Archive
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Complaint made over handling of club
Entrepreneurs Pete Jones and David Poole have sent off a complaint to the local government ombudsman about North Wiltshire District Council's behaviour when they tried to take on the lease of the former Golddiggers nightclub . Mr Jones, Mr Poole and a
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No time to sit on the fence
Whatever happens in tonight's vote on the Front Garden, one thing is sure, there must be no sitting on the fence. After months of waiting we have come to the day when a final decision will be made and only a straight yes or no vote will be acceptable.
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Woan loan plans
Ian Woan has agreed to stay at Swindon until the end of the season with a deal expected to be finalised later this week. Town boss Andy King has spoken with the midfield maestro and the duo have decided on a contract that should keep the former Forest
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Disna says farewell to her friends in the town
Disna Gunasekera, 27, has returned home to Sri Lanka after almost three years of study and social life in Wootton Bassett. "So many people in Wootton Bassett offered me friendship, made me welcome and helped me overcome my homesickness," said Miss Gunasekera
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Former schoolfriends swap tales at reunion
More than 50 ex-pupils of Wootton Bassett School more than half the intake of 1961 were joined by seven of their former teachers for a reunion on Saturday. "It was absolutely fantastic," said Joe Gardner, who taught history, English and PE in those days
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Bishop drops in to school
Pupils and staff at St Bartholomew's School in Wootton Bassett gave a warm welcome to the Bishop of Ramsbury, the Rt Rev Peter Hullah. At their assembly, the children were fascinated to learn that the Bishop's crook, which is a mark of his office, was
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Pick up the phone for swift medical advice
The 24-hour medical advice and information service NHS Direct is now available in Wiltshire. The service, which was launched in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Avon on Monday, offers advice and information covering all aspects of health, illness and health
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WI women rule the waves
Seven intrepid WI members from Wiltshire braved the high seas in stormy weather as they sailed to Cherbourg aboard the three-masted schooner Sir Winston Churchill. They were part of a 39-strong crew of Women's Institute members from all over the country
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Motorist who nearly died gets driving ban
Motorist Diane Muspratt, who almost died in a road crash, has been banned from driving for her part in the accident. Kennet Magistrates in Devizes heard Muspratt, 44, of New Park Road, Devizes, and another motorist suffered horrific injuries in the accident
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Lydia returns full of hope after treatment
Lydia Harding and her family have returned from Mexico, optimistic a radical alternative cancer therapy has offered her new hope for the future. Lydia, 16, of Barken Road, Chippenham, has four inoperable tumours in her lungs but she did not want to undergo
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Students soak up the culture of Catalonia
Budding art critics enjoyed a cultural trip to Barcelona as part of the John Bentley School's first visit abroad since it was granted language college status last month. Forty sixth form students and staff from the Calne school returned from Spain earlier
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Panto puts tale in a spin
Rehersals for Heddington Amateur Dramatics Society's latest production Miss Muffet's Mistake are well underway. Performances of the panto, written by villager John Humphries, start on Wednesday. Mr Humphries, of Holmleigh, Heddington, said the pantomime
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Dad pitches in to say thanks
Calne dad Justin Oliver is to set up a regular car bootsale in Calne to raise money for the hospital where his daughter Shannon was treated for septicaemia. In August Shannon, who is now seven months old, was cared for at the Thames children's unit at
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The class and staff of '61 gather for a school reunion
More than 50 former pupils of Wootton Bassett School representing more than half the intake of 1961 were joined by seven of their former teachers for a reunion at the school assembly hall. The reunion was organised by Chris Pocock and a committee, whose
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Firm told it can carry on
A minerals company in north Wiltshire has been told it can carry on working for the next 42 years. But a new liaison committee is being set up to deal with concerns raised by people in Ashton Keynes about the Moreton C Cullimore (Gravels) operation. Wiltshire
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Disna says farewell to her friends in the town
Disna Gunasekera, 27, has returned home to Sri Lanka after almost three years of study and social life in Wootton Bassett. "So many people in Wootton Bassett offered me friendship, made me welcome and helped me overcome my homesickness," said Miss Gunasekera
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Villagers up in arms over road damage
Seagry residents are outraged at the way in which the village's well-kept verges and roads have been damaged by heavy traffic. Parish clerk Mary Kemp says traffic flows through the village have increased significantly over the past few months because
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Funds crisis could force new tax rise
North Wiltshire District Council will have to cut spending or hike up council tax next year to tackle its dwindling reserves, warns an auditors' report. It reveals the council's reserves halved from £4m to £2m between March 1999 and March 2000. And the
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Fundraiser remembered
Mourners flocked to a Purton church to pay tribute to a man who raised more than £110,000 for research and treatment into a rare cancer. Pete Holland, who ran the fundraising appeal with his wife Jeannette, fought myeloma, an incurable cancer of the bone
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Parlour lifts lid on services
Funeral director James Beesley hopes the public will see his business in a better light after throwing open the doors of his funeral parlour. Mr Beesley, 27, set up James Beesley Funeral Services in Gloucester Road, Malmesbury, a month ago and wants people
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Magician denies raping youngster
Magician David Payne who performed at children's parties across the area and helped at a primary school raped a young girl at his home while his own children played in another room, a crown court jury heard. Payne, 56, of The Street, Burton, near Malmesbury
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They call it puppet love
"Thunderirds are go!" - again - and no-one is more surprised at the return of the cult Sixties' heroes than Salisbury artist Graham Bleathman. The former Salisbury Journal artist was back in his home city on Saturday to sign copies of his latest book,
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A little learning goes a long way
It is more important to be learning than learned, Salisbury College principal Gillian Brain told graduating students last week. The largest ever college graduation ceremony at Salisbury Cathedral focused on the theme of lifelong learning. Mrs Brain urged
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Pupils hit boxes record
Hundreds of poverty-stricken children in Eastern Europe will have at least one Christmas present to give them some seasonal cheer thanks to pupils at Pewsey Vale School. The students have surpassed the wildest dreams of teacher Vicci Hay by giving more
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Students draw on expert tips
Art students preparing for their GCSE exams at Pewsey Vale School have received extra help from top Royal Academy tutor Charlotte Steel, thanks to a local art society. Ms Steel ran a series of life drawing workshops at the Wilcot Road school all day last
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Fire station hits manning crisis
The fire station in Marlborough is facing its most serious manning crisis since the Second World War. So critical is the shortage of retained firefighters that the second engine cannot be manned for much of the time, and full-time firemen from Swindon
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Supporters urged to join the carnival team
Chippenham Carnival supporters have sent out a rallying cry to spark new interest in the town's flagging carnival. The year 2000 event raised £363.78 for charity, a big drop on the £1,895 from the previous year. Chairman Godrey Hibberd and his wife Diane
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Funds crisis could force new tax rise
North Wiltshire District Council will have to cut spending or hike up council tax next year to tackle its dwindling reserves, warns an auditors' report. It reveals the council's reserves halved from £4m to £2m between March 1999 and March 2000. And the
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Police target teen drinkers
Police are cracking down on underage drinking in Chippenham after a spate of incidents involving drunken teenagers. PC Peter Fennell, of Chippenham police, is at the forefront of the campaign to make pub landlords stricter on checking ID and said he was
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Anger at power station scheme
Plans to build a gas-fired power station on the edge of a Chippenham housing estate have sparked a wave of protest and concern. Scottish and Southern Energy Plc wants to build a ten megawatt power station with four chimneys 12.4 metres high in Cocklebury
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Bell beaten by odd goal in seven
TROWBRIDGE Wanderers gained their fifth consecutive league win by beating The Bell 4-3. Paul Clarke opened the scoring for Wanderers, picking up a through ball from Iain Saunderson and firing into the bottom right corner. Two minutes later The Bell equalised
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Calne crash to defeat after lengthy lay-off
Calne Town 1, Wellington 3 THIS was Calne's first match in three weeks due to some rain imposed cancellations, and how it showed. Wellington started at a blinding pace and practically killed the game off in the opening quarter. Wellington stormed ahead
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Wright stuff for Purton
Purton 5, Marlborough Town 0 HELLENIC League Purton proved too strong for their Skurray's Wiltshire League visitors Marlborough Town in the first round tie in the Wiltshire Senior Cup. Purton were soon into their stride and took the lead after just three
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Funds crisis could force new tax rise
North Wiltshire District Council will have to cut spending or hike up council tax next year to tackle its dwindling reserves, warns an auditors' report. It reveals the council's reserves halved from £4m to £2m between March 1999 and March 2000. And the
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First condemned trees felled by contractors
One of the five London Plane trees in Devizes Market Place bit the dust on Sunday after it was declared unsafe because it had rotted through. Contractors cut down the 130-year-old tree, one of eight that were originally planted to ring the Market Cross
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Club stalwart opens pavilion
A million pounds worth of sports facilities were unveiled on Sunday when Devizes Sports Club officially opened the new pavilion at its London Road headquarters. Club chairman Michael Gaiger paid tribute to the many people who had worked hard over the
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Town council urged to take over car parking
Devizes Town Council should take over the town's car parks and run them as a service to the community, it was suggested at the Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting last Thursday. Parking in the town centre has become such a bone of contention that the
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Castle tenants man battlements in court row over parking spaces
An Englishman's home may be his castle but the parking space outside his door can be less secure, a High Court case being heard in Chippenham this week is being told. Edward Owen, who bought the freehold of Devizes Castle two years ago from his cousin
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Prisoners' freedom dash ends in car crash
Three prisoners who escaped from Erlestoke Prison, near Devizes, scaled part of the two-mile-long perimeter fence with a ladder made from a greenhouse. Robert Deveney, 27, Samuel Kerrigan, 21, and Frank Rearden, 29, used a makeshift ladder made from scrap
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Fraud mum faces Christmas in jail
Mum Margaret Thompson could face Christmas in prison after she admitted defrauding an insurance company of £1,400. Thompson, 40, of Stirling Road, Market Lavington admitted obtaining the money by deception when she appeared before magistrates in Devizes
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It's not enough, say commuters
Train passengers with season tickets are to be given the equivalent of three weeks free travel as compensation for rail disruption, First Great Western has announced. It will take the form of a cash or credit card refund of 15 days of travel to all customers
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Sweet day for German visitor
It was a scene straight from the well-known Ferrero Rocher advert. As German Ambassador Dr Hans-Friedrich von Ploetz handed over tubes of sweets to pupils at Pinehurst Junior School, the temptation to utter the unforgettable words "with these, Ambassador
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Lauren proves grandma right!
Little Lauren Henly won the hearts of more than a thousand readers in this year's Evening Advertiser Baby of the Year competition. Lauren's cheeky smile and chubby cheeks spurred 1,279 people to vote her the town's top tot. She beat off stiff competition
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Now there is some cheer for children who have never had presents
AT least 150 children in the war-torn Balkans will have a Christmas to remember thanks to Lydiard Millicent Primary School. Pupils, parents and staff took up a charity challenge from the Wootton Bassett branch of the Rotary Club. They were asked to take
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Bid to put sparkle back into the centre
Marlborough High Street and other parts of the town centre are sorely in need of a spring clean, according to members of the newly-formed Marlborough Area Development Trust. The trust has sent a list of problems affecting the town centre to Marlborough
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Child health team earns national recognition from inspectors
Swindon's Child Health Department is the first ever to be awarded a national distinction for its work. Following an exhaustive inspection of all elements of the department by a team from the Child Health Inspection Committee, the 30-strong team emerged
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More cable havoc
Cabling work in Wootton Bassett is causing more controversy after contractors cut through an electricity line. Residents in Longleaze have been left in the dark after the blunder by ntl which has left four street lamps without power. The town council
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£424,000 for road repairs
Swindon's roads will benefit from a cash boost of nearly half a million pounds. An extra £424,000 will be made available by the government during the next two years. In the financial year starting in April, Swindon Borough Council received £958,000 for
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Sweet day for German visitor
IT was a scene straight from the well-known Ferrero Rocher advert. As German Ambassador Dr Hans-Friedrich von Ploetz handed over tubes of sweets to pupils at Pinehurst Junior School, the temptation to utter the unforgettable words "with these, Ambassador
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Support plea for city plans
A rallying cry has gone out for people to support park and ride and keep Salisbury a "thriving and vibrant" shopping centre. It came from the vice-president of Salisbury and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ian Newman, who said the city needed
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Lauren proves grandma right!
THIS is the face which won the hearts of more than a thousand readers in this year's Evening Advertiser Baby of the Year competition. Lauren Henly's cheeky smile and chubby cheeks spurred 1,279 people to vote her the town's top tot. She beat off stiff
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Pig attack teen told to work on farm
One of a gang of teenagers who beat a piglet to death has been ordered to work on the south Wiltshire farm where the attack happened. A 16-year-old from Tisbury, who cannot be named for legal reasons, must complete 20 hours' work for the farmer who owned
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Door closes on shop move
Fears of another congested edge-of-town shopping district like Southampton Road being born in Harnham have persuaded district planners to refuse businessman Carl Chambers permission to move his In-Excess shop 400 yards to a bigger site. Planning officers
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Mourners pay tribute to soprano
MOURNERS are expected to pack into Kingsdown Crematorium to pay tribute to Swindon soprano singer Una Boffin. Una Grace Boffin, whose real last name was Rouse, is well remembered by the older residents of Swindon as the woman with the wonderful voice
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Aircraft firms back off base
The battle over plans to relocate the RAF's tanker fleet to Boscombe Down took another twist this week when it was revealed that none of the shortlisted aircraft manufacturers is interested in basing its operations in south Wiltshire. Boscombe Down is
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Friendly keeps Salisbury in touch
RUGBY. Salisbury 10 Bracknell 2nds 17. Playing in a friendly against a team four divisions higher than themselves, Salisbury can take great heart from their performance. Salisbury had all the early pressure but it was Bracknell who scored first - a penalty
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It's time to advertise
I have just read your article about the problems in keeping the Steam museum open. You rightly identify the problem as being the lack of advertising. Surely a few bob spent on advertising is the key to getting people into the museum once they have found
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Service dwindles
Just over three years ago I moved to Wootton Bassett to be near my youngest daughter following the death of my husband. I have settled in very well and I am happy here and find the people very friendly and helpful. However, the bus service into Swindon
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Give them a nice day out
In August this year my daughter was allotted bus tokens, and I thought great, she will be able to go to the seaside for the day by train a few times in the summer. But now it looks like she will be going nowhere. It was only this year that I happened
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It's time to catch a bus
I WAS very disappointed to read the recent article regarding the abolition of the Christmas park and ride scheme in Swindon. However, I am not writing this letter from a car driver's point of view, but from that of a regular bus user. To my amazement
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A side-splitting evening
HAVING been supporters of Stage Struck since its inception, my friend and I want to congratulate all the participants in their super show for Christmas at the Arts Centre last Saturday. The excellent singing, dancing, comedy, costumes and musicians and
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The hard track to rebuilding
I WONDER why Railtrack always seek the most difficult (and expensive) option? The Wiltshire rail rebuilding plans are most welcome but surely £2.5 billion is way over the top. Swindon station could be increased from three to four platforms at minimum
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Trio of choices
The Gazette editorial "Traders may pay price for gaffe" tells the sorry story of North Wiltshire District Council promoting but failing to organise the 'free' Christmas park and ride in Chippenham. You describe it as a gaffe, but it has been a blunder
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Chew on mystery
Perhaps one of your readers could shed light on an intriguing mystery. On Friday last I found myself catching up with a white van towing an interesting looking trailer loaded with apparatus which would not have been out of place at a NASA centre. On coming
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Runaway victory
THE Lavington match fished at Merritts Lake on Sunday produced a comfortable win for Lavington matchman Graham Pearce, who took an all carp catch weighing 72lb 2oz for a runaway win. Pearce took his catch on pole fished luncheon meat on a 12 hook. Runner
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Life on the farm
I was amused to read that Andrea Hair thought I had never set foot on a farm (Gazette, November 16). One of my most treasured possessions is a medal that my late father was awarded for working on the same farm for 51 years. Farm work was the only work
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Crockett's double seals league victory
Slough 13, Chippenham 29 AFTER last weekend's disappointing home defeat by Abbey, Chippenham illustrated one of their biggest faults this season, inconsistency, with a superb away win at league leaders Slough. Fielding a side with only one change from
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Thanks for cash
I am writing to express sincere thanks to all those who gave so generously to the Chippenham branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society in the retiring collection held following the Chippenham Cantata Concert on November 18 in St Andrew's Church. Due to
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Parking proposals
The season of goodwill is almost upon us and once again shoppers will have to put up with the delights of Chippenham Borough Parade car park. Have you ever studied the line markings on the road as regards to leaving the car park? Everyone is sent around
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Value is vital
May I refer to Coun Sturgis' letter of November 9, in which he accuses me of omissions. No, he is wrong or confused. The minutes of the council meeting, September 5 clearly state the Goldiggers report was moved by Coun S J Bucknell and duly seconded by
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Note closure date
The Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society is holding its AGM on December 2 at Devizes Town Hall assembly rooms. Because this year the society is converting to a company, the AGM will be exceptionally lengthy, starting at noon and lasting
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Memories sought
After publishing several successful books on educational themes, I began work about two years ago on a history of Chippenham Secondary School. This was the school that operated in what is now Cocklebury Road (and in its very earliest years in The Causeway
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Debaters are distant
I have followed with interest the recent media reports concerning a member of North Wiltshire District Council who was criticised for knitting whilst attending a council meeting. I fully accept the member's statement that the therapeutic effect of knitting
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Appearances matter in the public's eyes
The deputy leader of the North Wiltshire District Council apologises to Corsham people who were outraged by her knitting during what was, to them at least, an important planning meeting. In the same breath she announces that she will continue to do it
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Groups get cash awards
The trustees of the Chippenham Borough Lands Charity have handed out more than £20,000 in awards to groups and individuals in Chippenham. The trustees met on November 13 when they agreed 25 awards, with a total value of £20,350. They made 15 individual
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Mandelson on election trail
Peter Mandelson made a lot of friends during his short visit to Swindon yesterday. He has had plenty of adverse publicity as the ruthless spin doctor who will stop at nothing to fulfil his political ambitions. But in Swindon he came across as a genuine
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Prison needs proper security
Erlestoke Prison governor Jayne Blake has been campaigning for more money to pay for extra security measure along the perimeter fence at her jail. The money is not yet forthcoming and this week three prisoners went over the fence. The men who fled, and
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This battle is one for all of us
This week the Gazette has received a flood of forms published in last week's paper calling on Prime Minister Tony Blair to increase the grant paid to Wiltshire. Many more forms will have gone directly to 10 Downing Street. We are printing the form again
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Firm told it can carry on
A minerals company in north Wiltshire has been told it can carry on working for the next 42 years. But a new liaison committee is being set up to deal with concerns raised by people in Ashton Keynes about the Moreton C Cullimore (Gravels) operation. Wiltshire
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Moore inspires Colerne to fine victory
COLERNE A produced one of their best displays of the season to defeat second placed All Cannings 4-3 in Division One of the Shoestrings sponsored Chippenham Sunday League. After a frantic start, All Cannings' Nick Oram found the net in the fourth minute
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Angry residents call for end to cablework
Residents in Wootton Bassett who have endured three months of cabling work are calling for an end to contractors digging up the road. Almost every street in the town has been affected by ntl which is laying cable television lines. In the last few months
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Spice Girl's single will boost homeless project
Music lovers can help support the work of Derry Hill-based charity Kandu Arts if they buy Melanie C's new single when it is released next week. Spice girl Melanie Chisholm is donating all the profits from If That Were Me, which will be released on Monday
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Dog's life spared after biting man
A springer spaniel which bit a man has been spared a death sentence by magistrates. Stephen Adamson needed four stitches in his cheek after the attack on September 19 in Collingbourne Kingston. The dog's owner, Raymond Ferguson, 51, of High Street, Collingbourne
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Buildings on hospital site to be demolished
Buildings at the former Roundway Hospital in Devizes, including the chapel, nurses' home and laundry, are to be knocked down. Members of Kennet District Council's planning and development committee on approved their demolition last Thursday, so clearing
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Elderly pay the price
Wiltshire spends £20 per person less than other shire counties but is facing a severe funding crisis with an anticipated overspend this year of £1.5million. The budget for home care services is already £250,000 overspent. The cases of pensioners Ellen
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Pursuit of knowledge
The White Horse Leisure Centre, Calne, is holding a quiz night on December 2 and is looking for enthusiastic teams of four to enter. Entry costs £8 a team and teams need to register by 7.30pm for the quiz, which will start at 8pm. Anyone interested should
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Vasectomy going for a snip at hall fundraiser
A vasectomy and a pile of well-rotted manure are among the stranger lots up for grabs at an auction of promises being held in Derry Hill tomorrow. Proceeds from the fundraising event will go towards furnishing and landscaping the new Lansdowne Hall, which
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Queen marks courage of life-saving airmen
Three men from RAF Lyneham who risked their lives to rescue others have been honoured by the Queen for their bravery. Flight Lieutenant Simon Cree and Flight Sergeant Piers Wakeham have been awarded the Queen's Commendations for bravery in the air after
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Sponsorship on offer
Malmesbury and Tetbury Round Table's bonfire and fireworks night went ahead last weekend two weeks late because of the bad weather. St Aldhem's Mead was under water on Guy Fawke's night. "Money raised will, as always, be distributed to local charities
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More cable havoc
Cabling work in Wootton Bassett is causing more controversy after contractors cut through an electricity line. Residents in Longleaze have been left in the dark after the blunder by ntl which has left four street lamps without power. The town council
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Bishop drops in to school
Pupils and staff at St Bartholomew's School in Wootton Bassett gave a warm welcome to the Bishop of Ramsbury, the Rt Rev Peter Hullah. At their assembly, the children were fascinated to learn that the Bishop's crook, which is a mark of his office, was
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Former schoolfriends swap tales at reunion
More than 50 ex-pupils of Wootton Bassett School more than half the intake of 1961 were joined by seven of their former teachers for a reunion on Saturday. "It was absolutely fantastic," said Joe Gardner, who taught history, English and PE in those days
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Angry residents call for end to cablework
Residents in Wootton Bassett who have endured three months of cabling work are calling for an end to contractors digging up the road. Almost every street in the town has been affected by ntl which is laying cable television lines. In the last few months
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Colourful history is brought to book
Brinkworth Heritage Society's Millennium book, Brinkworth with Grittenham, is a well illustrated miscellany of village history to delight all who know and love the area, or would like to delve into its past. It shows local families, their homes, occupations
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Millennium plans back on schedule
Malmesbury's Millennium celebration committee is back on track following the resignation of its chairman, Ray Sanderson. Mr Sanderson stepped down in August because of poor health. The committee was set up by residents in 1998 to implement a number of
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Council's U-turn on parking blunder
Councillors have done a U-turn over the Chippenham Christmas Park and Ride scheme after being flooded with complaints. The Gazette revealed last week North Wiltshire District Council decided last week to abandon the park and ride scheme amid claims it
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New chairman steps up
Corston resident John Kadwell has stepped forward as the new chairman of the Malmesbury and St Paul Without Residents' Association. The 15-year-old association faced winding down last month because it could not find volunteers to fill the crucial posts
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Lack of signs 'costs town tourism trade'
Thousands of visitors pass through Marlborough each year without ever seeing the High Street because the town centre is not sign-posted, it has been claimed. Clyde Nancarrow, the chairman of the Merchant's House museum, told the new Marlborough Area Development
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Campaigner steps up fight after meningitis tragedy
Campaigner Sir Leslie Loader is to step up his fight for meningitis diagnosis devices to be provided at all major hospitals, following the death of 22-month-old Jacob Fogg, grandson of former Marlborough mayor Nick Fogg. He said he was appalled Jacob
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Number's up on phone scam
Burglars posing as security experts could be gaining valuable information from home owners across the Marlborough area. Police have warned people not to give information over the phone, because they fear the bogus callers could well be burglars amassing
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Judge hails hero of taxi office gun raid drama
Taxi driver John King, who fought off a man holding a gun to his head during a raid at a Marlborough taxi office, has been commended by a court for his courage. At Salisbury Crown Court on Friday, Kevin Clarke, 19, of William Street, Swindon, was sentenced
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Great War pilot marks 101 years
One of the last surviving First World War pilots, Philip Bristow, celebrated his 101th birthday yesterday, only weeks after having a pacemaker fitted. "I've never felt better. Those weeks in hospital were just like being on holiday," said Mr Bristow,
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Pupils reflect on ways to join the space age
Pupils at Chippenham's Hardenhuish School are helping NASA prepare the next satellite to be launched by the Space Shuttle. The US space agency dispatched a package to the school last week, with an invitation for students to prepare one of the satellite's
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Breakfast club opens its door
The Around and About Kids Club has just opened its second breakfast club at the Bridge Centre in Chippenham, thanks to National Lottery funding and help from Barclays Bank staff. The club, which already runs several after school clubs and a breakfast
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Council's U-turn on parking blunder
Councillors have done a U-turn over the Chippenham Christmas Park and Ride scheme after being flooded with complaints. The Gazette revealed last week North Wiltshire District Council decided last week to abandon the park and ride scheme amid claims it
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Magician denies raping youngster
Magician David Payne, who performed at children's parties across North Wiltshire and helped at a primary school, raped a young girl at his home while his own children played in another room, a crown court jury heard. Payne, 56, of The Street, Burton,
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Taste of Italy for youngsters
Youngsters enjoyed a taste of the Mediterranean on Tuesday when they cooked up a pizza feast as part of National Italian Food Week. Children at the Leapfrog Day Nursery, Chippenham, made up their own dough, spun pizza bases and created their own toppings
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Smart Calne book cup place
CALNE Town secured a place in the quarter-finals of the under nines cup in the Wiltshire Times and News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League with an emphatic 9-0 win at Castle Combe Colts Athletic. The goals came from Matthew Smart (5), Mike Coulson, Gareth
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Family fights for boy's school place
Mother Tracey Frampton is appealing to education chiefs to find her ten-year-old son, Andrew Collins, a school. Andrew has not been at school since October last year when he was excluded from Potterne Primary School for behavioural problems. In January
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Choir pipes up for organ fund
The young choristers at St John's Church in Devizes have used their vocal cords to raise money to keep music alive in the town's parish church. Their first CD has just been released. Priced at £9.95, its proceeds will go to the Organ Fund at St John's
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Fit as a fiddle!
Sprightly Bernard Sparks celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by friends. A card from the Queen and a visit from the Mayor of Wootton Bassett Bill Roberts were highlights of a memorable day. Bernard, who has lived in Ridgeway House for 11 years, still
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Man 'flipped' in pub attack
A Swindon man who brandished a two-foot long Samurai sword in a Merseyside public house has been placed on probation for two years. Liverpool Crown Court heard that Paul Bailey lost his temper with his girlfriend and 'flipped'. After being disarmed
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Extra cash for schools is to be shared out
SWINDON Schools are set for a £631,074 Government windfall the town's share of a £167 million package announced by schools minister Jacqui Smith. The money will be paid directly to schools under the Government's New Deal for Schools and will help with
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Girls tell of sex assaults
MAGICIAN David Payne indecently assaulted a ten-year-old girl while reading her a story in bed, a court heard. The child, now 11, said she was visiting David Payne's home when he invited her into his bed and touched her improperly. Payne, 56, on trial
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D-DAY
This is the man whose party holds the key as to whether the Front Garden is developed for housing. But Mike Bawden is still unable to reveal whether his Conservative colleagues will back plans to build 3,800 homes on the green field site between Swindon
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Fine time to go after roach
FISHING. Winter roach fishing is beginning to take off as both the Avon and Nadder fine down after the recent floods. Two 3lb roach have been caught from the lower Avon, and the Nadder at Salisbury, which yielded a 3lb roach a week ago, presented Malc
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Woan loan plans
IAN WOAN has agreed to stay at Swindon until the end of the season with a deal expected to be finalised later this week. Town boss Andy King has spoken with the midfield maestro and the duo have decided on a contract that should keep the former Forest
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Future of courthouse remains in the balance
The future of Kennet Magistrates Court in Devizes could be decided next month. The Wiltshire Magistrates Court Committee is meeting on December 6 and members will be brought up to date on the review of the building. The court is threatened with closure
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Dad holds car boot sale for hospital
Dad Justin Oliver is raising money for Swindon's Princess Margaret Hospital, where his daughter fought back from septicaemia. Shannon, who is now seven months-old, fell ill in August and was sent to the Thames Children's Unit at PMH. Justin, 34, was so
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BOTH SIDES OFTHE GARDEN FENCEWe have to build, says council
The case for by Derek Benfield, deputy council leader We will be supporting the structure plan because it has been proved to be the most sustainable area in the town for expansion. It has also been subject to an Examination in Public (EIP) by independent
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Festival seeks ties for future
Salisbury Festival and the district council could be developing closer ties to give a boost to south Wiltshire's tourism and economy. New festival director Trevor Davies stressed the mutual benefits as he prepares for next year's festival. Salisbury District
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BOTH SIDES OFTHE GARDEN FENCELeave it alone, say campaigners
The case against by Terry King, chairman of FRAG Swindon Borough Council is about to vote on one of the most contentious issues since it came into being on April 1 1997. It has to decide whether the Front Garden remains its prime choice for greenfield
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Both sides of the garden fence
D-day looms in a bitter battle A battle has waged during the last few years over a piece of land described as Swindon's lungs. Now, after months of waiting, a final decision will be made on whether the Front Garden will be developed for housing or not
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Night of honours for the outstanding few
Former head tower guide at Salisbury Cathedral Ken Lorrain was among people honoured by the south Wiltshire business community at a City Hall awards ceremony. Mr Lorrain (73), who has only recently stepped down from the voluntary job, was presented with
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Fight against flu epidemic
Winter pressures on Swindon hospitals could be eased by a comprehensive programme of flu vaccination which has treated more than 40,000 people in Wiltshire. The measure, combined with a government decision to prescribe the anti-flu drug Relenza on the
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Millions to be paid for research
Hundreds of millions of pounds have been given to Swindon research councils to pioneer work in a variety of fields, including climate change and genomics. The five councils, all based at Polaris House, North Star, were granted a total of £249 million
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Baldrick has a cunning plan
Actor and television presenter Tony Robinson was in Salisbury last week in his role as a politician. Best known for his role as Baldrick in the Blackadder TV series and as presenter of Channel 4's archaeology programme Time Team, Tony is a staunch Labour
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Fury over chemical depot bid
People living beside derelict railway sidings in Salisbury have expressed horror at plans to build a chemical fertiliser depot in their midst. Railtrack is set to announce a plan to bring the former east goods yard adjoining the city's railway station
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Thanks for help
I would like to take this opportunity to thank some ladies who helped me when I was in Buds nightclub in Chippenham on November 4. While there I had an epileptic fit in the ladies and some ladies helped me. I know two were called Ruth Taylor and Penny
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Sorry for mix-up
On behalf of the Chippenham branch of the Royal British Legion I would like to apologise to any members of the public who missed the Act of Remembrance held on Saturday November 11 at Emery Gate. This was because the ceremony was held at 11am, the traditional
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Inspiring talent
The work of Chippenham artist Syrah Arnold, on display at the Citadel Gallery till November 30, is a treat to the senses. The artist's work vibrates with life and colour which lifts the spirits on drab winter days. Here is an exceptionally talented artist
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Barbaric 'fun'
Why was the Beaufort Hunt caught feeding 'orphaned' fox cubs in artificial earths? Don't they exist to humanely kill foxes which are a serious pest? Maybe 90 per cent of the British population are right in opposing hunting. Rearing and protecting foxes
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Wedding woes
I hope I am not under the influence of a mental illness bought on by overwork, but I am under the impression that there is a wedding afoot that is costing £1,200,000 and a society magazine is funding it with a gift of £1,000,000. If this is true it seems
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No need for talk of doom and gloom
I refer to Muriel Clark's letter in the Gazette on November 16. Her message to the country suggests that we should adopt an austere, hairshirt frugality in order to curb current carbon dioxide and other noxious emissions polluting the atmosphere. In my
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There is still time to fight homes threat
Further to the article by Major General John Page of the Trust for Devizes warning of the threat posed to the town of the house building proposals. The meeting of the Kennet District Council planning committee on November 2 gave little reassurance. The
