkham were all victorious to claim the Worcestershire Inter-League cup. The team, who all

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Time for a shindig

FANS of the performing arts are being given the chance to enjoy top class entertainment right on their own doorstep. Bromsgrove District Council has teamed up with other local authorities to support Shindig - Worcestershire's new rural and community touring

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Pedal power

A YOUNG Spa girl pedalled her way to success when she completed the Hearts First Bike Ride. Six-year-old Alexandra Elsey was the youngest rider to complete the bike ride on June 6. Alexandra (pictured) joined more than 200 riders at the event, which started

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In hot water over Lido claims

CLAIMS that £1m may be available for the Spa's ailing lido attraction are "premature" according to Wychavon District Council. Members of SALT, the Save A Lido Today campaign, met with the council's leader, Councillor Martin Jennings, to discuss the future

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Alex wins a VIP day out

LITTLE Alex Handy and her family are set to enjoy a VIP day out at the Gardeners's World Live Show thanks to the youngster's green fingered growing skills. This Saturday's trip to the NEC follows Alex's winning entry in the regional heat of the national

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'It was just a bad day'

"A BAD day at the office" was how Wythall vice captain Matthew Elwell described their 113 run defeat against then bottom of the table Offchurch and Lapworth. The visitors went to Silver Street and knocked an impressive 232 all out thanks mainly to Merrillier's

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Festival sounds like a winner

ROCK, pop, jazz and brass will have feet tapping and hearts pounding at the new Droitwich Spa Music Festival. Sounds, organised by the Sounds Music Festival Committee and supported by Wychavon District Council, runs from Sunday, July 4 to Saturday, July

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Alcester in derby win

ALCESTER and Ragley Park CC recorded their first win of the season against neighbours Bidford. Bidford captain Macer Nash but Alcester into bat and made 223-6 in their 45 overs. The new look opening partnership of Greenway and Strain added 100 for the

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Get in the swing

GOLF enthusiasts are being urged to perfect their swing and raise much-needed cash for charity. The Rotary Club of Droitwich Spa will be holding its annual Charity Golf Day at the prestigious Droitwich Golf and Country Club on Wednesday, July 7. Last

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Countdown to appeal launch

ST Richard's Hospice will celebrate 20 years of care next month with a public appeal to help fund its future -- a new £5.25m hospice including the first specialist beds for patients in South Worcestershire. Appeal organisers will launch the St Richard's

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Supergrass Supergrass is 10 - The Best of 94-04

They started out as cheeky chappies looking like they were on their way to a 70s fancy dress party. But this faintly ridiculous image belied Supergrass' absolute talent for downright superb songwriting, distilled beautifully on this retrospective on their

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Eric Bibb Friends

Eric Bibb has always been something of a tough cookie when it comes to finding a pigeon hole wide enough for his trademark Panama Hat. His finger-picking guitar style hails back to some heavyweight Blues influences but his choice of song has also seen