Archive
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Sport and hobbies
Friday, October 13:Junior keep fit and self defence at Drove road Primary School Hall, age groups 7-15 years, 6.00pm to 7.00pm. (07714) 575751. Adult classes 7.0pm to 9.00pm. Learn self defence, join Fei Lung Kwan at the Chinese Martial Arts Society 7.00pm
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Three DJs open new freestyle club night
Three Swindon DJs have set up their own Hard House night and it is taking Bristol by storm. Havoc is the brainchild of DJ Crocks, (Gareth Crockett, pictured) DJ Nujack (Adam Thomas) and DJ Jonef (Jon Ford). All three have played most of the clubs in Swindon
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21st birthday celebration is powerhouse of great dance
REVIEW: Three dance companies, all with connections, in some way, to Swindon Dance, took to the Wyvern stage to celebrate the national dance agency's 21st birthday. Sankalpan an Indian dance company, performed two works which could only be described as
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Drugs and death in London's clubland
EVER wondered what happened to Australian golden boy Jason Donovan? Go to see Sorted (18) and you'll spot him in a memorable supporting role playing a transvestite disc jockey. This is just one of many visual treats in this stylishly made but rather familiar
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A movie with wheel appeal
AT last we have something to laugh about. After a spate of distinctly unfunny comedies, Road Trip (15) comes to the rescue and tickles the funny bone. What it lacks in originality think Animal House and last year's American Pie, and indeed any movie featuring
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Longleat's new baby
GIRAFFE fever has hit Longleat Safari Park after the birth of 6ft baby Amber two weeks ago. Proud mother Jolly, 16, finally gave birth to the new arrival after a 15-month pregnancy. This latest birth is the first since one year-old Tweezer was born, with
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History uncovered
Story and pictures by Trevor Porter MORE than two years ago archeologists, excavating a site that was to be covered by a new military road, discovered an Iron Age settlement preserved in chalk downland. Twenty-seven months later the army has officially
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People can be so generous
The generosity of ordinary Swindon people is inspiring. And it's easy to see why pensioner Ron Winter has been moved to tears by the response of folk who were disgusted by the theft from his Highworth home of £45 he had been saving to spend on Christmas
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Dad-to-be Robbo on red alert
AUSSIE Mark Robertson could miss tomorrow's (Saturday, October 14) match at Boundary Park if he is forced to make an emergency dash back to Swindon. The Town midfielder travelled north to Oldham today, leaving his expectant wife, Lucia, behind. The couple's
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Action plan to tempt tourists
AN ACTION plan is being developed to make Norton Radstock a more attractive destination for tourists. Bath and North East Somerset Council has been discussing a draft development plan for the two towns. Although tourism is seen as one of the major industries
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New scooter
A Bath skate shop that introduced the first scooters into the city has scored another first by launching an updated model, the Micro Scooter, this week. Route One in Broad Street bought the scooter craze to Bath earlier this year by supplying the basic
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Redesign pays off for primary school
TEAMWORK has paid off for a primary school which now uses the latest technology to educate its students. When Bath and North East Somerset council offered to refurbish the children's toilets at Southdown Junior School, staff seized the chance to redesign
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Trek to aid gorillas
ADVENTUROUS fundraiser Anna-Marie Perry hopes to fulfil a lifetime's ambition as well as protecting the world's endangered animals. She has launched an ambitious fundraising campaign which will allow her to take part in a rare wildlife challenge. Mrs
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Museum takes off
Bath-based email specialists Aqua Media are part of a consortium developing an online aviation history museum. Aqua Media is currently producing a pilot project of the cyber museum in conjunction with consortium members South Gloucestershire Council,
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End for bus lane
A CONTROVERSIAL transport experiment looks set to be scrapped after complaints that it caused more problems than it attempted to solve. Bath and North East Somerset Council had hoped a 24-hour bus lane along the A4 London Road would help to ease traffic
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Blows traded in busgate row
DISABLED drivers have been warned to ignore "scaremongering" after a war of words between opposing political groups. Liberal Democrats have lashed out against Conservative protests that orange badge holders will not be able to pass through the proposed
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Wild thing
The final fundraising event on behalf of the Melksham Carnival will put wild animals in the centre of the town. The event, which takes place on Saturday, October 14, at the Assembly Hall, is a double helping of the work of wildlife artist and conservationist
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Brighten up dark days with this beauty
YOUR GARDEN, WITH BOB JAMES: There was a time when a well-grown hippeastrum might throw two flowers on the same stem. When, occasionally, a bulb actually produced two stems, the strange happening often prompted a letter to the gardening page. Nowadays
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Sophie comes home to play
A BRADFORD on Avon harpsichordist who performs all over the world is returning to her roots to take part in the Chantry Singers Bach Festival 2000 this month. Sophie Yates, 35, who has played as far afield as Syria, Western Australia and Japan, is performing
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Lunchtime indulgence
EATING OUT: THERE'S nothing more indulgent than lunch with friends on a work day. Jo, Craig and I headed out of Trowbridge for a relaxing lunchtime treat at Caf Rouge in Bath. The restaurant is just a stone's throw from the main shopping area and yards
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Drugs and death in London's clubland
EVER wondered what happened to Australian golden boy Jason Donovan? Go to see Sorted (18) and you'll spot him in a memorable supporting role playing a transvestite disc jockey. This is just one of many visual treats in this stylishly made but rather familiar
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Marvel as dinosaurs come to life
Set 65 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period, Dinosaur (PG) follows the adventures of a plucky iguanadon called Aladar. Aldar is separated from his kin as a hatchling, and raised by a family of lemurs on an idyllic remote island. From a
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A movie with wheel appeal
AT last we have something to laugh about. After a spate of distinctly unfunny comedies, Road Trip (15) comes to the rescue and tickles the funny bone. What it lacks in originality think Animal House and last year's American Pie, and indeed any movie featuring
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Battling Town dig out result
WELL, a dogged result against Backwell last weekend. In all fairness, we didn't deserve to win, but I have to admit I'd settle for playing badly and winning rather than the other way round. Tomorrow we are home to Barnstaple Town. Barnstaple are managed
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Events
Friday, October 13:Howard Godfrey will talk on energy and dreams to the Pegasus Foundation. Highworth Morning WI are 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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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
Friday, October 13:Great Western Society present "The Firefly Project" a talk with slides at 7.30pm. (01793) 495970. Air Training Corps 1244 Swindon meets from 7.00pm to 9.30pm. (01793) 534363. Saturday, October 14:Swindon Stamp & Postcard Fair meet
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Heritage Centre to open in four years
Ambitious plans for the development of a multi-purpose heritage centre in Devizes remain on course. The multi-million pound project would combine the resources of six organisations and would store Wiltshire's records, including archives held about Swindon's
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Ted unveils big banner
AN EYE-CATCHING banner has been used to encourage everyone to remember their childhood in aid of charity. This Friday is Ted's Big Day Out, raising funds for the Royal United Hospital's 'Forever Friends' Appeal. So Bath business Fastsigns, of Walcot Street
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Support for waste scheme
What D Roberts calls a "crackpot scheme" for rubbish collection is in fact one of the methods recommended by the government and used successfully for many years by 'beacon councils' such as Daventry and Eastleigh. Furthermore, it is an option supported
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Saints stay on top with perfect record
BLUE Circle Saints kept their 100 per cent record intact and remain top of the table after they defeated local rivals Westbury Rangers B 4-2 in the top game from Division Four of the Shoestrings sponsored Chippenham Sunday League. Southwick Sports and
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Cutler defies doctors in playing comeback
CHIPPENHAM Town striker Mark Cutler is risking life in a wheelchair to make his footballing comeback following a depressing time on the sidelines. The 27-year-old front man retired after the FA Carlsberg Vase final in May, but has not set his sights on
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Highworth hit back to stay ahead
Cherry Records Hellenic League PREMIER Division league leaders Highworth Town were made to fight hard for their 2-1 victory over local rivals Fairford Town, who prior to the game had lost just two of their seven league matches. Goalmouth action was few
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Nap hand for league leaders
Skurray's Wiltshire League PREMIER Division leaders Cricklade kept up their recent impressive form with a 5-0 home victory over Warminster Town Reserves to go three points clear at the top of the table. The visitors shaded the opening 25 minutes, but
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Saints break down Rangers defence
Westbury Rangers B 2, Blue Circle Saints 4 BLUE Circle Saints kept up their early challenge for promotion to Division Three of the Shoestrings-sponsored Chippenham Sunday League with a win over town rivals Westbury Rangers B in the Westbury derby match
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Bradford United hit 10 past West Lavington
TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE BRADFORD United opened their account in Division One of the Trowbridge League (sponsored by Just Signs Trowbridge) with a 10-0 demolition of West Lavington. Steve Morris opened the floodgates after just 42 seconds. Further goals followed
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Bitter taste as Warminster lose to Cadbury
Warminster Town 1 Cadbury Heath 4 Warminster Town manager Gerry Pearson is to step up his search for a new striker after he was left stunned and disappointed by his team's performance in the 4-1 loss to lowly Cadbury Heath. Cadbury Heath had not won a
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Westbury fall 3-1 to Farm for second time
Westbury United 1 Bristol Manor Farm 3 Westbury entertained Manor Farm for the second time in five weeks, and again lost 3-1. The early start to the fixture did not seem to have affected either set of players as free flowing football looked to be the
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Avon Rubber to slash 50 jobs
TWO towns are reeling after job losses were announced. Avon Rubber will cut 50 jobs at its factories in Melksham and Trowbridge. The news comes only a few weeks after Ushers brewery closed and 200 people were made redundant. This time it is middle management
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Local Fixtures
SKURRAYS WILTSHIRE LEAGUE Premier Division: Biddestone v Marlborough Tn, Pewsey Vale Res v Cricklade Tn, Shrewton Utd v Aldbourne, Stratton Crosslink v Corsham Tn Res, Trowbridge Tn v Devizes Tn Res, Westbury Utd Res v Chiseldon Southbrook, Wroughton
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Factory praised for leak action
By Sara Oliver A HOLT chamois leather factory has been praised for its swift action after foul-smelling septic water overflowed from its premises into a nearby stream. The Environment Agency was alerted after a neighbour spotted black liquid pouring from
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Safety shuts down wrestling match
A WRESTLING extravaganza in Trowbridge has been cancelled for safety reasons. The PWA/Mega Promotions event was set for October 27 in the Civic Hall but West Wiltshire District Council was forced to pull the plug. David Bardwell, the district's chief
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Travellers leave trail of destruction
TRAVELLERS left a trail of havoc in Trowbridge. More than eight caravans and four wheel drive vehicles pulled into the former TA Centre in Bythesea Road at the beginning of October. Families stayed for four days and when they left it was discovered that
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Father battles to raise Retts profile
The father of a Trowbridge girl affected by Retts Syndrome is battling to raise public awareness of the condition. Les Barnes, the father of five-year-old Leanne, one of more than 900 children and women living with the condition in Britain, pointed to
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Crowds gather to say goodbye to family man
HUNDREDS of people packed the streets of Westbury to wish loving family man Andrew Wheeler a final goodbye. The funeral service for Mr Wheeler, 35, of Oldfield Road, was held at All Saints Church, with a private family service at Semington Crematorium
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Avon Rubber to slash 50 jobs
TWO towns are reeling after job losses were announced. Avon Rubber will cut 50 jobs at its factories in Melksham and Trowbridge. The news comes only a few weeks after Ushers brewery closed and 200 people were made redundant. This time it is middle management
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First harvest service on the canal
CANAL lovers in Bradford on Avon have taken part in possibly the first harvest thanksgiving service afloat on a British waterway. The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust hosted a service on Friday, October 6, for 50 boating people and trust members on board its
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Flood alert sounded
HOMES along the River Avon were put on flood watch this week. Homeowners in Melksham and Bradford on Avon were warned on Tuesday morning (October 10) that if conditions deteriorated and the water levels rose much more they should make preparations for
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Canal drained for restoration
WATER has been drained from the canal at Bradford on Avon for millions of pounds of restoration work to be carried out. The Kennet and Avon Canal Partnership has employed a firm of civil engineers to carry out relining work between Bradford on Avon and
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Gas blast after a fire closes pub
LANDLORD Nils Hughes has vowed to stick with his pub, despite a run of bad luck which has included a kitchen fire and a gas explosion within seven days. Mr Hughes, who took over The Kings Arms at Monkton Farleigh in May, said it is a nightmare and everything
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Water chaos as pipe damaged
HUNDREDS of homes were left without water in Bradford on Avon after workmen severed a mains pipe. Transco workers replacing the gas main along Frome Road inadvertently hit the water main at about 1pm on Saturday, October 7. Town councillor Malcolm Hewson
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Committee changes down to simple maths
Just to clarify the points raised by Terry Chivers about committee places at West Wilts. Terry's letter to the Wiltshire Times was headlined Warning: This man is not going away. No one wants Cllr Chivers to go away. Like all councillors, Terry can attend
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Leaflet lottery
REGARDING Town gives thumbs up for bridge (Wiltshire Times, October 6) the council said although it only had 300 responses, everyone had the chance to respond. Yes, I suppose I did, had I found time to go looking for one of the said leaflets. I eventually
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Disgust and distress
I AM writing this letter in the hope that your newspaper will print it, to voice the utter disgust and distress my family and I feel over what has befallen the TA Centre in Bythesea Road in Trowbridge. As my husband passed the TA Centre the other weekend
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Cooper hoping to impress the national selectors in his native land
THE trip across the Severn bridge will be a homecoming for several members of the Bath contingent. Scrum-half Gareth Cooper and unrelated back-row colleagues Gavin and Nathan Thomas all have representative honours for Wales, while head coach Jon Callard
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Fairies, elves, etc
I AM the author of many books, several dealing with the unexplained such as The Children That Time Forgot and Mystic Forces. I am now researching my new book which looks at elementals, commonly referred to as fairies, elves, etc. I have collected some
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Praise for NHS
I WOULD like to say a very big thank you, to an often maligned institution; namely the National Health Service. My wife, Trish, died recently aged 61 after a five year battle against ovarian cancer. During those years I had nothing but praise and admiration
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New blow to the Avon
AVON Rubber has been hit by yet another jobs blow just months after workers including top boss John Baumber were axed. This time, 50 staff from Trowbridge and Melksham have been told they are surplus to requirements. All companies have to go through periods
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You need to get out more often
Whether it was the Wiltshire Times's slant on the story, or a throwaway comment in the midst of more complex council proceedings, but comparing Trowbridge with Ibiza is, quite frankly, absurd. Whilst I am not specifically vindicating the Juice night club's
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CCTV for more shopping centres
Closed circuit television will be installed at two shopping centres in response to public demand. People in Swindon's Parks and Walcot areas called for the cameras to be installed in Cavendish Square and Sussex Square respectively. They believe the measures
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Drinkers' plan is put on hold
A controversial scheme to create an alcohol tolerance zone in Swindon has been criticised by those fearing a 'winos' ghetto. An alcohol charity and a group of residents living close to the proposed site have warned such a zone would become a haven for
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Angels in fear
Teenager Andrew Stephen punched and kicked two nurses at Swindon's Princess Margaret Hospital after a drugs binge at a nightclub, a court was told. Stephen was barely conscious when he was taken to the accident and emergency department. But after recovering
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Cross-border challenge
I WAS pleased for the players last weekend as they did themselves justice with a good performance. However, we know that we have to take it up another gear if we are going to compete successfully in the remaining matches of the European competition. The
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Flood alert sounded
HOMES along the River Avon were put on flood watch this week. Homeowners in Melksham and Bradford on Avon were warned on Tuesday morning (October 10) that if conditions deteriorated and the water levels rose much more they should make preparations for
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Avon Rubber to slash 50 jobs
TWO towns are reeling after job losses were announced. Avon Rubber will cut 50 jobs at its factories in Melksham and Trowbridge. The news comes only a few weeks after Ushers brewery closed and 200 people were made redundant. This time it is middle management
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New blow to the Avon
AVON Rubber has been hit by yet another jobs blow just months after workers including top boss John Baumber were axed. This time, 50 staff from Trowbridge and Melksham have been told they are surplus to requirements. All companies have to go through periods
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Travellers need to clear off
Yet again travellers have created havoc in west Wiltshire. Last week it was Melksham, this week it was Trowbridge that was left to clear their filth and make good their damage. The sad fact, even after years of similar problems, is that no-one seems to
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Oliver takes title with mixed catch
ANGLING By Colin Scull WEIGHTS were below their best in the Airsprung match fished on the golf course stretch of the Bristol Avon at the Pond Fields at Bradford. Top honours went to Bradford's Kelvin Oliver with a mixed catch of tench, roach and eels
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Marvel as dinosaurs come to life
Set 65 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period, Dinosaur (PG) follows the adventures of a plucky iguanadon called Aladar. Aldar is separated from his kin as a hatchling, and raised by a family of lemurs on an idyllic remote island. From a
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Post office boss on theft charge
By Joanne Kelly FORMER sub-postmaster Harold Churchill has been accused of stealing more than £34,000. The Post Office is prosecuting Churchill, who used to run Bratton Post Office and shop. He is charged with stealing £34,850 between August 26 1998 and
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Dr Elwood in Swindon interview
Former locum histopathologist Dr James Elwood will be interviewed in Swindon by the Commission for Health Improvement next week. The meeting forms part of a programme by the independent government body, whose task it is to review procedures and systems
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Jolly Farmer? Merry Drover? No, it's The Jovial Monk
Arkell's Brewery has named its soon-to-be-opened pub at St Andrew's Ridge. After hundreds of suggestions from locals, a decision has been made to christen the watering hole The Jovial Monk. Managing director James Arkell said: "It was tough to come to
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Heritage Centre to open in four years
Ambitious plans for the development of a multi-purpose heritage centre in Devizes remain on course. The multi-million pound project would combine the resources of six organisations and would store Wiltshire's records, including archives held about Swindon's
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View from the terraces
EXETER CITY: Leaving August with no wins under our belt and only a 1-1 draw against Exeter in the home leg, left supporters heading to Devon, more in hope than expectation, that we could go through to the second round. What delight to find ourselves leading
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We're back and we're good at it
The reasons why people choose to return to nursing are many and varied. They each have their own story. Sue Jones-Parry, 38, trained as a nurse in Australia before moving to England in 1988 where she studied to be a midwife at Princess Margaret Hospital
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The kindness of strangers
A pensioner robbed of Christmas money he was saving for his great grandchildren has been brought to tears again by the generosity of local people. Six members of the public contacted the Evening Advertiser offering to donate the £45 stolen from 77-year-old
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Oldham: the worst defensive record in the country
TOWN'S forwards will have few better opportunities for filling their boots than against Oldham at Boundary Park tomorrow (Saturday, October 14). The struggling Latics have leaked 25 goals already this campaign, more than any other professional side in
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Educational charity head to give talk
The Wyvern Theatre is playing host to a talk by Peter Southern, the head teacher of Christ's Hospital in Sussex. The aim of the visit is to introduce parents in the town to the educational charity and private school. It is the fourth roadshow in a series
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Todd prepared for bruising encounter
COLIN Todd is preparing his team for a battle at Boundary Park tomorrow afternoon (Saturday, October 14). The Town boss knows the struggling Latics will be more than a handful as he seeks to extend a three match unbeaten run. Two wins, against Luton and
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Robinson's nightmare revisited
MARK Robinson needs no reminding about Town's last visit to Boundary Park. He and Steve Cowe are the only surviving members from the team dumped 5-1 by Oldham on a miserable March afternoon in 1997. Town finished a lowly 19th in Division One that season
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Williams: I am back to my best
WELSH winger Andy Williams believes he has recaptured the form that made him a first-team regular last season. A series of explosive displays for the reserves won Williams a return to the bench for the match against Oxford on Sunday, October 8. And the
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Where's the support?
I note with interest the comments of Coun Justin Tomlinson (Oct 10, 2000) about drunks in the town centre. Firstly, I would like to remind him that Swindon is not a Labour controlled council, but hung with many of his Tory colleagues chairing council
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Dad-to-be Robbo on red alert
AUSSIE Mark Robertson could miss tomorrow's (Saturday, October 14) match at Boundary Park if he is forced to make an emergency dash back to Swindon. The Town midfielder travelled north to Oldham today, leaving his expectant wife, Lucia, behind. The couple's
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Let taxis use the bus lanes
I am writing in response to Tony McLellan (October 9), on his description of the sheer frustration of being a taxi driver in Swindon. I have every sympathy for his plight sitting in a permanent traffic jam adjoining an empty bus lane must be absolute
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From another planet!
I enjoyed immensely reading the latest exquisite pronouncement from Francine Blake and her Crop Circle Study Group companions who, with commendable scientific objectivity, have rejected implausible theories of the circles being man-made hoaxes and are
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Keep gays out of the church
I read with growing alarm the article in Monday's Evening Advertiser "Call for gay blessings" where the Bishop of Swindon, Michael Doe, said he believed the Church of England should hold blessings for homosexual couples. His comment that the world had
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Victory is sweet in Vase tie
RUGBY Westbury 26, Cooper Avon Tyres 18 WESTBURY hit back after being behind twice to book their place in the third round of the Tetley Bitter Vase. The visitors took the lead against the run of play with a penalty by Richard Woolfood. But Westbury's
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Swindon College Old boys
Old Boys v Devizes: 1st XV (home v Devizes, kick-off 3pm, meet 1pm Nationwide): J Gidzinski, M Brown, D Hinks, B Green, P McCombe, S Offord, J Godsell, T Brant, S Millwaters, M Williams, I Thompson, N White, S Packer (Capt), G Evenett, T Flowers. Subs
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Hope for winless Bassett
Wootton Bassett v Sherborne: Wootton Bassett, still looking for their first win of the season, resume their league campaign against Sherborne. Swindon College trounced Sherborne earlier in the season before losing to 55-0 last week to Redingensians, who
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Welcome home
A MEDIA frenzy has been greeting the return of Olympic athletes from the University of Bath since their arrival back in the UK. Team Bath welcomed back its Olympic gold and silver winning heroines, Stephanie Cook and Kate Howey centre, at a civic reception
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Disco and karaoke
Friday, October 13:Big Nick's Karaoke is at the Deer's Leap, Penhill at 8pm. Karaoke Heaven with £5,000 prize fund is at Swindon Megabowl , Mullins Bar, Shaw Ridge every Friday. Disco is at The Royal Oak, Devizes Road, Old Town, at 7pm. Free. Karaoke
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Dance
Friday, October 13:Boyd School of Dance beginners 6pm to 8.30pm Irish Association Hall, Rodbourne is on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. (01793) 641108/07887 666009. Celtic Academy of Irish Dancing teaches at the Trax Gym and Fitness Centre, Station
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DJ nights
Friday, October 13:Garage Nation with Radio 1's Mikee B, EZ, Jason Kaye, V2Crew, Real Deal and Femme Fateale playing UK Garage in the main room and soul hip hop, ragg and R 'n' B is from Swing, 2 Vibe Crew, Rude Bwoy Monty and Martin in the Amphi at the
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Swashbuckler's sharp wit is on cutting edge
REVIEW: A RURITANIAN romance that was my faint recollection of Anthony Hope's The Prisoner of Zenda. A swashbuckling adventure, where credulity is stretched as fine as the rope the hero is suspended from, and a languid Englishman emerges hero and gentleman
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Tune-up for next musical festival
The syllabus for the 92nd annual Swindon Music Festival is now available and organisers are urging musicians to get their entries in early. The festival covers choirs, vocal solos, duets, group, pianoforte, strings, woodwind, guitar, ensembles, composition
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More misses than hits
THERE are more misses than hits in martial arts action film Romeo Must Die (15), which stars Jet Li, who plays a former Hong Kong police officer who travels to California to confront the gang responsible for the death of his brother. The action, with
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Marvel as dinosaurs come to life
Set 65 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period, Dinosaur (PG) follows the adventures of a plucky iguanadon called Aladar. Aldar is separated from his kin as a hatchling, and raised by a family of lemurs on an idyllic remote island. From a
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Minister praises sports college
Story by Craig Evry Pictures by Trevor Porter MINISTER for Sport Kate Hoey visited Kingdown School in Warminster on Tuesday to help launch its specialist sports college status. Joined by headteacher Sheelagh Brown and special guests, including Julie Jones
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Soldier stole from Army
WARMINSTER-based soldier accountant staff sergeant Richard Hanley was thrown out of the army and jailed on Monday for fiddling his regiment's accounts. A court martial on Salisbury Plain heard he used the money he took as extra spending money while he
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Cause of Longleat blaze still under investigation
THE CAUSE of the blaze which devastated Batsford Saw Mills on the Longleat estate last Wednesday is still being investigated. The blaze, which sent toxic fumes of chrome arsenic and creosote billowing into the air above Longleat Forest, is estimated to
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Olympic hero returns
GOLD medal-winning hero Ben Hunt-Davis returned home to Warminster this week after being crowned Olympic champion in Sydney three weeks ago. Mr Hunt-Davis, 28, who returned to the family home on Tuesday with parents Miles and Gaye, admitted he was still
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Abuse can't be tolerated at hospital
The case involving 19-year-old Andrew Stephen is just one example of the violence and foul language which nurses and doctors now suffer from some patients at Princess Margaret Hospital's accident and emergency unit. Abuse such as this is now a regular
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News in brief
CANAL chiefs are to benefit from a massive spending boost for British Waterways. The Government has announced a £19.75 million increase in funding for the management of BW's 2,000-mile network. This includes the Kennet and Avon Canal. The extra money
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Open day fun
RADSTOCK fire station's open day to celebrate its 40th anniversary was a huge success. Despite the bad weather, youngsters and their parents turned out for face painting, morning and afternoon demonstrations and to buy items from various fund-raising
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Screen round-up
Billy Elliot (15) A boy takes up ballet dancing in a Durham mining town. Rating: 10/10 UGC, Cineworld Chicken Run (U) Animated comedy from the makers of Wallace and Gromit. Featuring the voices of Mel Gibson and Julia Sawalha. Rating: 8/10 UGC, Cineworld
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Rachael's prize
TOP student Rachael Cunliffe has been singled out for one of the country's most prestigious awards. The 16-year-old is one of only three students in the country to be selected for the OCR 'Recognising Achievement' prize. Rachael, from Kingdown, was nominated
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Mill inspires pupils
A UNIQUE tour has been used to bring out the creative talents of young designers. Saltford Brass Mill has thrown open its doors to visiting schoolchildren for the first time. Year six students from Newbridge Junior School, Bath, have become the first
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Godber play is a class act
REVIEW: Teechers, The Arc, Trowbridge REVISITING your schooldays may not be the catalyst for much love and laughter, but the cast of Teechers at The Arc produced just that result from potentially traumatic material. The play, set in a disadvantaged comprehensive
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On stage and in view
ARC THEATRE, TROWBRIDGE, Tel: (01225) 756376/766241 Friday, October 13: Miss Julie Strindberg's masterpiece, brought into the new century. Are we as liberated as we think? BATH THEATRE ROYAL,Tel: (01225) 448844 Until Saturday, October 14: Fallen Angels
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What has love got to do with it, old thing?
REVIEW: Fallen Angels, Theatre Royal, Bath Delicious as a salted almond, aphrodisiac as the oysters that the golfing widows Jane and Julia so relish in their drunken dinner together, this is a wonderfully uplifting production. Noel Coward said the most
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Gig guide
Friday, October 13: Kept in the Dark The Greyhound, Trowbridge The Producers Merlin Theatre, Frome Julian Cope City Hall, Salisbury Jook Joint The Granary Nite Spot, Frome Helena The New Crown, Weston, Bath Smokin' The George, Bradford on Avon Mike Plugged
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More misses than hits
THERE are more misses than hits in martial arts action film Romeo Must Die (15), which stars Jet Li, who plays a former Hong Kong police officer who travels to California to confront the gang responsible for the death of his brother. The action, with
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Bingo
Friday, October 13:Penhill Community Association Bingo is at Community Centre, Chippenham Close, Penhill, from 7.30pm. (01793) 724760. Sunday, October 15:Penhill Community Association Bingo is at Community Centre, Chippenham Close, Penhill, from 7.30pm
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Screen round-up
Billy Elliot (15) A boy takes up ballet dancing in a Durham mining town. Rating: 10/10 UGC, Cineworld Chicken Run (U) Animated comedy from the makers of Wallace and Gromit. Featuring the voices of Mel Gibson and Julia Sawalha. Rating: 8/10 UGC, Cineworld
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Bollards must go
THE famous chess pieces of Pulteney Bridge are to be removed as part of a new traffic arrangement. The Bath bollards will be replaced by wooden planters as part of the experimental bus gates project at nearby Northgate Street. The changes are needed because
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Village on web
THE VILLAGE of Norton St Philip is featured in a new website highlighting the countryside under threat. Country Life Online selects a different community every month, bringing national attention to local issues. Norton St Philip's current crisis over
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The pros and cons of cannabis use
WATCHING Ann Widdecombe's speech on cannabis £100 fines, I was struck by the tone as well as content, much like a Nuremberg Rally; then later Charles Kennedy for the Liberal Democrats said cannabis should be legalised, the libertarian side of me tended
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Dying for help
SHELLEY Simmons of the National Anti-Vivisection Society (letters, September 1) is healthy, and can therefore afford to rubbish the idea of xenotransplantation and using pig organs for transplants, but while she does, so there is a real shortage of organs
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Sincere thanks, come back soon
I would like to express my sincere thanks to the volunteers of Trowbridge Citizens' Advice Bureau and my dismay that such a helpful and useful tool to the general public has now closed. I worked as a part-time member of staff at a local public house and
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Music to inspire the season
GEMS of the baroque repertoire are on the programme when Bath Baroque gives an autumn concert at the Guildhall, Bath. The concert opens with a perennial audience favourite: Winter, from The Seasons, by Vivaldi, performed on authentic period instruments
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Four into one goes well
ONE of last year's star turns at the Wiltshire Music Centre, jazz pianist Fred Hersch, returns to the Bradford on Avon venue as part of the 4 in Perspective tour. He is joined by three equally gifted performers, horn player Kenny Wheeler, singer Norma
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Screen round-up
Billy Elliot (15) A boy takes up ballet dancing in a Durham mining town. Rating: 10/10 UGC, Cineworld Chicken Run (U) Animated comedy from the makers of Wallace and Gromit. Featuring the voices of Mel Gibson and Julia Sawalha. Rating: 8/10 UGC, Cineworld
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Simpson takes up the reins at Marlborough
A RETIRED race horse trainer living in Cornwall is the unlikely new manager of Wiltshire League Premier Division side Marlborough Town. And although Rod Simpson's first nine games in charge have yielded just one draw, the 55-year-old remains confident
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Three score hat-tricks in United's 14 goal triumph
Devizes Sunday LeagueDEVIZES Snooker Club battled to the end in their game against Imber United, but it just wasn't good enough, with Imber outplaying and outclassing them. Leading 7-0 at half-time, Imber came back out to score another seven goals in
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Newlands settles for safety first approach
DEVIZES Town manager Brian Newlands is planning a safety first approach as he bids to lead his team through to the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday October 14. Devizes face a tricky looking third qualifying round tie at Saltdean United
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Tripp goes head-to-head with Wiltshire legend
FORMER Corsham Town manager Peter Tripp goes head-to-head with Wiltshire football legend Don Rogers tonight. Tripp and Rogers, who led Swindon Town to glory in the 1969 League Cup final, are the two names on the shortlist for the manager's job at Pewsey
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Rejuvenated Melksham survive late rally
SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE Melksham Town 3, Bishop Sutton 2 MELKSHAM bounced back from Saturday's disappointing performance at Paulton to gain a deserved Premier Division win at a soggy Conigre on Tuesday night. On a near waterlogged pitch, both sides did
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Shaw collect their first points at a canter
Under 14s Red Division A GOOD team performance saw Shaw and Whitley earn their first three points of the season at home to Warminster Highbury. The first half saw Shaw forward Luke Simpson go off injured and while down to 10 men, they took the lead through
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Youngsters make flying start
YOUTH FOOTBALL BRADFORD on Avon B got their season off to a flyer when they entertained FC Chippenham B. They won an entertaining game 10-3 in the under 10s division of the Wiltshire Times and News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League. Melksham Park B and
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Dr Elwood in Swindon interview
Former locum histopathologist Dr James Elwood will be interviewed in Swindon by the Commission for Health Improvement next week. The meeting forms part of a programme by the independent government body, whose task it is to review procedures and systems
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It's bottoms up for Highworth
HELLENIC Premier Division leaders Highworth Town, who suffered a 4-1 midweek defeat at the hands of unbeaten Didcot Town, have a chance to return to winning ways when they visit bottom of the table Milton Utd tomorrow. Swindon Supermarine, in second spot
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Can you tell the difference?
THE MEDITERRANEAN party island of Ibiza is popular with the 18-30 brigade and boasts dozens of clubs where clubbers can dance and drink round the clock. According to the recent TV documentary, Ibiza Unplugged, it's sun, sea, sand, sex, booze, drugs and
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Knifeman robs Alldays store
A KNIFE-WIELDING robber left shop staff terrified after holding up an Alldays shop in Trowbridge. Store manager Darren Owens, 30, spoke of how the robber kept lunging at him with a carving knife as he tried to hand over the shop takings. He said: "I felt
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Police dogs search for autistic girl
AN AUTISTIC 10 year-old girl sparked off a police hunt after she went missing from her primary school in Bradford on Avon. The girl, who attends Christchurch Primary School, was reported missing just after 1pm on Thursday, October 5. Police units from
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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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Arrogance
WITH over 3,000 households in Bradford on Avon, it is nigh on impossible to agree with the town council that 228 of the questionnaires returned in favour of the proposed town bridge show a majority of the townspeople in favour of this project. What arrogance
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Poppy Appeal help
THE Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal starts on Saturday October 28 and continues through to Remembrance Sunday November 12. Here in Chippenham in this millennium year we are hoping to break previous records. To do this we must have more collectors. If
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Daniel is the perfect relation
Daniel O'Donnell is your perfect grown-up son or nephew. He is not like your real and imperfect grown-up sons and nephews. Daniel doesn't join the Hells Angels or the Socialist Workers' Party; Daniel does'nt smoke dope or bring home a girlfriend with
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The Vision
City scenes which planners say could become commonplace in Swindon by 2030 include bustling with pavement cafes and a Parisian urban park with a relaxing water feature. Other images they foresee are narrow side streets hugged by historic architecture,
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Fire calls down this summer
Nature scored where man failed to cut the number of 999 calls to Wiltshire firefighters this summer. Although the total number of incidents dealt with by the brigade were well down in June and July, senior officers say they take no credit. Wiltshire and
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It's the luck of the Irish,
Jim Quinn has enjoyed his first chance to work some magic on a Wembley-bound Swindon football team. The former Swindon Town boss joined James Mitchell's team of Irish Nomads for their first chilly training session last night at Dorcan School. James, 36
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Police save injured boy
A teenager was taken to hospital by police because the county's ambulance service was stretched to the limit. The 17-year-old from Melksham was bleeding from a self-inflicted wound on his arm but was rushed to hospital in a police car. Sgt Alan Strike
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Farmers market in last effort
Melksham Farmers' Market could be finished unless people support it. The market was launched last spring and was a popular monthly event. In recent months, attendance has dropped to the point where many of the farm producers are not making any money and
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Hooligans hurl eggs at cars
YOUNG people are continuing to cause trouble in Melksham. A gang of up to 20 young people gathered in Kingsbury Square on Saturday night and police had a number of reports to say the gang was intimidating passers by. Latest vandalism and nuisance incidents
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Stonar rumours are laid to rest
A SCHOOL has laid to rest claims that its head teacher was asked to leave because of poor management. Caroline Homan left Stonar School near Atworth during the summer holidays and it was suggested that her sudden departure was a result of poor management
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Drugs and death in London's clubland
EVER wondered what happened to Australian golden boy Jason Donovan? Go to see Sorted (18) and you'll spot him in a memorable supporting role playing a transvestite disc jockey. This is just one of many visual treats in this stylishly made but rather familiar
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More misses than hits
THERE are more misses than hits in martial arts action film Romeo Must Die (15), which stars Jet Li, who plays a former Hong Kong police officer who travels to California to confront the gang responsible for the death of his brother. The action, with
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A movie with wheel appeal
AT last we have something to laugh about. After a spate of distinctly unfunny comedies, Road Trip (15) comes to the rescue and tickles the funny bone. What it lacks in originality think Animal House and last year's American Pie, and indeed any movie featuring
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Agency delay on tyre-burning decision
WESTBURY residents will have to wait longer than previously thought to discover whether Blue Circle cement will be able to go ahead with their controversial tyre-burning plans. The application made by the company is, at present, being considered by the
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Winning a computer is as simple as logging on
Pupils at St Catherine's Primary School can log on and surf the net after the school was picked out of thousands of entries to win a new computer. The school entered a competition organised by Booker Cash and Carry to win a computer after logging onto
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Friend's race in memory of Adam
By Morwenna Blake EPILEPSY affects more than 300,000 people in this country, 100,000 of whom are children. About 40m people worldwide have this condition, yet it is often misunderstood and has never achieved the high profile of diseases such as cancer
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Space at cemetery is fast running out
Families in Faringdon may soon have to bury their dead up to 15 miles away because cemeteries in the town are full. There are only 15-20 grave plots left and the council says it can do no more after unsuccessfully trying to find land for a new cemetery
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Evacuation as workshop burns
WESTBURY residents were evacuated from their homes last night when a fire broke out at Ham Hill garage. Fire crews from Westbury, Warminster and Trowbridge received the emergency call at 9.23pm. The workshop contained quantities of aerosols, thinners
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Swindon, a work of art
Swindon's critics may refer to it as a bland and boring town, so average that it has become a favourite with market researchers. But to Andrew Cross, Swindon's artist in residence, the town is one of the most progressive and forward-thinking places in
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Mulling over mayoral memories
The last Swindon mayor of the 20th century and the first of this one have received a pictorial diary of their year in office. Brian Ford and Joy Brunt came to the Evening Advertiser office to receive photo albums from editor Simon O'Neill and managing
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Youngsters visit the hub of European democracy
Europe is bracing itself for the arrival of Swindon students determined to shape the continent's future. A party from St Joseph's Catholic School is taking part in the Euroscola event in Strasbourg. Young people from across Europe will gather in the chamber
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Boxer in court for punching neighbour
Former boxing champion Cameron Lithgow appeared in court for punching his friend's neighbour. The ex-light-middleweight, who used to represent England, pleaded guilty to common assault against Peter Curlis. A Swindon Crown Court judge said a punch from
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Top guest for dinner
TICKETS are still available for the Swindon Town Annual Sporting Club Dinner on November 1. World Cup winner Alan Ball is the guest of honour and will give an after-dinner speech about his time as a footballer and manager. The black tie affair includes
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Player to Watch
Canadian international Carlo Corazzin joined the Latics on a free from Northampton in the summer. The 28-year-old has a fierce shot and holds the ball up well. He has three goals to his credit this season. Corazzin came to England in 1993, signing for
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Authority is given room to improve by report
County councillors have welcomed an independent report on how the authority is performing. Heads and governors of primary schools in the county were asked this spring to give their views. The questionnaire was based on that used by government Ofsted inspectors
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High-flying Terry has a brush with the council
SWINDON chairman Terry Brady is facing a fine for illegally parking his helicopter on the County Ground extension. The printing tycoon, who took over at the County Ground in the summer, could face charges from Swindon Borough Council. Mr Brady landed
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When we were safe on the streets
I was impressed by the picture in 48 Hours of Regent Street, taken in 1914. How calm and leisurely it looked, and how different from our over crowded streets of today. One thing I specifically noticed, there were two policemen walking in the street, and
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Cannabis may boost economy
I am writing to express my views on the legalisation of cannabis. The main problem is that it is grouped together with much more harmful substances which automatically gives it a much worse image. If people bothered to research the subject they would
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Chippenham sneak through
Avon 15, Chippenham 18 IT was a relieved Chippenham side that went through to the third round of the NPI Cup, as they sneaked a victory against a side two divisions below them in the league set up. After the previous week's demolition of Olney, this was
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Supermarine RFC
Melksham v Supermarine: Supermarine are introducing new players to gain experience and help develop the team in their friendly at Melksham tomorrow. Melksham play in a higher league, so it will be a tough test for the Swindon side. 1st XV (away v Melksham
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Swindon aiming to maintain winning run
Bicester v Swindon: Swindon are aiming to maintain their fine unbeaten run as they take on unknown quantity Bicester tomorrow . Andy Morley's men are on a roll and they go into this week's game with a largely unchanged and almost full-strength side. The
