Archive
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Don't drink if you're driving
The story of the 34-year-old Swindon man told on the opposite page should be a salutary lesson to all of us this Christmas. John tried to drive his car after drinking a bottle of whisky and six pints of beer. Luckily the police caught him before he killed
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Boy's spirit has helped him through
We have often been privileged to tell the stories of children who've shown exceptional bravery and determination. But rarely have we reported on a youngster whose courage was more inspiring than that shown by five-year-old Ben Fox, who since his birth
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Biggest show ever
MISERABLE weather failed to spoil the party as hundreds of people packed the streets of Warminster to watch the Christmas lights switch-on. In one of the biggest festive displays the town has ever seen, more than 130 Christmas trees were illuminated.
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School attacks careless parents
TEACHERS in Warminster have blasted parents who send their children to school in a tired and disorganised state. Sheelagh Brown, headteacher at Kingdown School, said teachers were becoming more like social workers and less like teachers as they have to
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School calls for action over abandoned cars
AN ABANDONED car left near a primary school's gate in Warminster has been branded dangerous after it was set ablaze on Monday, November 27. The burnt-out shell of the car near the gates of Princecroft Primary School has become a major concern for teachers
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Trust has plans for eyesore East Street
THE BARREN shopping scene of East Street, Warminster, looks set to receive a boost, despite plans for another takeaway which were due to be discussed on Thursday, November 30. Traders and residents in East Street have already voiced their disgust at the
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Purton's players get their awards
PURTON Cricket Club recently held both their presentation dinner and AGM. The dinner was held in the Ghost Train and the awards were presented by Dave Woolford, the club's representative from their main sponsor La Farge Plasterboard, to: Clubman John
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Thank you for making carnival a success
AS YET another year comes to an end for Dilton Marsh Carnival, I would like to express my thanks, through your newspaper, to all those people who helped to make it such a success. Firstly, to the very dedicated and hardworking committee who gave so much
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Just not right
I WAS interested to read in the Chippenham News on November 17 that floodlights will transform Corsham's South bank. For some years now I have been aware each time I drive down the Lacock road that if I look to the right I will see buildings that would
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Gap in the argument is question of money
JUDGING by the letters recently published, either for or against a road through Hilperton Gap, there is actually agreement from both sides that nobody wants the heavy traffic on their doorstep. Moving traffic out of Hilperton into the Gap would inflict
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Tory policy comes home to roost
IT IS less than two years ago that the present Tory administration at County Hall tried, yet again, to spend less than the Standard Spending Assessment per pupil. Parents, teachers, governors and Mr Blunkett protested in order to get pupils a fair share
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Fereday provides spark for Trowbridge triumph
YOUTH FOOTBALL DESPITE the atrocious weather conditions, Devizes Town travelled to Trowbridge for their under 11s division game in the Wiltshire Times and News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League. The hosts held the upper hand for the majority of the game
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Biddestone's hopes ended by goal blitz
WILTSHIRE SENIOR CUP Biddestone 1, Malmesbury Vics 3 THE Vics agreed to play this cup tie at Biddestone's second choice pitch as their own Flying Monk ground was still unplayable after another week of inclement weather. Both sides played their part in
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Spy camera bid for town centre
CCTV security cameras could soon be used in Pewsey and Marlborough to combat the growing problem of shoplifting. The use of security television cameras, already proving successful in Chippenham, has taken a step forward with the commissioning of a feasibility
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Man slammed door on WPC's hand
A TROWBRIDGE man who slammed a door on a police officer's hand appeared in court last Thursday. Darren Gore, 20, of West Street, Trowbridge, pleaded guilty to assaulting WPC Tamara Campe at North West Wiltshire Magistrates' Court in Trowbridge. The court
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School's parking problems
PARENTS blocking a Staverton road while dropping their children off at school are being asked to be more considerate. The situation is so bad in School Lane that some householders are unable to get in or out of their drives during the morning and afternoon
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Estate is to join a new parish
A TROWBRIDGE church is doubling the size of its parish. St Thomas's Church is incorporating the Paxcroft Mead estate into its parish from today. The Rev Allan Coutts said the land where the 1,100 home estate is being built was originally divided between
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Gym school moves in
By Joanne Kelly AFTER years of setbacks, Wiltshire School of Gymnastics finally moved into its new premises last weekend. Although there is still a bit of work to be done on the £900,000 centre, the gymnasts and trampolinists have been getting used to
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No support?
Carer Support and The University of Bath are reviewing support available for parents who look after children with autism, learning difficulties, a physical impairment or other health problems. We plan to identify gaps in carer support services in north
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Race thanks
WE would like to thank Mark Mead for riding on behalf of the National Epilepsy Society in the beach race at Weston-super-Mare and everyone who sponsored him. He rode in memory of Adam, our son, and grandson. Thank you very much. ELAINE & NEIL PRITCHARD
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Sally forth
Sally Boats has no reason to moan about Henry Mendes Da-Costa registering its domain-name. Any business that has left it until 2000 without registering a domain-name is permitting themselves to be wide open to the nefarious and much-publicised practice
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Promise to stop tyre burning should be kept
As usual, Blue Circle tries to counter well-researched scientific evidence with a soundbite. Mike Cowell claims that "government research shows no proven link with asthma" and seeks to rubbish the Wiltshire Health Authority's informed response to their
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Teenager Voyce expecting to be targeted
BATH have something of a hoodoo over Bristol. They have never lost to them in 18 league meetings since the Premiership was formed in 1987. However, there has rarely been more than a score between the teams in games played in Bristol, and the hosts will
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Flood defence should be a priority
SHOULD we not think more deeply on our economic approach to environmental concerns? Ought we not fund environmental disasters such as flooding, hurricanes, snow blizzards and like disasters on the same basis as we do defence? If the brass hats required
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Thanks...
hanks... THROUGH your columns could the Lions Club gratefully acknowledge the support it received at the recent charity auction. Please could the club also acknowledge the support of the many people who attended and made bids at the auction, which raised
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More pets die on 'rat run' road
BY COINCIDENCE I had written a letter last week almost identical to that of Mrs Rawlings, who wrote about traffic in The Down, Trowbridge. My letter echoed her concerns, but was about conditions in The Butts, in Westbury. It seems the same problems are
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Stepping down after 25 years
0By Sara Oliver MAGISTRATE Keith Berry well remembers the day an unkempt, down-and-out man appeared before him in court on driving offences. The bench treated the defendant leniently and let him off with a paltry fine, only to discover hours later he
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Blake lecture at arts group
ART expert Robert Gillan will give a lecture on William Blake at the December meeting of Bradford on Avon Arts Association. Mr Gillan has lectured on art throughout Europe and North America since 1977 and aims to help people understand what artists were
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Top award for school website
PUPILS and staff at Christ Church School have been celebrating the news that they have won a second national award for their website. The Bradford on Avon primary school beat off 1,300 other schools to scoop a Golden Owl award for continuing excellence
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Villagers protest against mobile phone mast plan
PARENTS of children at a Warminster school have voiced their fears over a mobile phone mast planned just 200 yards from the school grounds. The 15 metre Orange communications mast and equipment cabinet planned for Heytesbury was due to get the go-ahead
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'It's so good to be back!'
A Swindon pre-school has re-opened six weeks after vandals ran riot and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. Toys were smashed and a mobile phone and £65 of petty cash stolen in the October 18 attack on Clifton Street pre-school. But the worst
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It takes bottle, but give the drink the elbow if you're going to drive
As the Christmas party seasons gets into full swing, police have reminded revellers that drinking and driving is one Christmas tradition we can do without. Statistics show that, both nationally and in Swindon, the number of people caught drink driving
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Boys wanted for ballet auditions
Dancers from Swindon will be auditioning on Sunday for a part in The English Youth Ballet's The Nutcracker. Around 100 youngsters have already applied but there are very few boys. Organisers are surprised more boys haven't come forward, particularly following
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Children learn about town's railway heritage
The past came to life this week for pupils at Moredon Infants School when they visited Swindon's Steam railway museum. More than 50 pupils aged between five and seven visited the museum, near the Great Western Designer Outlet Village at Churchward, as
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Sainsbury to re-open its bigger and better store
The Sainsbury's store at Bridgemead has matched the efforts of Swindon's Tesco store by becoming the biggest of its kind in the South West. In a hectic six-day revamp this week costing £4 million, a new extension has been built to increase shopfloor space
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Man assaulted and robbed in park by two attackers
A man was assaulted and mugged by two men as he walked through a Swindon park. The 23-year-old was attacked at the York Road gate to Queens Park at 3am yesterday morning. The robbers stole a red ruck-sack containing clothing, a blue sleeping bag and other
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Shooting ourselves in the foot
RUGBY is still suffering from the rages of the weather but we do tend to shoot ourselves in the foot sometimes as well. The conditions were not conducive to rugby last weekend. The pitches were saturated and the incessant rain killed off any hope of a
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Young singers hit top notes
CHILDREN from Westbury Infant School release their first CD today to help raise funds for a safe route to their classrooms. Many children walk to the school down a narrow side road also used by cars. Recently-appointed headteacher Jan Ball decided it
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Weekend quest targets drivers
WILTSHIRE Constabulary teamed up with police forces across Europe to carry out a 24-hour campaign against drink-drivers. The Christmas drink-drive campaign was launched nationally on November 23 with the message "Drinking and driving is one Christmas
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Town launches blitz on crime
TROWBRIDGE police are starting their annual crime prevention scheme, Operation Clampdown, over the Christmas period. The main objectives of the operation are to prevent and detect crime, to prevent outbreaks of disorder and to reduce the fear of crime
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Council rejects play area plea
PENSIONERS' appeals for a play area outside their Trowbridge homes to be taken out have been turned down. Elderly people living on the new Brewery Walk estate claimed the children's play area was being used as a "yobbo's retreat" and demanded it be taken
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Councillors back rock cafe scheme
By Sara Oliver LUTON-BASED Luminar Leisure's bid to turn an old hall behind Silver Street into a late-night entertainment centre for the over-20s just needs the backing of west Wiltshire planners to go ahead. Last week district councillors wholeheartedly
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Dazed by narrow escape from jail
Harold Churchill has spoken about his relief at being spared a jail sentence and his gratitude to those who supported him. Mr Churchill is in the process of sending thank you cards and letters to the people of Bratton who spoke out in his defence. More
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Westbury man drove stolen car
WESTBURY man Robbie Gage appeared in court last week charged with handling a stolen car and possession of amphetamines. Gage, 38, of Orchard View, Dilton Marsh, appeared at North West Wiltshire Magistrates' Court last Thursday and pleaded guilty to both
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Extra homes plan for old cloth mill
DEVELOPERS who have already won permission to convert a derelict cloth mill in Westbury into more than 70 new homes are bidding to add another three dwellings to the scheme. Bellway Homes won permission in March to convert the Grade Two listed Bitham
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Retirement day death
BAKERY clerk Winifred Upward died just hours after retiring from the Westbury job she started 40 years ago. Mrs Upward, 91, started working for Raines Bakery part-time in 1960 and retired last Friday. She was responsible for working out the bread orders
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Where does the Rainbow end? At the pizza parlour
Swindon children got a slice of the action when they took a trip to Dominos Pizza in the West Swindon District Centre. A group of three-year-olds from Rainbow Playschool, part of Freshbrook School, in Worsley Road, West Swindon, visited the shop on Tuesday
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Launch of winter crackdown on cyclists
Dark winter evenings and poor weather have prompted Swindon police to launch a crackdown on cyclists to promote road safety in the run-up to Christmas and the New Year. Specific attention is to be paid to all cyclists who are riding without lights, on
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Youngsters get animated
Youngsters who want to fly on the back of a friendly dragon or hide from a scary dinosaur have been having a ball for the past few Saturdays making their own little worlds come to life. The Cre8 studios at the Town Hall, Regent Circus, Swindon, has been
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Groups share £3,000 award
Thirteen groups have been chosen to share £3,000 in this year's Evening Advertiser Community Awards scheme, run in partnership with British Gas. The grants range from around £87 for a play parachute for Lower Shaw Farm Children's Project to £459 for a
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Fun for all at festive event
A magical feast of fun and entertainment helped the switch-on of the Old Town Christmas lights go with a swing. Despite blustery, drizzly and cold conditions, more than 2,500 people packed Wood Street last night to watch Swindon Mayor Arthur Archer perform
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No real alternative to the Front Garden
After much debate and intimidation from the FRAG group, councillors have democratically voted for the Wiltshire Structure Plan, which involves the building on land called the Front Garden. I completely agree with the decision on the basis that if building
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Ignoring the national manifesto
Glyn Jones (November 28 says that FRAG members should "shut up and allow democracy and progress to move forward". When using the word democracy Mr Jones would do well to remember that literally thousands of Swindon people signed a petition organised by
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Drive to halt rural decline
A NEW initiative has been launched in an attempt to reverse the declining fortunes of rural businesses. The closure of many village post offices and a reduction in the number of rural jobs, particularly in agriculture, has spurred Business Link Wiltshire
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Extra time is appreciated
It is with great relief and no little excitement that I place on record the appreciation of many people across the town at the decision of Swindon Council to lift the financial pressure on the Clapham/Hobbs Unit. At the recent ratification committee it
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Young achievers rewarded
THE achievements of young people and those who work with young people in Wiltshire were celebrated at a presentation evening sponsored by the Wiltshire Times. Wiltshire County Council and Wiltshire Youth Services Council presented the awards at County
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Worth waiting for
What a delight it is to tune into BBC Wiltshire Sound every Saturday and Sunday morning to hear that cheeky wee young Scotsman, Sandy Martin. The time passes so fast as we listen with interest and joy. It is a long time between Sunday afternoon and the
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Bown staying
By Michael Bristow STRIKER Matty Bown has given Melksham Town a boost before tomorrow's Les Phillips Cup derby at Corsham by pledging his future to the Conigre club. Bown had once again been a transfer target for Melksham's Screwfix Direct League Premier
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Title contenders come head to head at Swindon
SWINDON entertain Grove this weekend in the first of two fixtures re-arranged due to the weather. Grove are currently nipping at Swindon's heels in fourth position in the league, only one point behind, and have been having some good results against the
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Needle attack addict jailed
A DRUG addict who stabbed a security guard in the face with a used hypodermic needle has been jailed for five years. His victim, Nigel Wright, underwent AIDS and hepatitis tests and a three-month wait to see if he had caught anything as a result of his
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Misery
RICHARD Dryden is hoping to banish the memory of his 'nightmare' debut for Town. The central defender's first appearance in a red shirt saw him head past his own keeper at the Evening Advertiser Town End. His eighth minute own goal was merely the start
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Congestion could be very costly
ANOTHER blank weekend due to the weather, so I was fortunate to find a game to watch on Saturday. My assistant Nobby Bush and myself went to watch his son play for Bath City Reserves in their 2-0 victory over Cadbury Heath. It was very wet and pretty
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Charity sets up sweet win for Chippenham
Chippenham Town 2, Welton Rovers 0 CHIPPENHAM played a fast and furious game in the Screwfix Direct League Premier Division match on Wednesday night. From the kick-off Chippenham seemed a very motivated side, with Mark Cutler and Steve Tweddle producing
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Market may close if no support
SHOPPERS in Warminster have been warned that they will lose the town's market if trade fails to pick up. The market, held in the central car-park every Friday, already resembles a ghost ship as shoppers are opting for the High Street stores. Several market
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Residents oppose warehouse plan
A LIGHTING company's plans to use its Warminster premises as a warehouse could mean more lorries driving through narrow residential estates. Warminster Lighting Centre's plans to change the use of the Old Silk Works unit from industrial and office to
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Blast leaves a town crier in fear of life
A TOWN crier was left fearing for his life when an exploding washing machine filled his Warminster house with thick smoke. Firefighters and police were called to Phil Seddon's home in Deverill Road when his house was plunged into darkness after the explosion
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Rivals meet in derby
By Simon Cole TROWBRIDGE Town are facing an injury crisis ahead of tomorrow's eagerly awaited Skurray's Wiltshire League Premier Division derby at Bradford Town. It is the first time for nearly 50 years that the sides have met in a league fixture, and
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Last gasp goal settles derby
CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE SHOWER power ruled as the rain disrupted the league programme of the Shoestring's sponsored Chippenham League for a fifth week running, with just 13 out of the planned 30 league and cup matches surviving the elements. The Fourth
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Villagers book knockout cup berth
TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE ONLY two ties survived the weather in the second round of the knockout cup (sponsored by Reflections Niteclub Westbury). Heytesbury were 2-0 up against Hilperton United, through John Mills and Craig Short, by the interval. Darren Elloway
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Big test for Supermarine
THE Hellenic League match of the day this weekend will be at South Marston, weather permitting, when Swindon Supermarine take on Didcot Town, who are unbeaten in 12 starts this season. Supermarine, who now trail Highworth by three points at the top of
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Hatswell joins Oxford
FOREST Green Rovers defender Wayne Hatswell has signed for Oxford for £35,000. The 25-year-old from Moredon attracted the interest of a host of clubs with his consistent performances at the back for Conference team Rovers. As a Swindon Town supporter,
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BMX track plan sails through
PLANS for a BMX track in Studley Green, Trowbridge, have been given the go-ahead after not one objector turned up to speak against them. West Wiltshire district planners had been told there was fierce opposition to the scheme to create the track on part
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Thumbs down for romantic castle
PROPOSALS to build the first castle in west Wiltshire for centuries have cut no ice with modern-day planners. Entrepreneur Tom Rothschild was told his plans to build a four-storey Gothic-style castle just yards from more traditional cottages in Heywood
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Firms announce pre-tax losses
FIGURES released by major west Wiltshire employers Airsprung and Avon Rubber reveal both firms have been hit by difficult trading conditions this year. Unaudited figures for Airsprung Furniture Group for the six months to September 30 show the group made
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Website price rises to £5,000
WEBSITE owner Henry Mendes da-Costa is offering to give up its Sally Boats name in return for £5,000. Last week the Wiltshire Times revealed that the boss of Bradford boat firm Sally Boats was shocked to find his company's name was the title for a gay
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Protest hits No.10
A PROTEST demanding more cash for Wiltshire was taken to the Prime Minister's doorstep this week by schoolchildren. Half a dozen primary school pupils handed in letters and a petition signed by Wiltshire's 256 headteachers demanding a fairer share of
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Sick pets sparkfear over toxins
PEOPLE living on a new Trowbridge estate fear the area is being polluted by toxic chemicals. Residents on Paxcroft Mead became concerned after pets fell seriously ill and one dog died. They are worried that whatever is harming their animals could affect
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Town draws up a future blueprint
By Joanne Kelly A COMMUNITY gathered at the weekend to discuss its own future. The Melksham 2000 and Beyond conference at George Ward School last weekend brought together many community groups and individuals to discuss the town's future in west Wiltshire
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Award for young youth club worker
A YOUTH club member has been recognised for his voluntary work. Alex Bird, 15, joined Atworth Youth Club five years ago and has become one of the main young volunteers . He was nominated by club leader Mavis King for a Youth Action Wiltshire award. Last
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Melksham's millennium mosaic is unveiled
A permanent memorial to the work of the community of Melksham was un-veiled last weekend. Melksham's millennium mosaic was officially unveiled by the Mayor of Melksham, Cllr Vic Oakman, and many of the town's community groups gathered for the event on
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Aussie Berne relishing extended run in the side
FLY-HALF Shaun Berne has been revelling in the opportunity afforded him by the international absences. The young Australian played second fiddle to Mike Catt at the beginning of the season, and for most of the last campaign. He stepped into the number
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Melksham considers art feature
A COMMUNITY art project could breathe life into Melksham. Following in Corsham's footsteps Melksham Town Development group will look at community art as a permanent fixture in the town. Corsham artist Andrea Garrihy created a selection of life-sized human
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Gas firm rapped over lights
GAS company Transco was forced to stop work this week by Wiltshire County Council. Transco put up traffic lights outside Aldi on Beanacre Road in Melksham on Monday. The lights were due to be in position between 9am and 4pm for one day. But on Monday
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Show was a triumph
HAVING been fortunate enough to see Millennium Moves 2000, I read your report Dance of the Century with interest, and found only half a story! As a dance teacher (now retired) of 30 years' experience I was delighted to see such a consummately professional
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Grateful for return of purse
A SINCERE thank you to the person who handed my purse in, which I missed on reaching the checkout at Wilkinson's store Friday November 24 about 12.30pm. I am a pensioner, and would like to thank those members of staff at the store for their kindness.
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Town's tax may go up
PLANS for the town council to take over the running of the St Margaret's Hall in Bradford on Avon and think about building a new footbridge across the river Avon could see higher council tax demands sent out next April. The town council has started the
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Chance for musicians to perform
YOUNG musicians from the south west will perform in Bradford on Avon next year as part of a national festival. Music for Youth is staging 47 regional music festivals across the country next spring, providing the opportunity for up to 45,000 young musicians
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Crowds flock to see lights
FAMILIES packed into the centre of Bradford on Avon to see Kellogg's character, Tony the Tiger, and Olympic swimming star, Nick Gillingham, switch on the town's Christmas lights. The main event was staged in Westbury Gardens on Tuesday evening and shops
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Public involvement delays Mill plan
EXTENSIVE consultations about the future of a controversial mill site in Bradford on Avon have delayed the public unveiling of detailed plans. Taywood Homes was due to unveil the final stage of draft plans for the Kingston Mill site yesterday, but the
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Complaints rise against police
Complaints made by the public against Wiltshire police are rising. And now chief constable Elizabeth Neville is warning that the figures are likely to exceed the force's targets. In a report to a meeting of the complaints committee on Monday she says
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Ben is among the bravest in the land
The bravery of a Swindon youngster will be recognised in a national award ceremony which honours some of the most heroic young people in the country. Five-year-old Westlea Primary School pupil Ben Fox is one of just ten young people to be awarded the
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Council tax set to rise
Council tax in Swindon is set to rise by 5.8 per cent next year. The average Band D household will pay £778 from the start of the next financial year compared with £735 this year. The Government has released its provisional guidelines on what the borough
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Devoted couple die within days
By Holly Robinson Bill and Dorrie Glover died within two days of each other after 61 years of marriage. They were apart for five years when Mr Glover was captured by the Germans in the Second World War but since then, the loving grandparents had only
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Christmas jobs fear at book firm
STAFF at Trowbridge-based Redwood Books fear their jobs will go, following the announcement that the company is being merged with Bath Press. The 119 workers have been told the premises in Canal Road industrial estate will close within the next three
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Lost man forces lock
A YORKSHIRE man who lost his bearings after a night out in Trowbridge town centre ended up breaking down a stranger's door, believing he had made it back to his parent's home. Dean Holton, 23, who recently moved into his parents' home at Kings Garden,
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Addict robbed to attract attention
Robber Daniel De Costa, who held up an off-licence worker at knifepoint, was jailed for three years on his 24th birthday. The drug addict claimed he had carried out the offence to get attention because he was not getting adequate treatment for his attention
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On the wrong track
Railway bosses promise train travel is about to get better well it could hardly get any worse could it? This week, when the words which are meant to make commuters feel better were hardly out of their mouths there were yet more problems. People trying
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Magic gone from these little lives
MAGICIAN David Payne this week started a 12 year prison sentence for raping an eight-year-old girl and abusing others. Understandably, parents who have lived with the knowledge their little girls have been treated in this terrible way and then had to
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It's time the government delivered
Angling By Colin Scull FOLLOWING the news last week of the demise of the Wessex Federation of Anglers, there is good news this week with three large Somerset Angling Clubs making applications to join the NFA. Application forms have been sent to Bridgwater
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Young singers hit top notes
CHILDREN from Westbury Infant School release their first CD today to help raise funds for a safe route to their classrooms. Many children walk to the school down a narrow side road also used by cars. Recently-appointed headteacher Jan Ball decided it
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Villagers support sub-postmaster
Former sub-postmaster Harold Churchill left court with a suspended jail term after a judge heard how he embezzled more than £34,000. The 57-year-old, who ran Bratton post office and shop for 13 years, stole the money over a 17-month period until his arrest
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Views are sought for shake-up
Householders in North Wiltshire will soon get the chance to have a say about the local council structure. A new Government Act coming into force next year means that local authorities have to have a revamped form of administration. This means North Wiltshire
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MP supports plans to help those misled over SERPS
The MP for North Swindon, Michael Wills, has welcomed Government proposals to help millions of people who were given wrong, misleading or incomplete information about changes to State Earnings Related Pension entitlement, introduced by the last government
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'We're not too lenient'
Magistrates have hit back at police concerns over leniency towards beggars in court. Last week we reported how police striving to clear Swindon town centre of vagrants are frustrated that, in many cases, they are conditionally discharged and back on the
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Aiming to be on top of the world
Every day Marie Seaton deals with the deprivation of Swindon in her role as director of social services. Now, the council officer is set to see poverty and hardship on a totally different scale. The 46-year-old director is set to leave for Kathmandu in
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One hump is better than none
When New College students needed a camel costume, they found their request came up humps. Performers staging the panto Abdul And The Eye Of Ra next week were nearly snookered when it transpired they had no suit for the essential role of Eric the Magic
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Nightclubs aim to scupper late night licence bid
A lanlord has applied for a licence so that live music fans can have a late drink but has met with opposition from some Swindon nightclubs. Kevin and Nicky Fitzger-ald, the licencees of The Victoria in Victoria Road, Old Town, were granted a late public
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Cobblers brimming with experience
THE Cobblers have Jamie Forrester's goals to thank for their healthy position in Division Two. The former Leeds United man has bagged 14 goals in 19 starts for the club. They lie in ninth place but should the little striker's goals dry up then there may
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Woan - We won't be relegated
IAN Woan is adamant that he has not signed for a relegation-doomed side. While Andy King has struggled to bring in new faces, the former Nottingham Forest midfielder has committed himself to the County Ground until the end of the season - at least. As
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Bad boys have hit new low
TOWN currently find themselves languishing in the bottom three of two separate divisions. Not only are they near the foot of Division Two, but The Nationwide Fair Play League also makes grim reading for supporters. Town are just one place from the foot
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Misery
RICHARD Dryden is hoping to banish the memory of his 'nightmare' debut for Town. The central defender's first appearance in a red shirt saw him head past his own keeper at the Evening Advertiser Town End. His eighth minute own goal was merely the start
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Pillaging the open spaces
Glyn Jones has missed the point completely regarding the decision to build on the Front Garden. I am a Swindonian born and bred, and having lived in the town for 46 years in the Westcott Place area. I wonder how many of the councillors that were concerned
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Government bid may ban hunting
THE FUTURE of hunting and bloodsports in Wiltshire will be part of a massive debate, as the Government bids to bring in new laws in this parliamentary session. The new measures, expected to be outlined in Wednesday's Queen's Speech, are expected to spark
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Searching questions will be asked
Your semi-retired but very detached columnist Shirley Mathias must be the only person in town who does not understand the need to put some distance in time between being chairman of a major council committee and working as an employee in the same department
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Long live the park and ride
Last Saturday I got dragged into town shopping for Christmas with my wife and son. It was raining, and I knew every man, woman and child was going to be there, but I couldn't get out of it because Supermarine's footy match was off due to the weather.
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Plenty going for this town
Fred Manson's offer of advice is equivalent to the local pub football team manager trying to advise Alex Ferguson! After suffering the impact of the closure of Brunel's works in the mid-80s, Swindon has successfully regenerated itself from a single-industry
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Cooper-Avon celebrate after historic victory
RUGBY Frome 19, Cooper-Avon Tyres 23 WITH the wind and slight slope in their favour, the visitors got off to a dream start in this Dorset and Wilts Division One game when winger Stuart Moore gathered a cross field kick and touched down to open the scoring
