Archive
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Sean's Sam is a winner
I AM SAM (12) Sean Penn was deservedly nominated as Best Actor at this year's Oscars for his incredibly moving performance as a mentally challenged single father in I Am Sam. His bravura turn, as a gentle soul striving to overcome prejudice and suspicion
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Let loose the dogs of war
DOG SOLDIERS (15) Shot on a minuscule budget, Neil Marshall's werewolf horror flick splices gore and lashings of blood, with a sick and twisted sense of humour. A squad of British Army officers, led by gung-ho Sergeant Wells (Sean Pertwee), takes part
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'Don't stay away' call to our Jewish community
THE political head of tourism in Bournemouth's Israeli twin town has launched a verbal broadside against the sizeable local Jewish community. Maxime Elgrably says he is disappointed by the response from Bournemouth's Jews after the suicide bomb attacks
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Sandwich wars on the school special
TO cries of "My nan can throw better than that" another ham sandwich was launched from the top window of a yellow bus. On Tuesday afternoon I witnessed junior war. Following recent reports that certain Yellow Bus services to and from Harewood Avenue,
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Folk's music to my ears
IT's a bit of a shame, really, but folk music tends to get pretty short shrift these days in the media (excluding, er, specialist publications: And no, not THAT kind of specialist publication, you guttersnipes). I can only conclude that this is the result
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NO JUSTICE FOR MY MOTHER
THE grief-stricken son of Beatrice Wilson has spoken of his devastation at the police's decision not to reopen the inquiry into his mother's murder. The police announcement comes just a week after a 17-year-old Poole youth was cleared of murdering the
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Relegated clubs quickly into stride
SOUTHBOURNE and Electric - both relegated last year - made flying starts in their quests to bounce back immediately to the top flight, reports David Briers. Southbourne stole the Section Two show with a 14-0 (88-58) demolition of Branksome Park B. Bob
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Slick Morris in medal fast lane
FERNDOWN Otters' Hayley Morris gave a glimpse of the form which recently won her gold medals in junior internationals to lead Dorset's medal haul at the Western Counties Youth Championships. The 16-year-old Parkstone Grammar School girl dominated the
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Moore closes on world goal
DORSET under-11s travelled to Stroud in Gloucestershire to compete in the English Schools Badminton Association Singles Team Challenge against teams from Avon, Devon, Shropshire, Staffordshire and the home county and returned with a very creditable third
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JUST CHAMPION FOR EX-MAGPIE
EX-DORCHESTER Town defender Scott Morgan is looking forward to another crack at the European Champions League next season after signing a new two-year deal with Welsh double winners Barry Town. The 26-year-old son of Weymouth-based, Pompey scout Stuart
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Bjarne in World bid
PIRATES star Bjarne Pedersen has his fingers crossed he will be selected for Denmark in their opening World Cup meeting at Poole later this year. The 23-year-old Ryrde-born rider has been an inspiration for Meridian Lifts Pirates in home matches in the
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Captain Marvel lifts the Pirates
CAPTAIN Marvel Gary Havelock breathed new life into Pirates just when it looked as though they might tumble to an embarrassing home defeat against Peterborough on Wednesday (May 8). Poole Meridian Lifts, going into the match desperate for a win and to
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Weeks to show off art works
HUNDREDS of venues the length and breadth of Dorset are gearing up to host displays by 470 of the county's artists and craftspeople this month. The mass exhibition, which operates under the umbrella term Dorset Arts Weeks, aims to celebrate visual arts
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Lights beckon for Matt
RISING star Matthew Smith, from Charlton Down, Dorchester is aiming for the big time after being bitten by the acting bug. Dorchester Middle School pupil Matthew, 12, is saving hard to go on a week's drama course after being spotted by the producer of
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Seizure may have caused death crash
CORONER Michael Johnston called for drivers with dangerous medical conditions to keep off the roads after a former Beaminster School headteacher was killed in a collision. An inquest heard Frederick John Pugsley, 66, of Coneygarth Park, Bridport, was
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Bringing it all back home
BOB DYLAN hauled his Never-ending tour into the Bournemouth International Centre on Sunday and blew the place away. Four thousand fans had travelled from all over Europe and beyond to witness this troubadour poet who looks like Hank Williams' ghost in
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History from rubble
A FASCINATING window into the life of a remarkable lady was uncovered when two chests of memories were found during the demolition of a 100-year-old cottage in Brockenhurst. In an overgrown garden shed at the South Weirs former workman's cottage on the
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Village fury at factory stack 'yes'
CAMPAIGNERS opposed to a chicken-processing factory have vowed to fight on after North Dorset planners approved a controversial chimney stack. Residents in Okeford Fitzpaine said they would be taking legal advice on the district council's decision to
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Town ready to serve up a taste sensation
A MOUTH-WATERING wait for lovers of fine cuisine finally comes to an end tomorrow with the launch of Christchurch's latest - and biggest - food festival. The borough will be thrown into a feeding frenzy this weekend as the Daily Echo-backed FoodFest 3
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Silver screen offerings for the week starting Thursday, May 9
I AM SAM (12) Sean Penn in Oscar-nominated form in a touching domestic drama - see review. DOG SOLDIERS (15) WEREWOLF horror flick with real bite and a sick and twisted sense of humour - see review. SLACKERS (15) TEEN sex comedy is the description...
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Teen sex comedy lacks the large laughs
If at first you don't succeed, cheat - that seems to be the mantra of Dewey Nicks's teen sex comedy, which wears its heart on its sleeve, but its mind in the gutter. It's an Animal House or Porky's for the new millennium complete with gross-out comedy
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Reward of £10,000 to help hunt killer
A REWARD of £10,000 has been offered in a bid to catch the gunman who killed innocent Glen Hudson in a Bournemouth nightclub. Murder squad detectives hope the reward could unlock vital evidence so the 35-year-old's family can start to rebuild their lives
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Cash to monitor colony
EXTRA funding means environmentalists can treble their efforts to monitor one of Britain's rarest dragonflies in Purbeck. The beautiful southern damselfly is a bright electric blue but only six colonies remain in the Purbeck area of Dorset -one of its
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'This big house is making us ill'
A DISABLED Sandford couple occupying two ground floor rooms of a three-bedroom council house have accused council chiefs of putting housing policy above their health. MS sufferer Chris Saunders and his diabetic wife Vanessa, from Tyneham Close, Sandford
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Snorkelling and safaris at Purbeck's festival
SNORKELLING for softies and heathland safaris are just two of more than 80 events lined up for this year's Purbeck Aware festival. A programme of activities including cut-price trips to see the World Heritage Jurassic Coast will be on offer between May
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Gig listings for the week starting Thursday, may 9
TONIGHT(9) Back Seat Blue (Nelson's Cheese and Ale Bar, Salisbury Street, Blandford): We begin this week's wander through gig wonderland with BSB's bluesy, rootsy rock offerings. Jam On It (Excise House, Hope Square, Brewer's Quay, Weymouth): The weekly
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'Have a heart' plea as eviction looms
LANDLORDS and the council are being urged to "have a heart" by seven mums with small children - two of them babies - who are facing homelessness through no fault of their own. "We'll be destroyed as families if we get stuck in bed-and-breakfast places
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Twin's Shield deficit
DORSET and Wiltshire need to overhaul a 13-point deficit against the North Midlands on Saturday if they are to reach the quarter-final of the Tetley's Bitter County Championship Shield. The Twin Counties looked as though they might pull off a major shock
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Wessex contribute to South West win
WESSEX proved their worth to the region as their players and coaches played an integral part in the South West's success at the Inter Regional Championships in Stoke. The under-15 and under-17 boys' squads both walked off with their respective silverware
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Dentists' delight at crowning glory
PARKSTONE Yacht Club's pursuit race for the Arripay Trophy took place on Bank Holiday Monday, and, in dull weather and a north-easterly force three to four wind, 27 boats came to the line. These craft of all shapes and sizes were set off at various times
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Keeping calm the key for ref Durkin
PAUL Durkin gave one of his trademark authoritative displays during last night's Premiership championship showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford. The Portland-based referee had been hand-picked for the big game, which saw the Gunner's
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Never count your chickens
"It's never all over until the fat lady sings," which roughly translated means "Don't count your chickens before they are hatched," although the translation according to the Ayatollah with his awesome command of language works out something like "Don't
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Magpies' anniversary sixes prove a resounding success
DORCHESTER Town Youth FC cele-brated the club's first birthday in style with a two day, six-a-side tournament that proved to be a huge success. A total of 68 teams from all over the county and beyond took part in the tournament at Sandringham Sports Centre
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Cup winners get star treatment
TWO goals from striker Ian Webber helped Weymouth Cougars complete a remarkable under-14s league and cup double. Having already clinched the Dorset Youth Division championship title, the resort youngsters followed up with a 4-1 Knockout Cup success over
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Havvy has his say
GARY Havelock took a swipe at the critics who have written him off after starring in Poole's comfortable victory last night. The 33-year-old former World champion began the season in superb form but had not done so well in Meridian Lifts Pirates previous
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BOMBSHELL FOR OFFICE
A ROYAL Mail sorting office in East Dorset had to be evacuated after a suspected wartime shell was discovered. A 100m cordon was set up around Verwood sorting office in Bessemer Close and the place evacuated after staff discovered the device among the
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arts listings for week starting Thursday, May 9
TONIGHT (9) Freddie Starr, Weymouth Pavilion The Business of Murder, Warehouse Theatre, Weymouth Out of Order, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil Arms and the Man, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne FRIDAY (10) The Business of Murder, Warehouse Theatre, Weymouth Out of Order
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Virtuoso's evening of magic
VIRTUOSO guitarist John Williams brings his ensemble to Poole Arts Centre on Saturday next week for a magical evening of top string sounds. The concert, Magic Box, will feature not just John but also top musicians John Etheridge, Paul Clarvis, Chris Lawrence
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First folk festival's fare
WEYMOUTH'S first folk festival kicks off tomorrow night at 7.30 in the Pavilion with performances by several bands, including Triskele, Bob Kirkpatrick and Blue Horses, Murphy's Lore, Hardcore Fluff and The Underhillbillies. The weekend continues with
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As You Like It staged
ROMANCE and comedy are the order of the day when Illyria brings Shakespeare's As You Like It to the Outdoor Greek Theatre at Bryanston School, near Blandford. With just five actors and a trunkful of costumes and props, Illyria promises a 'physical, funny
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Country comes to town
WEYMOUTH continues its series of innovative events next weekend with the resort's first Country Music Festival. Line dancing, country discos, musical tributes to country stars and even a Wild West Adventure are all planned for the three-day extravaganza
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Stars are set to shine at Lyme Regis
A GALAXY of stars will be making their way to West Dorset this week as the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis throws open its doors to some of the nation's favourite entertainers. On Sunday, master magician Paul Daniels takes to the stage for 'an audience with
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Think Floyd . . . and dance
YOUNGSTERS from Weymouth's Let's Dance school run by Julie Storey will be sharing the Pavilion Theatre stage next Thursday evening with the legendary Pink Floyd tribute band Think Floyd. Around 30 young dancers are preparing for the show, in which they
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Average house is now £205,000
THE price of a detached home in Dorset has rocketed past the £200,000 barrier for the first time. New figures in the Land Registry's quarterly review show the average price of a detached home shot up nearly 12 per cent to £205,066 in January-March - £21,000
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Severed finger man in hospital airlift drama
A MAN severed a forefinger and nearly lost a thumb after a horrific circular saw accident at a Weymouth workshop. The severed finger was recovered and police immediately sealed off Cambridge Road for more than half an hour so the Dorset Air Ambulance
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New consent bid on link road plan
A NEW planning application is to be lodged in September for the controversial Chickerell link road after the plan lapsed last year. Permission for the £1.2 million route from the Granby Industrial Estate to Charlestown lapsed in late 2001 because not
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Golden sands are the tops with families
PARENTS have voted Weymouth one of the best family-friendly beaches in the country in a survey out today. A poll of 1,000 parents by Mother and Baby magazine asked which beaches could be enjoyed by families, as part of a survey to find out if Britain
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Marathon runners collect their cash
TWO first-time London marathon runners were presented with cheques for their chosen charities by Wey Valley School headteacher, Marcia Headon. Assistant head at the school Peter Strange, 55, of Cattistock, near Maiden Newton and postman Darren Hawdon,
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Top sports status is awarded to school
STAFF and schoolchildren on Portland are celebrating today after scooping a national sports award. Royal Manor School has been awarded top marks for its commitment to PE and sport and has received Sportsmark status for the second time. The school is one
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Your chance for a sneak previous of a new attraction
A SNEAK preview of a major new attraction is on offer when the Dorset County Museum throws open its doors for free. Visitors are being urged to tour the Dorchester Gallery on May 10 and May 11 before it officially opens in June. The permanent showpiece
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It's police protection
PEOPLE caught harassing Randy the dolphin will be arrested following a crackdown by police. Reports of youngsters climbing on Randy, boat rage and scuffles between dolphin fans determined to get as close as possible have forced a clampdown. The move follows
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Cross-party talks to decide on new decision-makers
THE new structure of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council will be thrashed out at a series of crucial meetings during the coming weeks. Councillors have to hammer out an agreement to see who will sit on the all-important management committee which will
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Together again after 35 years
A CHANCE find over the internet reunited two former school friends who have not seen each other for 35 years. Mother of two Patricia Bill, 47, and Kay Williams, 48, a site manager for a cleaning company and grandmother, who has three children and lives
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Minister urged to end rescue craft rumours
TRANSPORT Minister David Jamieson was today urged to visit Weymouth to dispel persistent rumours that the future of Portland Coastguard's search and rescue helicopter is in doubt. The clear-the-air call comes from former South Dorset MP Ian Bruce who
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Artists' work on show at studio
ARTISTS Chris and Svetlana Purkis are celebrating the opening of their new Weymouth studio in time for Dorset Arts Week. The couple, who are both members of the Castle Cove Sailing Club and have been living in Weymouth for three years, have set up the
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Jim's happy to be patron for charity
A CHARITY for homeless people has welcomed a new patron - South Dorset MP Jim Knight. Mr Knight has taken on the role after visiting the Weymouth-based Bruised Reed Trust, which helps single homeless recovering addicts over 25 years old. The charity offers
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Youngsters say 'help us get our skates on'
FED-up young skateboarders have pleaded with town councillors for better facilities to keep them safe and out of trouble. More than a dozen children asked Fordingbridge Town Council for badly-needed improvements to the town's skate park, amid growing
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Anger over latest play area plans
A TOWN council has slated a housing association for breaking its promises to small children. But Sovereign Housing says the town and district has let them down by not coming up with the cash. When the Coles Close scheme in Sturminster Newton was built
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Up to 40 jobs created at new Oyster Quay
RICHARD Carr's new £1.3 million Oyster Quay bar-diner is set to create up to 40 jobs when it opens on May 30. Oyster Quay - based in the newly-refurbished Poole Harbour Commiss-ioners building - is his first Future 3000 venture into Poole. It is the latest
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Determined to defy the drizzle
DRIZZLE put a damper on Bransgore's annual bank holiday fun day, but hundreds of locals still turned out for an afternoon of fun and games on the Burley Road playing fields. Attractions drawn from across Hampshire included a Scottish pipe and drum band
