Archive
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Pupils dig for victory in Millennium wood
GREEN-FINGERED gardeners from Kington St Michael School have been taking part in a village project to grow a Millennium wood. The wood was planted last year as a community effort, and last week pupils planted an extra two trees, donated to them by the
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Fair worker hurt in lorry drama
TEENAGE fairground worker Joby Farrell was taken to hospital on Friday after being crushed between two lorries in Chippenham High Street. The accident happened at about 10am, when 18-year-old Mr Farrell was helping set up Jenning's Fun Fair in preparation
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Depressed boss took his own life
BUILDING firm boss Nigel Hamilton shot himself in the head in a remote field after becoming depressed over a business deal and his health, an inquest heard. Mr Hamilton, 60, of Foss Lodge, Grittleton, shot himself with his own shotgun at Four Acres, a
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Museum keeps town posted
AS the Christmas mail rush gets underway, the history of the postal service in Chippenham has gone on show. The exhibition, at Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre, catalogues postal history since the 17th century. Museum and centre manager Mike Stone
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Birthday girls' fine example
HOW many young people would consider giving up their presents to make a donation to charity instead? Stratton girls Sheryl Gawthorn, Lucy O'Keeffe and Stephanie Coleman did just that when their joint 18th birthday celebration raised a total of £650. The
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Steam must be given a helping hand
IT must come as a surprise to no one that almost a year and a half since the grand opening of the Steam Museum, the beleaguered attraction still finds itself in the midst of a financial crisis. Additional costs and disappointing visitor figures have all
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Town players get pay relief
TOWN chief executive Pete Rowe has admitted that it is proving a struggle to pay the players' wages on time. For almost two months, the club has been rudderless with Mr Rowe and director of football Roy Evans running the day-to-day affairs at the County
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Lights fantastic
HUNDREDS of people brought Chippenham High Street to a standstill on Friday night as they gathered to see the first signs of the festive season come to town. The annual Christmas lights switch-on event was more popular then ever, and the crowds were drawn
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Town will miss out on trust's new HQ
THE National Trust has decided against establishing its new national headquarters in Chippenham and will move to Swindon instead. The trust had discussed setting up its new headquarters in Chippenham because it wants to streamline its operation with one
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End of the road for car sales firm after 26 years
A CAR sales business is to close next month after 26 years and make way for a furniture retailer. TR Cars, on the A4 near Calne, will close on December 7 after the garage's founders, Peter Hider and Stephen Keenan, signed a major deal for the site with
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Grants for revamp of old town buildings
HISTORIC buildings in Malmesbury could be in for a facelift. The town hall and The Triangle are among buildings in the town that have been offered funding for enhancement and repair by North Wiltshire District Council. The Malmesbury Heritage Economic
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Four in court after feud ends in a brawl
AN ex-husband, his son and his brother have been bound over to keep the peace after allegedly beating his former wife's new husband with sticks. Farming brothers Trevor and Kenny Skuse, and Kenny's 19-year-old son James Grimshaw, all from Heddington,
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Vintage lady saved in blaze
THE owner of a rare vintage car has praised part-time members of Wiltshire Fire Brigade for rescuing it from a garage blaze. Geoff Carter, of Swan Meadow, Pewsey, was horrified when he woke in the early hours of Friday morning to see flames leaping up
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Tax rises as parish says it has been too frugal
TAXPAYERS in Pewsey will be paying more in the next financial year to meet extra administration costs. The parish proportion of council tax is to rise by 13 per cent, an additional £3 for a Band D house, or six pence a week. On top of the parish increase
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School return as a top VIP
FEW guests at school prize days know their way around the buildings as speaker Kathryn Nokaes at Pewsey Vale School's speech day. The school continued its tradition of inviting former pupils to return as guests for its prize day, and Miss Noakes, who
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Redditch United 1, Chippenham Town 3
Dr Martens League: On-loan Yeovil Town striker James Bent scored twice as Chippenham Town completed a quick league double over lowly Redditch United. Bent scored either side of the half time interval to keep the Bluebirds flying high at the top of the
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Socceroos fail when it comes to geography
SO Danny Invincible will not be going to the World Cup unless it is as a spectator. Australia's dream of a place in the finals was ended by Uruguay. Adver Towers is not bereft of Australians and the Socceroos' defeat was met with gloom. Why should the
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Don't start the new league without us
SWINDON TOWN'S dwindling bank account would be in grave danger of drying up altogether if Premiership Two be-comes a reality. Football bosses have played down the idea but I am a great believer in the 'no smoke without fire' theory. Quite simply, Swindon
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United through
SHREWTON United marched into the fourth round of the Addkey Senior Cup following Saturday's comprehensive 6-1 win at home to Corsham Reserves.
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Havant's double header adds to Whites' woes
SALISBURY CITY'S lack of firepower again proved costly as they fell to the their sixth consecutive defeat and their 11th in the last 12 games. The basement side went down 2-0 away to Havant & Waterlooville on Satur-day and have now failed to score
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Anniversary for care trust
THE Malmesbury Community Trust celebrates its seventh anniversary next month, having given nearly £10,000 to needy people and causes in the area. The trust relies entirely on legacies and has contributed to causes including a stair lift at Abbeyfield
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Pre-schools win grants to open longer hours
A VILLAGE pre-school has been given National Lottery money to extend its opening hours and set up an after-school club. The Walter Powell Pre-school in Great Somerford won a grant of £6,023 from the New Opportunities Fund, and £6,889 for setting up an
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Vet returns for latest series of TV hit show
MALMESBURY vet Mike Sandiford is to feature for a fourth time in the BBC television series Vets in Practice. Mr Sandiford, 30, a cattle vet at The George Veterinary Group, in Malmesbury High Street, will hit the nation's screens early in the New Year
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Shipwrecked for panto fun
THE classic tale of Robinson Crusoe will be recreated as a pantomime by Malmesbury's Athelstan Players drama group this weekend. The curtain goes up on the production at Malmesbury School at 7.30pm tonight and continues until Saturday. There will also
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Sports clubs launchstrategy to upgrade
MALMESBURY'S rugby and cricket clubs are looking to raise thousands of pounds to upgrade their facilities. The rugby club plays alongside the cricket club's ground in The Worthys, and rents its pitch from farmer Michael Weaver. The club wants to introduce
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Depressed boss shot himself in the head
BUILDING firm boss Nigel Hamilton shot himself in the head in a remote field after becoming depressed over a business deal and his health, an inquest heard. Mr Hamilton, 60, of Foss Lodge, Grittleton, shot himself with his own shotgun at Four Acres, a
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Charity needs our support
THERE is no doubt that there are some impoverished areas in Wiltshire but in the main this county has a reasonable standard of living. Many of us enjoy a far more comfortable lifestyle than that, and there are a great many whose lot is far worse. So we
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Cash boost will help youngsters to improve
YOUNG cricket hopefuls in Wiltshire have been given a boost after the announcement £60,000 worth of funds are to be pumped into the game in the south west region. The Stroud and Swindon Building Society has invested £30,000 to continue their the sponsorship
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Collingbourne win promotion
COLLINGBOURNE cricket club celebrated a successful 2001 season at their recent presentation dinner and dance evening. The first team registered 13 wins out of 14 matches to clinch the Wiltshire League Division Three title in the summer, while the seconds
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Perrin back as county skipper
CORSHAM'S Steve Perrin has been reappointed as the Wiltshire county cricket captain for the 2002 season. Wicketkeeper Perrin, 30, missed a number of minor counties matches in the summer through injury and was delighted to be asked to lead the side for
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Firms should be ready for euros
A huge percentage of UK com-panies have done little if anything to prepare for the fact that nearly a third of them have customers who will be trading in euros next year. Banking group HSBC estimates that 2.9 million of the UK's 3.7 million businesses
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War hero of the skies became a flying pioneer
FLYING ace Roland "Bee" Beamont, who became a hero as a wartime fighter pilot and later pioneered supersonic flight, has died at the age of 81. Only last month, Wing Commander Beamont, who lived in Stratford-sub-Castle, was awarded the Guild of Air Pilots
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Delegates tour school campus
DELEGATES from the Local Government Association National Conference who spent several hours in Wootton Bassett last Thursday, were very impressed with the PFI project to provide new premises for the town's secondary school. The conference theme, Developing
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Tippers ignore recycling centre
FLYTIPPERS have dumped rubbish only a short drive away from a household-recycling centre. Purton resident Jacqui Lay discovered the mattresses, carpets and a bed in Collins Lane, a back road between Purton and Swindon. The site is three miles from the
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Christmas is early at centre
THERE was a touch of festive spirit in the air much earlier for members of the Lorna Doone Day Centre, in Wootton Bassett. The group based at a bungalow in the grounds of Ridgeway House, Wootton Bassett, enjoyed a pre-Christmas afternoon out at Church
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Soldier off to the Caribbean
LEE Bampfield, of Cricklade, will be spending his birthday playing cricket in the Caribbean after he was picked to represent the Army in his favourite sport. Private Bampfield, 19, who is a member of the Territorial Army's 395 Air Despatch Troop based
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Protesters lose court case on Front Garden
THE Front Garden Action Group in Swindon is bloody but unbowed after it lost its High Court battle against Swindon Borough Council to prevent homes being built on the large tract of land to the south of Swindon. But chairman Terry King said it still aims
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Cherry Records Hellenic League round-up
Highworth Town picked up another three valuable Premier Division points when they defeated fellow strugglers Almondsbury Town 3-0 on their own ground. Brimming with confidence after their success over Didcot last week, Highworth looked much the better
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All wrapped up
PUPILS at Pewsey Vale School have exceeded even the wildest wishes of the staff by collecting 700 boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Last year the Pewsey students broke all records when they took along 523 shoe boxes full of goodies to be distributed
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Westbury 1, Elmore 0
Screwfix Direct League: Westbury United pulled off a shock 1-0 win in the Premier Division at home to sixth placed Elmore. Wayne Wheeler Wheeler was rewarded for his hard work in the 78th minute when he fired the winner from a Clarke cross. Melksham Town
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Probation service is the best in the west
WILTSHIRE'S Probation Service is the best in the south west, according to a new Home Office report. The work of the county's team has been measured against national standards and those of colleagues across the region in a report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate
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Corsham Town 2, Bitton 1
Screwfix Direct League: Dave Kilmurray struck a late winner as Corsham returned to winning ways with victory over promotion-chasing Bitton at The Southbank on Saturday. The victory lifts Corsham up to fifth in the First Division table and avenged their
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Bike marathon around churches raises £38,000
CYCLISTS young and old have been congratulated by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire for riding their way around the county to raise money for churches. The Great Cycle Ride, an annual event, involves cyclists and walkers who are sponsored to visit as many
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Meetings willhelp tenants
PUBLIC meetings about the new system of letting housing association homes, where tenants can bid for houses advertised in the Gazette and Herald, have been organised across Kennet district. The first one takes place at Devizes Corn Exchange next Tuesday
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Police keep up battle to cut drug death toll
WILTSHIRE Constabulary will maintain its hard line on drugs amid a national debate that a softer line may be taken on ecstasy. Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Long said this week that there had been 30 drugs related deaths this year and the force was
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Addkey Senior Cup
THERE is no stopping Shrewton United's appetite for goals. They were in action in the third round of the Addkey Senior Cup and ran out 6-1 winners over Corsham Town Reserves. Their goals came from Dean Foot, Brian Blake (2), Rick Casey, Lee Corbin and
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Anger over questions on racial identity
CHIPPENHAM Youth Council has described a scheme to introduce entry swipe-cards to local youth clubs as racially inflammatory. Youth council members are horrified by the application form, which asks the applicant to state their cultural background. Members
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County football
WILTSHIRE under 18s will be hunting an FA County Youth Cup quarter final place when they go head-to-head with last year's beaten finalists Birmingham at Melksham Town on Saturday, December 2, kick off 2.30pm. Birmingham, who won the competition in 2000
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Greetings from past sold for world record
ONE of the world's first Christmas cards has been sold at auction in Devizes for the world record sum of £22,250. The card, which went under the hammer at the salerooms of auctioneers Henry Aldridge and Son, was produced in 1843 by J C Horsley and was
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Mid-Wiltshire Sunday League round-up
THE Dolphin continued their winning streak in the as they secured maximum points from their game at Fox and Hounds. Jonathon Emm bagged a hat-trick in the 5-2 away success and opened the scoring after latching onto an Andy Bevan-Witts through ball. James
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Skurray's Wiltshire League round-up
MARLBOROUGH Town Reserves ended Swindon Eagles' 100 per cent record in the Junior Division when they held the long-time leaders to a 1-1 draw at South Marston. It was a case of unlucky 13 for the Eagles, who had won all their 12 previous games. Manager
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Youth football round-up
CHIPPENHAM Town entertained Shaw and Whitley in the Wiltshire Times and News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League under 11s division and the game turned into a personal triumph for Jamie Harlow. He scored all the goals as Chippenham went through with a 4-
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MoD will consult staff on closure
THE Ministry of Defence has promised that unions representing the civilian workforce will be consulted before any major decision is taken on the future of RAF Lyneham. The future of the giant Hercules base is in the melting pot again following the news
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Alexander is back
VETERAN striker Julian Alexander has rejoined Devizes Town from Screwfix Direct League First Division strugglers Calne Town. Alexander, 34, moved to Bremhill View from Devizes in the summer, but injures have blighted his season. Calne remain second-from-bottom
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Options closed for grant probe
OPTIONS Information Caf, the charity for young people in Devizes, has been closed while a probe is carried out into the way it spent grant money. The charity has been under investigation by The Community Fund, formerly the National Lottery Charities Board
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Melksham win again thanks to Tripp goal
Melksham Town continued their fine Screwfix Premier Division form last night, after securing a workman-like 1-0 win at local rivals Keynsham. Robbie Lardner's resolute defence never looked like conceding, so it was a matter of whether Melksham could grab
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Marine denied by late strike
A GOAL three minutes from time robbed Swindon Supermarine of three priceless points as Mangotsfield snatched a point at Hunt Copse last night. John Murphy's men led twice, but eventually surrendered to a late salvo from the Bristol side. It was another
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Craft fair's an all round hit
MORE than £1,100 was raised towards school funds at Pewsey Vale School's Christmas fair on Sunday, when dozens of local craftspeople filled the hall with their wares. With 28 stalls plus games and sideshows provided by pupils, the fair was a riotous success
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Kennet valley green project
FARMERS in the River Kennet catchment area are being encouraged to follow the example of the green-conscious Temple Farming Estate at Rockley and take greater care of the environment. More than 50 farmers, landowners and people with an interest in the
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Ale's well for charity fund
TOURS around Wadworth bewery in Devizes have paid off for a Wiltshire charity to the tune of £2,385. In September each year the brewery offers £5 tours to show visitors every aspect of the brewing process at the historic firm. The money from the tours
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Heroin addict admits stealing to fund habit
HEROIN addict Adrian Thompson has been ordered to pay £604 in compensation after admitting stealing cash and CDs to fund his habit. Thompson, 28, of Waiblingen Way, Devizes, appeared before North Wiltshire magistrates in Chippenham on Thursday and pleaded
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A Lilliputian crowd puller
VISITORS from all across the south of England enjoyed a new perspective of the world in miniature at a dolls' house fair in Marlborough. More than 800 people flocked to the 15th annual fair organised by collectors at the town hall. A donation from organiser
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Council's new info window
COUNCIL bosses have set up a window display in a bid to improve consultation with people in Devizes. Kennet District Council plans to show items of local interest and will change the display regularlyat the Crown Centre in St John's Street. Currently
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Parents, pupils and staff celebrate school's big day
A Swindon school which was built after a big fundraising drive by parents is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Last night past pupils, parents, teachers and friends of St Mary's Catholic Primary School attended a special mass before enjoying an official
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Help at hand for tower residents
THERE is light at the end of the tunnel for beleaguered residents of Swindon's best-known landmark. The claim was made following a meeting between householders from the David Murray John Tower, councillors and officials. Residents have a litany of complaints
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All set for the big Old Town switch on
OLD TOWN is today beginning the final countdown to the switch-on of its Christmas lights. Dancers, singers and street entertainers are set to converge on Swindon's oldest district for a celebration this evening. The party is scheduled to begin at 6pm
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Watch out for the fraudsters
CHRISTMAS shoppers are being warned to be wary of fake and potentially dangerous designer goods following the seizure of 380 allegedly counterfeit items from a private address in the town. A Swindon man is assisting trading standards officers with their
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Record breaker
SWINDON'S Designer Outlet Village is on course for visitor numbers to top a record four million by the end of the year. Last year saw three-and-a-half million people travel from as far away as Japan and Australia to sample the bargains at the Swindon
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Date set for relay's visit to city
THE Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay, which is touring the United Kingdom as a prelude to the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, will visit Salisbury on June 20 next year. The relay - involving 5,000 runners - will pass through 500 towns, covering more than
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War hero of the skies became a flying pioneer
FLYING ace Roland "Bee" Beamont, who became a hero as a wartime fighter pilot and later pioneered supersonic flight, has died at the age of 81. Only last month, Wing Commander Beamont, who lived in Stratford-sub-Castle, was awarded the Guild of Air Pilots
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Gas trials widow fights for justice
A WIDOW, who claims her husband was duped into taking part in gas experiments while working as a lab cleaner at Porton Down in the 1950s, is pursuing his case against the Ministry of Defence. Annie Wise (67) from Moot Close, Downton has taken up the reins
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Morale hit by delays
ARMY families in Larkhill are angry at delays in completing repairs to their homes and carrying out promised upgrades. They believe that the poor state of married quarters in the area is adversely affecting morale. Members of the Larkhill Residents' Association
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Royal harpiststars in recital
A GIFTED young musician who is personal harpist to Prince Charles, will be performing in Calne on Sunday. In May 2000 21-year-old Catrin Finch was chosen by the Prince of Wales to be one of his official musicians, topping off an enviable career for someone
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Gym replaces gaming hall
A NEW gym is due to open in Devizes before Christmas. Work on converting the former Merlins amusement arcade in the Market Place into a gym is underway and the gym is due to open in the next few weeks. Businessman Bill Montgomery has been trying to find
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Choral treat helps centre
A SUCCESSFUL musical evening at St John's Church, Devizes, featuring a Welsh male voice choir, has helped boost funds for the Devizes Opportunity Centre by £750. The choir, the Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir, gave their services free of charge for the
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Market Place changes filmed
DEVIZES Guardians, the group which has led the protest against changes in the Market Place, is preparing a video documenting the effects of the alterations, especially the felling of three London plane trees. Businessman Keith Bulson videoed the destruction
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Dog theft setback for hit and run victim
HIT and run victim Stephen Stiles has had his pet dog stolen. The blow comes just weeks after receiving a setback in his battle back to full fitness. Mr Stiles and his wife, Zoe, who live in Bailey Close, Bishops Cannings, are devastated at the loss of
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Police defend use of helicopter after £100 shop theft
WILTSHIRE police have defended using the force's helicopter to chase criminals involved in minor offences. They say the helicopter is scrambled to chase thieves even if the cost of the exercise far outweighs the cost of the goods involved. It was was
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Options closed for grant probe
OPTIONS Information Caf, the charity for young people in Devizes, has been closed while a probe is carried out into the way it spent grant money. The charity has been under investigation by The Community Fund, formerly the National Lottery Charities Board
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Court told of misery caused by skatepark
A ROW over the siting of the Devizes skateboard ramp in Hillworth Park was taken to county court this week. Bill Richardson, 62, of Hillworth House, is suing park owners Devizes Town Council, claiming the ramp is a nuisance. Mr Richardson said at Bath
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Drug rehab centre to get doctor's surgery
THE Amber Foundation, which uses Tottenham House in Savernake Forest as a training centre to help disadvantaged young people, is to open its own in-house medical centre. This has been made possible with a £45,200 windfall from the Newbury-based Baxter
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Council digs into reserves to keep tax low
MARLBOROUGH Town Council is to dig into its reserves to the tune of £60,000 to prevent it having to nearly double its council tax precept next year. Because of urgent work which needs doing on the town hall and three play areas in the town, the council
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Authority to approve hospital proposals
WILTSHIRE Health Authority is today set to approve the outline business case for a private finance initiative for the redevelopment of Marlborough's Savernake Hospital. The proposal, the third of four options looked at and the one thought most economically
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Show them you care
These smiling faces represent a mere handful of the children and parents who have benefited from Koalas over the years. The voluntary service aims to offer help and support for the whole family, and is one of the beneficiaries of the Evening Advertiser's
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Doors closed on garages scheme
A TORY councillor involved in a planning dispute over a row of garages and associated land has been told he is in breach of regulations for a second time. A public inquiry upheld a decision by Swindon Council's planning committee, which said he was in
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Students branch out for peace
AN Amnesty International campaign called A Fairer World, A World Without Torture has caught the imagination of students at Commonweal School. As part of this campaign, youth and student groups have been invited to enter a competition and Commonweal School
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Don't reduce pupil places
PLANS to reduce the number of places available at a West Swindon school may have been rushed through without the support of local people, according to councillors. Swindon council's education commission has agreed to cut the number of places available
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Your time is running out
TIME is running out for people to take up First Great Western's autumn fares offer. More than 25,000 journeys to or from Reading and Lon-don, Paddington, have been made at savings of up to 33 per cent. But the offer only runs until December 13. The autumn
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Rory is sure to make you roar with laughter
RORY Bremner is a favourite amongst Swindon people, a survey shows. Research indicates that people prefer up to the minute political satire to slapstick comedy, with nearly 50 per cent of people interviewed choosing the impressionist as their favourite
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Man left pub in car after afternoon drinking session
IAN Caswell spent an afternoon drinking in a pub before driving home, a court heard. Swindon magistrates heard Caswell had spent the afternoon of November 19 drinking lager and Southern Comfort in the Rodbourne Arms before driving home and being reported
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Tug-of-love Tilly is home
Tilly Annis is back home in Burbage after a tug-of-love conflict between her mother and French father. In a shock development at the High Court in London, Dominique Volant, Tilly's natural father, dropped his custody claim against his former wife, Sarah
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Fish stocks under threat
WILD fish throughout the South West could have been wiped out by disease after Britain's largest coarse fish breeder put 3,000 baby fish into a lake at Cotswold Water Park, a court heard. However, Cheltenham Magistrates heard, the five to six inches long
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Facilitator to assist Pinehurst relations
STRAINED relations between the council and Pinehurst community could see an external body brought in to oversee consultations on the future of the Pinehurst People's Centre. Earlier this year the council was blamed for leaving the elderly management committee
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Enjoy a country house Christmas
LYDIARD House is celebrating a Country House Christmas from Satur-day. There will be festive displays representing Christmas down the years. And to get visitors in a merry frame of mind, hot mulled wine and mince pies will be available at the Forest caf
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TV historian to talk about top Victorians
Historian Adam Hart-Davis is presenting a Christmas lecture at Steam, Swindon's Museum of the Great Western Railway. The lecture, at 6pm on Saturday, December 8, takes the same title as the historian's acclaimed TV series, What The Victorians Did For
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Health club members make a splash for Prospect
Members of the Living Well Health Club jumped and splashed their way to raising hundreds of pounds for charity. The gym, based at the Hilton Hotel, Great Western Way, held a sponsored aquathon, which raised £641 for Prospect Hospice. Becky Ashberry, health
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Man feared being kicked out of home
A PENSIONER says he was threatened with eviction from his home over a benefit bungle involving council contractors WS Atkins. Victor Herbert, 60, said the troubled company, which processes benefit claims on behalf of Swindon Council, wrongly told him
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All lit up and raring to go
A CAST of colourful characters brought the festive spirit to Salisbury, lighting up the city on the first evening of late-night shopping. The Market Square was noisy and bustling with people sporting Santa hats and reindeer antlers, eagerly awaiting the
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Save our spire
ONE OF Swindon's best-known landmarks is in danger of falling down unless the people of Swindon help it raise the £1.5m it needs for essential repairs. For 150 years, the spire of Christ Church has dominated Swindon from its lofty position at the top
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Ofsted slates 'weak' school
FISHERTON Manor Middle School, Salisbury, has been found to have serious weaknesses, according to its latest Ofsted report. Although the inspection team has found that provision for pupils is satisfactory overall, the team has found weaknesses in key
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MP backs Chancellor's pre-Budget report
JULIA Drown, Labour MP for South Swindon, has welcomed Chancellor Gordon Brown's pre-Budget report. In a budget consultation Ms Drown presented to Mr Brown this month, health issues topped the list, with 62 per cent of people placing it in their top three
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Residents reject youth shelter plan
RESIDENTS on a Salisbury housing estate say they are becoming prisoners in their own homes. They claim a culture of intimidation is sweeping Essex Square at Harnham, leaving elderly residents too scared to go out at night and parents too frightened to
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Crush on removal man ends in court
A 62-YEAR-OLD grand-mother, who conceived a crush on her removal man, has pleaded guilty to harassment after showering him with cards, gifts and telephone calls in a four-month campaign to win his affections. Salisbury magistrates heard that Margaret
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Youth boss's Town legacy
PHIL CANNON had to start from scratch after arriving at the County Ground but is leaving Town confident for the future of its young players. And the bubbly Scouser believes he was very fortunate to have landed the Town job in the first place. He said:
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Gas trials widow fights for justice
A WIDOW, who claims her husband was duped into taking part in gas experiments while working as a lab cleaner at Porton Down in the 1950s, is pursuing his case against the Ministry of Defence. Annie Wise (67) from Moot Close, Downton has taken up the reins
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Cannon's goodbye to the young guns
TOWN youngsters who have felt the sharp end of Phil Cannon's tongue during the last five years are largely the ones that have made the grade. The club's popular youth development officer is preparing to leave the County Ground and take up a new post with
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Tables don't tell the whole A level story
ON Thursday November 22, the Advertiser published the league tables of students' performance at GCSE and A levels for schools and colleges in the Swindon area. These annual league tables have become a standard measure of achievement for students and parents
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Bike theft alert
I AM writing to warn other motorbike users of Devizes that there are a group of youths in the town who think it is their right to steal motorbikes from decent people and take them to wasteland in Devizes and wreck them at their pleasure. This has just
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Collection thanks
I AM writing on behalf of the Chippenham branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, to thank all those who donated to our branch in the retiring collection at the Chippenham Cantata Concert on November 24, in St Andrew's Church. Nearly £150 was raised.
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Minety 2nds 5, Frome 2nds 13
IN a lacklustre and largely stalemated game, Frome did just enough to secure a victory. Minety started well and finished strongly, but were generally unable to convert their forward superiority into points. Minety got the game off to a good start with
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Melksham-Devizes under 14s 17, Swindon under 14s 7
THE combined side avenged last season's heavy defeat with a deserved victory over their Wiltshire rivals. The superior technique of the smaller combined team's pack saw some great driving rucks develop an opening after ten minutes from which a five-metre
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Euro appeal
WHAT will you do with your spare foreign currency in February 2002 when the Euro is introduced? Will you: a) toss it in the bin, b) stash it under the bed in the hope that one day it might gain value as an antique or c) put it to good use by placing the
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OAPs need help
FOR many older or housebound people, quality of life depends on their ability to live independent lives in their own homes. However, many older people can find this increasingly difficult, unable to undertake many of the everyday jobs we take for granted
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Fatality warning
AS the voice of the local people, I am writing with some points which many Calne residents feel very strongly about. Following the Gazette article of November 15, I agree it is only a matter of time before somebody gets killed on Curzon Street, Calne.
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Stir yourselves council
I AM writing in response to the storm in a tea cup at Marlborough Town Council regarding the provision of crockery and cutlery at the town hall. The majority of Saturday morning bookings are for events that offer refreshment and these are often charity
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RAF Lyneham campaign needs a convincing case
WITH reference to your article last week on the possible closure of RAF Lyneham, may I offer the following: Any campaign, whose objective would be to keep RAF Lyneham as a transport base, would have to organise its structure and resources in a professional
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Date is set to reopen station
CORSHAM Station should be reopened in 18 months time, the Government has announced. The commitment to an opening date in summer 2003 was finally made last week after months of delays and uncertainty. It came after North Wiltshire MP James Gray raised
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Extra hours of fun for kids
A CHIPPENHAM playgroup is to offer extra lunchtime sessions after receiving a £6,181.90 grant. The New Causeway Playgroup meets at Little Englands Social Centre, off Wood Lane, Chippenham. It looks after three to five year-olds each weekday between 9.30am
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Bus driver wins fightfor life after accident
THE brother of a bus driver left fighting for his life after an accident in Chippenham said the family are hoping to have him home for Christmas. Nigel Allen, 49, was left with a broken collarbone, broken ribs, a collapsed lung and a broken neck following
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Writer brings books to life
AUSTRALIAN author David Caddy joined pupils at Ivy Lane School during a week designed to make books fun. Mr Caddy, who has been funded by the Arts Council to promote his work in this county, was a hit with the young bookworms. Now teachers hope their
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Securicor raiders put to flight
TWO hooded burglars made off from Securicor Information Systems empty-handed on Monday after attempting to break in while staff were still at work. The would-be raiders set off a burglar alarm as they tried to force a window at the firm's premises at
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Firefighterscut driversfrom pile-up
TWO people had to be cut free from the wreckage of their cars after a serious accident on the A4 at Pewsham, Chippenham On Wednesday November 28. One woman driver was airlifted by the Wiltshire Air Ambulance to Royal United Hospital in Bath with head
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Schools kept in dark about Queen's visit
SCHOOLS in Chippenham have been given just a week's official notice that the Queen will be making a historic visit to the town next Friday. Schools started to receive their letters from Chippenham Town Council today inviting pupils and staff to grab a
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United through
SHREWTON United marched into the fourth round of the Addkey Senior Cup following Saturday's comprehensive 6-1 win at home to Corsham Reserves.
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Smith's arrival sparks life into Town
THE arrival of new manager Mark Smith has sparked a mini-revival at Hampshire Premier Divi-sion strugglers Amesbury Town. Tuesday night's 3-2 win away at Horndean followed a victory by a similar scoreline against Locks Heath last week. The former Winchester
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Havant's double header adds to Whites' woes
SALISBURY CITY'S lack of firepower again proved costly as they fell to the their sixth consecutive defeat and their 11th in the last 12 games. The basement side went down 2-0 away to Havant & Waterlooville on Satur-day and have now failed to score
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Abbey's appeal on its symbolic cross
MALMESBURY Abbey is appealing against the removal of its Millennium cross. In October North Wiltshire District Council turned down an application to retain the cross. The three-metre high £1,000 structure was paid for by the abbey and was given planning
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College minds its language for schools
AS part of its role as a language college John Bentley School has donated nine PCs, with linguistic software, to each of its feeder primary schools. The PCs give primary school children a first introduction to French, German, Italian and Spanish through
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Technicians are honoured
THE hard work and commitment of trainee motor technicians was recognised at an awards ceremony in Devizes. A total of 38 technicians received certificates after completing their National Vocational Qualifications at the Motor Industry College, on Hopton
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Council to stand by gala amid cash fears
COUNCILLORS have pledged their support for the North Wiltshire Festival after being told it faces a cash crisis. Members said they would do what they could to help next year's event after organisers warned it could potentially make a loss of between £10,000
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Marquis opens homes
THREE former Bowood Estate workers will be enjoying their retirement in the heart of Derry Hill. Six new homes have been built at Petty Lane on land donated by Bowood owner, the Marquis of Lansdowne. The homes have been built in a partnership between
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Cheese firm makes the finals
CORSHAM cheese firm Coombe Castle International has been shortlisted for a national award. The company, which exports specialist cheeses and creams, has been nominated for the cheese section of the frozen and chilled exporter of the year category, in
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TV journalist counts cost
TELEVISION journalist Eleanor Goodman has warned against leaving valuables in vehicles parked at beauty spots after her horsebox was hit by thieves. Miss Goodman, political editor for Channel Four who lives in the Pewsey area, lost her handbag containing
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Homes but no pavements
PARISH councillors in Pewsey are asking Kennet District Council planners for a definition of when a development is considered finished, so that building firms can be held to agreements they have made. The issue was raised at the parish council meeting
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Danny linked with pop idol!
THE Swindon Town Study Centre does a terrific job in helping youngsters further their education. Pupils from local schools can take part in a range of activities as well as meeting their favourite players. Saturday's matchday magazine featured a group
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Donegan: What's the verdict?
DANNY DONEGAN'S final departure from the County Ground was hardly a surprise. But what are we to make of his time at the County Ground now that he's gone? What did Mr Donegan (right) really do for the club? Are we any worse off now than we were before
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Cheers for our favourite Frenchman
CONGRATULATIONS to Eric Sabin for finally getting off the mark at the County Ground. The Frenchman proved that there is more to his game than being clattered in the penalty area. Two goals in as many games. A new scoring legend! Truly magnifique (sounds
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Smith's arrival sparks life into Town
THE arrival of new manager Mark Smith has sparked a mini-revival at Hampshire Premier Divi-sion strugglers Amesbury Town. Tuesday night's 3-2 win away at Horndean followed a victory by a similar scoreline against Locks Heath last week. The former Winchester
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Residents campaign for trafficcalming
RESIDENTS in Malmesbury have held a public meeting campaigning for a reduction in speed limits around the town. The meeting took place in Malmesbury Town Hall last week, where questionnaires collected from residents were presented. The results of the
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Folk legend joins students
STUDENTS from Malmesbury School are to take to the stage in front of an audience of 800 people, performing with folk music legend Maddy Prior on Sunday. The 12 sixth-form students are performing a song with the folk singer, famous for her group Steeleye
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Conflict on skaters' plan
PERSIMMON Homes has been accused of "bribery" over an offer to develop a skateboard park and drain land for a play area at Reeds Farm, Malmesbury, as part of a development of five houses overlooking Morse Close. Parents and youngsters packed a meeting
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Town flies flag for the Queen
SCHOOLGIRL Ellie Langtree and 92-year-old Elizabeth Wood will present a posy of flowers and a gift to the Queen when she visits Malmesbury next Friday. Ten-year-old Ellie, a pupil at Malmesbury Primary School, will meet the royal guest outside the abbey
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Does this make financial sense?
THE Wiltshire police helicopter is a familiar and reassuring sight above our towns and villages and its role both in terms of crimefighting and as an air ambulance is a vital one. But we will not be the only peop;le to question it being used to chase
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Pupils told to sieze education benefits
PUPILS at Wootton Bassett School were urged to benefit from all the educational opportunities by John Lucken, the managing director of Group 4 FALCK Global, who was the guest speaker at the speech day on Friday. Mr Lucken said this was essential so businesses
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A sparkling contribution
A JEWELLER'S has been honoured for its contribution to a town centre's environment. Wootton Bassett Civic Trust's plaque for 2001 was given to Deacon and Son, for the business which made the greatest improvement to the environment. The firm moved its
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Hidden misery on our doorstep
CHARITY workers claim there is an urgent need for a night shelter and a day centre to help those in the Kennet area without a permanent roof over their head. Devizes-based charity Kennet Action for Single Homeless has started discussions with other agencies
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Pewsey Vale 5, Letcombe 1
Cherry Records Hellenic League: Prolific striker Paul Day blasted a hat trick as Pewsey Vale romped to victory in their clash with bottom-of-the-table Letcombe at the Recreation Ground. The former Hungerford Town hitman continued his scoring streak to
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Second win for Warminster
Screwfix Direct League: Warminster Town produced performance of the day as they registered only their second win of the season at high-flying Larkhall Athletic. A 15th minute goal from Jason Guy proved enough to separate the sides and lifted the Wiltshire
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School's Mr Music is set to move on
CRUDWELL School's deputy head teacher Giles Panting, known to pupils as Mr P, is leaving to take up a position as deputy head of Holy Trinity School in Calne. Mr Panting, 28, has been at the school three years and will take his final class at the end
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Willand Rovers 3, Calne Town 0
Screwfix Direct League: Calne Town's woeful away form continued at Silver Street on Saturday, where they were comprehensively beaten by First Division newcomers Willand Rovers. The defeat leaves Paul Rankin's side without a point from seven games on their
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Everest adventurers are making progress
ACTOR Clive Mantle and Marlborough jeweller David Dudley have completed the first stage of their charity trek to Everest base camp . Mr Mantle, who lives near Box, fellow Holby City actor George Irving and Mr Dudley flew out to Kathmandu last week on
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Bishop Sutton 2, Devizes Town 2
Screwfix Direct League: Goalkeeper Paul Thompson headed an injury time equaliser to save Devizes Town from a shock defeat at the hands of lowly Bishop Sutton. Thompson rose highest to power home a David Lloyd free kick in the third minute of added time
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From the dugout
By Brian Newlands Devizes Town manager: After talking up Brislington last week they had a tough game at Dawlish. I fully expected them to come away with at least a point; instead they suffered their first defeat of the season by 4-1. The Devon side proved
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Match of the Week
Chippenham Sunday League: George Lacock were the highest scorers in the First Division as they destroyed North Star A. Lacock scored eight goals, but could easily have doubled the score had they taken their chances. The understrength Calne side fell behind
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Chippenham Sunday League round-up
LEADERS All Cannings were involved in an 11-goal thriller against third placed Maud Heath Sports in Division One of the Vanitec Computers sponsored Chippenham Sunday League. They maintained their slender lead at the top following their 6-5 victory. They
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Homeowners sought for TV
HOMEOWNERS in Wiltshire are wanted to take part in a new prime time television programme about how they have decorated their homes. The series called Other People's Houses, to be broadcast on Channel 4, will examine the different ways people approach
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Inspectors heap praise on school
BOX Highlands Primary School in Rudloe is celebrating its glowing report from Ofsted. The inspection earlier this term described the quality of teaching and the curriculum as good. The behaviour and attitude of the students was also praised. "Pupils enjoy
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Bid to follow grandfather's Army footsteps
AN appeal is being made by Kelly Reynolds for any information about the military career of her late grandfather Bill Edwards, who ran a hardware shop in Marlborough. Mrs Reynolds, 25, helps her parents David and Heather Wheeler run The Barleycorn public
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Hercules crash victims honoured
THE 30th anniversary of a Hercules plane crash off the coast of Italy in which 52 people died has been marked by ceremonies in Italy and Lyneham. The tragedy happened on November 9 1971 when a Hercules transport aircraft from RAF Lyneham, flown by crew
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Last gasp save keeps out leaders
Trowbridge League: Leaders Trowbridge Town Reserves were held 1-1 by Steeple Ashton in Division Two of the Trowbridge League (sponsored by Premier Training and Development). Town keeper Dave Burrows denied Ashton during the first half which could have
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Air base crusaders to form battle plan
THE heat is now on for the Government to come up with some answers after the RAF's Strike Command ordered a cost-effectiveness review on the future of one of Britain's largest military air bases. During defence question time on Monday, Defence Minister
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Goalie bobs up to grab a last-gasp equaliser
DEVIZES Town keeper Paul Thompson followed in the footsteps of Peter Schmeichel when he salvaged a point for his side with an amazing 93rd minute header at Bishop Sutton. Brian Newlands' in-form side were trailing 2-1 to the Screwfix Direct League Premier
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Boss has to accept FA fine and a warning
CORSHAM Town manager Mark Godley has received a £50 fine and a slap on the wrist from the Wiltshire Football Association after being charged with bringing the game into disrepute. Godley, who has had no previous disciplinary problems in two years in charge
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Town suffer more misery
A floodlight failure at Hardenhuish Park last night completed a miserable 24 hours for Chippenham Town. The Bluebirds were 1-0 up against title rivals Clevedon Town when the game was abandoned due to the 22nd minute blackout. Simon Charity had put Chippenham
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Adver bounce back for win
The Evening Advertiser resurrected their season with a thrilling 3-2 win over Dynamo Kebab in the Nightowls League. The Adver twice came from behind before clinching a late victory thanks to super sub Owen Houlihan. Grindle had headed the Dynamos into
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Major and wife are arrested by police team
ARMY Major Charles Ingram, who was arrested and questioned by detectives last week over an alleged deception to win £1 million on the TV programme Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, said he was pleased he and his wife had been able to tell their side of the
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Resident in court to fight skate park misery
DEVIZES resident Bill Richardson told a court this week that since a skateboard park was built in Hillworth Park three years ago he has suffered from excessive noise and vandalism. Mr Richardson, 62, is suing Devizes Town Council, which owns the skateboard
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Probation service is named best in the west
WILTSHIRE'S Probation Service is the best in the South West, according to a Home Office report. The work of the county's team has been measured against national standards and those of colleagues across the region in a report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate
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They're all heart
PROSPECT Hospice has thanked three teenager who gave up on the chance of birthday presents to raise hundreds of pounds for charity. Stratton St. Margaret girls Sheryl Gawthorn, Lucy O'Keeffe, and Stephanie Coleman raised £650 for the Prospect Hospice
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Minister still fails to grant an interview
THE Evening Advertiser is still waiting to hear from Education Secretary Estelle Morris following her promise of a full interview last Thursday. The minister launched into a diatribe against our education reporter Ian Fannon last week when he stopped
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Trio beat up a bus driver for just £7.90
A BUS driver is recovering after being violently assaulted by three men, when he refused to hand over cash. The men boarded the Thamesdown Bus at 6.20pm on Tuesday at the bus stop outside the Link Centre in West Swindon. The three men demanded money from
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All lit up and raring to go
A CAST of colourful characters brought the festive spirit to Salisbury, lighting up the city on the first evening of late-night shopping. The Market Square was noisy and bustling with people sporting Santa hats and reindeer antlers, eagerly awaiting the
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MP takes up MS plea
YOUNG people with multiple sclerosis are hopeful that their aim of having a specialist nurse in Salisbury is nearer being realised, after MP Robert Key promised to help. The Bodysnatchers Club, formed by younger members of the Salisbury MS group, met
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Town besieged by 'boy racers'
ENGINES revving, rubber burning, baseball caps twisted backwards - but vacant stares on their faces. Boy racers, the scourge of city centres all over the country, are said to be terrorising Amesbury. Some residents fear there will be a fatality unless
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Getting into their stride
FITNESS fanatics at Blacklands Leisure Club kept a treadmill going through the entire night to raise money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance. The fun started at noon on Saturday, with paramedic Richard Miller and the Gazette's sales and marketing manager, Amber
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Girls to helpCinderella
THEA Dawson and Hannah Tucker will be Cinderella's little helpers on Saturday when they help her switch on Calne's Christmas lights. The girls, aged seven and eight, who are both pupils at St Edmund's School, won their chance by entering a poster competition
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Kids police their centre
CALNE'S new drop-in centre has proved a hit with youngsters, who are policing the venue themselves. Calne town councillor Mercy Baggs says she has nothing but admiration and respect for the teenagers, who are doing everything they can to ensure the facility
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Allotment holders dig in their heels on move
ANGRY allotment holders plan to claim compensation that could run in to hundreds of pounds from the town council over delays in setting up new plots they do not wish to move to. Peter Highton, 76, chairman of the Calne Allotment Society, which represents
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Long arm of law to reach out further
TWO new faces at Calne Police station will soon be making life easier and safer for residents. PC Windsor Woon, a new bobby on the beat for Calne, will be doing his patrols with a difference on a pushbike. And Sarah Hicks will be a friendly face for the
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Town redevelopment held up by wrangles
UNCERTAINTY remains over the multi-million pound North Gate development in Devizes. Kennet District Council and developers Heritage Commercial Properties have still not signed a deal to start the development. The partners had hoped to start on the development
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Station boss says farewell
AMBULANCEMAN Terry Lake was given a fond farewell by colleagues when he retired after 40 years. Mr Lake, of Bridewell Street, Devizes, started with Wiltshire Ambulance Service as a mechanic based at Chippenham. After five years he moved to the station
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Mum left stranded by bus
MUM Claire Eacott has complained to Devizes MP Michael Ancram after she and her baby were twice refused entry on to a bus . Miss Eacott, 27, says she was left stranded at the roadside by the same bus driver on the number two service operated by the Wilts
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Youngsters in bird bonanza
CHILDREN had the chance not only to learn about wild birds but also how to feed them during the winter at a recent family bird bonanza organised by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in Marlborough. It was one
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Help to save water meadow
PEOPLE in Marlborough have been urged to join in the fight to stop the water meadows at Stonebridge, to the east of the town, from being developed. Town councillors want to apply for village green status for the area to save it in perpetuity. Coun Margaret
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Tug of love child back home again
LITTLE Tilly Annis is back with her mum and the rest of her family after being taken from her Burbage home by police in a tug-of-love conflict between her mother and her French father. At the High Court in London on Monday, Dominique Volant, Tilly's natural
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Safety-first Stream
Honda's new Stream people carrier has been recognised as one of the safest of its type on the market, in the latest Euro NCAP safety tests. The stylish and top-performing seven-seater earned a creditable four star rating in the severe frontal and side
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Transport fans raise £1,000 for local good causes
A GROUP which discusses transport issues raised £1,000 for two good causes in Swindon. Members of the town's Institute of Transport Administration group raised the money when it staged a national conference at Blunsdon House Hotel in October. It will
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Another plan at Savernake
THE Wiltshire Health Auth-ority seemed likely today to approve the outline case for a private finance initiative for the redevelopment of Savernake Hospital in Marl-borough. The proposals, the third of four options looked at and the one thought to be
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Prison on cards for banned driver
A 50 YEAR-OLD disqualified driver has been warned he could face jail after punching a woman who offered him a lift home from the pub. Michael Redpath assaulted Sarah Percival after she said she would drive him home from The Harrow in Wan-borough after
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Arts Centre hopes for lottery money
A BID for lottery funding to refurbish Swindon's Arts Centre could improve life for local arts lovers and particularly film buffs. Swindon Council is seeking £50,000 from the Regional Arts Lottery Programme as a top-up to its £665,000 refurbishment of
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Seeing the light at Hindu festival
THE tastes, aromas and colours of India were brought to a Swindon nursery as it celebrated Diwali. Dozens of youngsters of all cultures at Jigsaw Day Nursery in Windmill Hill enjoyed the fun of the Hindu festival of light yesterday. They were treated
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Unemployed man found hanged at his home
UNEMPLOYED Mark Bradshaw, who was found dead at his home in Pinehurst Road, was never "quite the same man" since the death of his much loved brother 12 years previously, an inquest heard. Wiltshire and Swindon deputy coroner William Bache said Mr Bradshaw
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Children help design festive window for charity shop
CHILDREN from Oliver Tomkins Junior School have designed a Christmas window for The Cancer Research Campaign shop in Swindon. The charity invited them to do the design to mark Children's Cancers Awareness Month throughout December. They took as their
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Hoping to be in the driving seat
STUDENT nurse Caron Devenney could soon find herself driving a 4x4 off-roader after winning the first round of a competition at Greenbridge Retail and Leisure Park. Caron received a key voucher from Tony Bennett, manager from Prudential Property Management
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Shake-up expected
THE recovery plan to tackle weaknesses in Swindon Council's social services department could cost nearly £500,000, it was warned last night. A report by Government-appointed external inspectors is due either tomorrow or Monday and is expected to criticise
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STFC told to sort out its finances
IMPATIENT councillors last night laid down the law to Swindon Town Football Club insisting they would wait no longer for its debts to be paid. Members of the cabinet outlined how the £171,000 the club owes in rent and rates is desperately needed by the
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A lucky Atlantic escape
SWINDON rower Norman Butler has had another lucky escape as he continues his bid to row across the Atlantic. His Spirit of Swindon boat was damaged after it moored along-side a passing freighter to take on supplies. But fortunately the collision was not
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Canal takes to the information super highway
AN OLD transport link has joined the all new information super highway. The Association of Canal Enterprises on the Kennet & Avon Canal (ACE) has launched a new website at: www.aceweb.org.uk. The site provides details of the services available to
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Date set for relay's visit to city
THE Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay, which is touring the United Kingdom as a prelude to the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, will visit Salisbury on June 20 next year. The relay - involving 5,000 runners - will pass through 500 towns, covering more than
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Injured driver might be home for Christmas
THE brother of a bus driver left fighting for his life after an accident in Chippen-ham said his family are hoping to have him home for Christmas. Nigel Allen, 49, was left with a broken collarbone, broken ribs, a collapsed lung and a broken neck following
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No to prospect of 75-home estate
AN EMPHATIC 'no' is the response from Tisbury people to the prospect of a 75-home estate being built in their village. More than 230 people crowded into Nadder Middle School hall last week for a meeting about the proposals for land between Weaveland Road
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From pupil to city headteacher
JACQUI Goodall, the new headteacher at St Edmund's Girls' School, Salisbury, began her school career in the city as a pupil. Born in Salisbury, she met her husband Glenn there before his Army career took them further afield, including Germany and Cyprus
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Poorer areas to get boost
DEPRIVED parts of Swindon are set to benefit from Government plans to scrap stamp duty in poorer areas. Under the new rules, extra payments on properties worth up to £150,000 will be scrapped in specific areas around the country, including the Parks area
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MP takes up MS plea
YOUNG people with multiple sclerosis are hopeful that their aim of having a specialist nurse in Salisbury is nearer being realised, after MP Robert Key promised to help. The Bodysnatchers Club, formed by younger members of the Salisbury MS group, met
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Town players get pay relief
TOWN chief executive Pete Rowe has admitted that it is proving a struggle to pay the players' wages on time. For almost two months, the club has been rudderless with Mr Rowe and director of football Roy Evans running the day-to-day affairs at the County
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Care staff should get more cash
I should like to respond to your correspondent Helen Marshall (Evening Advertiser, November 26) on the topic of nursing home care assistants. My father-in-law has been in a local nursing home for nearly six years. The quality of general care he has received
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The elderly deserve to be treated with respect
The Daily Mail on Friday, November 16 featured an article concerning a splendid dignified lady of 93 years who had refused to be bathed by a male care worker. Astonishingly, Mrs Una Penny was told by a social worker in Bristol that she was infringing
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Government not wholly to blame
WHILE I agree with D Lister that funds must be found for residential and nursing home beds (EA Nov 21), it is wrong to lay all the blame at the door of central government. For the past 12 years the White Horse Care Trust has provided high quality care
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Minchinhampton 26, Malmesbury 17
MALMESBURY were defeated in a battle of two solid forward packs at Minchinhampton Common on Saturday. Simon Carter scored the first points of the afternoon for the visitors, picking up a supporting pass and racing 40 metres to go over wide of the posts
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Marlborough 22, Corsham 2nds 22
MARLBOROUGH produced a storming second half performance to snatch a draw. Corsham ran in three tries late in the first period to take a 17-3 lead at the interval. The hosts' only score came from centre Charlie Randall. Whatever Marlborough coach Rod Adams
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Frome under 13s 0, Devizes under 13s 24
JAMES Planxton scored two tries as Devizes secured a comfortable victory at Frome. Other scores came from Ryan Pickard and Toby Ulm, while Ben McLoughlin put over two conversions. Devizes under 15s 0, Swindon under 15s 42 SWINDON capitalised on a below-par
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Good performances from minis and midis
DEVIZES Rugby Club's mini and midi sections travelled to St Mary's Old Boys, Bristol for a series of matches. The under sevens played two matches against the hosts, with Joe Mehaffy and Callum Conway each scoring a hatful of tries. Henry Balls, Joseph
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Devizes 10, Chippenham 27
THERE were few shocks as Chippenham lifted the Alf Dunster Trophy with a comfortable win over their Southern Counties South neighbours on Saturday. With neither side at full strength, the result was not entirely a foregone conclusion, but the undefeated
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Roads overloaded
THE roads in Wiltshire simply cannot cope with the amount of traffic using them. Of course there are other aspects, reducing pollution and green house gases. Coun Tony Molland is using the wrong approach with the problem outside Woodborough School. He
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I'm a lone voice
I FEAR the Gazette and Herald article of November 15, entitled Second battle of Roundway set to begin, does not offer altogether accurate picture of the true situation. I am an existing member of the Roundway Parish Council. I offer the lone voice of
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Your devotion can help air ambulance
I HOPE that you will allow me to make an appeal to your readers. Would you consider volunteering for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal? We would like to hear from people who are well-organised and self-motivated, and who are willing to help secure the
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Thanks for support at One World Week
ONCE again we would like to thank all those who took part in the events of One World Week in Calne and those who came along to support them. The week began with street theatre in the town centre, put on by the Calne Players. Later, year seven of John
