Archive
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Druids take to the stage
THEATREWHITE Horse Opera's latest production is Norma, Bellini's drama of druids in Roman Gaul. It takes place at Devizes Corn Exchange on October 20 to 23. While Horse Opera's chairman and founder Geraldine Aylmer-Kelly (formerly Lawley) is in the title
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Yesterday is brought back to life
BOOKS: THE year's most anxiously awaited book doesn't fail to deliver. The Beatles Anthology (Weidenfeld) covers ground already featured by countless Fab Four books, their early lives and their spectacular journey into the heart of popular culture but
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The Millennium Mop is celebrated in top style
ALL the fun of the fair at Marlborough's spectacular Millennium Mop on Saturday pulled in the crowds, including MP Michael Ancram. Returning from a week at the Tory party conference, he put the swings and roundabouts of politics in the background for
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On stage
ARC THEATRE, Trowbridge. Box office tel: (01225) 756376 October 13: Miss Julie October 20: My Mother Said I Never Should. October 27: Somebody to Love BATH THEATRE ROYAL,(01225) 448844 Until October 14: Fallen Angels October 12-14: God's Official October
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Sassy mum legs it to top in fight for justice
VIDEO: FORGET Ally McBeal, if you want a sassy legal babe who doesn't look in need of a decent meal look no further than Erin Brockovich (15). Julia Roberts is magnificently feisty as the single mum driven by ambition, pride and a sense of injustice to
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Christmas Carnival will be best so far
Community groups will have the chance to share the limelight with professional performers at this year's Christmas Parade, which has been renamed the Christmas Carnival. Sponsorship totalling £10,000 is sure to make this year's event one of the best ever
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Backing his skills to reduce sickness
Self-employed builder Ray Butler faced the bleak prospect of giving up work when the back pain that had been troubling him for years grew steadily worse. But thanks to expert treatment at the hands of chiropractor Mark Blokland, he is looking forward
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Award means TWIGS can branch out
Twigs, the Swindon horticultural therapy project, was today due to celebrate the building of a new wildlife pond and wetland area. The project has been funded by Transco, the gas pipeline and emergency service company. TWIGS received £2,810 from the Transco
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Diamond days for city parish
ST FRANCIS Church celebrated a birthday double with events to mark the 60th anniversary of one of Salisbury's most distinctive buildings and 70 years since the parish was established. The special weekend included a party, complete with birthday cake,
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New blood for football team
Budding Beckhams have been queuing up to join a Swindon five-a-side football team following appeals for players in the Evening Advertiser. Croft Under-7s manager Becky Gammon was worried at the end of last season because departing players would leave
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Welcome for change in cancer services
Plans to improve cancer services over the next ten years have welcomed by health bosses in Wilts-hire. But the county has already implemented many of the developments highlighted in the report, which was issued by the Secretary of the State for Health
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New era for a family firm
LEISURE facilities are to replace a 100-year-old Bishopstone watercress business. Norman Barter, who has lived in the village all his life, has been given the go-ahead to turn the beds beside Bridge Road into brown trout lakes. The business has been in
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End of the line for bakery
Workers at cake company R&K Wise remained tight lipped yesterday, following the announcement that 540 of them would lose their jobs. Some employees said they had been told not to speak to the Press, others simply did not wish to comment. The Evening
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Yobs test village tolerance
YOUNG vandals have been striking with alarming regularity in Alderbury. Their main target has been the toddlers' playground, which has suffered numerous attacks and acts of graffiti during the past month. The fire brigade had to be called out after yobs
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Open access for everyone
A NEW neighbourhood centre for the people of Bemerton Heath has been unveiled To celebrate the big opening a party was thrown with dozens of residents on hand to check out the new facilities. Cllr Beryl Jay, chairman of Salisbury District Council, cut
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NPI Cup 2nd Round - Salisbury bow out
BRIDGEWATER 46, SALISBURY 5: The score, plus the fact that Bridgwater are two leagues higher, gives the impression of a pre-determined rout. But that was far from the truth, as any of the 30 or so Salisbury supporters who made the 160-mile round trip
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Sacking leaves cleaner with a serious headache
A SALISBURY man has been sacked from his cleaning job at a New Forest holiday centre after helping himself to headache tablets to ease a blinding migraine. Steve Carlson, who worked as a site cleaner at Sandy Balls Holiday Centre at Godshill, says he
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Natasha's £1m key to a brighter future
A SALISBURY woman, who suffered brain damage in a car crash when she was ten years old, has hailed a £1m court settlement as the key to a new life of independence. Natasha Turner (22), of Winding Way, Bemerton Heath, was left in need of lifelong care
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Robertson impresses in striking a new role
MARK Robertson fired his first goal for Town yesterday (Wednesday, October 11) to earn the reserves a 1-1 draw at Colchester. The Australian was deployed in a forward role for the match and did not disappoint watching manager Colin Todd. It was also a
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Thanks for note
I WOULD just like to say thank you to the kind people who left a note in my car in Waitrose car park on Sunday about my open window and escaped dog. Dog safe, car safe, contents safe, I am most grateful. MURIEL CLARK St John's Close Marlborough
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Join us in our fight against the euro
The people of Denmark have said "no" to the euro. This is not only good for Denmark but, as many of your readers will agree, a shot in the arm for all those in the UK and Europe who oppose the surrender of their own independence and democracy. But it
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Don't build on priceless land
I wish the gentleman from Covingham (Letters, September 28) had joined us on the Front Garden picnic last month. Then he could have seen for himself what this countryside means to a vast proportion of the town's population who walk and run here every
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Success flagged up
MAY I take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported the Flag Week in aid of the Friends of Savernake Hospital in September. They raised the sum of £3,278 a splendid achievement. It is of considerable encouragement to the committee, and will enable
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A harvest of cash
THE Ivy Inn held its annual harvest festival on Sunday October 1 at 7.30pm. A packed pub had a service conducted by Rev Peter Gaunt, followed by an auction of harvest produce and an auction of promises. The auction was done by Pat Murphy of Dreweatt and
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End witch hunt
AM I the only one to be disturbed by your weekly pillorying of a local tradesman because he cashed in on a trading opportunity during the petrol crisis? I, too, think his actions were unworthy and made up my own mind whether or not I would deal with his
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Our Millennium wall deserved more words
I WAS deeply disappointed to see that the opening of Chippenham's Millennium Wall only merited half a page of last week's Gazette and Herald. This was an imaginative and unique structure. The majority of people in Chippenham have been involved in some
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Band get noticed by some top names
A Swindon trio has grabbed the attention of some of the top people in the music business. Nubium, while made up of experienced musicians, are a new band on the music scene who have already won the backing of Roger Bolton, from Avebury Studios. Roger played
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Clubs
Thursday, October 12:Pinehurst Neighbourhood Thrift Shop is open from 10am to 2pm (01793) 537230. Thamesdown Junior Chess Club meets at Commonweal School at 6.45pm (term time only). (01793) 813725. AL-ANON meeting for family and friends of problem drinkers
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DJ nights
Thursday, October 12:DJ Shaun plays at Jacksons, Shaw Ridge, from 5-1am. Free. Results present club club classics, chart, dance and party tunes at Po Na Na, Theatre Square. Swindon, from 9.30pm to 2am. Tickets from £2. Party night with DJ Cheezie Dom
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Musicians get upfront and personal
The feel-good factor is high on the list of priorities for Swindon band Mary Stares. Having fun while performing and letting the audience see the funny and friendly side of the musicians is a must. "We are all friends and work together as a unit,'' said
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Pub shells out for good eggs
FOUR intrepid men tackled a dish of pickled eggs down at their local pub in Chippenham at the weekend. But the eggs-traordinary menu was all in a good cause. It was part of a special pub competition to raise money for Lydia's Oasis of Hope appeal. The
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A dreadful error
WILTSHIRE Health Authority must take urgent steps to avoid a repeat of the blunder that ended with five-year-old Rose White was given a meningitis vaccination against her mother's wishes. Her mum Aimi, of Neston, had filled in a form clearly stating her
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MPs support no tolerance on drugs
NORTH wiltshire MP James Gray and Tory party chairman, Devizes MP Michael Ancram both say they have never smoked cannabis. Their declaration comes in the wake of a speech by Ann Widdecombe at the Conservative party conference when she proposed zero tolerance
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Bus in running for Oscar
THE Wigglybus, the innovative Pewsey Vale bus service that is providing a vital link for villagers, has been nominated for a national award in the transport equivalent of the Oscars. It has made it to a shortlist of four in the Bus in the Countryside
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Bingo
Thursday, October 12:Bingo is at the Catholic church hall, Wootton Bassett, from 7.15pm. Bingo at Park South Community Centre, 7pm. Admission 50p. (01793) 495350. Friday, October 13:Penhill Community Association Bingo is at Community Centre, Chippenham
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Events
Friday, October 13:Howard Godfrey will talk on energy and dreams to the Pegasus Foundation. Highworth Morning WI is holding their Pudding Extravaganza at The Rec Centre, The Elms, Highworth 7.30pm. A choice of at least three puddings. Live music, fun
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Theatre
Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon: Thursday, October 12 Can't Pay Won't Pay by Dario Fo is presented by OTTC (Old Town Theatre Company) at 7.30pm. Tickets: £5. Ends Saturday, October 14. Sunday, October 15 Swindon Recital Series with Andrea
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Colin is in good company as he misses out on the World Cup
SWINDON boss Colin Todd has been included among a team of the greatest ever players never to have played in a World Cup. The feature, inside this month's Match of the Day magazine, looks at the best British players who did not grace the world's top stage
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Bottler Kev has let his country down
I WAS so disgusted with England's performance against Germany that I turned off the TV before the final whistle and decided to avoid the news highlights all evening. The feeling of bitterness running through my blood was enough to give my doctor a heart-attack
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Protesting fans plan to tune out
CAMPAIGNERS who are fighting to keep BBC local radio presenter Shirley Ludford on air have pledged to switch off their radios when her last show finishes. "Well over 1,000 people have signed our petition calling on the Swindon station manager Vernon Harwood
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Engineer set for mission in Serbia
MILDENHALL parish councillor Nigel Thompson has received a top industry award for his work in helping plan the reconstruction of war-torn Kosovo. He is now waiting to hear about a new mission in Serbia and Montenegro. The father of three, of Grove Farm
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Lone lord of the dance a class act
A FICTIONAL Ballet dancer who is delighting filmgoers has a real-life counterpart in Devizes. The recently-released Billy Elliot looks destined to join a elite band of British films to achieve worldwide success along with Chariots of Fire, Four Weddings
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Crisis looms as more hospital beds blocked
WILTSHIRE'S Social Services director Ray Jones has hit back at claims that bed blocking in the county's hospitals is due to a cut in spending. The number of beds blocked, when patients who could have been discharged are kept in hospital, is higher than
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A swig of water costs driver £40
ACCOUNTS clerk Linda Smart, who defiantly refused to pay a £20 fixed penalty ticket after being stopped by police for swigging water from a bottle while driving, has been found guilty of not being in control of her car. North Wiltshire Magistrates sitting
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Family's grief over death of young mum
THE family of young mum Gill Barter have spoken of their sorrow after the 27-year-old was found dead at her Market Lavington. Family and friends of Miss Barter, who had a two-year-old daughter Megan, told of their shock at her death and say she will be
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See master's work
SCULPTURE enthusiasts have this week been taking advantage of the last chance to see the work of the late Sean Crampton at his home in Rookery Farmhouse. Mr Crampton, who died last year, aged 81, was famous for his work all over the world. His pieces
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Vicar to move parishes
ROBIN Cardwell is to leave Derry Hill after a decade as vicar to start a new job and get married. For the past ten years Rev Cardwell, 53, has served the parishes of Derry Hill, Foxham and Bremhill and feels it is time for a change. He has just been appointed
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Mining firm can rock on
A MINERALS extraction company has been given permission to carry on digging for the next 42 years. Calne town councillors said the limit should be 25 years but county councillors agreed on the longer time. Tarmac Heavy Building Materials has been quarrying
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Councillors move on new skateboard park
COUNCILLORS have answered young people's wishes by pledging at least £40,000 for a new skate park and pushing ahead with a new drop-in centre. The project to relocate Calne's skate park is well under way, with at least half the funding already secured
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Dancing in the spotlight
DANCERS of all ages performed to packed audiences at the weekend in the biggest music and dance concert ever staged in Minety. The concert, called Minety Dance in the Spotlight, featured 96 pupils from Minety Dance School, which was set up last April
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Car spurs 20p grand spree
WOOTTON Bassett School assembly hall buzzed with excitement last week when a Formula One racing car parked up for the day. Pupils paid 20p to take a closer look at the car, a gleaming blue B199 which competed all over the world last year but is now simply
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Beginners find the key to computer mysteries
A COMPUTER course for beginners is proving hugely popular with students across the age ranges only weeks after being launched in Wootton Bassett. The free basic 120 hour beginners' course is being run at Swindon College's new first floor learning centre
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Festival idea for twinning
A SERIES of festivals is to be organised by Wootton Bassett Town Council to boost the town's image and to foster economic prosperity. The decision, which will need to be sanctioned by North Wiltshire District Council, hinges on funding being available
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Exhibition will reveal plans for hospital
PLANS for the redevelopment of the former Princess Alexandra Hospital go on display this week. London-based developer Dukeminster is staging an exhibition at the former hospital site at Wroughton from 11am to 4pm on Saturday. A spokesman for the developer
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Trousers wear charity begins
HEAD teacher Anne Glenton and many of her pupils wore jeans for an unusual harvest festival celebration at Longleaze School, Wootton Bassett, to mark Jeans for Genes Day. A token basket of produce was presented, and charity donations were offered instead
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Cleaning up for charity
MALMESBURY'S skies were full of balloons on Friday October 6 when school children and workers at the Dyson vacuum cleaner factory took part in a fun day to raise funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation. James Dyson, 56, millionaire inventor of the
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Cash to help restore forest
LANDOWNERS in Braydon Forest have been invited by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to apply for financial aid to help restore the ancient woodland. The trust's project officer, Paul Darby, said the forest scheme would receive more than £625,000 in the next five
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Clean-up operation brings back river life
TROUT are once again flourishing in the Sherston Avon thanks to a £20,000 partnership between the Environment Agency, an Easton Gray landowner and local anglers. Environment Agency fisheries officer Martin Frayling said old mill sluice gates downstream
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Improved services for home for the elderly
THE Order of St John Trust has promised to provide better services and brighter surroundings for elderly residents at Malmesbury's Burnham House. The non-profit making trust took over the management of Burnham House from Wiltshire County Council on October
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Call for Internet cafe for bored youngsters
THE lack of youth facilities in Malmesbury was highlighted last week following reports that groups of bored teenagers hanging around the town were causing concern. Both residents and town councillors said they were increasingly perturbed by groups of
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Cleaning up for charity
MALMESBURY'S skies were full of balloons on Friday October 6 when school children and workers at the Dyson vacuum cleaner factory took part in a fun day to raise funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation. James Dyson, 56, millionaire inventor of the
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Hostages held in armed siege
GARDEN centre boss Dick Andrews gave up the chance to walk free from a gun siege to stay with a fellow hostage. Mr Andrews and co-worker Carolyn Cracknell were held at gunpoint at Woodborough Garden Centre on Friday October 6. It has emerged that Mr Andrews
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Cup hero a candidate to turn club round
DON Rogers, the man who led Swindon Town to glory in the 1969 League Cup final, is being tipped as a successor for Pewsey soccer club manager Steve Wootton, who is standing down. Pewsey Vale's committee will be interviewing two candidates for the manager's
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Bonkers day is a smash hit
REGULARS at the Golden Swan in Wilcot took part in the pub's Conker Bonkers contest and raised £100 for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. It was the fourth annual contest and June Weeks, who runs the pub with her husband Terry, said it attracted one of the
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Mum to take a leap of faith
CHIPPENHAM mum Catherine Thatcher, 53, will be jumping off the top of Salisbury College to raise money for the Red Cross. Mrs Thatcher, of Ashfield Road, will abseil from the 70 foot high building on Saturday at 11.30pm. She has never abseiled before
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Shadow minister visits town
SHADOW agriculture minister Tim Yeo will be talking to farmers at Chippenham Market tomorrow. Mr Yeo will arrive at 11.30am for a tour of the livestock market, when he will speak with farmers about the issues affecting their livelihoods. At 12.30pm he
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Reward offer as 6ft rocket zooms away
A REWARD is being offered to anyone who spots a missing six foot rocket which shot thousands of feet into the air at Yatesbury and vanished. The two-inch wide, bright orange rocket with fluorescent pink parachutes, was launched three weeks ago by Steve
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Dealer admits to supplying heroin
DRUG dealer William Douglas, who was arrested after a high speed car chase through the town, admitted supplying heroin to people in Chippenham regularly, a court heard. Douglas, 27, of Ridings Mead, pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with intent to
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Crowds flock to see Harry's Hammers turn out for Geoff
The rain failed to spoil Geoff Butler's parade as more than 2,000 people defied the Monday night deluge to show their support for the long-serving Salisbury City boss. His old friend and former playing colleague Harry Redknapp brought a star-studded West
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Family's grief over death of young mum
THE family of young mum Gill Barter have spoken of their sorrow after the 27-year-old was found dead at her home in Market Lavington. Family and friends of Miss Barter, who had a two-year-old daughter Megan, told of their shock at her death and say she
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Chiefs pay tribute to the fuel scale heroes
WILTSHIRE health chiefs have paid tribute to the stalwart band of business people, emergency services personnel and local authority officers who kept the NHS on the road during the recent fuel crisis. Some 36 garage owners, police officers, health professionals
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Fairford march on
Fairford Town registered their sixth win in nine games when they defeated Yate Town 2-1 at Cinder Lane last night (Wednesday, October 11). Two goals from Gareth Davies put the home side in the driving seat, Yate replying with a goal two minutes from the
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Dynamic duo sing for kids
A YOUNG singing duo will headline a concert in aid of Children in Need at Devizes Town Hall next month. Victoria Morris and Laura Harris, both 15, and collectively known as Topaz, have been singing together since March. They have already recorded their
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Residents' opposition to recycling centre plan
MORE than 150 residents of Hamilton Drive and Ferozeshah Road, Devizes, attended a public meeting on Monday to vent their fury over plans for a recycling centre near to their homes on Wiltshire County Council's Horton Road depot. They claimed the centre
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Police on trail of Robo thieves
POLICE are seeking thieves who stole eight electronic Furby-like toys from under the gaze of security cameras at a Devizes store. Staff at Woolworth's in The Brittox found that eight Robo Nagi toys, worth a total of £240, had been taken from a shelf in
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Family's grief over death of young mum
THE family of young mum Gill Barter have spoken of their sorrow after the 27-year-old was found dead at her Market Lavington. Family and friends of Miss Barter, who had a two-year-old daughter Megan, told of their shock at her death and say she will be
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Man dies in train accident
A man died under the wheels of a train as it headed for Swindon. The unidentified victim was hit by the 7.35am Carmarthen-Paddington service. British Transport Police have launched an investigation and an inquest is expected. No other details of the victim
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Drive for new workers
Honda today launched a major recruitment drive for 500 production operators. The new workers will join the expanding manufacturing operations at the company's South Marston plant where it already employs more than 3,000 people. The news come a day after
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Garage puts hospice on more successful road
The Prospect Hospice has taken delivery of a new van which will help boost returns from its five charity shops. The Volkswagen has been sold to the charity at a reduced price by Wantage-based Ridgeway Garage, which is also offering free servicing for
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Prehistory inspires poem
DEVIZES School pupils were encouraged to think like people living in the area 5,000 years ago when they met poet Rose Flint at Wiltshire Heritage Museum in Long Street last week. She is on a 20-day residency at the museum, funded by Southern Arts, and
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Headteacher job confirmed
JACQUI Monckton has been confirmed as the new headteacher at Dauntsey's Aided Primary School in West Lavington. Mrs Monckton, formerly headteacher at Shrewton Primary School, was appointed acting head on the resignation of Philip Sampey, following a highly
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More TV slots for town pop group
Since their appearance on HTV Swindon band Anish have been invited back for an update on camera. The TV programme 2Bdiscovered was broadcast six weeks ago, featuring the pop rock band who are currently recording an album. The second slice of TV for the
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Sport and hobbies
Thursday, October 12:50+ Young At Heart gentle exercise to music is at the Hydro, Milton road, 10am to 11am, 11am to noon. (01793) 465630. 50+ Young At Heart Women's Floor Exercises 9.30am to 10.30am. Heath Hydro. (01793) 465630. Climbing Wall new activity
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Disco and karaoke
Thursday, October 12:OTT Karaoke is at The Havana Bar/ Cafe, Fleming Way, Swindon. Free. Karaoke and Italian pasta is at The Eagle Tavern, Little Coxwell, near Faringdon. Free. Karaoke with F1 Sounds is at Bar Havana, Bishop's walk, Cirencester. 7.30pm
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Take a trip down the melody lane
A Swindon theatre is throwing open its the door to one of the more popular musicals and it is guaranteed to have the crowd dancing in the aisles. That'll Be The Day the 20th century musical is presented at the Wyvern Theatre until Saturday. The show takes
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New look at playing fields
PLAYING field campaigners in Chippenham are celebrating a victory in establishing the extent of the town's playing field shortfall. A storm of controversy greeted a playing pitch strategy commissioned by North Wiltshire District Council from consultants
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Not enough
COLIN Todd does not believe Swindon are good enough to win promotion this season. He says the necessary financial clout to build a squad capable of a swift return to Division One has not been at his disposal. However, Todd told Sky Sports pundit Jimmy
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Jargon hides a serious problem
BED blocking may not sound like a sexy subject when it comes to talking about the challenges facing our county's Social Services department but it is a very real problem. Indeed this piece of jargon hides a danger, if residential care home owners, are
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Musical treat
THE Emerald Ensemble, which is made up of the country's finest young musicians will be performing at Wootton Bassett School on October 20 at 7.30pm. The concert will feature Vivaldi's Autumn and Winter from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi's Sopranina Recorder
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Year goes full circle
NEW calendar shows spectacular array of best crop formations Some of the complex crop formations which have appeared across the Wiltshire countryside this year will be staring down from walls all over the world from January. It is the fifth year that
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Inquest jury told of widow's heartache
SUICIDAL widow Gillian Sweet killed herself at Green Lane Hospital in Devizes, despite being placed under observations every five minutes, an inquest heard. Mrs Sweet, 44, of Westcroft, Chippenham, was found unconscious with a bin bag tied over her head
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Dance
Thursday, October 12:Boyd School of Dancing Advanced 6pm to 8pm. 91a Morris Street, Rodbourne. (017930 487500. Ballroom and popular sequence dancing is every Thursday to live music and occasionally CDs at the Gorse Hill Workingmen's Club from 8pm to 11pm
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Problem schools inquiry ordered
AN inquiry has begun into why the number of Wiltshire schools with problems is increasing. County councillors have asked chief education officer Bob Wolfson to produce a report for a meeting on October 26. They are concerned that the number of schools
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Children looking for a caring new home Adoption to fall into line
PEOPLE are needed by Wiltshire Social Services to adopt and provide new homes for 23 youngsters. All the children are over five, and ten are over the age of 11. They also include siblings. This week is National Adoption Week and Social Services staff
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Jockey's baby joy aids injury fight
INJURED jockey Tim Sprake's fight back to fitness after a devastating head injury has been aided by the news his wife Debbie is expecting their third child in the New Year. Mr Sprake, 33, received what at first was believed to be a straightforward concussion
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Call for a hospital and more surgeries
A HOSPITAL, restaurants and improved leisure facilities are among the things the people of Calne would like to see in their town. Town councillors last week considered the results of a two-year community consultation excercise which encouraged residents
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Preparing for historic show
CALNE Silver Band is celebrating three quarters of a century of musical history this month. The band, which has nearly 30 members, is a real family affair with five married couples and several father and son duos. Conductor Keith Webb, 44, of Heron Close
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On the hunt for bargains
BARGAIN hunters can take their pick of other people's unwanted goods at Calne's second clearout day this month. Residents are being encouraged to take along redundant furniture, household goods and anything they no longer need to one of three collection
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A swig of water costs driver £40
ACCOUNTS clerk Linda Smart, who defiantly refused to pay a £20 fixed penalty ticket after being stopped by police for swigging water from a bottle while driving, has been found guilty of not being in control of her car. North Wiltshire Magistrates sitting
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Bid to give toddler a better chance of life
A DAUNTSEY mother is hoping to raise thousands of pounds to fund medical research which could cure her two-year-old daughter of a potentially deadly genetic disorder. Becky Hazell, 33, of Dauntsey Gardens, is appealing to villagers to help raise the money
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Mayor sports pink T-shirt
MAYOR Catherine Doody launched Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Malmesbury on Friday. Coun Doody wore a pink T-shirt and cut a pink ribbon at The Cancer Research Shop in the High Street, to mark the start of the charity's national Get in the Pink campaign
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Window on Wootton Bassett
Camera Club Transparencies and prints in black and white and colour featured in Wootton Bassett Camera Club's open competition at the Civic Centre on Wednesday. The judge, John Brady from Calne Woodlands Camera Club, was thanked by the president Steve
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Gardeners rewarded
THE gardeners who took part in Wootton Bassett in Bloom 2000 were congratulated at an awards evening in the Woodshaw Inn last week. The contest was organised by Conservative Association chairman Chris Wannell and his wife Audrey and the judges included
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Smashing time comes to end
THE sound of smashing glass should no longer rob Wroughton residents of their peace and quiet. People in Spencers Orchard claim they have suffered months of misery because of a recycling scheme in the village. The recycling centre is in the Ellendune
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MPs support no tolerance on drugs
NORTH wiltshire MP James Gray and Tory party chairman, Devizes MP Michael Ancram both say they have never smoked cannabis. Their declaration comes in the wake of a speech by Ann Widdecombe at the Conservative party conference when she proposed zero tolerance
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Families driven out by cost of housing
A shortage of affordable housing could drive more than 500 families out of North Wiltshire, a new survey has discovered. North Wiltshire District Council commissioned the survey by David Couttie Associates to check out the need for new homes. More than
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Rotary forges African link
MEMBERS of Malmesbury and Tetbury Rotary Club are flying out today to present football strips to youngsters in South Africa. Spokesman Ray Sanderson said the strips were a gift from Malmesbury's youth football club to the under-10 football team in the
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Logo could boost local produce
TRADERS in Malmesbury and the surrounding villages are to be canvassed for their views on proposals to boost trade with a logo for local produce. North Wiltshire District Council's Malmesbury area committee approved the scheme in principle on Tuesday,
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Just bonkers for conkers
THERE was fierce competition but also plenty of laughter when Seagry Primary School held a village conker championship on Saturday. Teacher Alex Mitchell said the school has organised the traditional autumn contest for the past ten years as a joint social
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Bid to give the town hall and museum a new look
MAJOR changes could be in the pipeline for Malmesbury's town council offices and tourist information centre if North Wiltshire District Council agrees a plan to re-vamp the town hall. Both offices would be moved from the side of the town hall in Market
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Firefighters scale heights
FOUR Pewsey and Marlborough fire fighters have scaled the three highest peaks in Britain and raised more than £2,600 in sponsorship for meningitis research. On Friday at Pewsey Fire Station, father and son Mervyn and Jason Hampshire from Pewsey, Ernie
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Boy attacked homes in anger
A TEENAGER who was frustrated at constantly having to move home because of his father's Army service vented his feelings by smashing windows in empty MoD houses in Tidworth. The 14-year-old who lives in a village near Pewsey, appeared before the South
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Village unites in fight to get compensation
HUNDREDS of families in Aldbourne are being urged to join a mass lobby to persuade British Gas to pay out compensation to those who were left without power for three days during one of last winter's coldest periods. After seven months without any offer
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Past glories
BUDDING historians in the Marlborough area will have the opportunity of getting expert help at a Let's Find Out session being held in the Library. The session is taking place in Marlborough Library in the High Street next Wednesday between 2pm and 4pm
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Bus service can take bow
THE Wigglybus, the innovative Pewsey Vale bus service that provides a vital link for villagers, has been nominated for a national award in the transport equivalent of the Oscars. It has made it to a shortlist of four in the Bus in the Countryside Award
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Bus in running for Oscar
THE Wigglybus, the innovative Pewsey Vale bus service that is providing a vital link for villagers, has been nominated for a national award in the transport equivalent of the Oscars. It has made it to a shortlist of four in the Bus in the Countryside
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Town centre housing plan worries council
A BATTLE over plans for Chippenham town centre has broken out following the unveiling of new plans for the Flowers site. The four-acre site, formerly a scrap merchant's yard, is the subject of a new outline planning application by owners the Flowers family
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Talented pair in versed place
POETRY is a family affair in the Moore household, with sisters Beatrice and Rachel each scooping a top prize in the Wiltshire Libraries' Poetry Competition. Beatrice, seven, of Oak Road, Chippenham, won the four to six year age group with a poem called
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New plan to reduce speed on busy road
SPEEDING motorists in Hungerdown Lane, Chippenham, could soon face a barrage of traffic-calming measures expected to cost more than £200,000. Last year, World War II hero Kasparus Mos was killed by a speeding motorcycle when he tried to cross the road
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Mother's anger over vaccination blunder
HEALTH chiefs launched an inquiry after five-year-old Rose White was given a meningitis vaccination at school against her mother's wishes. Single parent Aimi White, of Westwells, Neston, was so worried about possible side effects from the new vaccine
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Cheers to Bourbon Street
A CORNER of old-time New Orleans has opened up in Chippenham. Peter Beckenham, a director of the town's Budds nightclub, so fell in love with the famous American city he decided to bring it home with him. Now the former design draftsman has conjured up
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Highworth
Council grants To ensure the fair distribution of the limited amount of grant money available, the Highworth Town Council considers all requests for grant aid during November each year. Local organisations, clubs, societies and other groups that wish
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New league of five-a-side to be set up at Pinehurst
A NEW league of five-a-side football is starting soon in the Swindon area on Sunday evenings. The leagues are to be organised and run by Leisure Leagues, an organisation specialising in running sporting leagues across the UK and will run in association
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Drama treats for villages
VILLAGE organisations in Kennet have been invited to meetings at the Castle Hotel, Devizes next week to find out what visiting arts events are available. Rural Arts Wiltshire, set up by the county's four district councils, is providing touring professional
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Landlord determined to close village pub
THE village of Erlestoke is set to lose its only pub because landlord Ian Hutcheon wants to convert it to a house. Mr Hutcheon and his wife Helena, who have owned and run the George and Dragon Inn in the High Street for the last 15 years, have been trying
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Double glazing salesman in assault on boy
A BOY of 15 told police he was beaten up after he threw water over a double glazing salesman. PC Mike Owen, of Devizes police, said the attack happened when two salesmen, who had been calling on houses in Jump Farm, visited a house in Brickham Road between
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Brother's shock after vandals steal wreaths
FLORAL tributes to 31-year-old Peter Scarff, who is believed to have died in a car fire two weeks ago, have been stolen or torn apart by vandals. His family have condemned as mindless thugs the vandals who took the wreaths and cards and ripped apart bouquets
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It's chips with everything as pets go hi-tec
Animal lovers were able to convert Tiddles and Rex into cyber-pets in a microchipping day organised by the Swindon and District Support Group of the RSPCA. It is the third time the group has organised the scheme which provides a quick and easy way of
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Aeroplane was badly loaded
An inquest jury has returned a verdict of accidental death after a Swindon co-pilot and his colleague were killed attempting to land their badly loaded cargo plane. First officer Ian Rhodes, 41, of Sparcells, Swindon, and pilot Martin Bulgin, 36, were
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Silence is golden for bottle bank neighbours
The sound of smashing glass should no longer rob Wroughton residents of a good night's sleep. Those living in Spencers Orchard claim they have suffered months of misery at the expense of those using a recycling scheme in the village. But now Swindon Borough
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Doctor is a scapegoat, says cancer patient
A patient who was misdiagnosed by Dr James Elwood told an inquiry into serious medical errors made by the doctor at Princess Margaret Hospital that he was being made a scapegoat. Louise Jenkinson from Broad Town, who was given the all-clear for cervical
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Sad catalogue of road chaos
Accidents, congestion, queueing and a community cut off have been highlighted in a survey of an infamous road. The A419 between Blunsdon and the M4 has been the site of more than 200 accidents involving injury or death in the past few years alone. Earlier
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Vision for the future
This is the £350 million vision intended to transform Swindon into a world-class European city. A huge team comprising the country's top planners and designers have spent nearly a year drawing up a £97,000 30-year study, commissioned by Swindon Council
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A record-breaking session
Some excellent fish have come to landing nets over the last few days including carp, chub, roach and a superb 3lb-plus perch. And, at Witherington Farm Fishery a new match record was set on Saturday, October 7, with a massive 124lb 3oz haul of carp. At
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Twirling for England place
TEN members of the Devizes' Apollo Majorettes could be marching for England if they are successful in a national competition at the end of the month. Five pre-teens and five junior members of the group will attend the national pom-pom championships, organised
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Inquest jury told of widow's heartache
SUICIDAL widow Gillian Sweet killed herself at Green Lane Hospital in Devizes, despite being placed under observations every five minutes, an inquest heard. Mrs Sweet, 44, of Westcroft, Chippenham, was found unconscious with a bin bag tied over her head
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Baroque in Bath
GEMS of the baroque repertoire are on the programme this weekend, when Bath Baroque gives an autumn concert at the Guildhall, Bath. The concert opens with a perennial audience favourite: Winter, from The Four Seasons, by Vivaldi, performed on authentic
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Exhibitions
BATH Hotbath Gallery, Tel: (01225) 328673 Until November 8: 50 years of painting and sculpture in Pakistan Until November 8: An exploration of identity through Northern Landscape. BRISTOL Museum and Art Gallery, Tel: (0117) 9223571 From October 16: Dragons
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Gig guide
Thursday, October 12:Local bands Nubium and Toi Machine: The Victoria, Victoria Road, Swindon. The Pecadilos: The Moles Club, Bath. Swanston: The Porter Cellar Bar, George Street, Bath Jamm Budds, tribute to the Jam: 2000 Club, Chippenham. Friday, October
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Cosy pub is just the place for romantics
EATING OUT: TO celebrate my mum's birthday the task was set to find a place to eat in Wootton Bassett that was both in walking distance from my parents' house and fairly reasonable in price. As Wootton Bassett hosts at least a dozen pubs, this was not
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Portrait is taken in raid
AN oil painting of an ancestor, together with silver and porcelain were taken by burglars from a house in Scholards Lane, Ramsbury, last week. The value of the stolen antiques has not been revealed. Owner James Brooks said the painting is a much treasured
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What's on
Thursday, October 12:Bromham: Bromham Pre-school AGM at Bromham Social Centre, 7.30pm. Calne: Every Thursday, The Strand Club, over-50s tea dance, 1.30-4pm, town hall, £1.50; Every Thursday and Monday, 2189 (Calne) Squadron of Air Training Corps ages
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New cancer forum set up
A CANCER forum is being launched in Marlborough to help sufferers, those who care for them, or people who just want to know more about the disease. The inaugural meeting will be held next Thursday at 7pm at the Marlborough Natural Health Centre in Kingsbury
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Be happy and get better more quickly
Theatre sister Kate Hiscock, 54, is one of the longest serving nurses at Princess Margaret Hospital. She joined the hospital in 1972, after working as a psychiatric nurse at Pewsey Hospital and then as a general nurse at Charing Cross Hospital. "There
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Pups left to starve and die
TWO ten-week-old Jack Russell puppies starved to death in an empty house in Bishopdown Road, Salisbury. Salisbury magistrates heard that the puppies were left alone in the locked house for a week. They had been boarded into an area of the kitchen and
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Staff who adopt will get extra paid leave
Extra paid leave is to be provided for county council staff in Wiltshire if they decide to adopt a child. A new scheme similar to the maternity leave provision is being prepared by the authority, coinciding with National Adoption Week this week. Under
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Who said walkies, Bingo
BINGO, the Cairn terrier whose number was nearly up in a road accident, has bounced back to health and earned £100 on a sponsored walk - by mistake. The cheeky dog joined a party of 600 walkers raising money for a cancer charity as they passed through
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Let us play
Young Christians took part in a day of work and worship at the third Swindolympic Challenge. The sports event brought together 90 teenagers from all over the Bristol Diocese, to compete with each other in a variety of sports at the Dorcan Leisure Centre
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Not enough
COLIN Todd does not believe Swindon are good enough to win promotion this season. He says the necessary financial clout to build a squad capable of a swift return to Division One has not been at his disposal. However, Todd told Sky Sports pundit Jimmy
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Political comedy
"IF you forget the Tory past you deserve the Tory future," an apt warning from Tony Blair. Michael Ancram, Devizes MP and Chairman of the Conservative Party can hardly have been happy with the Tory Conference which showed the Tories to be as split and
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Italian lesson
I AM afraid that the letter headed "learn a lesson from car mad Europe" was not explicit enough as no reason was given why Italy, with the highest car ownershiop and the lowest car journeys was so. Having lived in Italy for ten years the reason is simple
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Thanks for help
Can we thank a very kind gentleman who lives in London Road in Chippenham for taking my husband and myself over to St Mary's School for the Eddie Cochran Memorial Service as we were there for the weekend festival. My husband and I found we were on the
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Taste of sweet life
RE: Labour Pains letters page October 5. Oh dear, your correspondent is indeed to be pitied, indigestion, headache, probably nausea as well apparently all down to "the floundering government." Staying with the metaphorical spin, could this all be due
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Boatloads of cash
Boatloads of cash ON September 30 the Chippenham Branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution held its annual flag day in Chippenham High Street. I wish to thank all the generous people whose donations, amounted £697.64. This figure, coupled with
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Rockin' good fun
A sincere thank you to everyone who contributed to the great success of the Eddie Cochran Rock 'n' Roll festival in Chippenham. Special mention must go to organisers John and Sheila Knight, Stuart Harvey and Peter Jamieson, members of the enthusiastic
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Drains delight
FURTHER to the report in the Gazette on August 17, I was pleased to notice the drains in George Lane being cleared in the first week of October. Let's hope this reduces surface water during heavy downfalls. DEREK PINCHEN George Lane Marlborough
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Reunion success
ON behalf of the organising committee may I thank everyone who was in any way connected with or attended, the Marlborough Schools Reunion on September 30. The afternoon started with a session of bell ringing by a team comprised of ex-teachers and old
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Wedded to politics
EVERY mainstream political party is, inevitably, itself a coalition. Although, as a Liberal and Liberal Democrat "activist" for 40 years, I'm constantly gratified to find how unified we are on nearly all the big issues, even with us there are exceptions
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Truth about new area planning committes
WE would like the opportunity to correct the inaccurate information in Councillor Bennett's letter of October 5. 1. The planning application was not from Toby Sturgis but from a company called Moontron, of which he is neither a director nor a shareholder
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Please continue to aid RSPCA's vital work
I WOULD like to respond to the letter from Lyn Cooper (Gazette August 31). As an RSPCA officer I agree with her comments about leaving dogs or any other animals in cars on a hot day. Our experience has shown that a dog can die an agonising death in as
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Fuel crisis raises taxing questions
DURING the recent blockade of petrol refineries the fundamental question of why petrol taxes are so high was scarcely considered. Petrol and diesel taxes are so high because the last Conservative and the present Labour governments have deliberately, over
