Archive

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Theatre

Rose, Kidderminster - Hobson's Choice, Monday until May 14. Edgecliffe School Kinver - The King and I, Sunday until May 14. Hippodrome, Birmingham - Round the Horne, Monday until Wednesday. Alexandra, Birmingham - Mrs Brown Rides Again, until May 21.

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Record label offers a home to local talent

A NEW music studio for Hereford is launched this weekend, developed by former Thunderclap Newman guitarist Pete Goodall. The new school, based at Hereford Cattle Market, offers a professional resource for musicians of all ages to learn and record. An

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Marlcliff

DAVID HUGHES: The funeral took place at Redditch Crematorium of Mr David Hughes, who with his late wife Zena was a long-time resident of Marlcliff. Born in Upton Worrel, he lived in Feckenham and Inkberrow and at Hedgeoake Lane in Cookhill. While at Marcliff

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Pershore

GARDENING CLUB: The April meeting was held on Thursday, April 28 at 7.30pm at Wulstan Hall. This took the form of a social evening and a bring-and-buy sale. The chairwoman, Jean Norcott, welcomed members and gave thanks to Betty Loach for organising a

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Locals join in with the opera

PREPARATIONS for the new season at Longborough Festival Opera are now well under way and this year's season will be very much a Cotswold affair, involving many local singers. The season opens on Friday, June 17, and there will be 20 performances of the

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Patsy steps out of her TV role

STEPPING Out is Stepping in to Malvern next week. Small screen star Patsy Palmer is strapping on her tap shows for the latest leg of the Stepping Out nationwide tour, reaching Malvern Theatres for a stop-off from Monday to Saturday. The award-winning

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Great expectations for county's youth

Reading aloud is alive and thriving, as evidenced by students from across the county who took part in Friday evening's event at St Katherine's Hall in Ledbury. Organised by the Herefordshire branch of the English Speaking Union as part of the Ledbury

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One lad in a boat

WHATEVER happened to the handsome one in the 1960s hit series The Likely Lads? James Bolam, who played Terry, has never been far from our TV screens in a wide variety of parts, but what of his mate Rodney Bewes - the dark haired one with the pretty face

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It's amazing sights from a train

THE Cotswold Line is featured in a new free guide to watching wildlife from the train window. The picturesque countryside of the North Cotswolds and the Vale of Evesham is one of 10 routes selected by National Rail and the Royal Society for the Protection

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Pulling out all the stops

WHEN Dr Roy Massey puts the newly-reconditioned Willis organ through its inaugural paces this Saturday, it will not be for the first time. During his 27-year tenure as cathedral organist at Hereford, he played for the inaugural concert after the organ

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Clock this!

THE human clock, a new installation at Hereford Courtyard, has caused people to stop in their tracks. "It's an usual thing to turn up on the doorstep of Hereford," said Craig Whyte, the brains behind the new installation. Cuppa Tea Productions has created

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Napoleon Dynamite UCI Merry Hill

THE UCI cinema at Merry Hill continued its excellent Director's Chair series with Napoleon Dynamite, a quirky comedy about the pitfalls and dubious privileges of being a geek. Arriving just as the film found its way on to DVD, it tells the story of Napoleon

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Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre until Saturday

THERE was dancing in the aisles when Bill Kenwright's brilliantly cast production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat lit up Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre. The much-loved show proved to be as popular as ever - largely due to an excellent

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Appliances of sciences

FROM alien invaders and brain transformation to the science of champagne - that's what organisers are promising for the fascinating week in June set aside for the Cheltenham Festival of Science. The festival's fourth year is packed with informative, fascinating

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Ageing becomes an art form for Jennie

A LOCAL artist is exhibiting her work and raising money for the community at the same time. Jennie Petersen is returning to The Theatre Gallery in Chipping Norton with her new exhibition called As I Get Older from next week. It comprises a colourful collection

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100 works up for sale

A STUDIO sale of oil paintings, prints and drawings by Hay-on-Wye artist Alex Williams will take place at The Swan Hotel, Hay-on-Wye, this Saturday at noon. For a catalogue of the 100 works for sale contact McCartneys on 01497 820778. Viewing will be

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Far East journey inspires Ronald

FOLLOWING a month-long trip to the Far East early this year, Ronald Swanwick, of Kington's Stable Studio, is holding an exhibition of his work titled Images of Vietnam and Cambodia. Ronald's travels took him from Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City and on to

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Concert to celebrate 50 years of links

THE 50th anniversary of Kidderminster's twinning with the German town of Husum will be celebrated in song next month in a concert featuring Kidderminster Male Choir, the Valentines ladies choir and West Mercia Constabulary Band. The Golden Jubilee Town

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Film chart

1 National Treasure 2 Blade Trinity 3 Without a Paddle 4 Manchurian Candidate 5 Napoleon Dynamite 6 House of Flying Daggers 7 Exorcist - The Beginning 8 Taxi - US version 9 Birth 10 Ella Enchanted 11 Layer Cake 12 I heart Huckabees 13 Vera Drake 14 Man

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Jazz greats and a queen of folk

MUSIC lovers can choose from a variety of top entertainment - Cleo Laine with John Dankworth and Fairport Convention are coming to Worcester, while Maddy Prior and the Girls arrive in Tewkesbury next week. 'The Queen of Jazz', Cleo Laine and her musician

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Don't blame the district council

I've just heard on the local radio this Sunday morning a Worcestershire clergyman criticise Wychavon for not making more effort to solve the caravan siting problem of the travellers who arrived en bloc in Eckington nearly a year ago. I don't think it

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Suffering the moral dilemma

THE Bishop of Worcester and his Council have passed judgement on Wychavon DC's approach to the illegally camped gypsies in Pershore. That they have done so without allowing the council an opportunity to explain the true position, is indicative that they

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Power to people and their passes

JUST a quick note to let you know that the letter of mine that you published recently has had an astounding result with regards to my bus pass. I went in to see if they could change it and it was ready for me straight away! They had seen my letter, and

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Take doctors' advice

IT has become a serious situation when local doctors and staff at the Merstow Green and Abbey Medical practices have to resort to highlighting their unsatisfactory accommodation through the Evesham Journal. Our doctors appear to have little knowledge

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Hockey highs

YEAR 8 boys and girls from Pershore High School dominated this year's district hockey tournament. Three matches were played with the boys beating Blackminster and Witton Schools thanks to the goalscoring efforts of Richard Elmsley and Alex Griffiths who

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Bewdley

BEWDLEY had a mid-innings scare when four wickets fell rapidly, but in the end they took 24 points from their match at Astwood Bank, beating their hosts by two wickets. Astwood elected to bat and were struggling against Mark Edwards' skill and accuracy

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Stourport

STOURPORT Cricket Club entertained Enville on Saturday in a pre-season "friendly" and were beaten by 18 runs. Batting first, Enville posted 150-7 in their allotted 40 overs, with Luke Martin claiming three scalps for Stourport. IN reply Ian Delo hit a

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Worcestershire County League results

Division One, first teams: Astwood Bank 101 (Mark Edwards 6-36), Bewdley 102-8; Romsley 118 (Paul Lyman 5-30), Chaddesley Corbett 76. Division One, second teams: Bewdley v Astwood Bank, Romsley v Chaddesley Corbett - rained off. Division Two, first teams

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Sheep shearing is part of the show

SHEEP shearing, tug of war and off-road driving are just a few of the exciting skills expected to draw the crowds to a popular countryside show. The 57th annual Worcestershire Young Farmers Show is due to be held at the Three Counties Show Ground, in

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Decanters and paintings stolen in antiques theft

ANTIQUE dealers and collectors are being warned to be eagle-eyed following the theft of more than £3,000 worth of items from a Worcestershire home. Five paintings, valued at £2,000, glass decanters in an antique tantalous display box valued at £1,000,

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Family tribute to a dedicated nurse

THE family of a dedicated children's nurse have spoken of their grief after the discovery of her body in the River Avon. Patricia Curry, aged 68 from Mount Pleasant, Pershore, had disappeared from her home over two weeks ago. She had recently moved back

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What's On

TONIGHT: Kidderminster: Town Hall - Martin Knizia organ recital. Birmingham: Marriott Hotel - Lupa. CBSO Centre - Lunchtime concert. Music by Mendelssohn and Shostakovich. MAC - Yasmin Levy. Malvern: Forum Theatre - Aggini Quartet. Worcester: Huntingdon

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Theatre

Rose, Kidderminster - Hobson's Choice, Monday until May 14. Edgecliffe School Kinver - The King and I, Sunday until May 14. Hippodrome, Birmingham - Round the Horne, Monday until Wednesday. Alexandra, Birmingham - Mrs Brown Rides Again, until May 21.

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Exhibitions

Kidderminster Library - Pastel Studies, Saturday until May 29. Bewdley Museum - New for Old, Monday until June 5. Bevere Art Gallery, Worcester - Seascapes, today. Museum and Art Gallery, Worcester - Daily Life in Medieval Worcester, until July 31. Treasures

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Tragic Iraq girl in medal honour

A STOURPORT teenager who died from a brain haemorrhage less than a year after returning from the war in Iraq is to be awarded a posthumous medal for her role in the conflict. Signaller Victoria Turner will be recognised by the Army for her services during

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Helmsman guilty in boat death case

A KIDDERMINSTER man was found guilty of the manslaughter of a tax worker who drowned when the boat she was on sank on the River Severn at Stourport. Tom Prescot, 48, of George Street, Kidderminster was the helmsman of the 23ft cruiser Sweetie Pie, which

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Amy left note before taking her own life

Family believe bullying was factor in teenager's death A 14-year-old Kidderminster girl who was being bullied took her own life by overdosing on anti-depressants, an inquest heard. Worcestershire Coroner's Court was told that the family of King Charles

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Bulletin to reveal new MP's name

VOTERS go to the polls today to elect an MP for Wyre Forest and 10 people to represent the district on Worcestershire County Council. Polling stations were due to open throughout the district at 7am and will stay open until 10pm. The count for the General

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Agency vow to Rover workers

BOSSES of a recruitment agency have reassured Wyre Forest residents made redundant by MG Rover they will be helped, despite technically living outside the area covered by the agency. A spokeswoman for Pertemps Employment Alliance insisted the details

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Drug user raided parents' house

A KIDDERMINSTER man banned from his parents' home burgled it twice and head-butted his mother, Worcester Crown Court heard. Steven Jones broke into the property, at The Lea, Kidderminster, while his parents were on holiday but was found inside by his

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Church opens doors on jubilee weekend

CHURCH-goers in Stourport are busy preparing for a major celebration as their "new" building marks its silver jubilee. It is 25 years since the modern St Michael's Church was opened, following the demolition of the old church after it was badly damaged

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Churches join in celebration

ALL of the Christian churches in Kidderminster will come together this month in a "major celebration" commemorating the 150th anniversary of the town hall. The event on Pentecost Sunday, May 15, will culminate in 150 balloons saying "God Bless Kidderminster

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Darts stars thrill sell-out audience

TOP flight darts stars including world champion Phil Taylor could be on their way back to Kidderminster next year after organisers and players described the Glades Arena as a "fantastic venue" for Premier League darts. A capacity crowd of 650 fans packed

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Power struggle: Friday the 13th is Harriers D-Day

FRIDAY the 13th is deadline day for the board of directors at Kidderminster Harriers who are battling to keep control of the Aggborough club. Former chairman Lionel Newton is weighing up bids for his majority shareholding from current board members and

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Report: Grim as Harriers go out on a hiding

HARRIERS 1 GRIMSBY 4 KIDDERMINSTER Harriers wanted to go out on a high in their final Football League game at Aggborough - instead they went out on a hiding. After freezing ticket prices for next season despite their relegation, the least Harriers owed

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Marlcliff

DAVID HUGHES: The funeral took place at Redditch Crematorium of Mr David Hughes, who with his late wife Zena was a long-time resident of Marlcliff. Born in Upton Worrel, he lived in Feckenham and Inkberrow and at Hedgeoake Lane in Cookhill. While at Marcliff

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Pershore

GARDENING CLUB: The April meeting was held on Thursday, April 28 at 7.30pm at Wulstan Hall. This took the form of a social evening and a bring-and-buy sale. The chairwoman, Jean Norcott, welcomed members and gave thanks to Betty Loach for organising a

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Brendan's learning about farming life

A YOUNG farmer from the other side of the World is learning about British agriculture on an organic beef and arable farm on the edge of the Cotswolds. Brendan Saunders, aged 20, from Whakatne, New Zealand, is spending seven months at Raymeadow Farm, Dumbleton

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6/5/05 - Heeley goes in City shake-up

INSPIRATIONAL captain Carl Heeley admits leaving Worcester City is one of the toughest decisions of his career. Heeley, 35, has ended his 11-year association with the St George's Lane club after rejecting new terms offered to him by player-manager Andy

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All of the community

An open letter to Wychavon District Council In the many and varied pastoral responsibilities which are part of the lives of clergy, there is one overriding factor: conveying to those who are in particular need the love of God and the worth of their humanity

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Patsy steps out of her TV role

STEPPING Out is Stepping in to Malvern next week. Small screen star Patsy Palmer is strapping on her tap shows for the latest leg of the Stepping Out nationwide tour, reaching Malvern Theatres for a stop-off from Monday to Saturday. The award-winning

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Promotion offers chance to revisit old haunts next term

TRIPS to Stourport, Swindon and Sutton Coldfield will be a thing of the past if Evesham United defeat Bromsgrove Rovers in tomorrow's Southern League Division One West play-off final, writes Mervyn Collins. The Robins will be hitting the road to places

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Mum quickly gets cash after our inquiry

A RELIEVED mother has finally received a desperately-needed Inland Revenue payment - backdated to December - after the Shuttle/Times and News highlighted her plight. Courtney Roberts, from Stourport, approached the newspaper in desperation after battling

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High hopes for first farmers' market

FINE foods and quality gifts are set to entice crowds to Stourport on Sunday for the town's first farmers' and craft market. It will be staged on the Riverbank Meadow and is one of a range of projects designed to breathe new life into the town. Stourport

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Cycling

PAUL Prince has enjoyed one of his best weekend's racing for many years. He finished fastest rider for the Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club in the Stourbridge CC 10-mile time trial on Saturday, then came third in an 80-rider field in the Two Counties road

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Old pals reunited

Organisers of a school reunion are appealing to former classmates to help them raise money for charity. Pupils who left Stourport High School in 1984, or 1986 if they stayed on at sixth form, are invited to a reunion at Stourport Boat Club on Saturday

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Golf round-up

A GOLF trip of a lifetime awaits duos from two local clubs if they can come through the next stage of Europe's biggest pro-am competition, the Lombard Trophy. Amateur Eddie Marszalek and his Wharton Park PGA professional Angus Hoareare gunning for glory

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Parish games

WOLVERLEY and Cookley closed the gap on Wyre Forest Parish Games leaders Upper Arley with success in the golf competition at Little Lakes Golf Club. They are now three points behind the pacesetters who could only finish 6th out of the eight teams. Golf

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Karting

KIDDERMINSTER'S newly crowned Kart Driver of the Year Nathan Freke returned to winning ways at Castle Combe on Bank Holiday Monday. Despite testing problems with the new Century Motorsport Jamun T25 Formula Ford, sponsored by Newnet ISP, Freke pulled

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Regattas

STOURPORT Boat Club are hoping for a repeat of last year's bumper turnout when they host the 2005 Pub & Club/ Work's Fours' regatta in June. Last year 50 crews competed for the coveted trophy and the club is hoping to generate similar interest on

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Volleyball

CLEOBURY Mortimer ladies frustrating habit of losing to weaker teams continued when they were defeated 3-0 by Warwick University in West Midlands Ladies Volleyball League Division 2. With several players switching positions, Cleobury took too long to

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Showjumping

STOURPORT showjumper Falon Harper came second in the Equenox Novice competition at the Blue Chip Winter Championships in Solihull. The 14-year-old, riding her mother's Belgian mare Andorra M, was beaten by Derbyshire's Sue Pountain.

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Chess

KIDDERMINSTER Chess Club's disappointing season continued when the Pawns suffered a 3.5-0.5 defeat at Droitwich in Division One of the Worcester and District League. Dave Close held Droitwich's David Adshead, who has represented Redditch and Bromsgrove

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Derby decider set to attract four-figure gate

SOME of the most incredible scenes ever witnessed at Common Road celebrated United's thrilling Bank Holiday Monday success that took the Robins to within one win of the Southern League Premier Division. And, if the Robins can overcome Bromsgrove Rovers

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Jewellery snatched

SHOPPERS are being warned to be on their guard after a woman had a bag containing more than £1,500 worth of jewellery stolen. The theft is believed to have happened when the victim became distracted by a young woman leaning over her as she bought some

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Busst sees red after red!

DAVE Busst's elation at seeing his Evesham side reach the Division One West play-off final was soured when he was ordered to leave the technical area, writes Mervyn Collins. The United manager was understandably excited when Jermaine Clarke's late goal

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Learner driver admits offence

A LEARNER driver gave police false details when his car was stopped, Worcester Crown Court heard. Thomas Barker assumed the identity of his friend Mark Brewer. But by chance, the same officer who stopped him recognised him in another check four months

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Remand on threats to woman

A KIDDERMINSTER man pleaded not guilty at Worcester Crown Court to putting a girlfriend in fear of violence or harassment. Lee Hodges, 21, of Dowles Road, Foley Park, is accused of making threatening telephone calls to Kelly Wilkinson between September

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Shatterford Lakes

A TROUT of 4lb was taken on a red and white fly on the Stella Lake. The Wyre Dell saw a catch of 12 trout to 3lb caught with a hare's ear, and two trout to 3lb fell to a green fritz. On the coarse scene, A 35lb catfish was landed with boilies on the Erics

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Poole Hall

THERE have been good weights of mixed fish all week, with a good showing of roach, carp and tench. The most popular baits have been macaroni cheese, catmeat, corn and maggot. Saturday Open, Heron: Bill Hodges 28-14 (20), Tom Walton 27-4 (24), Mac Taylor

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Littleton hit goal trail as Tysoe tanned

ACTION in Herald Division Two almost monopolised the Stratford Alliance programme last weekend when the four matches realised a staggering 32 goals. Studley Nags Head matched the eight goals a game average in denting Cubbington's title challenge with

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Final tonight

BADSEY Rangers face the first of two end of season cup finals at Stratford Town's ground tonight. The Stratford Alliance first division side take on Henley Forest in the Nursing Home Cup Final, kick-off 7.30pm. Malvern Town Reserves provide the opposition

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Mercian meeting

THE next meeting of the Mercian Festival Junior Football League will take place on Sunday at the Bell Inn, St John's Worcester. All clubs must be represented for the 8pm start.

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Woodward Grosvenors

A CONTEST will be held at Larford Lakes on Sunday, pegs 1-20. Anglers are asked to meet at the venue at 7am.

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Promotion offers chance to revisit old haunts next term

TRIPS to Stourport, Swindon and Sutton Coldfield will be a thing of the past if Evesham United defeat Bromsgrove Rovers in tomorrow's Southern League Division One West play-off final, writes Mervyn Collins. The Robins will be hitting the road to places

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Tomkinsons AC

SUNDAY'S contest on the BAA Staffordshire/Worcestershire Canal, bridges 10-11 (Oldington) will be drawn at 8am at the venue.

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Victory remembered

SERVICEMEN and women, cadets and veteran organisations will be gathering in Pershore and Evesham on Sunday to celebrate Victory in Europe. Evesham sea cadets will be taking part in what is expected to be one of the largest parades in Pershore's recent

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Women race to help save a life

MASSIVE support for Evesham's Race for Life has forced organisers to close entries early. Fund-raisers admitted being taken by surprise by the high take-up of women entrants for the event on Sunday, June 19. An estimated 1,700 women will run or walk the

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Wrens Nest AC

WRENS Pools: Trevor Wills 42-7, D Davis 40-2, M Tremlett 29-8. The top 10 aggregates to date: Wills 158, J Moon 153, E McKeown 144, P Jenkins 111.5, B Downing 105.5, P Knowles 102-5, J Fox 91, P Butler 66, J Brooks 65, Davis 61. The next match will be

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Hunt for teen on hammer rampage

A TEENAGER is thought to have entered a back garden in Evesham, stolen a lump hammer and assaulted a 13-year-old boy before going on to threaten a cyclist. The incidents were reported in Battleton Road on Sunday at about 7pm. The male teenager took the

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Old Bear AC

JUNIORS, Three Crowns: W Mills 27-6, C McPherson 21-4, A Swalwell 19-15. Seniors, Stackpool: S Boulter 70-0, A Evans 5-8, S Rowe 3-12. The next Seniors contest is on Sunday on the canal. Anglers should meet over the playing fields for the 7.30am draw.

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Icing on the cake at the end of election race

THE country could be in for a shock General Election result today - if a mock election at a Vale of Evesham School is as accurate as it has been for the past two elections. Buns iced in the colours of the three main parties - blue, red and yellow - went

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Villagers call for Kanes inquiry

RESIDENTS in the Littletons were meeting last night to co-ordinate a plan of action against the expansion of Kanes Foods. Last month the controversial scheme for a six-acre extension to the huge food distribution and packing operation in Middle Littleton

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Dog and owner injured by discarded fishing hook

A VALE woman received medical treatment for an infected finger after attempting to remove a large fish hook stuck in her dog's paw. Pauline Appleby, from Upper Street, Defford, has branded anglers 'irresponsible' following the incident last Thursday.

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Bees spotted in another county

A SWARM of escaped honeybees that buzzed off from Pershore at the end of last month may have been spotted miles away in Herefordshire. A farmer from near Hereford spotted a swarm about the size of a dustbin in a tree on his land earlier this week. However

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Kidderminster and District

HARRIERS Trust, the football team of a Kidderminster Harriers supporters group, have given the troubled club something to cheer about by winning their league. The trust were recently crowned champions of the Kidderminster and District Football League

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Heartfelt plea for brave tot

A HEARTFELT appeal has gone out to Vale residents to help two-year-old Daniel Collins get a special trike. The toddler from Evesham was born with Spina Bifida and needs a specialist cycle to support his back and give him mobility for the next four to

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Club's president had heart attack

THE president of Pershore's Gentleman's Club died while trying to unblock the High Street venue's toilet. John Cook, of Whitcroft Road, Pershore, was found on his hands and knees on December 6 last year with his head on a bucket that contained caustic

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Quest to find most caring youngsters

VALE residents are being urged to nominate courageous and generous youngsters for a Good Citizens Award. Organisers want to hear about any young people under the age of 18 who have made an outstanding contribution to their community over the last year

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Harriers facing power struggle

COLIN Youngjohns has reacted furiously after a controversial group stepped in to weigh up an offer for Lionel Newton's majority shareholding at Kidderminster Harriers. The current Harriers chairman has questioned the motives of the mystery rival consortium

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Warriors linked to French forward

WORCESTER Warriors have been linked with a summer move for loose-head prop Laurent Emmanuelli. The 27-year-old is a key member of French side ASM Clermont Auvergne and was rumoured to have pencilled a three-year deal with Warriors. However, Warriors'

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Youth team win floodlit title

WORCESTER City's youth team celebrated last night after clinching the Midland Floodlit Youth League Southern Division title. A 4-0 triumph at Cinderford Town meant City finished top of the division, three points clear of nearest rivals Gloucester City

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Thruxton hat-trick for Eaves

DAN Eaves has become the first driver in history to win all three races at a British Touring Car Championship meeting. Evesham-based Eaves won rounds four, five and six at Thruxton to catapult him to the top of the championship ahead of the next rounds

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Victoria land World Cup player Van Wyk

A WORLD Cup captain is hoping to be part of success at Kidderminster Victoria Cricket Club this season. Kidderminster, preparing for their 135th year at Chester Road, begin their Birmingham and District League Division One campaign at home to Cannock

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One lad in a boat

WHATEVER happened to the handsome one in the 1960s hit series The Likely Lads? James Bolam, who played Terry, has never been far from our TV screens in a wide variety of parts, but what of his mate Rodney Bewes - the dark haired one with the pretty face

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Cleobury Mortimer Bridge Club

ON April 19 at The Lion Inn, Cleobury Mortimer, a Mitchell movement was played. The north-south winners were Steve Clifton and Nigel Wilkins, with 64.67 per cent, while Gerry and Glenys Payman came second with 60.83 per cent. Charles and Vera Smith were

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Far Forest WI

THE regular walk took place on April 4, starting from Hawkbatch, of around three miles duration. At the April 19 meeting, Stan Griffin taught members the delights of growing cacti, explaining their nature, and care, watering, re-potting (prickly problems

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Heightington WI

BRIAN Draper gave a talk entitled "What is a River?" at the April meeting. He likened rivers of the UK and the world to the foibles of human nature, illustrating his point with slides. The next meeting will be on May 9, at 2.30pm at Heightington village

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Classical Music Society

TEN members attended the Federation of Music Societies' musical weekend at Daventry, Northamptonshire, from April 22 until 24. There were several presenters, notably Dame Joan Sutherland, interviewed by Edward Greenfield, firstly talking about her husband

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Tributes to war heroes

THE Vale's two local theatres are staging their own tributes for the VE Day diamond anniversary. On Saturday, the show Forces Sweethearts comes to Number 8 in Pershore, taking a trip down memory lane with wartime music, while on Friday, May 13, Evesham

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Franche Ladies

ON Wednesday at 8pm, Arthur Phillips will give a talk on the growing and care of fuchsias at Franche village hall.

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Stourport Civic Society

THERE will be a meeting on Thursday, May 12, at 7.30pm in the Social Day Centre, New Street, Stourport. At the meeting, a member of the Wyre Forest Ranger Services will talk about work within the Wyre Forest. Non-members will be welcome - there is a nominal

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Burlish TG

G JONES gave a talk on the changing face of Kidderminster, from the late 19th to the 21st century, illustrating his talk with slides. Two members will attend the national conference in Cardiff, in June. Several members went to see Shakers at the Rose

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Treatment turns horse into winner

A DRESSAGE horse has come first in her debut dressage test after extensive treatment with a special massage system. Angela Kemp, from Chipping Norton, has been impressed with the effects the equipment has had on Wiggins Magic, her eight-year-old mare.

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Museum helper marks 35 years 35 years

A VOLUNTEER at Bewdley Museum has celebrated 35 years of welcoming visitors to the popular attraction. Terry Vaughan was treated to a surprise party for clocking up more than three decades of service to the Load Street museum. Mr Vaughan, who has also

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Tadpoles face tough path to adulthood

THOSE who go out and about around some of the wetter local nature reserves may have noticed that the pools are currently teeming with life, pond skaters racing across the surface and newts gracefully swimming below. Frogs have made their annual trip back

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Harvington

ROGATION PRAYERS: Rogation Sunday was marked again this year by members of the congregation of St James' Church walking through the village and stopping from time to time to say prayers and ask blessings at each station. This ancient practice, introduced

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5/5/05 - Harriers facing power struggle

COLIN Youngjohns has reacted furiously after a controversial group stepped in to weigh up an offer for Lionel Newton's majority shareholding at Kidderminster Harriers. The current Harriers chairman has questioned the motives of the mystery rival consortium

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All the latest news and sport brought to you by the Worcester News

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Focus on diabetes

A PANEL of experts will be available to answer questions about diabetes and healthcare at a forum being held at Kidderminster Hospital Treatment Centre. The Wyre Forest branch of the charity, Diabetes UK, is hosting the event on Wednesday, May 11 at 7.30pm

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Darts fans boost appeal

GENEROUS darts fans pledged more than £350 to Operation Covert at a sell-out tournament in Kidderminster. A raffle raised £351 at the 888.com Premier League Darts contest at the Glades Arena last Thursday night. First prize was a dartboard signed by the

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We've supporeted Operation Covert

1st Wilden Guides 5th and 6th Stourport Brownies 10th Hereford Cubs Ash Friendship Fund Beards Ironmonger Bulls Head, Cookley Bridgnorth Vintage Machinery Club Cadspec Chaddesley Corbett Freemasons Classical Music Society Comberton Wives Group Cum Sing

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'I feel like a woman again not a victim'

MANY of us spend hundreds of pounds a year on beauty products in a vain hope it will leave us looking like the next Kate Moss. But can you imagine what it must be like for those who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer, being left with

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Linda selected

BROADWAY golfer Linda Carruthers has been named in the Gloucestershire Ladies squad for this weekend's County Week at Wrag Barn GC in Wiltshire. Carruthers was a member of the county side that overcame their Worcestershire counterparts at Lilley Brook

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Classic play's both poignant and fun

A PLAY considered to be one of the great English classics of the 20th century is to be staged in Kidderminster this month. Hobson's Choice is being performed in the main house of The Rose Theatre by resident acting group, The Nonentities, from Monday

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Napoleon Dynamite UCI Merry Hill

THE UCI cinema at Merry Hill continued its excellent Director's Chair series with Napoleon Dynamite, a quirky comedy about the pitfalls and dubious privileges of being a geek. Arriving just as the film found its way on to DVD, it tells the story of Napoleon

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The Tears The Wulfrun, Wolverhampton

HARDLY any band can fill a venue like The Wulfrun without releasing a single record - but The Tears are not just any band. Unquestionably, The Tears comprises one of the most eagerly awaited reunions in indie music, that of former Suede singer, Brett

Date

Cosi Fan Tutte Malvern Theatres

WITH its themes of deception, disguise and sexual fidelity, this opera's plot is more like a play by William Shakespeare than a musical work. But you only have to listen to Mozart's exquisite score and wonderful arias to realise this is one of the most

Date

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre until Saturday

THERE was dancing in the aisles when Bill Kenwright's brilliantly cast production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat lit up Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre. The much-loved show proved to be as popular as ever - largely due to an excellent

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Perish in play-off after a season of success

Newport 25pts, Pershore 12 THIS had already been a magnificent season without Pershore having to feature in Saturday's one-off play-off match. To finish second, one point adrift of the Midlands Three West (South) champions in a highly competitive league

Date

Ten's trophy repeat after a sevens success for Twelves!

TEN members of the Under-12s section at Bredon RUFC helped the Buzzards to a repeat success at the annual Cirencester Sevens last Sunday. Bredon won the Under-11 age-group 12 months ago and this season's Under-12s squad were keen to again bring the trophy

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Ray of hope for children of the Chernobyl disaster

THE aftermath of Chernobyl's nuclear disaster almost two decades ago lingers on, but one Evesham group is offering survivors a ray of hope. Members of the Vale of Evesham Chernobyl Children's Project (UK) arranges annual visits for the children of those

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I'm no Tory

HELLO. My name is Simon Powell and I was featured in your paper and quoted as saying that I would definitely vote Conservative. I did not say this, my friend who is with me in the picture did, this being Simon Dixon. I am not a Tory and neither is my

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Icing on the cake at the end of election race

THE country could be in for a shock General Election result today - if a mock election at a Vale of Evesham School is as accurate as it has been for the past two elections. Buns iced in the colours of the three main parties - blue, red and yellow - went

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Their pleas

HERE we go again. They are pleading for our votes. So, shall we all be daft again and trust what they say? When we go to vote we shall not see the names Blair or Howard and so on, whom we may like. We shall see county councillors and MPs whom we may not

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Now its Beckford's turn on gipsy merry-go-round

GIPSIES who set up a protest camp in Pershore's civic centre car park have moved on to playing fields in Beckford. The group was evicted from an unauthorised site along the B4080 Tewkesbury Road, near Eckington, around three weeks ago. They had moved

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We need answers on this payment for letters issue

JIM Evans' recent letter and one written by L Spiteri reminded me that Nick Chance wrote on Monday, April 18 that "Any MEP who actively forwards the EU Agenda (writing letters to newspapers and so on, in support of the EU) automatically receives an extra

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Jessica is safe and well

A MISSING Spa schoolgirl has been found safe and well. Sixteen-year-old Jessica Waterhouse had been missing since Saturday, April 30, but phoned home on Tuesday, May 3, to say she would meet her mother in Worcester. The Blessed Edward Oldcorne High School

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Ageing becomes an art form for Jennie

A LOCAL artist is exhibiting her work and raising money for the community at the same time. Jennie Petersen is returning to The Theatre Gallery in Chipping Norton with her new exhibition called As I Get Older from next week. It comprises a colourful collection

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Family tribute to a dedicated nurse

THE family of a dedicated children's nurse have spoken of their grief after the discovery of her body in the River Avon. Patricia Curry, aged 68 from Mount Pleasant, Pershore, had disappeared from her home over two weeks ago. She had recently moved back

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Digging for victory in annual contest

GREEN-FINGERED householders are being urged to pick up their trowels and pit their plants against others in the 2005 Broadwaters in Bloom contest. The hanging basket and front garden flower competition is being held during the spring and summer months

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Houses 'ruin' village skyline

THE chairman of Bidford Parish Council has promised that lessons will be learned, after his members backed a controversial planning application. Last year councillors backed plans for a housing development on the old school site in Victoria Road , but

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Campden's draw allows holders to hit top spot

WEEK two action in the Prudden Road Surfacing League saw Stratford B open up a two-point gap at the top of the Premier Division. The reigning champions enjoyed another comfortable 4-0 victory while nearest challengers Chipping Campden were held to a draw

Date

Perish in play-off after a season of success

Newport 25pts, Pershore 12 THIS had already been a magnificent season without Pershore having to feature in Saturday's one-off play-off match. To finish second, one point adrift of the Midlands Three West (South) champions in a highly competitive league

Date

Respected ex-police chief dies

A FORMER Kidderminster police chief who "took the law to the letter" has died, aged 86. Sydney Bytheway won respect from criminals as well as constables when he was chief inspector in the town, his family said. "The rogues of Kidderminster respected him

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Fun for the family

A FAMILY Fun Day at Worcester Racecourse on Sunday offers racegoers a fabulous afternoon's entertainment. The picturesque tree-lined location on the banks of the river Severn offers the perfect place to spend your day with something for everyone. In addition

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Rail anger

A GROUP that represents rail users has blasted changes on a line that goes through Wyre Forest as "not good enough". The Stourbridge Line User Group is calling for action on the route, which passes through Hartlebury, Kidderminster and Blakedown, following

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Ready for main meet

STRATFORD Racecourse is gearing up for its annual Intrum Justitia Cup two-day meeting - its premier occasion of the year. The event is expected to attract a large crowd of around 15,000 people over the two days and there is £165,000 added prize money

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Campden's draw allows holders to hit top spot

WEEK two action in the Prudden Road Surfacing League saw Stratford B open up a two-point gap at the top of the Premier Division. The reigning champions enjoyed another comfortable 4-0 victory while nearest challengers Chipping Campden were held to a draw

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Matt's on track

MATT Nicoll-Jones, who races for Academy Motor-sport, is heading up to Croft Circuit near Darlington for the second round of the AVO Ginetta Champion-ship this weekend. The AVO Ginettas are a support class of the British F3 and GT championships which

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Sun on their backs

MEMBERS of Eve-sham Wheelers set out for last Sunday's weekly run with the sun on their backs. The group headed towards Studley Garden Centre taking in the rolling hills to Inkberrow, Holberrow Green, and Sambou-rne then on to a well-earned stop for coffee

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Trio of triumphs

IT'S been a profitable couple of weeks for the Evesham club who managed to string together a trio of league wins. The Reds defeated Headliners 46-20 in the Worcester City League but it took them until the third quarter to assume control. Good defence

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Enterprise pair grab win double

ARDEN Club members sailed three races at Defford last weekend starting with the second race in the Arden Trophy Series. This took place in a brisk force 3-4 south westerly wind and there was a good turnout with six classes of dinghy on the start line.

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Twin office blocks take shape at trading estate

A £1.5m office development is being built by a Worcester property firm in the city. Lansdowne Rodway Estates, which develops and manages property across Worcestershire, has started creating 'Block S' on the Blackpole East Trading Estate. The 19-acre site

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Get-together for parents and tots

A NEW group for parents and toddlers has been formed in Salford Priors. Tuesday Tots, which held its first meeting last week is being run by the Sunday school teacher at St Matthew's Church, Pippa Challenger. Parents and their children aged between two

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THEY DOUBLE BOOKED MY POOR HUBBY'S FUNERAL

A WIDOW has demanded an apology from Worcester Crematorium after her husband's funeral was double-booked. Grieving Sue Mills, of Brookthorpe Drive, Blackpole, said 63-year-old David Mills's cremation was due to take place at Worcester Crematorium in Astwood

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Battle is tough at the polls

VOTERS went to the polls today to pass judgement on Labour's bid to win its first ever third term in government. Throughout Worcestershire and Herefordshire, candidates were expecting tight finishes, with seats in Worcester, West Worcestershire and Hereford

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Pat spent her life caring for others

THE family of a former nurse, whose body was found in the River Avon has paid tribute to the wonderful, caring woman who was their wife and mother. Patricia Curry was discovered at The Moorings, by Pensham Hill, near Pershore, on Monday after she disappeared

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Polluting, noisy taxis are ruining city trade

TAXIS which leave their engines running while parked in The Cross and Broad Street in Worcester are causing pollution and putting off customers, claim worried shop owners. The city council's licensing committee has received several complaints from both

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Grow your own blooms from mouldy cabbages and teabags

YOUNGSTERS were shown why it is a blooming good idea to make garden waste into compost when they visited a double-decker bus - with a growing garden in the roof. The open-topped Compost Bus stopped off at Worcester Garden Centre on Droitwich Road yesterday

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Football club's big signing for pitches

A FOOTBALL club's battle for more land has kicked off with a petition. The 1,400-signature appeal comes after an offer to lease land to the club was withdrawn by Malvern Hills chiefs. Malvern's Newtown Sports Junior Club chairman Martyn Twinberrow and

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Suffering the moral dilemma

THE Bishop of Worcester and his Council have passed judgement on Wychavon DC's approach to the illegally camped gypsies in Pershore. That they have done so without allowing the council an opportunity to explain the true position, is indicative that they

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Fun, fitness and fund-raising

ACTIVE youngsters are busy breaking out their running shoes and tracksuit bottoms in preparation for a sport-themed event. Colwall Primary School holds its annual May Fair at 2pm on Saturday, May 14 and this year's theme was chosen as the school's bid

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Power to people and their passes

JUST a quick note to let you know that the letter of mine that you published recently has had an astounding result with regards to my bus pass. I went in to see if they could change it and it was ready for me straight away! They had seen my letter, and

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Inspector called in

A DATE has been set for an inquiry into a controversial planning application. Residents living in St John's are opposing plans to knock down two 1930s detached houses in Malvern Road, St John's, Worcester, and replace them with 23 homes. They will now

Date

Kind donations to worthy cause

MRS Olive Turner of Blockley recently organised a grand spring prize bingo at the Royal British Legion in Moreton. A wonderful £1,000 was raised for the Gloucestershire Macmillan Nurse Appeal. Our grateful thanks to Mrs Turner, the management of the Royal

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Take doctors' advice

IT has become a serious situation when local doctors and staff at the Merstow Green and Abbey Medical practices have to resort to highlighting their unsatisfactory accommodation through the Evesham Journal. Our doctors appear to have little knowledge

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What's On

TONIGHT: Kidderminster: Town Hall - Martin Knizia organ recital. Birmingham: Marriott Hotel - Lupa. CBSO Centre - Lunchtime concert. Music by Mendelssohn and Shostakovich. MAC - Yasmin Levy. Malvern: Forum Theatre - Aggini Quartet. Worcester: Huntingdon

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Exhibitions

Kidderminster Library - Pastel Studies, Saturday until May 29. Bewdley Museum - New for Old, Monday until June 5. Bevere Art Gallery, Worcester - Seascapes, today. Museum and Art Gallery, Worcester - Daily Life in Medieval Worcester, until July 31. Treasures

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Fun at Builth

TRADITIONAL Irish music band Last Night's Fun comes to the Wyeside at Builth Wells on May 14. The three musicians work effortlessly together, creating involving interplay and animated, and valuable interpretations of traditional music. They have headlined

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Conductor steps down

MARK Foster has stepped down as conductor of Monmouth Choral Society after 13 years, during which his musical ability, commitment, enthusiasm and reliability have been key factors in the Society's success and growth. Mark has conducted more than 50 concerts

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Mickleton

PARISH COUNCIL: The monthly meeting took place in King George's Hall. Coun L Stowe chaired the meeting. The Plantation corner stones have been cemented in. The soakaway under the cemetery tap has been cleaned out by the odd-job man, who has almost completed

Date

Willersey

WW2 60TH ANNIVERSARY CHURCH SERVICE: On Sunday, the Rector, the Rev David Vince, is holding a special service in St Peter's Church at 3pm to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The service will focus on the triumph of peace,

Date

Redhill

SPRING EXHIBITION: Louise Darby is holding her spring exhibition with a collection of craftspeople - Jenny Crisp (basket making), Sharon McSwiney (jewellery), Katherine Campbell Legg (small bowls and boxes), Ann Forrester (acrylic and pastel trees), and

Date

Brendan's learning about farming life

A YOUNG farmer from the other side of the World is learning about British agriculture on an organic beef and arable farm on the edge of the Cotswolds. Brendan Saunders, aged 20, from Whakatne, New Zealand, is spending seven months at Raymeadow Farm, Dumbleton

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All of the community

An open letter to Wychavon District Council In the many and varied pastoral responsibilities which are part of the lives of clergy, there is one overriding factor: conveying to those who are in particular need the love of God and the worth of their humanity

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The passions of flamenco

THE flamboyant heel-stamping passions of flamenco are bursting into Pershore next week. Flamenco Express is coming to Number 8 with its new show Flamenco=MC. The company aims to bring 'the most ferocious expression of the human spirit yet devised', all

Date

A challenge in their drama

A CHRISTIAN theatre company with a reputation for innovative, challenging and entertaining theatre is bringing a double bill to both Tewkesbury and Worcester. The Saltmine Theatre Company is performing The Screwtape Letters and The Hiding Place tomorrow

Date

Music of the 40s

IN celebration of the 60th anniversary of VE day, Hereford Courtyard brings some of the finest musical theatre professionals to the county to present songs and comedy from the 40s. On Saturday evening West End stars from Beyond the Barricade will transport

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Tributes to war heroes

THE Vale's two local theatres are staging their own tributes for the VE Day diamond anniversary. On Saturday, the show Forces Sweethearts comes to Number 8 in Pershore, taking a trip down memory lane with wartime music, while on Friday, May 13, Evesham

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Class acts lined up for picnic concerts at Ragley

TWO contrasting concerts have been announced for a summer weekend of music at Ragley Hall, near Alcester. Pop and classical music fans will have diaries ready for the picnic-style outdoor concerts on August 13 and 14. The first night will see The Bootleg

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Nigel confident of debut trials success

ORGANISERS of the inaugural Broadway Horse Trials are so confident of success, plans to extend next year's event have already been made. Host Nigel Tabor, of Lybrook Farm, is a former professional international event rider, having competed at Badminton

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Treatment turns horse into winner

A DRESSAGE horse has come first in her debut dressage test after extensive treatment with a special massage system. Angela Kemp, from Chipping Norton, has been impressed with the effects the equipment has had on Wiggins Magic, her eight-year-old mare.

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Tadpoles face tough path to adulthood

THOSE who go out and about around some of the wetter local nature reserves may have noticed that the pools are currently teeming with life, pond skaters racing across the surface and newts gracefully swimming below. Frogs have made their annual trip back

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Harvington

ROGATION PRAYERS: Rogation Sunday was marked again this year by members of the congregation of St James' Church walking through the village and stopping from time to time to say prayers and ask blessings at each station. This ancient practice, introduced

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Just look at the size of waste problem

A FINE art student at Herefordshire College of Art and Design has put her art where her heart is. Gemma Warr spent two weeks working on a recycling project to demonstrate the amount of waste that her family created in that time. "I made the sculpture

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HCAD helps learners

HEREFORDSHIRE College of Art and Design will be taking part in the first of a series of events throughout the country this weekend, to help promote the forthcoming adult learners week. With the 60th anniversary of VE Day approaching, the organisers of

Date

Classic play's both poignant and fun

A PLAY considered to be one of the great English classics of the 20th century is to be staged in Kidderminster this month. Hobson's Choice is being performed in the main house of The Rose Theatre by resident acting group, The Nonentities, from Monday

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The Tears The Wulfrun, Wolverhampton

HARDLY any band can fill a venue like The Wulfrun without releasing a single record - but The Tears are not just any band. Unquestionably, The Tears comprises one of the most eagerly awaited reunions in indie music, that of former Suede singer, Brett

Date

Cosi Fan Tutte Malvern Theatres

WITH its themes of deception, disguise and sexual fidelity, this opera's plot is more like a play by William Shakespeare than a musical work. But you only have to listen to Mozart's exquisite score and wonderful arias to realise this is one of the most

Date

What's on in city and county

events 5 Hereford May Fair. 01432 260984. 7-8 National Trust, Brockhampton Estate, World War II weekend, Dig for Victory! 12pm onwards. 01885 488099. 7-15 Ludlow Green Festival, opening Castle Square 11am. 01584 877771. 8 Train Rides at Broomy Hill Miniature

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DJ Adam set to take Ibiza clubs by storm

A MAN who co-founded a new concept in Wyre Forest clubbing - Battle of the DJs nights - is set to pack up his decks and discs and pioneer his brainchild in Ibiza. Thirty-year-old Adam Robins, who set up Deuce Soundsystems with his friend Simon Jevons,

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Forgotten gems

HEREFORD Concert Society presents City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra players 'on tour' tonight (Thursday) at the Courtyard. The Berkley Salon Ensemble comprises members of the CBSO who play a range of traditional jazz and classical music. Their programme

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Folk duo at villages

A MULTI-award winning music duo is set to perform in Clows Top and Cookley as part of a scheme taking professional live art shows to community venues across Worcestershire. Melodeon player and singer, John Spiers and lead singer and fiddler, Jon Boden

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Going Dutch - Everyman, Cheltenham

HULL Truck Theatre have developed an enviable reputation over the years acting as the mouthpiece for John Godber's witty and hard-hitting plays. Going Dutch, his new play, adds to his formidable reputation as a writer and director, and this highly talented

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Turning back the years

HISTORY is set to repeat itself at Kidderminster Town Hall this month and one musician in particular has high hopes for the concert that will launch Wolverley author John Combe's new book, Get Your Kicks on the A456. The Clippers' drummer, Vic Rose, is

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Freddie returns

THE legendary Freddie Starr, among Britain's best loved and most successful comedian will be appearing at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall on Tuesday, May 17. For the past four decades Starr's madcap approach to comedy has captivated audiences around the world

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Gravel voices against plans

AM I being nave in thinking that an excavated gravel working will make an excellent landfill site? And don't mention traffic levels to anyone on the Main Road through Badsey. ROGER MARTIN, Synehurst, Badsey.

Date

Kind donations to worthy cause

MRS Olive Turner of Blockley recently organised a grand spring prize bingo at the Royal British Legion in Moreton. A wonderful £1,000 was raised for the Gloucestershire Macmillan Nurse Appeal. Our grateful thanks to Mrs Turner, the management of the Royal

Date

Parking is not just the ticket

WITH reference to your article regarding the gipsies on Wychavon District Council car park. Could the council please tell us if any of the gipsies bought car parking tickets to cover their stay. If they did not buy tickets, could the council please tell

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KVCC are anxious to make amends

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria hope to make up for last season's late collapse by staying the distance in this season's Birmingham League division two promotion race. The Chester Road men get their campaign under way with a home clash against relegated Cannock

Date

Wilden Cricket League

ON the first day of fixtures in the Wilden Industrial Estates Cricket League, five matches had to be abandoned due to rain. Gas beat Arley by 54 runs in the first round of the Wednesday Junior Cup. Stourport side Stagborough enjoyed a nine-wicket victory

Date

Cookley

COOKLEY could be facing a long hard season if the results of the first weekend's fixtures in the Crusader Worcestershire County League division two are anything to go by. Both village teams, fielding weakened line-ups through unavailability, were soundly

Date

Were you the couple who found little girl?

IT'S a parent's worst nightmare - losing your child on a busy Saturday morning while out shopping. But luckily for Karen Phillips, when her daughter Jaye disappeared during a trip to Worcester, she fell into safe hands. When Mrs Phillips, 40, from Stourport-on-Severn

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Birthday marathon cash total

A CHARITY fund-raiser from Worcester who ran the London Marathon on his 40th birthday has handed over more than £1,000 to a worthy cause. Stephen Hodgetts ran last year's 26-mile event to raise money for those suffering from Crohn's disease - an inflammatory

Date

Bike crash man named

POLICE have named a motorcyclist killed after a collision with a tractor. Richard Harris, aged 41, died at the scene when his red Kawasaki was in collision with a tractor towing a grass cutter in Bringsty, near Bromyard. Friday's accident happened at

Date

Draw, act and dance your way to summer

VERYTHING from dance classes to art workshops will be on offer at Malvern Theatres over the coming months as it hosts a series of educational events. The venue, in the town's Grange Road, has just released its brochure of educational workshops for the

Date

Challenge to test for loudest larynxes

BOOMING voices filled Bromyard when the finest of the world's human loudhailers gathered for an annual contest. Bromyard Spring Festival of Town Criers attracted entries from across the UK and as far afield as Holland and Belgium. "It was absolutely sensational

Date

A distinctive 8ft shrub worth £695 that was imported from Italy has been stolen from a garden centr

A distinctive 8ft shrub worth £695 that was imported from Italy has been stolen from a garden centre. The corkscrew-shaped privet, Ligustrun Jonandrum, was taken between 6pm on Monday and 8.30am the next day from Webbs of Wychbold, near Droitwich. Centre

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Portraits of pets on show

AN artist who paints portraits of pets is showing off her work this month. Gill Leighton is Droitwich Library's Artist of the Month for May, and she has set up many of her works in the Library on Victoria Square. Ms Leighton, who was born and brought

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A day for all to remember

THE whole country celebrated after Bill and Peggy Dovey were married, just three days before Victory in Europe was declared. And the nation will be commemorating VE Day as the couple celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary at the Marlbre Hotel, Kempsey

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Illness inspires success

A DETERMINED son has taken inspiration from his father's late onset of diabetes and triumphed over Oxford scholars to win a top research award. Former Harry Cheshire High School pupil James Brown said dad Robert's debilitating type two diabetes helped

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Bob's s-nipped in for 80 years

LOYAL pensioner, Bob Young, thinks his Kidderminster hairdresser is such a cut above the rest that he has been climbing into the barber's chair for a whopping 80 years. The 83-year-old has been a patron of Brian J Carter since he was in short trousers

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Two towers trip to help hospice

THREE Stourport residents are set to embark on a cross-Channel road trip to raise money for charity. Emily Foxall, Matthew Parker and Nigel Richardson will be driving between the landmark towers of Blackpool and Paris on June 11 and 12 in the fourth member

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Heat on for volunteers

THE heat is on for a Kidderminster-based rescue service which has been given use of thermal imaging equipment to find missing persons. The equipment can not only detect a person's body heat but also areas of extreme cold, said Mark Sanderson of Central

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Video charts house demise

THE demise of a manor house boasting 16th century architecture and Elizabethan murals painted by travelling Italian artists into a "small amount of brickwork and a chimney breast" is the subject of a new video produced by Bewdley Civic Society. Creator

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Harriers letters

THERE is an old saying in football , "Never go back to a previous club". How true that has turned out to be for the Harriers this season, with the club's proud record of never being relegated in shreds thanks to a management performance of arrogance and

Date

Mickleton

PARISH COUNCIL: The monthly meeting took place in King George's Hall. Coun L Stowe chaired the meeting. The Plantation corner stones have been cemented in. The soakaway under the cemetery tap has been cleaned out by the odd-job man, who has almost completed

Date

Willersey

WW2 60TH ANNIVERSARY CHURCH SERVICE: On Sunday, the Rector, the Rev David Vince, is holding a special service in St Peter's Church at 3pm to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The service will focus on the triumph of peace,

Date

Redhill

SPRING EXHIBITION: Louise Darby is holding her spring exhibition with a collection of craftspeople - Jenny Crisp (basket making), Sharon McSwiney (jewellery), Katherine Campbell Legg (small bowls and boxes), Ann Forrester (acrylic and pastel trees), and

Date

5/5/05 - Youth team win floodlit title

WORCESTER City's youth team celebrated last night after clinching the Midland Floodlit Youth League Southern Division title. A 4-0 triumph at Cinderford Town meant City finished top of the division, three points clear of nearest rivals Gloucester City

Date

Put your cross in the box

THE weeks of rhetoric and spin are finally over. The politicians' painted-on smiles can at last be allowed to fade as, for 15 hours today, the power in the country shifts to you, the people. This is your opportunity to tell all those vying to run the

Date

Locals join in with the opera

PREPARATIONS for the new season at Longborough Festival Opera are now well under way and this year's season will be very much a Cotswold affair, involving many local singers. The season opens on Friday, June 17, and there will be 20 performances of the

Date

The passions of flamenco

THE flamboyant heel-stamping passions of flamenco are bursting into Pershore next week. Flamenco Express is coming to Number 8 with its new show Flamenco=MC. The company aims to bring 'the most ferocious expression of the human spirit yet devised', all

Date

A challenge in their drama

A CHRISTIAN theatre company with a reputation for innovative, challenging and entertaining theatre is bringing a double bill to both Tewkesbury and Worcester. The Saltmine Theatre Company is performing The Screwtape Letters and The Hiding Place tomorrow

Date

Busst sees red after red!

DAVE Busst's elation at seeing his Evesham side reach the Division One West play-off final was soured when he was ordered to leave the technical area, writes Mervyn Collins. The United manager was understandably excited when Jermaine Clarke's late goal

Date

Many nappy returns!

THERE wasn't a happier person at Common Road on Monday than club chairman Jim Cockerton. Jermaine Clarke's last-gasp equaliser was followed by news of the birth of his first grandson. And, the smile on his face became even wider when Richard Ball slotted

Date

Drug user warned he faces jail term

A DRUG user who grabbed a woman's handbag in Stourport has been warned he faces custody when he is sentenced at Worcester Crown Court next month. Judge Andrew Geddes told 24-year-old Darren Farmer: "Bag snatching offences are very common. You should prepare

Date

Hockey

A KIDDERMINSTER school's girls hockey team have gone from being bridesmaids to brides after wining a competition they were runners-up in last year. Holy Trinity School's U13s finished second in the Dudley Schools Tournament in 2004 and went one better

Date

Rich pickings! Three for Ball

Evesham Utd 4, Cinderford Tn 0 TOP scorer Richard Ball banged in a brilliant hat-trick to end United's 42-match Southern League Division One West in scintillating style, writes Mervyn Collins. However, last Saturday's tasty treble failed to guarantee

Date

Soccer fan gets banned

A KIDDERMINSTER Harriers soccer fan has been banned from matches for the rest of the season for allegedly having a gun on the way to a home game. Andrew Sadler is charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause Cheltenham Town supporters fear

Date

Thieves snatch photographs

THIEVES snatched photographs of "sentimental value" from a car parked at a Stourport church - while its owner visited the grave of her grandson. The Stourport woman was left "devastated" by the theft, from St Michael's Church in Church Drive. Police said

Date

Spiky hair man assaults teen

A 16-YEAR-OLD girl has been indecently assaulted while sitting on a bench in Kidderminster. Police are appealing for information about the attack, which happened after a man approached the teenager and began talking to her, while she was sitting at the

Date

Money box is stolen

A DISTINCTIVE money box was stolen during a burglary in Kidderminster. The box was described as a black and white Guinness bottle, engraved with the words 1987 Presidential Year. It contained a quantity of cash in Scottish £5 notes. It was taken in a

Date

Rich pickings! Three for Ball

Evesham Utd 4, Cinderford Tn 0 TOP scorer Richard Ball banged in a brilliant hat-trick to end United's 42-match Southern League Division One West in scintillating style, writes Mervyn Collins. However, last Saturday's tasty treble failed to guarantee

Date

Report: Grim as Harriers go out on a hiding

Harriers 1 Grimsby 4 KIDDERMINSTER Harriers wanted to go out on a high in their final Football League game at Aggborough - instead they went out on a hiding. After freezing ticket prices for next season despite their relegation, the least Harriers owed

Date

From the archives

100 Years Ago May 6, 1905 There seems to be a general impression that the yield of plums in the Vale of Evesham will not be by any means large, despite the plentiful blossom. We have, fortunately, been spared the severe frosts of two years ago, but we

Date

Derby decider set to attract four-figure gate

SOME of the most incredible scenes ever witnessed at Common Road celebrated United's thrilling Bank Holiday Monday success that took the Robins to within one win of the Southern League Premier Division. And, if the Robins can overcome Bromsgrove Rovers

Date

Moorlands Farm

MOORLANDS Farm anglers took two of the first three places in the Tuesday Cost-Cutter, fished on the Middle Pool. Richard Massey was the winner, with 111lb 9oz of fish from peg eight, and Keith Hall came third, 76-3 from peg three. There were 10 contestants

Date

Many nappy returns!

THERE wasn't a happier person at Common Road on Monday than club chairman Jim Cockerton. Jermaine Clarke's last-gasp equaliser was followed by news of the birth of his first grandson. And, the smile on his face became even wider when Richard Ball slotted

Date

Own goal clinches cup win for the Wanderers

MORETON Wanderers remain on course for a League and Cup double following victory in Sunday night's Tewkesbury Sports Knockout Cup Final. In a disappointing contest, Wanderers dominated for long periods against a Bredon side that defended stoutly throughout

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Junior round-up . . . Junior round-up . . . Junior round-up

Badsey Rgrs U-15 5, Southside 2 RANGERS retained the League Cup at Whaddon Road last Sunday when they scored some of the best goals seen there this season. Facing the team that had pipped them for the league title five days earlier, the Badsey lads took

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Agony for Amby

THE Ambassador failed to become the second Evesham Sunday League side to lift a county trophy when they lost 3-1 to Mostyn Rangers in the WFA Junior Cup Final. Staged at Bromsgrove Rovers, the Amby trailed by two goals but a second half strike from Neil

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Lyttelton AA Veterans

THE first round of the Summer League, fished at Woodlands View, turned out to be a heavy fish session, with 820lb caught. Result: Len Evans 68-12, Mick Scott 59-12, Gary Dickinson (visitor) 54-8, Derek Davis 41-12. Round Two will be fished at the Wren's

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May Day Fair draws big crowds

WE would like to congratulate Ann Lyman for once again organising a very successful May Day Fair along the Bewdley riverside and town centre. Although the day started off with a few showers the sun shone for the remainder of the day and at times it became

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Lose twice by the odd goal

Loughborough 3, Littleton 2 LITTLETON completed a difficult week of fixtures when they travelled to Leicestershire on Saturday. Last Tuesday, they faced Cadbury's where they were unlucky to lose another close game 2-1. Matthew Cotton scored the visitors

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Have your say on the future of rail travel

MANY people who read the Shuttle/Times & News travel by rail. Perhaps some are reading this letter on a train. The Government's Strategic Rail Authority has asked people in Kidderminster to comment on proposals for the future of rail travel in the

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Curious timing for second cinema plan

IT seems most curious that literally within weeks of the opening our first cinema for years, Wyre Forest District Council wishes us to enjoy the advantages of a second one. Can one ask if a thorough assessment has been made to support this decision, and

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Bewdley

BEWDLEY Town piled the pressure back on Great Wyrley after completing two wins in three days to go two points clear at the top of the West Midlands League Division One table. It sets up an exciting showdown when the two teams meet at Ribbesford Meadows

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Now its Beckford's turn on gipsy merry-go-round

GIPSIES who set up a protest camp in Pershore's civic centre car park have moved on to playing fields in Beckford. The group was evicted from an unauthorised site along the B4080 Tewkesbury Road, near Eckington, around three weeks ago. They had moved

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New cinema is asset to town - support it

A BIG thanks to Simon Swaffield and his partner, Tony Dicks, for bringing Wyre Forest a cinema after 20 years. I have just come home after seeing the Screen 3 performance of Vera Drake, which I tried to see while it was at Worcester, but because of train

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Stourport

STOURPORT failed to produce the goods in the Buckinghamshire sun as they slumped to a disappointing end of season 3-1 defeat at Burnham. Three second half goals secured the points for Burnham while Swifts had to rely on a John Shirley effort for their

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Hope they get it right on revamp

WHAT is going on at Wyre Forest District Council? First, I reported a number of cases of dog faeces on a small stretch of pavement in Hurcott Road and was told that it may take a couple of days to have it removed. It took more than two weeks. On Friday

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Chaddesley Corbett

GOALS by Craig Richards and John Baker gave Chaddesley Corbett Football Club a 2-0 victory at Cradley Town on Bank Holiday Monday. The result boosted confidence, as just two days earlier the team had been beaten 2-1 at Darlaston Town, when Steve Meredith

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Woods helps win cup for rampant Under-11s

Evesham Utd U-11 9, Swindon Villages Bowmen B 1 HAVING been denied the league title after a play-off despite finishing top, Evesham bounced back with a dazzling display in front of a large crowd at Cheltenham Town's Whaddon Road home. Henry Woods opened

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Fourteens record victory on the road

Worcester City 1, Evesham Utd U-14 3 PLAYING at St George's Lane, Evesham soaked up early pressure from a newly strengthened City side before hitting them with a sucker punch as David Huggins banged in a low drive to give his side a half-time lead. Evesham

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Tables

SATURDAY PREMIER P W D F A P Cradley Hth 25 20 4 79 15 64 Wyre For 25 16 4 69 36 52 Brintons 24 14 4 75 33 46 Kinver 26 14 4 62 45 46 Two Gates 26 12 6 77 51 42 Quarr Bank 26 10 7 44 51 37 Areley King 26 10 5 52 51 36 George & Dr 25 8 10 52 43 34

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Stourport Youth Football League

BEWDLEY Town gained an excellent final result in the Under-15s division of the Stourport and District Youth Football League, as they beat struggling side Droitwich Lions 14-0. Another high score came courtesy of Kidderminster Lions, top of the U-11s table

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Pensioner's fears as 591 bus service reaches the terminus

AN Evesham pensioner has spoken of his fears over Worcestershire County Council's plans to axe a town bus service. Reg Newell, aged 70, from Evendene Road, believes the scrapping of the 591 Cresswell service will cause problems for elderly residents.

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Flood relief is on target

WORK on the £750,000 Sedgeberrow flood defence scheme is well under way. The Environment Agency project, which started on April 4, aims to reduce flooding in the village. The work involves the replacement of the Cheltenham Road bridge with a larger one