Archive
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Cold spell creates winter wonderland
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: THE National Trust village of Lacock became a winter wonderland on Friday after snow swept across north Wiltshire. All the village's best-known sites, including Lacock Abbey, were covered in a thick carpet of the white stuff, creating
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Resident to fight surgery closure
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: ANGRY Lacock resident Cyril Perkins is preparing to lobby health chiefs in London over the decision to close the village surgery. The 74-year-old said the majority of residents were disgusted with West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust's decision
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'Vibrant' school celebrates report
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: HEADTEACHER Kieran Loftus says he is determined to keep improving his school after it scooped a successful inspection report. Pupils and staff at St Patrick's Primary School in Corsham have had a spring in their step this term following
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Helpers wanted
Strong volunteers are needed to help load a lorry with gifts for children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Westbury-based charity Cher-nobyl Children in Need is packing the lorry at 9am on Friday. Goods heading to Belarus include hospital beds
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Help for farmers
A NEW booklet produced by the government could help farmers wade more swiftly through the paperwork and ensure the success of their business in the future. The two-part booklet Figures For A Farming Future Getting Started In Farm Management Accounting
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Accountancy firm expands
ACCOUNTANCY firm Monahans has acquired the Melksham office of Randall and Payne. Monahans employs about 160 partners and staff and has offices in Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon and Chippenham. The firm welcomed Randall and Payne's Melksham-based partner
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Shop is dressed for success
The old adage that poison is a woman's weapon of choice was the inspiration behind the name of a new womenswear shop in Bradford on Avon. Poison, on Silver Street, has seen a steady stream of customers since it was opened by the town mayor on February
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Fun and clay for girls from Chernobyl
Ref. 27931/1A CHANCE meeting at the West Wilts show has led to 15 girls from Belarus getting a pottery master class in Westbury. Chernobyl Children Life Line chairman Henry Leigh was looking round the Westbury tent at last year's event when he came across
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Cash boost for county league
THE Wiltshire Cricket League has been handed a financial boost ahead of the new season. They have agreed a three-year deal with Worcestershire based company, Crusader Sports and Leisure, worth £1,000 a year. Crusader has supplied the Wiltshire League
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Calls for roadside cameras
RESIDENTS in a Warminster street are fighting back at speeding motorists who regularly use their road as a race track. Campaigners claim police cameras have regularly recorded cars hurtling down Victoria Road at speeds topping 60mph. Over 30 householders
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Ofsted praises rising standards
OFSTED inspectors have praised rising standards at Downton School and the leadership of new headteacher Jenny Lawrie. In a report following their visit to the school, the leader of the 12-strong inspection team, said: "This is one school that really is
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Girl Friday
Ref. 29298-95Name: Antonia Noble. Age: 27. Employer: Regional law firm Veale Wasbrough (sponsors of the Wiltshire Business of The Year Awards) So what do you actually do? I'm the head of marketing managing a team of five business development staff. As
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Watch out for the email trap
They are almost urban myths tales of insulting, explicit and inappropriate emails being sent in error, and every office it seems has at least one casualty. Indeed, an accidental 'click' has famously ended more than a few high-flying careers. But according
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Holidays for more carers
CARERS are to get better help and support in Wiltshire, thanks to a 25 per cent increase in government funding. The Wiltshire Carers Grant, managed by Wiltshire County Council, has been increased by to £859,000 for 2004-05. The grant aims to allow those
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Cadets go to the palace
TWO St John Ambulance cadets from west Wiltshire were guests of honour at Buckingham Palace this week. Rebecca Gray, 16, from Bradford on Avon and 15-year-old Melanie Weston, from Melksham, were invited to go and meet Princess Anne at on Wednesday. Just
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Calls for smoking day ban
PUBLICANS and restaurateurs in west and north Wiltshire are being urged to introduce a one-day smoking ban to see how it goes down with punters. A Wiltshire-wide partnership, including NHS bodies, is calling on the hospitality trade to use national No
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Wig maker awarded an Oscar
OSCAR glory put one Wiltshire man in the spotlight this week. Peter King, from Holt, was awarded one of the famous golden statues for his work on Lord Of The Rings: Return of the King. Mr King's company, Owen, King and Turner, designed and made the 1,000
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Police try new helmets
POLICE in Wiltshire are among the first in the country to try out new-style helmets. The force is one of three, along with Greater Manchester and Dyfed Powys, chosen to trial the new design. Barry Taylor, from the Association of Police Chief Officers,
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All in a day's work for dedicated crew
LAST year's long-drawn-out pay dispute and strike action has left many Wiltshire firefighters with a bitter aftertaste. Despite a pay deal being grudgingly secured, the public wrangle for better wages has created its own legacy of distrust and unease
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Larkhall Athletic 4, Westbury United 1
WESTBURY United crashed to their third league defeat in a row on Saturday, having previously lost three league matches all season. The Wiltshire side were gearing themselves up for a push for the Screwfix League Division One title but in recent weeks
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Goal ace Toby is unhappy as United lose three on the trot
TOBY Colbourne believes there needs to be a big shake-up at Westbury United if their dismal run of results is to come to an end. A month ago the club were chasing promotion, having only lost three league games all season, but now after three consecutive
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Wanderers hurry to championship crown
YOUTH FOOTBALL: TROWBRIDGE Wanderers have won the under 12s Blue Division title in the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League with four games still to play. They took the lead through Declan Harrison in their away game against
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Town facing a fixture pile-up
TROWBRIDGE Town manager Neil Kirkpatrick was left fuming after his side's match at Malmesbury Vics on Saturday was postponed because of a frozen pitch. They are currently trailing league leaders Stratton by 14 points with six games in hand and Kirkpatrick
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Stanley Park will allow league to expand
THE Trowbridge and District Football League views the new facilities at Stanley Park, Chippenham, as a golden opportunity to attract new teams and a return to four divisions. The pitches are due to come into use in the autumn. League development officer
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Bugle marks end of Green Jackets' stay
BUGLES and drummers sounded the retreat of the Royal Green Jackets from their post in Warminster on Tuesday night. Over 500 military personnel and families have been saying farewell to Warminster this week after two years of exercises on Salisbury Plain
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Meeting delayed
A top-level meeting to discuss Warminster's finances was cancelled on Monday night because not enough councillors turned up. For the first time in over eight years the town council was unable to hold a meeting because four representatives failed to appear
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Children 'trained to con'
Police believe two children wanted for a distraction burglary at a pensioner's home may have been trained by adults. Six households in Warminster have now reported attempts by children as young as nine to con them. The children, who are believed to be
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Outbreak at Center Parcs
WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: HOLIDAYMAKERS at Center Parcs are 'dropping like flies' as a mystery virus sweeps through the resort. The illness causing sickness, diarrhoea and vomiting has already been confirmed in 86 guests and staff at the holiday park
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Town on parade for its Fairtrade
Ref. 27943/2SHOPPERS in Bradford on Avon can now pick up Kenyan roses and jeans made in India as campaigners officially celebrate the towns Fairtrade status. Bradford has already seen an increase in customers visiting the town to buy Fairtrade products
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Acoustic panels set the tone in concert hall
CONCERT-GOERS should notice a clearer sound next time they visit the Wiltshire Music Centre after 13 steel-framed panels were installed in to enhance the acoustics. The 2.7m high panels have been installed to absorb reverberations in the 300-seat concert
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Centenarian's medical family celebrate
IT was champagne all round at Waterhouse nursing home in Limpley Stoke on Friday as a resident reached the milestone of her 100th birthday. Kay Denham's family travelled over from Holland to celebrate the grand occasion with her. Her son, Neil, said:
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Dormitory town fear for Bradford on Avon
CALLS to keep Bradford on Avon a working town are growing with concern that a new scheme for Kingston Mills could see the former Avon factory site become a dormitory village. Members of Bradford's Community Development Trust have called for a public debate
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Baby boy arrives in time for mum's 18th birthday
A NEW baby was a surprise 18th birthday present for a Bradford on Avon woman this week. Tiffany Wiltshire was due to give birth to her first child on February 17 but the baby held on until Tuesday to be born on his mum's birthday. Miss Wiltshire said:
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Tax burden will increase
There can be no doubt that the Liberal Democrats are planning a new Local Income Tax and a Regional Income Tax and that these would mean soaring tax bills across Wiltshire. These proposals were outlined during the last Liberal Democrats' Party Conference
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Park should be left alone for all to enjoy
I WAS horrified at the article in last week's Wiltshire Times regarding transforming the country park. This is the only facility in the area where the public can enjoy peace and tranquillity. In the spring wild grasses are a sight to behold and there
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Bluebirds' success can continue
GIVEN some of Malcolm Lyus' comments in last week's Chippenham News I think it's just as well that he has decided to stand down as Chippen-ham Town chairman in order to concentrate on his business. As a supporter of more than 20 years I want the club
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We weren't consulted on closure
I HAVE to take a brisk 20-minute walk to the village to reach the, now to close, Lacock surgery. If I then have to catch a bus, I must allow an extra 10 minutes just in case the bus arrives early. Providing you can catch the driver's attention, you can
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Cinema - Torque (15)
Six months ago, ace biker Cary Ford (Henderson) left town to escape tenacious FBI agent McPherson (Adam Scott) and a shipment of dodgy motorcycles containing $1 million in crystal meth, belonging to ruthless gang leader Henry (Matt Schulze). Now, Cary
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Town is rewarded for its fair trading
THE first Fairtrade town sign is being erected in Faringdon today. The town is the first in the south east to be awarded the status, which rewards its record for selling Fairtrade products. A range of events have been organised during Fairtrade fortnight
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Plans drawn up for the future of air base
The site of RAF Lyneham must not be mothballed by the Ministry of Defence, according to North Wiltshire MP James Gray. Mr Gray has issued a blueprint outlining the vision of the RAF Lyneham site drawn up by the Lyneham Task Force, which is made up of
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'Mister Nasty' leaves home quietly
Ref. 29390-21A MAN branded Mr Nasty by neighbours he drunkenly terrorised has obeyed a court order to leave his sheltered home. And, in an exclusive interview with the Evening Advertiser, he told how the death of his son in a road accident in 1989 had
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It's like living in Avebury
Ref. 29372-11RESIDENTS in a Penhill cul-de-sac don't need to travel to Avebury to gaze at a stone formation they can simply look out of their windows. About 30 boulders have been mounted on the grass verge in Wilcot Avenue to stop motorists churning up
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Losing the man I loved
Ref. 29393-32POPULAR Peter Tyas struggled to cope with life on civvy street after leaving the RAF, but did not intend to kill himself after overdosing on antidepressants, a coroner heard. An inquest was told Mr Tyas died after taking 14 tablets of the
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Swindon and Corsham eye county final
A PLACE in the Dorset & Wilts 1st XV Vase final is at stake at Greenbridge Road tomorrow as Swindon host Corsham in an intriguing last-four clash. The last time the two sides met in a competitive match was during Swindon's promotion-winning season
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This concept car oozes woman
Designed by female engineers with features that cater for the female driver. ANDY TATE takes a look. Women are the most demanding of customers, accord-ing to Volvo. And the car maker has taken up the challenge by designing a vehicle with women in mind
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Toughest test for final six
THE winner of this year's Trowbridge Employee of the Year competition will be named on Wednesday during a live final at Trowbridge Civic Hall. The tension is mounting for the six finalists, picked from over 30 entries to face a panel of judges and be
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Moonraker's back for month on radio
RADIO fans in west Wiltshire will get a taste of a new station from tomorrow when Moonraker 106.8FM goes on air from Trowbridge College for another month's trial. The Moonraker team has a temporary licence from the Radio Authority to run for 28 days but
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Appeal for dancers to save school
AN Irish dancing school in Trowbridge could be forced to close because too many of its members fail to turn up for weekly classes. Sarah Moloney, 27, of the Moloney School of Irish Dancing, travels to Trowbridge from Swindon each week to teach children's
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Asda opening boosts our funds
FIREFIGHTERS teamed up with Wiltshire Times charity bag packers to help a Trowbridge superstore unveil its new look. Retail giant Asda reopened on Saturday following a seven-day £3.5m refit to revamp its product range and store layout. Wiltshire Times
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Councillor resigns amid gay hate probe
A TOWN councillor at the centre of a gay hate probe after branding homosexuals as perverts has resigned. The Standards Board for England launched an investigation into 27-year-old Trowbridge councillor , after he labelled homosexuality an anti-Christian
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Clean-up to rid town of fly posters
Ref. 14975/1VOLUNTEERS donned gloves and used scrapers this week in a bid to rid Trowbridge town centre of fly posters. Town development officer Daryl Saville Brown and sports and community development officer Steve Nash were joined by staff from Chicago
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Two men charged after kidnap drama on estate
TWO Trowbridge men have appeared in court charged with kidnapping a 31-year-old man from a flat on the Seymour estate. Colin Cooke, 31, and Paul Rowlands, 47, were remanded in custody following a hearing at Chippenham Magistrates' Court on Saturday. Detectives
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Window probe urged after girl's death fall
THE mother of a four-year-old girl who plunged 20ft after falling out of her brother's bedroom window has welcomed an investigation into a faulty window clasp at the Trowbridge house. Jackie-Danielle Velvick suffered fatal head injuries after falling
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Can Gill save beleaguered Bassett?
Wootton Bassett boss Pete Yeardley has completed the signing of Supermarine goalkeeper Ian Gill. Yeardley has been tracking the teenage shot-stopper (pictured above) for weeks and Tommy Saunders finally agreed to release him in time for Bassett's Hellenic
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HIGHWORTH HANGING ON
HIGHWORTH entertain fellow Hellenic Premier Division title hopefuls Southall tomorrow and defeat will almost certainly kill off any chance of the trophy ending up at the Elms. Seven days ago, manager John Fisher said that the next two games at Shortwood
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Griffin to stay at Corsham ...for now
CORSHAM have been handed a massive boost ahead of the First Division visit of Bitton tomorrow with the news that star man Alan Griffin will be staying at Southbank until the end of the season. Griffin has been courted by local Dr Martens sides Chippenham
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Badman ready for Grantham return if selected
KEY midfielder Mark Badman is available for Chippenham's Premier Division trip to Grantham but manager Steve White insists there is no guarantee of an immediate return to the starting line-up. Injury and suspension have kept Badman out of action for much
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Mick leads the way as Lafarge land title
IVY House Lakes hosted the Angling Times Super Cup match between Bath team Imps, West End Chippenham and Lafarge Cement. Lafarge turned in a splendid performance to take top spot and progress to the next round with a team weight of 57lb 6oz followed by
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Uniform thefts concern
THIEVES may be posing as Southern Electric workers after two uniforms were stolen from a car parked in West Swindon last weekend. The uniforms include shirts, a blue fleece and waterproof jackets. Police and trading standards officers are worried that
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Working as a team is the secret for golden couple
Ref. 29365-09TEAMWORK and trust are the binding forces behind Eric and Peggy Arkell's long marriage. The happy couple, who celebrate their golden wedding tomorrow first met in 1952 at the Connaught restaurant in Cromwell Street, Swindon. And Eric, 74,
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Hairdressers' creative flair is ahead of the rest
SWINDON hairdressers are proving a cut above when it comes to creative styling. Goldworthy's hairdressing, in Catherine Street, scooped two first place awards at a competition, which attracted nearly 100 salons from across the region. Entrants had 45
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Warning as pair steal camera
THE owner of Croft Gallery, in Old Town, is warning other shopkeepers in the area to be aware of thieves after his digital camera was stolen. A man and a woman came into Francesco Gregorace's gallery in Devizes Road at 5.15pm on Wednesday. As he chatted
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A close call but charity is saved
A SWINDON charity that supports people with learning difficulties has been saved from closure at the 11th hour. Swindon Advocacy Movement has been operating from the Health Hydro, in Milton Road, since it was founded with National Lottery cash in 1995
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Hair flair puts trainee Hayley at the cutting edge
Ref. 29348-40HAYLEY Mackenzie has proved she is a cut above the rest. The 17-year-old from Park North has been named Wiltshire trainee hairdresser of the year. Hayley, who has worked at Cre'8 Hair and Beauty Studios in Greenmeadow for 18 months, beat
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Police puzzled by racing dog theft
MYSTERY still surrounds the theft of two pedigree greyhound bitches from a Purton racing kennels. Zidane a 17-month-old jet-black bitch with HAV6 tattooed on her right ear and Theresa's Jewell, a white and brindle greyhound with BRD6 on her right ear,
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Exhibition of art is a real picture
Ref. 29317-08Swindon Artists' Society's latest exhibition features around 50 pictures by local artists. The work is on show at the North Swindon Library at the Orbital Retail Park off Thamesdown Drive until March 14. Pat Matthews, secretary of the artists
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Drew is given a break
Ref. 29357-30BUDDING actor Drew Coleman hopes to make a big impression after being given a work experience place at the country's foremost theatre school. Drew Coleman, 14, of Queens Drive, has managed to get a placement at the Royal Academic of Dramatic
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Taxi drivers are victims of abuse
TAXI drivers claim that racial abuse has got so bad in Swindon that many are considering quitting. Father-of-three Manjit Singh, 46, just wants to earn his living, but is being plagued by racist jibes and taunts. Mr Singh said: "A lot of the older drivers
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Have a say on justice
A NEW community-focused Courts Board will mean that Swindon residents get a greater say in the administration of justice. Next year Wiltshire is to set up a Courts Board one of 42 across England and Wales as part of a move to create greater involvement
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Pupils dress the part
Ref. 29382-03SWINDON schools celebrated World Book Day with fairy tales, fancy dress and Harry Potter. Four to 10-year-olds at Lainesmead Infants' School, in Old Walcot, dressed up as characters from their favourite book yesterday and held special story
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Green lanes are being lost forever
SOME of us think responsible off-road recreation does not include the use of 4x4s and trail bikes. In Wiltshire many byways have been reduced to a scar of parallel ruts running across the downs, unpleasant to walk along and impossible to cycle. When a
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Make council workers pay like the rest
Bob Critchley defends the indefensible by arguing the need for keyworkers to have access to their cars during the working day (Free parking is a necessity, not a perk, February 16). Surrounding the council offices there are about 300 car parking spaces
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little perks are costing us dear
Does it really come as a great surprise to find out that council employees have been having a few perks, albeit expensive ones, at the tax payers' cost? We have read about council leader Mike Bawden's attempts to clear up the monumental mess that is Swindon
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Love is in the air
FINDING a taxi on Valentine's Day afternoon in Devizes could be something of a problem, but few will mind because it will be in the cause of true love. And this love story will be the second time around for Devizes taxi operators Dave Hollister and Susan
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Matt steps in for prop idol
Matt Stevens could hardly have asked for a tougher RBS 6 Nations baptism filling the boots of an England legend at Twickenham. The world champions play their first post-World Cup Test on home soil this weekend, when Ireland come calling. But there will
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Just a quiet night in babysitting...or is it?
TODAY will be especially romantic for bride-to-be Louisa Curtis. Not only has she been crowned the Evening Advertiser Bride of the Year, but her fianc Michael Nestor has something out of the ordinary up his sleeve. Louisa, 31, thought they would be having
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Historic county photographs go on display
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: AN EXHIBITION of photographs chronicling Wiltshire's disappearing rural heritage went on show at Chippenham Library this week. The 76 images, mainly from the 1960s and 70s, were taken by former Dauntsey School bursar J. E. Manners and
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Man attacked with toxic spray in club
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A TEENAGER who had a toxic chemical sprayed in his face feared the attack would end his hopes of a dream career in the army. The attack which happened at the Fez Club in Bath, in the early hours of Sunday morning, blinded 19-year-old
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Children get a gruff lesson on good manners
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: CHILDREN were taught the value of common courtesy during a theatrical performance at a Chippenham school. As part of their personal, social, health and moral education and citizenship curriculum, pupils at Ivy Lane Primary School watched
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Patrols force gangs to target other estates
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: RESIDENTS in Chippenham fear increased police patrols have simply shifted a gang of thugs from one housing estate to another. They say vandals are now targeting Park Avenue after police community support officers forced them out of the
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New operator for Shopmobility scheme
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A SHOPPING centre in Chippenham has breathed new life into a mobility scooter scheme for disabled people. Bosses at Borough Parade agreed to takeover the Shopmobility Scheme which was closed last September and it will be operated by Thorntons
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Breakthrough in Goldiggers deal
CHIPPENHAM NEWS EXCLUSIVE: LONG-AWAITED plans for the dilapidated Goldiggers building in Chippenham were set to take a massive leap forward last night, ending weeks of uncertainty. It is believed Tribecka Land Ltd's contract to take over and redevelop
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Big heart of swindon
Ref. 25675-29MARCH 5: Getting naked, bathing in custard or having a leg wax ... these are just some of the ways Swindonians have shown they care. BHAVANI VADDE reports. SPEED dating and a 25-mile bike ride are just some of the events planned for this
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Restaurant - Vaults, Theatre Royal, Bath
MUSIC may well be the food of love . . . but it won't stop your stomach rumbling during the second act of a theatre play. So it's quite a good idea to grab a bite to eat before the performance. If you're headed for a show at Bath's Theatre Royal, it's
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Time For Us To Go
MARK DEVLIN'S personal vision is to see Swindon Town thriving in a new stadium within the next three to four years. To that end, several sites in the town have already been looked at, with a preferred choice being identified. Speaking at the club's fans
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Rolls-Royce contract for QinetiQ
QINETIQ has announced a £10m five-year contract for the provision of calibration services to Rolls-Royce plc. Project manager Rob Smith, who is based at their Boscombe Down site, near Salisbury, said: "The contract provides QinetiQ with a marvellous opportunity
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Incentives are offered to keep children fit
DURRINGTON swimming and fitness centre has introduced a raft of measures to get local children fit. As news of alarming rates of child obesity hits the national headlines, in Durrington the council-run leisure centre is doing its best to keep youngsters
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Poet says g'day
AUSTRALIAN poet and writer Mick Leigh will be reading some of his work at Matravers School in Westbury on Tuesday night. The evening, which includes refreshments, begins at 7pm. Tickets costing 50p for children and £2.50 for adults are available from
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Former colleagues reunited
TWO former colleagues have now been reunited at a vehicle bodybuilding firm in Westbury. Mick Kane, who has just joined GRP Westbury as sales director, used to work with its current managing director Jarvis McDonald at transport refrigeration manufacturer
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Phone mast plan
COMMUNICATIONS giant Vodafone is set to build a 20m mobile phone mast on the edge of Bratton. If it gets the all clear from district council planners, the telecommunications tower will be erected at a farm in Capps Lane. The mast will feature four antennae
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Pint glass attack in Club Ice
DETECTIVES are investigating a fight at a Westbury bar in which a man was hit in the face with a pint glass. A 20-year-old Bath man was glassed in the face in the early hours of Sunday morning at Player's Bar, next to Club Ice. Police are describing the
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Put best foot forward for village school
Ref. 27934YOUNG runners in Bratton are gearing up for a cross-country race they hope will raise over £1,000 for the village primary school. This year's Bratton Hilly Run takes place on May 15 and organisers, Friends of Bratton School, are looking for
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Ladies do the Moonwalk to raise funds
Ref. 27935/2EIGHT office girls from Westbury are to bare their bras in aid of breast cancer research. The Westbury Wobblers are taking part in the Playtex Moonwalk 2004, which will see them stroll through London's Hyde Park at midnight on May 15. The
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Campaigners' Lafarge vow
CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to continue fighting a plan to burn recycled liquid fuel (RLF) at Westbury cement works despite health bosses giving it their backing. Lafarge Cement hopes to use the fuel to heat its kilns and says the move will bring both environmental
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Incentives are offered to keep children fit
DURRINGTON swimming and fitness centre has introduced a raft of measures to get local children fit. As news of alarming rates of child obesity hits the national headlines, in Durrington the council-run leisure centre is doing its best to keep youngsters
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Westlecot title defence
WESTLECOT ladies bid today to retain their National Over 60s Double Rinks title, writes DAVE EATON. They booked their place in the last four at Basingstoke with a 40-35 win over Angel (Tonbridge) in the quarter-finals at Wey Valley (Guildford). It is
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Staff coming up with action plan
A PRIMARY School placed under special measures after a failing Ofsted report is fighting to improve. St Michael's C of E Primary School, in Melksham, was placed in the bottom five per cent in the country after an inspection carried out in November but
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Businesses urged to lift security
BUSINESSES on Salisbury's Churchfields industrial estate are being urged to review their security, after three firms fell victim to walk-in thefts in the space of a couple of hours last week. The thefts have prompted the Churchfields Action Group, which
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Getting hooked up to broadband is e-asy
ONE of the largest public-private sector partnerships to be launched in Wiltshire has just gone online in a bid to bring broadband technology to a wider audience. The eWiltshire and eSwindon campaigns are at the heart of a £7 million Smartplace initiative
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Arts events on your doorstep
AN INFINITE Number of Monkeys will be invading The Pavilion in Seend tomorrow as part of a new season of rural arts events. The popular duo are performing At the Drop of a Hippopotamus, which is billed as a musical tribute to the style and songs of Flanders
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County's beauty is protected
BEAUTIFUL areas of countryside in Wiltshire are to be safeguarded for future generations. Wiltshire County Council has formally adopted management plans covering the North Wessex Downs, Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs, and the Cotswold areas
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Runners step in to help Portage Service
CHILDREN with special needs are providing the motivation for a team of amateur marathon runners. A group of eight people will be taking part in the Bath Half Marathon on March 14 to raise funds for the west Wiltshire Portage Service. Lack of funding means
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Protest planned by OAPs
Pensioners campaigning for fairer council tax bills will decide how to take their fight to the Government today. A 150-strong group quizzed tax bosses last month but left fearing the meeting had been hijacked by points-scoring councillors. Now protesters
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Murder squad recruits new members
TALENTED actors and actresses auditioned for a successful Wiltshire-based murder mystery theatre company this week. People from west Wiltshire and Bristol attended the session, organised by the Intrigue theatre company, on Monday. The Trowbridge Cricket
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Schools close as cold front tightens grip
Ref. 14792/2THOUSANDS of schoolchildren enjoyed a three-day weekend after last week's icy blast sent temperatures plummeting and left Trowbridge colder than Moscow. Nearly 3,000 pupils were given the day off on Friday after arctic conditions forced some
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Campaigners' Lafarge vow
CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to continue fighting a plan to burn recycled liquid fuel (RLF) at Westbury cement works despite health bosses giving it their backing. Lafarge Cement hopes to use the fuel to heat its kilns and says the move will bring both environmental
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Devon 2, Wiltshire 1
WILTSHIRE manager Mal Gingell was in bullish mood about the future of county football as a retaken penalty condemned his side to a narrow defeat on Tuesday night. Wiltshire have struggled to field a side in their first season back in the South West Counties
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In demand Griffin is staying at Corsham
ALAN Griffin will remain a Corsham Town player until the end of the season after turning down a move to Dr Martens League neighbours Chippenham Town. A host of clubs, including Paulton Rovers and Swindon Supermarine, have already expressed an interest
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I'm just glad to be out of there
SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: CALNE Town striker Gary Banks fired a parting shot at his old club after leaving Melksham Town last week. The 20-year-old scored two goals on his debut for Calne at home to Weston St Johns on Saturday and then launched an attack
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Youngsters will have to find a new home
YOUTH FOOTBALL: YOUNG footballers are facing an uncertain future after being turfed off Trowbridge Cricket Club. The 250 youngsters of Trowbridge Wanderers FC have been playing on the County Ground since 1994 but have been told this week they need to
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Waste man wanted
LITTER pickers are calling for help to clean up Warminster's rubbish-strewn streets. The town centre roads are regularly cleared of dumped rubbish and litter but residents living in the suburbs fear an increase in mess is making the town ugly. Over the
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Extra help needed for disabled
ORGANISERS of Warminster Shopmobility are calling for extra volunteers to come forward and help the town's disabled and elderly population. Charity workers spend Mondays and Fridays assisting wheelchair-bound shoppers in Warminster. But organisers of
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Outbreak at Center Parcs
WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: HOLIDAYMAKERS at Center Parcs are 'dropping like flies' as a mystery virus sweeps through the resort. The illness causing sickness, diarrhoea and vomiting has already been confirmed in 86 guests and staff at the holiday park
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Drinkers urged to lay a bet
A BRADFORD ON AVON pub will be transformed into a casino tomorrow night for a double fundraising event. The Riverside Inn is bringing in two roulette wheels and a blackjack table for a charity evening. Landlord Peter Eveleigh is confident of a big turn
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Chopper fun helps appeal
OVER £1,000 was raised at a Bradford on Avon pub at the weekend with the help of Barry's chopper. The remote control helicopter was just one of the attractions at the Three Horseshoes pub on Sunday. Contestants competed to rescue as many 'damsels in distress
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Landlord slams police after raid on his pub
A PUB landlord has blasted police for using over-the-top tactics during a raid on his premises. Dave Simmons, who runs the Masons Arms in Bradford on Avon, said officers acted as if they were hunting for the Kray twins or Jamaican gangsters when they
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Catwalk show for Romania
THE Catwalk was calling for pupils at a Bradford on Avon School on Friday. Students at the school were showing off the latest styles from high street stores such as Dorothy Perkins, Warehouse and Pilot, all in the aim of fundraising. The show was organised
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Refuse collection plan sparks angry response
THE plans to collect household refuse fortnightly, instead of weekly, fills me with as much dismay as it does Sarah Moody (Letters, February 27). All our kitchen and garden waste goes into three large compost bins in our garden, apart from woody material
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Parking anguish
Reference "Respect the new taxi ranks" (West Wilts Matters) sadly means more pain for me and I am sure numerous other disabled badge holders. We are now unable to park, even for the shortest time, close to the town centre. There are a few disabled parking
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Call for more volunteers
In the light of recent sexual and violent crime, and the initiatives on domestic violence, we need to recruit volunteers, to help us with our work. We urgently need volunteers for training with the Rape Support Helpline. The training is two residential
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Let's work together to find right solution
I am writing regarding letters and articles about Clover Grass Court, Bratton. Clover Grass Court is not a care home or a nursing home. It comprises 24 self-contained studio and one-bedroom flats for older people to live independently with the support
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Why did council transfer cash for improvements?
I write regarding the piece in the Wiltshire Times (February 13) regarding money for road improvements in Dilton Marsh being split between the High Street and Tower Hill. Originally £30,000 was to be provided by Persimmon Homes for road improvements to
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'Jobs going to cut costs'
UNION bosses claim job cuts at Swindon College are a knock-on effect of funding problems caused by a computer glitch. Although the college says the 150 job losses are a regrettable side effect of a new approach to teaching, union reps say it is a cost-cutting
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Work together to end this violence
SHARED information could be vital in saving lives, regardless of the Data Protection Act, Solicitor General Harriet Harman told delegates at a domestic violence conference in Swindon yesterday. Police, health, social services and other organisations should
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Big heart of swindon
Ref. 25675-29SWINDON CARES: Getting naked, bathing in custard or having a leg wax ... these are just some of the ways Swindonians have shown they care. BHAVANI VADDE reports. SPEED dating and a 25-mile bike ride are just some of the events planned for
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'All i want is to walk'
Ref. 29103-15LITTLE Brandon Humphries dreams of being able to walk like his friends. Now his parents have launched a campaign to help the four-year-old, who has cerebral palsy. Tracey, 38, and Tony, 42, from The Prinnels, West Swindon, want to raise £4,000
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Dixon is in for Bassett
IT'S derby day in Southern Counties South as Wootton Bassett make the short trip to Devizes. Bassett's squad has only one change from last week, experienced centre Jon Spillane taking a rest on the bench while youngster Mike Dixon starts. There is only
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Firms hunt for top staff
MORE than 1,500 would-be employees flocked to Trowbridge Civic Hall on Thursday to make the most of the Wiltshire Times' Jobs and Careers Exhibition. The all-day event featured stands representing 32 employers from west Wiltshire and beyond ranging from
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Father's fire safety plea
THE stepfather of a man who died in a barge fire said he hopes the tragedy will encourage more people to fit smoke alarms. Robin Steele, 42, died after sleeping through a fire on his narrowboat, moored in Hilperton Marina, on November 24. An inquest,
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DJ dedicates win to her dead father
A PROMISING female DJ from Trowbridge made a touching tribute to her father after winning a once-in-a-lifetime chance to open the dance tent at this year's Glastonbury Festival. Keri Hitchens, 25, from Steeple Ashton, said her remarkable achievement was
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Lucky escape for sleeping tenant
A WAREHOUSE worker from Trowbridge said it was pure chance he came home in time to rescue a man from a smoke-filled house. Stephen Chitty, 40, returned to his home in Frome Road on Saturday night to find smoke pouring out of the kitchen and a fellow tenant
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Residents fear traffic mayhem
RESIDENTS living in Paxcroft Mead are venting their frustration after new plans for a 187-home development on the estate failed to quash their concerns over access. Redrow Homes has submitted rejigged plans for the development on land between Paxcroft
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First modern aqueduct in the south west
THE first navigable aqueduct to be built in the south west for almost 200 years was officially opened at Semington on Wednesday. Fleur de Rhe Philipe, Wiltshire County Council cabinet member for the environment, opened the aqueduct, which carries the
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All the weekend's local football fixtures
SATURDAY North Berks League War Memorial Cup Semi-final: Challow v Steventon. Charity Shield 2nd Round: Uffington Utd v Kingsclere. Division One: Ardington & Lockinge v Drayton; Kintbury Rngs v East Hendred; Lambourn Spts v Benson AFC; Long Wittenham
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Love is in the chair at Wroughton
Wroughton's new manager Mark Love, looking forward to his first game in charge against Marlborough Town could well have to wait for another week, writes RAY BURROUGHS. With no home ground and not able to switch venues because Marlborough Reserves are
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Hughes in rallying call
CIRENCESTER face a trip to bogey team Mangotsfield tomorrow with manager Brian Hughes hoping for a positive response to the 2-1 defeat against Solihull last weekend, writes CRAIG LYUS. The Centurions record against the Bristol side over the past four
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Tommy Goes
TOMMY Saunders walked out of Swindon Supermarine last night after just 55 days at the Hunts Copse helm. The former Chippenham Town boss called time on his nine-match tenure at the Dr Martens Western Division side, claiming he just could not see a future
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Money available to make a difference
GANNETT FOUNDATION: A CHARITY which helps send needy children to the seaside is one of the organisations hoping for funding from the Gannett Foundation. The parent company of the Evening Advertiser has thousands of pounds to give away to help make a difference
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Refuelling planes start work at Fairford
AMERICAN aerial-refuelling jets have begun operations from RAF Fairford. More than a dozen aircraft, along with more than 600 airmen, arrived at the base last week for their six-month stay while the runway at their normal base, RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk
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Nigel's auction nets a winner
Ref. 29217-33FOOTBALL fan Nigel James has raised more than £900 for his GP's surgery. Nigel, 45 of Crawford Close, Freshbrook raised £925 from donations and the auction of football memorabilia to show his gratitude to the staff and doctors at the Phoenix
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Roadworks ahead in town
SWINDON Council is to carry out road resurfacing work in Swindon beginning on Sunday. Albert Street will be closed from 8am to 6pm on Sunday from Little London to Union Row. Road lanes in Broome Manor Lane will be closed from Marlborough Road to The Gates
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Toy joy at hospital
Ref. 29355-17YOUNGSTERS on the children's ward at the Great Western Hospital had an early visit from Santa. Toys, Playstation games, DVDs and CD players worth about £300 were handed over to the hospital in the first donation made by the newly- formed
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Make mum's day with a bouquet
bouquets are being tailor-made at the Samaritans shop, in Curtis Street, in time for Mother's Day. The posies, which are being made by former florist and shop manager Elaine Young, start from £10. A £5 cookbook, which commemorates the charity's 50th anniversary
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Good report for school
LYNEHAM Junior School has been praised by Government inspectors for providing a good standard of education. Pupils were found to achieve above average for similar schools by the time they leave, especially in English. A high proportion of teaching was
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Two ways you could save a life
BLOOD donors in Swindon are being asked to become lifesavers twice over. The National Blood Service wants them to sign up as part of a national campaign by the British Bone Marrow Registry. The next blood donor session at the County Ground on Tuesday
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Not just for the pensioners
THE quotes your correspondent attributes to me do not include my clear statement in your newspaper that our fight concerns not only pensioners, but also low paid families struggling to meet their financial obligations. Swindon Council inherited, amongst
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Swept on tide of romance
HEARTS and roses fill many of the shop windows as Chippenham gets into romantic mood for Valentine's Day on Saturday. In Chippenham Town Council's Valentine window competition the winner in the national store contest was Birthdays, in Borough Parade,
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Hearts rule on a romantic day
IT will be all hearts and flowers at the wedding of Swindon couple Helena Gringell and John Farr, as they have chosen to get married on Valentine's Day. Miss Gringell and Mr Farr, of Thetford Drive, Taw Hill decided to make their wedding even more romantic
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Clock will fill the air with romantic chimes
Love will be in the air tomorrow as Swindon gets to grips with Valentine's Day fever. The Jubilee Clock, in Canal Walk, will be churning out a selection of love songs as well as its usual chimes to ensure shoppers don't lose that loving feeling. And it's
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Bath's Bell sets course for Wales cap
Bath prop Duncan Bell has revealed his determination to play international rugby for Wales. Bell has withdrawn from England A duty, having been offered a place on the bench against France A in Perpignan this weekend. The ex-Pontypridd and Ebbw Vale forward
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Teachers hope to get top marks in marathon
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: TEACHERS from a primary school in Chippenham will swap textbooks for trainers to raise money for charity. St Paul's Primary School headteacher Bob Buckley and reception class teacher Hannah Nicholls are aiming to raise £500 by running
