Archive
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Plans for facelift
MACDONALDS manager Dave Williamson hopes ambitious plans to refurbish and extend the Chippenham burger restaurant will transform it from being one of the ugliest in the country. A planning application was submitted to North Wiltshire District Council
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School awaits go-ahead
WILTSHIRE'S largest primary school, Kings Lodge, Chippenham, where half of the classrooms are temporary, could be one step closer to gaining a much-needed extension. Members of Wiltshire County Council's Education Advisory Panel will decide tomorrow if
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Police re-stage store robbery
POLICE reconstructed a vicious baseball bat attack on a security guard at Safeway in Chippenham last week. The attack happened early in the morning last month when Securitas guards were filling up the cashpoints at the supermarket. One was hit round the
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Depressed man coaxed down from bridge top
A POLICE negotiator talked down a severely depressed man who spent three hours perched on the archway of a railway bridge early on the morning of Friday 7 December. All trains were stopped after the mother of the 37-year-old man called 999 at 2am to say
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Workers told jobs are safe after profits fall
JOBS at Chippenham's Avon Rubber factory are safe, despite a fall in profits and the likely closure of the Trowbridge plant. A company spokesman said business was going well at the Chippenham plant, Avon Vibration Management Systems Ltd, in Bumpers Way
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New homes in workshop
The final decision on a plan to turn a former workshop in St Mary's Street into two one-bedroom studio flats, has been delegated to North Wiltshire District Council planning officers. Councillors have recommended the scheme should go ahead.
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Appeal gets a festive boost
BABY Lauren Booth was the star attraction at a Christmas craft bazaar in Chippenham on Saturday, which raised £1,300. Lauren's parents Lisa-Jayne and Paul Booth organised the Christmas event in the Neeld Hall to raise money for the Lauren Booth Appeal
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Regiment gives £500 to school
THE regimental sergeant major from the Army base at Colerne impressed children at the local primary school when he handed over a cheque for £500 last week. The 21 Signals Air Support Unit enjoys a close relationship with Colerne School and pupils are
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Dyson axes 118 workers
JUST days after the Queen's visit to his Malmesbury factory, James Dyson has axed 118 of his 282 temporary workforce. The jobs will go on the production line and in the moulding section at the factory in Tetbury Hill, Malmesbury. Dyson spokesman, Victoria
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New clues for police in murder inquiry
KASHMIRA Singh, the 42-year-old Chippenham man who was arrested on suspicion of murdering his older brother, Sawa Singh, 51, last Monday, has been told he is no longer under arrest after new evidence was produced. But Wiltshire Police say detectives will
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Housing estates fear dark times
STREET lights on housing estates may be turned off and gritting reduced to A roads only under a £1.6 million cost cutting plan for Wiltshire County Council. The cuts could also see the scrapping of subsidies for Sunday and evening bus services and the
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City's season of woe continues
WHITES remain rooted to the foot of the table after suffering their seventh consecutive league and cup defeat. Their 3-1 reverse at home to Chelmsford City leaves them 15 points adrift of safety and seemingly requiring a miracle to avoid relegation to
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Extra time heroics keep Bemerton's Vase dream alive
BEMERTON Heath Har-lequins marched proudly into the fourth round of the FA Carlsberg Vase with a battling extra-time victory on Saturday away at Thamesmead Town. Warren Kenna's penalty three minutes into the first period of added time plus a stunning
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Nourish your hair this winter
MASHED banana whisked up into a light froth with 2 oz of organic milk and chopped avocado blitzed in a blender with honey may sound like a recipe of some kind. But these ingredients are not for internal consumption. Instead, the suggestion from Sarah
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NO MORE CHANGE
MALCOLM CROSBY has added his voice to those who are desperate to see Roy Evans remain at the County Ground. Town's assistant manager does not want to become embroiled in club 'politics' but insists that the benefits Evans has brought to the club are there
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MP assured that plans for station are on track
MP James Gray has said he is satisfied that funding is firmly in place to re-open Corsham Railway Station by the summer of 2003. Mr Gray had asked a question in parliament about the costs involved and where the money was coming from. He said he was relieved
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Almshouses 'testament to skills of craftsmen'
Contractor Stansell will hand over the keys of the completed Lady Margaret Hungerford Almshouses to Lord Methuen and the trustees on Monday at 10am. The Vicar of Corsham, Roger Clifton, will conduct a blessing and South West construction company Stansell
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Shrubs go in raid
A plastic pot, shrubs and a red sack truck, worth £28, were stolen from the garden of Fosse Cottage, Nettleton, between 10am and 1.50pm last Wednesday. Anyone with information is urged to call Corsham police on (01249) 712172.
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Garage demolition plan
An application to demolish a garage and build an extension and conservatory at a house in Priory Street was approved at a meeting of North Wiltshire District council's development control committee last Wednesday 5 December.
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Row leads to plea for councillor's removal
A disagreement over a simple planning application could lead to a councillor being thrown off a North Wiltshire District Council committee. The move follows a war of words between two Corsham councillors at a meeting last week. Roy Jackson and Peter Davis
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Tea shop's eighth year earns a toast
THE Pewsey Arts and Craft Shop has celebrated its eighth birthday by passing on record takings to a host of local beneficiaries. The concept of a community-run tea rooms and crafts outlet was originally dreamt up by Mary Ward, who has lived in Pewsey
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Over the moon for fun
The Box Office for the Amateur Dramatic Society pantomime, Over the Moon by Michael Buchanan-Smith, opens on January 2 at the Bouverie Hall (01672 810436) with performances from January 15 to 19 with a matinee on the Saturday, starting at 2.30pm.
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Development plan collapses
A DEVELOPER has pulled out of plans to revamp the centre of Pewsey following the collapse of an agreement with Kennet District Council. Heritage Commercial Properties said it is no longer interested in developing the area between High Street and Broomcroft
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Town under fire on CCTV
PEWSEY parish councillors have hit out at Marlborough Town Council for contemplating pulling out of a district-wide CCTV security scheme. Tuesday's meeting of the parish council was told the town is investigating whether it can afford to install and run
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New restaurant weighs anchor
DINERS at the newest restaurant in Pewsey, at the side of the Kennet and Avon Canal, do not even have to look out of the window to enjoy a traditional waterways scene. Graham Lee, owner of The Waterside, which opened as a restaurant on Tuesday, commissioned
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Evesham United 0, Chippenham Town 6
DR MARTEN'S LEAGUE: CHIPPENHAM Town underlined their Dr Martens League Western Division promotion credentials with a stunning display at Evesham United's Common Road home on Saturday. Top scorer Matt Rawlins and Steve Tweddle both scored twice for the
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Bent signs up for final month
CHIPPENHAM Town have secured the services of James Bent on a further month's loan from Nationwide Conference outfit Yeovil Town. Bent's loan expires on January 9 and the home Wiltshire Premier Shield clash with Melksham Town will be his last in a Chippenham
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Eric in a spot of bother...
I THINK Eric Sabin is becoming a victim of his own success. Town's French striker ( below) has earned five penalties this season. I don't think you could really quibble with any of the decisions. But I think Eric's record is starting to be used against
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Razor-sharp on the impressions
IT seems Razor Ruddock is destined for a career in entertainment after all. Rumours abound about possible film deals and he is already a hotly sought-after football pundit. But a post-football life on the stage could yet materialise. By now I hope you
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City's season of woe continues
WHITES remain rooted to the foot of the table after suffering their seventh consecutive league and cup defeat. Their 3-1 reverse at home to Chelmsford City leaves them 15 points adrift of safety and seemingly requiring a miracle to avoid relegation to
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Extra time heroics keep Bemerton's Vase dream alive
BEMERTON Heath Har-lequins marched proudly into the fourth round of the FA Carlsberg Vase with a battling extra-time victory on Saturday away at Thamesmead Town. Warren Kenna's penalty three minutes into the first period of added time plus a stunning
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Knitters are real pearls
NIMBLE knitters in Sherston deserve a giant pat on the back after making more than 3,000 hats for the Operation Christmas Child charity. Margaret Greenslade, who co-ordinated the task, laid down a challenge in January of gathering 1,000 hats to be packed
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Flying Santa sleighs them
THERE was not a sleigh in sight when Father Christmas made a festive entrance by helicopter to a children's bazaar on Saturday 8 December. Santa, alias father-of-two Paul Holmes, was the star attraction at Minety Pre-school's festive fair in the village
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Santa's storytime
The library is hosting a Christmas storytime, complete with Father Christmas, between 10.30am-11am on Wednesday. Children under-five, parents and carers are welcome.
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Roman references
The Workers Education Association (WEA) is running a seven-week course, called Roman Britain in Malmesbury at the library from January 14, priced at £22.40. In Sherston a ten-week course called the Silk Road, about the export of silk, starts on January
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Crowds revel in royal visit
CROWDS of people lined the streets when the Queen and Prince Phillip made their historic visit to Malmesbury on Friday. The Royal party arrived outside the town hall shortly after 1.15pm, and were met by a guard of honour from the town's Air Training
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Skate park still a sticking point
FOLLOWING accusations that it was bribing its way into getting approval for a development of five houses in Malmesbury, Persimmon Homes has refused to forego its development plans and give over land for a skateboard park. At a town council planning meeting
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Dyson's cutbacks blamed on pound
JUST days after the Queen's visit to his Malmesbury factory, James Dyson has shed 118 of his 282 temporary workforce, blaming the cuts on the strength of the pound. The jobs are going on the production line and in the moulding factory at the plant, in
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Talented Jack sets his sights on England place
TALENTED teenage cricketer Jack Humphrys' progress at the Somerset Academy has been boosted after he received a £1,000 scholarship from the club's registered charity. Chippenham-based Humphrys, 16, began a two-year course at Taunton in September and was
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Tim Boucher steps out with WSEP
The Wiltshire and Swindon Economic Partnership (WSEP) has elected Tim Boucher as vice chairman. Following a career in the international manufacturing and marketing of non-ferrous metal products, which culminated in responsibility for a UK division of
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Choir calls for singers
St Bartholomew's Church choir welcomes additional singers for Carols by Candlelight and the Midnight Mass. Anyone who would like to be involved can phone the choir leader (01793) 853870, or call in at the church tomorrow evening for a choir practice at
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Sale set to help charities
A bring and buy sale, cakes and raffle in aid of Headway and the Prospect Foundation will be among attractions at 5 Branscombe Drive from 10.30am -2.30pm. Admission is 50p and includes coffee and biscuits.
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History puzzle to solve
Everyone interested in Wiltshire and its history will be welcome at the library this afternoon at 2pm, to meet Helen Shalders, of the heritage department. She will talk on Timescape Wiltshire, and give puzzles t
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Cash boost for children
The Christmas bazaar at Noremarsh Junior School on Friday and an earlier table sale together raised almost £400, which will be used by the Friends of Noremarsh to benefit the school.
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Orchestra tunes up musical favourites
Tickets for the Christmas concert by town's orchestra on December 20 at the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm are available now, at Brian Taylor Music in High Street at £3.50. The programme will include Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride, Christmas Memories, popular
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Prospect looks good for shop
A NEW charity shop in Wroughton will be helping to raise money for the Prospect Foundation which has its hospice in the village. The shop, in the Ellendune Centre, was opened by Shirley Mathias, who lives in the village and is a columnist for the Gazette's
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Churches get £27,000 boost
ALMOST £27,000 has been spent repairing and renovating Wiltshire churches by the Churches Conservation Trust, according to the organisation's annual report, entitled Juxtapositions, out this week. The largest individual sum of money is £9,923 spent on
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Tourism fears after US attack
TOURISM officials in Wiltshire are fighting to attract more visitors from Britain and abroad to the county next year, fearing there could be a fall in tourists following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Even before the atrocity, the industry was reeling
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Family can let off steam
TRAIN operator First Great Western will be bringing back its family carriage for the Christmas holidays. From December 15 to January 6 inclusive, every child travelling in the family carriage can collect a free activity pack from the buffet. The pack
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Families are told no appeal is possible
FAMILIES who felt the sentencing of Army Major Giles Stibbe was too lenient have been told they cannot take the case to the Court of Appeal. Stibbe was fined £750, banned from driving for two years, ordered to pay £500 costs and retake his driving test
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Huge cuts for social services and roads
CUTS totalling more than £4 million to social services and road maintenance are planned by Wiltshire County Council next year. Social Services faces having to find savings of £3.1 million while environmental services, which is responsible for the county's
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Bassett on top in the battle of the giants
SKURRAY'S WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: WOOTTON Bassett United won the battle of the giants in the Junior Division when they defeated Swindon Eagles 1-0 despite playing with just nine men for 70 minutes. Disaster struck for United after 13 minutes when Mark Westlake
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Charity bids fond farewell to chief
Friends and supporters saluted Penny Noad as she stepped down as president of the Wiltshire branch of the British Red Cross after nine years of service. The Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sir Maurice Johnston, attended a ceremony in West Lavington village
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Chippenham youngsters complete double
YOUTH FOOTBALL: CHIPPENHAM Town completed the double over Westbury Youth side in the under 11s division of the Wiltshire Times and News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League. Jamie Harlow (2) and Ricky Fyall gave Chippenham a 3-0 home win over their gallant
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Crown gets tough on violence in the home
The Crown Prosecution Service is to take a tougher line on domestic violence following a new nationwide directive. Wiltshire's chief crown prosecutor Nick Hawkins, who described domestic violence as the scourge of society, said the days of people viewing
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Actor has a peak experience on trek
ACTOR Clive Mantle, who returned home to Box on Tuesday after successfully trekking to Mount Everest base camp, has described his experience as one of the most amazing of his life. Mr Mantle, who starred in ITV's Casualty and Holby City, told the Gazette
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Corsham Town 2, Street 3
SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: STREET proved to be Corsham Town's nemesis for the second time this term as they completed a league double over the Wiltshire side at The Southbank on Saturday. Strike duo John Freegard and Matt Pratley were once again on the mark
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Warminster Town 2, Calne Town 4
SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: CALNE Town moved out of the Screwfix Direct League First Division relegation zone with a crucial 4-2 victory at bottom club Warminster Town at Weymouth Street on Saturday. Defeat would have seen the Bremhill View outfit sink to
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From the dugout by Brian Newlands, Devizes Town manager
13/12/01: ON the whole it was a bad weekend for Screwfix Direct League sides left in the FA Vase. Three sides played on Saturday but unfortunately all three fund themselves out come 5pm. First Division Hallen were soundly beaten 3-0 at Lewes who, after
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Schools' festival is a huge hit
DEVIZES School held its biggest ever sporting event on Saturday 8 December, with more than 30 teams from across the south of England travelling to take part in a festival of rugby. The third annual under 12s rugby tournament, which attracted an estimated
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Change at the top
Margaret West has taken over as chief officer of the Pewsey-based Voluntary Action Kennet. Her predecessor, Barbara McDonald, has taken up a post with the Shaftesbury Society.
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Just to say a big thank-you
THREE years ago Swindon's twin Nicaraguan town of Ocotal was ravaged by Hurricane Mitch. Today the town has recovered and is well on the way to being rebuilt thanks to a big helping hand from the people of Swindon. Mayor David Cox has just returned from
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Pupils will take time off school as they play games and go places
TWO of Swindon's talented band of chess players will be taking a week off school and winging their way to the former Soviet state of Estonia in the New Year. Commonweal's Joshua Hall, 13, and Nicola Thomas, 11, from Ridgeway School, Wroughton, have been
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Album sold for £190,000
AN ALBUM compiled by the first photography club in the world has landed a Swindon auction house its biggest ever sale. The book of 1840s calotypes the earliest form of printed photograph raised £190,000 at Dominic Winter Book Auctions. Put together by
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My fight to beat cancer
SWINDON Council leader Mike Bawden today revealed that he has been fighting prostate cancer since August. The 61-year-old Conservative councillor for Old Town and Lawn was diagnosed with the disease following a routine blood test with his GP. He is now
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Benefit staff join national strike over security
STRIKING benefits agency staff were on the picket line in Swindon this morning. They claim they will be under increased threat of attack from clients if a Government plan to do away with glass security screens goes ahead. Today was the second of a two-day
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Cabinet votes for 9.5 per cent hike
PEOPLE living in Swindon could have to fork out an extra £70 in council tax in April because local schools and social services have been "stuffed" by the Government. That's the claim from the ruling Conservatives on Swindon Council, who say they need
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Avon Middle super school
PUPILS at Avon Middle School, Salisbury, raised £2,300 by taking part in the national Super Schools programme. A total of 150 children took part in the programme of keep fit exercises during a visit to the school by Olympic 400m runner Jamie Baulch. They
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Damp house 'taking its toll'
A PENSIONER from Amesbury says he has reached the end of his tether after living in a damp council house for the past decade. Joseph Schofield (66), of Coltsfoot Close, Amesbury, said that living in a wet and cold house was taking its toll on his health
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Villagers in bid to win back land
A GROUP of villagers are calling for a school playing field to be turned into a village green. More than 40 residents in Netheravon have signed a petition calling for the whole village to have access to the playing field at All Saints Primary School.
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Anger at phone mast bid
RESIDENTS of Amesbury are fighting plans to erect a mobile phone mast in the town centre. The mast is planned for the area between Church and Flower Lane and is 15m high, with three antennae, three dishes and two small equipment cabins. Opponents were
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Party starts on high note
Christmas will come early to Calne on Sunday 16 December, when Calne Silver Band play a variety of festive favourites at a town hall concert from 3pm.
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Santa enjoys elevenses
The annual Arthritis Care Christmas coffee morning will be held in Marden House from 10am until 12.30pm on Saturday. Father Christmas and the Christmas fairy will be there to keep youngsters amused. Among the products on sale will be table decorations
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Pupil has gift of the gab
John Bentley School's head student, Neil Jackson, has won the Michael Glanz Trophy for the best performance at the Rotary Club's public speaking competition for the second year running. His team, who included Peter Blackall and Ben Cave, came second overall
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Museum steps up a gear to keep rare car
THE race is on to save a rare car that ended up in a Calne motor museum following a fatal accident in Buckinghamshire a decade ago. The Alvis Speed 20 sports saloon is a favourite at the Atwell Wilson Motor Museum between Calne and Blackland and has impressed
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Reflecting on date-time TV
CALNE farmer Richard Hoddinott has become used to the trappings of fame since becoming a familiar face to millions on the ITV documentary The Farmer Wants A Wife. The sixth episode of the eight-part series is shown tonight. It follows the fortunes of
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Cash boost for town
THE Devizes Development Partnership is celebrating after receiving a cheque for £5,000 the first instalment of £75,000 pledged for the town's regeneration under the Government's Market and Coastal Towns Initiative . The cost of staging the Christmas market
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Cat refuge in plea for food
ANIMAL sanctuary Devizes Kats and Kits in Care has appealed for donations of cat food as its shelter fills up with homeless animals. Founder Lorraine Spencer has been busy trapping a colony of feral cats on the grounds of the Appetito food factory in
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New book idea came in dream
RETIRED social worker Laurence Loader has launched himself on a new career, as a writer of science fiction novels. Mr Loader, 64, of Kingsley Gardens, Devizes, is working on the second volume of a trilogy after the success of his first book, The God Protectors
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Driver amazed at test result
SALES consultant and flying instructor Alan Marpole was amazed to find he was over the drink drive limit, Kennet Magistrates Court in Devizes heard on Monday. Marpole, of Marten, near Marlborough, pleaded guilty to driving his company car with excess
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Driver facing jail sentence
A MOTORIST who was caught driving while he was banned for the third time has been told he could be sent to prison. Christopher O'Donovan, of Victoria Road, Devizes, admitted driving a car on December 2 while he was serving a ban. He also pleaded guilty
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Investigation goes on at cafe
THE investigation into the way Options Information Caf in Devizes spent Lottery money is continuing this week. The Community Fund formerly the National Lottery Charities Board is deciding whether to continue funding the Devizes charity after it lost £20,000
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Carols help children
The Danbi Children's Trust, which provides equipment to disabled children, will benefit from the collection taken at Devizes School's carol evening at St John's Church on Tuesday at 7.30pm.
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Car theft foiled by lock
A red Vauxhall Nova stolen from High Street on Friday night was later found abandoned on the A360 between West Lavington and Tilshead. A Nissan Micra also had its door locks punched out in nearby Stonepit Lane on the same night but police believe the
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Spirits soar after festive fair's debut
DOZENS of flickering candle-lit lanterns lent an old worlde look to the High Street in Marlborough on Thursday for the Spirit of Christmas late night shopping evening. The Chamber of Commerce organised the Spirit of Christmas to replace the Victorian
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School lights way for advent
PUPILS at St Nicholas Primary School in Bromham are building up to the Christmas break with a series of parties and services to celebrate the festive season. Last week's Christingle service in St Nicholas Church, when pupils lit candles to welcome advent
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Scheme gives fuel problems the boot
A COMMUNITY buying scheme launched in the Marlborough area this week aims to offer householders cheaper oil for domestic heating and help the environment to boot. Wellieboot is a limited company based in North Cadbury, in Somerset, and has struck a deal
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Allotment plans
Plans for new allotments at Windsor Drive, designed to replace those at Spitalcroft where gardeners were evicted last year, are on display at the Town Hall today from 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Environmental consultancy Fieldfare Associates
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Artist reopens gallery
Illustrator and painter Joannah May has taken over Marlborough's only dedicated art gallery, which has been run for the past 20 years by Andy le Poidivin. Mr le Poidivin, who lives in Purton, opened the Studio Art Gallery in Hughenden Yard as a working
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Cinema's future still in balance
The selling agent for John Angel, the owner of the Palace Cinema and Angel Bingo Hall in Devizes, remained tight lipped this week about the future of the building. Michael Taylor refused to talk to the Gazette and Herald but both the bingo hall and cinema
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Mayor in good voice?
Mayor David Watson will attend the Choral Society's Christmas concert at St Mary's Church on Saturday 15 November.
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Tots enchant in festive play
YOUNG thespians at Bromham Pre-School enchanted parents and friends with their traditional nativity play in St Nicholas Church on Wednesday. The tots, dressed up as biblical characters as well as angels, animals and shepherds, delighted the large audience
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Late floral surprise
The winners in a draw for a bouquet of flowers at the late night shopping evening at Waitrose last Tuesday evening were Mr and Mrs S Brooks of George Lane.
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School forges links abroad
DESIGN and Technology teachers Simon Phipps and Ursula Cook, of St John's School in Marlborough, have recently returned from a three-day trip to Bielefeld in Germany. They spent the time with other teachers and students from schools across Europe. The
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Kids enjoy paperwork
MORE than 40 children took the opportunity to attend an all-day Advent workshop in Marlborough. The workshop was run by St Mary's Church and took place in the church hall in Silverless Street. Organiser Janet Taylor said 42 children from Marlborough and
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Youngsters find new platform for success
FROSTY weather conditions hampered the progress of the nine youngsters who competed in Devizes Angling Association's annual junior Christmas competition on Saturday morning. The three-hour match was held on Curry's pound at Bath Road, Devizes and competitors
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End is in sight to roadworks nightmare
IMPROVEMENTS to Oxford Road are almost complete and the one-way system that has given motorists a headache for weeks has finally ended. Barriers preventing traffic leaving Swindon on the road were finally lifted this week. And Swindon Council says only
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Developer turns down council plea
PERSIMMON Homes has refused a request by Malmesbury Town Coun-cil to give over land for a skateboard park as part of a development of five houses overlooking Morse Close. Persimmon has told the town council that the area planned for development is designated
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A sword of Damocles
AN EXTERNAL report that is expected to highlight major weaknesses in Swindon Council's social services department is still yet to arrive at the Civic Offices. The joint review by the Audit Commission and Government Department of Health took place in September
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The return of Harry
VILLAGERS are looking forward to a windfall when Harry Potter and his entourage return to the Wiltshire village of Lacock. Lacock Abbey and its grounds have again been chosen by Warner Brothers as one of the locations for the next Hollywood production
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Train firm celebrates success of online bulletin service
FIRST Great Western is celebrating after receiving the 1,000th subscriber to an e-mail based bulletin service launched three months ago. The bulletin occurs twice daily, providing information on train performance. It was designed to provide train users
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Gritters are at work but drive carefully
GRITTING lorries have been heading out across Wiltshire as this week's cold snap reduced overnight temperat-ures to below freezing. A total of 24 vehicles were despatched from Wiltshire County Council's eight salting depots when detailed weather forecasts
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Mark's run is worth £1,700
FAIRFORD League of Friends has netted almost £1,800 in one go after the landlord at the Bull in Fairford, Mark Dudley, raised £1,734 competing in an Iron Man triathlon earlier this year. Former Zambian rugby player Mark swam 2.4 miles, cycled 112 miles
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Police warn residents to beware telemarketing scam
WILTSHIRE police are warning residents to be aware of a telemarketing scam which claims people have won money but in order to claim their 'prize' they have to pay a fee. The scam originates from Canada and in Wiltshire the fraud squad is investigating
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£70k boost for Fovant badge fund
THE campaign to restore Fovant badges has received a pre-Christmas boost with the announcement this week of a National Lottery award of £70,000. The grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund will enable work to start on refurbishing four of the 12 famous regimental
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A pair in panto
IT'S as much a sign of Christmas in Salis-bury as carol singers and decorations - panto time at the Playhouse. This year it is the turn of Mother Goose to sprinkle magic across the stage. Pictured are Jack and Jill (alias Victoria Lugg and Laura O'Day
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'Managers are the legitimate target'
Frank Armstrong, secretary of the Communication Workers' Union branch, which is based at the Dorcan centre, said: "We have been kept in the dark over these latest proposals and are seeking clarification as to what grades may be in the firing line. "Certainly
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Closure of clinic 'bad for patients'
A CLINIC providing specialist foot care at Salisbury District Hospital is likely to move to Andover. It would mean that scores of people, many of them elderly or disabled, would have to make a 40-mile round trip from Salisbury for essential treatment.
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'A slap in the face for post workers'
POSTAL workers in Swindon are preparing for possible industrial action in the New Year following the news that their employer Consignia is to axe up to 30,000 jobs over the next 18 months. Leaders of Britain's postal workers have threatened a national
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Chill-out shelter idea gets the cold shoulder
A RETHINK was promised this week over controversial plans to site a 'chill-out' shelter near old people's homes and a children's play area in Harnham. It follows outrage from elderly tenants of Essex Square, who claimed their lives were already being
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Don't send us gifts, give them to children's charity
WHEN Eileen and Peter Goodwin celebrate their diamond wedding they have asked friends and relatives not to buy them any gifts. Instead they would like well-wishers to pledge money towards a children's charity for disabled youngsters. The Covingham couple
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Driver in road rage attack was acting in self-defence, says jury
A DRIVER who used a steering-wheel crook lock to inflict serious injuries on two men in a road-rage brawl was acting legitimately in self-defence, a court has decided. A jury at Salisbury Crown Court acquitted Mohammed Emamy (27), of Sandy Lane, Redlynch
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NO MORE CHANGE
MALCOLM CROSBY has added his voice to those who are desperate to see Roy Evans remain at the County Ground. Town's assistant manager does not want to become embroiled in club 'politics' but insists that the benefits Evans has brought to the club are there
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More cash please
Roy Evans has proved that his motivational ability has worked wonders at the County Ground this season. However, this modest man who has put pride back into Swindon soccer cannot work miracles week after week with limited resources. The new board contains
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Give the turkey a break!
THIS year, why not experience your best Christmas ever and celebrate the true yuletide spirit by showing compassion to all living things. Christmas is meant to be the season of peace and goodwill, yet for millions of animals it is a time of misery and
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We must call the council to account
I refer to your front page headline on December 6, "Losing out once again," which explained that, since Swindon Council has failed to get the funding demanded from central Government, the council tax looks set to go up by 9.5 per cent, and that schools
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Proud moment
ON November 11 I was lucky enough to be involved in the Remembrance Day service and parade at St Andrew's Church, Chippenham, to remember all the brave men and women who fought and died for us in the wars so that we could live in a free world. I was part
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Martock 2nds 5, Minety 2nds 31
AFTER a heavy defeat by Malmesbury the week before, the Minety second string were pleased to return to winning ways with a swashbuckling performance. Regaining the services of several key players, they ran rings round their opponents and scored five good
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Chippenham 27, Redingensians 24
CHIPPENHAM carried on from where they left off against Marlow and produced their worst rugby for some time in the first half of a bruising South West Division Two East encounter before turning it round with a thrilling comeback to clinch the points in
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New look planned for annual festival
MINI-RUGBY: NEXT year's Chippenham Rugby Club Mini Festival will be held at Allington Field on Sunday, April 21. The festival will have nine visiting mini sections, with the aim of raising funds for the improvement projects for the club's mini section
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In festive spirit
THE people of Marlborough must have been delighted with the Spirit of Christmas evening presented by the Chamber of Commerce in the town last Thursday. Adults were treated to free mulled wine and mince pies while the children were well catered for with
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Rescued man loses three stone
HEARTBROKEN Ted Whitlock said he has lost three stone since being rescued from the Pines Hotel in Chippenham and now longs to be reunited with his wife and family. Mr Whitlock, 44, was rescued from the hotel on September 23 when he was taken ill and was
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Heading the wrong way
I WRITE to give my personal views on the new sculpture placed outside Calne library. Any new piece of art will receive mixed reviews but my first reaction was 'it will look quite good when it's finally put up'. Unhappily, I find that it has found it's
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Volunteer's dedication to caring is honoured
VETERAN St John Ambulance volunteer Roy Crowle was being honoured at an award ceremony in London on Friday for a lifetime's work in caring for others. Mr Crowle, from Derriads Lane, Chippenham was invested as a member of the Order of St John at an event
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Thanks for market
AS chairman of the Devizes Development Partnership, I would like to thank the members of the DDP involved in Devizes Christmas market, Kennet District Council, the police and all other organisations and individuals who helped out on the day. Thank you
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Home worker opts for trial
CARE home employee Daniel Coadwell, who is charged with stealing £10 from a resident of the home, has opted for a trial at Swindon Crown Court. Coadwell, 18, of Dicketts Road, Corsham, appeared before North Wiltshire magistrates in Chippenham on Monday
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Store airs proposals for a new pharmacy
SAINSBURY'S superstore in Chippenham is seeking permission to build a temporary pharmacy at its Cepen Park site. A spokesman for Sainsbury's said the company had lodged a planning application with North Wiltshire District Council for a pharmacy to be
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Calendar's a hot favourite
CHIPPENHAM fire station's charity calendar was getting Christmas shoppers hot under the collar this week. The firefighters were inspired to quite literally get their kit off for a good cause after a group of Women's Institute members did the same two
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Road gritting policy under fire after crash
GAIL Parsons says her elderly parents-in-law could have easily frozen to death in a ditch after their car skidded off a road in freezing conditions on Saturday. Edward and Gladys Parsons and their daughter Sue were driving home to Bristol from Gail's
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Decisions in style
The first meeting was held in the new council chamber at the new North Wiltshire District Council offices last Wednesday. Peter Davis, chairman of the development control committee, said: "This is a massive improvement on what we have had in the past
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Three windows smashed
A French window and two sash windows were smashed at a house in Marshfield Road between 7.40am and 3.45pm last Wednesday, causing £150 damage. Nothing was taken.
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Thief takes homes' festive decorations
Thieves did not show any festive spirit when they stole a Christmas garland and the bulbs from Christmas lights lighting up two houses in Turpin Way. The offence happened between 9pm last Tuesday and 8am the following morning. The lights and garland are
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Thieves take pick of wrapped festive gifts
A HUSBAND and wife returned home from a party at the weekend to find burglars had rifled through their wrapped Christmas presents and stolen their pick of them. Now the couple, who had prided themselves on getting everything ready for Christmas in record
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Man fined for medical theft
A Chippenham man who stole medical micropore tape from a hospital was fined a total of £90. Steven Baker, 27, of Pipsmore Road, pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing the tape, worth £3, a charge of interfering with a motor vehicle, and failing to answer
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Men cause £1,000 of damage to hotel suite
GUESTS staying at The Pines Hotel in Chippenham caused £1,000 worth of damage when they smashed a hole in the bottom of a toilet cistern and left leaving false ID. The two men, who were in their 20s, checked in to the hotel, in Marshfield Road, Chippenham
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Crowds revel in royal visit
A SEA of red, white and blue met a smiling Queen and Prince Phillip on Friday as they paid their first official visit to Chippenham and Calne. Flag-waving crowds thronged the streets to catch a glimpse of the royal guests, who set the tone for the day
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A brave man to speak out
HIS Tory supporters and political opponents alike will be wishing Swindon Council leader Mike Bawden well after his disclosure that he is fighting prostate cancer. He has shown courage in talking about it publicly. Coun Bawden was fortunate that his condition
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Stop all this sniping and vote wisely
IT is a shame that last night's special cabinet meeting became something of an exercise in political mud-slinging. Tory councillors blamed the Labour Government for the plight Swindon currently finds itself in. Labour councillors said the Tories were
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Wizard due to make encore
YOUNG wizard Harry Potter will make a return visit to Lacock early next year when filming begins for the next blockbuster movie, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Film maker Warner Brothers is already making plans for next year's production. Accommodation
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Listed almshouses open
The historic almshouses will be open to the public on December 19 and December 22 from 2pm to 4pm. People will be able to view the renovation of the Grade I Listed building.
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Window plan
Corsham Town Hall is set to have a new stained glass window featuring a design by student Pam Stranghorn. The design for four panes, featuring architectural forms from the town, was picked out by members of Corsham Town Council from a shortlist of three
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School wins go-ahead to grow
A specialist school in Colerne for dyslexic children has been given the go-ahead to expand. Calder House School is one of only ten independent schools across the country approved by the Department for Education and Skills for youngsters with specific
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Firefighters save Manor Farm
A FIRE caused extensive damage to the roof of Manor Farm, a large 17th century house in Sherston on Monday, although the rest of the building was saved. After starting in an upstairs bathroom, the fire spread to the roof of the three-storey house, in
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Cracking show for Christmas
SALISBURY Umbrella, Wiltshire's new professional theatre company, is bringing its hilarious festive show, Christmas Crackers, to Pewsey and Calne next week. They will play at Bouverie Hall, Pewsey, on Saturday December 15 at 7.30pm and at Calne Town Hall
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Right words for cash
Word perfect pupils at Pewsey Primary School have raised nearly £1,000 for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in a sponsored spelling test.
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If you're happy and you know it, give us a smile...
TWO pleas for very different reasons this week. I've made this one before but I do so again in the hope that someone will actually listen. Evso, the Adver's legendary photographer, loves nothing more than a good goal celebration. I know you all like to
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NOW FOR THE MAINE EVENT!
WELL we've got the trip to Manchester we all wanted sadly we have drawn the tougher club in the city. I know the chairman would have preferred United rather than City but personally I am not too disappointed with the tie. It should be a cracking day out
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Burglar foiled in break-ins
A MAN is believed to have tried to break into two houses in Brinkworth within 15 minutes of each other last Wednesday afternoon. The first break-in attempt happened at 3.45pm. A man described as slim, 5ft 9ins tall and in his early 20s, wearing a shell
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Pupils leg it to raise cash
PUPILS at Grittleton House School have been up to all kinds of antics to raise cash for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Last week, Simon Holmes and Leon Gray, both 14, took on the hair-raising challenge of having their right legs hot waxed and shaved in the
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£5,400 puts Daniel's dream show on stage
DISABLED schoolboy Daniel McAleavy has been given a £5,400 grant to help him achieve his dream of putting on a variety show. Daniel, 12, of King's Wall, Malmesbury, is a pupil at the town's school. His mum, Chris, applied for the grant to perform a multi-media
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Recollections are requested
A RETIRED priest, the Rev Chris Dobb, is appealing for reminiscences as he prepares a biography of the former Archdeacon of Malmesbury, the Ven Freddy Temple. The Archdeacon died last year at the age of 84. He lived in Wootton Bassett and was the Archdeacon
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The pain in Spain was worth it, says cyclist
AMPUTEE Ben Lord has completed a painful but rewarding 300-mile fundraising cycle challenge across southern Spain. Mr Lord, 26, from Great Somerford, returned last week from the week-long ride, which took him from Granada to Seville, between November
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Joining royals for lunch
Historian and author Barbara Croucher was one of the guests who dined with the Queen and Prince Phillip at Malmesbury last week during the visit to three north Wiltshire towns. Mrs Croucher was invited as a lay pastoral assistant for the Marlborough Deanery
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Swindon bucks trend as unemployment rises nationally
Swindon continues to see a month on month drop in unemployment although November's jobless rate is up 10 per cent on the same month last year as major redundancy programmes start to take effect. The latest figures show the total number of people registering
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Nationwide hits the million mark
Christmas has come early for Nationwide as it celebrates its millionth online banking registration. "It has taken just 12 months to grow from 500,000 in Dec-ember 2000," said Philip Williamson, chief executive designate. "For the past year, there has
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Adventures for students
St Bartholomew's School pupils from Years 5 and 6 have produced their own newspapers with well illustrated reports on their recent adventurous weeks in Wales. Danywenallt Study Centre, in the Brecon Beacons, was the base for the children's expeditions
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Man's cycling dream is shattered by thief
ARTHRITIS sufferer Darren Smith spent years realising his dream of riding a bike but within months his specially-adapted cycle had been stolen. It took the 32-year-old, who has severe arthritis, several years to find a company willing to construct the
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Youngsters show skills
Happy Birthday, Jesus, a costumed production by 120 charmingly costumed Key Stage 1 children, won warm applause from parents and friends at Longleaze School, Wootton Bassett, on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 December. Enthusiastic young performers portrayed
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Chef beats opposition to scoop top award
CHEF Richard Bowden has made mincemeat of 18 talented opponents to win a national cooking award. Mr Bowden, who is the executive head chef at Shrivenham's Joint Services Command and Staff College, won a crystal trophy and £1,000 after being named as chef
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Battle lines drawn up to save courts
COUNTY council leader Peter Chalke is urging people to fight the decision made by the Magistrates Courts' Committee to close courts in Devizes and Trowbridge. The decision comes after a league table announced that Wiltshire had the most inefficient courtrooms
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Lottery prize phone scam
Wiltshire Police fraud squad is warning people to beware of a bogus Canadian lottery company promising riches. A police spokesman said the telemarketing scam apparently originated in Canada. A caller rings up to inform the individual they are a winner
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Volunteers get warning
Many smaller voluntary organisations are breaking the law by not providing employment contracts and paid holiday for their employees, according to Voluntary Action Kennet. It says that all employers are obliged, according to employment law, to provide
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Chippenham Sunday League Round-up
THE biggest surprise of the day was Second Division Westbridge United's defeat at the hands of First Division Gladstone Liberal Club in the PPL Presto Print sponsored Eric Hughes Memorial Knockout Cup. The Libs were outplayed for long periods, but somehow
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New courses on offer
The Workers' Educational Association has just published its list of new courses for spring 2002, containing information about courses on everything from bird watching to parish churches. For more information, contact the association on (0117) 935 1764
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Middle Barton 1, Pewsey Vale 0
PEWSEY Vale slipped to defeat at one of their main Hellenic League Division One West promotion rivals despite dominating throughout on Saturday. Don Rogers' in-form side, who had fired 17 goals in their three previous Saturday matches, spend the first
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Melksham Town 2, St Neots 3
FA VASE: MELKSHAM Town's FA Vase dream came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday, when a late goal from visiting St Neots condemned Robbie Lardner's men to a 3-2 defeat. Melksham began the game as favourites to progress to the last 32, and everything looked
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Roads could be widened by stealth
The Council for the Protection of Rural England has warned that new proposals being developed by the Highways Agency could result in damaging proposals to widen existing roads or turn them into dual carriageways. In a new guide, Route Management Strategies
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Derby win puts Town clear of relegation
CHERRY RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE: HIGHWORTH Town kept up their recent run of victories with a 3-2 success over neighbours Wootton Bassett. It was the town's sixth successive league victory and has taken them from bottom but one to mid-table safety. In an
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Farming team scoops award
JOHN Tremlett of Ballington Manor Farm, Wylye, is this year's winner of the FWAG Farming and Wildlife Award, sponsored by Strutt and Parker. Peter Morris, chairman of the Wiltshire Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG), presented Mr Tremlett with
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Combe go through in nine goal cup romp
TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: CASTLE Combe are the only league representatives left in the Wilts Junior Cup. In a delayed tie at Minety, Combe ran out easy winners by 9-0. Daniel Gernonn (3), James Pope, Shaun House, Carlo Sgroi, Liam Cox, Jamie Winks and keeper
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Cuts could plunge all estates into dark
HOUSING estates could be plunged into darkness with no street lighting as part of proposed £1.6 million cuts in the county council's environmental services budget. Other proposals include scrapping gritting from all except A-class roads, dropping the
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Yeovil Town Reserves 2, Devizes Town 1
SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: DEVIZES Town went down to a disappointing defeat at the hands of a strong Yeovil Town line-up at Huish Park on Saturday night. Yeovil used the match against Newlands' side to field the likes of ex-Charlton Athletic striker Kim
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Cuts could plunge all villages into dark
VILLAGES and housing estates could be plunged into darkness with no street lighting as part of proposed £1.6 million cuts in the county council's environmental services budget. Other proposals include scrapping gritting from all except A-class roads,
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Dyson's cutbacks blamed on pound
JUST days after the Queen's visit to his Malmesbury factory, James Dyson has shed 118 of his 282 temporary workforce, blaming the cuts on the strength of the pound. The jobs are going on the production line and in the moulding factory at the plant, in
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Four goal haul for super-sub Daniel
YOUTH FOOTBALL: HIGHWORTH were the day's big winners in the under 11s division of the Swindon and District Minors League. Their 9-0 success over Malmesbury owed much to an inspired substitution. Highworth led 2-0 at the break, with goals from Turner and
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Police warn residents to beware telemarketing scam
WILTSHIRE police are warning residents to be aware of a telemarketing scam which claims people have won money but in order to claim their 'prize' they have to pay a fee. The scam originates from Canada and in Wiltshire the fraud squad is investigating
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Errors cost Devizes dear
SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: DEVIZES Town were left to rue two goalkeeping errors from stand-in Daryll Smith as they were hammered 4-0 at home by fifth placed Backwell United on Tuesday night. The hosts trailed by a single goal at the break but Smith, standing
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Seven games, 102 goals conceded...!
Plucky Cirencester and District League outfit Eastend Boys have conceded a century of goals in the Under 15 Division already this season. A 19-0 defeat at the hands of Eldene Colts last weekend means that the under 14 Eastend boys have shipped 102 goals
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Xmas trees to be recycled
The district council has once again made arrangements to have Christmas trees recycled after Twelfth Night. From January 3 to 9 residents can have their trees shredded as garden mulch at Focus DIY Store, Hambleton Avenue, Devizes; Townsend Garden Centre
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Development plan collapses
A DEVELOPER has pulled out of plans to revamp the centre of Pewsey following the collapse of an agreement with Kennet District Council. Heritage Commercial Properties said it is no longer interested in developing the area between High Street and Broomcroft
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Skipper Lyle misses out on Bath's Exiles cup clash
BATH skipper Dan Lyle has been ruled out of the televised Powergen National Cup clash with London Irish at the Rec on Saturday (2pm). US Eagles captain Lyle has not recovered from a damaged hamstring sustained playing for his country against South Africa
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Fight to save the people's centre
A MEETING to save Pinehurst People's Centre from demolition has been arranged for Monday night. The public meeting has been called by members of the Pinehurst Com-munity Association which opposes council plans to demolish it and use part of the land for
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Pre-school may shut without a supervisor
A PRE-SCHOOL playgroup is facing closure because after three months of advertising for a new supervisor it has had no applicants. Liden Pre-School in Swindon has been open for 27 years and caters for 49 three and five-year-olds. But unless a new supervisor
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This is what we're facing
SWINDON Council has finally revealed the victims of swingeing cuts it expects to make as it desperately attempts to balance its budget. An at-risk list has been drawn up, including deep cuts in education and the arts. Scores of jobs are also expected
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Superstore fails to find favour
A DESIGN for the Co-op's new flagship supermarket in Amesbury has received an overwhelming thumbs-down from town councillors. Plans for the superstore on the Redworth House site were put before Ames-bury Town Council last week and unanimously rejected
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Hilda, 101, has a bus pass for life
VETERAN bus traveller Hilda Evans of Shipton Bellinger celebrated her 101st birthday on Monday with a trip to the pub with Wilts & Dorset. Mrs Evans, who lives in Parkhouse Road, uses the company's buses to travel into Salisbury twice a week to do
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Woman is charged with drugs offences
A Calne woman appeared before Chippenham magistrates on Monday facing charges of possessing heroin and cocaine on October 4 in Calne, with intent to supply. Lyndsey Ann Adams, 19, of Highgrove Close, was released on unconditional bail. The case has been
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Cracking show for Christmas
SALISBURY Umbrella, Wiltshire's new professional theatre company, is bringing its hilarious festive show, Christmas Crackers, to Pewsey and Calne next week. They will play at Bouverie Hall, Pewsey, on Saturday December 15 at 7.30pm and at Calne Town Hall
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Firm faces up to job losses
ELECTRONICS firm Tamura Hinchley is hoping that job losses at the company's Hopton plant, made necessary by the worldwide downturn in the telecommunications market, can be achieved by voluntary redundancies. A statement released by the company last week
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Theatrical mountain conquered
WEST Side Story is not an easy show to make work and any company, professional or amateur, that takes it on is climbing a theatrical mountain. Its creation was a one-off collaboration between three remarkable men Arthur Laurents, who wrote the book, Leonard
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Time is called on off licence
TOWN Hall Wine Vaults, the off licence in St John's Street, Devizes, is closing on December 31. Owner Jasper Holmes has decided to close the business as the lease is coming to an end. Mr Holmes, who employs two part-time staff, said: "I am extremely sad
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Chief joins carolers
Wiltshire's chief fire officer Neil Wright is hosting the brigade's carol service at the New Baptist Church, Sheep Street, on Tuesday at 7.30pm.
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Vandals scratch door
More than £100 damage was caused to a Vauxhall Cavalier parked in Belle Vue Road on Saturday night when the nearside door was scratched.
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Cutter used in break-in
Thieves used a stolen oxy-acetylene cutter to cut the locks of two metal compounds on Hopton Industrial Estate last week. They made off with a stone saw and assorted tools valued at £1,260. The raid at Ken Biggs' construction site took place some time
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Builder wins contracts
G Pearce Civil Engineering has strengthened its board with the appointment of John Jones as operations director and Stewart Guy as commercial director. The company has recently won a number of major contracts as a result of a review of core and new business
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Canal architects' awards
A team of British Waterways landscape architects working on the renovation of the Kennet and Avon Canal, have received national awards for strategic landscape planning at the Landscape Institute awards ceremony at the Caf Royal in London last week.
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Kids have a ball at fair
BISHOPS Cannings Primary School's building fund swelled by more than £660 after a Christmas fair at the school last Thursday. Santa was on hand to find out what children wanted for Christmas while mums and dads were able to enjoy a raffle, tombola, cake
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Flood shuts supermarket
SOMERFIELD supermarket in High Street, Devizes had to close for most of Monday, after a pipe burst and much of the sales floor was flooded. The decision to close the store was made at around 10am, shortly after water gushed into the store, damaging goods
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Cannabis user counts the cost
TEENAGER John Tinnion faces a court bill of £100 for possessing a small amount of cannabis resin worth £1.50. Tinnion, 18, of Bath Road, Devizes, pleaded guilty to possessing 2.2 grams of cannabis resin, a class B controlled drug. Kennet Magistrates'
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Landlord fined after woman falls in cellar
LANDLORD Peter Potter has been fined £600 for failing to ensure the safety of the public after a woman fell down the cellar of his Devizes pub. Potter, who has been licensee at the Four Seasons in the High Street for 21 months, appeared before Kennet
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Setback in fight to lower child payments
DIVORCED father-of-two Richard Day has suffered a setback in his fight with the Child Support Agency (CSA) to get his maintenance payments reduced. Mr Day, 51, of Market Lavington, has been fighting for a reduced settlement ever since the CSA became involved
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Chalet still in favour
Town Council planners have raised no objection to the renewal of planning permission for a chalet-style house in the grounds of Forest Edge off Hazel Close.
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Appeal as pedestrian is hit near crossing
POLICE have appealed for witnesses after an 80-year-old woman was knocked down in a busy Devizes street at 11am on Wednesday 12 December. Despite the fact that many people were in the area doing their Christmas shopping, the police have been unable to
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Police swoop on illegal workers
THE director of an employment agency has called for tighter controls on foreign nationals after eight illegal immigrants were arrested last week at Hayden's Bakeries in Devizes. Ken Kennedy, the director of the employment agency Workbase, which has an
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Back to normal as clay shoot reopens
The Sainsbury family at Park Farm is planning to re-open the Cadley Shooting Ground in Savernake Forest on February 24 after a year's enforced closure. Guy and Jane Sainsbury, who farm with their youngest son, Ralph, could not leave the premises for nine
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Staff make a meal of it
COMPANY representatives from Marlborough had the opportunity to share ideas and discuss mutual interests when they met at the Castle and Ball Hotel for one of the town's twice-yearly business lunches. The event, held last Wednesday, was organised by Claire
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The Pied Piper draws in crowd
CHILDREN at Ogbourne St George and St Andrew's School played to packed houses when they presented The Pied Piper at St George's Church. Parents, friends of the school and villagers were invited to the two performances on Tuesday and Wednesday evening
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Council tax set to increase by a fifth
COUNCILLORS in Marlborough have agreed that the town proportion of council tax will have to go up by more than 20 per cent. The rise has been caused largely as a result of costs involved in replacing three play areas in the town which were recently dismantled
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Town under fire on CCTV
PEWSEY parish councillors have hit out at Marlborough Town Council for contemplating pulling out of a district-wide CCTV security scheme. Tuesday's meeting of the parish council was told the town is investigating whether it can afford to install and run
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Doctor becomes church deacon
PATIENTS at the Marlborough Medical Practice should not be surprised if they see Dr David Maurice wearing a dog collar when he is not in the surgery. Father-of-three Dr David, who has been in the Marlborough practice for 21 years, was ordained as a deacon
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Hospital appeal debate snubbed
A meeting called to gauge support for a public fundraising appeal to build a new £8.9 million Savernake Hospital attracted a turnout of just 24 people. Retired design engineer William Burroughs, who organised the meeting on Tuesday night, said he was
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New service to link homes with rail stations
A revolutionary new "door-to-train" service has been launched by the transport company First, the owners of Swindon-based First Great Western. The scheme, known as +BUS (PlusBus) uses taxis to take passengers to railway stations. The scheme plans to link
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Jobs safe at Avon plant despite fall in profits
JOBS at Chippenham's Avon Rubber factory are safe, despite a fall in profits and the likely closure of the Trowbridge plant. A company spokesman said business was going well at the Chippenham plant, Avon Vibration Management Systems Ltd, in Bumpers Way
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Shoppers go out of town
A NEW survey among Swindon shopkeepers claims many of them believe their takings will be down this Christmas because shoppers are going elsewhere to buy their presents. The organisers of the survey say that this was the view of three quarters of the 50
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He's a shooting star!
A PHOTOGRAPHER whose birthday falls on Armistice Day has scooped first prize in an international competition for his depiction of a First World War cemetery. Derek Gale, 49, a professional photographer from Watchfield, beat 1,200 other entries representing
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All playing from same songsheet
A NEW steering group has been created to produce and promote Swindon Arts Jazz Festival 2002. Maurice Fanning, chairman of Swindon Arts Festivals, said: "This year's festival caught the imagination and showed that Swindon can produce the goods from year
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Students beat cut and dry thrust of competitive hairdressing
THE cut, blow dry and thrust of competitive hairdressing came to Swindon as trainees pitted their trims against each other's skills. About 40 hairdressing students from Swindon College, North Star brought along their own models for the contest. At stake
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Councillors stay away from training sessions
COUNCILLORS are failing to turn up at training sessions, wasting council officers' time and tax-payers' money. Seminars are being organised at the request of members, some-times costing hundreds of pounds when external trainers are booked. But despite
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Carson is bowled over by the new skittle alley at pub
FORMER champion jockey and new chairman of Swindon Town Football Club, Willie Carson, turned up to show his appreciation for a £200,000 refit of the The Plough at Stratton in Cirencester. The Plough's locals are also celebrating the pub's new skittle
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Football club will pay up arrears to council
SWINDON Town Football Club's new board of directors has promised that whatever mess its own finances are in, it will pay up the money it owes the borough council. The new interim board, headed by former Queen's jockey Willie Carson, was elected by shareholders
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Equipment to test deafness in babies to be launched
NEW high-tech tests to identify deafness in babies are to be launched in Wiltshire. Wiltshire and Swindon Healthcare Trust is one of 20 pilot sites nationwide which have been selected to prepare for the new hearing test that will help detect problems
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MPs sign motion for control of arms
SWINDON MP Julia Drown is among MPs from all parties who have signed an early day motion calling on the Government to strengthen a bill aimed at controlling the export of arms. The Export Control Bill is currently being scrutinised by Parliament. Ms Drown
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Jillian wants to thank two good Samaritans
A 60-year-old woman who was mugged during the Royal visit to North Wiltshire gave chase after the thieves and recovered her handbag thanks to two good Samaritans. Jillian Parsons had been out shopping for her 86 year-old mother and was keen to get home
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Meet the stars of the future
STUDENTS at Churchfields School in Walcot have proved themselves stars of the stage. They have completed a speech and drama course as part of a pilot course organised by the Victoria College London examin-ation board. The school, which is a performing
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Idea of loyalty oath is divisive' '
A LEADING member of Swindon's Muslim community believes that forcing immigrants to swear allegiance to the Queen will make no difference to race relations in Britain. And the Labour leader of a race equality group in Swindon has also described the suggestion
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Passengers warn of new rail boycott
passengers are threatening another boycott of train services from Swindon only three months after calling a truce with train operator First Great Western. This time, the commuters have the Government in their sights, saying travelling conditions have
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Mums returning to work after giving birth risk marital breakdown
MORE than a quarter of mothers returning to full-time work soon after having a baby experience marital breakdown, according to a study carried out by a Swindon-based research council. The Economic and Social Research Council funded researchers from Oxford
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Wife gave me the money to spend
HOUSE husband Paul Rowlands splashed out on cars and luxury goods from cash given to him from his wife, he told a court. And he claimed that he never realised she had stolen £1.7m from her workplace at Dunbar Bank, London, until after the offence came
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Anger over plans for 25m mast
PLANS to put up a 25-metre high communication mast in Woodfalls have set off a wave of opposition. Notices have been sent to villagers living near the site in Slab Lane, announcing proposals by the mobile phone company Orange to erect a metal tree mast
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Another reprieve for E&R
ELLINGHAM & Ringwood's National Cup campaign begins again on Saturday after they were reinstated in the competition for the second time this season. After reaching the third round for the first time in the club's history with wins over Stoneham Park
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46 Tamils found at roadside
A BID for freedom by 46 Tamils ended in the south Wiltshire countryside on Friday afternoon, when they were rounded up and arrested by police. Officers swooped at about 3.30pm after receiving calls from concerned members of the public that people were
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Police in swoop on teen gang robbers
EIGHT members of a teenaged gang who have been terrorising young victims on the streets of Salisbury, robbing them of bus fare money and mobile phones, have been arrested by police in a series of early morning raids on their homes. Some of their young
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Be afraid, pensioners, be very afraid
SO Swindon wants to raise its council tax by 9.5 per cent because of Government underfunding. Why cannot our 59 councillors reduce the estimated expenses? What has been done to make a claim for recompense in respect of the Wiltshire County Council pension
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Calling veterans
THE Swindon branch of the British Korean Veterans' Association is about to enter its fifth year. The number of members has grown to 58, not including those we have lost due to death. The age group of the veterans is now 65 to 80. I am one of the older
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Birthplace mix-up
THANK you for covering the visit of the delegation from Ingrandes sur Loire to Bromham last weekend. We look forward to formalising the twinning in the not too distant future. However, in monitoring our other twinning link with the Irish village of Avoca
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Malmesbury 8, Aldbourne 0
A TRY from Chris Hunt helped Malmesbury to a low-scoring victory over a physical Aldbourne side at The Worthies on Saturday. Steve Brady was the first home player to suffer at the hands of the marauding Aldbourne forwards early in the game and was forced
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Hungerford 5, Marlborough 13
Marlborough's renaissance continued on Saturday as they recorded a long-awaited victory over their third placed local rivals. The visitors went into the clash looking to avenge two defeats at the hands of Hungerford last season and made a slow start against
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Martock 8, Minety 6
OUT of sorts and a long way from home, Minety seemed to have done just enough to scrape a win until a last minute drop goal gave bottom-of-the-table Martock their first league victory of the season. After their brilliant performance against Bridport the
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Devizes 2nds 15, Oakmedians 2nds 17
DEVIZES slipped to a home defeat despite leading for much of Saturday's clash. The hosts began with some fine handling and it came as no surprise when Dave Bury rounded off a threequarter move after ten minutes. Devizes contained the larger visiting pack
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Chippenham under 14s 27, Melksham-Devizes under 14s 17
THE early exchanges of this keenly contested match showed that the visitors meant business, with much of the first half being played in the Chippenham half. However a rare break out by the home side saw a short penalty result in a try under the posts
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Quote, unquote
Re: Architects' vision for next stage of redesign, by Jen Bishop on December 6. In respect of the quote, attributed to me, contained within this article, I should like readers to be aware that only a small portion was an actual quote given by me to a
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Night was enjoyed
MAY I on behalf of myself and friends say thank you so much to the organisers of the Spirit of Christmas evening in Marlborough on December 6. Also, a thank you to the shops who opened and the many stallholders. It embraced everything we associate with
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Caretaker saw addict take drug in toilets
ADDICT Mark Wilson, who moved to Bromham to escape his drug problems, has admitted possessing heroin. Wilson, of Old Cottage House, Chittoe, Bromham, pleaded guilty to possession of 1.4g of heroin, worth £70, when he appeared before magistrates in Chippenham
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Sculpture warns of trouble ahead
PERHAPS I am missing something, but isn't it time that the local council sent some workmen round to remove from Calne's magnificent new library forecourt that mangled lump of stainless steel that presumably fell from a skip lorry as it pulled away from
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League tables fail to show full story
Interesting as the Wiltshire schools league table as reproduced in the Gazette and Herald was I feel that, as an educational tool, it is fatally flawed. As a parent with a child at Wansdyke Community School I know that the school is excellent, yet according
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Doorman in court for owning stun gun
NIGHTCLUB doorman John Heap carried a 65,000 volt stun gun in his car for his own protection, magistrates heard. Heap, 40, of Wood Lane, Chippenham, pleaded guilty before North Wiltshire magistrates on Monday to possession of a prohibited weapon. He also
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Royal let down for the disabled
I WRITE about the Queen's visit to Chippenham. My husband has a progressive disease and we left home at 9.30am to drive the three miles to Chippenham Railway Station to be in time for a good view. Parking with our disabled badge was fine and we asked
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Men rush to help victim of bag snatch
A 60 YEAR-OLD woman whose handbag was stolen during the Royal visit chased after the thief and recovered her handbag thanks to two good Samaritans. Jillian Parsons had been out shopping for her 86-year-old mother and was keen to get home to look after
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Gift of warmth on offer for everyone
There are thousands of Wiltshire readers who are missing out on warmer, healthier and more energy efficient homes. And the biggest Christmas gift is that it could all be theirs for free. I'm working with the Warm Front team this winter to help spread
