Archive
-
Date
Location, location, location.
It's not just the mantra of estate agents but of film and TV producers the world over. Wiltshire has some stunning locations that have taken starring roles in both TV, Hollywood and even Bollywood productions. Why not take a day to go location spotting
-
Date
Coming soon...
Check here for details on Wiltshire Festival 2004... coming soon.
-
Date
Speed cameras are smiles better
GAZETTE & HERALD: SPEEDING drivers racing though Lyneham last week were frowned at by two special signs, which have put the smiles back on the faces of villagers. The signs on the B3102 lit up with an unhappy or a smiley face, depending on whether
-
Date
Joe drums up support for arts
GAZETTE & HERALD: A music teacher has set up a petition in Chippenham to gain support for a new music and arts centre in the town. Joe de Berker, who teaches drums and percussion, thinks the town needs a dedicated public arts centre where people can
-
Date
Post office is resurrected
Ref. 12570/2GAZETTE & HERALD: ALTHOUGH rural post offices are shutting down across the country, Kington St Michael has bucked the trend to resurrect its post office a year after it closed. The parish council feared the village had lost an important
-
Date
Fight for justice
GAZETTE & HERALD: BOMB victim Paul Lawrenson, who suffered appalling injuries, including the loss of his arm in the Bali blasts in 2002, has joined with MP James Gray to fight for the rights of other bomb survivors. Mr Lawrenson, 38, of Cepen Park
-
Date
Fire walk for Lydia
Ref. 12567/01GAZETTE & HERALD: FUNDRAISERS from all across North Wiltshire have already swelled the Lydia Cross Appeal fund to its current £7,800 but the question now being asked is: would you walk over hot coals for the plucky three-year-old? The
-
Date
Task force targets the menace of teenage arsonists
GAZETTE & HERALD: Police have set up a special task force to combat the activities of teenage firebugs believed to be behind a spate of arson attacks in Chippenham. A family of six narrowly escaped death two weeks ago in an attack on a home in Malmesbury
-
Date
Anguish as tot's vital heart op is called off
GAZETTE & HERALD: PARENTS Julie and Rod Picter were left devastated last week when a pioneering operation to ease their infant daughter's heart condition was cancelled at just an hour's notice. Nineteen-month-old Beth Picter had received all her pre-med
-
Date
Consultants look at skate park scheme
SPECIALIST consultants have been brought in to advise on plans for Highworth's skate park. Plans for a skatepark in Highworth have been on the drawing board for years, but now specialist skatepark builder GBH Engineering has been brought in to advise
-
Date
Campaigners to warn about land
GAZETTE & HERALD: CAMPAIGNERS who lost their fight against a Corsham housing development will now devote their energy to warning new residents their homes are built on previously contaminated land. North Wiltshire District Council gave permission
-
Date
Bringing hope to youngsters injured in war
A CHARITY which gives fresh hope to hundreds of children in the world's most violent hotspots is opening a shop in Highworth. Action For Children In Conflict which works to break the cycle of violence, hatred and despair in countries riven by ethnic rivalry
-
Date
On top of the world
GAZETTE & HERALD: Adventurer David Hempleman-Adams from Box was looking for a fresh challenge after claiming a new world altitude record by ascending more than eight miles in a hot air balloon. The 47-year-old balloonist, mountaineer and polar explorer
-
Date
Campaigners take our petition to Parliament
Ref. 12538/2CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units will take their case to the House of Commons on Monday. They will be handing over the Gazette's petition, which already contains more than 4,000 names, to the Under Secretary
-
Date
On top of the world
Adventurer David Hempleman-Adams from Box was looking for a fresh challenge after claiming a new world altitude record by ascending more than eight miles in a hot air balloon. The 47-year-old balloonist, mountaineer and polar explorer landed safely in
-
Date
Fire walk for Lydia
Ref. 12567/01 FUNDRAISERS from all across North Wiltshire have already swelled the Lydia Cross Appeal fund to its current £7,800 but the question now being asked is: would you walk over hot coals for the plucky three-year-old? The Mill House pub in Bath
-
Date
Help to catch crime gangs
GANGS of thieves are scouring the countryside around Marlborough and the Pewsey Vale looking for something to steal. In the last few weeks there has been a spate of break-ins at homes and farms in villages around Marlborough including Ogbourne St George
-
Date
Cool thief is all of a sliver
A COOL thief broke into a kebab takeaway shop in Pewsey Market Place through an extractor fan grille. The thief stole a cash float from the till at London House and forced a fruit machine to get at the takings. More than £100 in total was taken. The thief
-
Date
Cyclist makes plea to road users
Chrissie Morgan.A CYCLIST who has battled back from breast cancer to train for a charity bike ride is urging all road users to take more care, after she had several near-misses on Salisbury's dangerous roads. Chrissie Morgan regularly cycles through the
-
Date
Busy Jean flies flag for active elderly
Active pensioner award winner Jean Jackson outside Amesbury Parish Church. DA5150P1SEVERAL mountain-bike rides, brass band rehearsals and responsibilities as verger of the parish church are all in a day's work for award-winning pensioner Jean Jackson.
-
Date
Paul looks forward to trip to the seaside
CHIPPENHAM striker Martin Paul has called on his team-mates to show no fear when they take on Steve Claridge's championship chasers Weymouth on Saturday. The Bluebirds picked up a draw at home to Dover last weekend and are in need of points to help their
-
Date
Tom bids to make up for bad miss
DEFENDER Tom Gould admitted he was gutted to miss a last minute sitter against Dover but is now hoping to make amends at Weymouth on Saturday. The former Bath City defender failed to bury Martin Paul's flick-on in stoppage time as Town had to settle for
-
Date
Drivers warned of tax problems
ACCOUNTANTS Baker Tilly are warning company car drivers to check their PAYE tax codes for 2004/05, as they could be wrong in some areas. Many drivers will not be paying enough tax, but will have this tax collected from them at a later stage. This follows
-
Date
Retailers urged to boost staff skills
SALISBURY retailers are being urged to train and develop their staff to improve their business performance. The call comes from Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire, in the wake of the news that Wal-Mart-owned UK supermarket Asda is launching a workplace
-
Date
Awards to recognise best entrepreneurs
BRITAIN'S top new businesses and the entrepreneurs who run them are urged to put themselves forward for the HSBC Start-Up Awards, 2004. The awards, now in their fourth year, are open to all businesses which are less than two years old and whose owners
-
Date
Budget was 'absolutely neutral'
CHANCELLOR Gordon Brown's eighth budget has been described as "absolutely neutral", by Salisbury & District Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Andrew Hodder. Mr Hodder, a senior partner at Salisbury solicitors Whitehead Vizard and a member
-
Date
New cafe to open in Shires
A new restaurant could be open in The Shires shopping centre in Trowbridge in six weeks. Shopfitters started work on Monday on the former Chapel Restaurant, which has been empty since Mountstevens closed in July 2002. New tenants the Boswell Group are
-
Date
Jess, 18, opens her own fashion shop
Ref. 12424/2GAZETTE & HEARLD: SHE may still be three years short of getting the key to the door, but that hasn't stopped 18-year-old Jess Purton becoming the youngest business owner in Chippenham. The former Hardenhuish pupil, who lives in London
-
Date
Second school reunion call
FORMER Malmesbury Grammar School pupil Pat Bunton is searching for classmates for a school reunion to be held this summer. Mrs Bunton, nee Smith, said anyone who attended the school between 1962 and 1966 would be welcome to attend the get together being
-
Date
Royal backing for road safety scheme
PRINCE Michael of Kent launched a road safety initiative for children at Malmesbury C of E Primary School on Monday morning. The Prince gave the Walk Safe initiative, aimed at improving road safety for school children, his full backing. After being met
-
Date
Home working units win parish's backing
AN ambitious scheme to build 155 homes at the former Lucent site on the edge of Malmesbury has been supported by the parish council. The Minton Group, which bought the Swindon Road site last year for an undisclosed sum, failed to find businesses willing
-
Date
Jobs on line at maternity
CLOSING Malmesbury and Devizes maternity units would mean 11 less staff being employed, it was revealed this week. Vacancies for midwives and auxiliaries are not being filled until a final decision is made on the future of the two units, due on May 25
-
Date
School faces up to Ofsted criticisms
STAFF and governors at a south Wiltshire school are working towards becoming a centre of excellence, despite being put into special measures. Farley All Saints Primary School has received a highly critical report from Ofsted inspectors following a two-day
-
Date
Ofsted praise for Fox Cubs
A WINTERBOURNE pre-school has received a glowing report from Ofsted. Winterbourne Fox Cubs Pre-School and Creche, based at the Glebe Hall, Winterbourne Earls, has been praised for the quality of care it provides and its warm and friendly environment.
-
Date
Drivers warned of tax problems
ACCOUNTANTS Baker Tilly are warning company car drivers to check their PAYE tax codes for 2004/05, as they could be wrong in some areas. Many drivers will not be paying enough tax, but will have this tax collected from them at a later stage. This follows
-
Date
Retailers urged to boost staff skills
SALISBURY retailers are being urged to train and develop their staff to improve their business performance. The call comes from Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire, in the wake of the news that Wal-Mart-owned UK supermarket Asda is launching a workplace
-
Date
Awards to recognise best entrepreneurs
BRITAIN'S top new businesses and the entrepreneurs who run them are urged to put themselves forward for the HSBC Start-Up Awards, 2004. The awards, now in their fourth year, are open to all businesses which are less than two years old and whose owners
-
Date
Participants get measure of their natural defence systems
NEARLY 100 people went along to Salisbury's Milford Hall Hotel earlier this month to find out how healthy they were. The participants were having their skin carotenoid levels measured by the BioPhotonic Scanner, the first of its kind in the world. The
-
Date
Budget was 'absolutely neutral'
CHANCELLOR Gordon Brown's eighth budget has been described as "absolutely neutral", by Salisbury & District Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Andrew Hodder. Mr Hodder, a senior partner at Salisbury solicitors Whitehead Vizard and a member
-
Date
Busy Jean flies flag for active elderly
Active pensioner award winner Jean Jackson outside Amesbury Parish Church. DA5150P1SEVERAL mountain-bike rides, brass band rehearsals and responsibilities as verger of the parish church are all in a day's work for award-winning pensioner Jean Jackson.
-
Date
Junior players represent county
ENFORD kept their hopes of taking the first division title alive with a comfortable 4-0 win at Chalke Valley. Michael Martin (2), Steve Gregory and Mike Ford got the goals, writes Tom Duckham. Stockton & Codford defeated Whiteparish 5-1. Two goals
-
Date
Team holds steady despite conditions
ON another very windy day at Picket Post, Ellingham and Ringwood fielded a mixture of first and second team players for the friendly with Andover 4th XV. Playing with the wind at their backs, Ellingham started well with Chris Roberts going over for an
-
Date
Holmes hopes for repeat victory
A TRICKY test at Ashford Town awaits Salisbury City on Saturday, as Nick Holmes hopes to take his men one step closer to promotion. Steve Strong's late goal saw the Whites narrowly defeat the Kent side 2-1 at Old Sarum in January. City boss Nick Holmes
-
Date
Bemerton victory sets up final clash
BEMERTON Heath Harlequins booked their place in the Sydenhams Wessex League Cup final with an exciting win over AFC Totton on Tuesday evening. Totton had a 2-1 deficit to recover from the first leg, but they levelled the aggregate score through James
-
Date
Emily's two-try triumph
Salisbury's Emily Cooke (centre), who plays for Richmond, during England's clash against Wales in the Six Nations championships at the Stoop Memorial ground on Saturday. Inset: Emily sings the National Anthem before the match. Read Emily's reaction on
-
Date
Workers want to defer retirement
The number of people working beyond standard retirement age is set to soar over the next few years, according to new research Half of those over 50 who were questioned said they intended to stay in work rather than retire at the standard age, compared
-
Date
Town hall to keep its look
WOOTTON BASSETT Town Hall will be turning grey as part of major renovations, but the town council has reassured residents the colour change will only be temporary. The 17th century building will be returned to its familiar mock Tudor look after the timbers
-
Date
School council team addresses the issues
Members of Wootton Bassett School Council are being praised for the positive effect they are having on the town's wider community. Since it formed just two years ago, the school council has already made its mark on the town, bringing in measures on antisocial
-
Date
New group to help sufferers
THE Myasthenia Gravis Association is holding a meeting to try to set up a Wiltshire branch. Myasthenia gravis is a debilitating illness where anti bodies block the muscular triggering system in the body. The more a sufferer with the illness tries to move
-
Date
Appeal for riders
A charity is calling for riders to take part in Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride and help raise funds for brain injured children. The bike ride will offer cyclists of all ages and abilities the opportunity to enjoy safe cycling across a choice of four scenic
-
Date
Ballinger is a chip off the old block
TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: SEEND United's hot teenage property Luke Ballinger has become the latest tormentor of relegated Division One side Blue Circle. Ballinger, grandson of former Chippenham Town stalwart Brian and set to have trials with Bristol City next
-
Date
Mainlink go through in shoot-out
INTERMACH LEAGUE: THIS year's Intermach Cup final will be between Mainlink and Lady Margaret following a dramatic finish to the second semi-final between Mainlink and Goatacre. With the wind behind them in the first half Mainlink took a 3-0 lead, with
-
Date
New shadow cabinet named
THE Liberal Democrats on Wiltshire County Council have announced the creation of a new shadow cabinet. Leader Trevor Carbin has put together a cabinet to mirror the official Conservative administration at County Hall. He said: "This is a temporary arrangement
-
Date
Face to face with old mate
SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: THERE will be some extra spice to Devizes Town's clash at Odd Down on Saturday when they come face to face with former skipper Bradley Newman. The midfielder opted for a change of scene earlier this month but will have a quicker
-
Date
Cry of the destitute
WILTSHIRE sponsors of Albanian families, who live in the most deprived conditions of almost anybody in Europe, were last week given an insight into the families' lives. International Community Assist, based in Patney, near Devizes, is working to improve
-
Date
Street 3, Calne Town 1
SCREWFIX DIVISION ONE: TWO Street goals in the final five minutes ended ten-man Calne's three game winning streak. Kelvin Highmore's men had dominated the first half and led at the break through James Lye. But their goal-scorer was sent off in the second
-
Date
Three times the fun
Ref. 12537/2Lucy and Mike Curry were very apprehensive when an early scan showed that they were expecting triplets. As their boys celebrate their sixth birthday DEBBIE WAITE hears about the stresses and joys of triple parenthood BECOMING a parent can
-
Date
A final tribute to a man of many talents
David HemmingsA GALAXY of stars gathered at a London church yesterday to pay their last respects to actor David Hemmings, who spent his last years living in Calne. Amongst the guests at the memorial service were Joanna Lumley, Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone
-
Date
Rose sets his sights high
MALMESBURY Victoria are getting ready for one of their biggest games of the season. Their match at Headington Amateurs last weekend was abandoned after 20 minutes because of high winds. But they are hoping for perfect conditions on Saturday when Vics
-
Date
Hunt is on for unsung stalwarts of county
POPPING champagne corks heralded the start on Monday of this year's search for the local heroes who make Wiltshire so special as the 2004 People of Wiltshire Awards were launched. The annual awards are run by Wiltshire County Council in conjunction with
-
Date
Purton on top after draw with rivals Ross
WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: PURTON remain in the driving seat in the race for the Division One West title after pinching a 1-1 draw with close rivals Ross Town. The season-long unbeaten record of Alan Clark's men appeared to be in jeopardy when Kenny Hughes hit
-
Date
Exmouth Town 2, Melksham Town 0
SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: TWO individual errors cost Melksham a share of the spoils in a game that was ruined by gale-force winds. Exmouth scored a goal in each half and, although Melksham had some half-chances to get on the score-sheet, they returned
-
Date
Match for TV stars and former pros
TV stars and former pros will take to the field for a charity football match on Sunday to raise money to send youngsters in care on a life-changing trip to New Zealand. The Badgers from Sky Sports' Soccer AM show will face a Kandu Arts/Gazette team at
-
Date
Pupils enjoy trip to India
Ref. 12571/3PUPILS of Kennet Valley School were transported thousands of miles to India without leaving the comfort of their classrooms. Children at the school in East Kennett have been studying the Indian village of Chembakoli this term. And last week
-
Date
Map marks success of river campaign
Ref. 12574/1CAMPAIGNERS for the protection and improvement of the River Kennet have this week launched a pictorial map of the river from its source near Avebury to Hungerford. Action for the River Kennet officially launched its new map and guide on Tuesday
-
Date
An epic West End musical from BODS
UNTIL APRIL 3, BATH: Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society present the musical Jesus Christ Superstar in a stunning new production at the Theatre Royal. The Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society presents Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical Jesus
-
Date
Battle to beat a killer
Ref. 14551-4SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Prostate Cancer Awareness Week was launched on Monday to raise the profile of the condition, dubbed the silent killer. It has acquired this name as it can grow undetected. In December, entertainer Bob Monkhouse died
-
Date
Keep the cash flowing in
Ref. 29621-22SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Swindon freelance broadcaster Shirley Ludford is preparing to overcome a childhood fear and abseil 100ft in a skimpy cheerleaders outfit. While she's determined to complete the drop from WH Smith in Greenbridge, she's
-
Date
You are a generous lot
SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: ONE YEAR ON: March 2003 - Nationwide Building Society gave the appeal a huge boost from the onset with a massive £80,000 donation. The Evening Advertiser sports team helped kick off the appeal with a match against Fitness First,
-
Date
Beryl's battle to beat the cancer
Ref. 29658-24SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: BERYL Cotterill's poignant account of her fight against cancer was one of many which spurred fundraisers into action when we launched the appeal. In the last 12 months, Beryl's condition has worsened, but her fighting
-
Date
Children begging for new teachers
CHILDREN at a Swindon primary school gripped by recruitment problems have made an urgent appeal for teachers. During the past three years, Moredon Junior School has advertised three vacancies and had just five applicants. One post, for a numeracy coordinator
-
Date
Axe about to fall on historic club
Ref. 29672-10A WORKING men's club with 70 years of history is set to close unless it can find £12,000 within a fortnight. The Milton Club in Milton Road is appealing to its 350 members to save the club from being forced to close its doors A decline in
-
Date
Widow's plea after accident tragedy
GAZETTE & HERALD: Widow Diana Hodgson has launched a campaign for a pedestrian crossing in Curzon Street, Calne, following the death of her husband Frank, who collided with a Ford Transit van while popping out for a newspaper. Coroner Richard van
-
Date
Neighbours object to plan
GAZETTE & HERALD: NEIGHBOURS are objecting to plans to build six homes on a busy stretch of London Road, Calne. Plans have been put forward to demolish two bungalows and replace them with the new homes. Residents had objected to earlier plans for
-
Date
Animal rescue PC is the cat's whiskers
Ref. 12581/3GAZETTE & HERALD: POLICE officer Mark Pearce extended his job description to include feline protection last week after he rescued a cat knocked down by a car in Calne. He rushed the injured cat to a veterinary surgery in Chippenham where
-
Date
Council set to take action on subsidence
GAZETTE & HERALD: The district council has agreed in principle to undertake remedial work on a stretch of subsiding land behind houses in Churchill Close, Calne. But residents said they will not believe it until the work starts because they have been
-
Date
Disabled may get safe place to leave buggies
GAZETTE & HERALD: A disabled access group wants to hear from buggy and wheelchair users who would like a safe place to keep their equipment when they catch the bus. Calne Access For All Group is assessing the need for a secure place to leave disabled
-
Date
A final tribute to a man of many talents
David HemmingsA GALAXY of stars gathered at a London church yesterday to pay their last respects to actor David Hemmings, who spent his last years living in Calne. Amongst the guests at the memorial service were Joanna Lumley, Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone
-
Date
BNP vote increases in town's by-election
GAZETTE & HERALD: The British National Party has tightened its grip on Wiltshire after gaining an increased vote in the Calne by-election last week. BNP candidate Robert Baggs won 85 votes in the Abberd Ward, which was almost 19 per cent of all votes
-
Date
Pupils take up watery theme
Ref. 12554/6GAZETTE & HERALD: Pupils at Cherhill School have been working with a professional artist to create books on a sea theme. Pirate books, starfish books, beach books and even books shaped as sandcastles were made with the help of artist Maxine
-
Date
I did nothing wrong, says councillor
ROWDE parish councillor Ann Stradling believes she will be declared innocent of any wrongdoing by the Standards Board of England. A complaint has been sent to the Standards Board by Rowde School governors' chairman Mandy Housby about Mrs Stradling's conduct
-
Date
New face of bank in town
BANKER Debbie Neale is the new manager at HSBC Bank in Devizes. Mrs Neale has taken over from Nigel Holman, who retired after being manager at the branch for ten years and with the HSBC for 37 years. She admits that Mr Holman, who was a stalwart of Devizes
-
Date
Pupils' sports coaching win
ST Joseph's RC Primary School in Devizes is planning to make sport even more exciting and rewarding for its pupils after scooping a £2,160 grant from the National Lottery-supported Awards for All. The money will enable the school to bring in specialist
-
Date
It's time to change the drinking 'barns'
THE drinks industry must take its share of the blame for the anti-social behaviour that has blighted town centres, Don James, the chairman of the Devizes branch of the real ale campaigning group, CAMRA, has said. Mr Jones, who is also a town councillor
-
Date
Protection officers vet royal visit safety
THE Duke of Edinburgh's royal protection officer and a team of security police visited Wadworth's Northgate Brewery in Devizes yesterday in advance of the royal visit to the town on May 4. The Duke is calling in on the brewery to mark the 30th anniversary
-
Date
Jewellery break-ins likely to be linked
OFFICERS investigating break-ins at homes in Ramsbury and Aldbourne believe the same jewel thief or thieves were involved. PC Mike Barrett, who is investigating the burglaries, said the mode of entry was the same in each case. The thieves forced side
-
Date
Mayor's fund boosts Badgers
Ref. 12486/1MEMBERS of Devizes Badgers, the junior branch of St John Ambulance, have been helped by a fund set up by former mayor Coun Ray Parsons. The youngsters, who learn first aid from qualified instructors, were given £250 to buy equipment, stationery
-
Date
Midwives jobs under threat
MIDWIVES and auxillary workers will lose their jobs if maternity units are closed in Devizes and Malmesbury it was revealed this week. A report has revealed 11 jobs could go. Also, vacancies for midwives and auxiliaries are not being filled until a final
-
Date
Yachtsman in rescue drama as storm hits
KEEN sailor Henry Pritchard found himself at the centre of an air-sea rescue drama in the Irish Sea last week. The retired dentist from Mildenhall was among a crew of five on a 40ft-yacht whose engine and radio had been knocked out by an unexpected force
-
Date
Map marks success of river campaign
Ref. 12574/1CAMPAIGNERS for the protection and improvement of the River Kennet have this week launched a pictorial map of the river from its source near Avebury to Hungerford. Action for the River Kennet officially launched its new map and guide on Tuesday
-
Date
Pub serves glass of acid in error
SINGER and songwriter Kerry Blower is still traumatised after being served a glass of acid cleaning fluid instead of water in a village pub. Mrs Blower, who lives in East Kennett where she runs a recording studio, said she is lucky she did not receive
-
Date
Young players strike a chord
Ref. 29664-4SWINDON Music Festival is in full swing and scores of talented musicians are taking part. Violinist Laura Clarke, 14, who attends Commonweal School, showed off her talents at the Arts Centre, in Devizes Road, yesterday. She said: "This is
-
Date
More help needed
TERRY Rock operates a vital victim support service from a camper van but now he needs at least 10 more volunteers to extend the service. Terry, 37, of Marston Meysey, is team leader of the Wiltshire Fire Victim Support Service, which offers immediate
-
Date
Pupils get ready to put their case before court
SCHOOLCHILDREN will be swapping the classroom for the courtroom later this week to take part in a mock trial. On Saturday pupils from Churchfields School, in Swindon, and Ridgeway School, in Wroughton, will join students from four other schools from across
-
Date
Bringing hope to youngsters injured in war
A CHARITY which gives fresh hope to hundreds of children in the world's most violent hotspots is opening a shop in Highworth. Action For Children In Conflict which works to break the cycle of violence, hatred and despair in countries riven by ethnic rivalry
-
Date
'Shopping is a nightmare for disabled'
Ref. 29669-9WHEELCHAIR user Shirley Jones is frustrated with the lack of shopping facilities for the disabled at Lidl supermarket. Shirley, 71, from Park North, has decided to boycott the store in Chapel Street, because there are no trolleys or baskets
-
Date
Group slams the apathy of villagers
A project which aims to shape a rural community for future generations has met with apathy, says a group. Last year 1,045 questionnaires were posted to homes in Chiseldon and nearby villages asking for ideas for improvements. But only one in four completed
-
Date
Veterinary group makes shortlist of the best
A VETERINARY group with a branch in Wootton Bassett has been shortlisted as one of the best practices in the country. George Veterinary Group is in the running for the Petplan Veterinary Practice Of The Year. Over the last four months, Petplan, an insurance
-
Date
Public inquiry into rail scheme
A PUBLIC inquiry is to be held at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street on Tuesday at 10am to decide an appeal by Hanson Quarry Products Europe Ltd for change of use to a road rail interchange at land at Newcombe Drive, Hawkesworth Trading Estate. A Government
-
Date
Fury at bank letters gaffe
A WIDOWER who has repeatedly received letters from the Halifax addressed to his dead wife says the financial giant has taken the human element out of banking. The Halifax knows David Bohanna's wife died six weeks ago but continues to send her letters.
-
Date
Vote me out if you like, but don't then complain
A recent correspondent to your paper yet again accuses councillors of playing party games and not trying to improve the lot of those less fortunate. Well, I can only imagine that R Selway has not been paying attention for the last few months. The increased
-
Date
Aid appreciated
I WOULD so much like to thank the young man that came to my assistance on Tuesday, March 2 at about 6.20pm in Grange Drive, Swindon. My car broke down. It was cold and dark. I had no phone but this young man stopped, pushed my car to a safe area, phoned
-
Date
University should compromise or leave
VICE-chancellor Glynis Breakwell still insists that only Coate is suitable for Bath University. It's Coate or nothing. I find such arrogance astounding. There is no sense of partnership and democratic negotiation. She obviously feels that Swindon is so
-
Date
Village objects to sacrifice
WITH reference to the headteacher of Rowde Primary School, Mr David Ball's, letter (letters, March 18) I believe that most of the residents of Rowde are not opposed to a new school in the village if it were needed. What I believe the residents are opposed
-
Date
Work together
JEFF ODY is not alone in his concern about the increasing volume of commuter and through traffic using Devizes' arterial roads, and the imminent dislocation likely to occur when Wessex Water starts laying new water mains to cater for new housing developments
-
Date
Unlucky colts out of Vase
WOOTTON Bassett Colts bowed out of the Dorset and WIlts Under 18 Vase without conceding a point. The home side were held 0-0 by Swanage & Wareham in the quarter-finals of the competition, the Swans progressing under the ruling that says the visiting
-
Date
Woman found after gas laert
GAZETTE & HERALD: LACOCK villagers have been left shocked and mystified after widow Margaret Gough was found dead at her home in the High Street on Sunday. Mrs Gough's body was discovered at lunchtime after a neighbour phoned the police complaining
-
Date
Cirencester Minis U11s 7, Chippenham Minis U12s 12
YOUTH RUGBY: WITH their respective age group opponents failing to turn up Chippenham took on a younger Cirencester opposition. The teams were certainly game for a match and it was lively from the start. Chippenham though were slow at first and this allowed
-
Date
Chippenham U13s 0, Salisbury U13s 5
YOUTH RUGBY: CHIPPENHAM were left disappointed as they were edged out by Salisbury in this Wiltshire Cup final at Allington Field. Chippenham had already lost in the final of the Bristol Combination Cup earlier in the season and the team were looking
-
Date
Knitter seeks fellow purls
GAZETTE & HERALD: MARGARET Tutka, an enthusiastic knitter who has provided blankets and infants' clothes for desperately poor immigrants over many years, is appealing for donations of wool so she can keep on making baby clothes for a maternity clinic
-
Date
No solution
I absolutely understand Mr Ody's frustration regarding the congestion on London Road (letters, March 18). I must travel through Devizes from Bath Road to London Road on a Monday morning at around 8.30am. Unfortunately this trip and its timing is unavoidable
-
Date
Smile raised
IT amused me to read your article 'School tough on alcohol' and headteacher Mr Irons' comments that he did not see why Devizes School should be responsible for drinking outside the school day when every Thursday when we drive past at break time on Nursteed
-
Date
Cashier died after accidentaloverdose
GAZETTE & HERALD: WIDOW Della Morton suffered heart failure due to an overdose of anti depressant tablets and alcohol, an inquest heard but no evidence was found to suggest she had taken her own life. Mrs Morton, 49, of Lamberts, Chippenham, who worked
-
Date
Charity status
HAVING observed Nigel Kerton's quirky reporting over a number of years, it does not surprise me to discover that he thinks that Wiltshire County Council is a charitable organisation. Perhaps he could come up with a few more ways in which the people can
-
Date
What's point?
ONCE again we are getting the usual excuses from our local councils blaming the Government for the exorbitant rises in council tax. This causes me to question the point of having local councils if they have no power to control their own finances, let
-
Date
Reducing speed limit would make road safer
On Wednesday next week Wiltshire county councillors meet to decide which roads in the county need to have their speed limits reviewed. They will have a long list of roads to consider and their task is not an easy one. But somewhere in their pile of papers
-
Date
Everyone in community should pay for services
I WOULD wish to refer to my recent letter (Gazette, February 11) with reference to local taxation, the reaction to which was a thundering silence. Having had sight of the Kennet Times publication, however, I would invite readers' attention to the heading
-
Date
Jess, 18, opens her own fashion shop
Ref. 12424/2GAZETTE & HEARLD: SHE may still be three years short of getting the key to the door, but that hasn't stopped 18-year-old Jess Purton becoming the youngest business owner in Chippenham. The former Hardenhuish pupil, who lives in London
-
Date
Animal rescue PC is the cat's whiskers
Ref. 12581/3GAZETTE & HERALD: POLICE officer Mark Pearce extended his job description to include feline protection last week after he rescued a cat knocked down by a car in Calne. He rushed the injured cat to a veterinary surgery in Chippenham where
-
Date
Kids' hearty exercise
GAZETTE & HERALD: PUPILS at St Mary's School in Chippenham have got the skipping bug after raising an estimated £800 in a charity skip-a-thon. Teacher and PE co-ordinator Diane Riley organised the event to raise money for the British Heart Foundation
-
Date
Driver sees red at chaos
GAZETTE & HERALD: Faulty traffic lights caused chaos at a busy Chippenham roundabout on Friday night and Saturday morning, at the junction between Gladstone Road and Avenue La Fleche. A Wiltshire County Council engineer was working on site, checking
-
Date
Workers to leave as plant finalises move
GAZETTE & HERALD: WESTINGHOUSE Brakes has admitted it expects an exodus of disgruntled workers when it relocates to its new state of the art factory at Melksham in 2005. Last year, the engineering firm's shock decision to quit Chippenham, where it
-
Date
Theft blow to business
GAZETTE & HERALD: Thousands of pounds worth of conservatory furniture was stolen from Conservatory Sales just days before the revamped business was due to hold an open weekend. Directors Gordon Greenwood and Paul Clarke were dismayed to discover the
-
Date
Elderly theft victim tells of terror ordeal
GAZETTE & HERALD: A 93-year-old disabled widow has told how she sat helpless and terrified as she watched a burglar rifle through her belongings, looking for cash and valuables. It was the fourth time the woman, who suffers from crumbling bones and
-
Date
Tales of spider and dinosaur
Ref. 12535/1GAZETTE & HERALD: ENTHUSIASTIC bookworms at Charter School, Chippenham, dressed as their favourite literary characters to celebrate their book week. Headteacher Stella Pall said: "There was lots going on and it was all about encouraging
-
Date
Courtney catches mum out with her arrival in the bathroom
GAZETTE & HERALD: BIG brothers Cameron and Connor Nolan were thrilled when baby sister Courtney arrived in time for breakfast even though they slept through her surprising and super-speedy delivery in the bathroom. Proud parents Sarah and Mark Nolan
-
Date
Nursery blaze
GAZETTE & HERALD: FLAMES ripped through Forest Lane Nursery, Pewsham, on Tuesday leaving more than 70 children without childcare and the adjoining veterinary surgery in ruins. Firefighters say a sheet of flames hid the roof of the single-storey brick
-
Date
It's a Deal!
SEAN O'HANLON will become a permanent member of Andy King's squad today with the manager also hungry to secure another player ahead of the transfer deadline. The Town boss has agreed a deal with Everton counterpart David Moyes for the defender's services
-
Date
Still time to vote for comedy, urges actor
GAZETTE & HERALD: Yes Minister star Derek Fowlds believes his comedy may be pipped at the post by Only Fools and Horses in the BBC Best British Sitcom finale on Saturday. Mr Fowlds, who lives in Colerne, was star of the eighties political satire alongside
-
Date
New team wins praise for lifting festival fog
The phoenix of a new North Wiltshire Festival is rising from the ashes of a near disastrous crisis of confidence and a resignation, according to district councillors. The future of the bi-annual business, leisure and community festival was up in the air
-
Date
We made mistakes, admits 999 chief
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE acting head of Wiltshire Ambulance Service, Tim Skelton, has admitted that mistakes led to an unconscious woman laying undiscovered in a car following a road crash, but has defended the service's use of volunteer emergency personnel
-
Date
Jobs on line at maternity
CLOSING Malmesbury and Devizes maternity units would mean 11 less staff being employed, it was revealed this week. Vacancies for midwives and auxiliaries are not being filled until a final decision is made on the future of the two units, due on May 25
-
Date
Police face investigation
Gavin Burden, who alleges mistreatment by police officers. Picture by ROGER ELLIOTT DA5164P1A FOOTBALL fan is pressing for a full investigation into an incident at Salisbury railway station during which he alleges he and his parents were subjected to
-
Date
Teenage hot shot is happy where he is
TEENAGE hot-shot James Constable has insisted the only thing on his mind is firing Chippenham into the Conference Two. The 19-year-old was the centre of transfer speculation last week as Forest Green Rovers made a verbal offer of around £2,000 for his
-
Date
Training for refuse collectors
TWENTY refuse collectors with Salisbury district council are training for a National Vocational Qualification in waste management. The training is funded by the Wiltshire and Swindon Free2Learn Employer Training Pilot and provided by Salisbury College
-
Date
Participants get measure of their natural defence systems
NEARLY 100 people went along to Salisbury's Milford Hall Hotel earlier this month to find out how healthy they were. The participants were having their skin carotenoid levels measured by the BioPhotonic Scanner, the first of its kind in the world. The
-
Date
Training rewards
Companies can enter the National Training Awards, a scheme to reward the region's best business and industrial training schemes. Any business, organisation or individual can apply for this year's awards through the Learning and Skills Council. Closing
-
Date
Yvonne has retirement in sight
Window dresser Yvonne Heath has celebrated 25 years with Wiltshire-based opticians Haine and Smith but has decided to retire. Mrs Heath, who joined the partnership as a receptionist at the Calne practice in 1979, was presented with a celebration gift
-
Date
Agency has a new director
CASH set aside for entrepreneurs and companies seeking investment in the south west has been given new direction this week. The South West Angels Investment Network helps encourage investment as part of the £1.5m South West Regional Development Agency
-
Date
Little and large in a big get-together
BUSINESS giants in Wiltshire had a chance to discover how they can help other companies during a meet the buyer day. It was the seventh time the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce had held the event and this time companies such as Virgin Mobile
-
Date
New conservatory showroom opens its doors
A fabulous opening day is being held by Conservatory Sales Ltd and Leisure Building Services at the Whitehall Garden Centre this weekend to celebrate the new range of conservatories, spas and garden buildings. A new conservatory showroom has been under
-
Date
Fairtrade bid gets up steam
Campaigners trying to secure Fairtrade status for Swindon need just three more cafes to offer their support. The town has already achieved most of the objectives laid down by the Fairtrade Fair Towns initiative, which attempts to guarantee a better deal
-
Date
Rail systems firm voted top for training
Staff at Westinghouse Rail Systems in Chippenham were celebrating success last week following the prestigious Business of the Year Award event. The company was declared winner in the Training and Development category and was named runner-up as Business
-
Date
Burglars hit three farms
THE police are seeking witnesses after more than £13,000 worth of motor vehicles and tools were stolen from three farms in Sherston last week. Farms at Sopworth Road were targeted by burglars overnight on March 16 during a 12-hour period. In a raid on
-
Date
Councils dig in for boundary battle
THE battles lines are being drawn in Malmesbury Town Council's fight to extend the boundaries of the town into the neighbouring parish. St Paul's Malmesbury Without Parish Council is petitioning voters to marshal support against proposals to expand the
-
Date
Caution, frogs crossing
EIGHT-year-old Elliot Firth has put signs up urging drivers to slow down to stop squashing frogs crossing Hill Hayes Lane at Hullavington. Mum Laura Firth said Elliot, who attends Hullavington School, loves animals and did not like seeing the flattened
-
Date
Bikers bring cheer
Ref. 12540/1A CONVOY of bikers braved the bad weather last Saturday to give children at Burton Hill House School, Malmesbury, an early Easter treat. Bikers from the British Motorcycle Federation made the journey from the Bruce's Arms, Pewsey, to hand
-
Date
Mum plans journey of hope for jailed son
IRIS Baker, whose son Nick is imprisoned in Japan for drug smuggling, has called the first day of his appeal, a sickening farce. Mrs Baker, 54, told of her devastation after Tuesday's hearing in Tokyo ran out of time before her son's defence document
-
Date
Campaigners take our petition to Parliament
Ref. 12538/2CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units will take their case to the House of Commons on Monday. They will be handing over the Gazette's petition, which already contains more than 4,000 names, to the Under Secretary
-
Date
Seatbelt call from mum after bus crash
STANTON St Quintin mother Sandi Christie is calling for seatbelts on buses on the school run to Malmesbury after her two sons narrowly escaped injury in a crash on Friday. The 30-seater number 92 Andy Bus service from Cirencester, half-full with schoolchildren
-
Date
Village hall left gutted by fire
CHILDREN and parents were left devastated by a fire that ripped through Hullavington Village hall destroying a playgroup's home and £10,000 of equipment. But yesterday the Happy Caterpillars pre-school was given a life-line by the village school which
-
Date
Training for refuse collectors
TWENTY refuse collectors with Salisbury district council are training for a National Vocational Qualification in waste management. The training is funded by the Wiltshire and Swindon Free2Learn Employer Training Pilot and provided by Salisbury College
-
Date
Falcons retain division title
STONEHENGE Falcons have retained the Division One title with relegation now certain for Laverstock A and West Tytherley A. Falcons title-clinching victory came against Laverstock, whose defeat ended hopes of staying up when Cyclones won at West Tytherley
-
Date
Best play of season as ladies thrash BAC
THERE were victories for the Salisbury men's and ladies hockey teams at the weekend, with the ladies playing their best hockey of the season to thrash higher-placed Bristol-based BAC 11-0, a side that were top a month ago. Chris Rowland Jones got the
-
Date
Charity match kicks off
SALISBURY City manager Nick Holmes will put his boots back on for a charity football match at Old Sarum next month. The former Southampton player will lead a Salisbury City Old Boys team against a Journal Sport Select XI at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium
-
Date
Cyclist makes plea to road users
Chrissie Morgan.A CYCLIST who has battled back from breast cancer to train for a charity bike ride is urging all road users to take more care, after she had several near-misses on Salisbury's dangerous roads. Chrissie Morgan regularly cycles through the
-
Date
Police face investigation
Gavin Burden, who alleges mistreatment by police officers. Picture by ROGER ELLIOTT DA5164P1A FOOTBALL fan is pressing for a full investigation into an incident at Salisbury railway station during which he alleges he and his parents were subjected to
-
Date
The mine sweeper
The Equal Opportunities Commission has recently published research showing a substantial increase in the number of claims to the Employment Tribunal for pregnancy-related unfair dismissal. It is difficult to know whether this reflects increasing discrimination
-
Date
Sponsors pick up duck bill
Ref. 24855-35SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: MORE than 50 businesses in Swindon have now pledged to support the Macmillan Nurses Appeal by sponsoring a drake (common name: a rubber duck) with Swindon Old Town Rotary Club. The drakes cost £50 each and the Corporate
-
Date
Veterinary group makes shortlist of the best
A VETERINARY group with a branch in Wootton Bassett has been shortlisted as one of the best practices in the country. George Veterinary Group is in the running for the Petplan Veterinary Practice Of The Year. Over the last four months, Petplan, an insurance
-
Date
Hunt for Army pal
FORMER Wiltshire Regiment soldier, Dennis Fletcher, is trying to trace an old post-war Army pal. Mr Fletcher, of Wareham, Dorset, has traced several of his regimental colleagues and met up with them. Now he would like to find a soldier called Mr Garraway
-
Date
Success for Swindon in girls' football
YOUTH FOOTBALL: WILTSHIRE schools have been taking part in the Coca-Cola National Schools Cup. Although some have fallen by the wayside in the south west knockout stage, Dorcan College girls from Swindon are through to the quarter-finals. The competition
-
Date
Harlequins keep the pressure on leaders
MID-WILTS YOUTH AND MINOR LEAGUE: BEMERTON Heath Harlequins intensified the pressure on leaders Trowbridge Town Youth by running out 7-0 winners at home to Bath Arsenal in the under 16s Blue Division of the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News Mid-Wilts
-
Date
Cricklade hit back to share the spoils
WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: HIGH winds and driving rain came out on top in the Wiltshire League, with just a handful of the scheduled fixtures getting the go-ahead. One game that did beat the conditions was at Cricklade where the home side and visitors Bradford
-
Date
United go through in extra-time cup upset
CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: FOR a second week running the atrocious weather conditions reduced the fixtures of the Vanitec Computers-sponsored Chippenham Sunday League with the biggest casualty being the West End Wanderers clash with Chippenham Sports and
-
Date
Doomed school to relive its history
FORMER pupils of Steeple Ashton School near Trowbridge are invited to a celebration. The school closes at the end of April this year and to mark its 150 years the governors have organised a display and party. There will be a display of memorabilia and
-
Date
Council is urged to keep land GM free
WILTSHIRE environmentalists have accused Wiltshire County Council of dragging its heels over measures to keep the county GM free and called it the weakest link in the South West. Friends of the Earth say all other county councils in the region have signed
-
Date
Calne Town 0, Cadbury Heath 0
SCREWFIX DIVISION ONE: CALNE'S young side produced a performance full of resolve to earn a point against Cadbury on Tuesday night. Kelvin Highmore's team, who needed to bounce back from their weekend defeat at Shrewton, managed to restore some pride.
-
Date
Pewsey Vale 1, Hungerford Town 1
PEWSEY picked up a very creditable draw against high-flying Hungerford last Wednesday and were unlucky not to do even better. Vale continued their unbeaten run with a good team performance and took a first half lead though Craig Wall. They had further
-
Date
Corsham Town 3, Shrewton United 1
WILTSHIRE SENIOR CUP: CORSHAM Town continued their fine season by marching into the final of the Wiltshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night. Goals from Alan Griffin, Nigel Curtis and Dave Kilmurray put Shrewton to the sword in this entertaining semi-final
-
Date
Hopkins resigns as Devizes manager
SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: THE pressure got too much for Devizes Town manager Dave Hopkins this week when he resigned his post. He said yesterday: "Some of the players had lost their commitment and we didn't get commitment from fans. "It was a joke. Only
-
Date
Midwives jobs under threat
MIDWIVES and auxillary workers will lose their jobs if maternity units are closed in Devizes and Malmesbury it was revealed this week. A report has revealed 11 jobs could go. Also, vacancies for midwives and auxiliaries are not being filled until a final
-
Date
Nationwide staff rally round for our appeal
Ref. 23370-32SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Nationwide Building Society knows more than most how money makes the world go round. The Swindon-based finance giant also know how important every penny is for our Swindon Cancer Appeal. Staff at the firm, based in
-
Date
Court remands murder charge man in custody
A MAN charged with murder after a stabbing in Swindon has appeared in court. Daryl Kluk, 32, of Bath Road, appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court to answer a charge of having murdered John Lindsay Goldman on Saturday. Kluk made no plea or declaration.
-
Date
One year, £350,200
Ref. 29448-11SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Today is the first birthday of the Swindon Cancer Appeal. For 12 months Swindon residents have been digging deep to ensure people living with cancer are given the best possible care and support. The appeal was launched
-
Date
Bible theft man in court
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE case against a Calne man who stole a bible, has been adjourned so psychiatric reports can be prepared. Swindon Crown Court heard Malcolm Keates took the book and some papers from a laptop belonging to Michael Greenslade on January
-
Date
We made mistakes, admits 999 chief
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE acting head of Wiltshire Ambulance Service, Tim Skelton, has admitted that mistakes led to an unconscious woman laying undiscovered in a car following a road crash, but has defended the service's use of volunteer emergency personnel
-
Date
Mum talks about the heartache of ill child
Ref. 12547/1GAZETTE & HERALD: Holly Masson, aged six, has been suffering from cystic fibrosis since birth and now her mother feels it is time to educate pupils and staff at her daughter's school about the life-threatening illness. This week is Cystic
-
Date
Forum pushes for new traffic survey
LOCAL councillors have called on Wiltshire County Council to change its mind and undertake a traffic assessment of Devizes. The county council has refused to carry out a survey into how hundreds of new homes planned to be built in Devizes would affect
-
Date
Step forward for St George
A COUNTRYSIDE walk has been arranged to honour Saint George and raise money for a local church. The Walk for Saint George takes place on the afternoon of April 25 two days after St George's day and those taking part can walk, ride their mountain bikes
-
Date
Heart run is family affair
NICOLA Breach is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for the British Heart Foundation in memory of her grandfather, former Devizes mayor Dick Breach, who died of a heart attack two years ago, by running the Flora London Marathon next week. Miss Breach
-
Date
Residents' approval for their new homes
THE first residents have moved into the redeveloped Crammer Court in Church Walk, the sheltered housing scheme for elderly people. The finishing touches are still being put to the £5 million redevelopment of Crammer Court by Sarsen Housing Association
-
Date
Sheep farmer denies mistreating animals
FARMER Lance Beale denied putting a live sheep on top of dead sheep which were piled on a trailer. Beale, 53, of Wyatt's Lake Farm, Westbrook, near Bromham, was giving evidence at his trial at Kennet Magistrates Court, Devizes, on Monday. Beale denies
-
Date
Builder quits farm scheme
URCHFONT farmer John Snook has spoken of his disappointment and disillusionment after developer Charles Church withdrew from a scheme to redevelop a sensitive site near the famous village duck pond. The company has not given details of why it pulled out
-
Date
Man beaten with umbrella
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was beaten to the ground by an attacker with a folded up umbrella in broad daylight in Marlborough shopping centre on Saturday. Police have not identified the victim, who it's believed runs a kebab takeaway
-
Date
Nursery is praised for stimulating its pupils
THE Bluebell Nursery at Lockeridge has sailed through an Ofsted inspection and emerged with a largely glowing report. Currently 19 children from three to five attend and the nursery is equipped to deal with children who have special needs. In her report
-
Date
Nursery wins Ofsted praise
Ref. 12533/2CHILDREN who attend Noah's Ark nursery school in the grounds of Wansdyke Primary School in Devizes are being given a good start in life, according to a report by the schools' inspectorate Ofsted. The report by inspector Nikki Whinton, who
-
Date
Jazz raises £54,440 for Amber charity
A MAJOR London jazz event has raised £54,440 for the Amber Foundation. Amber is a unique charity that rehabilitates young men and women with a variety of social problems. It was established at Tottenham House in Savernake Forest in 1995 to help underprivileged
-
Date
Return to spray
Ref. 12536/3A GROUP of veteran paddlers who took part in the Olympics of Rome in 1960 and Tokyo in 1964, are to take up the challenge of the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race next month. They will be waved off from Devizes Wharf on Good Friday by Sheila
-
Date
Help to catch crime gangs
GANGS of thieves are scouring the countryside around Marlborough and the Pewsey Vale looking for something to steal. In the last few weeks there has been a spate of break-ins at homes and farms in villages around Marlborough including Ogbourne St George
-
Date
Campaigners take our petition to Parliament
Ref. 12538/2CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units will take their case to the House of Commons on Monday. They will be handing over the Gazette's petition, which already contains more than 4,000 names, to the Under Secretary
-
Date
Crash victim's father calls for a 30mph limit
GRIEVING father Michael Lynch is backing villagers in Market Lavington who want the 60mph speed limit at Spin Hill reduced to 30mph. Mr Lynch's daughter, Sharon Oliver, was killed when her husband's car was in collision with a car travelling in the opposite
-
Date
Hot grub back on menu
Ref. 12580/1A TRIAL scheme to reintroduce hot lunches at Bishops Cannings Primary School has been so popular it could become permanent. The school stopped providing hot meals nearly three years ago when changes were made to the way school meals were provided
-
Date
Traffic chaos brings town to a standstill
Ref. 12558/2TRAFFIC chaos that has been bringing Marlborough to a rush hour standstill in the past few weeks is being blamed on roadworks which have closed George Lane. Every afternoon last week traffic coming into the town on the A4 from the Hungerford
-
Date
Diggers move on to site of old hospital
Ref. 12523/02Diggers moved in last week to begin the demolition of the old wards and outpatients' unit at Savernake Hospital, Marlborough. The main building of the old hospital designed by the acclaimed architect Sir Gilbert Scott, who also designed Liverpool
-
Date
'Send a GM message to Tony Blair'
WILTSHIRE County Council has been urged to make a more public stand on keeping the county free from genetically modified crops. According to the environmental pressure group Friends of the Earth, the county council could be a weak link in the South West
-
Date
Thousands miss out on flu jabs
THOUSANDS of pensioners in Swindon failed to get life-saving flu jabs, it has been revealed. More than 7,500 town OAPs missed out on the vaccinations this winter almost 30 per cent of elderly residents according to the Department of Health. A total of
-
Date
Awards on offer for innovative local groups
SWINDON charity Citizens Online has joined up with computer firm AOL to launch this year's Innovation in the Community Awards. The 30 awards are open to community groups and charities, and consist of £2,000 plus a year's free access to the internet. John
-
Date
GP faces toughest race of all
A Swindon doctor and marathon runner is gearing up for the ultimate challenge a marathon in the Sahara Desert. Stephen Rhodes, 45, who is based at the Hermitage Surgery, in The Lawns, will attempt the Sahara Marathon next month a week-long race, spanning
-
Date
Elvis plot thickens
MYSTERY still surrounds a series of sightings of rock 'n' roll legend Elvis Presley around Swindon. And now many suspicious minds have concluded there is more than one person masquerading as the King. Fancy dress shops have reported an unusual surge in
-
Date
Runners are sought to keep air ambulance flying
THE Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal is looking for keen marathon runners to help keep it in the skies. The appeal is calling for runners who have already secured a place in this year's Flora London Marathon to help raise funds. Tracey Edwards, the fundraising
-
Date
Bride sets heart on fairytale look
Ref. 29032-20BRIDE Of The Year Louisa Curtis is keeping details of her wedding dress top secret. All she will reveal is that she will be breaking with tradition but will still be keeping with a fairytale style for her outfit. The 31-year-old has had her
-
Date
Gift of a grand is a big helping hand for Samaritans
Ref. 29657-28Swindon Samaritans have a grand reason to celebrate thanks to a cheque from Swindon energy supplier RWE Innogy. Barbara Kennedy, director of Swindon Samaritans, received the donation to the tune of £1,000 from Innogy's programme finance manager
-
Date
Awards will reward our local heroes
NEWSQUEST'S vintage bus was touring the streets of Swindon yesterday promoting the People of Wiltshire Awards in the hope of finding Swindon's unsung heroes. Shoppers in the town centre were given application forms to nominate friends and family. Newsquest
-
Date
Delight at plan delay
CAMPAIGNERS against development on the Front Garden are delighted that the Government has extended the time it is taking on making a decision over plans for 4,500 houses. Swindon Council approved Bryant Homes' application at a special planning meeting
-
Date
This is where your money goes
Ref. 29651-11SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Macmillan nurse Anne Robertson has been helping cancer patients at the Great Western Hospital since April last year. The money we are raising is paying for her to continue her invaluable work. It will also pay for another
-
Date
The second most common cancer in men
SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Prostate cancer is the UK's second most common cancer in men with more than 21,700 new cases diagnosed each year. The disease is more common in men of African descent, and those aged over 60. Only one in 20 cases occur in the under
-
Date
Thanks bagged
THE leaders and Cubs from Maurice Pack at 2nd Marlborough would like to thank all who gave generously during our bag packing at Waitrose. We raised £660 for the Cubs to have a day out, hopefully to a theme park or quad biking. MEL CURTIS Marlborough
-
Date
Where's cash?
WHILE the Chancellor continues to pour billions into the NHS from increased National Insurance contributions, improvements, at best, are only marginal. Perhaps the money is going on the ever increasing number of bureaucrats and red tape rather than patient
-
Date
Name homes
MY grandmother, aged 90, is a resident of one of the six council care homes. Since the so-called consultation, when very elderly and deaf residents sat around a large room with the council men at one end with no microphone, she has spoken of little else
-
Date
Home owners facing road schemes threat
THERE has been a lot of newspaper coverage lately about proposed major road schemes in the area. Certainly these schemes may make our villages and towns more accessible but homeowners should consider the significant downside of this. Increasingly, and
-
Date
Join crowds
SOME good news for the ratepayers of Marlborough, the Town Play, Wheels of Time, to be performed during the Charter Week celebrations in June, will cost the ratepayers not a penny. This is entirely due to donations and sponsorship by local businesses
-
Date
Youngsters sign up for top rugby coaching
FOLLOWING the success of last year's Gazette sponsored Wiltshire Rugby Skills Week, the 2004 event is already being prepared. Now in its ninth year, the Wiltshire Rugby Skills Week will be held at the Chippenham Rugby Club, Allington Field, Chippenham
-
Date
Devizes 2nd 24, Chippenham 3rd 0
DEVIZES duly completed the double against Chippenham in this Bath and District Merit Table game played at the Chivers Ground on Saturday. Having thrashed Chippenham earlier in the season Devizes met sterner resistance from a strengthened XV. Devizes were
-
Date
Salisbury 27, Devizes 0
DEVIZES failed to deal with the blustery conditions as well as their opponents and paid the penalty with a heavy defeat in this friendly. But there were still some good individual performances from the Devizes players. Salisbury, who are from the league
-
Date
St John's emerge with tournament win
YOUTH RUGBY: ST JOHN'S School, Marlborough, triumphed in an entertaining final of the Wiltshire Emerging Schools Under 12s tournament last Wednesday. Ten teams of youngsters from across the county descended on Devizes Rugby Club's London Road ground for
-
Date
Try count robs Chippenham
CHIPPENHAM took a squad along to the Wiltshire County Under 11s Rugby Festival at Bradford on Avon on Sunday and enjoyed a successful tournament. They won three and drew one of their opening pool games. These results put them into the semi-finals of the
-
Date
Wishes of town are ignored, says mayor
GAZETTE & HERALD: Councillors opposing a housing development on the former Flowers scrapyard site in Chippenham say they can do nothing to stop it going ahead but they are still unhappy about it. Chippenham Town Council objected to plans to sell the
-
Date
Corsham 5, Trowbridge 13
CORSHAM bowed out of the Bath Combination Cup following a disjointed game against Trowbridge. Appalling weather conditions led to a scrappy encounter with no real consistent phases of play coming from either side. With the wind at their backs in the first
-
Date
Malmesbury 7, Cricklade 15
SATURDAY'S match at The Worthies might as well have been played in a wind tunnel. The weather conditions had an amazing effect on kicks towards the Whychurch Farm end of the ground. David Worker's conversion kick across the field was carried between the
-
Date
Star collector targets town
GAZETTE & HERALD: Arthritis sufferer David Paterson will be collecting funds for charity at Focus DIY in Chippenham this weekend. Mr Paterson, 48, has been described as a walking miracle because of his phenomenal fundraising efforts despite suffering
-
Date
Lost touch
The county council, with its ill-conceived record office project, seems intent on using the rural economy as a punchbag. The ridiculous situation where the economically vital Chippenham Livestock Market takes second place to the controversial record office
-
Date
Where is demanded parking?
While I can understand S. Bishop's annoyance over warning notices being issued to motorists illegally parked in the High Street (letters, March 18), I wonder where this parking being demanded is to be found. There is existing parking behind the Co-op
-
Date
Two hurt as traffic gets back to normal
SLOW IT DOWN: Just days after road works were removed from the A4 near Chippenham a further accident happened on the blighted road. The two-car collision is a firm reminder to Wiltshire County Council that something needs to be done on the dangerous stretch
-
Date
Better road safety now at junction
Quite a coincidence that last week's edition of the Gazette and Herald carries a letter from a Devizes resident complaining about a new road crossing and the article of others campaigning for greater road safety near their school. I hold my hands up to
-
Date
MS sufferer drank herself to death
GAZETTE & HERALD: A WOMAN who suffered multiple sclerosis for 15 years, and who had spent the last ten years in a wheelchair, drank herself to death, an inquest heard. Delene Simmons, 37, of Moss Mead, Chippenham, died at her home. A post mortem showed
