Archive
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Exhaust used for tool theft
THIEF Michael Hayward used an old exhaust pipe to smash his way into Kwik Fit and steal tools worth £600, a court heard. Hayward, 34, of Greenway Lane, Chippenham, admitted the theft when he appeared before North Wiltshire magistrates in Chippenham on
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Children are welcome to join the club
YOUNGSTERS will have a rare chance to study small creatures at close quarters at a new Wiltshire Wildlife club in Chippenham. Children aged eight to 11 with an interest in wildlife and nature are invited to join the new Watch club which opens its doors
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Surprise win for well-kept village
CASTLE Combe villagers have got something to celebrate after being declared the winners of the Laurence Kitching Best Kept Village winner of winners award. Castle Combe went head to head with previous winners from the past four years to become the titleholders
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Takings up after boycott on petrol
VILLAGERS who boycotted their petrol station for 24 hours in a protest over fuel prices, have called it a success for democracy, but the garage boss claims takings were actually up on the day. Around 20 Lyneham villagers are believed to have refused to
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Huge charity plant sale
GAZETTE & HERALD: Wiltshire's biggest annual charity plant sale will offer thousands of discounted plants for sale to raise money for the children's hospice Naomi House. The sale will take place at Barbara Austin Perennials in West Kington on September
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Campaign ends in a quick win for doctor
GAZETTE & HERALD: GP Barney Williams yesterday emerged triumphant from Gloucester Royal Infirmary having won an appeal over his suspension after just the first morning of a two-day hearing. Dr Williams, who was sacked for failing to provide out of
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Mum's anguish at teen's death
GAZETTE & HERALD: Devastated parents of 15-year-old Christian Paduch, who died last Saturday, have been told by doctors that there was no way of knowing there was a cyst buried deep in his brain. Christian, known as Chrissy to his friends and family
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Grandchildren inspire memoir of childhood
Gerald Ponting. DA6180P3Author tells Lesley Bates about growing up in a rural idyll ABOOK about growing up on the edge of the New Forest was launched at Breamore House's countryside museum on Monday. Its author, Gerald Ponting, remembers taking his first
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Pub restaurant - The Porter Bar, Bath
Georgian Bath is chock a block with tourists and shoppers on a sunny afternoon in August and finding somewhere pleasant to eat away from the throng can be quite a challenge. Dodging the living statues, camera-toting Americans and crowds of French students
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Thirst For More!
STEVE Robinson would love nothing more than to follow an afternoon in the Ashton Gate cauldron with a Sunday morning run-out for his friend's pub team as he battles to regain full match fitness. Such is the midfielder's desire for games that he would
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Supplier is dealt killer blow after police raid
DRUG dealer Jeffrey Richardson has been jailed for three years after a police raid on his home. The 32-year-old was found to have ecstasy, amphetamines and cannabis as well as dealer's paraphernalia including scales and lists of debts. James Patrick,
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Farm wins by using more local produce
A WILTSHIRE farm which provides bed and breakfast has won a top accolade. Pickwick Lodge Farm in Corsham was the gold winner among Wiltshire bed and breakfast establishments in the Taste of the West awards for 2004. More than 270 restaurants, pubs and
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Walkers face big challenge
Hundreds of walkers will be pulling on their boots and dusting off their waterproofs in readiness for the MS BIGFoot challenge, which kicks of tomorrow at St Francis School near Pewsey. The 50-mile walking event is a fundraiser organised by the Multiple
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Parents warned they face rap for vandals
POLICE in Pewsey are appealing to parents to help them contain a rash of vandalism and under age drinking. The weekend saw some of the worst wanton vandalism the village has seen in recent years with cars damaged and windows broken. Sgt Andy Peach has
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Tributes to stalwart devoted to her village
PEWSEY parish councillors held a minute's silence on Tuesday in memory of Sylvia Palmer and all she had done for the village. The former teacher, parish councillor and leading campaigner for the new Bouverie Hall, died at her High Street home on Saturday
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Family feuds seem to work
NEW boy Gary Thorne says that he will still give his little brother and captain Wayne abuse if he plays badly. Chippenham's defence stood stern on Saturday as they kept a clean sheet. They all looked a good solid unit and the two brothers connected well
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Allison is upholding striker's tradition
SAM Allison is upholding the striker's tradition and claiming Chippenham's fifth goal against Dunstable on Saturday, even though he only got the barest of touches on the ball as Ian Herring's header crossed the line. The 23-year-old had to endure some
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Lydia fund is blossoming
GARDENERS Doreen and Terry Soule invited plucky toddler Lydia Cross to their wonderful garden this week, to present her with the proceeds of their annual open garden weekend. Mr and Mrs Soule, of Ingram Street, Malmesbury, are renowned for their beautiful
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Quirky nature which endeared her to all
AMANDA Edwards was dubbed a pink angel by one of her young charges at the Little Foxes Nursery in Brinkworth. Her family said no-one had been left with anything but good memories of her. Having struggled all her life with dyslexia, she had just started
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'Our whole world collapsed that day'
THE look on the face of the family liaison officer was enough to tell Lee Edwards that the news was bad. It was eight days since his daughter Amanda had gone missing after dropping off her fianc at his home. She was a home-loving girl who always kept
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The memories will never ever go away
FIVE months after the murder of their daughter, Amanda, Lee and Beverley Edwards still face daily challenges in their struggle to cope with their grief. Speaking for the first time since her death in April at the hands of plasterer Ian Cortis, Mr and
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Extra carnival length will benefit charities
CARNIVAL organisers say this year's programme will be biggest, most entertaining and generate more revenue than ever before. With an extra four days added on to the programme, organisers hope to raise over £1,000 more than last year for charity. The carnival
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Crowds flock to Somerford
THERE was no shortage of entries for the horticultural and agricultural classes at the ever popular Somerford Show on Saturday. Visitors to the 109th traditional show at Brook Farm, were able to admire a large variety of entries as well as enjoying a
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Rail death blow to appeal hopes
PRISONER Nick Baker's hope of getting out of his Japanese jail hell has suffered a setback following the death of the man accused of framing him. James Prunier, who was a key player in the arrest and conviction of Mr Baker on drug smuggling charges, was
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Traditional dance revived
The colourful tradition of morris dancing has been revived in Malmesbury by newcomer to the town, Rose Darlington. Mrs Darlington, who moved to Oxford Street, Malmesbury from Cheshire a year ago, has formed a new troupe of 14 dancers. She said she wanted
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Minor Counties Cricket
WILTSHIRE'S hopes of reaching their first Lord's final since 1993 were dashed on Sunday when they were comprehensively outplayed by Northumberland at Westbury in the semi-final. Wiltshire were beaten by an impressive eight wickets as Northumberland won
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West of England Premier One
CORSHAM'S 77-run home win over Taunton St Andrews on Saturday killed of any threat of relegation. Afterwards a relieved skipper Neil Shardlow said: "After having five of last season's regulars ripped out of the side, we've done well this season, because
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Swindon v Biddestone
SWINDON are top of the division with a win over determined Biddestone on the weekend, but face two tough encounters in the remaining fixtures to stay there In this match, Biddestone won the toss and elected to bat, the opening pair of Mason and Sam Thornton
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Devizes v Bristol West Indies
RELEGATION is now virtually guaranteed after Devizes were unable to beat the Bristol West Indians on Saturday at London Road. Opportunities were there for the result to have been different but chances went begging in the field and there was not enough
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Accessible premises
BUSINESS Link Berkshire and Wiltshire is advising companies in south Wiltshire to ensure they are ready for the final part of the act. Part III, entitled Rights of Access to Goods, Facilities, Services and Premises, comes into force on October 1. From
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Disability Act is 'adaptable legislation'
THE government minister for disabled people says she wants to reassure businessmen and women who are worried that complying with the Disability Discrimination Act will cost big money. Maria Eagle, speaking exclusively to the Journal, said businesses and
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Two-star win for Louisa
EQUESTRIAN Louisa Lockwood has enjoyed a triumphant weekend, riding progressive horse Tiger Shark to victory at the Mitsubishi Motors two-star Hartpury International three-day event. The eight-year-old gelding, which Louisa has always thought had the
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Norse Dancer and Elsworth in step to land Stakes bounty
Norse Dancer (nearest) closes the gap on Lucky Story to win by a short head. DA6165P17THE Sovereign Stakes, rightfully upgraded to a Group Three race - Salisbury's first for almost 20 years - more than lived up to its billing on Thursday. All the ingredients
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City FC boss caught up in US hurricane
Salisbury FC manager Nick Holmes.SALISBURY City FC's manager Nick Holmes has terrifying first-hand experience of the destructive force of Hurricane Charley, which has wreaked havoc in Florida, leaving thousands homeless and causing damage running into
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This week, Peter Foskett of Withy King solicitors, considers disability discrimination
We all know that employers have a duty not to discriminate against disabled staff, but are you aware of the extent of this duty? The Disability Discrimination Act (1995) states that employers must make reasonable adjustments to ensure that working arrangements
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Fast-track way into engineering
ANY Swindon school-leavers enthralled by the town's proud railway history have been offered a fast-track way of taking up a career in railway engineering. Just over 20 years ago Brunel's Great Western Works were still turning out top-quality engines and
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A scheme for the go getters
THE search is on for Wiltshire's most enterprising individuals, who are in with a chance of winning a new Queen's Award. The scheme will reward both enterprising individuals and those who encourage innovation in others by mentoring or networking. Up to
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Defeat after Super start
SWINDON Supermarine's first home game of the Southern League season ended in a 2-0 defeat to Evesham on Tuesday night Following their stunning come from behind 3-2 victory at highly favoured Bedworth on Saturday in the season opener, this was a disappointing
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Super Sam a hit with fans
Swindon striker Super Sammy Parkin was at Asda Walmart in the Orbital Business Park signing autographs and meeting the fans on Friday. The Gazette columnist took time out to meet the fans and chat about the new season. The event was a success with many
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Corsham 2 Melksham 1
Corsham were the victors in their first ever Screwfix Premier division home match at the Southbank on Tuesday night. Corsham were the better of the two sides and had a host of chances in the first half before taking the lead. Manager Colin Bush was pleased
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They are watching you
A POLICE bike-mounted camera has clocked up 903 speeding motorists in just two months and officers are warning it is ready to catch plenty more. Traffic safety experts at the Wiltshire and Swindon Road Safety Partnership which is made up of representatives
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Exmouth 5 Melksham 2
MELKSHAM manager Nigel Tripp questioned the commitment of his players as they opened their league campaign with a heavy loss on the road. Tripp put Saturday's result down to schoolboy errors. He said: "We got caught in possession and it cost us. We need
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Almondsbury 1 Calne Town 3
CALNE'S attacking football drove Almondsbury nutty on Saturday, as they dismissed their largely unknown rivals on their home ground. Calne showed Screwfix Premier new boys what the division is all about in the first league game, but manager Kelvin Highmore
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Town groups share £3,725 hand-out
Thousands of pounds in grants has been handed out to clubs and organisations in Corsham by the town council. A total of 36 groups will benefit from the grants, which range from £50 to £1,000, and the hand-outs total £3,725. The beneficiaries include parent
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Calne 5 Cadbury 1
MANAGER Kelvin Highmore gave his players a ticking off at half time despite the fact they were 3-1 up. He said: "We were fortunate to be 3-1 up at half time. Then the players responded well to what was said. They improved immediately and I think Cadbury
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History's top 12 greats
WILTSHIRE County Council is considering putting up a trophy for the winner of a poll to find the county's favourite heritage site after a suggestion by the Gazette. The Window on Wiltshire website heritage project has narrowed down to a short list of
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Devizes 0 Hallen 2
Devizes assistant manager John Freegard said his side's performance was what he has been were looking for all pre-season but they were still beaten. Hallen ground out their victory andtook 70 minutes to break down a stubborn Devizes defence. Stand-in
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Pewsey Vale 0 Shrewton Town 3
PEWSEY suffered another pre-season defeat against Shrewton at home last Wednesday evening. It leaves manager Steve Wootton still searching for his first win of the summer. Pewsey did have the better of the first half. They were denied twice in the first
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Dawlish Town 3 Biddestone 1
Battling Biddestone just didn't have enough class to match Dawlish in their first ever Screwfix fixture on Saturday. Biddestone did not look uncomfortable against a side that were two leagues above them last season. Manager Gary Skidmore thought that
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Mercy dash leads to court
A MERCY dash to help his migraine-afflicted partner landed Rodney St Barbe in court. St Barbe, 59, was driving his partner to the stone circle at Avebury because it helped her symptoms, when he was stopped by police and they discovered he was banned from
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Children let their imaginations run wild on jungle day
Ref. 71786-30CHILDREN have been enjoying themselves printing jungle patterns on t-shirts. The event was held at Swindon Museum in Bath Road and proved popular with both parents and children. One mum, Mrs Jurga of Old Walcot, said: "This is the third year
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Brace yourself for more floods
SWINDON could be hit by more floods today, the Met Office has warned. Long periods of heavy rain and thunder is forecast with a 50 per cent chance of disruption to traffic. A Met Office spokesman said: "There will be plenty of showers and longer outbreaks
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Colleges' delight at pass rate for A levels
Ref. 26184-42 Students awaiting results last yearYEARS of hard work have paid off for Swindon students who have once again helped break the country's A level results record. The grades published today revealed more youngsters than ever have done well
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Paedophile jail term reduced following appeal
A MARRIED man who had sexual contact with a willing 15-year-old boy has won a cut in his jail term. Rodney Barlow, 31, of Buckhurst Crescent, Walcot, was jailed for 18 months in May at Swindon Crown Court, after pleading guilty to two counts of indecent
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Teen says she was spied on in shower
TEENAGER Stephanie Letton was left distraught after she saw a mirror being held over a cubicle while she showered at Blackland Leisure Park in Stockley. Miss Letton, 19, a Swindon student, was in the leisure park's mixed cabin when she noticed a mirror
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Clerk wants site listed
GAZETTE & HERALD: Deputy Town Clerk Linda Wakefield is trying to get Calne's War Memorial listed to preserve it for future generations. The war memorial, in the grounds of St. Mary's Church, was built in 1926 to honour those that died in the First
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Tough time in Oz drove husband to attack wife
GAZETTE & HERALD: A FAILED attempt at a new life in Australia led Ronald Smith to attack his wife Karen, a court heard. Smith, 46, of Quemerford, Calne, pleaded guilty to attacking his wife on August 5 when he appeared before North Wiltshire magistrates
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Clothes cut up in frustration
GAZETTE & HERALD: Apologetic Richard Mott from Calne is sorry he cut up his partner's clothes with a knife when drunk and hopes that they can get through the incident stronger than ever. Mr Mott, 34, from Anchor Road, who has not drunk alcohol since
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Barracks block will survive in new plans
THE Victorian barracks block at Le Marchant Barracks in Devizes will not be torn down as part of the redevelopment of the area, Kennet councillors heard last week. Although the block, built in 1878 as home to the Wiltshire Regiment, is not listed, Broadway
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'I'm broke,' says cheating major
GAMESHOW cheat Charles Ingram was criticised by a trial judge after he pleaded poverty to try and get his court costs reduced. The 41-year-old former Army major, from Easterton near Devizes, won the top prize on the TV quiz Who Wants To Be A Millionaire
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Hospital plans at risk from cash cuts
THE fate of the proposed new hospital for Devizes could be known in September. Campaigners fear that the long talked about plans to build a new hospital on land at Green Lane, Devizes, will be nothing more than a glorified health clinic. Kennet and North
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Holiday in hell
HOLIDAYMAKERS Les and Sheila Beckwith have told how they huddled terrified inside a Florida villa as Hurricane Charley battered them with 145 miles per hour winds. The couple from Bromham flew into Port Charlotte in Florida last Friday for two weeks of
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Town council now has no objections to plans
AN application for planning permission to demolish Little Orchard, a bungalow on London Road, Devizes, and replace it with a terrace of four houses was passed by Kennet District Council's regulatory committee last Thursday after they heard Devizes Town
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Village may have shop before end of the year
URCHFONT'S community shop and post office, which will be mainly run by volunteers, could be open as early as November after receiving planning permission from Kennet councillors last Thursday. Jon Masterson, chairman of the community shop committee, said
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Families unhappy over crash verdict
THE families of Graham and Nicola Smith who died in a head-on crash near Devizes in March, are unhappy with a coroner's accidental death verdict on their deaths. Police collision investigator PC Steve Colwill gave evidence that the Smith's car had been
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NHS dentist gets support
MORE than 200 people have signed a petition supporting the plan by the Market Place Dental Practice to open a second practice in Devizes. Owner Philippa Riseley-Prichard has been advised by Kennet District Council's planning officers that they would be
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Sensitive village site will remain farmyard
ANY appeal against the refusal of planning permission to build 22 homes in the centre of Urchfont should go to a public inquiry, Kennet councillors have decided. John Booth, chairman of Kennet District Council's regulatory committee, which last Thursday
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Friday 13th is lucky for Les
IF Les Halsey woke up feeling apprehensive about Friday 13th, by the end of the day he was convinced it does not necessarily herald disaster. For not only did he learn that his daughter Karen had passed her nursing exams, he also marked 40 years' service
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Video company boss was over drink drive limit
COMPANY boss Matthew Gardner, who was stopped by police for a defective light, was found to be over the drink drive limit. Gardner, 36, of Bravington Road, London, was stopped while he was driving his BMW on Pewsey Road, Marlborough, on April 24. Officers
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Klondike gold rush is over
THE Klondike, the American-style roadhouse restaurant at Froxfield, closed its doors last week. The Gazette was unable to locate the owners this week but it is understood the restaurant had been for sale for some time. The Klondike, named after the American
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Families unhappy on crash verdict
THE families of Graham and Nicola Smith who died in a head-on crash near Devizes in March, are unhappy with a coroner's accidental death verdict on their deaths. Police collision investigator PC Steve Colwill gave evidence that the Smith's car had been
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School will not change its plan
PLANS for the new St John's School in Marlborough will remain unchanged despite an 11th hour bid to get buildings moved further away from homes. Head teacher Patrick Hazlewood and the team of consultants behind the development were grim faced after town
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'Local chemists will lose work'
NEW rules making it easier for pharmacies to open and increasing opportunities for patients to acquire prescriptions over the internet have been announced by the Government. The Department of Health unveiled its plans to relax regulations to make it easier
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It's lift off for a new-look play centre
Ref. 71803-66 Jake Martin, four, enjoys his session at Space AdventureAN out-of-this-world experience was had by children of all ages at Space Adventure, in Shrivenham Road. Youngsters were given the opportunity to take part in a range of different activities
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Day care charges to rise
PENSIONERS using council daycare centres face a hike of nearly 700 per cent this autumn. Cash-strapped Swindon Council voted to push ahead with plans to increase the current charge of 65p to £5 in October. Officers say the increase will generate an extra
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Plan to set up a website
The Chiseldon Local History Group was formed 18 years ago after several villagers attended a local history course. Today membership stands at 26 and the group meets in the Church Hall on the third Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm and guests are always
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Stray cats are hunting for loving new homes
Ref. 71815-77FIVE cuddly cats are all on the look out for loving new homes. The abandoned creatures were rescued by the Teckels Animal Sanctuary and have been cared for by fosterer Jeanette Maisey. She is currently looking after two adult cats and three
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Why are we still waiting?
Ref. 71777-21HOMEOWNERS whose gardens were flooded with raw sewage are still waiting for the waste to be cleared up. Eric Halliday and Pat Johnson, of Grange Drive, had to endure six inches of dirty water after a public sewer became blocked. They called
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Parade your pet
ENTRIES are being sought for Wiltshire Guinea Pig Club show at Lydiard Millicent Parish Hall on August 28. The show is open to hamsters, mice, rats and gerbils, as well as guinea pigs. There will be a £1 fee for each entry, and pets must be displayed
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Cricketers on the ball
Ref. 71806-15SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: REGULARS at the Cricketers have once again been rewarded for using pedal power to boost the Swindon Cancer Appeal. For the second year running, the pub has received a commemorative shield for entering the biggest team
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Go back to learning
ANYBODY who wants to catch up on education they missed or just try something new is invited to the New College Adult Learners Fair. The fair will be held on Thursday, September 9 from 5pm to 8pm at the college's Queen's Drive site. The organisers boast
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Banner found in pub garden
Ref. 71799-40 Calley Arms landlord William Hooper and community forest marketing officer Alison Bruce and children Hannah, nine, and five-year-old Eleanor BruceWHEN a banner promoting the Forest Festival went missing from a railing in Newport Street the
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Workers hit a wall of silence
NETWORK Rail refuses to name the contractor who left potentially deadly asbestos in rooms it was supposed to have cleared of the substance. And it also refuses to name another contractor who subsequently cleared the buildings as clean. Yesterday the Evening
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One in ten self-harm
A SELF-harm help group says a national inquiry into the condition was only made possible after local media like the Evening Advertiser helped change public opinion. Spear, which stands for Self Preservation Encouraging Active Response, has been running
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Heated debate
I AM in full agreement with comments by Ivan Lockwood (Advertiser August 12) regarding the heat of Wyvern Theatre. It is so uncomfortable it spoils the enjoyment of the show. I had purchased a ticket to see the Summer Youth Project's Sound Of Music but
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MPs can help
IN reply to T Reynolds regarding the closure of our post offices, I would like to tell him that as soon as I read the report in the Advertiser about the closure and that there was a question mark about Beechcroft, I rang MP Michael Wills. I received a
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Road mayhem
Marlborough has survived another week of traffic mayhem, mainly due to skills of the HGV drivers manoeuvring around the back of the town hall, rather than help from the council. How a housing application can be approved without considering the traffic
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Bath lads delight juniors at skills week
JUNIORS in Chippenham were treated to a rugby extravaganza all last week and a chance to meet players from Zurich Premiership side Bath on Thursday. Bath winger Andrew Higgins and back row player James Scaysbrook went along to the Gazette and Herald rugby
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Consult us
With regard to the proposed development of Le Marchant barracks in Devizes, would it not be practical and ethical for the planners to consult the residents about this matter and listen to our views on the future of this site? Several months ago we were
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Where are people to work?
Yet another headline of Kennet District Council being 'bribed' into allowing more housing to be built near to the already overused London Road (Gazette, August 12) with offers of a new school, enhanced leisure facilities etc. Does the town really need
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Many thanks
I would like to thank the people of Wiltshire who gave so generously their money and time during Red Cross Week. We have now counted and banked the final monies and I am delighted to advise you that we have raised just over £22,300 in Wiltshire. This
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Bypass our historic homes
I WRITE in response to the article in last week's Gazette, 'Diversion has people fuming'. Having read the article I would like to applaud the diversion of traffic away from Herd Street using Kingsbury Street as the alternative route. As a Herd Street
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Refuge does not blame police for incident rise
With regard to: 'Domestic violence is getting out of control', (Gazette, August 12), I wish to counter the suggestion that Swindon Women's Refuge blames the police for the increased demand upon our services. I would not blame our local police for causing
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No rift between police and refuge
I refer to your article 'Domestic violence is getting out of control' (Gazette, August 12). The text appears to have been extracted from an article in the Evening Advertiser and fails to include a police response or quote. The article implies a rift between
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Recycling efforts are best in the county
COUNCILLOR Sylvia Doubell wants to congratulate the district on its recycling efforts and say 'keep up the good work.' Pewsham residents get an extra pat on the back because they have the highest level of recycling in Wiltshire. The amount of waste North
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Classic night at the Proms
CLASSICAL music fans packed their picnic baskets and rolled out their rugs on Sunday for the annual Bowood Proms. Flags waved and the rain held as thousands of people enjoyed the concert and fireworks in front of the lake and grandeur of Bowood House.
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Shoppers get first impressions
HUNDREDS of supermarket shoppers flocked to the opening of Morrisons in Chippenham last Thursday to see the new-look store. The public watched as staff from all departments counted down from five and cheered as cashier Margaret Diment, who has worked
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Boy stole wine
A CHIPPENHAM youth pleaded guilty at the town's magistrates court on Thursday to stealing a bottle of wine worth £3.99 from Threshers on July 19. Michelle Hewitt, prosecuting, told how the youth, 17, and a friend ran into the shop and grabbed a bottle
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Centre fights to save racehorse
STAFF at the Greatwood racehorse rehabilitation centre at Clench Common are fighting for the life of badly neglected steeple chaser Driven by Desire. Helen Yeadon who runs the rescue and rehabilitation centre with her husband, Michael, said the horse
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Mum-of-three off scot-free
A 29-year-old Chippenham woman who pushed over her elderly landlord during a row has walked free from court without punishment. Mum-of-three Lorraine Mitchell admitted assaulting David Buckeridge causing actual bodily harm. The attack on her elderly victim
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Bankrupt pair get banned
GAZETTE & HERALD: A Chippenham couple who ran a computer consultancy business that went bust with debts of nearly £40,000 have been banned from acting as company directors for five years each. Glynis Deeks, 50, and Peter John Deeks, 48, of Audley
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Romany family to appeal on van site
GAZETTE & HERALD: A ROMANY family, the Skeet-Smiths, will continue their battle to live on a field at Pudding Brook at a planning inquiry. North Wiltshire District Council has issued an enforcement notice on the family, who live off the Bath Road
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Troupe not backward in wedding surprise
GAZETTE & HERALD: ZENA Castell had a guard of honour with a difference at her wedding on Saturday a troupe of her very own dancers. Ms Castell, 31, who is owner of the Chippenham Dance and Drama Academy, married her sweetheart Scott Lines, 33, at
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Store puts brake on girl's shopping trip
GAZETTE & HERALD:ANGRY mother Joanne Simpkins, 32, has been forced to stop shopping at the new Morrisons store because it got rid of the special trolleys she needs for her disabled daughter Danielle. Ms Simpkins, of Broomfield, Chippenham, whose seven-year-old
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City hairstylist wins through to finals
HAIR stylist Louise Smith, who is based at Essensuals in Salisbury has made it through to the finals of the Wales and South West Hairdresser of the Year 2004 organised by the British Hairdressing Awards. She is one of six finalists, selected from hundreds
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Embroiderers' guild off to new home after 40 years
AFTER more than two decades at Salisbury Museum, the Mid-Wessex branch of the Embroiderers' Guild is off to pastures new for future meetings. From September, its monthly afternoon meetings will move to St Francis Church Hall in Beatrice Road, Salisbury
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Five minutes of TV changes Rubie's life
Rubie Richards in St Nicholas Hospital gardensLife is made up of a patchwork of moments, as told to Lesley Bates There's not many people that can say the course of their whole life has been affected by a five-minute BBC broadcast - but Rubie Richards
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Jazz fest is all set to bring in the crowds
CORSHAM'S first International Jazz Festival could bring thousands of jazz fans to town and organisers are worried there might not be enough room for them all to stay. Organisers at the Royal Oak pub are appealing for locals who could provide bed and breakfast
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Wheel women
RACHEL WILLIAMS joined 160 women eager to get behind the wheel of some of the biggest vehicles on the road, and raise thousands of pounds for charity HUNDREDS of women were encouraged to put their foot down at the weekend, and not because the dreaded
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Cadets need leader
CORSHAM cadets are looking for a new leader to run their group. They meet between 7pm and 9pm every Wednesday in Alexander Terrace. Stephanie Birks, Officer in Charge said: "We need an enthusiastic and outgoing volunteer to help them to achieve physical
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Arsonists blamed for nursery blaze
GAZETTE & HERALD: ARSONISTS are believed to be responsible for a fire that ravaged a Corsham play school on Tuesday afternoon, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. The Honey Pot Nursery, based in the grounds of Corsham Regis primary school
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No need to panic
TODAY thousands of students across North Wiltshire will open letters and scour noticeboards for the exam results which will change their lives. But for those who do not get the A-level results they wished for, there are still many options and sources
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MP's talks on threat to service
NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray has expressed his concern at the proposed closure of Pewsham Post Office and has written to Post Office Ltd requesting an urgent meeting to discuss it. He has vowed to do everything in his power to prevent its closure. "Pewsham
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Testing three days ahead
CHIPPENHAM face Southern League Premier new boys Rugby United at home on Saturday and follow it up with a visit to Team Bath on Monday night. Rugby finished fifth in the Southern League Western division last year on a respectable 71 points. They had an
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Constable not happy with his offsides
STRIKER James Constable has grabbed three goals in two games but he still thinks he can do better. The 19-year-old, whose wages are being paid by the Gazette this season, was angry with himself after the Dunstable game on Saturday for being caught offside
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Alcoholic to pay for theft
ALCOHOLIC Philip Brown has been ordered to pay £100 after admitting stealing a woman's handbag. The 58-year-old, of Parklands, Malmesbury, also pleaded guilty to a charge of affray when he appeared before a judge at Swindon Crown Court on Friday. Brown
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Sacrifices of soldiers will be set in stone
Forgotten soldiers from Sherston who lost their lives in the Second World War will soon have a permanent memorial. Fundraisers have collected £4,200 towards the £5,000 target and church permission has been granted. The money raised will now enable Sherston
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Family crafts at arboretum
GREEN families threw themselves into traditional tree crafts at Westonbirt Arboretum last week. The hands-on session on Thursday afternoon gave participants a chance to make their own paper, try natural dyeing and hurdle making. Some 23 families and children
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Players in bid for new stage
Amateur dramatics group Athelstan Players is petitioning for a permanent stage if town hall refurbishment plans go ahead. The group's old stage at Malmesbury Secondary School' s Corn Gastons site was demolished four years ago. Since then it has been using
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£650,000 jewellery heist at antiques fair
Masked thieves stole diamond necklaces and jewellery worth £650,000 in a raid on Westonbirt School. The six-strong gang broke into the girls' school where the annual South Cotswolds Antiques Fair was being held. They are thought to have planned the heist
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Marlborough v Wootton Bassett
MARLBOROUGH crushed Wootton Bassett by 119 runs on Saturday to leave the home side in likelihood of being relegated for the second season running. In the process, Marlborough, moved up to fifth, their highest league position of the season. Marlborough
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Goatacre v Lydney
EVEN at this late stage in the season, with just two matches remaining, seven teams out of the ten still have a mathematical chance of falling into the relegation zone. Goatacre are one step closer to avoiding the drop with a convincing 83 run win at
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West of England Premier Two
CHIPPENHAM took the scalp of newly crowned champions Glastonbury at home on Saturday in an absolute nailbiter. The visitors lost their final wicket with only four runs needed for victory, but Chippenham's golden run, which has seen them win five of the
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Wiltshire Cricket League
Division One POTTERNE now seem doomed in division one as they collapsed at Westinghouse to 46 all out. John Cleverley bowled 11.4 overs and took 4-2. Westinghouse went on to win by ten wickets. The relegation battle took another twist on Saturday as Box
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Prepare for Act's impact, urges solicitor
SALISBURY solicitors Whitehead Vizard are advising small and medium-sized enterprises to prepare now for the Act's requirements. The High Street firm says it makes good business sense to comply with the changes, as disabled people in the country have
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Bosses may be breaking law
THE Royal National Institute of the Blind claims that nine out of 10 employers in the south-west may be breaking the law by discriminating against blind and partially sighted people. According to a new report by the RNIB, entitled Beyond the Stereotypes
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Branch boasts new entry lift
Chris Bushell, manager of Bradford & Bingley Salisbury, with Marilyn Blackburn and her grandchildren demonstrating the new easy-access lift at the branch. DA6000P1WHEELCHAIR users and people with children in pushchairs can now get into the Salisbury
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Town off to a flyer
RINGWOOD Town got their season off to a flying start with Carl Fleet's last-gasp goal sec-uring a 3-2 win over Hythe & Dibden, writes Ryan Lovejoy. The visitors went ahead through Dean Chapman but John Dilling equalised with his first goal for four
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Dynamite Dave lands new record
Rod & Line WITH the weights that have been coming out of Witherington Farm Fishery this summer it comes as no surprise that the fishery's match record has been smashed, and convincingly. Dave Hambidge, fishing for Dynamite Baits in Sunday's Cormorants
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Wallace is spot on as City kick off with a win
On the ball. City striker Adam Wallace takes on the Folkestone defence. DA6174P07A COOLLY taken 84th minute pen-alty by Adam Wallace clinched Salisbury City's first opening day victory in three years, writes Mike Turner. The Whites striker ensured that
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Heat is on as South Wilts are rumbled by title rivals
How was that? This South Wilts appeal for lbw was turned down. DA6176P5HAVANT put a dent in South Wilts' title hopes with a comfortable five-wicket win at Lower Bemerton. It brought to an end a remarkable 11 match unbeaten run which has taken the Salisbury
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Shop owner put in the frame by unusual request
A new shop owner had a welcome surprise in her first week of trading when she was asked to frame a carpet. Sue's Gallery And Framing opened this week in Cricklade High Street. Within hours, a customer walked in carrying a carpet. Owner Sue Ilett said:
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Williams gutted after falling at final hurdle
IAN Williams' first taste of an individual event at the English Bowling Association national championships turned to despair with a one shot defeat. The 23-year-old Purton player was making his debut at Worthing on Sunday having only been able to compete
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Treats up for grabs at classic night out
THE biggest classical music concert in Wiltshire takes place this August Bank Holiday Weekend at Lydiard Park, Swindon and the Gazette and Herald promotional team will be there giving away family-sized treats. The evening starts at 7pm but you can come
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Classic night at the Proms
CLASSICAL music fans packed their picnic baskets and rolled out their rugs on Sunday for the annual Bowood Proms. Flags waved and the rain held as thousands of people enjoyed the concert and fireworks in front of the lake and grandeur of Bowood House.
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Stratton's boss was sweating on whistle
AFC Stratton made the perfect start to their Premier Division season with a 2-1 victory over Bradford Town at the Premier Club. Stratton boss Stef Kuczynski said he was happy to hear the final whistle. "I'm glad that one is over," he said. "It was a difficult
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Don't be victim of a Net scam
DON'T be caught by Internet con artists who go "phishing" for your credit card details, Wiltshire police have warned. 'Phishing' is the name given to the creation of false websites, telephone numbers set up by criminals in an attempt to persuade people
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Torrington 3 Corsham 2
CORSHAM manager Colin Bush was furious his side did not even obtain a point away at Torrington on Saturday . The Screwfix Premier new boys had all the chances to get a point or even go on to win the match, but were beaten by a goal in injury time. The
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Thousands flock to fete
THOUSANDS of visitors enjoyed Seend Fete and the money raised seems set to beat last year's total. The village fete and flower show was held on Saturday; the fete on the Lye Recreation Field and the flower show in the Social Club next to the field. Last
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School will not change its plan
PLANS for the new St John's School in Marlborough will remain unchanged despite an 11th hour bid to get buildings moved further away from homes. Head teacher Patrick Hazlewood and the team of consultants behind the development were grim faced after town
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Canal pub gets music licence
PUBLIC entertainment can go ahead at the Barge Inn at Honeystreet despite some strenuous opposition from neighbours wanting to preserve their rural idyll. After hearing from licensee Adrian Potts, his solicitor Nick Davis and from four objectors, Kennet
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Christmas given a European feel
A GERMAN market could bring a traditional air to yuletide festivities this year. There are plans to increase the number of themed markets to attract more people to the town centre. The Town Centre Management Team needs formal planning permission if it
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Literature festival event goes on air
A TALK given by Mrs Doubtfire author Anne Fine in Swindon was today due for broadcast on Radio 4. A BBC recording crew came to the Arts Centre in Devizes Road on May 13 to record the talk given by the author as part of the Swindon Festival of Literature
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Pregnant mum of seven assaulted neighbour
A MOTHER of seven forced her way into a neighbour's house and punched her in the face, Swindon magistrates heard. Clare Hazle, 32, who is pregnant with her eighth child, was found guilty in her absence when she failed to turn up to a hearing on August
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Secrets of the stars
WHEN Mark Borkowski applied for a job as press and marketing assistant at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre, he made it clear he had no desire to perform on stage. Around 26 years later Mark, 45, now a PR pundit and media mogul in London, has changed his tune
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We don't have a choice
Ref. 29640-15COUNCIL department directors are to be given a stark order to cut their spending or jobs may have to be lost, it is feared. And leader Mike Bawden plans to tell them: don't come back to me with cuts in frontline services. All 8,000 council
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Job concern led to suicide
GAZETTE & HERALD: DEPRESSION sufferer Nicholas Tigwell had concerns over his future an inquest heard last Thursday. Mr Tigwell, 45, was found dead at his Hazel Grove Home in Calne on May 10. His parents had been worried when they had not seen him
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Residents don't take a shine to Somerfield
GAZETTE & HERALD: Residents are angry at the possibility of a new illuminated sign being put up as part of Somerfield's extension plans. Councillors, who were looking to work with the supermarket, are also disappointed with the lack of co-operation
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Some famous hands to tickle the ivories
GAZETTE & HERALD: Internationally renowned pianist Roman Rudnytsky will be performing at a fund-raising concert at St. Mary's Church, Calne, after practising on the church's piano while staying with a friend. The award-winning and virtuoso pianist
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Vexing Volvo violation
TRADERS who arrived to set up their stalls at Devizes market last Thursday were annoyed to find no fewer than five cars parked in the Market Place, despite signs warning them not to. Although three drove off almost immediately, a large brand new silver
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Seasonal swap for twinned teenagers
CHILDREN from Devizes' Finnish twin town of Tornio enjoyed the facilities at Devizes School's Camp Xtra last week, just as local Guides were returning from meeting Father Christmas at his home north of the Arctic Circle. The six pupils and two teachers
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Couple have vintage reason to celebrate
PIESPORTER, Sauternes, Frascati and Littleton Panell? A new vintage, which has been grown, pressed and bottled in a village near Devizes has just been launched on the wine market. The launch of the new wine is a landmark for Paul and Lynn Langham, who
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Death crash a mystery
THE cause of a crash that claimed the lives of devoted couple Graham and Nicola Smith and John Selway will remain a mystery, coroner Richard van Oppen said at the inquest into their deaths. Families of both Mr and Mrs Smith, who lived in Blackberry Lane
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Drink-driver's three-year ban
LABOURER Daniel Bevan has been banned from driving for three years for being three times over the legal drink driving limit. Bevan, of Bailey Close, Devizes, had 105 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath; the legal limit is 35 microgrammes
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Church trio in priest training
THREE members of the congregation at St James' Church in Devizes are to undergo training to become Anglican priests. Gaynor Burrett, Steve Ibbetson and Linda Duckers have been recommended for training, and Mrs Burrett will shortly be leaving St James
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The winning face of a friend
ART student Sarah Cosby from Lockeridge, who has been named International Artist of the Year, had a little bit of help from a family friend. Friend and neighbour Bruce Chivers posed for Sarah, 18, for the painting for the Society For All Artists contest
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Players will make a racket over closure
SQUASH players who use the facilities at Devizes Leisure Centre say it will be the end for their competitive league if one of the courts closes as part of the proposed refurbishment of the building. Up to 70 players take part in the league and they say
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Campaigners' urgent appeal to curb speedsters
BRIAN Minter of Spin Hill, Market Lavington, has hit out at the length of time it is taking to introduce a reduced speed limit on the road. Since the closure of the A360 between Potterne and Littleton Panell more traffic is using the route. On Saturday
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Carnival fortnight kicks off at picnic
DEVIZES Carnival fortnight kicks off this weekend with a family picnic in Hillworth Park. Between midday and 4.30pm on Sunday, there is free music provided on the lawns of the council-run park, including the Jellyroll Boys, a six-piece jazz band who recreate
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Dance display changes views
SARSEN Housing Association isn't all about renting out houses to local people as visitors to a special dance performance in St Peter's Primary School hall in Devizes discovered last week. Sarsen had joined forces with the Participatory Arts Workshop Scheme
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Armed police in hunt for patient
ARMED police raided the quiet hamlet of Seend Cleeve to arrest an escaped mental patient with a history of violence who was hiding in a house in the High Street. Officers equipped with baton guns surrounded the house on Thursday afternoon and the police
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Warm-hearted readers change little boy's life
MUM Amanda Taylor has spoken of her gratitude after Gazette readers donated money to help her two-year-old son Sam, who was diagnosed with autism last year. Sam, of Century Close, Devizes, has made remarkable progress since the money raised by the Give
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OAP roars into seventies
PENSIONER Jeanette Hancock's 70th birthday was a roaring success in more ways than one thanks to her two nieces. They made a dream come true for the Marlborough OAP by organising an outing for her on the back of a Harley- Davidson motorcycle. Mrs Hancock
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Mystery fire leaves farm with a crisis
THE cause of a blaze which severely damaged a farm grain dryer near Marlborough at the weekend remains a mystery. Nearly 30 firefighters attended the blaze at Temple Farm, Rockley. Although the cause is still being investigated it is not thought to be
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Soldiers visit Amber group
ONE of the country's top soldiers Lieutenant General Anthony Palmer visited the Amber Foundation in Savernake Forest this week and praised the work it does. Amber has two Wiltshire centres, one at Tottenham House in Savernake and one in Trowbridge, where
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Cottle scores one for ladies
Sylvia Cottle became the first female to win a Haydon St AS trophy on Sunday, when she won the club's Dace Cup with 5-12-0 from a swim just below the Bridge at Hannington on the River Thames. The river was in perfect condition, with catches made up of
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'Our area is just being neglected'
Ref. 71819-15AN elderly couple from Stratton say the area will die if Post Offices bosses push ahead with plans to close their local branch. Reg and Vera Selway, of Burden Close, have been using Oxford Road post office for more than 30 years. The branch
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Skaters to get £57,000 park
SKATERS are in-line for a new £57,000 park just weeks after the current skatepark opened for business. Last night, councillors approved plans to move Swindon's first official skatepark at the Oasis Leisure Centre to a bigger site nearby. And they admitted
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A future for the past
Ref. 71716-24THE history of a village near Swindon has been preserved for posterity in a museum which has been set up in a former cemetery chapel. On display is a unique collection of photographs, documents and artefacts giving an insight into what life
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Supersonic Concorde is put on show
The last Concorde to fly supersonically before the aircraft was taken out of service has gone on show to the public at a ground-based tribute to the first commercial airliner ever to fly at more than twice the speed of sound. Concorde At Filton, on the
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Festival boost for charities
LOCAL charities are set to benefit from a £4,000 cash-pot. Organisers of The Old Town Festival plan to give all profits to good causes. Neil Butters, chairman, said: "We believe there could have been a record attendance of around 10,000 on the main day
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Trot off to the show
A CHARITY that re-homes former racehorses will open its doors to the public later this month. Greatwood has rescued and rehabilitated more than 70 horses since moving to at Rainscombe Hill Farm, near Marlborough, two years ago and now the animals now
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Wind farm boost
THE CO-OP is investing £100,000 in Watchfield's new wind farm. Bosses at the Oxford, Swindon and Gloucester Co-op decided to back the scheme because it fits in with their cooperative principles. The farm, being built on a disused airfield at Westmill
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Help wanted with fair
The third annual autumn fair and fun run organised by members of Christ Church with St Mary's is being held next month. The fair on September 25 will provide entertainment for the people of Old Town and the money raised will be used by Christ Church to
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Saturday fun for shoppers
THERE will be plenty going on in Wootton Bassett on Saturday afternoons for the next two months. The town's Chamber of Commerce has organised the entertainment for shoppers starting on Saturday and running until October 16. This Saturday's programme,
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Hair today, gone tomorrow
Ref. 71806-09REGULARS at the Rolleston Arms underwent the Kojak treatment for charity. Tessa Easton and Michael Ball raised more than £800 by shedding their locks. It was particularly agonising for Michael, who had spent months growing his flowing mane
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Superheroes and supervillains go to battle
Ref. 71810-05YOUNGSTERS became movie-makers as 12 children morphed into superheroes, villains, or damsels in distress in front of the cameras. The piece of film history saw the youngsters devise a plot and turn themselves into characters in just 20 minutes
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Credit scheme
THE Post Office has announced it will once again offer saving stamps to be bought which can be put towards utility bills, car tax disc etc. Why didn't it team up with credit unions, which offer a similar type of budgeting but actually do pay a dividend
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Cause for fear
RESIDENTS of property adjacent to the now demolished Princess Margaret Hospital were recently complaining about the vast amount of dust created by this work. Perhaps the residents referred to should have a greater depth of concern is asbestos an element
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Tories don't deserve the praise from Frank
I WISH to respond to Frank Avenell's comments about the Borough Council's budget and the Social Services crisis. I suspect Frank of firstly being a Tory and secondly not knowing much about council expenditure. He praises the Tory administration for maintaining
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I would fight our enemies, not offer them support
APPARENTLY I have been labouring under misapprehensions regarding the situation in Iraq. Now I see, of course it's the British and American forces who are destroying the electricity and water supplies, not to mention blowing up the oil pipelines (Iraq's
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Hospital buses are mostly imaginary
THE letter from Labour councillor Kevin Small on August 10 headlined "people should break reliance on the car" has finally convinced me that he really does live in cloud cuckoo land. He tells us that the green transport element to the Great Western Hospital's
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Do join us
May I add to the excellent letter written by Mrs Pauline St John Osland (Gazette, August 12) on the invitation to the many disabled folk in Devizes, that we hope they will join us in the carnival procession on September 4. We shall be at the Green at
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£747 raised
We would like to thank everybody who came along and supported our coffee morning and gave so generously, also to those who could not attend for their donations. The total sum raised was £747, which has gone to the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group. J HANDY
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Watery facts
I enjoy reading Sue Pycroft's Not Waving but Drowning column each week but, though amusing, I thought I would take issue on a couple of points in last week's article. First, nearly all of us in North Wiltshire (in the Wessex Water area anyway), drink
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All in a vowel
I enjoyed the article by Lewis Cowen about the latest arrival of bustards on Salisbury Plain very much and found it most interesting. However, I have to point out that, in fact, bustards have been heard on the Plain much more recently than 170 years ago
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Gap in town
Where does the Kennet District Council planning services manager actually live? Has he ever visited the town or does he work from a screenless laptop in Wonderland? I was appalled to read that he has indicated his unwillingness to allow an NHS dental
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School plan seems to be poorly conceived
The meeting of Marlborough Town Council on Monday evening to consider its objections to the proposed development at St John's, Stedman left me even more convinced the project has been poorly conceived and needs much more objective consideration. I attended
