Worcestershire | Archive | 2004 | February

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Stories for 19 February 2004

Leisure

Versatile singer Barbara brings tour to Malvern

BARBARA Dickson is without a doubt one of the country's most popular and versatile singers and actresses and has become an institution in her own right.   more...

What's On

TONIGHT: Birmingham: Symphony Hall - CBSO. Marriott Hotel - Lupa.   more...

Theatre

Rose, Kidderminster - The Birthday Party, until Saturday.   more...

Organ recitals

A SHOWCASE for some of this country's top organ and keyboard players will see fans converge on Wyre Forest this month.   more...

Sacred songs to aid charity

AN award-winning choir from Worcester is poised to perform a plethora of sacred choral classics in Bewdley before jetting off for a musical tour of South Africa.   more...

Chance to tune up singing

ASPIRING soloists from Wyre Forest are being invited to improve their vocal technique and performance skills with a new singing group.   more...

Trophy honours skating star

A TALENTED family have honoured their skating star uncle by donating a trophy for junior winners of the Wyre Forest Dance Festival.   more...

Full steam ahead for swinging 60s event

"ANYTHING that moved in the 1960s is welcome" - that is the rule of the Severn Valley Railway's 60s day on Saturday.   more...

Surfwear giant decking out rock festival bands

A LEADING American skate and surf wear company is decking out Kidderminster bands for a charity rock festival - in a sponsorship deal which could lead to major gigs across the USA and Europe.   more...

SONIC HEROES

(Available on PS2, XBOX, GC)   more...

Win £200 spending spree at sports store

LEADING sports retailer Sports World is bringing plenty of razzmatazz to Kidderminster when its new store at Weavers Wharf officially opens on Saturday.   more...

Get special greetings licked with new stamps

ROYAL Mail has issued a new set of five first class "Occasions" stamps where letter writers can say it with a kiss or a quack!   more...

Fascinating newts

IN Wyre Forest we have the potential to encounter all three of Britain's newt species.   more...

Top choir sings out for charity

ONE of the top male choirs in Wales will be taking centre stage in Northleach to support the Acorns' fundraising appeal to build a new children's hospice.   more...

BBC Big Band in welcome return

THE BBC Big Band makes an eagerly awaited return visit to Malvern Theatres on Friday, February 20, following two previous Malvern sell-out performances.   more...

Sir Donald is `jewel in crown' at festival

LEGENDARY opera singer Sir Donald McIntyre will be the "jewel in the crown" in Longborough Festival Opera's production of Wagner's Ring cycle this summer.   more...

Teeth on tour

DR Teeth Big Band will continue a momentous month of shows around the UK when they roar back into Worcester for a return visit to the Marrs Bar on Friday, February 20. The Teeth will be playing three new original tunes as part of their set while also adding fresh arrangements of jive and swing standards to their live show.   more...

50-strong choir at Arts Centre

A 50-STRONG choir celebrating its 40th anniversary this year will come to Evesham Arts Centre.   more...

Cool melodies from quartet

JAZZ fans are in for a treat when acclaimed trumpeter Keith Smith brings his impressive seven-piece band to Cheltenham's town hall.   more...

Masterclass for singers

A SPECIAL masterclass for singers wanting to develop their talent is being held at Elgar's Birthplace Museum in Worcester this Saturday at 2pm.   more...

Pinter's plays rarely seen

SEVEN rarely-seen short plays by Harold Pinter will be presented in Oxford Playhouse's new production, The Dumb Waiter & Other Pieces, until Saturday, February 28.   more...

Are you a winner?

* (I) indicates Internet entries   more...

Great naughty farce

COCK of the Walk is on at the Theatre Chipping Norton next Saturday. Following the success of Game Pie last year Michael Fiend Productions present a new English version of Le Dindon - a great Feydeau Farce. The play centres around Paris in the naughty nineties. For tickets contact the box office on 01608 642350.   more...

Playful and dark drama at Swan

A DARK and playful drama at the Swan Theatre in Worcester will get to the bottom of whether it is wicked to submit to extreme desires or more destructive to keep a lid on them.   more...

News

Petty, narrow-minded

HOW petty and narrow-minded Wychavon Council can be towards pensioners.   more...

Why are we not being encouraged?

THIS morning I saw in the Journal that Wychavon DC are talking of ceasing the issue of concessionary bus tokens and parking tickets to people over 60 years.   more...

Dipping away at the OAPs - hit by taxes

MORE dipping away at pensioners concessions, already hard hit by council tax rises.   more...

Radical approach to way we're governed

THE Government at Westminster is considering changing the formula by which we pay our council taxes.   more...

Hardest hit will be elderly and disabled

ONCE again the elderly are going to be penalised by Wychavon Council by withdrawing the travel tokens.   more...

Unacceptably high tax rise in county

No doubt the Executive Officers of Worcestershire County Council are congratulating themselves on setting this year's Council Tax increase at "only" 5.1% (Journal, February 12th).   more...

Council is helping the Vale pensioners

I WAS sorry to read the way in which the Evesham Journal reported the very prudent budget and council tax decisions of Wychavon District Council, (Journal, February 12).   more...

Houses could be built on former parcel depot site

A BIDFORD business which closed down two years ago could be replaced by houses and business premises.   more...

`125mph' driver kept licence

A BUSINESSMAN who was spotted driving his BMW at around 125mph has been allowed to keep his licence.   more...

Firm doubles in size over one year

A WORCESTER company has plugged into the growing demand for on-line trading and has grown 50 per cent in one year, adding 29 new employees.   more...

WELL DONE

AN apprentice technician at Johnsons Cars, in Carden Street, Worcester, has been awarded Top Technician of the Year by the Retail Motor Industry Training (ReMIT) council.   more...

Bins for needles

DRUG users will be able to dispose of their needles safely in special bins across Wyre Forest following a Home Office cash grant.   more...

Court date after mistaken identity

A 30-YEAR-OLD man has pleaded guilty to common assault and having a craft knife in his possession on a Kidderminster housing estate.   more...

Councils meet to set new tax rate

COUNCIL tax rises for Wyre Forest will be decided in the coming week.   more...

Test run for new church bells

THERE will be a trial ring of the new bells at St Mary's Church in Kidderminster on Monday.   more...

Hunt for castle conmen

CRAFTY conmen hoodwinked staff at Wilden Village Hall to steal not one, but two bouncy castles.   more...

Receivers shut down nightspot

A QUESTION mark hangs over the future of a Kidderminster nightclub after its parent company called in the receivers.   more...

Gang attack man on bike

A TEENAGER suffered severe bruising and was knocked unconscious in a vicious attack by a gang of youths.   more...

Car lost in blaze

FIREFIGHTERS were called to a car fire in which the vehicle apparently burst into flames after colliding with a telegraph pole.   more...

Ever yearned to be a train driver?

WHO wants to be an engine driver? Now's your chance to fulfil those childhood dreams, on one of the most popular restored railways, and right on the doorstep.   more...

Villagers oppose food depot plans

VILLAGERS living near a complex of farm buildings are fighting plans to expand a food distribution business at the site.   more...

An author that really does have his head in the clouds

A LIFELONG interest in aircraft has turned into a full-time occupation for a Vale of Evesham man who has written two major books and already has others in the pipeline.   more...

Lottery grant strikes right note for group

TWO groups in the Bidford and Salford Priors areas have been awarded Lottery cash for community projects.   more...

Tory leader's flying visit

CONSERVATIVE Party leader Michael Howard is visiting Wyre Forest next Thursday as guest of the district Tory association at its annual dinner at Bewdley's Ramada Hotel.   more...

Home plans put on hold

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a house along a Bewdley thoroughfare have hit a hurdle.   more...

Phone confusion

DIFFICULTIES when trying to report crimes to the police could lead to abuse of the 999 system, councillors have warned.   more...

Deer meat fears

POLICE are warning people they could be poisoned if they eat meat from an unknown source following the theft of a deer on Friday   more...

Vehicles stopping tourists in tracks

VAN overboard! Not one but two vehicles plunged into the River Severn at Bewdley within a week of each other after being snatched by thieves.   more...

Phil hopes to get marathon licked

A POSTMAN is to take on a marathon to give his "stamp" of approval to good causes.   more...

Plan for 33 flats receives approval

SOME 33 new apartments are to be built on an abandoned landmark site off Kidderminster's ring road.   more...

Cash injection for communities

THE American company which owns the Shuttle/Times & News is giving community groups across Britain nearly $1 million this year.   more...

Disabled access is under review

WHEELCHAIR users and the disabled are being invited to have their say on access.   more...

Green belt granny flat given go ahead

A COOKLEY resident is to be allowed to build a granny flat for her elderly mother even though it will be in green belt.   more...

February 19, 2004

SINCE the downgrading of our hospital in September 2000 any emergency patient going to the minor injuries unit, if a medical opinion is required, has to travel to the accident and emergency department at Worcester.   more...

Thank you for saving my life

A 12-YEAR-OLD boy broke down a bathroom door to reach his father who was suffering from an epileptic fit.   more...

Drivers speeding

A SPEED monitoring device in Leamington Road, Broadway, has caught some drivers going more than 20mph over the limit.   more...

Top florists at village hotel

THE Lygon Arms in Broadway has been chosen to host the first residential floristry course by the world-renowned florist McQueens.   more...

Gordon Russell's work on display at Mill

AN exhibition of early Gordon Russell furniture destined for the Gordon Russell Heritage Centre in Broadway has opened in Chipping Campden.   more...

It pays to know who's calling...

PAYING to have your personal details wiped from the lists of bothersome salespeople who always seem to call during dinner might seem like a good investment.   more...

Hospice boosted by blossoming scheme

EVERYTHING is coming up sunflowers on the Kemp Hospice fund-raising front now it has joined forces with national supermarket chain Tesco.   more...

Opposing Vale views

A VALE village resident wants a controversial planning decision revoked amid concerns about the development's proximity to a conservation area.   more...

Barriers... and the issue of taking sides

ON behalf of Worcester Action Against Flooding, I would like to thank our MP, Mike Foster, for all the support he has given us both in putting pressure on the Government to agree to fund the purchase of the temporary defences and seeing that the trials took place successfully.   more...

Pupils speak out for Bill

STUDENTS at Pershore High School are preparing to set up their own House of Commons and debate a Bill to bring back the cane to schools across the country.   more...

Arrogance of the Blairites

THE widely-publicised "warning" from Peter Mandelson to Labour MPs opposed to "New" Labour policies are the dying thrashes of an extinct bird with clipped wings.   more...

Knife threat case

A PERSHORE man with over 100 previous convictions has been remanded in custody after another man was threatened with a knife in a Worcester street and punched after being accused of "grassing up" a criminal.   more...

Ban is not EU policy, just an idea

GARY Webb writes that the EU plans to "destroy the national identity of the UK" by banning "Made in England" labels.   more...

Appeal for gipsy camp near bypass

GIPSIES living on an unauthorised campsite near the Wyre Piddle bypass will appeal against a rejected planning application at an Informal Hearing.   more...

Excellent

RECENTLY, I attended A&E with a broken arm and afterwards the Larkspur clinic at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.   more...

Support police

A NEW type of bobby on the beat is operating in Pershore in the shape of the town's first community support officer.   more...

Write!

TALKING of litter louts, I suppose I'm more of a letter-lout - I send them all over the place.   more...

Pershore views wanted

PERSHORE residents and businesses are being asked to have their say on the future of the town's High Street.   more...

I have a dream for education

I WOULD like to echo our Director of Education Julien Kramer's congratulations to our schools who have been rated so highly and wish him success with getting the schools back from Wolverhampton!   more...

Child-porn collector `dirty old man'

A CHILD-porn collector from Pershore has been given a three-year community rehabilitation order for making indecent photographs - and told he would be seen as a dirty old man for the rest of his life.   more...

Badsey

BADSEY SOCIETY: Chairman Terry Sparrow thanked the committee for their hard work during the past year at the society's recent AGM. He also thanked the membership for supporting the numerous events that the society had organised. Mr Sparrow was re-elected chairman for a second term. The committee was re-elected en bloc with the exception of Marion Allen who has stood down. Her place was filled by Ian Gibson, a freelance artist, who has designed the cover of the society's next publication, due out in September.   more...

Free parking plea snubbed

COUNCIL chiefs have ignored calls to abolish parking fees in Bewdley as the town gears up to lose more than 130 spaces with the start of a flood defence project.   more...

Preventing spread of TB

A CONSULTATION on proposals for short-term cattle-based measures to prevent the further geographical spread of bovine TB has been launched by the Government.   more...

£65,000 to safeguard butterflies

THE West Midlands Biodiversity Partnership has secured a £32,000 grant and Butterfly Conservation £65,000 to be shared between the West Midlands and the East regions from Defra's Environmental Action Fund.   more...

Basic rural housing needs are forgotten

THE basic needs of local housing for rural communities have been forgotten in the Government's top-down approach to housing demand, and things are just about to get worse, according to the Country Land and Business Association.   more...

Bewdley

BEWDLEY TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD - A demonstration and talk on first aid was given by John Genner at the January meeting.   more...

Blakedown

WI - Coming events include the annual council meeting on March 29, a craft day at the Ramada Hotel, Bewdley, on May 19, and a theatre trip on May 26.   more...

Far Forest

WI - Life "on the ocean wave" was explained to members at the February meeting by Captain Stewart Hellier.   more...

Kidderminster

BRINTONS WALKING CLUB - On Sunday, a walk will leave The Rose and Crown, Shrawley, on the B4196, between 9am and 9.30am, with checking-in time from 8.30am.   more...

Kidderminster

CYCLING CLUB - There will be two rides on Sunday, both starting at the The Green, Blakebrook, Kidderminster.   more...

Kidderminster

CLASSICAL MUSIC SOCIETY - Members visited Quinborne Recorded Music Society to present a programme of recorded music entitled "Thanks for the Memory".   more...

Kidderminster

FRIENDS OF THE CARPET MUSEUM TRUST - A talk will be given by George Cassidy, tonight at Kidderminster Library.   more...

Kidderminster

SOMERLEYTON WI - Margaret Burbey's garden party in aid of the Associated Country Women of the World's water project, will be held on June 24, and she has asked members to start collecting items to sell on the various stalls.   more...

Stone

WI - Treasurer Margaret Mills has reported that membership has risen to 50. Connie Burgess, Jean Ackerman and Hazel Hubble are submitting paintings to the art exhibition at the Rose, Theatre, Kidderminster, in connection with the WI variety performance, and an outing to see this production has been arranged for June 18.   more...

Wribbenhall

WI - At the February meeting names were taken for a "bangers and mash" evening at Judith Stubbs' home on March 22, and the group meeting at Heightington on March 18.   more...

Wyre Forest

FAMILY RAMBLING GROUP - The aim of this group, which is a section of the Wyre Forest group of the Ramblers Association, is to bring together families with young children, who enjoy walking.   more...

Wyre Forest

RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION WYRE FOREST GROUP - A pub night will be held at The Fox, Chaddesley Corbett on Monday from 8pm.   more...

Volunteer Jill given award for her work

A BROADWAY pensioner has been rewarded for her dedication to voluntary services in the village with a special bursary.   more...

Wyre Forest

FILM CLUB - At Kidderminster Library on Tuesday March 2 starting at 7.30pm, "City of God" will be the featured film.   more...

Wyre Forest

LIVE WYRES - The club for social singles has organised a four-mile walk at Tenbury Wells on Sunday, Feb 22.   more...

Wyre Forest

WEST MIDLAND BIRD CLUB KIDDERMINSTER BRANCH - Jan Harrigan's talk scheduled for the January indoor meeting, was postponed due to the adverse weather, and will now be given in December.   more...

From the archives

100 Years Ago February 20 1904   more...

Defford man's drugs' verdict

A HAULAGE contractor from Defford has been been found guilty smuggling cocaine by a jury at Worcester Crown Court this week.   more...

Driver's pain led to accident

A 66-year-old lorry driver who died when his vehicle smashed into a queue of traffic on the Sedgeberrow bypass probably had a heart attack moments before the fatal crash, an inquest heard.   more...

`125mph' driver kept licence

A BUSINESSMAN who was spotted driving his BMW at around 125mph has been allowed to keep his licence.   more...

Villagers oppose food depot plans

VILLAGERS living near a complex of farm buildings are fighting plans to expand a food distribution business at the site.   more...

Appeal for gipsy camp near bypass

GIPSIES living on an unauthorised campsite near the Wyre Piddle bypass will appeal against a rejected planning application at an Informal Hearing.   more...

Angels in Sky Watch patrolling our space

THE emergency services will have extra eyes-in-the-sky with the launch of Sky Watch - a new community service run by volunteer private pilots.   more...

Another mindless act of cruelty

ANOTHER act of cruelty to a dog in The Vale has been described as "a real Friday 13th horror".   more...

Teenager faces trial over death

A TEENAGER will face trial at Worcester Crown Court accused of murdering a 47-year-old Evesham man.   more...

`I'll marry man who beat me'

A WOMAN vows to marry the man who admitted assaulting her and threatening her 15-year-old son.   more...

Stop destruction of urban wildlife

HOW long do we have to wait for Wyre Forest District Council to adopt some "green policies" with regard to urban wildlife habitat, as Worcester City did years ago?   more...

Stalking driver is jailed

A STALKING Evesham driving instructor, who threatened to kill his ex-lover in a series of anonymous phone calls, has been jailed.   more...

My shock as masked ram raiders smashed garage

A GARAGE worker suffered a terrifying ordeal when a gang of masked raiders smashed through the front of a service station in a late night attack.   more...

Pressing case for other side of river

THANK-YOU for your excellent coverage regarding Bewdley flooding and the success of the flood barrier along Severnside North.   more...

MP seeks new rail safeguard

AN angry letter has been fired off by Peter Luff, MP for Mid Worcestershire, to the chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority, Richard Bowker, about fears of a reduced service level for the Cotswold Line.   more...

Inquest day for hill death

AN INQUEST is due to be held today into the death of a 21-year-old waiter who was found dead on Bredon Hill.   more...

Leave us some green spaces

I HAVE noticed that green fields and natural places are disappearing from this area.   more...

Closure threat to pioneering child scheme

A PIONEERING childcare scheme in Evesham faces closure because of lack of support from the community and a shortage of funds.   more...

Vandalism is not confined to Spennells

WE were surprised to read in last week's Letters Page a letter which seemed to describe Spennells in Kidderminster as a vandal-ridden undesirable place to live.   more...

Transport network plea

FOLLOWING the announcement from the Department for Transport that they are awarding an extra £20.3 million to fund rural bus projects, I can only hope that Worcestershire's share can be used sensibly by investing in new vehicles, strengthening local identities and branding and providing a much-needed integrated transport network that the rural areas around Bewdley and Stourport.   more...

Kerbs hit five times a week

COMMENTS by Nick Yarwood, highways maintenance manager for Wyre Forest, in an article in the Shuttle/Times & News, regarding bollards at the corner of Park Street and Plimsoll Street, Kidder-minster, leaves me speechless.   more...

Call for bypass action group

WE read with considerable dismay articles and letters in the Shuttle Times & News regarding the delay to the implementation of Stourport bypass.   more...

`Larking around' ended in robbery

A STREET robbery followed larking about in a Kidderminster store shortly after last Christmas, Worcester Crown Court heard.   more...

Putting strongest case for new road

I READ with interest the letter from district councillor Jamie Shaw in the February 5 issue, referring to John Gordon not being able to speak in the county council cabinet as he has had to declare an interest due to his property being adjacent to the proposed route for the Stourport relief road.   more...

Conmen cheating charities of funds

WYRE Forest residents have been warned to be on their guard against conmen cheating householders and charities out of £1 million a year with bogus clothing collections.   more...

At last, a streak of hospitals honesty

WHEN Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust chief executive John Rostill took over an organisation with a "chequered past", he promised to tackle its problems head on.   more...

Why is this necessary?

Aren't politicians wonderful? While their boss, Michael Howard, is trying to shake off his reputation as a Dracula-like figure by proclaiming his support for the poor, old and under-privileged, Wychavon Conservatives do the opposite.   more...

Wick

WICK WIVES: The AGM was held on January 26 at the home of Alex Brown, with 18 members attending. In the absence of the chairman, Jenny Phillips, Irene Sutton conducted the meeting and thanked Jenny and the outgoing committee for all their work over the year. The new officers and committee are: chairman - Anne Harvey, joint secretaries - Alex Brown and Maggie Keating; treasurer - Ann Latchford, general committee members - Beryl Burton, Pat Stone, Angela Storey and Sarah Wilson.   more...

Welford

CONCERT: A concert by Phillip Dyson will be held at Welford Primary School in aid of the Buleria School for the Blind in Tanzania. Tickets costing £12.50 include a complementary glass of wine, children £3. Information from Heather Hine 01789 750507.   more...

Stour Valley

LIONS' CLUB: Members were active over the Christmas period selling tickets for the annual supermarket dash, collecting in the villages with the Christmas float, helping the town band with their town collection and on Christmas Day visiting and distributing gifts to patients at The Ellen Badger Hospital.   more...

Moreton-in-Marsh

INTEREST AND LEISURE CLUB: Members filled the British Legion hall to capacity for the meeting on February 11.Chairman Ben Jeffrey asked everyone to stand for a minutes silence in remembrance of Dolly Johnson and Inga Jeffrey, the latter was treasurer for the club during its very early years. Her commitment and hard work were very much appreciated. On completion of the business the chairman introduced Philip Pratley who gave a most interesting talk on the origins and history of The English Gypsy. The chairman thanked him for a most interested talk. The meeting then closed.   more...

Hill and Moor

PARISH COUNCIL: Parish Plans - These have now been summarised. It was decided to set up a sub-committee in order to have more discussion time and to find a way forward. The first meeting is to be held tonight at 7.30pm. at the home of Coun Floyd.   more...

Harvington

ST JAMES' CHURCH: It has been decided to have a break from tradition this year and hold a pancake evening on Shrove Tuesday instead of soup lunch on Ash Wednesday. The social committee have found that the soup lunch has not been very well supported on that date over the past few years and feel that their usual effort for charity (The Children's Society) might produce better results if given a new look. To this end, it was intended to serve a variety of pancakes in the village hall starting at 6pm on the evening of Tuesday, February 24. Unfortunately, because of some difficulty arising in the booking of the village hall, the venue has had to be changed and the pancake evening will be held in the church itself. The early evening time has been chosen with children in mind and if you can subscribe to this unusual but worthwhile event by coming along to church as a family to treat yourselves to pancakes, then you are urged to do so. We need your support to make this a success. Please come.   more...

A culinary treat for visitors to top fair

ORGANISERS of the Cotswold Show and Country Fair are cooking up a treat at this year's July event.   more...

Fladbury

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - WOMEN'S SECTION: The February meeting was opened by chairman Barbara Duckett with the Exhortation and Silent Tribute. A silence was held in memory of Noreen Brown who had recently died. She was an active member of the branch and will be sadly missed.   more...

Evesham

EDPA: The next meeting of Evesham and District Pensioners is at Wallace House, at 2pm on Tuesday, February 24. We will be entertained by David and Tony, A Bit of Fun, verse monologues and songs. Come along and join us, new and old members welcome.   more...

Ebrington

The Ebrington and District Gardening Club met on the February 10 to listen to a talk about Batsford Arboretum. Sue Burn stepped in at short notice to give the talk in place of Catherine Oliver, who had, very tragically, died since the arrangement had been made.   more...

Broadway

GARDEN CLUB: Martyn Cracknell was the lecturer at the January meeting. He is a bee-keeper who is a lecturer at Pershore College and his talk was Bees in the Garden.   more...

Bredon

TABLE TOP SALE: Most of us use our village hall at some time and to an extent we take for granted the facilities offered by the hard working village hall committee. New among these facilities is a courtyard garden to the east of the hall and an attempt is being made to raise money to landscape it. To this end a table-top sale will be held on Saturday, February 21 from 10am until 1pm. If you would like to secure a table to sell the treasures from your attic then telephone 01684 772689 in advance of the above date.   more...

Bat puts £500,000 scheme on hold

A BAT so tiny it fits in a matchbox has held up a £½ million restoration programme on an historic 16th century house in Areley Kings.   more...

Doc slates `cramped, poorly laid out' centre

AN anaesthetist who has been working at Kidderminster Hospital for more 30 years has denounced the £19 million diagnostic and treatment centre's new operating facilities as "totally inadequate".   more...

Dad died from fall days before emigrating

A FATHER died after taking his child to bed just days before he and his family were due to emigrate to the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago, an inquest heard.   more...

Fury at post office closure

A COMMUNITY Post Office is set for the chop - but mail bosses insist it is not their fault.   more...

Royal opening for Weavers Wharf complex

THERE will be a royal launch for the Weavers Wharf shopping complex in Kidderminster next month.   more...

Missing barriers `putting lives at risk'

BARRIERS knocked down by a runaway car almost a year ago must be replaced or someone will die, residents in Bewdley have warned after the latest double collision.   more...

Hospital to re-open as health unit

TALKS with private partners are well underway to transform Stourport's Lucy Baldwin Hospital into a new state-of-the-art mental health facility.   more...

Crossing plan pleases widow

THE widow of a pedestrian killed on a busy Kidderminster road has welcomed plans to install a pelican crossing close to where he died.   more...

Lack of parking drives decision to close shop

THE owner of Kidderminster's only specialist independent bookshop says customers being driven away by poor parking facilities and financial pressures have given him no choice but to close.   more...

Shock death of popular teacher

THE family and school of a teacher from Kidderminster are in mourning, eight months after he was diagnosed as having an incurable but treatable form of leukaemia.   more...

Blueprint set to target `big issues'

A BROAD blueprint for tackling "big issues" ranging from crime and employment to health concerns and learning opportunities in Wyre Forest over the next 10 years is close to being finalised.   more...

`Red tape' halts repairs

CHURCH leaders have been accused of letting red tape get in the way of a £1,264 grant for vital repairs to a Bewdley community centre.   more...

Crew's radio boost

NEW radio equipment is set to enable Wyre Forest ambulance crews to reach patients more quickly.   more...

Deadline looms for school bid

TIME is running out for a major fund-raising drive which is falling short of its bid to make Bewdley High School a flagship seat of learning.   more...

Top cop on mission to fight crime

WITH more than 20 years' experience and 484 officers under him, new top cop Chief Supt Mark Howard is determined to tackle crime in Wyre Forest when he becomes divisional commander for North Worcestershire.   more...

Hi-tech help for missing person cases

STATE-of-the-art technology is being introduced by police to help them find missing people more quickly.   more...

Taxi boss driven out by crime

CRIMINALS have driven a Burford taxi firm boss from his premises.   more...

Awards on offer

PRIZE-WINNING Tenbury firms are being urged not to rest on their laurels but enter a competition for business excellence.   more...

Skate park hit by fund delays

A DRIVE to build a long-awaited skateboard park for Bewdley youngsters is struggling to hit its cash target.   more...

Give a warm welcome

TENBURY Tourist Group is looking for volunteers keen to welcome visitors to the town.   more...

Stolen bells on their way back home

TWO of the three mediaeval church bells stolen from Edvin Loach, a village between Tenbury Wells and Bromyard, are on their way home after a six year absence.   more...

Looking back to hall history

AS a new era dawns in the community life of Areley Kings with the imminent opening of the new village hall a scrapbook has been uncovered providing a glimpse into its history.   more...

New phone laws up for discussion

AN open evening to discuss and promote the new laws on using mobile phones in vehicles is being held tonight (Thursday) at Salwey Farm, Woofferton, from 6pm onwards.   more...

Flowers focus of church fund-raiser

FOCUS on flowers for funds - that's the challenge for camera buffs who come to see the daffodils which carpet the Teme Valley.   more...

Village joy as lottery cash funds new hall

THE wait is finally over for villagers in Rock after vital funding to build a new village hall was secured.   more...

Breakfast bonanza

TENBURY MP Bill Wiggin tucked into a healthy breakfast at the House of Commons last week when he hosted Cancer Research UK's Parliamentary Big All-Day Breakfast.   more...

Trade union's award for health and safety work

A GOOD track record in health and safety promotion in the workplace has earned a Kidderminster trade union a nationally recognised award.   more...

Police crackdown on the town hooligans

PEOPLE suffering at the hands of young hooligans on a Pershore estate are being urged to help police clamp down on their behaviour.   more...

Quarter working out of the county

A QUARTER of Wyre Forest's working age population worked outside Worcestershire, according to latest released census statistics.   more...

Rare visitor swans into the city

WILDLIFE lovers in Worcester are all of a flutter after an unusual bird was spotted on the River Severn.   more...

Extension to manor is granted

PLANS to build an extension to Stourport's only Grade II listed building have been given the go-ahead following a lengthy process.   more...

Mentally ill to move into hospital

TALKS are under way with private partners to transform Stourport's Lucy Baldwin Hospital into a new state-of-the-art mental health facility.   more...

Licence

TRANSPORT bosses want your view on whether the paper part of the new photocard driving licence should be scrapped.   more...

They're all toddling along to playgroup

A new group for mothers and toddlers in Worcester has proved so popular that a second weekly session is now being run.   more...

More chances to tour mansion

VISITORS to Hanbury Hall, near Droitwich, will have longer to enjoy the popular National Trust property when it opens to the public a month earlier than usual.   more...

Is it finally the end of the road for the 157?

A Droitwich bus service is once again under threat - much to the dismay of residents who fought to save it a year ago.   more...

Police hunting masked intruder

A MASKED intruder who broke into a house but fled empty-handed is being hunted by police.   more...

Rower's top speed

HIGH winds, wave surfing and curious sea creatures have been keeping a Worcester rower occupied as he makes his way across the Atlantic Ocean.   more...

Teen's drug guilt

A FOURTEEN-year-old boy was found guilty of possessing cannabis after a policeman saw him throw the drug into some grass in a park.   more...

Man stole for heroin

A MAN stole three jars of instant coffee from a Worcester supermarket to sell on to feed his heroin addiction, magistrates heard.   more...

Making tracks for tractor bonanza

FARMING enthusiasts will be heading for the hills at the end of this month for a weekend-long tractor show in Malvern.   more...

They'll be in fab gear for 60s rally

CLASSIC car owners are busy tuning their motors as they gear up for Severn Valley Railway's 1960s Transport Day.   more...

Legend in her lifetime

FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a much-loved and respected member of the fund-raising Worcester Inner Wheel Club.   more...

Hedging their bets

A THREE-year hedge restoration project along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal was due to be completed today.   more...

Nursery plan under attack

ANGRY residents of a Worcestershire community have branded plans to site a nursery on an already-busy road in their village as an "accident waiting to happen".   more...

Turn heads in this nice little runabout for a day

VISITORS to the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Business Festival could find themselves driving around in an exclusive Morgan car.   more...

Make a will and help out hospice

TAKING action to minimise your family's stress when you die could also help a Worcester charity.   more...

Classes amid the cowsheds

A DAIRY farmer has built a classroom on his land in a bid to tackle the skills shortage in the industry.   more...

Disabled? I'll teach you how to defend yourself

A MARTIAL arts expert is hoping to do more work helping disabled people defend themselves after a trip of a lifetime to the Philippines.   more...

Tax rise in bid to halt brigade cuts

TAXPAYERS will have to fork out 23.5 per cent more for the county's fire service after councillors went against Government wishes in a bid to save 75 jobs and six stations.   more...

HEALTH BOSS SAYS `SORRY'

THE man who runs Worcestershire's hospitals has apologised to patients who have had operations cancelled after revealing the new depth of the county's massive cash crisis.   more...

BAT PUTS £½m SCHEME ON HOLD

A BAT so tiny it fits in a matchbox has held up a £½ million restoration programme on an historic 16th century house in Areley Kings.   more...

Clubber denies glassing

BOTTLES were thrown during a brawl at a Worcester nightclub leaving one customer seriously cut, a court heard.   more...

So many sick and tired of this filth

NOMINATIONS have been pouring in for the Evening News' Grot Spot campaign, highlighting the untidiest, dirtiest corners of the city that have become dumping grounds for huge amounts of rubbish.   more...

Arm horror triggers inquiry

SAFETY officers have launched an investigation into how a farm-worker's arm was ripped off at the elbow.   more...

HEALTH BOSS SAYS `SORRY'

THE man who runs Worcestershire's hospitals has apologised to patients who have had operations cancelled after revealing the new depth of the county's massive cash crisis.   more...

Sport

Stone me! We've won

Evesham 4, Stone 3   more...

Campden double

Evesham and District League   more...

Tigers are burning bright for title

Evesham and District Association   more...

In the rain to Droitwich

FIFTEEN Evesham Wheelers set off on Sunday in a shower of rain towards Droitwich.   more...

Bright start to year

THE Bedford Eights and Fours head took place on Sunday over 2000 metres and in seven divisions.   more...

Ali, Kabir

Role: Right-hand bat, right-arm fast bowler   more...

A busy day for top guns

Throckmorton CPSC   more...

Ali, Kadeer

Role: Right-hand bat   more...

Karting crazy

A COUPLE of young Evesham karters were in fine form at this year's opening round of the Junior Kart Championships at Castle Combe.   more...

Bichel, Andrew John

Role: Right-hand bat, right-arm fast medium   more...

Catterall, Duncan Neil

Role: Right-hand bat, right-arm medium-fast bowler   more...

Hick, Graeme Ashley

Role: Right-hand bat, off-spin bowler   more...

Lampitt, Stuart Richard

Role: Right-hand bat, right-arm medium bowler   more...

Leatherdale, David

Role: Right-hand bat, right-arm medium bowler, cover fielder   more...

Liptrot, Chris

Role: Left hand bat, right arm fast bowler   more...

Patel, Depesh

Role: Right-hand bat, right-arm fast bowler   more...

Pipe, David James

Role: Right-hand bat, wicket-keeper   more...

Pollard, Paul Raymond

Role: Left-hand opening bat, right-arm medium bowler   more...

Rawnsley, Matt James

Role: Right-hand bat, slow left-arm bowler   more...

No panic as revival halts

THERE will be no sweeping changes when Dave Busst reflects on the abrupt end to Evesham United's recent revival, writes Mervyn Collins.   more...

Rhodes, Steven John

Role: Right-hand bat, wicket-keeper   more...

Sheriyar, Alamgir

Role: Right-hand bat, left-arm fast bowler   more...

Singh, Anurag

Role: Right-hand bat, right-arm off-breaks.   more...

Solanki, Vikram Singh

Role: Right-hand bat, off-spin bowler   more...

Weston, William Philip Christopher

Role: left-hand bat, left-arm medium bowler   more...

Kidderminster Harriers FC - Fixtures and results - 2003/04

Pre-season friendlies   more...

WCCC Fixtures - First XI - 2004 season

  more...

League set for new era

THE Prudden Road Surfacing Tennis League is entering the new season a high note.   more...

United fight their way back to take all three points

Chaddesley Corbett 2 Tenbury United 3   more...

Reserves go down as strikers spurn their chances

Tenbury United Reserves 1 Dudley Wood Athletic 2   more...

Rugby: Tenbury move up the table

Tenbury 32 pts Stourport 12 pts   more...

Hockey: After explosive start Ladies settle for a draw

Redditch Ladies 2 Tenbury Ladies 2   more...

19/2/04 Alarming plunge threatens status

SOUTHEND 3, HARRIERS 0   more...

19/2/04 Nightmare start on Sall's return

SENEGAL-born centre-half Abdou Sall returned to Kidderminster Harriers on a non-contract basis before Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Southend.   more...

19/2/04 Into last four

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers booked a Midland Floodlit Cup semi-final date after defeating Wellington 2-0 last Thursday.   more...

19/2/04 Emma double fails to halt visitors' title bid

TWO-GOAL Emma Bowdler gave Kidderminster Harriers Ladies some consolation in their 6-2 home defeat to TNS.   more...

19/2/04 Worry over Williams

SPORTS EDITOR'S MAILBAG   more...

19/2/04 City chasing Danny again

JOINT top scorer Danny Williams is thinking over his future at Kidderminster Harriers after agreeing to join Chester City on a month's loan.   more...

26/4/03 - Rain hits Worcs plans at Oxford

WORCESTERSHIRE had to settle for no more than a morning's batting practice on the final day of their three-day friendly with Oxford UCCE in The Parks.   more...

13/5/03 - Kabir strikes to tie up Zimbabwe stars

PACEMAN Kabir Ali grabbed five wickets to help Worcestershire clinch an exciting tie in their four-day friendly against Zimbabwe at New Road.   more...

26/6/03 - Kemp shines on debut with sparkling 77

DIRECTOR of cricket Tom Moody heaped praise on Justin Kemp who marked his Worcestershire debut with an eye-catching performance in yesterday's 69-run defeat against South Africa at New Road.   more...

Points bagged after early error

Evesham Ladies 3, Droitwich II 1   more...

Fish chips in with a great show

Badsey Ladies 2, Camp Hill 2   more...

Backache for keepers as cup sides hammer eight

CUP action produced a goal feast for Stratford Alliance teams on Saturday.   more...

Stalwart Steve is a real nifty fifty

THERE wouldn't be too many objections if Badsey United became Bradley Uni-ted this weekend, writes Mervyn Collins.   more...

Sign up for an angling festival qualifier

Evesham DAA   more...

Warwick's iron will is the key to team victory

VALE golfer Warwick Holland overcame a major obstacle as he helped the club's men's scratch team to an important victory.   more...

Promotion reward for hero Hick's men

SKIPPER Graeme Hick had a record-breaking season to remember in more ways than one.   more...

All change at County as loyal servants move on

THE 2001 campaign provided a season of changing faces at New Road -- both on and off the field.   more...

Liptrot and Kabir off down under

TWO of Worcestershire's rising stars are off for specialist training in Australia this winter after their award-winning exploits during the season.   more...

Bichel lives up to expectations

ANDY BICHEL had a hard act to follow when he took over from his fellow Australian Glenn McGrath as Worcestershire's overseas player -- but he did it superbly!   more...

Season to remember for Worcs followers

WORCESTERSHIRE had no doubt about what was top of their agenda when they launched their 2001 season -- promotion.   more...

Moreton close in on title

Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League.   more...

Sad finalé as cup hopes fade

Evesham United Ladies 2   more...

Backache for keepers as cup sides hammer eight

CUP action produced a goal feast for Stratford Alliance teams on Saturday.   more...

Boss Busst is mulling over a lacklustre defeat

Taunton Town 3, Evesham Utd 1   more...

Batting stroll for Casuals

EVESHAM Casuals eased to a comfortable victory that took them back to the top of the WCB Indoor League table.   more...

Villagers on top

CHADDESLEY Corbett U-14s gave Kidderminster Carolians little time to think in an impressive 32-10 victory.   more...

Thrilling rally

A THRILLING game saw Kidderminster Carolians U-10s hit back in the second half to beat Droitwich 10-5.   more...

Norton knock Cleobury

CLEOBURY Mortimer fell 37-5 at home to promotion-chasing Kings Norton in North Midlands One.   more...

Chaddesley hit top spot

CHADDESLEY Corbett moved to the top of North Midlands Three with a comfortable 36-0 victory over Five Ways Old Edwardians.   more...

Town side suffer in local derby

FORCED changes again cost Stourport, though they were also hit by several controversial decisions in a 32-12 North Midlands Two defeat at Tenbury.   more...

KCs safe after physical test

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians look to have banished any lingering fears of getting sucked into a relegation battle after an important 23-7 away win over Burntwood.   more...

James among future stars

KIDDERMINSTER rugby star James Percival helped England U-21s to a 57-3 victory over Italy on Saturday.   more...

Football fixtures

SATURDAY (3pm unless stated)   more...

One-way traffic

STOURPORT Wanderers were top scorers in the Kidderminster Six-a-side League with an impressive 12-0 demolition of Hi Tea Not Athletic.   more...

'Lugsy' signs for www.thisiswccc.co.uk

IN his benefit year Worcestershire County Cricket Club's David Leatherdale has signed up to www.thisiswccc.co.uk to write an occasional column giving an new perspective for on and off field happenings at New Road.   more...

Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A

Don't forget you tetanus, typhoid and Hepatitis "A" jabs and by the way you will need to be up to date with your polio and take some malaria tablets!   more...

Bewdley AS

THE next contest will be on Sunday with the draw at 9am at Heightington. Names should be called through to 01299 861289.   more...

The heat is on - and off - in pre-season build up

From 38 degrees centigrade to 38 degrees Fahrenheit: from the woods of Duivelskoof in South Africa to the sea front of Brighton in England. 6000 miles and a 60-degree drop in temperature in 48 hours. All part of the rich tapestry we call county cricket.   more...

Two-year unbeaten run founded on teamwork

ONE team is proving tough to beat time and time again in the Kidderminster Six-a-side League.   more...

New tournament is a big hit

AFTER a fortnight of hectic cricket that has seen us move from second bottom in the championship to top by eight points with three good wins, and reach the semi-final of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Cup after beating Leicestershire the early season promise that was scuppered by poor weather has born some fruits.   more...

Old Bear AC

A MEETING will be held on Sunday in the Old Bear lounge from 11am and all committee members are asked to attend.   more...

Joshua grabs treble for Blue

THERE were plenty of goals in Stourport and District Youth League matches at the weekend.   more...

Lyttleton AA Veterans

TREVOR Wills was the man of the Winter League match on Bonehill canal with a weight of 2lb 4oz.   more...

Strugglers shock runaway leaders

SPRINGVALE Rovers sprang a major shock in the Kidderminster and District League Saturday Premier Division when they beat runaway leaders Norton Celtic 2-1.   more...

MOORLANDS FARM

PHIL Weaver claimed the Silver Fish with small roach in the Moorlands League.   more...

Double strike

KIDDERMINSTER College student Andy Hipkins was on target twice for Worcestershire U-18s against Birmingham County in the Midland Youth Championships.   more...

Rainbows show up well

RAINBOW trout were the order of the day at Shatterford Lakes with John White and Peter Firth in good form on the Masters lake.   more...

Emma double fails to halt visitors' title bid

TWO-GOAL Emma Bowdler gave Kidderminster Harriers Ladies some consolation in their 6-2 home defeat to TNS.   more...

Second-half low

A HORROR second-half showing saw Chaddesley Corbett throw away West Midlands League Division One South points when they lost 3-2 at home to Tenbury United.   more...

JESPER CHRISTIANSEN - Forward. 18/6/80. 6ft 3ins. Squad number 10.

Christiansen's signing was another major coup for Harriers director of football Jan Molby in January 2004.   more...

SCOTT RICKARDS - Forward, winger. 3/11/81. Squad number 16.

The pacey striker started off at Derby as a youngster but failed to make a first-team appearance and had trial spells at Walsall, Mansfield and Oldham.   more...

JOHN WILLIAMS - Forward, right wing. 11/5/68. 6ft 1ins. Squad number 9.

The Birmingham-born front man was once known as the Flying Postman from his non-league days at Cradley Town.   more...

BO HENRIKSEN - Forward. 7/2/75. 5ft 10ins. Squad number 12.

A player with an impressive reputation in homeland Denmark, Henriksen signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Aggborough in February 2002.   more...

ADAM MURRAY - Midfield. 30/9/81. 5ft 9ins. Squad number 17.

Once capped by England U-20s and also in the national youth sides, the Birmingham-born midfielder has had a turbulent 2003-04 season.   more...

GRAHAM WARD - Central midfield, right midfield. 25/2/83. 5ft 8ins. Squad number 20.

The Republic of Ireland U-20s captain did well in the reserves at Wolverhampton Wanderers but failed to make his first-team debut.   more...

ROB BETTS - Midfield, right-back. 21/12/81. 5ft 10ins. Squad number 24.

Signed a one-year deal with Harriers in September 2003 after turning down an offer from Rochdale where he scored two goals in six games in a non-contract spell.   more...

DEAN BENNETT - Midfield 13/12/77. 6ft. Squad number 7.

Bennett was a then club record buy of £30,000 from rivals Bromsgrove Rovers in January 1999 and proved a goal-scoring menace to Conference opponents in the title-winning season.   more...

DANNY WILLIAMS - Midfield 12/7/79. 6ft 1in. Squad number 4.

After starting off as a trainee at Liverpool, Williams was released at the age of 19 to return to his native Wrexham.   more...

WAYNE HATSWELL - Centre-half, left-back. 8/2/75. 6ft. Squad number 22.

The uncompromising defender was Ian Britton's last signing before the manager was sacked in October 2003 and cost Harriers a four-figure fee.   more...

KENNY COLEMAN - Right-back, centre-half. 20/9/82. 6ft. Squad number 19.

The Cork-born defender showed promise at Kidderminster during a 2002/03 loan spell where he played 15 Division Three games.   more...

MATTHEW GADSBY - Centre-half, right-back, midfield. 6/9/79. 6ft 1ins. Squad number 6.

The versatile Gadsby was Ian Britton's first signing after the 2002/03 season, agreeing a one-year contract at Aggborough.   more...

SCOTT STAMPS - Left-back, centre-back, left midfield. 20/3/75. 5ft 10ins. Squad number 3.

Stamps started with Torquay United despite being brought up in Birmingham and his obvious talent earned him a £10,000 move to Colchester United in 1997.   more...

CRAIG HINTON - Centre-back, right-back, midfield. 26/11/77. 6ft. Squad number 5.

Versatile Hinton began his career at right-back before reverting to a centre-half role during the Conference championship-winning season.   more...

STUART BROCK - Goalkeeper. 26/9/76. 6ft 1ins. Squad number 1.

Released by Aston Villa, Brock signed for Harriers in September 1997 after a short spell at Northampton Town where he failed to make an appearance.   more...

Answering call

TRIVIA: There was a scare for Wyre Forest League leaders Red Man BCC against Stourport League mid-table side Radcliffe in the Wyre Forest Cup second round.   more...

Stopped the rot

CHESS: Kidderminster's Worcestershire League teams recorded morale-boosting victories to put a poor run of form behind them.   more...

Winter winners

GOLF: Alan Harrison and Mitch Humphries won the Men's Saturday Winter League at Habberley with a 61 nett, just one point ahead of Paul Connelly and Ross Hawken jnr.   more...

Annual meeting

ATHLETICS: Parents and members are asked to head to Kidderminster and Stourport's annual meeting.   more...

Record breaker

SWIMMING: Kidderminster swimming star Amy Smith, 16, was in a record-breaking team at the Bazuka National Team Championships for secondary schools.   more...

Invincible trio get all the fun

BOWLS: Gilt Edge Short Mat League leaders Invincibles set off at a blistering pace against Just For Fun.   more...

Players show off their skills

DARTS: Paul Welsh and Andy Brown turned on the style for their teams with 10-dart games in the Banks's Bewdley League.   more...

Dexters in romp at top

POOL: Dexters A are setting a hot pace at the top of the Kidderminster and District Pool League Premier Division.   more...

Whitewash win

TABLE TENNIS: Jim's Gym A took another step closer to retaining their Kidderminster and District League title by beating third-placed Bewdley CC 10-0.   more...

Barnes forced off the road

CYCLING: Speedy cyclist David Barnes has been hit by injury in a freak accident which will force him out of action for six weeks.   more...

Scudamore double puts the sting into Adders

Pershore 2, Atherstone Adders 1   more...

Moreton close in on title

Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League.   more...

Back on track

MOTORSPORT: Nathan Freke returned to winning ways in his first meeting racing the new TKM Extreme karting class.   more...

Young Ross is in class of his own

MOTORSPORT: Arley schoolboy Ross Danby continued his domination of the motorcycle trials world when he stormed to the top of the Dudley club's event at Kinlet.   more...

Success to open new season

MOTORSPORT: Up-and-coming driver Ben Colley enjoyed a steady run in the Wyedean Rally at the weekend.   more...

Burnett humbles ex-world champ

DARTS: Cutnall Green ace Steve Webb defeated former world champion Richie Burnett to enhance his claims for a place in the UK Open finals.   more...

Pocknell double leads the march

HOCKEY: Kidderminster continued their revival and winning run with a 5-1 beating of bottom side Kingswinford on their travels.   more...

Bowdon blast drags town down division

HOCKEY: A nightmare second half sentenced Stourport to their biggest National League Division One defeat of the season at the weekend.   more...

Winterfold warmed by sporting brilliance

PROUD Winterfold House School staff and pupils can boast two national champions who are taking their respective sports by storm.   more...

19/2/04 Jan Molby after Southend

JAN Molby remained bullish about his side's survival prospects after Saturday's dismal 3-0 scoreline at fellow relegation battlers Southend.   more...

Swifts

19/2/04 Lesson at leaders' hands

THE U-18s suffered an 8-2 beating at the hands of leaders Gloucester last week in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Southern Division.   more...

19/2/04 Swifts stay positive to end run

POSITIVE thinking was behind Stourport Swifts' Saturday shock as they shrugged off their poor Dr Martens Western Division form.   more...

Stourport Swifts FC - Fixtures and results - 2003/04

Pre-season friendlies   more...

19/2/04 Teenager's double seal vital win

SWIFTS 3, RUGBY UNITED 0   more...

  
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