Archive
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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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Bus driver wins fight for life
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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Fair worker hurt in lorry drama
TEENAGE fairground worker Joby Farrell was taken to hospital on Friday, November 23, 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
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Firefighters cut drivers from 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. Schools started to receive their letters from Chippenham Town Council on Thursday inviting pupils and staff to grab a flag,
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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 the
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Extra buses to serve shoppers
Two local bus services are being improved to serve shoppers in the run up to Christmas. The X76 Wednesday and Saturday service linking Melksham to Bath will now run every day except Sunday. The bus will also serve Kingsdown in Box and run to and from
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Calendars help cancer research
CALENDARS to help raise money for research into childhood cancer are on sale at the Portman Building Society. The calendar, showing British landmarks and features, is available from the society's offices in Corsham, Chippenham and Trowbridge. Customers
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Family concert brings a year of festival events to a seasonal end
CORSHAM Festival will round off the year with a distinctively festive feel, with a family concert starring the Emerald Ensemble on December 22. One of the region's leading professional ensembles, the Emerald Ensemble played to a packed audience in Corsham
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Cash crisis school gets good report
A BOX school that ran up a huge overdraft has been praised by inspectors for the way it has tackled the cash crisis. Box Highlands School went £77,000 into the red, more than a quarter of its annual budget of £290,000. The school's deficit was higher
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Prince says no to almshouse invite
PRINCE Charles has turned down an invitation to officially open Corsham's historic almshouses. The Grade I-listed 17th century buildings in Pound Pill have been renovated at a cost of £1.6m. The Prince of Wales was asked to cut the ribbon to open the
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Go-ahead for new train station
CORSHAM'S long-awaited £2.3m railway station will be open in 18 months. The Government has finally agreed a timetable for the re-opening, with building work starting next spring. Delighted campaigners are jubilant that a date has been set after countless
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Passed with flying colours
Air Ambulance appeal administrator Mary Laing found out first hand what it's like to be a casualty. She played the role of an accident victim at a combined emergency services mock rescue in Box Quarries. The scenario was a mountain biker crashing off
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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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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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Not pretty, but sweat beats skill
WELL, on Saturday at Redditch we were completely outplayed in the first 45 minutes by a very committed side who raised their game for their new manager. They deservedly took the lead in the first half and really should have gone in at the break leading
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Saunders makes cash bid for Bent
CHIPPENHAM Town manager Tommy Saunders has asked Conference giants Yeovil Town to name their price for striker James Bent. The 21-year-old front man is currently on loan from Yeovil, but Saunders wants to make the transfer permanent as Chippenham chase
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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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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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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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Mystery in the picture
AN OLD photograph was sent in to the Wiltshire Times by Mrs Marion Williams who found it among her mother's belongings after her death. Mrs Williams said: "I asked around the family but nobody knew them or where they came from." Thinking that people always
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£22,000 Christmas card
A MYSTERY Warminster man has scooped himself a festive financial boost by selling a Christmas card for a world record £22,250. The card, one of the world's first was sold by Devizes auctioneers Henry Aldridge. It was produced in 1843 by JC Horsley and
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Award for promising journalist
A YOUNG journalist from Trowbridge has been presented with a prestigious award. Lucy Steer, 22, was selected by the Periodicals Training Council as the New Journalist of the Year at a ceremony held in London's Grosvenor House on November 9. She said:
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Campaigner fights agency on his own
AN environmental campaigner has pledged to go on alone in a struggle against the Environment Agency. David Levy is preparing for a long legal battle over the agency's handling of the application by Westbury cement firm, Blue Circle, to burn tyres as fuel
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Pupils swap books for ancient papyrus
Children at Bratton Primary School showed that with a little imagination it's easy to conjure up the magic of an ancient civilisation on a wet Wednesday afternoon in Wiltshire. For years three and four, or Kennet and Avebury as they're known, school uniform
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School rewards students' special efforts
SPECIAL effort was rewarded at a presentation evening at Matravers School, Westbury. Pupils received trophies for excellence in curriculum subjects, and a review of the year highlighted the school's achievements, which included video footage and live
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Cue-wielding boy ordered to pay
A TEENAGER from Trowbridge brandished a snooker cue to lead his gang into battle with youths from Westbury, a court heard. Matthew Stevens, 18, joined a gang of more than 20 youths, armed with iron bars, to take part in a fight in Westbury town centre
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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 until Saturday, December 1. There will also be a matinee at 2.30pm. The
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Sports clubs launch strategy 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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Boxes of joy and hope
UKRAINIAN children will soon receive gift-filled shoeboxes from Wiltshire. Two lorries will leave from George Ward School, Melksham, at 2pm on December 1. After being blessed, they will be driven away by volunteers from the Samaritan's Purse Operation
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Sufferer in work plea
A WOMAN who suffers from extreme allergic reactions says she can't find a job because employers will not provide a safe environment for her to work in. Denise Dolan is ultra-sensitive to chemicals found in perfumes, deodorants, cleaning agents, and even
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Daylight robbery
BURGLARS stole £5,500 cash from a Melksham town centre pub while employees were in the building. The offenders took the money from an office in The Parsons Nose, in High Street, sometime between 1pm and 3.15pm.
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Shop safe goes
THIEVES stole a safe containing more than £2,000 after breaking into a Melksham greengrocers over the weekend. The offenders smashed their way into Lovejoys, in High Street, and made off with the blue safe sometime between 3pm and 11pm on Sunday, November
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Voters get ready to go to the polls
HUNDREDS of residents in Melksham are preparing to go to the polls to elect a new town councillor. The vacancy on the town council's Lambourne ward came up earlier this year when Cllr Marcus Aurelias resigned and moved to Spain. Independent representatives
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Mother fears release of her son
A DESPERATE Melksham woman whose 14-year-old son is due to be released from a secure unit next month believes her child will resume a life of violence and drug-running if he is not given help. The 34-year-old mother, who cannot be identified for legal
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An instant family
A man has learned he has a brother and four sisters after believing he was an only child for nearly 60 years. David Smith, 59, of Melksham, who was fostered as a baby when his family split up during the Second World War, met his brother Albert for the
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Soccer dismay
ON reading in last week's Wiltshire Times, November 23, soccer players held a two-minute silence I was dismayed to see that respect was given by a football team on Remembrance Day at 10.45am and a match was then played through the two-minute silence at
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Cars scare me
I AM surprised that there are no traffic lights on College Road. If you want to take my advice please may you put up traffic lights or the very least put in some sleeping policemen. I am six years old and it scares me when the cars come along so fast.
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'Beware of sales con'
Trading standards officers are warning people in Wiltshire to be on their guard after receiving worrying reports of salesmen employing underhand tactics to bump up their commission. Electricity salesmen are reported to have used various ruses to trick
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Bus service is just the ticket
THE Royal United Hospital Wiltshire Hopper bus this week picked up its 1,000th passenger only months after it was launched. The scheme is for people without a car or access to public transport or for those who want to avoid heavy traffic in Bath. Ian
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Pioneer project
A PIONEERING cancer project in the region was recognised at an awards ceremony and conference in the south west last week. The purpose of the event in Torquay was to celebrate modernisation in the NHS. It was the innovative work of the Avon, Somerset
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Residents fight back against fly-tippers
CAMPAIGN: PEOPLE across north and west Wiltshire have joined our campaign to stop people dumping rubbish and reported instances of illegal fly tipping near their homes. The Wiltshire Times & Chippenham News launched a Don't Dump It campaign three
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Biddestone 1, Trowbridge Town 2
SKURRAY'S WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: TROWBRIDGE fought back from an early reverse to secure the points in this Premier Division clash. Biddestone caught Trowbridge on the break after only three minutes. With many in the crowd appealing for offside, Steve Healy
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Under Harry's spell
PUPILS had a magical Harry Potter day at Princecroft School, Warminster. The children all dressed as characters from the famous books written by JK Rowling. Young wizards ran around with their broomsticks, played wacky games throughout the morning and
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Shandy-drinking soldier hit with ban
AN ARMY corporal due to fly out to Afghanistan in the New Year to join the British military campaign was caught driving at nearly twice the legal alcohol limit. Darren Allen, who serves with the 1st Battalion RWF at Clive Barracks, Shropshire, was on
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Axe hangs over grant
AN ADVICE service in Melksham and Warminster could be axed because district council officials cannot remember why they are paying for it. A review into budgets at West Wiltshire District Council has called into question two £9,000 grants given to Melksham
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Joint effort to brighten town
THE magic of Christmas reached Warminster when the festive lights were switched on. An energetic performance from Marco the Clown kept the big crowd entertained before the mayor Chris March pushed the plunger to light up the streets. The town band played
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PC used CS gas in pub row
AN ANGRY Warminster man told a court how police officers used CS gas spray to restrain his pregnant wife. Philip Dicks, 27, of Hillwood Lane, who admitted to being drunk and disorderly in an incident earlier this month, said police officers used the spray
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£22,000 Christmas card
A MYSTERY Warminster man has scooped himself a festive financial boost by selling a Christmas card for a world record £22,250. The card, one of the world's first was sold by Devizes auctioneers Henry Aldridge. It was produced in 1843 by JC Horsley and
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Wilts man sixth in rowing race
A MAN from Warminster has finished sixth in the world's toughest rowing race. Will Mason teamed up with Tim Thurman, from Grimsby, to tackle The Ward Evans Atlantic Rowing Challenge, to complete the 2,900 nautical mile route from Tenerife to Barbados.
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Corsham's revenge mission
Corsham Town will be keen to exact revenge on rivals Shepton Mallet in the Les Phillips Cup tomorrow. Mark Godley's side suffered their only defeat in 12 contests when Shepton won 2-1 at Southbank a fortnight ago. "We didn't play well that day," said
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Calne seeking cup relief
Lowly Calne Town will take a welcome break from their turbulent league programme, when they entertain Street in the Les Phillips Cup tomorrow. Paul Rankin's struggling outfit have collected just one point and three goals from their last eight fixtures
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Cirencester eye Trophy upset
Cirencester Town are bracing themselves for another 'Big Day Out', as the Dr Martens club prepare to travel to non-League giants Kingstonian tomorrow. Ciren have already enjoyed one glamour trip to Tamworth this season, and manager Ray Baverstock and
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The weekend's local fixtures and teams
SKURRAYS WILTSHIRE LEAGUE Premier Division: Devizes Town Res v Corsham Town Res, Malmesbury Vic Res v Westbury Utd Res, Marlborough Town v Shrewton Utd, Pewsey Vale Res v Cricklade Town, Purton Res v Bradford Town, Stratton Crosslink v Aldbourne, Wroughton
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Ten-acious that's Coleview
Coleview's under 14 girls made light of their player shortage to defeat Denham United 4-1 in their latest Vale & District Girls League outing. Coleview travelled with just 10 players but took a first-half lead when leading scorer Nicola Watts broke
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Now Highworth Face Acid Test
Highworth Town look to be up against it this weekend when they entertain Brackley Town one of the strongest sides in the Hellenic Premier Division. After two league wins on the trot manager Chris Seagraves would no doubt have preferred weaker opposition
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Bigger . . and better?
PRODUCING superminis is a growth industry literally. One by one, the well-equipped and handy-size runabouts are getting bigger and they have been doing for the last 25 years. It seems that makers are unable to improve on an existing model without needing
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Just take a look inside
THE next Vectra due here around next May doesn't look so very different from the outside (see top photo). It's the INSIDE which wins the admirers, Vauxhall insiders believe. 'Keep it simple' is the key to the elegant design, which echoes the interior
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Couple of true winners
Volvo's new, state-of-the-art, lightweight D5 aluminium diesel engine has received excellent reviews since its launch in summer praising its refinement, flexibility and performance against premium brand rivals. The 2.4-litre turbocharged, five cylinder
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Fierce challenge for bike industry
The 2001 International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at Birmingham's NEC has been a superb showcase for all that is best in the motorcycle industry, according to Frank Finch, the Retail Motor Industry Federa-tion's motorcycle director. "It provides many
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Power and glory
AS the pioneer of mass produced cars with turbo chargers, which used to conflict with the high safety message of the car itself, Saab has come a long way from the early kick in the back but exciting efforts. With the coming of low pressure turbos and
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It's back - That Cooper power again
Yes, they are back, evoking all the memories of fun days for generations of drivers from those just out of school to film stars. The legendary engine tuning expertise of the original John Cooper Garages returns with the Works car from a new company, John
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Town is on TV
ON Monday December 3, Bradford on Avon will feature in HTV's Town and Country. Guided by presenters Polly Lloyd and Richard Wyatt, viewers can take a look at the town's architectural and historical highlights. There are also handy tips on how to avoid
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Festive fair for all
CHRISTCHURCH Primary School in Bradford on Avon is holding a Christmas fair on Friday December 7. Pupils will be able to meet Santa in his grotto and enjoy festive games, while adults will be able to buy home-made decorations and enjoy the range of refreshments
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Passengers in seat call
CAMPAIGNERS at the Rail Users Group want to see an extra seat installed at the train station in Bradford on Avon. The group discussed a variety of issues including punctuality of trains and ticket barriers at Bristol Temple Meads station. The group's
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Switching on Bradford's illuminations
A PRIZEWINNING eight-year-old girl was cheated out of switching on Bradford on Avon's Christmas lights after a 12-year-old boy beat her to the switch. Jenny Croston, of Freshford, won the honour of illuminating the town after winning first place in a
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Housing plans for mentally ill patients
MENTALLY ill patients living in the area could soon be offered accommodation in Bradford on Avon. District councillors, at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, November 28, recommended a proposal to turn wasteland, close to Fitzmaurice Primary School in Poulton
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Tapestry thanks
MAY I, through your popular letters pages, pass on my grateful thanks to the lads at the Consortium/TNT who came to our rescue recently? We were invited to take the Staverton Village Millennium Tapestry to an exhibition at Yours Live in Bournemouth, and
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No theatre? Oh yes we have!
I was astonished to read RO Mudge's letter in the Wiltshire Times last Friday which bemoaned the lack of a "decent theatre" in Trowbridge. As the director of the Arc Theatre in Trowbridge I would like to extend a warm welcome to anyone who may still be
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How much longer?
LAST weekend I visited my auntie on the Isle of Wight. While I was staying there I went to see Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone at the Cineworld complex in Newport. It cost £10 for a family ticket. As Trowbridge is the county town of Wiltshire
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Time for facts on records office
AS a former county archivist I have been reluctant to take an active part in the debate about the siting of the new County Record Office, but I now feel the time has come to state some facts and ask questions. Firstly, the matter has been clouded by discussion
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The magpie swoops
IN the early morning haze a team of plain clothes officers quietly drove into Bosham Close, in West Swindon, in a convoy of unmarked vehicles. It was the first of a series of raids as part of Operation Magpie a county-wide crackdown on known drugs offenders
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We'll take over!
COUNCILLORS have finally voted to take over from the police the responsibility for dealing with illegal parking on Swindon's roads. At present Wiltshire Constabulary is responsible for enforcing parking but police are finding it difficult to spare the
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Men held after being found in lorry's trailer
A GROUP of suspected illegal immigrants have been detained in Swindon after noises were heard coming from the back of a lorry trailer. Seven men were discovered hiding in the trailer that was parked at the Save Garage in Marlborough Road at 1pm on Wednesday
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Grounds for marriage
WHEN Mike and Michelle Passmore got married this autumn, you could easily have mistaken them for Mr Darcy and his true love Elizabeth Bennet. For the Georgian mansion where Mike, 28, and Michelle, 29, exchanged their vows would not have looked out of
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Firm accused of selling flammable Halloween masks
An importer is due to appear in court next week accused of supplying flammable Halloween masks to a Swindon shop. Northern Ireland-based Palmer Agencies Ltd has been summonsed to appear before Swindon magistrates at noon on Thursday, December 6. The firm
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Famous Renault building is closing down today
The world famous Renault Centre in West Swindon was due to close today, with the loss of 100 jobs. Designed by master architect Sir Norman Foster, the vast distribution centre opened to a huge fanfare in 1983, and went on to win a number of international
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Conductor set to pass on the baton
TROWBRIDGE Orchestra will shortly be saying goodbye to its senior conductor after 42 years. Since she was appointed in 1959, Jean Horsfall has rehearsed an estimated 79 overtures, 64 concertos, 65 symphonies, 48 suites and 93 other items. The orchestra's
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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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Passed with flying colours
Air Ambulance appeal administrator Mary Laing found out first hand what it's like to be a casualty. She played the role of an accident victim at a combined emergency services mock rescue in Box Quarries. The scenario was a mountain biker crashing off
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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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Rotarians are top of the class
A SCHOOL in Trowbridge has nominated the 'surrogate grandfathers' who have been visiting their classrooms as reading champions. Men from Trowbridge Rotary Club have been going into Studley Green Primary School for over a year, to help children with their
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Brothers caught up in girls' nightclub brawl
A DRUNKEN brawl which spilled into the street outside a Trowbridge nightclub landed two brothers in court. Stephen and Stewart Howell, of Church Fields, Studley Green, admitted obstructing police officers trying to break up the fight when they appeared
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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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Kids' red letter day
CHILDREN from Courtmills pre-school had a great time finding out how the postal system works. The children visited the Trowbridge sorting office as part of their week themed on celebrations. They saw for themselves what happens when they post their Christmas
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Book raises interest in museum
TROWBRIDGE Museum's education officer has written a book to help Wiltshire children learn about the past. Katherine White, winner of a Sharing Museum Skills award, has been working in Salisbury on a project to attract more youngsters to the museum. She
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Royal harpist stars in recital
A GIFTED young musician who is personal harpist to Prince Charles, will be performing in Calne on Sunday, December 2. 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
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Legal aid for cancer fund
A CHRISTMAS fair held by a Trowbridge solicitors firm has raised over £1,000 for a cancer charity in memory of a staff member. After Sue Miller died in April, her colleagues at Sylvester & Mackett decided that they would hold the memorial fair in
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Youngster honoured by friends
FAMILY and friends turned out in force to say goodbye to Trowbridge teenager, Hannah Couldrake, who died earlier this month. The 14-year-old had suffered from a rare illness for most of her life. However, almost 200 mourners at her funeral at West Wiltshire
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Light up the town
PEOPLE in Trowbridge have until December 14 to dress their home or business with colourful lights and decorations and join the fun of the town's festive lights competition. The competition, which is backed by the Wiltshire Times, will be judged on December
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Parents' tribute to tragic baby
THE parents of a one-month old baby who died tragically last week have paid tribute to their son. Baby Joshua Neil Baker was taken to hospital after his parents, John Baker, 18, and Carrie Hannaford, 17, noticed he was not breathing when they went to
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Crash renews bypass hopes
CAMPAIGNERS desperately waiting for news on the progress of Semington bypass believe the latest accident in the village proves how vital the project is. A 39-year-old van driver suffered neck and head injuries when he was knocked down near the village
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Traders fear for future of Stone Mills
TRADERS in Trowbridge are deserting the Stones Mills site as a result of the battle between developer Tom Rothschild and the local planning authority. All traders working from the market on the riverside floor of the building have opted to move out this
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Bed firm is still full of bounce
AIRSPRUNG Beds has hit back at claims that the company is in trouble, insisting the company is recruiting more production staff. Andrew Alsop, group financial director at the Trowbridge-based company, said: "We are very busy at the moment and we are actively
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Protest could end up in court
PLANS for the relocation of the Wiltshire and Swindon Records Office took a new twist on Wednesday, November 28, when Swindon councillors decided their town was the best site for the archives. Swindon Borough Council is a partner in the project board
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True love again after 40 years
A CHANCE encounter has led to love for a couple in Trowbridge 40 years after they first met. Janet Potter, 54, often made the trip to Wiltshire from her London home to visit an elderly aunt in Colerne, near Chippenham. Last year they were looking through
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Hospital blunder payout
A WOMAN was told she was 10 minutes from death after being given the wrong drugs during labour. First-time mum Anna Cope, 18, was given the after-birth injection instead of morphine, during the birth of her son Bradley at the Royal United Hospital in
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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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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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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 the
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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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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, November 6, Dominique Volant
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Fishing hooks the next generation
ONE of the worrying features of angling in recent years has been the apparent decline in young people taking up fishing, but there is good news this week for angling clubs. The latest set of figures given by the Environment Agency has shown an increase
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School with a special need
Pupils at Nyland School may suffer from emotional, behavioural and associated learning difficulties, but they are nonetheless a happy group. It is another organisation eager to benefit from our Christmas toy appeal, run in conjunction with Swindon Rotary
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Last post is not far away
THE deadline is fast approaching for people wanting to send their Christmas mail abroad. Swindon Royal Mail Centre in Rowland Hill Close, Dorcan, is warning people to post their parcels as soon as possible to ensure delivery. And yesterday, to help get
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David is on the road to success after accident
HONOURS have been distributed at the WTTL Motor Industry College, based in Devizes. David Chambers, 22, of Wootton Bassett, was awarded the accolade of most outstanding progress during 2001. His colleague Simon Chanin, of Dauntsey, Chippenham, was awarded
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PFI project impresses conference delegates
DELEGATES from the Local Government Association National Conference, who spent several hours in Wootton Bassett, were impressed with the PFI project to provide new premises for the town's secondary school. The conference theme, Developing Best Practice
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Grease is still the word!
STUDENTS and members of staff at St Joseph's School have been rehearsing hard for their rendition of the hit musical Grease. Around 60 students from Year 9 up to the sixth form are taking part. Teacher Anna Lender said: "We have added new parts for people
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Multiplexing, Big word, simple purpose
GET used to multiplexing. That or something similar is the word to watch for in the next generation of cars. It refers to new technology which simplifies your car's electrical system. Peugeot claims to have introduced multiplexing to the car market, and
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Thousands to rally in support of hospital
THOUSANDS of people are expected at a rally in support of saving Cirencester Hospital's Accident & Emergency Department on Saturday, December 8, at noon in Market Place, Cirencester. Organised by The Cirences-ter Hospital League of Friends and led
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Read the fine print before scratching
HOUSEHOLDERS should not be taken in by fantastic scratch card offers, a councillor is warning. Coun Douglas Stewart (Con, Shaw & Nine Elms) recently scratched off the panels on the four different cards he received in one day through his front door
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Civic group honours jewellers
A JEWELLERS 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 Wootton
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Students make a floral Christmas wonderland
THE magic of Christmas past has been recreated at Lydiard House, courtesy of talented floristry students from Wiltshire College, Lackham. And yesterday they were putting the finishing touches to floristry displays with origins dating from 1740 to 1940
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Patience needed as recycling sites are given a makeover
KEEN recyclers in Swindon are asked to be patient while some of the town's recycling sites get a makeover. Swindon Services has just awarded new contracts to local companies to collect glass bottles, newspapers and magazines, food and drinks cans and
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Police defend use of helicopter for detecting minor offences
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. Last week
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Drivers caught by illegal clampers
ILLEGAL car clampers have been operating in Swindon. Members of the Swindon Royal British Legion Corps were targeted at the weekend at the council-owned Central Community Centre in Emlyn Square. And the clampers only released four of their cars after
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Meeting to be held against war in Afghanistan
ANTI-WAR campaigners are expecting a large turn out for a public meeting on Tuesday. The meeting is at 7.30pm at Broadgreen Community Centre in Salisbury Street. It is sponsored by Swindon Green Party, Socialist Alliance and the Trades Council and there
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Wigan Athletic Squad
DEREK STILLIE Former Scottish Under 21 keeper. Seized his chance after Roy Carroll joined Man Utd. SCOTT GREEN Experienced defender, previously with Bolton. Netted against Town in a 2-2 draw last season. JEFF KENNA A former Premiership title winner with
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Swindon Town Squad
BART GRIEMINK Searching for his first clean sheet in seven games. Seems confident and few mistakes. MATT HEYWOOD A goal on Tuesday night and aiming for another one at the JJB. ADAM WILLIS Will hope to take advantage of Razor Ruddock's absence. Need a
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Wigan's Crown Jewells still struggle to get season going
WIGAN may have a sparkling stadium but the Latics' home form this season has been anything but glittering. Paul Jewell's men have already lost five times at the JJB this season, with Bristol City, QPR, Wrexham, Port Vale and Colchester all waltzing away
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LIighting up the night
The streets of Old Town lit up in a blaze of glory as hundreds of revellers turned out to see the Christmas light switch-on last night. Deputy mayor Stan Pajak had the honour of illuminating Swindon's oldest district following the traditional countdown
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Goal-hungry Danny itching to hit back-to-back goals
DANNY INVINCIBLE wants to put right a worrying statistic against the Latics. The 22-year-old netted his fifth goal of the campaign against Wrexham and is well on course to beat last year's total of 10. But Invincible is all too aware that it is more than
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'Save us from the Nimbys'
Please spare me from Nimbys who say that they support renewable energy schemes as long as the development doesn't take place vaguely near them. First of all we had BLOT, which objected to a proposed wood-burning power station next to the A419 road about
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A moral victory for campaigners
Whatever the verdict on the Front Garden, Terry King and his loyal supporters will have won a moral victory. For almost four years they have devoted their time, energy, tenacity and dedication to the protection and conservation of a panorama of outstanding
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Westbury 2nds 36, Old Sulians 3
WESTBURY returned to winning form, following last week's 47-0 defeat of Martock 2nds. Old Sulians took an early lead with a penalty, but Westbury rallied and came back with a well-worked move from a scrum deep in the opposition's 22 to see hooker Paul
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Theatre-lovers snap up tickets
THERE were record-breaking sales as bookings opened on the new season's programme at the Theatre Royal, Bath on November 29. Box office records were smashed at the Theatre Royal as tickets went on sale to Associates and Friends, a total of just 2,823
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Weekend Rugby Fixtures
South West Divisions South West 1: Cheltenham v Dorchester, Dings Crusaders v Chinnor, Keynsham v Bridgwater & Albion, Reading v Swanage & Wareham, Stroud v Barnstaple, Weston-super-Mare v Maidenhead. South West 2 East: Aylesbury v Olney, Marlow
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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, November 26, 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
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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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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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Worth getting out of bed for
SCORES of Swindon people are to shun their beds next Friday, as the Threshold Housing Link charity holds its annual sponsored sleepout. The money raised by those who brave the chill outside Immanuel Church in Upham Road will go toward the upkeep of the
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School's big freeze isn't acceptable
IT is a measure of the depths to which our education system has sunk when children who should be attending lessons are sent home because of a broken down heating system. It is even more depressing to learn that this has been going on for the past three
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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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Evans eyes a master class
ROY Evans will pull out all the stops at Wigan to avoid being humbled by a former 'pupil'. Wigan boss Paul Jewell started out as a youngster at Anfield but never made the Liverpool first team and forged a career for himself as a striker in the lower divisions
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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, November 6, Defence
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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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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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Chefs find the recipe for success
TWO chefs who specialise in using local produce have had their culinary expertise recognised in the South West Food and Tourism Awards. Fosse Farmhouse's owner and chef, Caron Cooper, has been specialising in traditional English cookery for 12 years.
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Kids' red letter day
CHILDREN from Courtmills pre-school had a great time finding out how the postal system works. The children visited the Trowbridge sorting office as part of their week themed on celebrations. They saw for themselves what happens when they post their Christmas
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Hearing aids for all
WESTBURY MP, Dr Andrew Murrison, is calling on the Government to provide the latest hearing aids to everyone who needs them. At the moment digital, First Wave hearing aids are available to less than five per cent of the two million people who could benefit
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Legal aid for cancer fund
A CHRISTMAS fair held by a Trowbridge solicitors firm has raised over £1,000 for a cancer charity in memory of a staff member. After Sue Miller died in April, her colleagues at Sylvester & Mackett decided that they would hold the memorial fair in
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House joins chain
BISHOPSTROW House, near Warminster, has been added to the exciting Von Essen chain of country house hotels. Agents Christie & Co acted on behalf of a group of shareholders in the sale of Bishopstrow House. The hotel was built in 1817 and is a classical
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Villager clocks speeding drivers
A RESIDENT clocked speeding motorists in Dilton Marsh to highlight the dangers of speeding traffic in the village. Armed with a radar gun, David Rhodes has completed a survey which revealed that more than half of the people driving along the High Street
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The worst journey
Explorer John Blashford-Snell had the worst journey of his life this week. A 440-mile rail round-trip from Westbury to Liverpool took 21 hours 30 minutes. Col Blashford-Snell OBE left his Dorset home at 5am on Monday, November 26 and returned at 2.30am
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Sleepwalker survives 30ft balcony plunge
A HOLIDAY in Portugal ended in disaster when an 18-year-old Westbury man fell 30ft after sleepwalking off a balcony. Trainee mechanic Richard Mills spent nine agonising weeks in hospital on the Portuguese island of Madeira, and was flown back to England
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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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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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Residents campaign for traffic calming
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, December 2. The 12 sixth-form students are performing a song with the folk singer, famous for her
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Sports clubs launch strategy 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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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 (December 7). Ten-year-old Ellie, a pupil at Malmesbury Primary School, will meet the royal guest outside
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CD bodes well for album
One of the newest bands to emerge on the local music scene is Babyfood. The Bath-based band have wasted no time in compiling a four-track demo CD, and are already busy working on their forthcoming debut album, which will be released on Mullet Records,
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Wiltshire Times saves panto
A VILLAGE pantomime saved by an appeal in the Wiltshire Times finished its sell-out run this week. Footlights drama group hold a pantomime in Broughton Gifford village hall every year, but were facing a dilemma after appeals to find musicians failed earlier
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Drunk in kebab shop row
A TAKEAWAY restaurant employee was branded a terrorist by a drunken youth, a court heard. Magistrates in Trowbridge fined Geoffrey Chislett, 18, of King Street, £85 for being drunk and disorderly and possessing cannabis when he appeared in court. Chislett
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Extra buses to serve shoppers
Two local bus services are being improved to serve shoppers in the run up to Christmas. The X76 Wednesday and Saturday service linking Melksham to Bath will now run every day except Sunday. The bus will also serve Kingsdown in Box and run to and from
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Crash renews bypass hopes
CAMPAIGNERS desperately waiting for news on the progress of Semington bypass believe the latest accident in the village proves how vital the project is. A 39-year-old van driver suffered neck and head injuries when he was knocked down near the village
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Axe hangs over grant
AN ADVICE service in Melksham and Warminster could be axed because district council officials cannot remember why they are paying for it. A review into budgets at West Wiltshire District Council has called into question two £9,000 grants given to Melksham
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Councillors back speed restrictions
PARENTS bidding to lower the speed limit outside a busy secondary school in Melksham have received backing from councillors. Campaigners are battling to lower the speed limit outside George Ward School, as parents believe their children are being put
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Suicidal man found on bridge
A DEPRESSED man caused a security alert when he tried to jump off the town bridge in Melksham. Police were called to the bridge on Sunday evening (November 25) after receiving reports of a man dangling over the edge. Officers talked to the depressed man
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New houses for spa
PLANS for 16 new houses to be built near the historic spa houses in Melksham have been revealed. The scheme to pull down Bassett House, in The Spa, and replace the property with 16 two-storey dwellings, were submitted last week. The new houses will be
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Scene was complete chaos
PICTURE the scene: the hall is packed to capacity, a fair-sized queue outside on a not-too-warm night, some having been waiting for 20 minutes, inside a queue of almost equal length. The tombola had run out of prizes, raffle tickets had run out, the starting
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Power group is on a winning streak
Sponsorship of the England cricket team's domestic test matches is striking a chord with UK households, according to Swindon based power group Innogy. Recognition of its npower electricity and gas supply brand is at an all-time high 59 per cent after
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No change in police complaints
THE number of complaints against police officers in Wiltshire has remained almost static despite the number of investigations into assaults going up. Latest figures for July to September show 73 complaints were made against police officers compared to
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Light up safely this Christmas
THOSE people in Wiltshire deciding to treat themselves to a new set of Christmas lights this year can rest easy. Trading Standards officers have found that Wiltshire is one of the safest places in the country to buy them. Steve Clover, trading standards
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Major gets to give his side of story
THE army major arrested in connection with allegations of cheating on ITV's Who Wants to be a Millionaire has said he was pleased to give his version of events. Major Charles Ingram, 38, was arrested along with his wife, Diana, 37, at their home in Easterton
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Theatre stages refuse protest
CAMPAIGN: THE only village theatre in the county is refusing to pay a refuse collection bill from West Wiltshire District Council. The Woolstore Theatre in Codford, near Warminster, is a registered charity which has 14 productions a year. Apart from the
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Boxes of joy and hope
UKRAINIAN children will soon receive gift-filled shoeboxes from Wiltshire. Two lorries will leave from George Ward School, Melksham, at 2pm on December 1. After being blessed, they will be driven away by volunteers from the Samaritan's Purse Operation
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Six of the best
CAMPAIGN: Wiltshire Ambulance Control needs the public's help in assessing road traffic accidents. TREVOR PORTER reports. Answer 15 questions on a popular TV programme and you could be a millionaire. But when you dial 999 to request an ambulance after
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Table top sale
The Rotary Club of North Wiltshire is holding a Christmas table top sale at Highworth Recreation Centre on December 8. Organisers promise a variety of goods for sale, with proceeds going to charity. Entry is free and visitors are welcome between 10am
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Major tells his side of story
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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Melksham Town 1 Odd Down 0
PLAYER-manager Robbie Lardner grabbed the winner against his former club as Melksham Town registered their second victory in a row at The Conigre on Saturday. Lardner converted a Frank Coleman cross 15 minutes from time to continue his side's climb up
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Guy ends lean run
WARMINSTER Town manager Andy Crabtree is smiling at last after his team ended a nine-match losing run by gaining the result of the day in Saturday's Screwfix Direct League programme. His team bounced back from their 8-0 hammering at Street the previous
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Westbury United 1, Elmore 0
SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: WESTBURY United manager Derek Graham saluted strikers Wayne Wheeler and Carl Clarke as his side clinched a surprise victory over sixth placed Elmore at Meadow Lane on Saturday. Wheeler and Clarke combined to stifle the threat of
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House joins chain
BISHOPSTROW House, near Warminster, has been added to the exciting Von Essen chain of country house hotels. Agents Christie & Co acted on behalf of a group of shareholders in the sale of Bishopstrow House. The hotel was built in 1817 and is a classical
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Suspected pervert sought
POLICE are hunting a suspected pervert in Warminster who has been spotted indecently exposing himself in the Portway Lane area of the town. The man is described as white, aged between 20 and 30 years old, 5ft 6 to 5ft 10, with a medium build. He was spotted
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Team of angels help Emily live normal life
A SPECIAL team of carers ensure a three-year-old girl with an incurable condition can live a normal life. Emily Rigg, of Crockerton, near Warminster, has a tube connected to her throat, which keeps her alive. She suffers from congenital central hypoventilation
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Trowbridge League round-up
FRESHFORD United closed the gap at the top of Division Two of the Trowbridge League (sponsored by Premier Training and Development) with a 2-0 victory against Broughton Gifford Reserves. In an excellent game Mike Bergnach put United ahead with a penalty
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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, November 6, Defence
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Hospital blunder payout
A WOMAN was told she was 10 minutes from death after being given the wrong drugs during labour. First-time mum Anna Cope, 18, was given the after-birth injection instead of morphine, during the birth of her son Bradley at the Royal United Hospital in
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Marine hoping Town give Midlanders a roasting
Chippenham Town boss Tommy Saunders will be desperate to secure a win at Rocester tomorrow, after watching six points slip from his grasp this week. The Bluebirds are reeling after a double blow severely hampered their title aspirations. When Bloxwich
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Wilts League are spot-on
THE Wiltshire League representative side drew one goal each with the Dorset Combination with Elliott Williams scoring for the Wilts League. The match was decided on a penalty shoot-out and incredibly both sides took 13 penalties each before the match
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Blunsdon eye crunch clash
Match of the day in the Wiltshire League will no doubt be at Blunsdon where the Intermediate Division leaders take on third-in-the-table Zarlink. The visitors are just four points behind United with four games in hand and will be looking to dent the leaders
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Petrol price war ahead
A MAJOR international battle is going on to stop petrol prices soaring. A dramatic fall in the price of oil has seen petrol prices tumbling in recent weeks by around 35p a gallon about 10 per cent. But OPEC the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries
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Desert stormer
This standard-spec Honda HR-V has defeated the arduous conditions of the Sahara, to win the Daily Telegraph Sahara Challenge Trophy. The car proved virtually trouble-free throughout the 20-day event. Its story was filmed for TV, beginning in January.
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Wolf in sheep's clothing
Let's not beat about the bush here. What we are talking about with Saab 9-5 24-valve 3.0-litre V6 Turbo Diesel is a real wolf in sheep's clothing. This is a performance vehicle producing high torque levels and exhilarating performance. Saab would have
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Stunning roadshow
Bluehorses are bringing a performance filled with passion, intensity, flair and good old-fashioned fun to The Riverside in Bradford on Avon on December 8. Touring to support their new album Ten Leagues Beyond the Wild Worlds End, the band is fronted by
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Conductor set to pass on the baton
TROWBRIDGE Orchestra will shortly be saying goodbye to its senior conductor after 42 years. Since she was appointed in 1959, Jean Horsfall has rehearsed an estimated 79 overtures, 64 concertos, 65 symphonies, 48 suites and 93 other items. Her final concert
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Paints and pints a perfect double-act
A Former brewery drayman who painted his favourite pubs while making deliveries is to have his work displayed at The Swan Hotel in Bradford on Avon. Tim Williams, who lives in Bradford on Avon, has been painting scenes from around the west country for
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Thief takes pensioner's savings
AN old age pensioner has been conned out of £300 he had been saving to give his family for Christmas. The 85-year-old from Peto Grove, Westwood, was swindled out of his festive cash when he let a man posing as a water board employee into his home on Saturday
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Meetings will help 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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Wind watcher
NEVER one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I welcome the mobile air monitoring station based in Bratton for the next few months. However, those who watch wind directions will notice emissions from the chimney were often in the opposite direction during
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Long delay, no display
I am writing in response to CR & CA Hillman's letter headed Cars blocked emergency routes (Wiltshire Times, November 16). It was the first time I had attempted to attend a fireworks display in Trowbridge, having recently moved to the area. My children
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Time to do something positive?
OH dear! What a sad load of letters you published last week. The majority seemed intent on running down Trowbridge and its county town status. Why are such people so negative? Do they ever do anything positive? If only they would accompany me on my round
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Catt poised for Bath return
MIKE Catt is poised to step back into the Premiership firing line on Sunday with the honour of captaining Bath for the first time, writes Owen Houlihan. England hero Catt has shrugged off the effects of an injured knee and should be fit to lead his side
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Dilemma continues for these small businesses
I AM surprised Cllr Clegg should have inferred from my letter (Wiltshire Times November 9) I was blaming the town council for the exodus of small businesses from Westbury. I was expressing my concern as I have on previous occasions about the grievous
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Borthwick anger at season's start
ANNOYED Steve Borthwick admits Bath's stuttering start to the league campaign has handed their Zurich Premiership rivals a massive boost when they meet this season. The 21-year-old second row is furious that, unlike in previous seasons, opposing teams
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Thanks for lights
MAY I take this opportunity on behalf of the Chippenham Town Centre Management Partnership to thank everyone who supported the Chippenham Christmas lights switch on last Friday evening. A big thank you to the endless list of people who contributed towards
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Praise for council
WILTSHIRE County Council has been praised by an independent review team for the way it works with communities. The council was assessed by the Improvement and Development Agency under three categories leadership, democratic and community engagement and
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When the rubbish will be collected
Refuse collections will take place on the usual days over the holiday period except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. All householders whose refuse is normally collected on a Tuesday or Wednesday are asked not to put their bin bags out on December 25
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Heating failure may disrupt school again
PUPILS at a crumbling junior school face classroom disruption for a third winter in a row because the 50-year-old heating system keeps breaking down. Moredon Junior School has warned it will be forced to send its 236 pupils home again this winter if the
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30/11/01
THIS week began with a couple of days away from the office, courtesy of Jon Callard. Time off is rare for professional rugby players these days, with Zurich Premiership, Heineken Cup, National Cup and international matches to cram into what is a busy
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Pupils learn to keep safe on the roads
PRIMARY school children in North Bradley are learning how to keep safe on the roads as part of a month long awareness campaign. Pupils at North Bradley CE School are learning about safety issues at different levels according to their age. Headteacher
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Drunk in kebab shop row
A TAKEAWAY restaurant employee was branded a terrorist by a drunken youth, a court heard. Magistrates in Trowbridge fined Geoffrey Chislett, 18, of King Street, £85 for being drunk and disorderly and possessing cannabis when he appeared in court. Chislett
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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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Mission to save dogs
ABANDONED and mistreated dogs may have to be destroyed unless they are given new homes. The GAR animal rescue shelter in Markopoulo, Greece, is being forced to close because an airport is expanding. The owners are desperately trying to ship them out with
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Shirts torn in love split
A SCORNED girlfriend ripped up her partner's shirts and drove their car into a neighbour's wall in a bid to stop him leaving the house. Leah Cortes, 33, used scissors to cut up seven of her boyfriend's shirts in a fit of rage after finding out he was
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Girls to help Cinderella
THEA Dawson and Hannah Tucker will be Cinderella's little helpers on Saturday, December 2, 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
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Playing 'big brother' to the youngsters at the Rec
This week's column comes from the treatment table at the Bath Rugby physiotherapy clinic where I am getting a massage to relieve those aches and strains. Last week's game against Newcastle was a hard one for us physically and with another big match ahead
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Pooling resources
St John's Catholic Primary School, Trowbridge, has received £500 from Wessex Water to help pay for a wildlife garden. The conservation award is part of a scheme which provides funds for environmental schemes in the Wessex Water area. In 1999 the school
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Peace vigil put on hold
A PEACE vigil, which has taken place in Trowbridge each week since the bombing in Afghanistan began, has been suspended until further notice. The Trowbridge Ad Hoc Peace Group formed as a way for people to express their feelings following the September
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Knife was a gift from grandad
A TROWBRIDGE skip lorry driver who said he carried around a sheath knife because his grandfather gave it to him as a gift has appeared in court. Andrew Randall, of Hawcroft, Holt, was caught with the sheath knife by police officers, who were tipped off
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Appeal to find teen's stolen bike
A TEENAGER who relied on his bike to get to school and work has appealed for anyone with information about its theft to contact the police. Sam Robson, 15, has been left stranded after thieves stole his rare Huffy MJ BMX bike from outside Harry's fish
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Vandals target elderly
PENSIONERS in Trowbridge are too scared to go back to a town club after vandals struck twice in four days. Thousands of pounds of damage was caused at the Park Club in Trowbridge when young vandals used stones, bricks and an air rifle to trash the 40-
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'Asleep at the wheel'
THE driver of a Land Rover which careered on to a railway line causing the train crash which killed 10 people, including Trowbridge-born train driver Stephen Dunn, fell asleep at the wheel, a court heard. Gary Hart, 37, had spent five hours on the telephone
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Villagers may see new plans
VILLAGERS in Semington appealing for developers to showcase their plans for a 98-house development, could have their wishes granted. Residents are worried the former Poundbury-style plans, outlined by former developer Merchant Lands, on land off High
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Award for promising journalist
A YOUNG journalist from Trowbridge has been presented with a prestigious award. Lucy Steer, 22, was selected by the Periodicals Training Council as the New Journalist of the Year at a ceremony held in London's Grosvenor House on November 9. She said:
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Developers step up plans for Trowbridge
AFTER years of trying to attract new shops to Trowbridge it seems two developers may soon be battling each other for the same big names. Foinavon, which owns the former Ushers Brewery site, confirmed last month that clothing chain Matalan was one of the
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Teenager's third suicide threat
A 16-YEAR-OLD who tried to kill himself twice in four days walked through Trowbridge with an air rifle and a sheath knife in a plea for help. The teenager, from Trowbridge, was taken in by Wiltshire social services last Friday after the latest incident
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Cue-wielding boy ordered to pay
A TEENAGER from Trowbridge brandished a snooker cue to lead his gang into battle with youths from Westbury, a court heard. Matthew Stevens, 18, joined a gang of more than 20 youths, armed with iron bars, to take part in a fight in Westbury town centre
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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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Happy and glad
The Wiltshire Times & Chippenham News like to bring you all the news, good or bad. This week we have two amazing, heart-warming tales of partners and families reunited after decades apart. Young sweethearts Janet Potter and Len Bull are building a
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Welcome news for the town
TROWBRIDGE has been waiting for years for news that the old Tesco and Ushers sites will be re-developed. Developers Foinavon have already revealed plans to turn the former Ushers brewery side into shops and houses, and now Allied London has unveiled its
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Business and health worries led boss to kill himself
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, near Chippenham, shot himself with his own shotgun
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It was the fun way to catch up on physics
FORGET bridge and gardening physics is the new must-do for Swindon's older generation. A Physics for Fun event for senior citizens has been run by Vernon Griffiths, a retired Head of Physics teacher from New College and a member of the Swindon University
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Brewery tours swelling coffers of local charity
TOURS around Wadworth brewery 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 based in Northgate Street
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Fun and games at Christmas Club
CHILDREN can enjoy a Christmas Club at the Oasis leisure centre which starts tomorrow. The club, which is split into two age groups of five to seven-year-olds and eight to 12-year-olds, will run from 9am to 1pm each Saturday up to Christmas. Children
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Classic film posters set to go under hammer
MOVIE enthusiasts will have the chance to capture a permanent memento of a magical night out at the pictures when a huge archive of British cinema posters comes up for sale in Swindon. More than 350 original posters, all in fine condition, will go under
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Love blossomed at a skating rink
A CHANCE meeting at a skating rink led to a marriage which has lasted 50 years. Audrey and Michael Everett celebrated their golden wedding with a party at Eldene Community Centre. The Swindon couple have three sons, three daughters, 15 grandchildren and
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Still deadlocked on records office
SWINDON Council and Wiltshire County Council are still locked in an impasse over the site of Wiltshire's new records office. But the signs are that members of Swindon's ruling Conservative group may be prepared to blink first in the row over whether the
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Discovering French television and dabbling in linguistic exercises
HELEN FRYER is a student from Covingham who is spending a year in the French city of Lille, working at the Pasteur Institute. Helen, 21, is a student at Keele University, where she is studying French and Biology. Last Saturday night, babysitting for friends
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Skoda puts the boot in
IT IS only a stubby little button, less than half an inch across, standing unobtrusively on the door panel, somewhere near the door handle. Its purpose: to adjust the angle of the door mirror. By hand. There's another on the passenger's door, where the
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Easy pleasy
UP AND up goes the cost of motoring. Servicing, repairs, petrol prices, unexpected breakdowns, not to mention the occasional parking fine. It was only a matter of time before someone came up with an insurance scheme which will cover most of the regular
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Random tyre checks will be carried out
WORN tyres can cost drivers a fine or their life. That is the stark message behind two days of tyre examinations by Swindon police next week. On December 6 and 7, the force will be at so-far unnamed locations in Swindon, accompanied by experts from the
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Snowboarders set for a shopping spree
SNOWBOARDING enthusiasts will have a specialist store to visit in Old Town when Tower 12 opens its doors at the weekend. The new business, at 96 Victoria Road, will sell snowboards and accessories, skateboards and surf-ware. The owners are partners Lucy
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Students get a taste of the electoral process
POTENTIAL politicians from Ridgeway School, Wroughton, travelled to Swindon's civic offices as part of the Motorola Youth Parliament competition. Seventeen students, who are involved in the youth parliament club at the school, were from several years
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No links to culture on council website
THE most prestigious cultural event in Swindon has been left off a council web-site devoted to the town's city status bid. Swindon Festival of Literature director Matt Holland was left bemused after trying to look the annual event up on the site. Typing
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Can you help Becky go to Mexico?
KEEN traveller Becky Batt is looking for support to help with her next adventure in aid of charity. Becky is hoping to go trekking in Mexico to support Childhood First, but first she must raise £2,500. Becky, 26, from Chippenham, has been working for
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New hearing scheme to detect deafness in babies
HIGH tech hearing tests which will help identify deafness in new born babies are to be launched in Wiltshire. Wiltshire and Swindon Healthcare Trust is among 20 pilot sites nationwide that has been picked to prepare for the new hearing test that will
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Sleep rough so some can sleep easy
NEXT Friday, scores of Swindon people will be turning their backs on their warm beds and spending a night in the freezing cold outside a local church. But one of the people they are doing it for will meanwhile be tucking up in a warm bed in a hostel across
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Brownies out in force to celebrate pack's 50th anniversary
One of the most successful Brownie packs in the Swindon area has celebrated its 50th anniversary. And so many people wanted to attend a party to mark the big event in the history of the 1st Wroughton Brownie Pack that it had to be switched to a bigger
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Budget cuts to hit voluntary groups
VOLUNTARY groups face having grant aid slashed by 20 per cent in real terms amid council belt-tightening. Possible victims of the cuts range from small childcare groups to the Citizens Advice Bureau. The current Swindon council Budget for grant aid to
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Hewlett ready to pull the strings at Wigan
MATTY HEWLETT enjoyed a storming performance against Wrexham and he is anxious to wreak more havoc at the JJB Stadium tomorrow. The midfielder pulled the strings against the Red Dragons but he knows Wigan have the potential to provide Town with a much
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Heywood's on top of his game
MATT HEYWOOD is in no mood to ease Wigan's campaign of woe. The central defender is on a high after netting his second goal of the season on Wednesday night. Heywood is enjoying his football after being 'rested' earlier in the campaign. Tomorrow's trip
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Old boy Mac gives Town inside track
TOWN have turned to a top spy to help plot the downfall of Wigan Athletic. Midfielder Alan McLoughlin (below) is currently training with Roy Evans' side but little over a month ago the former Republic of Ireland international was part of the fittings
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Evans eyes a master class
ROY Evans will pull out all the stops tomorrow to avoid being humbled by a former 'pupil'. Wigan boss Paul Jewell started out as a youngster at Anfield but never made the Liverpool first team and forged a career for himself as a striker in the lower divisions
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Another view
AT last the Front Garden matter has been settled. The council can go ahead and build the houses and also a new football stadium. The court action back-fired on Terry King and FRAG but it was the tax payers who had to foot the council's costs. That money
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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 10 minutes from which a five-metre
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Trowbridge 11, Cooper Avon 6
TROWBRIDGE produced a clinical, workmanlike performance to gain their first victory over Cooper-Avon for three seasons. At times the game was not a rugby spectacle for the many spectators but nevertheless it was a gritty determined display from Trowbridge
