Archive

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Centre hosts open day

AN animal rescue centre is to host an open day at the weekend to raise funds and awareness. Danemere Animal Rescue cares for dogs, cats and other animals that have been abandoned and mistreated. The centre is entirely funded by donations and needs money

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Alcohol charity to mark 25th birthday

A CHARITY that helps people with alcohol problems in Worcestershire is to celebrate its 25th birthday next month. The Hereford and Worcester Advisory Service on Alcohol was founded in a small office in the now demolished Powick Hospital in 1979. Since

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Judgement on travellers due

A LOCAL authority is playing a "waiting game" to see if its appeal to the High Court for an injunction to force a group of travellers off land near Eckington is successful. Wychavon District Council served an eviction notice on travellers earlier this

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It's Snakeskin, rattle and roll

A ROCK band is looking for a gravelly vocalist with bags of the X-factor to complete their line-up for a summer jam-packed with gigs. New Bromsgrove band Snakeskin are searching for a singer who can help propel them to the big time but most of all, who

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Lotto win for history survey

CONSERVATIONISTS in Ledbury are celebrating after a £34,000 grant was secured to carry out a study of historic buildings on the town's old hospital site. Herefordshire Council has successfully secured a £34,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to

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'Less pay' claim shot down

WEST Mercia Constabulary has disputed claims staff in Worcestershire and Herefordshire are likely to receive less in their wage packets than counterparts elsewhere in the UK. The alleged low pay offered by the force has been highlighted in a study by

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Spurred into action

HORSE owners in Worcestershire are being warned that they have until the end of this month to apply for new passports for their animals. Worcestershire County Council's trading standards department are advising horse owners that they should contact Department

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Fun with drums!

Pupils at Worcester's Lyppard Grange Primary School, in Ankerage Green, Warndon Villages, had a banging good time learning about different cultures during a recent Multicultural Week.

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Our MP must not fool herself

IN her Letter from Westminster (June 9), Jacqui Smith MP stated the Government is standing up for hard-pressed council taxpayers. Is she not aware that in the last seven years, this Labour Government has allowed council tax to rise by 80 per cent with

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Thanks to all who voted

A PERSONAL thank you to everyone who voted to re-elect me in Abbey ward. Once again, Abbey had the highest turnout in the town at 45.9 per cent and you gave me 40 per cent of the votes. Adam Isherwood and I received a warm reception and positive words

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What a mess he left for us!

THE figures for voting in the local election were Labour 39.4 per cent, Conservatives 38 per cent and Liberal Democrats 22.5 per cent . Gavin Smithers thinks 38 per cent is more than 39.4 per cent (Letters, June 16). Can he count? Politicians are wrong

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Why no callers at my door?

I SHOULD like to inquire, through your newspaper, regarding the run-up to the recent local election, where all the candidates were. Not one of them knocked on my door to introduce themselves. It is interesting and valuable, I think, to be able to have

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Job well done by binmen

A REMARKABLE thing happened in my road this morning. The wheelie bin vehicle reversed all the way down, very skilfully as always, and found they couldn't get to the end of the road because of parked vehicles. Immediately in front of three houses without

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Letter from Westminster - Jacqui Smith MP

Unusually, I wasn't in Redditch last Friday but in Parliament instead. There were two important Private Members' Bills being considered that I wanted to support. Private Members' Bills are an opportunity for backbench MPs to get laws made outside of the

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Hospital order

A JUDGE has told a violent offender that hospital treatment is his best option. Andrew Clarke, aged 22, of Wishaw Close, Redditch, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm. Michael Aspinall, defending, said he would be asking for a hospital order after

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A fine 'knight' as Joan 'scores' with us all . . .

Review - Full Circle at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, until June 26. POLISHED, professional, perfection - use them in any order and all would cover this excellent Parisian-based comedy which was delivered with such panache and pace. It was theatre and

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Dinesy brings a ray of sunshine

IF you spot a welcome ray of light breaking through the unseasonal gloom, today, it's almost certainly the one that's shining on Dines Green. It's a few years since the Worcester housing estate began to shed the image that had gone before it - shabby,

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Perkins seals Arrows victory

REDDITCH Arrows are flying high again following their comfortable 20-6 victory over an improving Plymouth Admirals team. And they will be looking for more of the same this weekend when they come face to face with fellow title hopefuls South Wales Warriors

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Trowels at the ready!

THE beautiful garden at the Alexandra Hospital, which is lovingly maintained by the League of Friends, has reopened for the summer. The garden, which is next to the coffee shop, is much appreciated by thousands of patients each year and gives them and

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Charity race a turbo treat

TURBO-CHARGED Super Saloons will be among the cars roaring around Radford's autograss circuit this weekend - and it will all be for charity. Drivers from all over the country are expected to converge on the village on Sunday for the ten-class meeting

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New room will ease meetings

The new multi-disciplinary meeting room at the Alexandra Hospital has now been completed and is ready for use. The facility, financed by the League of Friends, will provide a fully equipped meeting place for multi-disciplinary clinical teams to optimise

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Ladies need new leader

Redditch United Women's FC are on the look out for a new reserve team manager. Jerry Lawrence has stepped down after serving the club for the last four years. Redditch United WFC's Janet Lawrence said: "This is a demanding job, but the right person will

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Stars dish up a treat

A FEAST of stars appears in Moira Buffini's Dinner at Malvern's Festival Theatre from Monday as part of a national tour. Described as a "wicked comedy", the play has enjoyed sell-out seasons in the West End and stars Stephanie Beacham, Gaby Roslin and

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After 777 years, Worcester now has its first-ever Asian Mayor

WORCESTER'S first Asian mayor has been inaugurated. City councillors last night voted Conservative Allah Ditta into the office, making history in the 777-year-old post. Council leader Coun Stephen Inman said the appointment would raise Worcester's profile

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Birthplace snaps up Elgar letters at Sotheby's

A COLLECTION of letters from famous composer Sir Edward Elgar to a Worcester shopkeeper are set to return to Worcestershire. The announcement - by Lower Broadheath's Elgar Birthplace Museum - follows a successful bid for the items at a recent Sotheby's

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Tarrant's on top of the world after Palace honour

RADIO and TV presenter and former Worcester school pupil Chris Tarrant was yesterday made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the Queen. The quiz master said he felt humbled to be at Buckingham Palace for the honour, which was announced

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Holiday in Edinburgh? See the boss

MALVERN Hills' top boss was at hand divulging a wealth of information to visitors to the town this week as part of a "Back to the Floor" exercise by the local authority. Chris Bocock, Malvern Hill's District Council's chief executive, was at the town's

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Inspectors remove 'special measures'

CELEBRATIONS are underway at a Worcester primary after school inspectors removed it from "special measures". Ofsted ordered Dines Green Primary School to raise standards after a visit in February 2002 - just a month after headteacher Steve Gough was appointed

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MPs caught in row over rugby club's premiership promotion

WORCESTERSHIRE MPs are caught in a row with their northern counterparts over the promotion of Worcester RUFC to the Premiership. Labour's Mike Foster and Peter Luff, a Conservative, have joined forces to head off a motion by 13 MPs decrying English Rugby

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What's On Guide

Thursday, June 24 A Comedy Night Out, Palace Theatre. Tickets from 65203. Welsh National Opera: Katya Kabanova, Birmingham Hippodrome. Tickets from 0870 730 1234. Celebrity Piano Recital: Alfred Brendel, Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Tickets from 0121 780

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Ezulike suffers contract blow

WORCESTER Rugby Club have finally ended Nnamdi Ezulike's Sixways stay. The winger has not been offered a new deal by the Warriors after being placed 'under review' at the end of last season. The 27-year-old now looks set to turn his attention to a business

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Weather hits County chances

RAIN prevented a prompt start to Worcestershire Frizzell County Championship Division One match against Surrey at New Road today. The covers were firmly in place when play was due to have got under way at 11am. The ground was virtually deserted and the

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Carnival time for the Green

AN aggressive 34 from Gary Lewis earned him man of the match in the Carnival Cup final as Barnards Green beat Colwall by eight wickets. Earlier, Dave Powell played a lone hand for Colwall scoring 53, out of 109-4 but it was never enough and Jon Boult

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Festival proves a hit

AS Wayne Rooney mania takes off in Portugal, nearer home Worcestershire Football Association had something to celebrate of its own with its second annual football festival. The event was held at University College, Worcester with 164 players taking part

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Richardson eyeing 500 run mark

WORCESTER'S Old Vigornians claimed a convincing victory against Avoncroft on Sunday. Having been put in to bat, OVs made 229 with J Richardson closing in on 500 runs for the season. Richardson hit the ball out of the ground five times on his way to 63

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Manager's six pack delight

REDDITCH United return to training next week with manager Rod Brown delighted with his summer's wheeling and dealing. Six new players have been drafted in to the Valley Stadium set-up with five others leaving following the club's double promotion to Nationwide

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June 22, 1979 25 years ago

RESOURCEFUL Ian Jennings, 16, of Old Station Road, Bromsgrove, was doing something practical to realise his dream of getting into showbusiness by arranging interviews with the stars. Already he had met John Inman, Trevor Bannister, Nicholas Parsons and

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June 26, 1954 50 years ago

A SINGLE engine De Haviland Moth Minor aircraft being flown from Buckinghamshire to Coventry to take part in the King's Cup Air Race was forced to land at Forest Farm, Hanbury, because of mist and a shortage of petrol. The two occupants stayed at a Droitwich

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June 25, 1904 100 years ago

ALICE Potter, aged 17, from Bromsgrove, pleaded guilty at the Worcester Assizes to a charge of forgery. She had written a letter purporting to come from her family's landlord, Mr Ince, of High Street, to the bailiff, to the effect that no rent was owed

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Stories from Canada provide honesty lesson

THE recent front page story about the lady from Vancouver who had her handbag stolen struck a chord with me. Four years ago my wife and I were on holiday in Vancouver. On this particular day we went sightseeing to a location about 100 miles away. Whilst

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Reasons for store scheme

RESPONDING to the letters earlier this month from Mrs Moore and Mr Butler the first I heard about the meeting taking place on June 5 with the MP and councillor, was when I read it in Mr Butler's letter. Due to the short notice/work commitments, I was

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Ready made food supply

FARMERS looking for a bit of hay or silage to feed their livestock during the winter months, should head for the Oakalls estate in Bromsgrove. The amount of grass cuttings left lying around by the council workforce and developers should keep even the

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Pay back time

JUST a few words of thanks to the people of the Catshill area of Bromsgrove who contributed in purchasing the crocus pins and raffle tickets for Breakthrough Breast Cancer in which I did a five-mile walk on Mother's Day this year. I sold them as I went

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Stories from Canada provide honesty lesson

THE recent front page story about the lady from Vancouver who had her handbag stolen struck a chord with me. Four years ago my wife and I were on holiday in Vancouver. On this particular day we went sightseeing to a location about 100 miles away. Whilst

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Problems over school choice

HAVING read all the comments regarding the issues surrounding further building on the Oakalls site, I too am concerned about more houses being built in Bromsgrove but I can't help a wry smile that Oakalls residents should find themselves in this position

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Unfair label

RESPONDING to the letter printed earlier this month under the heading - No respect for anyone. For that person's information, I do live in Bromsgrove - in fact I live in Charford. I have two teenage children who I would not describe as yobs, as one works

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Ready made food supply

FARMERS looking for a bit of hay or silage to feed their livestock during the winter months, should head for the Oakalls estate in Bromsgrove. The amount of grass cuttings left lying around by the council workforce and developers should keep even the

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Pay back time

JUST a few words of thanks to the people of the Catshill area of Bromsgrove who contributed in purchasing the crocus pins and raffle tickets for Breakthrough Breast Cancer in which I did a five-mile walk on Mother's Day this year. I sold them as I went

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Support for fish bar plan

HAVING just read the story about the proposed fish bar in Wychbold I am wondering what is up with the residents in the village. Do they like driving to Droitwich or Bromsgrove to buy fish and chips when they could walk? And what about those people who

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Are you Toon enough?

TOONTOWN needs saving! The evil Cog robots are threatening to rid the world of fun and colour, turning it into a miserable grey metropolis where no-one laughs any more. Are you Toon enough to help save it? If so, come online and join Mickey and friends

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It's party time

FLOWER lovers are in for a treat when green-fingered folk in Frankley throw open their gates to their very own garden of Eden this Saturday. The Frankley Garden Party will be using the garden of the St Leonard's Church rectory, Rectory Green, Frankley

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Good work

I'VE had a lifetime's experience of "do-gooders", whom P Caffrey disparages, and they do "do good" to those they help. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.

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House of Lards

MAY I suggest that in Tony Blair's reshuffle he appoints John Prescott and Ian McCartney as joint Ministers for Obesity. They could then lead by example, keeping the public up-to-date with details of the food and drink they avoid, diets, physical activities

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Joust in time for the weekend

ANYONE with an interest in medieval pageantry and colourful spectacle should head for Sudeley Castle at Winchcombe, this Saturday and Sunday. The castle, just outside Cheltenham, plays host to the Knights of Old England, who will be staging a spectacular

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God save us from UKIP

THIS country is heading for its nemesis. Kilroy-Silk of the UKIP was asked by a BBC interrogator on Today if his party was a single issue party. Kilroy-Silk boastfully declared his party to be just that. Yet his useless party is making tremendous strides

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Britain's a nation of excessive drinkers

BBC's Panorama programme on binge drinking (Sunday, June 6) proved that the "drinks industry" is turning us into a nation of excessive drinkers. The programme didn't sit on the fence - nor should it, with our town and city centres being turned into no-go

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So what is the Tories' policy on EU issue?

WENDY Hands (You Say, Friday, June 11) tells us that we get only £1 back from every £2.86 we contribute to the EU. A mere 35 per cent. Surely this cannot be true. It would be interesting to know where this figure came from. The last information I had

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Boost for town market traders

CAMPAIGNERS battling to keep Bromsgrove's ancient market tradition alive with a weather-proof building say they are delighted with the public's response. Last Friday market trader Dave Wilmot handed in 3,157 signed leaflets calling for the retention of

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Looking sweet

BROMSGROVE'S ancient Court Leet will never look sweeter than in a new exhibition at the town's library. The Bromsgrove branch of the British Sugarcraft Guild has used this Saturday's Court Leet Fair Day as the theme for their latest show. The exhibition

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Young guns fire Bank to the top

Alex Robinson's new-look Astwood Bank continue to lead the way at the top of the Crusader Worcester League Division Two. And the skipper has praised the youngsters coming into the side for keeping them ahead of the field. Pace bowler Chris Perkins is

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It's a place to call their own

YOUNGSTERS in Rubery have a place to call their own now a new meeting point in St Chad's Park has been opened. The ribbon was cut on the shelter, which has been funded by Bromsgrove police at a cost of £5,000, on Monday morning. It is part of the first

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Dash for the cash

POTS of cash were raised by friends of a Bromsgrove school when they took part in a half-marathon. Parents, teachers and staff from Rigby Hall Special School took part in the Stratford run in April but have only just had the last of the sponsorship money

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Turning back the clock

BROMSGROVE is set to turn back the clock to the days of Merrie England as the town stages its annual Court Leet fair day activities and Elizabethan street market. Almost 40 stalls, mostly raising cash for charity with staff dressed in period costume,

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First for TV sport

GOOD sports are being invited to sing it for England at a Sidemoor church this summer. The NewSong Community Church has already screened the first three football matches played by England in the Euro 2004 tournament, and plans to show further sporting

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New car parking charges hit store

THE turnover at the ASDA supermarket in Bromsgrove is being hit by higher parking fees and drivers having to pay to park on Sundays and later in the evenings. Since the spring, when the charges were increased by 40 per cent while charging times were extended

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Tackling the sneak thieves

POLICE are waging war on the distraction burglaries which are leaving Bromsgrove's ageing population at risk. The town has more than 20,000 people over the age of 60 and 7,000 who are more than 75. Police warn that these are the people most vulnerable

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Barr humbug

WYTHALL paid the price of a dismal batting display as they crashed to defeat at the hands of Warwickshire League Division Two high-fliers Highcroft/Great Barr. Tight bowling from Khalil Ahmed (3-70) and Martin Priest (2-60) shackled the home side before

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Spot fines?

BROMSGROVE is winning its battle against dog dirt and the next step could be the introduction of on-the-spot fines for owners who allow their dogs to foul. Having a "dirty dog" could in future cost the owner up to £50 a time. Fines have proved a successful

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Family's holiday from hell

A DROITWICH Spa family, who had a "holiday from hell", has managed to get the travel agent to pay up more than £2,000 -- with help from Trading Standards. Mr Adams, who did not wish to give his first name or address, booked a winter sun break in Playa

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Society's dismay over canals plan

DROITWICH Spa Civic Society is pressing Wychavon District Council to "raise expectations" as to the re-development of the canals plan. Members have expressed disappointment with the draft guidelines of the Netherwich Canal basin, which they claim at present

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Wild teenage sex parties

TEENAGERS in Rubery have been having wild sex parties, smashing windows and vandalising a disused building blighted with asbestos for four months. Now neighbourhood watch co-ordinator and district councillor Dave McGrath (Lab-Beacon) has had enough and

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Fixtures

CRICKET FIXTURES Saturday, June 26 Birmingham Senior League Division 2 STUDLEY v Sutton Coldfield (1pm) Birmingham Senior League Division 3 REDDITCH v Penkridge (1pm) Cotswold Hills League Premier Division Twyning v ALCESTER & RAGLEY BIDFORD-ON-AVON

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Lorry crushes lamppost

A LORRY tipped over as it was going around the Copcut Elm roundabout, in Droitwich Spa, on Monday. The driver was not hurt in the incident, which took place at about 1.10pm. A police spokesman said a lamppost was crushed as the lorry toppled over and

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Fun in the sun

SPA residents seeking fun and entertainment should look no further than Ragamuffins Pre-school Fun Day. The event takes place in New Chawson Lane this Saturday. Children are encouraged to play on the bouncy castle, have their face painted, make a badge

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DVD - Scary Movie 3 (15)

WHEN the original of a spoof trilogy isn't the side-splitting, "hand me a coffin cos I'm gonna die laughing" film it was cracked up to be, you can pretty much bet the third effort isn't gonna rock anyone's world. This isn't a bad film but, like its predecessors

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DVD - Tommy (15)

THIRTY years after it was filmed, The Who's so-called "rock opera" is surprisingly enjoyable. After three decades, there was always potential for deep embarrassment - a bit like the Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour, which despite Paul McCartney insisting

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No 'quick fix' on bus passes

BUS firms have warned it will take months to come up with a new concessionary bus fare scheme in Redditch following Labour's election pledge to bring it back. And until a new deal is struck, pensioners and disabled passengers will have to pay 30p a journey

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ASBO for alcoholic

AN alcoholic "neighbour from hell" whose actions led to a woman having to move out of her home has been given a two-year Antisocial Behaviour Order. Leaflets with a photograph of Karen Kelly and details of her ASBO are to be distributed to residents living

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Missing man is back

A 50-year-old Headless Cross man who went missing last month has been found safe and well. Clive John Hodgkins, of Chapel Street, packed his bags and left home on Thursday, May 13, making no contact with family or friends during his absence.

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100 years ago

June 25, 1904 HENRY Harbon, labourer, residing at Evesham Road, Headless Cross, in custody, was charged on remand with attempting to commit suicide on Saturday, the 18th inst. Arthur Hill, of 78 Evesham Road, Headless Cross, needle pointer, stated that

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Car boot drug case quashed

A WOMAN who has served a five-year jail term relating to 7,068 ecstasy tablets found in a car boot has had her conviction quashed. London's Criminal Appeal Court concluded Kirsty Jane Webb's conviction was "unsafe" after the jury was not told of the presence

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50 years ago

June 25, 1954 REDDITCH Urban Council is finding difficulty in obtaining labour to run the Studley Road sewerage works. One cause of the trouble is that the wages are not high enough. Another is that there is a mistaken belief that it is unpleasant work

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25 years ago

June 22, 1979 PENSIONERS living on a Redditch housing estate are again under threat from vandals playing the dangerous gassing game. More gas doors have been ripped off outside houses in Ibstock Close, Winyates, leaving pensioners at the will of vandals

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Runaway romantics go back to Gretna

A MATCHBOROUGH couple who ran away to marry at Gretna Green aged just 17 returned there last week to celebrate 65 years together. Dennis and Eileen Howell, of Frankton Close, renewed their vows last Thursday at the famous Scottish blacksmith's. The Howells

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Truck driver did not look at stop sign

A REDDITCH man has lost a compensation claim for unfair dismissal after being accused of driving a forklift truck in a dangerous manner - resulting in minor injuries. Paul Thomson, of Astley Close, was driving the truck at the Pilkington Ltd glass firm

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Theatre receives cash gift

A CASH injection of £9,500 will help the Palace Theatre open up to the wider community. The theatre received a share in a £69,000 grant from Worcestershire County Council's Arts Service for various arts groups. Redditch Council theatre and arts development

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Tales from the riverbank

ALL 210 miles of the River Severn have been recorded in photographs by a Redditch man who has walked its length and now selected the best pictures for a fine new book. John Bradford, of Hunt End, is a retired graphic designer and photographic art director

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Bordesley Historical Society

For this month's outing, members visited Chedworth Roman fort, followed by a few hours in Cirencester. On arrival at Chedworth, they were surprised to be asked to pay an extra £1 towards the cost of a re-enactment. But this proved excellent value for,

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Hopwood WI

THE June meeting began with a talk on Peru by speaker Mike Bennett. He gave a history of the Inca empire, then told how Machu Pichu, an ancient 15th century Inca city, was discovered. Mike showed slides he had taken on his four-day trek there. Conditions

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Studley Local History Group

AT the last meeting, Lt Col Gerald Lesinski told of the history of the Lord Leycester Hospital in Warwick. It has never been a hospital but started life as a chantry chapel in 1383 and in 1413, when the guilds in Warwick united, Robert Beacham built a

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Wythall Gardening Club

INSTEAD of the usual meeting on June 3, members were invited to visit the nursery and garden of Diane and Rob Cole at Meadow Farm, Feckenham. It was a perfect June evening and 50-60 members attended. There were numerous plants for sale. The nursery and

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A435 works spark fears

ROAD works on the A435 through Kings Coughton have pushed more traffic on to a notorious accident blackspot through Alcester Heath, adding to the danger, residents are claiming. Resident Jayne Roberts said: "It's a nightmare. "The traffic is going so

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People flock to flower festival

THE crowds came to St Nicholas' Church at the weekend to admire the floral displays in the annual Flower Festival. The theme of the three-day event was saints and flower arrangers unearthed some little-known names to represent various church and town

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Safety plea after pupils hit by cars

By Anne Tugwell AN Alcester headteacher has called for extra care on the road outside his school after a pupil was hit by a car. The girl was not seriously hurt but Iain Blaikie, Alcester Grammar School headteacher, says the incident highlights the need

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So that's what the landlord meant by one for the road!

A PUB landlord is running a mini- marketing campaign with a difference. The Red Lion, in Malvern, has invested £20,000 in a top-of-the-range Mini Cooper and personalised number plate - RED 11ON - to steer customers into the pub. Landlord Steve Hickman

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Murder stories in print

THE mysterious tale of Captain Richard Hill, the 17th century murderer who may have been murdered himself, has been set in print again. Captain Hill is the subject of one sordid tale in a book of Midlands murders by Barrie Roberts, entitled A Taste of

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No one wants to be a brickie

ONE in 10 workers in Worcestershire are in the building trade - but construction firms say they are still struggling to find enough skilled builders. More school-leavers are going on to further study, or are choosing what they perceive to be more lucrative

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Shelter facelift

AIR raid shelters in Alcester could be getting a facelift to help preserve them for future generations. The brick shelters are situated on Bleachfield Street on land currently used by Alcester Town Council as allotments and some are used as storage sheds

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Town diary

Thursday, June 24 11am-3pm Resource Caf, The Pavilion, St Faith's Road, Alcester. 7pm Teechers, Alcester High School Technology College (and Friday). Friday, June 25 8.30am-noon Alcester Country WI Market, off High Street. 7.30-9.30pm Strawberry Supper

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Irish band play club

BROMSGROVE folk fans will be jigging along with an Irish band tomorrow night (Thursday). Dempsey's Lot, featuring lead singer Tommy Dempsey, will be performing for the Bromsgrove Folk Club from 8.15pm. Tommy is a much-loved performer with a lively personality

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Country double bill

LIVE music fans can enjoy a tasty double bill next month when two country artists perform at the Royal British Legion Club in Droitwich Spa on Friday, July 2. The Salwarpe Road club will be rocking to the tunes of Gerry Ford from Scotland. And he will

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Music fans

MUSIC fans should slink over to Moseley for a festival which puts Birmingham on the international jazz map. L'Espirit Manouche attracts an audience from all over the world and artists from Australia, Canada, Russia and the US will be appearing at the

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Be a Warriors girl and cheer our lads

THE search is on for cheerleaders with bags of rhythm and energy to support the Worcester rugby heroes in their first season in the Premiership. Worcester Warriors cheerleading squad, which will be called the npowerettes, after the club's sponsors, will

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Cameras saving lives locally, say safety group

FEWER people are being killed or injured on roads in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, thanks to speed cameras, new figures reveal. Preliminary statistics released by the Safety Camera Partnership show that where both mobile and static cameras operate

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Accused

COURT: A 34-year-old Worcester man accused of imprisoning and raping a woman will appear in crown court later this month. Stephen Cox, of Kennels Lane, Fernhill Heath, appeared in Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday facing charges of rape, unlawful

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Adults! Take a bin bag with you!

RECENTLY on a Sunday morning, I walked my dog over the Washford end of Arrow Valley Park. Children and parents were gathering on the football field at that end. There was not a scrap of litter to be seen. However, when I was there again at 2.30pm, I couldn't

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Police station not the place for religion

FURTHER to reading an article in this week's Redditch Advertiser (June 16), I was filled with mixed emotion. At first, I was confused as to why a Koran had been given to the local police force. Please explain what the aim of this action was and how it

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We will be watching

SO, the nation has spoken on Europe! And what are we to make of the success the United Kingdom Independence Party had in the EU election? Well, for Europhiles such as myself, I much welcome the smooth tones of Mr Kilroy-Silk telling us that UKIP's role

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New powers used in Woodrow

REDDITCH police have now started to use new powers to disperse gangs and escort loitering youngsters home in Woodrow. From Monday, officers put into action new antisocial behaviour legislation in Woodrow Centre, including the bus lane and health centre

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Walker robbed in park

A MAN was threatened with a knife and was robbed after being asked for a light by two men at Arrow Valley Park last Tuesday at 11.30am. The victim was walking through the park near a footpath between the lake and Holloway Drive when he was approached

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Patio break-in

ANOTHER warning has gone out from police about home security after burglars entered a house in Bell Mead, Studley, through an insecure patio door. The incident happened overnight between June 17 and 18. A briefcase was stolen along with £145 cash and

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Best in the West Mids

GREENLANDS clay pigeon shooter Pat Smith claimed the ladies title in the West Midlands Area Skeet Championships. The event at the Gloucester Shooting Club saw competitors from seven different counties taking part on June 13. Smith, who shoots for Hereford

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Trouble brewing

VOLUNTEERS are desperately needed to help keep staff, visitors and patients refreshed at the Alexandra Hospital coffee shop on Thursday evenings. Organisers from the League of Friends are having difficulties finding workers to deal with the 6-8pm shift

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New wound pump proves invaluable

A PIECE of equipment bought for the Alexandra Hospital League of Friends to treat wounds is already proving invaluable to both staff and patients. The charity bought a VAC ATS pump costing £8,200, a mechanism which uses vacuum therapy in creating atmospheric

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League mourns 'a true friend'

THE Alexandra Hospital League of Friends have paid tribute to one of their founder members who died recently. John Corbett, a much-admired member of the Rowney Green community, helped set up the league committee in 1986. Since then, he contributed to

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Fete to be a big draw

THE Alexandra Hospital's annual summer fete, organised by the League of Friends, promises to be bigger and better than ever, with something to entertain people of all ages. The event takes place in the hospital grounds on Saturday, July 3, from 2pm and

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Marathon success

THE League of Friends have thanked a Kingsley College student who took part in the London Marathon to raise money for the Alexandra Hospital. Lee Bennett was one of the youngest people in the race, having only just reached the required age of 18 before

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Back pains take a seat

The League of Friends recently decided to replace a number of patient chairs. The items of furniture will be specially designed and will be particularly suitable for patients with specific problems such as bed sores or back problems and will aid in their

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New boss yearning for team spirit

NEW season, new manager, new goals for Studley FC. The Beehive's new boss, Kevin Rowlands, wants to put the heart and soul back into the Birmingham Road club. And with a couple of last season's players already making an early exit what better time to

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Leaders move on

REDDITCH Council's Conservative group leader has stepped down to allow the party's former leader to take the reins. Newly elected Carole Gandy, who threw herself back into the political arena after several years' absence, was chosen to succeed Gavin Smithers

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Inquest into man killed in fireball

ONE of Worcester's least popular landmarks is to be refurbished by a leading low-cost hotel chain. Travelodge is hoping to re-open the Giffard Hotel - derided by many people as the city's ugliest building - next Easter. A former Mayor of Worcester has

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Giffard's big revamp

ONE of Worcester's least popular landmarks is to be refurbished by a leading low-cost hotel chain. Travelodge is hoping to re-open the Giffard Hotel - derided by many people as the city's ugliest building - next Easter. A former Mayor of Worcester has

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All aboard for trip to the past

BIRMINGHAM'S inner circle bus route is the subject of a new musical, Ridin' The No 8, at The REP from Tuesday. Written by Euan Rose and Laurie Hornsby, it follows on from the success of their previous Brummie musical, Wallop Mrs Cox. This tells the tale

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Appeal to woman

WORCESTER police are appealing for a "Good Samaritan" woman motorist and her husband to come forward after they intervened in a sexual assault against a schoolgirl in broad daylight. The incident happened in Red Hill Lane, Worcester, at approximately

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Winning four-mula

THE Palace Theatre hosts A Comedy Night Out tomorrow at 7.30pm, when four comedians bring more than two hours of hilarity to the town. Following on from their success last year, the show returns with two new faces to join favourites Tony Palmer and Ian

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Tobacco seized by customs officers

CUSTOMS officers have seized thousands of pounds worth of smuggled tobacco from a warehouse in Blackpole, Worcester. The raid, in the early hours of yesterday morning, also netted an S-registered Rover saloon used to transport the goods. Customs West

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Addict admits collection scam

MORE than 500 Worcester residents may have fallen victim to a collection scam started by a drug addict - only 24 hours after he was released from prison for similar offences. Wayne Brian Morgan carried out a three-week door-to-door collection, targeting

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Race of her life

AN ENERGETIC youngster was thrilled to be one of the top 10 runners to cross the finishing line in the Evesham Race for Life. Georgie Worthington excelled by coming through in seventh place, out of 1,500 runners and walkers on Sunday. The 11-year-old,

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Can't believe it's happening again

RESIDENTS in Pershore are fighting a planning application for 100 homes - 15 years after they successfully stopped a similar proposed development. Homeowners are in uproar over plans to build the dwellings on two fields within the town's boundary. The

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Tickets going fast

TICKETS are selling fast for the Alcester Singers concert at Ragley Hall on Friday, July 2. A varied programme begins with a rousing rendition of Gilbert & Sullivan's Trial by Jury and the second half features the choir's Young Musician of the Year

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Hereford name Trewick as coach

JOHN Trewick has been unveiled as the new first team coach at Hereford United. The 47-year-old succeeds the influential Richard O'Kelly following his departure to Second Division Bournemouth. Bulls boss Graham Turner returned to his old stamping ground

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Dragons breathe fire again

WORCESTER Dragon Boat Racing Club brought dragon boat racing back to the city at their annual Race the Dragon Regatta. Despite losing their city base, the club attracted an entry of 14 crews from clubs and companies across the county for a spectacular

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Tight spells are the key

TEN maidens in succession saw Crowle to an eight-wicket victory over Kempsey at Spetchley Park. With figures of 5-12 off 11 overs, including seven maidens, Lyndon Bendall steered Crowle to the win as the bowlers took a stranglehold on the match. An inspired

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23/6/04 - Weather hits County chances

RAIN prevented a prompt start to Worcestershire Frizzell County Championship Division One match against Surrey at New Road today. The covers were firmly in place when play was due to have got under way at 11am. The ground was virtually deserted and the

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Reds announce friendly fixtures

A HANDFUL of teams including Manchester United reserves will be pitting their wits in friendly matches against Redditch United in July and August. United v United has been pencilled in at the Valley for Thursday July 22 (ko 7.30pm) and is sure to include

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Not this time

APOLOGIES for being under the impression that we were to have a postal vote in the recent elections and complaining in a letter that I had not recieved one. This was a dreadful mistake on my part and I put several people to a lot of trouble trying to

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Problems over school choice

HAVING read all the comments regarding the issues surrounding further building on the Oakalls site, I too am concerned about more houses being built in Bromsgrove but I can't help a wry smile that Oakalls residents should find themselves in this position

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The power of complaint

I HAVE noted with some interest recent letters from Bromsgrove residents unhappy with a variety of litter and rubbish-dumping problems. I cannot tell if these people have approached the district council to request action but, if my own experiences over

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Unfair label

RESPONDING to the letter printed earlier this month under the heading - No respect for anyone. For that person's information, I do live in Bromsgrove - in fact I live in Charford. I have two teenage children who I would not describe as yobs, as one works

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Residents must tackle council

RESPONDING to the letter regarding the management of Bromsgrove District Council, Julie Kirkbride is the Member of Parliament for Bromsgrove and it is her responsibility to represent and protect the interests of the people of Bromsgrove at national level

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Support for fish bar plan

HAVING just read the story about the proposed fish bar in Wychbold I am wondering what is up with the residents in the village. Do they like driving to Droitwich or Bromsgrove to buy fish and chips when they could walk? And what about those people who

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Vandals role

IT would appear from stories in your paper that the inmates are taking over the asylum again. I refer to the gravestone saga. Perhaps Bromsgrove District Council could employ young vandals (under supervision of course) to heave on the headstones - some

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Not this time

APOLOGIES for being under the impression that we were to have a postal vote in the recent elections and complaining in a letter that I had not recieved one. This was a dreadful mistake on my part and I put several people to a lot of trouble trying to

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Reasons for store scheme

RESPONDING to the letters earlier this month from Mrs Moore and Mr Butler the first I heard about the meeting taking place on June 5 with the MP and councillor, was when I read it in Mr Butler's letter. Due to the short notice/work commitments, I was

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The power of complaint

I HAVE noted with some interest recent letters from Bromsgrove residents unhappy with a variety of litter and rubbish-dumping problems. I cannot tell if these people have approached the district council to request action but, if my own experiences over

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Residents must tackle council

RESPONDING to the letter regarding the management of Bromsgrove District Council, Julie Kirkbride is the Member of Parliament for Bromsgrove and it is her responsibility to represent and protect the interests of the people of Bromsgrove at national level

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Vandals role

IT would appear from stories in your paper that the inmates are taking over the asylum again. I refer to the gravestone saga. Perhaps Bromsgrove District Council could employ young vandals (under supervision of course) to heave on the headstones - some

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Win new stamps celebrating Wales

WALES' breathtaking landscapes took centre stage when Royal Mail launched the third leg of its British journey series. And, as with all British Journey issues, the set of six stamps conveys the distinctive characteristics of each country or province.

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Shocking show

BUDDING young thespians are invited to auditions for the Norbury Youth Theatre production of the 'Sweeney Todd Shock and Roll Show'. Aspiring actors aged between 13 and 19 years-old, who want to tread the boards, are needed for the November show. Auditions

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Lively time at the Hipp

THE quintessential all-singing, all-dancing Broadway musical - Crazy For You - is set to explode onto the Birmingham Hippodrome stage in July. The year is 1930, a year after the famous Wall Street crash, when America was plunged into depression and many

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100 homes on way

MORE than 100 homes are to be built on part of an old factory site in Lakeside after it was sold to David Wilson Homes for residential and employment development. Catesby Property Group sold the 13.5-acre former Quinton Hazell automotive components manufacturing

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Training scheme unveiled

A NEW engineering training centre has been unveiled in Redditch and is hoping to make a real impact in offering high quality apprenticeship training. Segta Management Services has opened the centre in Beoley Road West following a £40,000 investment. The

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Staff up for praise

HOPWOOD Park service station on the M42 has been recognised for the quality and emphasis it places on training and developing its staff. The Welcome Break service station, near Hopwood, attained the Investors in People status from the Government-sponsored

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It's a hat-trick!

THERE have been a few corks popping at a Bordesley marketing company recently after it won three awards in as many months. Fizz-Bang! Marketing Limited, of Weights Lane, won the Birmingham and Solihull Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award

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Budding Picassos

BUDDING Picassos will be meeting up next month for Bromsgrove Art Club's annual general meeting. The July 20 meeting at the Red Cross Centre, on Barnsley Hall Drive, Bromsgrove, kicks off at 7.45pm and will be followed by a talk from top BBC set designer

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Pledge to voters

AS the successful Labour candidates in Gorse Hill Ward, we would like to thank the electorate for their continuing faith in us. We campaigned on our local record and local issues, including traffic calming, vandalism, housing matters and litter. Tackling

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What's on guide

Wednesday, June 23 Opera: Carmen, Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham, 7.30pm. Also on Saturday. Show: Under Milk Wood, Alexandra Theatre, Station Road, Birmingham. Until Saturday. Singles: Live Wyres Pub Nights, Perdiswell, Droitwich Road, Worcester

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Fairfield WI

MEMBERS were treated to a special garden meeting in Fairfield Hall. The evening, with a floral and garden theme, was the idea of Olive Young and many thanks were expressed to her for her hard work -- especially for preparing the wild flower and garden

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Blackwell and Burcot WI

OUR June meeting was chaired by Sue Frizzell and our speaker was Fiona Hopes, from West Malvern, who gave a very interesting and comprehensive talk on garden design. This included not only the mathematical aspect of landscaping gardens but also the soil

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My ordeal at hands of NHS

WITH reference to Stanley Parr's letter (You Say, Wednesday, June 16) regarding the NHS, isn't he the lucky one? I had been seeing my highly-trained doctor at my surgery for more than a year with a complaint and she did not know what it was. After numerous

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Salwarpe WI

Members enjoyed the company of five visitors at the June meeting, including a lady from Stoneycreek, Canada where the Institute had its inception. The president, Margaret Ward, welcomed members and after the record of the last meeting had been read, handed

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Palestinians must stop their acts of terrorism

L SPITERI's comments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are typically irrelevant (You Say, Monday, June 14). It is not important whether the creation of the State of Israel was legitimate. What does matter is that Israel exists, has a large population

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Bromsgrove and District Canine Society

THE second show of the series was held at All Saints Church Hall when Mrs Pat Banks, a working group specialist, came to judge 101 dogs. This was an excellent entry for our evening show, and for her Best in Show she chose a pointer owned by Mr and Mrs

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Bromsgrove WI

THE June meeting opened with president, Betty Pickering, welcoming members on a lovely sunny afternoon to the Masonic Hall in Churchfields. After the singing of Jerusalem, Roma Punt, our secretary, dealt with the minutes of the last meeting, apologies

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Great days in spite of floats failure

BROMSGROVE Carnival organisers are hoping to put behind them the disappointment that only four decorated floats took part in Saturday's procession and look forward to next summer - which marks the 25th anniversary of the reintroduction of the summer spectacular

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23/6/04 - Ezulike suffers contract blow

WORCESTER Rugby Club have finally ended Nnamdi Ezulike's Sixways stay. The winger has not been offered a new deal by the Warriors after being placed 'under review' at the end of last season. The 27-year-old now looks set to turn his attention to a business

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Art you can eat!

YOUNGSTERS at a Lickey school will be encouraged to get fruity when they turn a basket of fruit and vegetables into a work of art. The children at Lickey Hill Primary School have been given the green grocery by Andy Beesley, manager of the Harvester Inn

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What a colourful display

TWO talented youngsters were presented with book tokens for their wonderful works of art after a competition to celebrate 40 years of Rubery Library. Gemma Brookes, aged 11, was awarded with the top spot for her design of the perfect library. Five-year-old

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Only time will tell

PAUL Donovan admits only time will tell if he has been very brave or very foolish. The 47-year-old, from Coopers Close, Stoke Heath, has given up a highly paid job as a service and after sales manager with a BMW dealership to set up his own specialist

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Hat's the way to do it!

AMAZING creations came up against fantasy frocks at the annual Ascot Ladies Day fund raising event at Grafton Manor. The event, which raises money for the Primrose Hospice, includes lunch and the chance to dress up in Ascot style.

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Anger over bus service change

YOUNG mums and the elderly are being hit hard by changes to bus services in Catshill. The decision to remove an existing service has left passengers either housebound or facing a "route march" to the nearest bus stop. More than 500 people have now signed

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Council's grave error

THE man who sought justice from the local government 'watchdog' after he and 300 others were left grieving when the district council ordered gravestones to be deliberately flattened, in the interests of safety, says he is vindicated. Andrew Nash, from

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Flower power for Alex

A GREEN-fingered Bromsgrove girl has scooped one of the top prizes in a nationwide gardening contest. Six-year-old Alex Handy won second prize for her glorious bloom of pink petunias at the NEC's Gardeners' World Live Show last Saturday. She had already

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Reds announce friendly fixtures

A HANDFUL of teams including Manchester United reserves will be pitting their wits in friendly matches against Redditch United in July and August. United v United has been pencilled in at the Valley for Thursday July 22 (ko 7.30pm) and is sure to include

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CD - Velvet Revolver, Contraband

ROCK is back. Three fifths of super group Guns N Roses have reformed with the singer from Stone Temple Pilots to bring rock back to the masses. And boy is it needed after being saturated with pop punk bands for the last few years. GNR guitarist Slash,

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School closure shocks parents

A WELL-established independent school in Bromsgrove will close at the end of next month. Parents, staff and students at The Mount School are devastated following the owner's shock decision to seek planning permission to build on the Birmingham Road site

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A financial time-bomb

THOUSANDS of Bromsgrove families are facing financial ruin with the double whammy of rising interest rates and plummeting property prices. The town's Citizens Advice Bureau is gearing itself up for an explosion of calls from desperate families, many of

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Strugglers secure a draw

REDDITCH held on to force a draw against St Georges at Telford on Saturday in their bottom of the table clash in Division Three of the Birmingham League. St Georges posted 221-8 off their 55 overs, with Nev Mason (3-53) and Tim Piper (2-26) the pick of

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UEF pensioners at London rally

HUNDREDS of Bromsgrove pensioners, who believed they had secured their futures but now face living in poverty, have taken their fight to London. More than 100 former Garringtons workers joined a rally in Trafalgar Square calling upon the Government to

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Bidford hindered by rain

A lengthy rain interruption midway through the innings and tight bowling towards the end were Bidford's downfall as they lost to Shipston by four wickets on Saturday. Following a rain-delayed start, Bidford began well with openers Macer Nash and Chris

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MP's pressure over medal office

MID-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff is keeping up the pressure on the Government to halt the closure of the Droitwich Spa-based Army Medal Office. The Tory MP is asking for the closure to be delayed at least until the end of 2007, enabling the backlog of

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Orders must be enforced

DROITWICH Spa's MP has welcomed the first Droitwich anti-social behaviour orders recently issued to the Bonehill brothers -- but warns they must be enforced. In a Commons question this week, Peter Luff welcomed the imposition of Droitwich's first two

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Bus passes to make a comeback

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

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On track to win

A DROITWICH Spa boy had the ride of his life when he won a motorbike race in Swindon -- and now he is off to compete in the British Championships. Seven-year-old Ellis Perks, of Colford Close, won the grass track meeting in May during his first full season

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DVD - Mystic River (15)

CLINT Eastwood's transition from actor to man behind the scenes achieves moderate success in Mystic River. Director Eastwood describes the film as 'good old-fashioned ensemble acting' in the included DVD interview but this does not necessarily make for

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DVD - Something's Gotta Give (15)

There is nothing horrific, sinister or hard hitting about this film, it is merely a sweet, funny, romantic comedy made to make you feel warm and happy inside. Jack Nicholson plays playboy Harry Sanborn, a 63-year-old free spirit who has never married

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Theatre - Tamar's Revenge, Swan Theatre, Stratford

"Oh heaven, is this what it is to have children?" Many parents have uttered such words, or similar, though few with the same cause as King David in Tirso de Molina's play Tamar's Revenge, which finally opened at the Swan Theatre, Stratford last week.

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Job losses at 'a minimum'

THE new leader of Redditch Council has pledged any redundancies made in order to save more than £1.5 million will be kept to an "absolute minimum". David Cartwright said the new ruling Labour group did not intend to make a large number of officers redundant

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Man accused of murder

A REDDITCH man appeared in magistrates court yesterday charged with murder. Police found the body of 54-year-old Hazel Dix on Saturday afternoon at her home in Seymour Drive, Abbeydale. A post mortem revealed she died from multiple stab wounds. Glen Dix

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Man stabbed in fight

A FIGHT which broke out in a Wythall pub on Tuesday left a man suffering serious stab wounds to his stomach. Redditch Police said about 10 people were involved in the fracas, which happened at about 9.45pm in the Horse and Jockey pub on Alcester Road.

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Claim gets the elbow

A REDDITCH hand press operator who complained her work caused tennis elbow has failed to win a compensation claim for constructive dismissal. Jane Dixon, of Birchensale Road, worked at Springmasters Ltd, of Redditch, helping to make springs on a press

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Trip sparks plea to police

A REDDITCH police officer turned teacher for an hour last week after concerns were raised by pupils at an Astwood Bank school. Students at Ridgeway Middle School recently went on a geography fieldtrip which saw them taking a closer look at the roads around

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No to plan for 10 flats

PLANNERS have rejected an application to build 10 flats in a backland development on Redditch Road, Studley. IPM Developments Ltd wants to demolish workshops to make way for the two and three-storey building. But planning officers considered it was too

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Alcester WI

MEMBERS enjoyed an evening spent with Abe Alpren of Tilly's Antiques, as he shared some of his experiences and knowledge gained from working in the trade for more than 40 years. As a child, he had been a collector of many things but after his mother gave

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Everywoman's Circle

ON May 13, a warm welcome was given to Julie and Ron Gallivan, who were presenting part two of the journey they had made from Kuala Lumpur to Ningaloo. From Kuala Lumpur, a journey of 2,500 miles and five hours flying time, they reached Perth, capital

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Ipsley WI

THE June meeting was well attended, with 35 members and one visitor present. Members were reminded of the Alexandra Fete cake stall on July 3. There was a ramble on Sunday from Pitcheroak Woods car park. Names were taken for the August meeting, a coach

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Kington with Dormston WI

PRESIDENT Jenny Cox welcomed members and others to the good neighbours' meeting at the home of Jenny Simpson in Broughton Hackett. Business and financial matters were posted on a notice board to read as the meeting was held in the garden. The reason for

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St Mary's Wives Group

AT the meeting on May 27 at Wythall Village Hall, president Miriam Knowles thanked all those who helped with the organisation of the successful ramble to Shrawley Woods on May 24. This was greatly helped by perfect weather for a summer evening's walk

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Police alert on replica firearms

TEAMS of firearms officers have been deployed in Alcester six times in the past few weeks following reports of people brandishing guns. Most of the incidents have been on the Conway playing fields and in the area around the Greig Centre, in Kinwarton

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Greig hit by vandalism

THE Greig Centre has become the latest target in a spate of vandalism in the town. Youth gangs are suspected of smashing 10 windows and knocking down a wall at the Kinwarton Road community venue recently, causing at least £800 damage. The centre's management

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Pollard is no go

THE Marquess of Hertford has been refused permission to pollard 16 yew trees on his Ragley estate. Stratford Council's Arden area planning committee decided on Thursday to confirm a Tree Preservation Order on the trees, despite Lord Hertford's objection

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* Workers' anger over spy-cam in loos * New life for unloved Giffard and old city quarter * Dines Gr

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Yoga flexes up for cash

AN Alcester yoga teacher is planning two summer schools to raise money for local charities. Lesley Marton, of Collins Way, has been teaching for more than 15 years but invites different teachers to the summer schools "to let everyone experience a variety

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A perfect match

Matchmaker Dateline today proved the perfect partner for media firm Yoomedia after being sold as part of a £650,000 deal. Dateline - founded nearly 40 years ago - is one of a number of agencies bought by Yoomedia. It describes itself as the UK's number

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Bidford all set

THERE is no change at the top of Bidford Parish Council. At the annual meeting, Councillor Fred Hiscocks was re-elected chairman and Councillor Joy Keeley vice-chairman. But there have been some changes in the make-up of the council,with three new councillors

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New signs given green light

AN Alcester businessman has been given the go-ahead for illuminated signs at the entrance to his property despite objections from the town council. Paul Roberts applied to Stratford Council to put the signs on the busy B4090 to mark Longbarn Village in

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Offices up for grabs

By Anne Tugwell AN innovative business venture in Alcester is preparing to move into a new phase. Minerva Mill, home of the town's small company incubation hub, is opening 12 new offices for larger firms at the end of summer. The offices are set in the

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Scandal of spy cam in the loo

FACTORY staff are furious after their bosses planted a spy camera in the disabled toilet. Machinist Julian Swinbourne went hunting for the camera after a temp working at Worcester Heat Systems, in Warndon, was sacked for smoking in the toilet. "When he

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Spinster's fortune 'gift', says adviser

A FINANCIAL adviser accused of fleecing an elderly client out of £280,000 before murdering her has insisted the cash was a gift. Peter Crittenden, aged 64, had an affair with Joan Beddeson before taking control of her life savings and allegedly killing

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Birthplace snaps up Elgar letters at Sotheby's

A COLLECTION of letters from famous composer Sir Edward Elgar to a Worcester shopkeeper are set to return to Worcestershire. The announcement - by Lower Broadheath's Elgar Birthplace Museum - follows a successful bid for the items at a recent Sotheby's

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Ex-Cub leader jailed for child sex

A FORMER Cub Scout leader who filmed himself indulging in sex acts with youngsters was jailed for five and a half years at Worcester Crown Court. Michael Jay plied his 14-year-old victims - two girls and a boy - with alcohol and sent them dozens of text